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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Sonia Patenaude
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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

Bishop’s University’s Drama Department presents She Kills Monsters by playwright Qui Nguyen (Raya and the Last Dragon), a heartwarming comedy about loss, bullies, and dragons. Guest artists Nathania Bernabe and Bishop’s alumna Jackie T. Hanlin lead a cast of sixteen students and a production crew of twenty-one students for the annual mainstage performance at Centennial Theatre from March 9^th to 12^th.

She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans who leaves her childhood home following the death of her teenage sister. When Agnes discovers her sister’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge.

Under the skillful and experienced hands of guest artists, Nathania Bernabe and Bishop’s Drama alumna Jackie T. Hanlin, founders and directors of Affair of Honor, student actors are learning a whole new set of skills. Stage combat is a highly valued practice that equips trained actors with assets much in demand in the theatre, film, and online gaming industries. Founded in 2017, Affair of Honor is an award-winning fight-and-movement theatre company based in Vancouver.

Through various experiential learning opportunities, especially when working with guest artists, Bishop’s drama students witness first-hand the avenues available to them upon completing their degree. Drama Department graduates are pursuing careers on and off stage such as actor, musician, singer-songwriter, Christo Graham (Class of 2014), portraying Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, appearing in the series Suits, and creating the musical Clown Riot and Leslie Biles (Class of 1997), Executive Director of Western Canada Theatre in Kamloops, British Columbia.

During their studies, drama students at Bishop’s University explore the many aspects of productions, from performance to technical skills, they are exposed to a range of directing styles and genres and, when the timing is right, they are sometimes guided by one of their own, as is the case in this production with Jackie T. Hanlin from the BU Class of 2015. In addition, such an elaborate production, which requires the construction and handling of large puppets, allows for the development of multiple skills on and off-stage as artists-in-training are required to work on costumes, build sets and handle the technical aspect of a show.

The production uses a PG-13 rating and has posted a content advisory for graphic violence, extremely strong language, and themes of sexuality and homophobia. Runtime: 2 hours with intermission.

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

MEDIA REQUEST:
Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
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Bishop’s University is inaugurating the newly renovated pool of its John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre that offers aquatic recreation opportunities for the entire on-campus and local community.

The renovated pool also features proper competition dimensions, which means that it can be certified to host athletic competitions. The pool was renovated at a cost of $5.3 million, including $4.1 million from the Government of Québec’s Plan quinquennal des investissements universitaires and $1.2 million from the Government of Canada. The renovations also included the opening of three large windows on Bishop’s beautiful natural surroundings, as well as slides and stairways into the water.

“Brighter, more fun, and safer, the fully renovated pool at Bishop’s University Sports Centre will delight students and staff, but also families in the area who can enjoy it for generations to come!” – Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“The completion of the John H. Price Sports Centre swimming pool renovation project is certainly an important moment for the entire student community in the region, both that of Bishop’s University and that of Champlain College, but also for the entire Sherbrooke community. Regular exercise contributes to the maintenance of good physical and mental health. Our government is happy to support students by offering them the best chance of success and every possible opportunity to develop their full potential,” said Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education.

“This refurbishment of the Bishop’s University swimming pool, the construction of which dates back to the 1970s, is in line with our government’s objective of making high-quality sports facilities accessible to as many Quebecers, young and old, as possible. I am delighted to have contributed to providing the region’s athletes and the entire community with modern, quality infrastructure,” said Isabelle Charest, Minister responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors.

“Bishop’s University is proud to again be able to offer its campus and local community access to a state-of-the-art indoor pool, which offers younger and older community members access to a host of aquatic wellness and fitness activities,” Bishop’s University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Michael Goldbloom, C.M. explained.

Bishop’s is happy to invite all community members to take advantage of the pool’s new slides, as well as the magnificent outdoor view, through a range of  aquatic activities. Bishop’s offers the community various programs such as Lifesaving Society swim lessons for youths 4 to 14 years old, and access for local schools such as Alexander Galt and BCS. In total, the pool at Bishop’s tallies about 23,000 visits per year.

