As president of the University of Alberta, I am privileged to work with and learn from so many committed students and colleagues. Since I arrived at the University of Alberta, this community has faced extraordinary upheaval and change. Through it all, I have been so proud of how every member of our community has responded and adapted quickly to meet multiple challenges. Over the last year, I have benefited greatly from the engagement and guidance of students, faculty, and staff. I am reminded daily that the U of A’s community is a well-spring of creativity, thoughtfulness and resilience. Thank you all for your support and commitment to this university.
We are now nearing the two-year mark of COVID-19, a global event that has deeply affected how we work, study, research, and teach. I want to thank students, staff and faculty for continually taking action to protect the health and safety of our community and support our staged return to in-person campus activities. I also want to extend a special thank you to the many faculty members who continue to share their knowledge and expertise broadly with the media and public. Your work has increased understanding and helped us make good evidence-based decisions throughout the pandemic.
Before I close, I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the university’s dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and expertise as members of the Board of Governors, General Faculties Council, Senate and Alumni Council. Steering a complex institution through difficult challenges and major change is demanding, and so many volunteers have devoted many hours to seeking answers to tough questions and solving critical issues. Thank you for your leadership in helping to ensure that we are heading in the right direction.
Along with my husband Saffron, I extend our very best wishes to all of you for a wonderful holiday season. We hope you can take a well-deserved break with friends and family and enjoy the winter holiday pleasures that bring you joy, peace and renewal.
Happy Holidays!
Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-Chancellor