On Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, Queen’s University’s 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’s 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’s benefactors, the late Dr. Alfred Bader, BSc’45, BA’46, MSc’47, LLD’86, and Dr. Isabel Bader, LLD’07.
On Friday, Jan. 17, Principal Deane met separately with students, faculty and staff. Through frank, confidential discussions, he sought each group’s unique perspectives on the BISC’s current state and future direction.
“The Castle needs to be at the very front of Queen’s international strategy,” said Principal Deane. “We have an asset which very few Canadian universities can boast of. We have a point of confidence. It’s a beachhead.”
Principal Deane left the Castle’s population feeling thoroughly energised and enthused about the BISC’s future.