MEDIA REQUEST:
Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
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or

Martin Rourke
Manager of Athletics and Recreation Communications
819-574-4498 | martin.rourke@ubishops.ca

Bishop’s University is inaugurating a new campus housing building.

A vibrant on-campus student housing experience has always been part of Bishop’s University’s unique experience, and the inauguration of this new on-campus housing facility illustrates our confidence that this aspect of our education model endures.

One of the reasons that Bishop’s has such a strong community is because many of our students have the opportunity to live together in one of our residences.

Having paid close attention to feedback from students living in residence about their needs and expectations, Bishop’s University is confident this student-centred project meets students’ desires.

At a time when our local community is experiencing a housing crisis due to a shortage of available units in the region, this new residence is contributing to maintain a stable supply of housing on offer for its students.

For her part, the Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry, mentioned that “Thanks to this initiative by Bishop’s University, 93 students will be able to benefit from a pleasant, safe and up-to-date living environment. It is important that the student community be able to find suitable accommodation, thus promoting accessibility to studies and success. After all, for many students, these accommodations represent the first steps out of the family nest. I wish the young people who live on the Bishop’s campus many significant encounters and enduring friendships.”

“This new residence building has also been designed to help us achieve our environmental sustainability goals. The building will benefit from the University’s geothermal heating systems to avoid unnecessarily increasing greenhouse gas emissions and is built to state-of-the-art architectural standards to minimize our environmental footprint,” Bishop’s University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Michael Goldbloom, C.M. explained.

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Sonia Patenaude
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Bishop’s University will be inaugurating the newly-renovated pool on Tuesday, February 21^st at 1 p.m. in the Hamel Lounge of the John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre.

Guest speakers of this event will include, The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Mr. Matt McBrine, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Bishop’s University, Michael Goldbloom, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University will act as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

MEDIA REQUESTS:
Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager
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The 2022-2023 Donald Lecture Series continues with guest speaker Jared Fishman, Civil rights lawyer, and social justice innovator
on Tuesday, February 21^st at 7 pm at Centennial Theatre on the campus of Bishop’s University. 

Jared Fishman is the founder and Executive Director of the Justice Innovation Lab, an organization that designs solutions for a more equitable and effective justice system.

Prior to founding the Justice Innovation Lab, he served for 14 years as a federal prosecutor in the US Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. He led some of the most complex civil rights prosecutions in the country, securing convictions in high-profile cases involving police misconduct, hate crimes and human trafficking.

Jared is the author of Fire on the Levee: the Murder of Henry Glover and the Search for Justice After Hurricane Katrina, which tells the story of the mysterious murder and burning of a Black man after Hurricane Katrina.

Jared’s investigation resulted in the prosecution of five New Orleans Police Department officers.

Made possible by the generous support of Bishop’s alumnus John Donald ’60, DCL ’12, the Donald Lecture Series brings speakers of national and international renown to the Bishop’s campus to provide insight, provoke thought, and stimulate debate on the most compelling issues and events in the world today. All lectures are free of charge and open to the public.

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

On Monday, February 20^th, Bishop’s University will mark the official inauguration of the new campus housing building.

A vibrant on-campus student housing experience has always been part of Bishop’s University’s unique experience, and the inauguration of this new on-campus housing facility illustrates our confidence that this aspect of our education model endures.

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

Dr. Valerio Faraoni of Bishop’s University Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been working with University of Hawaii and a team of 17 researchers across nine countries to develop a description of black holes that agrees with observations from the past decade.

And they’ve hit upon something big.

Searching through existing data spanning nine billion years, the researchers have uncovered the first evidence of “cosmological coupling,” a newly-predicted phenomenon in Einstein’s theory of gravity, possible only when black holes are placed inside an evolving universe.

