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V,

You are always such an advocate of the academy as a pillar of the community and a force for a better world.  You have rejoiced in the achievements of the students, and the advancement of knowledge and research.  You believe in justice and fairness.  You have been a candle in the dark.  May your light shine on oh so bright.

J

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President's BBC - New Student Orientation 2008

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A blast from the past when senior administrators and faculty members handed out cookies at the President's BBQ. Good memories!

Hoping your future adventures will include lots of time for art and creativity.

Thank you for your leadership and all you have done for the UVic community over many years.

Wishing you the best!

Susan

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Thanks for your kindness, your get-it-done-with-a-smile attitude, and for your incredible support for community-engaged scholarship. Wishing you lots of fun, love and light in whatever comes next. - Rhianna

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Dear Valerie,
You may remember all those years ago when you led the hiring committee that brought me to UVic, that I unabashedly made Star Trek references in my interview. In any case, thank you for hiring me and for being a great first boss at UVic - you set the bar high. Now as you warp off to seek out new adventures and bold go where you may not have gone before, I can only wish, "Live long and prosper."  Second star from the left and straight on till morning! You will be greatly missed here.

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Dear Valerie,

Thank you for your dedicated commitment to our university. You have provided steady leadership through some very difficult times, and your warmth and personal approach are an inspiration. Thank you for all you have given to UVic. Best wishes for a wonderful, new season!

Barbara

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Dear Valerie, it has been a great pleasure to witness your leadership at UVic during my tenure here, your input to so many important decision-making processes has been invaluable. You have taught me great deal. You will be missed, but I am sure you are up for the greatest adventures now! Best wishes!
Mauricio

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We’ll miss you at UVic. Thanks for all the hard work you’ve put in, particularly during these interesting times.

Best wishes,
Erin McGuire (ANTH)

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Thank you for your many contributions to UVic. I still remember your first days on campus all those years ago, and your Lego phone. :) You were a warm and caring leader, and the university is a better place because of you.

Cathie Walker

PS the CYC party photos are safe with me.

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Thank you for your dedicated and inspiring leadership!

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Thank you for your dedicated and inspiring leadership!

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Dear Valerie,

It was such a pleasure and privilege to work with you and to observe firsthand your caring, compassionate, and courageous leadership.  Your commitment over many years, and in many different leadership roles, to students, faculty, and staff made a huge contribution to the university.  Your positive nature, your creativity and your humor, as well as your dedication, honesty and integrity, encouraged everyone around you to be and do their best.  I know you will flourish in whatever comes next in your journey.  Thank you so much for the support and positive impact you had on me and on so many others.

Katy

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It's so hard for me to believe that you are retiring first! I remember back in the early 90's when us two Brandonites found ourselves in the same place, so far from home. It seems like eons ago, and at the same time, just yesterday! You have been an outstanding leader in this little university of ours and I know your presence will be dearly missed! Take care and I hope you and John are able to have many adventures in the years to come.
Michelle Koroll

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Valerie! It is a bit surreal to think that you are moving on to a different adventure now. Thank you for all that you have done for us during your tenure at UVic and I hope that we will continue to cross paths through music! Wishing you all the best!! Benjamin

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Hi Valerie:
Mike Wei here. Wishing you a well deserved break and all the very best!
Mike

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Dear Valerie,
I just want to wish you all the best and thank you for making my time working at the University so enjoyable! It was a pleasure to work with you.   Enjoy your leave and I hope our paths cross again.
Maureen

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Valerie, In every meeting with you there has been warmth and welcome as well as good judgment. Thank you for bringing such humane and human skills to leadership in this university and for inspiring women to lead!

Best wishes in whatever your path leads you to next! Lisa Surridge

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Dear Valerie,

Wishing you nothing but the best as you start the next exciting, but hopefully more relaxing, chapter of your life! UVic won't be the same without you so please do come by and grace us with your presence from time to time!

