Source: Mount Saint Vincent University
http://www.msvu.ca/MediaCentre/Releases/2006/Oct06/221006-2.asp Mount Saint Vincent University Celebrates Installation of its 10th President and Vice-Chancellor with the Sound of MusicOctober 22, 2006 Mount Saint Vincent University Celebrates Installation of its
10th President and Vice-Chancellor with the Sound of Music October 22, 2006, Halifax, NS – Graduates and their guests joined with dignitaries and presidents from major Canadian universities to witness the installation of the MSVU’s 10th President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn E. Laurin. The installation took place on Sunday, October 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the Seton Academic Centre Auditorium. Professor Laurin came to MSVU from the University of Regina, where she balanced a very successful career as a professional musician with that of a university professor and senior administrator for the past 21 years. As a special tribute to her musical background, a piano composition (entitled Three Preludes for Piano) was written in honour of her installation by her friend and former colleague, composer David McIntyre. The piece was performed by Ukrainian-born pianist Oksana Zotova, who now resides in Halifax, NS. "It really was so much fun to have Kathryn in mind as I wrote these pieces and I hope they give her some fun to hear and play!" says McIntyre. "I try to write music that is ‘characterful’. I think of Kathryn as a person who is multidimensional and rich in character, full of personality, so it felt like a very good fit!" The installation of a new President follows a long tradition that has evolved in universities around the world. Like graduation, the installation ceremony is a symbol of the history and continuity of an institution and its place within the larger academic community. Chancellor Sister Donna Geernaert, PhD and Congregational Leader, Sisters of Charity, administered the pledge of office. Gwen Haliburton, Chair of the Board of Governors, performed the official robing of the new President and Vice-Chancellor. Ms. Haliburton offered that "the installation of a new president is an event which bridges the past, present and future. It provides an opportunity for the community to reflect on the University’s mandate and mission, welcome and demonstrate support for the new leader and unite in a celebration of renewal and new beginnings." Greetings were offered from the MSVU and academic communities, including the MSVU Students’ Union, faculty, non-teaching staff, alumnae, as well as the Sisters of Charity, The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, The Association of Atlantic Universities, The Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents and over 21 Canadian universities and colleges. As well, dignitaries from government, distinguished guests, and friends and family were present. In her installation speech, Professor Laurin congratulated the new graduates and asked the MSVU community to continue to commit to supporting the richest student experience possible. She promised to serve the institution with all her strength and invited the community to join her to work together to face the challenges before them, as the next chapter in the history of Mount Saint Vincent University begins. As the new President and Vice-Chancellor of MSVU, Professor Laurin will guide MSVU through a strategic planning process and promote the University’s Capital Campaign, "Building Tomorrow. Together." -30- For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact: Anne Stephaniuk
MSVU Public Affairs
Tel: (902) 457-6439
Cell: (902) 441-0505
Anne.stephaniuk@msvu.ca Biography of Composer David L. McIntyre David L. McIntyre is most well-known in North America as a composer. He has fulfilled commissions for many of Canada’s leading artists, including Ben Heppner, Angela Hewitt, Erika Raum and Catherine Vickers. For three years he served as composer-in-residence with the Regina Symphony Orchestra. One of the country’s leading composers of music for the piano, he is himself a fine pianist and frequent collaborator with many singers and instrumentalists. He has recorded several CDs with various artists and if often heard on the CBC and live in concert. His growing catalogue of published music includes vocal, choral, organ, piano and chamber music. Biography of Pianist Oskana Zotova Described by critics as "…une jeune pianiste extraordinaire…" with "…a wild-flower technique… sensational clarity… bouquet of tones, easy, fresh, colorful…and extremely musical…", Ukranian-born pianist Oksana Zotova has performed both as a soloist and chamber musician in Canada, Russia, Yugoslavia, Latvia, Italy and the Ukraine. Born to a family of non-musicians, Oksana started playing piano at age five. She has graduated with distinction from both Glier Kiev State Music College and the famed Kiev State Conservatory, followed by studying as an Assistant-Post-Graduate at the Ukrainian Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music. Oksana won numerous piano awards and prizes, including the Distinguished Musician Award at the Ibla Grand Prize World Music Competition in Italy and the "21 Century Art" International Competition. She was a recipient of the prestigious Glier Scholarship for three consecutive years, has performed at Prokofiev and Rachmaninov Festivals, has been invited for a series of concerts by Ukrainian Philharmonic Society, and recorded for CBC Radio. Oksana worked for several years at the Kiev State Conservatory and Kiev National University of Culture and Fine Arts. In September 2002, she immigrated to Canada and currently resides in Halifax, NS, where she teaches piano at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts.
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