The University of Saskatchewan’s eighth president, opened his Installation speech with the following remarks:
“Presidential installations are ceremonies of reaffirmation and renewal — reaffirmation of a noble idea and of a history that matters; and renewal in the form of a commitment to the future. The noble idea is that of the university itself.
It finds support in Clark Kerr's observation that of the 70 institutions that have been in continuous existence from the reformation to this day, 66 are universities and colleges.
Universities tend to endure, and they do so because they represent enduring values. It is the merit of an idea that demands respect in a university — not a voice of command, a pronouncement on morality, or a threat of punishment.
The commitment to disciplined enquiry; the freedom to explore, to experiment, to debate; the belief that the search for truth — however complex and elusive — really does matter. These are the values of the university and they are as compelling today as they have ever been. And so today, we reaffirm them, and the idea of the university itself.”
He closed with these words:
“Eminent Chancellor, ladies and gentlemen, ours will an exciting future. Proud of our origins, and respectful of our history, we turn our faces to the future and to new opportunities to serve our province, our country and the spaceship Earth that is home to all of us. And so I conclude this address as I began it — with an expression of my gratitude and a promise to work tirelessly for this wonderful university. Thank you very much.”