Whatsoever Things Are True

In 2013 I wrote this letter to the University of Alberta's Board of Governors to urge them to stand up for the original vision of the University of Alberta.

Yesterday the UCP government announced transformative changes to our post secondary institutions. Notably, it states that the goal of post secondary is to create a "modern and diverse workforce for the future." Our post secondary institutions are many things. Of course part of their mandate is educating adults with knowledge and skills for the world of work. But they should not be limited to simple job training factories. And our government should understand that humans were not designed to serve the economy. The economy should serve us.

Inscribed above the door to Pembina Hall

…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

These inspiring words from Paul’s letter to the Philippians were chosen as the University of Alberta’s motto by Dr. William Hardy Alexander, one of university’s first four professors. Carved in stone above the entrance to Pembina Hall, the words remind us of the vision held by the founders of the U of A, a vision that has remained constant until today. Throughout two world wars, the challenges of the Great Depression, the fears of the Cold War, and the boom and bust of the current oil based economy; this vision has stood the test of time for thousands of students and their professors. It has reaped rewards, both tangible and intangible, for individuals and communities around the world.

Today, thanks to the Progressive Conservative government, we see this vision of our university come under threat. The letter of expectation resulting from by the 2013 provincial budget tells us that no longer should our beloved university encourage students to think about what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and virtuous. The new vision is to create a “skilled and productive workforce” and focus on the “full potential of learning for our economy.” Instead of being an institution of higher learning serving the best interests of students and society, it is to be a commercialized entity that serves the needs of industry.

That is a travesty. As a U of A alumnus, daughter of a U of A graduate, and mother of three U of A students, I urge the Board of Governors to continue to honour the heritage of generations of Albertans who have been inspired by this vision and have helped build our great province and to respect those generations yet to come who deserve an education that goes beyond job training.

I ask you to remember that the University of Alberta is there for “the uplifting of the whole people,” as Henry Marshall Tory said in 1908, not just about providing opportunities for financial gain for a handful of people. Please continue to do your part to ensure that the wisdom of the university’s founders is not discarded in favour of the ideology of a political party that does not seem to understand the purpose of true education.

Thank you for your recent open letter regarding the recent cuts to post-secondary funding in Alberta. I fear the cuts are just the beginning of a dangerous new trend regarding education in our province as it moves to centralize services under the banner of “Campus Alberta.” I hope the Board of Governors will remain steadfast in following the wisdom of our forefathers by retaining autonomy over our great institution.

Note: No response received.