It is with pride that I write my first letter as President of the University of Windsor to you – its valued alumni and friends. This University has a distinctive legacy and unique potential among universities in Ontario and beyond. UWindsor graduates are making a difference in all walks of life. It is fortuitous for me that this issue of View was already in preparation when I began a few weeks ago. It has helped me to learn more about the University we now share.
In my early days at UWindsor the question I am most frequently asked is what I plan to do as president. I must of course concern myself with the quality of the University’s teaching and research programs, the experience our students have on campus, the day-to-day operations, fundraising, external relations and more. The good news is that in all of those areas there are dedicated faculty, staff, administrative teams, alumni and volunteers who do what needs to get done to make the campus vibrant. They are the heart and soul behind the creative experience we want our students to have. But the simplest answer to the question is that my goal is to help ensure that all alumni – present and future – have a lifetime of pride in their university.
When I was growing up in Saskatchewan, I was told that if you put your ear to the railroad tracks you can hear a train coming before you can see it. Our world is changing rapidly, with global shifts in the environment, demographics, commerce, technology, and the arts. UWindsor faculty and staff have interests and expertise that span all of the disciplines critical in this changing world, and are engaged in research and teaching that help all of us prepare for the future. They allow UWindsor to be a place where, metaphorically, our students can put their ears to the tracks. View gives us a glimpse of some of these people, and of alumni whose lives contribute to the greater UWindsor story.
I want to close with a word of appreciation for Dr. Ross Paul. Many of you know him personally and understand the tireless commitment he brought to UWindsor during his time as president. In handing over the pen for me to be the one who now writes to you, he also shared with me his continuing, unwavering passion to see your university excel.
Alan Wildeman
President and Vice-Chancellor
VIEW Magazine is produced by the University of Windsor Office of Public Affairs in tandem with the Office of Alumni and Donor Communications. Our goal is to connect and inspire the UWindsor community through news and stories that build pride in our alumni, current students, faculty, staff, donors and friends.
