Dean's Message - Summer 2017
In the Winter 2011 issue, the focus of my message was the business school in 2020. In that message, I highlighted the school’s international focus, noting that to strengthen our position in the marketplace we needed to continue “exposing students, faculty, and alumni to a diversity of experience and culture, ensuring they are able to conduct business in a global context.” I can say with certainty that we have achieved this goal – adding more international partner schools, welcoming more international students and incoming exchange students into our classrooms, and recruiting faculty from around the globe.
As a child of the ’60s, I was heavily influenced by former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s 1971 commitment to multiculturalism. It helped define the fundamental values Canadians hold dear and continues to make me proud of our vibrant country, which integrates and respects other cultures. At Smith, we strive to create an environment that is welcoming to everyone. Diversity and inclusion are part of our values, which is why I find it so disheartening to hear of countries closing their borders to those in need.
In this issue, we share the diverse stories of faculty, alumni and students who make up the rich fabric of who we are as a school. Coming from different corners of the world, they have found a welcoming new home in Canada and at Queen’s.
I hope you enjoy their stories and consider sharing your own with us at smithalumni@queensu.ca.
Back in 2011, I had no way of knowing that the year 2020 would also mark a significant milestone in my tenure as Dean. I have recently agreed to serve two additional, final years, as Dean of Smith School of Business, until June 30, 2020. Having led the school through considerable growth and innovation over the past 14 years, I look forward to three more years of prosperity.
As I said in 2011, the business school has a tremendous past and, looking toward and beyond 2020, an exciting future lies ahead. In the next few years we’ll continue to realize it together.
Carpe diem.
David M. Saunders, PhD
Dean, Smith School of Business
david.saunders@queensu.ca