Then Dean of Social Sciences Cathie Krull, Carolyn and I began to work as a team to promote areas of common interest; in particular, climate-related research.  This led to several overseas trips to China, Vietnam, and India to make positive connections with many schools and institutes. Later, former Acting Dean of Engineering, Peter Wild, joined us which allowed the delegation to present a broader and deeper sense of the tremendous expertise that UVic has to offer. 

Throughout, Carolyn’s organizational skills, advise, and communication skills were critical to the success of these missions.  And man, did we have fun!  When I think back on my time at UVic, those trips loom very large as some of my most positive experiences.  And I owe so much of that to Carolyn.  Alas VIU’s gain is UVic’s loss. I wish her only continued success, health, and happiness as she begins this new chapter in her life.

 

Carolyn and I made quite the team and took to calling ourselves the Dynamic Duo, because of our amazing chemistry as colleagues, the tremendous amount of work we accomplished together, and because we were both graduate students pursuing our respective Masters degrees in addition to working full time—it probably helped to think that we were super-powered rather than just crazy. Some of the work we accomplished together involved coordinating several international trips and delegations, helping develop an international tiering strategy, participating in laying the groundwork for SEM at UVic, and a massive amount of change management including the adoption of 3 units, 2 leadership restructurings, 2 office suite moves and over 20 hiring competitions. We spent a lot of time in committee meetings in those first years and came up with a meeting management process that eventually became the template for UVic’s “Make Meetings Matter Course.” 

 

Since moving on to HR I’ve continued to work with Carolyn and her teams in a consulting capacity, and have appreciated her continuing mentorship and friendship. While I am sad for UVic's loss, I’m excited for Carolyn to continue pursuing her dreams and making a difference in her new role, and proud to have been a part of her imprint at UVic. 

Good luck Carolyn! Love, Karissa

I always enjoyed our conversations, laughs and will miss interacting with you on a regular basis. You are an incredible leader and have accomplished so much for UVic and our team. The last few years have not been easy and, to use your metaphor, you have always been there to steer our ship through sunny days as well as stormy ones.

I wish you all the best in your new role at VIU! What an incredible and well-deserved opportunity!

As you know, the international education community is small and I hope to see you sooner than later – who knows, I may enjoy another “Carolyn dance” in an upcoming zoom call ;)

Ruth

Heike