Warmly,

Leanna

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Wow - it has been a long time since you hired me during the Commonwealth Games back in 1994! You are a great role-model to so many of us. Here's to road-trips, shopping and wine! Wishing you lots of adventures on this next journey ...
Miriam Curtis

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All the very best to you, Valerie!
Noza

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Valerie, Best wishes for the time ahead. It was great talking with you on several occasions. Your dedication to UVic's continuous development would be remembered by all of us. Take care, stay healthy and follow your passions. Best of luck.... Phalguni

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It was an honour and privilege to have worked under your leadership as VP, External, Valerie. I wish you all the best in your life's next chapter. "May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind be always at your back . . . " Best wishes, Katherine

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Congratulations Valerie and my very best wishes for all that comes next.

It has been a gift to begin my job as dean with your guidance and powerful example to set my path. Thank for your inspiration and your commitment to your people and to UVic.

Lois

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Best wishes for the next phase of your life

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Best wishes for the next phase of your life

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Hi Valerie, congratulations on the successful completion of your tenure and the numerous accomplishments you have made. I wish you the best for the next phase of your career/life. Warm regards, Rishi Gupta

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Thank-you, Valerie, for your brilliance and courageous leadership.  You have inspired many and have made dreams come true!
Enjoy your next adventure!
With great admiration,
Marion Buller, Chancellor

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Valerie, I enjoyed the times we worked together over the past 5 years I was at UVIC. Your humour, warmth and passion for education were always evident. I appreciate your leadership and the ways you approached, practised and embodied it. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure.
Jean-Paul

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Thank you for your support and leadership during my time at UVic. I wish you the best of luck in the future and thanks for all of your support of the Engineering Faculty and undergraduate research.

Stephanie Willerth

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Dear Valerie,
My very best wishes to you as you embark on your next adventure.  I extend my deepest thanks for all your work in advancing the student experience at UVic and the support and engagement in realizing a number of major initiatives ranging from the new Student Wellness Centre, the creation of the Office of Student Life, our first Mental Health Strategy, and many more over your time as Provost.  Thank you for the humanity and compassion you offered staff and colleagues during periods of critical student incident responses and your humor and willingness to be right up front at major student based events including our MC for New Student Welcome.  I also appreciated the conversations with you as a post-secondary student parent..!  Good intel from competitor institutions..!  You always have a home & presence here..!  Warmest regards,
Joel.

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Valerie,
Thank your for your exceptional leadership and your service to all of us in the UVIC community.
I will miss your kind, intelligent, and principled approach. You will certainly be missed.
Kim Daly

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\(￣︶￣*\)) (づ￣ 3￣)づ (∩^o^)⊃━☆

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Valerie, I have been so inspired by your wise, ethical and steady leadership. Your compassion, creativity, integrity, and commitment to students are qualities that have served us all so well. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude. Wishing you all the best in the future. With deep, heartfelt thanks, Jennifer White

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Congratulations Valerie!  It was an absolute pleasure working with you on all the events at UVic that you were involved in.  I wish you nothing but the best in life and your future endeavors! Take Care!
Mike T.

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Valerie, this board is such an incredible and accurate reflection of who you are as a person and as a leader.  I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you directly in the VPAC office and I have immense respect and admiration for how you show up each and every day.   Your positive impact and imprint on the academic direction of UVic as an institution has been phenomenal, but just as importantly you have touched the lives of innumerable people in a way that makes you a rare and treasured colleague.  It is said that no one is irreplaceable, but you are certainly the outlier on this theory.   I wish you so much joy and peace, and adventure(!) -I can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds for you!
Michelle Peterson xx

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Valerie, best wishes for health, happiness and inspiration as you begin a new chapter! Christine Upright 

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Valerie, best wishes for health, happiness and inspiration as you begin a new chapter! Christine Upright 

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Dear Valerie,
Thank you for your many years of values-based and generous dedication and service to the university. It's been a pleasure to cross paths with you over many years. Wishing you all the very best in this next phase of your professional and personal life.
Ewa

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I met you in my first days at UVic 21 years ago. I have enjoyed our work together over the years. A wonderful contribution.

