A special farewell message from the President

Posted on Wednesday, June 26th, 2019

Dear:

Colleagues – all employees in Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke,
All Learners, all campuses and online,
Members of the Board of Governors,
Student Association Directors, President and General Manager,
OPSEU Local 415 and 416 Executive:

As we all look forward to some summer vacation and as my term comes to an end and I prepare to retire, I want to thank you all.

For so many things.

For helping to build a bold, courageous 50 + 5 Strategic Plan that is serving us well.

For embracing our journey to do our part to address the recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation report.

For paying tribute, with me, to the name of our College and honouring the land on which we learn, work and play.

For starting on the journey of Lean thinking, which is changing the way we solve problems and make decisions. Our AC Way. I can remember, three years ago, asking you to give Lean a chance (and I remember singing a Beatles song that sounded something like that).

And you did.

And I know this is changing the culture at Algonquin — from a few making decisions to the creation of an army of problem solvers. If you haven’t been involved in a huddle yet, visit someone. Ask to start one.

We have accomplished good things together, including a fresh look at Perth involving the community, new programs and record enrolments in Pembroke.

And the DARE District here in Ottawa — with a brand new library and collaboratory that I believe is the most beautiful, effectively designed in the country.

But then, that would be my Algonquin pride showing through.

For helping to design the first ever Coat of Arms, revealed by the former Governor General David Johnston for our 50th anniversary. A Coat of Arms that you see on the front of all three of our Ontario campuses. On flag poles, letterheads and all of our certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Why was I so hung up on a Coat of Arms? I am sure many asked that question. Because they are made to tell a story — and to recognize our history and our future. When our Coat of Arms was created, we wanted to tell a story that wouldn’t change — of who we are and what is important to us. Coats of arms are made to last, and also to represent a new beginning.

The wolves are known for their intelligence and ferocity, but also their devotion to watching over and protecting their family. The thunderbird represents creativity, power and wisdom, and the wampum belt, with our values of caring, learning, integrity and respect, is a sign of what we have chosen to weave into our story from our past so that we can remember those on whose shoulders we stand — who, like you, have contributed to Algonquin College, our students and our alumni.

And thank you to our learners. My first priority. The reason we exist. Why we are Learner Driven.

  • Thanks for introducing a universal bus pass in Ottawa. To ease the strain on parking and reduce our carbon footprint.
  • Thanks for pushing us to give you one learning management system. Some of you were working with as many as the courses you took each term.
  • Thanks for pushing us to put a break in the fall term. You asked and we listened — finally — to help ease the stress and anxiety of a first and unknown college experience. So we put three in — one each term bringing more access and flexibility to your learning.
  • Thanks for your $1M investment in Indigenous artifacts to honour our 2,000 Indigenous learners — and to spread awareness of our culture and history throughout the entire College.
  • And thanks for dreaming of a new athletic and recreation Centre — the ARC. Truly driven — designed and financed — by our students. Designed for all students — international, Indigenous, varsity and pick-up sports enthusiasts.
  • And for your leadership on diversity and inclusion — so wonderfully and beautifully shown by our welcoming rainbow crosswalks. This has been championed by our current Students’ Association President, Deijanelle Simon.

I have learned so much from our learners. From those whose class I attended, to those I would chat with in the Tim Horton’s lines, to those whose events I attended — and those invitations increased exponentially when they learned about my silent-auction problem. My problem, their solution.

To those who came to see me with their issues, or to get a selfie for a class assignment: thank you for letting me into your world.

My time at this outstanding institution has been filled with wonderful opportunities. The City of Ottawa embraced me within the first weeks of my tenure, and I have learned so much from each and every one of my colleagues in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth. The people I have had the privilege to work with at Algonquin are amongst the most dedicated, caring, and professional individuals that I have met in my 40-year career.

I want to end with immense gratitude to the Board of Governors and in particular the three Chairs I have worked with – Jim McIntosh, Kathyrn Leroux and Peter Nadeau. This is the most sophisticated, mission-driven Board I have ever worked with, bar none.

Ever since my first discussions with the Board Chair, Jim McIntosh, in early May 2014, I have been treated with respect, and challenged to ensure that the College stands as a leader in postsecondary education in Canada. I have always said that a high-functioning Board is a competitive advantage. This Board is living proof of that.

I look forward to this next phase, and spending more time with my family. At the same time, I am incredibly sad to be leaving this wonderful college and all of my colleagues here in Ottawa, and in Perth and Pembroke.

I have the best Executive and Leadership team I have ever worked with. They are smart, innovative, courageous, and dedicated to our mission to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success.

To all of you — I thank all of you for this privilege.

When I first met with the Board, I told them that I had always admired Algonquin from afar. I came, and admired Algonquin from within, every day for five years — our learners, employees, and those who govern.

I will miss all of you very much.

Chi-miigwech.

Merci beaucoup.

With gratitude,


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