On Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, Queen鈥檚 University鈥檚 21st Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Patrick Deane arrived at the Bader International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle to begin two days of discussions with students, staff, faculty and supporters in the local community.
The Principal was warmly welcomed. Vice-Provost and BISC Executive Director, Hugh Horton, hosted a social evening for distinguished representatives of the local community and friends of Herstmonceux Castle, so that they might meet with Principal Deane. A reception for over sixty special guests included local councillors and politicians, representatives from partner schools, charity leaders and local businesses.
In his remarks, Principal Deane thanked all those present on behalf of Queen鈥檚 for their support and friendship over the last quarter of a century. He also noted that students from Canada and all over the world have been made to feel genuinely welcome and have enjoyed a truly transformative educational experience at the BISC, and paid tribute to the Castle鈥檚 benefactors, the late Dr. Alfred Bader, BSc鈥45, BA鈥46, MSc鈥47, LLD鈥86, and Dr. Isabel Bader, LLD鈥07.
On Friday, Jan. 17, Principal Deane met separately with students, faculty and staff. Through frank, confidential discussions, he sought each group鈥檚 unique perspectives on the BISC鈥檚 current state and future direction.
鈥淭he Castle needs to be at the very front of Queen鈥檚 international strategy,鈥 said Principal Deane. 鈥淲e have an asset which very few Canadian universities can boast of. We have a point of confidence. It鈥檚 a beachhead.鈥
Principal Deane left the Castle鈥檚 population feeling thoroughly energised and enthused about the BISC鈥檚 future.