Budd

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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Best wishes Valerie for all of your adventures to come. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to UVic. You have contributed so much to making this a very special place. Rachael

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Valerie,

It was wonderful that on your last day of Provost you had a chance to spend the morning handing out free coffee, saying good morning to tired and wet students, wish them all the best for the day ahead, and reminding them that they are awesome.

Because our students are awesome. And as Provost, your actions throughout your tenure have always kept our students in the centre of institutional decision making. I always knew that you cared and believed in our students and the support you exhibited through participating in major events, prioritizing funding for important support programs/services, and always finding ways to enhance the quality of what we offer our students (both in and out of the classroom) is truly inspirational.

The folks in Student Affairs have all benefited from you leadership, your commitment to people, and your incredible energy and enthusiasm. Thank you.

Jim

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Brava, Valerie! You have been a model of strong, effective, caring leadership enlivened with a bit of humour. Unpretentious, straightforward, hard working. 

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Brava, Valerie! You have been a model of strong, effective, caring leadership enlivened with a bit of humour. Unpretentious, straightforward, hard working. 

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Steve Lindsay

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Had the pleasure of working with you on a few committees and it was always a pleasure. You were consistently the most prepared in the room and guided the deliberations with care and a steady-hand. I wish you and your family the very best for a safe, healthy and happy future.
/Bruce Ravelli

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Thank you Valerie for your support (personal and professional) over all these years. Congratulations and all the best as you move forward.

Pablo.

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Valerie, it has been a privilege to work with you over the past 15 years. I have always admired your principled and values-driven approach to everything you do. It is hard to imagine the executive team without you on it! I will miss your laugh and your sense of humor, both of which you shared with colleagues even during the most trying of times. Thank you for your leadership and your wise counsel through the ups and downs. I wish you much happiness in this next phase of your life!

Sally E.

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Dear Valerie,

Thank you so much for your leadership over these many years.  I feel very privileged to worked and learned from you. You have been an incredible role model – demonstrating everyday the tenets of servant leadership.  You lead with kindness, intelligence, compassion and modesty.  When I think of you, I think of the following quote: “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.”

Thank you, Valerie, for being in charge and for your long service.  I will miss you and wish you the very best for the next stage of your life.

Andrea

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I have worked with you in various capacities over the last eight years. I have always so admired your leadership in one of the most challenging positions in the University - your tireless commitment, your strong ethical principles, and your unwavering integrity. I have learned a great deal from you especially in solving very complex issues - for which I will be forever grateful.

Wishing you all the very best as you take a much deserved administrative leave. I will really miss you.

Annalee

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Valerie - thank you for so many years of incredible service, leadership and plain hard work! We all learned much from you and I could not have asked for a better partner in the ongoing process of leading a university – along with all the rewards, tears and laughter.  You were steadfast, brave, principled and committed to the fundamental mission of the university. You have had a huge and positive impact on both the people around you and the institution.

Thank you for your service and best wishes on your next path.

Jamie

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Thank you so much Valerie for your fabulous hard work and contribution over the years. I have learned so much from you and been so inspired by all that you have led. It has been an honour and a privilege to work with you. You are an amazing leader. Wishing you an amazing next phase of life!

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I echo so many of the comments on this board Valerie! You will never full realize the impact you’ve had on my life. You are an amazing leader and an incredibly warm caring person. Thank you for all you do! I will miss you, your enthusiasm and laughter terribly and wish you so very well as you move on to the next phase.  Lleona

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For all the chocolates you've shared on Fridays

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Valerie, thank you so much for being a great example of leadership, integrity, and compassion at UVic.

You have always made time to say "good morning" to everyone in the office and offer us chocolates to end the week. When you see that we're not well you check in and make conversations when you have the time - which I know takes active effort to do in your incredibly busy role. The work within the VPAC office isn't easy, in fact, sometimes there is no win and only an best attempt to distribute tough news. When that happens, you make sure others others know why and keep the decisions as transparent as possible. I appreciate that about you.

