This Saturday, April 30, 2011 is a historic day for Squamish. An audience of more than 700 will celebrate Quest University Canada's first graduating class at the commencement ceremony. While our community continues to evolve and flourish in many ways, this achievement by the 49 graduating students is a momentous milestone.
Not all know the Quest story. The dream of a few visionaries to create Canada's first private, not-for-profit, secular arts and science university began more than a decade ago. This dream was considered by many to be impossible and unrealistic. In fact, they would have been correct if it were not for a few dedicated people who preferred to believe. People like a committed academic founder, a very generous donor, a mayor and council who made difficult decisions, a president who made sacrifices to support effective learning and brave faculty and students who took a risk with their careers.
The result is incredible.
The progressive program at Quest University is attracting worldwide recognition. For those not familiar, there are no pre-packaged majors. Each student experiences a multi-faceted curriculum from Physics to Philosophy, from Mathematics to Art, to ensure that he or she is prepared to make good decisions in a rapidly changing world.
Clearly, this focus on learning how to learn is working. In the recent National Survey of Student Engagement, Quest was ranked No. 1 in North America in student engagement, level of academic challenge and the intensity of student-faculty interaction. In the words of one student, "there is no escaping learning here."
The impact on our community is also very tangible. The economic stimulus is easy to recognize with more than 50 talented faculty and staff and almost 300 vibrant students already at this rapidly growing institution. Many of us have benefitted from world-class lecturers, an incredible sports field, visiting delegations from countries like China and Japan, attending drama, film and music events or simply enjoying the cafeteria and view.
Undoubtedly, the students from 27 countries and faculty from the U.S., the U.K., Europe, China and Japan have enriched our town in many other ways. Also, local youth now have the opportunity to obtain a degree in the Sea to Sky Corridor (those concerned about costs may wish to talk to the six local students already attending Quest and investigate bursary opportunities). But perhaps most significant is the positive impact of Quest on the outside world's perception of Squamish. On top of all our other attributes, we are now seen as a community which is a world leader in academics.
Nonetheless, at the end of the day education is about the students. On behalf of the community of Squamish, congratulations to the Quest University Graduating Class of 2011. We are very proud of your achievements. Beyond obtaining an incredible education that will serve you well for the rest of your lives, you have been pioneers of the Quest legacy. You have certainly taken the road less travelled. And that will make all the difference.
