University Canada West officially installed Dr. Bashir Makhoul as President and Vice-Chancellor during the second ceremony of Fall 2023 Convocation, held at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
The Presidential Installation Ceremony was conducted by Cyndi McLeod, Chair of the UCW Board of Governors, and Mitchell Gropper, KC, UCW Chancellor.
After Dr. Makhoul pledged to perform the duties of the President as well as defend the rules and promote the welfare of the University and its members, Cyndi made a declaration.
“In the name of University Canada West, I now install you, Dr. Bashir Makhoul, in the office of the President and Vice-Chancellor of University Canada West, and I invest you with authority and charge you with the responsibilities pertaining to that office,” she said. “On behalf of the Board of Governors and the University Canada West community, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on your installation, President Dr. Makhoul.”
Addressing the declaration, Dr. Makhoul said, “As I take on this pivotal role, succeeding my esteemed predecessor Sheldon Levy and his remarkable team, I am acutely aware of the immense accomplishments achieved during his tenure. I am honoured and humbled to follow in his footsteps and recognize the significant responsibility that lies ahead.”
In his convocation address, Dr. Makhoul outlined his vision for the University, which included blending tradition with innovation, as he sees UCW emerging as a beacon of knowledge and a source of inspiration.
“I envision UCW as a distinctive, specialist university with a robust local, national and international profile. A university that fosters dynamic relationships with partner institutions around the world, offering students a world-class education and access to a global context of business, research, creativity and technology,” he said.
The President concluded his address by thanking those in attendance.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your trust, your support and your dedication to the future of our great institution,” he shared.
Dr. Makhoul succeeds Sheldon Levy in the role. He comes to UCW following a 6.5-year term as President and Vice-Chancellor at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in the United Kingdom, where he spearheaded the creation of the UK’s first Business School for the Creative Industries.
His plans will deepen UCW’s commitment to providing quality academic programs that develop students into career-ready graduates and future organizational leaders. Drawing upon his global experience in academia, Dr. Makhoul will lead UCW’s efforts to provide innovative courses and programs that appeal to students’ passions and meet the talent needs of the British Columbia economy.
Dr. Makhoul brings a unique breadth of experience to his role at UCW. An artist by vocation and training, Dr. Makhoul’s works explore themes of conflict, displacement and identity, and have been featured in top galleries worldwide. As a university administrator and leader, Dr. Makhoul has earned a reputation as a catalyst for academic innovation and quality improvement.
Dr. Makhoul becomes the sixth President and Vice-Chancellor of UCW, following University founder Dr. David Strong, Dr. Verna Magee-Shepherd, Dr. Arthur Coren, Brock Dykeman and Sheldon Levy.
You can see more about Fall 2023 Convocation, including pictures and ceremony videos, here.
Published on October 23, 2023.
