A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
Change is a good thing.
And as readers will find out in this edition of Campus magazine, change is certainly in the air at Laurier.
Fostering change is a driving force behind Catalyst: The Campaign for Wilfrid Laurier University, a recently launched $130-million fundraising campaign that will increase opportunities for students through scholarships, improved facilities and increased research opportunities. As you'll read in a feature story by Julia Thomson, a main goal of Catalyst is to help Laurier students make positive change in their communities and the wider world.
Significant change was cemented at Laurier's fall convocation, when alumna and business leader Eileen Mercier was installed as the university's ninth chancellor. Mercier, who in this edition of Campus magazine describes her appointment as a "homecoming," succeeds Michael Lee-Chin, who served as chancellor with dedication and distinction for five years.
Then there's changes that are more gradual, like the ones that have occurred over the course decades in five Laurier faculties and departments celebrating anniversaries this academic year. In an online exclusive series of stories (which are previewed in this edition of Campus), you'll read about how the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Social Work, Faculty of Music, Department of Political Science and Department of Psychology have evolved over the years and helped grow Laurier's reputation as a leading Canadian university.
There's also been change in Laurier's senior administration with the retirement of vice-president of finance and administration Jim Butler. Serving at Laurier since 2002, Butler led major financial initiatives that leave the university on a sound financial footing. Taking over from Butler is Deborah Dubenofsky, who becomes vice-president of finance and operations.
Lastly, I should note that this is a time of personal change. In June, I joined the Laurier community as the new editor of Campus magazine. Witnessing the many positive contributions Laurier graduates, students, faculty and staff are making in their communities and around the world has been an inspiration. My experience at Laurier has shown me exactly what a university should be: committed to excellence in academics and student experience, willing to adapt to meet challenges in an ever-changing world and full of pride and community spirit.
It's been an amazing experience so far. I look forward to helping tell more of your stories in future editions of Campus magazine.
John Zronik