Ending the year with an energizing day

Dec. 21, 2018

As 2018 draws to a close, it’s an opportunity for all of us at Laurier to reflect on our work over the last 12 months.

For students, this is a time to look back on what they have learned and how they have grown since the beginning of the semester. For staff and faculty, it’s at time to celebrate our successes, reflect on our challenges and set goals for 2019.

A group of us did just that on Friday, Dec. 14, as Laurier’s Executive Leadership Team hosted the university’s senior leaders for a day-long retreat in the historic Dominion Telegraph Centre in downtown Paris. At the retreat, we took in presentations on the future of higher education, communications strategies and data from various nationwide surveys.

After each session, the group put pen to paper and recorded their thoughts and reflections on what they had just absorbed. These reflections will help inform our strategic planning process as we move into 2019.

In a large organization like ours, spending the day with people from different units is so valuable. It gives us the chance to see the university from a multitude of perspectives, benefit from each other’s expertise, and experience collaborations that might not otherwise happen.

It is especially valuable to do something like this at the end of the year, when our projects are wrapping up and we can take in new insights and information that will help guide our plans for the next 12 months.

The day ended with a group photo and everyone enjoying the scenic views over the river in Paris.

Thoughtful and creative leadership happens every day at Laurier in all units and at all levels of the organization. This day was just one example of that and a fitting way to wind down 2018.

Thank you to all of our students, faculty and staff for your commitment to Laurier. It is because of all of you that our university is renowned for collegiality and community spirit.

I hope that everyone enjoys a well-deserved break with family and friends over the holidays. I challenge you to take some time over the next few days to reflect on your year and think about what steps you need to take to achieve your goals in 2019.

I look forward to working with all of you in the new year. Happy holidays!