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President’s message
I feel a slight tug at the heartstrings as I write this – my last annual report
message as president and vice-chancellor of the Université de Moncton.
Since my installation in 2000, I have had the immense pleasure of working
on a number of issues that have – I believe – enriched the very nature
of this institution.
During the past 11 years, the face of our university has changed. New
buildings have been constructed, our campuses have excelled and our
student body has transformed itself thanks to new programs and initiatives.
We have also seen renewal in the areas of faculty recruitment and research.
The balance sheet is also healthy.
When I became president in 2000, I shared my goals not only for academics,
but also in the areas of student recruitment, infrastructure development,
priority areas for development, the reputation of our university
and its longevity.
These goals seemed ambitious at the time.Without a doubt, they were.
Meanwhile, I feel a certain sense of pride looking at the state of
our university in 2011.
Over the past 11 years, the Université de Moncton has maintained a steady
number of registrations; we undertook a capital campaign of unequalled
success; and we saw many successes in the area of faculty recruitment. Our
efforts in research saw tremendous growth. Several new programs were
created, particularly in post-graduate areas.
Moreover, in recent years, we have gone through an unprecedented period
of infrastructure improvements. In fact, since 2000, we have invested nearly
$123 million in new construction, renovation and facility renewal
projects – $93 million in Moncton, $17 million in Shippagan and
$13 million in Edmundston.
Indeed, we have enjoyed many successes, but a president does not
accomplish anything alone.The collaboration of a large number of people
is required. I must thank our faculty for their excellent work, as well as our
administrative and support personnel and all members of the university
community. I must also note the immense contribution of our alumni and
friends -- all of them are true ambassadors of this institution.
The Université de Moncton will soon celebrate its 50
th
anniversary. Faced
with the realities of the 21
st
century, we must continue to meet the challenges
before us so that our university can stand out strongly among similar
universities in Atlantic Canada and Canada, not to mention the entire world.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude to those who placed their
confidence in me and who supported me throughout the years.
Our achievements were the results of the efforts of an entire
community of people.
Yvon Fontaine