2011

Serving through knowledge

President's message

As the province’s flagship university, the University of Alberta has a broad responsibility and mandate to serve and strengthen Alberta communities. We aim to provide excellent, comprehensive and diverse educational choices that prepare Albertans for citizenship and employment in the world of the future. We strive to create enriched and dynamic learning experiences that reflect the changing demands of students and the new technologies increasingly integral to society. And, we foster discoveries and advance knowledge that is of value to society—in social policy, in competitiveness and industry, in scientific and technological innovation, in creative change and in quality of life.

In this 2011 Report to the Community, you will see that we are inspiring our students to be innovative and creative problem solvers. Visionary donors and community partners are working with us to expand established areas of excellence in the health sciences, agriculture, energy and environmental research. We are looking to the future, educating the leaders and citizens of tomorrow’s communities, both here at home, across Canada and around the world.

One hundred years ago, Henry Marshall Tory, our first president, promised to create an institution for the “uplifting of the whole people.” With the steadfast support of Albertans, we continue to honour this commitment. Thank you for being our partners in our endeavour to build one of the world’s great universities for the public good.

Indira V. Samarasekera, O. C. President and vice-chancellor University of Alberta