Bishop’s University is set to begin work this summer on Kwigw8mna, which means “our (and everyone’s) house” in the Abenaki language. The University recently approved a satisfactory bid for tender and has received significant funding from Québec’s Ministry of Higher Education, donors, and other sources.

Kwigw8mna, which will include a space dedicated to Indigenous students, will be a place to gather for talking and sharing, and a place to promote learning at the cultural and academic levels, is becoming a reality. Kwigw8mna is also intended to help students succeed and achieve their highest academic potential by working with them to make the most of the many resources available.

Kwigw8mna will also promote dialogue and interaction between Indigenous students and non-Indigenous students at Bishop’s, and will greatly contribute to teaching and research on topics of Indigenous interest. This phase of the project represents the culmination of years of work and dialogue that has engaged the entire Bishop’s community.

“I witnessed and worked on the evolution of the Kwigw8mna project through my years as a student and now as staff. It’s very rewarding to see this important initiative finally come to fruition through the sustained efforts of so many who deserve to be proud today. I am excited for the future of Kwigw8mna and how it will increase opportunities for intercultural learning, visibility, and community building!” indicates Shawna Chatterton Jerome ’21, Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support Services, and recent Bishop’s graduate.

“Kwigw8mna will provide a space for everyone to learn more about Indigenous perspectives and concerns, whether by visiting the house and interacting with Indigenous members of the Community, but also by being a resource where research on these topics lives and develops in real time in our community,” adds Dr. Genner Llanes- Ortiz, Canada Research Chair in Digital Indigeneities, of Bishop’s Sociology Department.

“We hope Kwigw8mna illustrates our welcoming of everyone on Abenaki territory. We are very pleased for the deep bonds of trust and friendship we have developed with members of the community of Bishop’s University, and we hope they endure,” remarks Richard O’Bomsawin, Chief – Abenaki of Odanak Council.

“The Abenaki are the original stewards of the land on which Bishop’s is situated. I am grateful to Chief O’Bomsawin for proposing the name Kwigw8mna, as it captures our aspiration that this building will be a home for our Indigenous students and faculty and for the Bishop’s community at large,” declares Michael Goldbloom, C.M., Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University.

“I am very proud to confirm an additional investment of $4.8 million for the realization of the Kwigw8mna project at Bishop’s University. A place like this will really allow Indigenous cultures to shine within the University. Higher education is an important vector of development for all communities, but even more so for Indigenous communities. Promoting access to higher education for students from these communities is essential for our government! “, says Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education.

“I can only applaud this project which will provide a meeting place for Indigenous students, professors and researchers who frequent the campus. The spaces have been designed by and for Indigenous communities, with the aim of encouraging intercultural exchanges. We must highlight this aspect, because it is through exchanges that we learn, that we grow, and that we can aspire to this spirit of reconciliation. Thank you to all the stakeholders of this beautiful project!” says Geneviève Hébert, MNA for Saint-François and Deputy Government Whip.

The funding sources for the $16.3M project are as follows:

• Government of Québec special capital funds (PQI): $10.7M
• Government of Québec regular capital fund (PQI): $2M
• Bishop’s University operating fund: $1.9M
• Philanthropic contributions: $1M
• Government of Canada: $700,000K

Work is expected to begin early in August.

“When the project is completed, Kwigw8mna will further demonstrate Bishop’s University’s commitment to offering a student-centred learning environment in an inclusive and respectful community. It also reflects our commitment to sustainability through the preservation of one of the oldest buildings on campus,” adds Isabelle Goyette, Vice-Principal Finance and Administration.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Sonia Patenaude
Manager of Communications
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

Bishop’s University will make an announcement pertaining to the Kwigw8mna project. Please note: in case of rain, the event will take place at the McConnell Agora of the Library Learning Commons.

