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Dear Michael,
As the incoming director of the Canadian Studies Program here at Berkeley, it is my great pleasure to wish you all a very happy Canada Day. Whether you’re in the Bay Area, or back home in Canada, I hope you’re able to participate in the celebrations. Our local Canada Day festivities are in full swing. Yesterday there was a flag-raising ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. Many of our local friends will celebrate together this afternoon at the Digital Moose Lounge’s ever-popular community picnic (which is sold out again this year!)
On this special day, I want to recognize how honored I am to have been chosen to succeed Irene. She has set a very high bar, raising this nationally-recognized program into a position of leadership in the field. I am committed to maintaining those same high standards. The programs we have lined up for this coming year already make it clear that we will. Of course, Irene’s and my research programs are different, so our networks of contacts are different. Going forward there will be an increased focus on matters touching on Indigenous issues, but we are committed to maintaining the “big tent” vision of our founder, Tom Barnes, where all inquiry into issues touching on Canada is not just welcomed, but encouraged and supported.
As we move forward, I hope that you will share your thoughts and ideas with us. We operate this program for our students and community, so your feedback and involvement is invaluable.
Wishing you the best on Canada Day, |
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 