You've lead a team that can navigate well on their own. Hopefully, recognising the strength of your team will provide peace knowing that even when you've stepped down from the role of VPAC, they will continue to be a strong unit to provide guidance for the next VPAC. Now you can give you more time to develop on your other amazing skills such glass work or gardening.

M

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Congratulations on such an impactful career and term as VPAC. And thank you for being the kind of leader who constantly inspires us to live our values at UVic. We should really publish the “savour chocolate” value!  Wishing you all the very best in this next chapter.  Kane

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Dear Valerie,

It has been my privilege to work with you over the past (and too few) years. You have shown me - through example - what it means to lead through values and principles. Your leadership foregrounds kindness, transparency, collegiality, fairness and equity in all actions and decisions. While we have not always agreed (especially when I was on the other side of the aisle!)  I have so much respect and admiration for your process and for your principled approach to decision-making and leadership.

On top of all else that you do, I also know from my own experience of how generous you are as a mentor. Thank you. I will miss you.

Helga

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Valerie,

UVic has been so very fortunate to have had you as part of its leadership. I echo what has been said by many already here: your values/principles-based leadership and decision making, your passion for the University and particularly its people – all of them – and the way you approach your work with grace, empathy, and good humour, have made UVic a better place to study and to work. I truly wish you all the best in whatever comes next!

Robin

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Valerie - It has been a pleasure and a privilage to work with you. Congratulations, and all the best to you as you begin this new chapter in your life.

Kalen

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Valerie, there have been few leaders in my career who have led with such integrity, self-awareness, empathy and competence as you.  You are a role model to many; please know that I have learned much from you.  It is a privilege to work under your leadership.

It's not often one meets a genuinely beautiful person.   Your passion and energy will be sorely missed.  I wish you all the best Valerie!

Francesca

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Despite never working directly with you (only indirectly through Institutional Planning and Analysis), we seem to have a long-time history over the years.  In the nineties, our offices were located in the same block of the Sedgewick Building – we would say “Hi” to each other in the hallways.  In your role as Vice-President External Relations, I would often visit my friend Kathleen in the Administrative Services Building and you would greet me whenever we saw each other.  I attended Kathleen retirement event where your beautiful kiln formed glass artwork was presented to her.  I also attended your event when you left VPER.  We continued to greet each other in the hallways of the second floor of the Michael Williams Building.  Finally, you were there to congratulate me on my 40th year of long-term service at UVic.

I shall miss your affable presence at UVic – best wishes to you on your new adventures Valerie,

Robert

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I feel so fortunate to have worked with you for almost 19 years. Your leadership style, leading from your values and desire to do what is right, is inspiring and a model for anyone in a leadership position. Your passion and dedication to UVic is obvious in everything you do – the institution and UVic leadership more broadly is better for having had you at various helms throughout your career. Thank you for being such a wonderful colleague and guiding light. All the best in whatever adventures await you, John and Nathan. Kristi

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Despite having worked with you Valerie for many years I have no pictures of you and me.  I am therefore grateful to Tony Eder for sending me the photo from the Martlet posted above, although when you read the caption, it makes you realize that sometimes there really can be “fake news”.

I want to thank you for your leadership during your years as Provost and VP Academic which includes navigating the academy through the pandemic.  I think the Provost position is the most demanding one in any university. Each Faculty and ancillary group want “more” (money, positions, space, you name it). Although such budgetary decisions are made at UVic through Integrated Planning by the Executive, there is no doubt that the Provost, more often than not, becomes the lightning rod of ire when decisions made do not please everyone; and how could they? As a former Dean of Science, I certainly did not get everything I wanted.  However, I always appreciated the careful and principled way you reached your decisions, and your collegial manner in all our interactions. You were open, without fail, to good arguments coupled with good data, and if possible, with cost sharing. We did indeed make a lot of deals, big and small, during my tenure which I think helped position my Faculty going forward. Thank you for that!

