What is your first U of A memory?
My first visit to Edmonton, from Halifax, was only last fall, and I set foot on the U of A campus for the first time this spring as part of my orientation. Even before arriving, I had strong associations with this place – some of the smartest and most thoughtful colleagues with whom I’ve ever worked come from here. On my first morning, I arrived early and explored North Campus. It was beautiful. I was especially taken with the University Commons, where I now get to work.
What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
I love to travel. I’ve been to more than 50 countries. I also completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in French. The two aren’t unrelated – I’ve always been drawn to language, culture and the perspectives they open up.
What’s your favourite distraction?
My ideal distraction usually involves some combination of escape (maybe a day trip to cycle, hike or kayak), indulgence (cooking, eating and drinking well) and rest (winding down with a good book, movie or series).
If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?
Probably urban and regional planning. I’ve always been curious about how communities come together; how infrastructure, design, policy and people interact to shape the places we live.
You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?
I imagine the world’s most inspiring leaders are tired of being summoned for this purpose, so I’ll take this in a different direction. I really love to laugh, so maybe a comedian like John Early or Kate Berlant. They’re sharp and hilarious, plus they love a great dining experience as much as I do.
If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?
I love live music and seek it out often. For example, I’ve seen Beyoncé ten times, and the Cowboy Carter tour is the only one I’ll be missing. So, probably that.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Take a few more risks. And remember that being a first-rate Adam will always be better than a second-rate version of someone else. In other words: stay true to yourself rather than feeling pressure to follow the crowds.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Music or coffee. They make everything better.
What three words describe your U of A experience?
Welcoming. Impressive. Academic.
Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives you are looking forward to at work?
Everything! I’m still getting familiar with the landscape, but there’s a lot to be excited about, especially in areas like integrated enrolment management and service delivery. It helps to be surrounded by smart, experienced colleagues who are invested in doing great work.
