Gazette journalist-for-a-day contest winner, Marko Zarkovic, and Gazette editor Heather Lynch meet with President Allan Rock to discuss the role of universities, the road ahead and his message to students.
Canadians today see a world in profound, urgent transition, socially, economically, and environmentally. What role do you see universities playing in order to prepare students for the world they will inherit?
First, I would say that universities are in the business of transforming lives. Students arrive in an initial state and leave in another, having developed new perspectives that allow them to see the world and themselves differently and more completely. This transformation empowers young people, allowing them to place world events in context and giving them a sense of the possibilities that exist.
Secondly, I see universities as economic drivers and sources of innovation for the future of our society. Our work here is crucial to Canada's growth and development. I saw this as federal health minister when we created the Canadian Institute for Health Research; an organization that supports unified health research activities across our country, and again in my role at Industry Canada when we developed an innovation agenda to increase Canada’s productivity and preserve our standard of living and quality of life.
It is an enormous privilege to be here and to be part of an institution that makes all of this possible.
You have said that in becoming president of the University that you have come full circle. What does this mean for you in terms of your level of enthusiasm for the role?
My level of enthusiasm is extremely high. I’m excited to have returned back home, back to where my father was born, back to where my family has its roots and back to where I studied. At the same time, the University of Ottawa is currently undergoing significant growth with a transformed and expanded campus, which is also very exciting.
I am also honoured to be here working with a gifted team and a great staff. I believe there is much that we can accomplish, but it is important to keep expectations in perspective. Our immediate goal is to complete Vision 2010. After that, we have to plan for the next decade of development and evolution. We can't solve everything tomorrow. We have important challenges to face today. But you know, there are universities around the world that would simply love to have our problems. We have talented people here and we'll do our very best. If there is one thing that experience has taught me, it is that there is no success without a strong team.
What would you offer as a message to current and potential students?
Students are the raison d'être of this institution — they are our priority and we are here for them. We want them to have a brilliant experience in a learning environment that is fully conducive to the sort of transformation that we have discussed.
Also, communications is essential to our success. I want to be where the students are and let them know that I hear them. During the past month, I’ve been meeting with student representatives from campus radio and papers among others. And, I look forward to meeting many more — especially in September when the crowds start pouring over the campus. It'll be great to be part of it!