I wish you good health and happiness in this next chapter of your life.  You’ve earned a good rest.

Rob

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Dear Valerie,
Thank you for all your years of service at UVic and especially as Provost for the past 8 years. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from you. You are an incredible leader and mentor. You lead with humility, commitment, kindness and compassion, but never shy away from making difficult and principled decisions.

I'll miss you. Very best wishes for a well-deserved leave and whatever comes next for you!
Elizabeth

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Valerie,
In the short time I have known you, you have been a model of leadership with integrity, heart, and values. You have made an impact on many and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you, learn from you, and be inspired by you. I wish you all the very best of life in your next chapter.

Alison

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Thank you, Valerie, for always taking time to welcome new students. This photo is of your first time doing so as Provost (in 2014)! We'll miss seeing you in your purple robe!

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In 2017, over 100 faculty and staff donors were treated to breakfast and coffee served with a smile by UVic Executive in appreciation for their support over the year.

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Valerie -- your unwavering support over the years for the library is to the benefit of all students and faculty at UVic, and a testament to your dedication to the research enterprise.  Congratulations on reaching this next stage in your life and career.
All the best -- Jonathan

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Members of Executive Council raise their hands in support and solidarity of International Women's Day in 2021

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Thank you, Valerie, for being such a great supporter of UVic Vikes over the years! MVP!

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We hope you and John have many (many) more moments like this one in the near future!

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Dear Valerie,

It has been such a privilege to work alongside you these past eight years as Provost and as a colleague for over 20 years. I’ve witnessed how your values and principles inform every decision and action you take, always for the betterment of the university and its community. It’s no understatement to say you’ve transformed our university and have mentored so many of us to do our very best in service of the academy.

I’ve watched you navigate countless thorny issues, but what stands out for me most is the absolute pride you have in the university and its people – that pride is no more apparent than on the stage at convocation watching our new graduates or when you help honour faculty, staff and students for their exceptional contributions. You know that it’s those moments that make working at UVic, and with great colleagues, so worth it.

Like others have said, savour your time ahead and reflect on how you’ve left us in such a good place – your leadership will leave a lasting legacy here. I know you and John will have some incredible adventures ahead in this next phase – we’ll raise a glass with you soon.

Tony

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In my 20 years working with leaders in PSE, I have never found one with such a commitment to doing what is right, what is founded in principle and human and humane values.  You are a gift to leadership and you have led this university in such an inspiring way, despite many trials and tribulations. Know that people have seen this, and that you will be missed.  From me, thank you for being the kind of leader I admire, learn from, and enjoy working with. Wishing you the best in your next chapter.
Michele

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Thank you so much for the teachings and guidance you have always provided me. I have valued the opportunity to work and learn from you. Your ability to always see the big picture and make your decisions in such a principled manner makes you an exceptional leader. You have supported many people/initiatives, been a shoulder to lean on, made the tough decisions when others couldn't and had more than your fair share of tough conversations. In every instance, you have done so with integrity and humility. Thank you for walking alongside us.

As you begin your admin leave, I wish you the time to continue enjoying the things that bring you fulfilment. May you have time to recharge and, most importantly, time to reflect on the outstanding contributions you have made to UVic.

Keep the wine chilled and ready - I will be visiting!

All the best,
Pamela

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Thank you, Valerie, for all that you have contributed to the university as Provost these past 8 years. I've seen firsthand how incredibly challenging the role is, and how you've consistently tackled every project and issue with expertise, integrity and wisdom. Thank you also for your mentorship these past 3 years. I'm so privileged to have had the opportunity to learn so much from you. I'll miss your collegial leadership as well as the warmth that you bring into the office each and every day. Even on the difficult days (and there's been no shortage of those), hearing your laughter assured me that we were in good hands.

Warmest wishes, and enjoy some well-deserved time off!
-Lindsay

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Thank you, Valerie, for your leadership and support of undergraduate student research!