WHAT:  Kwigw8mna Project Announcement

WHEN:  Monday, June 19, 2023, at 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Kwigw8mna / McConnell Agora (LLC)
Bishop’s University
2600 College, Sherbrooke

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MEDIA REQUESTS:

Sonia Patenaude
Manager of Communications
819-822-9600 ext. 2617
sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

Students enrolled in the Spring Semester performance course in the Musical Theatre Concentration at Bishop’s University will be presenting the Sherbrooke premiere of The Drowsy Chaperone, with French surtitles, featuring the first graduating cohort of the program, from May 29 to June 10th at Turner Studio Theatre.

Dr. Art Babayants directs his second production for the Musical Theatre concentration at Bishop‘s University and has selected the five-time Tony-Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, a Canadian creation by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison (lyrics and music) and Bob Martin and Don McKellar (book). Bishop’s University Singers Director Fannie Gaudette is the Musical Director. Chantal Carrier is the choreographer and Adam Provencher is responsible for Set and Costume Design.

With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

Sophie Kaplan cast as Mrs. Tottendale and Tyler Casat who plays Robert Martin are the first students to graduate from the Musical Theatre Concentration at Bishop’s University. While most cast members are enrolled in the Drama or Music programs, students from Education, Sociology, Computer Science and History will also be singing and tap dancing on the Turner Studio Theatre stage.

The production aims to be inclusive with the casting of performers of various cultural backgrounds and also for francophone members of the community whose first language is not English. For the first time in a theatre production, French surtitles will be displayed throughout the performance for the spoken text. Musical numbers will be performed in English.

The performance is suited for audiences 12-years or older. Runtime: 2 hours with intermission.

Tickets are available at Centennial Theatre Box Office in person from Monday to Friday, online through Lepointdevente, and by phone 819-822-9692.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

Composer and double bass player Mathieu Désy presents his latest opus « Vents Contre Airs » with a cinematic twist on Thursday, May 11th at 8 p.m. at Centennial Theatre on the campus of Bishop’s University. Presented as part of the Festival des Harmonies et Orchestres Symphoniques du Québec and Captures d’audace en scène Series, the event is offered free of charge, and all are welcome. Get a sneak peak of  the new album « Vents Contre Airs ».

Mathieu Désy, assistant professor in the Music Department at Bishop’s University, reunites with saxophonist Charles Papasoff and percussionist Paul Picard following their last collaboration « Contrebasses et Marées » in 2014. Désy was recently musical director on the theatrical version of « Gaz Bar Blues ».

Who:      Mathieu Désy, composer – double bassist
What:     Cinematic Album Launch « Vents Contre Airs »
When:    Thursday, May 11th, 8 p.m.
Where:   Centennial Theatre, Bishop’s University

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MEDIA REQUESTS:

Sonia Patenaude
Manager of Communications – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587
sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

Bishop’s International Office and the Indigenous Student Support Centre (ISSC) at Bishop’s University, prepare for their first trip with eight First Nations and Inuit students as part of the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) grant, to learn with and about Indigenous cultures in Japan.

The Japan project entitled “Communicating Across Cultures: Building Intercultural Competencies and Lasting Partnerships in Japan” will allow the students to travel to Japan for three weeks starting on May 6, 2023. In collaboration with Hokkaido University’s Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, the National Ainu Museum and Ainu communities in Nibutani and Shiraoi, students will attend seminars and engage in meaningful dialogue with Elders and community members and take part in land-based and community activities.  Scheduled activities include embroidery, learning to make a mukkuri (Ainu jaw harp instrument), Ainu language and cooking classes, Ainu dancing, fishing, and hiking.  Bishop’s students will also share their cultures by giving beading, throat singing, and medicine wheel workshops, and sharing more about their home communities and cultures.  The group will also spend one week in the old imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto.  Japanese students and Professors from Doshisha University and Sagano High School will host the group for tea ceremony, classroom intercultural exchanges, temple visits and forest walks.  Experiences will foster a greater understanding of Japanese and Ainu history, lands, and cultures.

