A message from Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. Photo courtesy of Dan Wourms.
Over the course of the past year, change was evident across our campus, with many milestones and achievements to celebrate. Among them, we have enjoyed a front-row seat to watch the new School of Business take shape and have reached or surpassed many of our goals in our strategic vision, Teaching Greatness.
We have also strengthened many relationships with community and donors, hosting celebratory and recognition events. I’m grateful for all the work that has gone into all of our achievements this year and excited to see what comes in 2025.
Recently though I’ve seen a trend in my discussions with friends, colleagues and students. Many are reacting to the seismic shifts in our world with a sense of trepidation about the future, as well as sadness and incredulity that we find ourselves living in a time of such deep division between neighbours, communities and countries.
It’s an unsettling contrast to our mission as an undergraduate university. Here we’re all about offering our students new beginnings – opportunities to be curious, experiment, dream big and pursue a life where they can use their passions to build a bigger, brighter future. Opportunities to collaborate and debate differences in a respectful way.
How do we rationalize these two worlds?
I think back to the insightful panel conversation we had at the Governor General’s Symposium on Digital Respect held on campus this fall. I encourage you to watch the recording if you weren’t able to attend in person.
Panelist Dr. Jared Wesley set the stage well – the world is tense right now. Across the globe, we are witnessing conflicts and division. There are many factors contributing to this situation, but we’re shy on concrete solutions to address it. Panelist Katrina Ingram pointed out that social media platforms encourage divisive content because “raging is engaging.” The more content makes us feel angry the more likely we are to watch it, comment on it and connect with like-minded people, further entrenching our divisions. They both noted how this isn’t just a behaviour you see online – these divisions are becoming more obvious in our day-to-day lives as well.
When the panel was asked what could be done to solve this issue, panellist Terri Cardinal shared that when she faced discrimination, she circled back to her community’s tradition of recognizing Indigenous women as decision-makers. That motivated her to pull together a group of women who meet regularly and make space to share their inner thoughts and lift each other up during difficult times.
That’s what I think about when I hear people asking what can I – as one person – do?
This time of year, we focus on being kind and connecting with those who mean the most to us. I think this is the foundation of what’s needed from all of us not just during the holiday period but every day. Be ready with kind words and an understanding ear when those around us need it. Be generous with positivity and acceptance. Encourage those who are struggling. Celebrate those who are trying to make a difference. If we each do that within our own circles, we create wider spaces for people to converge in a positive way.
Education has long been recognized as a foundation upon which stronger societies are built. Universities are places where diverse ideas and perspectives come together to create new possibilities. What we do here is more important than ever and the students we educate today will go on to shape the future for themselves and their communities.
Finding joy is important. For me, that means enjoying nature. This path in Santa Fe is one of my favourite walks.
I also encourage you to use the break between semesters to find joy. I think it’s important to feel hopeful, to dream, to be kind and inquisitive. That creates positive space around you, which is contagious and draws others in. This holiday season I’ll be doing things that bring me joy and rejuvenate my spirit – taking walks in nature, enjoying a good book and spending time with those I love. I hope you’ll do the same.
As we close out 2024, I encourage you to look after yourself and each other and continue that into 2025. Kindness is something we all have the capacity to give. Please do so freely.
Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor