University of Alberta International (UAI) recently relocated to Telus Centre on the North Campus, bringing all UAI team members under one roof for the first time and creating a vibrant space where globally-minded faculty, students and staff can work together to enhance international learning, discovery and service at UAlberta. We are pleased to share the premises with the China Institute, the renowned Mactaggart Art Collection and the Prince Takamado Japan Centre for Teaching and Research - all contributing to provide a truly global environment at the U of A.
University of Alberta President David Turpin provided opening remarks, along with opening comments delivered by the Right Honourable Kim Campbell and Paul Davidson, President of Universities Canada.
The panel discussed "How Can Universities Advance Canada's Role in the World?"
The panel discussion was moderated by Tom Keating, Professor Emeritus Political Science. Panel members are: Liz Ingram, Department of Art and Design; Shane Jaffer, Senior Director, Africa, Alberta International Development Office & IFIs, Government of Alberta; and Nermeen Youssef, current University of Alberta PhD candidate. The panellists derived from the conclusion that international experience should be a part of the post-secondary education to increase the number of Canadian students going abroad. The University of Alberta as a trusted international partner could help to further develop these relationships.
Ashley Laracy, Summer and Group Study Abroad Programs Coordinator; Jason Wang, QES Scholar; Iain Martin, QES Scholar; Paul Davidson, President Universities Canada; Zachary Trease, QES Scholar
The broad objective of this event was to bring together UAI staff, students and leaders in Higher Education to have a vibrant discussion for campus internationalization.
""Canadian students need international skills and experiences to succeed in a globalized world and the University of Alberta is a leader in helping students gain international experience. Investing in the new International Centre reflects the university's commitment to helping future generations of students know the world."
- Paul Davidson, President of Universities Canada"
Britta Baron, Vice Provost International, welcomed everyone on behalf of the entire University of Alberta International team. All of UAI under one roof was an exciting moment that we wanted to celebrate and share with the campus community and our guests.
""The new premises for University of Alberta International, for the first time in almost 20 years, provide a physical reality to the vision of a highly integrated approach to building the university's international agenda. For almost two decades, various sub-units of UAI, were located in separate buildings, and on separate campuses. The beautiful premises of the Telus building and the inspired new design of the space now offer literally "one roof" for all of UAI and allow for much enhanced communication and collaboration between the various sub-units. We are very grateful for our new space! "
- Britta Baron Vice Provost International"
Among the distinguished guests were Shenaz Jeraj, Vice Chair, Board of Governors and Ralph Barclay Young, Chancellor UAlberta.
Our event offered the chance to establish and strengthen personal contacts within the University. Nermeen Youssef, PhD Candidate, and Cathy Anne Pachnowski, Information and Privacy Advisor, used this opportunity to become acquainted with each other.
For the ribbon cutting ceremony at Telus, we managed to evoke nostalgic feelings by digging up our first International Student Services sign, which hung at the original International Student Centre house in Garneau that was opened in 1984.
Two of our team members, Deanna Dow, International Capacity Development Projects and Programs coordinator; and Doug Weir, Executive Director, Student Programs and Services, as well as Nicole Naadu Ofosu, PhD in the Department of Public Health Sciences, had the pleasure to cut the ribbon in front of the audience.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA INTERNATIONAL
We provide services and programs that add an international dimension to research, teaching and community service at the University of Alberta. In addition to services for students, UAI also provides support to senior administration and faculty members in furthering the University of Alberta's international activities. Our goals are to move the U of A to a position of national and international leadership as regards the University's standards of internationalization and to distinguish the University as one of the best places in the world to acquire the intellectual skills and mindset to succeed in an increasingly internationalized job market and to act as responsible citizens of the global community.
Deanna Dow - International Capacity Development Coordinator, University of Alberta International
In her current role at the University, Deanna works with University faculties, governments, businesses and international partners to build capacity with a focus on the energy and extractive sectors. Deanna comes with a broad experience managing a variety of projects focused towards international relations. Deanna worked as a program coordinator with CALDO where she coordinated the selection process for major CALDO initiatives such as the Science without borders scholarship program.
Deanna has explored to date 23 countries which have enabled her to encompass a truly global mindset and obtain diversity as well as worldly strengths. Deanna graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of business in 2014 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with distinction in International Business and Marketing. Deanna attended the University of Edinburgh for a 1- year exchange and was also the inaugural recipient of the Certificate of International Learning.