Letter from Western’s President Sabah Randhawa

For 50 years, the Center for Canadian American Studies has been a shining example of Western’s unique brand of engaged excellence.

For 50 years, the Center for Canadian American Studies has been a shining example of Western’s unique brand of engaged excellence.  In the late 1960’s a handful of faculty at Western began discussing the idea of a program for the study of Canada that would not only train students but encourage research and provide credible information to business and government groups on both sides of the border.  Recognizing the need and the capacity to build on existing strengths, Western’s Can-Am Studies program was the first of its kind in the western U.S. and remains one of the best in nation today.

Western’s current strategic plan recognizes the mission-critical of increasing Western’s impact in Washington and the region, and advancing a deeper understanding of and engagement with place.  By virtue of our proximity, we cannot help but marvel at the overwhelming number of things that we share with our Canadian neighbors, from geography and environment, to history and culture, business, and trade.  In our common border we can see both a reflection of ourselves and a window into different approaches to building a more prosperous, inclusive, and ecologically sustainable global society.  The Center for Canadian American Studies deserves much credit in deepening mutual understanding, and self-understanding, on both sides of the border.

And, also in exemplary fashion, the Center for Canadian American Studies has been broad and generous in its vision, inviting collaboration and partnership across departments, institutions, and disciplines.  Over the past 50 years the Center has not only become deeply woven in the University, it has helped weave that fabric in new directions as well.

Congratulations to the Center for Canadian American Studies on 50 years of engaged, exemplary excellence!

Sabah Randhawa
President, WWU