Season 3, Episode 1: Seneca College President, David Agnew, and the "Au Large" Project

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with Seneca College President David Agnew.

As Seneca College continues to hold most of its classes remotely, Seneca is also embarking on an ambitious project of transformation, known as Au Large.

President Agnew shares the goals of the Au Large initiative, which is designed to prepare Seneca College for an exciting, post-pandemic future. A future that is not only technologically advanced, but also, one that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1. What noticeable changes students, and staff, will experience upon returning to Seneca College (once it's safe to do so).

2. What innovations and changes that are necessary during the pandemic, will carry over into a "new normal," after the pandemic is behind us.

3. Personal reflections on how leading during a pandemic has deepened President Agnew's relationship with staff, students, and faculty.

About Today's Guest, President David Agnew

With extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, David Agnew became the fifth president of Seneca in July 2009.

Under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrolment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities.

Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident.

He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm's global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses.

Mr. Agnew's working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John's, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada.

In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

Important Links and Contact Information

Youtube Labrador Sensations, Olive and Mabel, can be viewed here.

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

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Thanks for listening!

Pat Perdue