The ongoing situation in Ukraine is deeply concerning. Alberta is home to one of the largest populations of Ukrainians in Canada. I offer my empathy to the Ukrainian community, our academic colleagues, students and staff, and everyone affected.

MacEwan’s connection to the Ukrainian community runs deep, here and in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre is a renowned source of research, expertise and intercultural relationship-building. I am grateful to the centre for hosting a virtual session with our community today to share knowledge and trusted sources of information and suggest tangible ways to support Ukraine, individually and institutionally. Information shared at the virtual session can be found here. 

Our community spoke compassionately about the need to offer support to students of Ukrainian descent studying at MacEwan today, and students in Ukraine who have had their education disrupted. I am confident that the MacEwan community will step up and do what we do best: teach, research and convene dialogue that results in positive change. As a start, I would like to share that the university will offer awards from the Greatest Needs Fund for students from our partner universities in Ukraine who are able to travel to Canada during this conflict. 

I know many of you are experiencing grief and despair. It is important that we support one another. Please reach out to our health and wellness supports through Wellness and Psychological Services for students and the Employee and Family Assistance Program, if needed.

Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor