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of their aspirations. As well, research is a critical part of change in
society, whether artistic, social or cultural. Where better to foster
it than in a university? To be studying at an institution where you
are exposed to research is to learn how exciting research can be.
That’s the kind of learning environment you want to create for your
students.
In a very practical sense, governments look at universities as
helping to drive the economic and social agenda of the country.
Research engages partners, people and organizations that care
about the university. We don’t make products. Our job is to come up
with the ideas and discoveries and then hand them off. Mastering
the art of the hand-off is something we have to learn to do better
and better. That requires partnership.
Q: How will you spend your first six months?
A:
I am already setting up meetings. There are some priorities. I
need to get to know the administration and support staff, the ones
that give a tireless commitment to making sure the University is
running well. I want to meet and talk with people across campus,
with students, faculty and staff. I want to hear what they have to say.
It will be particularly important to have dialogue with the groups
that represent students and their interests. I want to understand the
history and relationships with Iona College, Canterbury College
and Assumption University. I need to meet with some of the key
external interested parties – St. Clair College, the City and County,
local media. I want to connect with alumni, beginning with the
alumni association executive. I know that is a lot of listening that
will take some time, but it is very important.
I want to give them a better sense of who I am and what I can
bring to the mix. Then, I want to engage in dialogue about the
process for setting the framework for developing a new plan, a
vision that addresses the quality of the student experience, faculty
and staff needs, resource challenges, the services we provide to
students, and our external relations, whether with government or
industry.
Q: How can you connect with alumni to make them feel part
of the University?
A:
View
magazine’s Dear Reader column is a part of it; it gives me
a chance to communicate with 60,000 alumni and friends of the
University. I want to develop a good relationship with the Alumni
Association executive and take part in alumni events on campus
and elsewhere. And I’ve signed up for the alumni golf tourney in
August in Windsor. I’m not the best golfer, but I enjoy the walk.
Q: What would you like to see the alumni do to benefit the
University?
A:
There are all sorts of things. Let me list three. First, it’s important
for me to do what I can during my term so they can have a lifetime
of pride in their alma mater. And they can help me do that by being
a sounding board. I’m sure many would not be shy about telling the
president if he’s doing something they don’t like. They will be great
people to go to for feedback.
Second, many want and have the capacity to help the University
move forward by helping it fund some of the things it wants to do.
Those kinds of contributions are obviously extremely important.
And they need to be valued and appreciated. People need to know
how they are helping to make a difference and create a legacy of
pride.
Third, alumni can play a huge role in the recruitment of
students; better than anyone, they can talk about the UWindsor
experience. They are the ambassadors for the University.
❍
v
(Dr. Wildeman’s first Dear Reader column is on page 3.)
DR. ALAN WILDEMAN
EDUCATION:
Bachelor (Honours), Masters in Biology (University of Saskatchewan)
and PhD in Genetics (University of Guelph)
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Cancer cell biology and biotechnology
AWARDS:
NATO fellowship for postdoctoral work in France, where he developed
new methods for studying the mechanisms that control activation of
DNA tumour viruses.
APPOINTMENTS:
• Faculty member, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of
Guelph (1985)
• Vice-President (Research) University of Guelph
• Medical Research Council (review panel)
• Canadian Institute of Health Research (review panel)
• National Cancer Institute of Canada peer review panel on Virology,
Gene Expression and Structural Biology (Chair)
• Ontario Council on University Research (Chair)
• Board of Directors, BIOTECanada
• Guelph’s lead participant in the original Ontario Genome Project
• Advisory committees for a number of national research centres
• Guelph Economic Development Advisory Council
