A thank-you message from David Turpin

This has been a special and memorable year in the life of the University of Victoria. We have celebrated 50 years of achievement, giving our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners the opportunity to reflect on the many great moments that have contributed to our rich and diverse history and to look to the future with a sense of confidence and anticipation.

Thirteen and a half years ago when I decided to accept the position of president, I knew that, as a result of excellent faculty, students and staff, UVic was a university with great potential.

In its relatively brief history, UVic has developed internationally acclaimed programs in research and teaching. It has established a leading co-operative education program and its athletic accomplishments are legendary. Our university has grown in size and in stature, consistently ranking among the finest post-secondary institutions—not only in Canada, but in the world. UVic’s reputation for excellence strengthens with each passing year, a result of inspired teaching, outstanding research, community engagement and a welcoming and inclusive campus environment. Those are points of pride in which we can all share.

I have been fortunate to work with many talented and committed individuals—current and former students, faculty, staff, board members and senators, and university leaders across campus. It has been a special privilege working with government officials, research partners and members of funding agencies, as well as the many other individuals, alumni and donors from across the province and country, each of whom have contributed to UVic’s progress and growth. I also have no doubt UVic will reach even greater heights under the leadership of Jamie Cassels.

We all realize that it is through the hard work of everyone that our university has become so successful. We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from the efforts of such a fine community working together to achieve our shared vision. I thank each and every one of you for your contributions to our success.

It has been an honour to work with you and to serve as the president of UVic. Indeed, this role has been the highlight of my career and I am proud to be part of such an outstanding institution. When I leave the position at the end of June, it will be with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the friendship and support I enjoyed during my term: thank you!

David H. Turpin, CM, PhD, FRSC
President and Vice-Chancellor