UNB launches exciting new speaker series
Author: Communications
Posted on Feb 4, 2011
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
The faculty of arts at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton will launch an exciting new speaker series called Ideas that Matter on Feb. 16.
"We've created a collection of talks designed to engage people in topics that are meaningful to New Brunswickers,” said Stephanie Slauenwhite, assistant dean of the faculty of arts. “We’re inviting everyone to attend, free of charge, because we want the community to have a chance to participate, and hear what some of our best thinkers are up to.”
Each discussion in the Ideas that Matter series will be sponsored by New Brunswick businesses that want to be part of the dialogue.
“We think creating the opportunity for businesses to participate in this speaker series will result in meaningful benefits,” said Bob Skillen, UNB’s Chief Advancement Officer. “We’re talking about big ideas and partnerships that will fuel economic growth in this province.”
The series will kick off with Susan Blair’s discussion Rewriting New Brunswick’s Past on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in Government House. A complete schedule is available at www.unb.ca/ideas.
“We’re really excited about Ideas that Matter being held concurrently with Congress 2011,” Ms. Slauenwhite said. “Because bottom line, we think creating a timely public dialogue about resonant topics and relevant issues is a critical part of what university is all about.”
The faculty of arts has tapped some of its leading researchers to be Ideas that Matter presenters, including Susan Blair, director of Graduate Studies and associate professor of anthropology; Michael Haan, Canada Research Chair in Population and Social Policy, and associate professor of sociology; Lucia O’Sullivan, Canada Research Chair in Adolescents’ Sexual Health Behaviour, and a psychology professor; Bill Parenteau, a professor of history; and Lee Windsor, deputy director of UNB’s Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society.
The Ideas that Matter series is being held in conjunction with the university’s 225th anniversary celebrations. In addition, UNB is co-hosting the 2011 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences with St. Thomas University from May 28 to June 4. This prestigious event is one of the largest academic gatherings in Canada. Congress 2011 and the Ideas that Matter series will together shine a spotlight on the social sciences and humanities, highlighting their impact on the world.
Patrons for Ideas that Matter include: Atlantic Hydrogen Inc., AutismPro, BioAtlantech, BMO Bank of Montreal, Bulletproof Solutions Inc., C-Therm Technologies, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Fredericton International Airport Authority, Goose Lane Editions, Innovatia Inc., King Construction Ltd., Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, LearnSphere, Mais Reynold Financial Group, NB Power, Populus Global Solutions, Remsoft, Stantec, Stewart McKelvey, Sunny Corner Enterprises Inc., The Daily Gleaner, and Valley Graphics. The series Presenting Sponsor is UNB Associated Alumni.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Gavin
Communications officer
University of New Brunswick
jgavin@unb.ca
506-453-4990