The team has recently published two papers, one in The Astrophysical Journal and the other in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, that studied supermassive black holes at the hearts of ancient and dormant galaxies. The first paper found that these black holes gain mass over billions of years in a way that can’t easily be explained by standard galaxy and black hole processes, such as mergers or accretion of gas. The second paper finds that the growth in mass of these black holes matches predictions for black holes that not only cosmologically couple, but also enclose vacuum energy—material that results from squeezing matter as much as possible without breaking Einstein’s equations, thus avoiding a singularity.

With singularities removed, the paper then shows that the combined vacuum energy of black holes produced in the deaths of the universe’s first stars agrees with the measured quantity of dark energy in our universe. “We’re really saying two things at once: that there’s evidence the typical black hole solutions don’t work for you on a long, long timescale, and we have the first proposed astrophysical source for dark energy” said Duncan Farrah, University of Hawaii Astronomer and study architect. “What that means, though, is not that other people haven’t proposed sources for dark energy, but this is the first observational paper where we’re not adding anything new to the universe as a source for dark energy: black holes in Einstein’s theory of gravity are the dark energy.”

These new measurements, if supported by further evidence, redefine our understanding of what a black hole is.

The researchers say their studies provide a framework for theoretical physicists and astronomers to further test – and for the current generation of dark energy experiments such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and the Dark Energy Survey – to shed light on the idea. “If cosmological coupling is confirmed, it would mean that black holes never entirely disconnect from our universe, that they continue to exert a major influence on the evolution of the universe into the distant future” said University of Michigan professor and study co-author Gregory Tarlé.

Dr. Valerio Faraoni explains: “This would be the first observational evidence that black holes cannot be described as isolated objects over cosmological time scales, but are somehow affected by the universe they live in. Conversely, the question of the nature of Dark Energy is perhaps the most important puzzle in contemporary physics. It’s 70 per cent of the energy of the universe. Any new and viable potential solution to the Dark Energy problem is going to look very weird at first and here we have observational evidence pointing to one. It’s very exciting!”

Duncan Farrah et al 2023, Observational Evidence for Cosmological Coupling of Black Holes and its Implications for an Astrophysical Source of Dark Energy, The Astrophysical Journal, 943 L31
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/acb704

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

Bishop’s University announces its VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE Bronze certification awarded by Vélo Québec.  This certification is in line with the actions prescribed by the University’s Sustainable Development Plan and recognizes the efforts of organizations working for the well-being of their community by making cycling a real transportation and leisure option.

“Bishop’s University is remarkably dynamic; its initiatives toward cycling education and promotion are second to none on larger campuses. It is committed to its community, working closely with all members, and adopting astute solutions that complement public transportation. Its vision for the future is promising, and we look forward to seeing its plans come to fruition. According to these actions, we should soon see more cyclists on its campus!” notes Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO of Vélo Québec.

Bishop’s University’s Office of Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Transportation Working Group are working closely to develop initiatives that support the development of cycling culture on campus. The judging committee’s analysis includes four key areas: Environment, Education, Encouragement, and Evaluation and Planning (the 4Es). The VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement wishes to highlight the following successes in the awarding of this certification:

• Mobilizes during Sherbrooke cycling events and gets involved with municipal authorities to promote cycling, advocates for the development of the cycling network and requests winter maintenance.
• Encourages the adoption of cycling by organizing various educational activities on the safe use of bicycles and holding maintenance clinics on campus every semester.
• Offers, as part of its BoulotBUSolution transit subsidy program, an annual “active transportation” package specifically for those who travel primarily by active means from May to October and by bus during the cold season.
• Collects a variety of data on the mobility habits of its community through a survey with the Centre for Sustainable Mobility of Sherbrooke.

About the VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement

The VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement encourages communities and organizations to make cycling a real transport and leisure option for all. Through its rigorous certification process, it offers tools and support services to communities and organizations working to promote cycling.

The VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement receives financial assistance from the Government of Québec under the Action-Climat Québec program and is in line with the objectives of the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.

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