In preparation for the trip, the eight students from Bishop’s University were enrolled in the 6-credit course UNI 299 Nation to Nation: Building Intercultural Competencies in Local and International Indigenous Contexts. The course aimed to create awareness about both Japanese/Ainu culture and to develop a sense of community amongst the group, learning about each other’s backgrounds and cultures, and further developing interpersonal and intercultural communication skills. Discussions also served to prepare for travel safety for the three weeks long journey.  Vicky Boldo, Special Advisor Indigenous Student Support, Shawna Chatterton-Jerome, Coordinator of Indigenous Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support Services Relations, Annick Corbeil, Manager of International, Indigenous and Intercultural Relations and Dr. Genner Llanes Ortiz, Canada Research Chair in Digital Indigeneities, were co-instructors for the course.

Students taking part in this program are from various Nations:  Kanien:keha’ka, Anishinaabeg, Ojibway, Eeyou and Inuk.

The Consulate of Japan in Montreal, the Embassy of Canada and the Quebec Delegation in Tokyo have all helped facilitate conversations and build bridges with partners in Japan.

The Federal government’s new Global Skill Opportunity program is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students to acquire the global skills employers want and the Canadian economy needs.

The $95 million GSO program is a component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy and is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. Administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, the program has been designed to allow participating colleges, universities and institutes to customize projects to their students’ needs. The grant received for the Japan program totals $274,000.

While open to all Canadian postsecondary students, the program targets groups for whom such experiences have traditionally been less accessible – specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those living with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning.

“The selected students tell us that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them, and something they never imagined being able to experience.  They may be learning as much about themselves and each other’s nations as they are about Japanese and Ainu cultures.  Our Japanese and Ainu hosts also share that this is a rare opportunity for them to learn about the similarities and differences in our respective histories and cultures.  We hope this project will send a strong message to First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth as well as Ainu youth, that everything is possible, and a world of opportunities await them”, says Annick Corbeil.

Bishop’s Japan GSO program is among the 124 such programs offered through 56 Universities across Canada.

The participation in the GSO program demonstrates Bishop’s University’s commitment to offering an outstanding learning experience, strongly focused on the need of its diverse and inclusive community.

“This program is also another step on the path to decolonizing international education,” adds Corbeil.

Photo taken in November 2022 at Biratori Ainu Crafts and Heritage Center Urespa in preparation for the first trip to Japan with a group of Bishop’s University First Nations, Metis and Inuit students in Spring 2023.

Left to right: Dr. Stine Linden-Andersen, Master Carver Shigehiro Takano, Vicky Boldo, Annick Corbeil, Urespa Director Sadanori Arai

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MEDIA REQUESTS:

Sonia Patenaude
Manager of communications
Bishop’s University
819-342-2587
sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

Philanthropist Scott Taylor and Goldbloom family gifts

Sherbrooke, April 21, 2023 – Bishop’s University is grateful for the generous donation of 12 paintings by distinguished Eastern Townships artist Frederick Simpson Coburn, D.C.L. ’36.

Philanthropist Scott Taylor has contributed 11 of the paintings, while the Goldbloom family has gifted an additional piece. The artist himself donated a painting to the University in 1942.

Born in Upper Melbourne, Coburn studied art in Montreal, Berlin, and London. His early work featured book illustrations, often portraying French Canadian society. He won the Art Association of Montreal’s Jessie Dow prize, exhibited at the Tate Gallery in London, and was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. His work can also be found in public collections at the National Gallery of Canada and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Sherbrooke.

“The University has been fortunate to have a Coburn in its collection and we are very grateful to Scott Taylor for this extraordinary gift of 11 paintings,” said Michael Goldbloom, C.M., Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “I’ve known Mr. Coburn’s work since I was a young child as my grandparents had one of his paintings and it was inherited by my parents. I would like to thank my sister Susan and my brother Jonathan for agreeing to donate our Coburn to Bishop’s.”

The paintings will be displayed in the McGreer Building’s Tomlinson Hall, the boardroom where the University’s Board of Governors and Academic Senate meet. 

