Committee chair reflects on 175th – Queen’s Gazette

August 21, 2017

As Queen’s University’s 175th anniversary celebrations come to a close, the Gazette sat down with David Walker, Director and Chair, 175th. Dr. Walker (Meds’71) is also the Stauffer-Dunning Chair and executive director, School of Policy Studies.

GAZETTE: What will you take away from your time as chair of Queen’s 175th anniversary?

DAVID WALKER: Engagement was the key principle for our efforts, and so we met with 140 groups, units, and schools across campus. Our job was to encourage them to do something for the 175th, or take something they were already doing and add a 175th component. The response was truly remarkable. Everyone wanted to take part, and there was great enthusiasm and excitement around the anniversary. The involvement of people from across Queen’s, their pride, and their willingness to participate was inspiring. As a result, the 175th really shone a light on what goes on at Queen’s in a year. There is always something going on that is fascinating and wonderful at this university.