Minister of Advanced Education tours Athabasca University
Rajan Sawhney sees “wonderful opportunity” for AU and its newly installed president
Alberta’s minister of Advanced Education got an up-close and personal look at AU’s campus earlier this month and met many of the university’s key players, while joining staff, community and dignitaries for the installation of Dr. Alex Clark as AU president.
The Hon. Rajan Sawhney was a featured speaker at the installation event on Oct. 12 in Athabasca, congratulating Clark on becoming the university’s 11th president.
“He has shown over this past year he brings to Athabasca an appreciation of the university’s strengths and an enthusiasm for possibilities beyond the horizon of current practice. I know he will find a wonderful opportunity here.”
Related: AU president launches bold new vision for Canada’s open university
Tour of science labs, memorial garden, and Indigenous gallery
Before the installation ceremony, the minister, along with deputy minister Sherri Wilson, toured AU’s science labs, the Academic Research Centre, and Nukskahtowin, the university’s Indigenous centre.
She also toured the ceremonial room, the Linda Bull Memorial Garden and the Bertha Clark-Jones O.C. Art Gallery. The garden and gallery offer spaces to reflect and remember the victims and survivors of Canada’s residential school system.
Dr. Shauna Zenteno, dean of AU’s Faculty of Science and Technology, said the minister was particularly interested in learning about the scientific equipment students receive in their home lab kits as part of AU’s flexible, accessible approach.
“It was an absolute pleasure to show Minister Sawhney our teaching labs and innovative home lab kits, and share our initiatives in research and community engagement,” Zenteno said.
Meeting students
The minister also met with two of the student representatives on AU’s board of governors, Chantel Bradley and Russell Rupok, as well as with other members of the board, and with members of AU’s senior leadership team.
Watch highlights from the ceremony
You can also check out a special photo gallery of images from the ceremony and celebrations.