Community members and visitors to the campus can view the artwork by making an appointment with the Office of the University Librarian.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Sonia Patenaude, Communications Manager
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

SHERBROOKE, QC, April 20, 2023 — On the eve of Earth Day this year, Bishop’s University announces it has achieved carbon neutrality in terms of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), from owned and controlled sources and energy purchases, surpassing its original goal of reaching this milestone by 2030.

“This accomplishment reflects the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint,” indicates Michael Goldbloom, C.M., Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University. “The achievement of carbon neutrality has been made possible through a variety of initiatives, most notably the implementation of the campus geothermal loop. This system has enabled Bishop’s to cease using heating oil, drastically reduce the consumption of natural gas and rely more on hydroelectricity for heating its buildings.”

To offset its remaining GHG emissions, Bishop’s will purchase carbon reduction offset credits for projects in Québec through Carbone Boréal (480 tonnes at a cost of $35 per tonne) and through the Fundao-Santa Clara United Nations Carbon Offset platform in Brazil (1,438 tonnes at a cost of $5.82 per tonne). This investment demonstrates Bishop’s commitment to environmental sustainability on a local and global scale.

Over the years, Bishop’s has undertaken numerous sustainability initiatives, including students voting to ban single-use plastic water bottles on its campus in 2010, planting 10,500 trees on campus in 2021, and developing the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program.

“While significant progress has been made, we acknowledge that more work remains in reducing other sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as those associated with staff and student transportation,” notes Isabelle Goyette, Vice-Principal, Finance and Administration.

“Bishop’s plans to address remaining emissions through initiatives that favour public transit, and by continuing to phase out natural gas heating in favour of electric heating. The University also notes the carbon sink effect of the standing forests on its 550-acre campus as well as the Johnville Bog and Forest Park it co-owns with the Université de Sherbrooke, although this beneficial effect is not applied to the current net zero emissions calculation.”

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Sonia Patenaude
Manager of Communications
sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca
819-342-2587

Sherbrooke, April 12, 2023 – Bishop’s University’s Board of Governors is
honouring former Principal Janyne M. Hodder, DCL ’07, by naming the new
campus housing building after her in recognition of her achievements and
dedication to the institution.

Dr. Hodder, DCL ’07, who was Principal of Bishop’s University from 1995 to
2004, and the first woman to hold the position will attend a formal naming and
inauguration ceremony of the new campus housing building on Saturday, April
15th, 2023, starting at noon.

Who: Dr. Janyne M. Hodder

What: Official naming of New Campus Housing

When: Saturday, April 15 th , 12:00 p.m.

Where: Hodder Hall, Bishop’s University Campus

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MEDIA REQUESTS:
Sonia Patenaude
Manager of Communications – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587
sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

Sherbrooke, March 23, 2023 – Bishop’s University Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Sébastien Lebel-Grenier as its 19^th Principal and Vice- Chancellor for a five-year term starting on July 1, 2023.

He will succeed Michael Goldbloom, C.M. who has served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor since 2008.

Professor Lebel-Grenier is a professor at the law school of Université de Sherbrooke where he held many senior leadership positions, most notably as Dean.

“It is an immense privilege for me to have been selected to serve as Bishop’s University’s next Principal and Vice-Chancellor”, says Professor Lebel-Grenier. “Bishop’s is an exceptional institution built on a long history of excellence.  It epitomizes the enduring relevance of a strong liberal arts education in a nurturing, student-centric and community-focused environment. I am looking forward to collaborating with the extensive Bishop’s community to make a strong contribution to our University’s continued development and success.”

“I want to thank Michael Goldbloom for his outstanding leadership and dedication to Bishop’s University over the past 15 years”, said Robert Hall, Chair of Bishop’s Board of Governors. “The University was in a fragile state when Michael arrived and is in a position of strength today because of his wisdom and skill. I am confident that with Sébastien’s record of academic achievement, effective leadership and knowledge of Quebec’s society, he is ideally positioned to lead our institution forward.”

