I have said many times before that one of the greatest things about this University is how our faculty, staff and students unite when the going gets tough. It’s what gives Guelph its aura, makes it such a wonderful place to work and learn.

I was reminded of the strength of the Guelph spirit again today. As part of the ongoing dialogue with employee groups about issues around pensions and benefits, the Chair of the Board of Governors, the Chairs of the various B of G committees and members of senior administration met with employee group leaders a short time ago.

Admittedly, it could have been a difficult meeting. It’s a complex topic with varying causes and solutions and equally diverse ideas about how we should start addressing these challenges. But, once again, our U of G collegiality came through. I was so pleased by the dialogue that took place and the interest and respect shown by all involved. Of course, this does not replace the bargaining process – but it is so very helpful and important that we all understand each other’s perspectives on important issues such as these.

As one participant today put it, “it was a historic meeting.” I was buoyed by the experience and am feeling optimistic for the first time in a long while. I feel we are all committed to continuing this forum and share the common goal of moving our University forward. It will be difficult and challenging, but I know that, by working together, we will find creative solutions for the problems we face.

Posted by Alastair Summerlee at 04:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Living on the cutting edge means learning to deal with the challenge of controversy.

It's just the way of life when you are a person or an institution not content with keeping things the way they've always been - like a university.

Universities are communities engaged in inquiry and the advancement of knowledge. They are laboratories of innovation, where new ways of thinking germinate and flourish. More than any other institutions in society, it is crucial that universities serve this function.

But new ideas, new thoughts and new discoveries can be controversial and spark strong public reaction and initiate debate. But this is a good thing.

We must always understand there is more than one side to an argument and be respectful of the ideas of others.

And we must also encourage the dialogue and be an active participant in the discussions, whether we’re talking about advancing new ideas or new discoveries.

For if we are not actively promoting the exchange of ideas and information, we risk becoming stagnant and mediocre.

And that is one thing the University of Guelph is not.

We inspire artistic creativity, encourage unique collaborations, and promote scientific discoveries and the development of leading edge technology. What we do often requires people to examine their ideas about the way things are and whether they should change, and this provokes public discussion.

Take two examples that occurred this week: Guelph’s Enviropig™, the world’s first transgenic animal created to solve an environmental problem, made headlines once again – taking up the top half of the front page of the Globe and Mail. Before the paper even landed on my front porch, my email inbox was flooded with emails from people opposed to the technology.

And our new chair in environmental governance, funded by a $1-million gift from Kinross Gold Corporation, has started debate about whether or not a University that is committed to building a BetterPlanet should partner with a mining corporation.

Of course, our professors continue to write books and articles that some people disagree with strongly, and advocate ideas and lifestyles that buck the mainstream. Our scientists’ discoveries and inventions will raise eyebrows and questions, and our artists will continue to create works that shock and provoke. People will not always agree, and they will voice that opposition loudly at times.

And we wouldn’t want it any other way — this is just what happens when you put your new ideas, thoughts and discoveries out there.

In order to change lives and improve life both here and around the world, we must take such chances. We must continue to provoke new ways of thinking and looking at things, create new technologies, make new discoveries and develop partnerships that can help bring about change, change for the better.

Life on the cutting edge is sharp, and we like it that way.

Posted by Alastair Summerlee at 09:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The University's BetterPlanet Project has been generating some headlines in the student newspaper, The Ontarion, lately with student leaders and others expressing varying opinions about supporting the campaign.

I want to applaud those students, faculty and staff who are pledging to help the University improve the quality of food, environment, health and communities here and around the world.

Student commitment is vital to the BetterPlanet Project, and U of G has a long history of student activism and efforts aimed at making the world a better place for all.

Values of commitment, care and compassion run deep at this University, in our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Over the years, we have all worked in many ways to improve the lives of others and need to continue to do so. I am fiercely proud of what the students and the University community does to help people, whether here in Guelph or half a world away.

The BetterPlanet Project is all about what we do and what we can do for others and it is about working together to do more. There is power in collective action.

For some people, supporting the campaign means making a financial contribution. But for others, it means being involved in the various projects and efforts aimed at developing essentials for a better quality of life for everyone through innovation, teaching, research and outreach.

Our goal is to empower people and motivate them to get involved in helping bring about change.

Helping bring about change doesn’t happen by distancing oneself from the earnest actions — it comes from truly believing that together we can make a difference.

Posted by Alastair Summerlee at 09:24 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

It seems that there is never enough time in the day. I am always in a hurry and there is little time to reflect on the important things in life. But this time of year, with United Way campaigns in full swing across the country and the winter holidays just around the corner, I try to make time to reflect, think about my beliefs, my values, and what is really important to me.

A couple of years ago, I spent time in two refugee camps in Kenya. That experience provided me with an opportunity to reflect upon my frenetic journey and the principles that hold me together. I discovered that the passion that drives me is people, and that helping and giving to others allows me to connect with people in ways that are deep and meaningful.

Being involved, making a difference in people’s lives, sharing and giving, generates deep and satisfying meaning for me. Caring for others has also helped me learn to appreciate a value in my own life.

So, with the holiday season approaching, I am asking everyone to also make some time to think about those around you, and how you can help change lives and improve life.

There are many people in our own community in need of support, resources and services. They are people who for one reason or another find themselves in difficult circumstances, who need a helping hand.

Please think of them and consider making a contribution to United Way. It is so important. Your contributions have a direct impact on people in our community. The United Way works local agencies to provide help where it's needed. All of the programs provided by these agencies strengthen our region and make its members healthier and safer.

In addition to helping strengthen our community, you will be helping yourself. Giving connects you to your community and to its people, and helps bring meaning into your own life.

Posted by Alastair Summerlee at 09:13 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)