Dr Indira Samarasekera
One of Canada’s most well-known public figures, Dr Indira Samarasekera, President of the University of Alberta, received an honorary Doctorate from Queen’s for distinction in mechanical engineering and services to higher education.
Voted one of the most 100 influential women in Canada, Dr Samarasekera also delivered the annual Eaton Lecture, speaking on the Rise of the 21st Century University.
The Eaton Lecture series commemorates the establishment of the T. Eaton Company in Canada, founded by Timothy Eaton from Ballymena in 1869. The firm became one of the most important retail businesses in Canadian history.
Usually based around the theme of business and community links between Northern Ireland and Canada, Queen’s broadened the event this year to include a Centenary Symposia to build on the strong academic links between Queen’s and the University of Alberta. This international meeting embraced activities in neuroscience, geography, chemistry, pharmacy, education and medical statistics.
Queen’s also welcomed a delegation from the University of New Brunswick led by their President Dr John McLaughlin.
Professor Peter Gregson, Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s said: “In honouring Dr Samarasekera, we are highlighting how such global connections are crucial to the future of universities in the 21st Century. It is my hope that the new collaboration between Queen’s and the Universities of Alberta and New Brunswick will further strengthen the long-standing links between Canada and Northern Ireland.”
Dr Samarasekera said: “The Eaton Lecture promotes the exchange of stimulating ideas between Queen’s University and Canadian academics and builds on strong generational ties between the people of Northern Ireland and Canada.”