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

The following message has been sent to the Bishop’s Community.

Dear Bishop’s Community,

I am very pleased to inform you that this morning, the Bishop’s University Board of Governors appointed Dr. Sébastien Lebel-Grenier as its 19^th Principal and Vice-Chancellor for a five-year renewable term to start on July 1^st 2023.

Professor Lebel-Grenier is from Manicouagan in northern Quebec and has lived in several regions of the province, in Ottawa and in France. He holds a License en Droit Civil (LL.L) and a Baccalaureate of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Ottawa, a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (D.E.A.) from l’Université Aix-Marseilles III and a Doctorate of Civil Law (D.C.L.) from McGill University.

He began his career as a lawyer in private practice at the Montreal office of Stikeman Elliott. He subsequently became professor of public law at l’Université de Sherbrooke’s Faculty of Law where he served as the Common Law and Transnational Law Program Director, Vice-Dean Research and Graduate Studies and as Dean.

At l’Université de Sherbrooke, Professor Lebel-Grenier was instrumental in stimulating innovation, developing philanthropy, and increasing the provincial and national reach and recognition of the Faculty of Law.

Professor Lebel-Grenier is a founding member and co-director of the Centre de recherche Société, Droit et Religions de l’Université de Sherbrooke, an important interdisciplinary research centre which explores the intersection of religion, culture, and law. He pursues research on law and religion as well as fundamental rights and freedoms.

Professor Lebel-Grenier is fluent in French and English. A longtime resident of Lennoxville, he has regularly participated in Bishop’s events. He has maintained strong involvement with the Sherbrooke community and is particularly aware of the importance of Bishop’s University to the Eastern Townships’ English-speaking community.

He has served on provincial and national committees and his opinion has frequently been sought by media, government, and non-government actors. His expertise in constitutional law and fundamental rights and freedoms makes him particularly well equipped to contribute to the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Professor Lebel-Grenier brings a strong record of academic and research excellence to Bishop’s as well as a collaborative and inclusive approach to management. His broad knowledge of the framework within which Quebec universities operate and his national and international perspective will be important assets to Bishop’s.

Professor Lebel-Grenier’s spouse Nadia Martel, who is a lawyer, graduated from Bishop’s in 1990 with a degree in Business Administration. She served with distinction on the Bishop’s Board of Governors for nine years and is currently a member of the Board of the Bishop’s University Foundation.

We are very grateful to Michael Goldbloom for his 15 years of outstanding leadership and dedication to Bishop’s University. The University was in a fragile state when Michael arrived and is in a position of strength today because of his wisdom and skill. I am confident that with Sébastien’s record of academic achievement, effective leadership and knowledge of Quebec’s society, he is ideally positioned to lead our institution forward.

Please join me in welcoming Sébastien to Bishop’s and wishing him well.

Robert Hall
Chair, Board of Governors
Bishop’s University

Bishop’s University
2600 College
Sherbrooke, Québec
Canada J1M 1Z7
www.ubishops.ca

The Office of Research and Graduate Studies at Bishop’s University launches its 18th edition of Research Week.  Researchers, Faculty and Students converge for a series of Research Talks, Poster Presentations and Conferences.  Closing ceremonies on March  23^rd will include awards for the students’ poster presentation.

“Exoplanet Astrophysics, Plurilingual Teaching and Learning, Alternative Theory of Gravity, Digital Indigeneities are just a few of the many areas and disciplines covered by research at Bishop’s University. Through research Bishop’s University hopes to advance social and technological innovation and produce better citizens for a society that is more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. Our research findings are converted into knowledge and solutions for businesses, governments, communities, and society,” explains Dr. Joachim Jean-Jules, Director of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Consult the schedule for Research Week 2023 at Bishop’s University,

MEDIA REQUESTS:
Sonia Patenaude
Manager of Communications – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587
sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca