Page 3 - Impact Fall 2016

Royal Roads University Advancement | Fall 2016

Fresh approaches to teaching and research
are essential in today’s fast-paced
environment, according to Bob.
“Royal Roads University personifies
change. Adaptation is easier and perhaps
not quite as challenging for Royal Roads
as it might be for other universities. That’s
partly because the students themselves
come from a world of practical knowledge
from commerce, industry, government and
Community Partnerships so on. They contribute to how the university
stays current,” Bob says.
“I am really enthusiastic and hopeful that
Royal Roads will continue to thrive and
continue to be recognized as a strong university.”

Bob Skene Leadership

and legacy

Tech giant brings innovative eye to support for Royal Roads faculty.
SAVE THE DATE!
Bob Skene is well known for igniting local an educational perspective, but from an
high-tech business growth as founding industry and commercial perspective. Tuesday
CEO of the Vancouver Island Advanced That’s part of the reason for the fund: to March 14, 2017
Technology Centre. Now, he has turned make sure people stay ahead of the curve Noon - 1:30 p.m.
his finely honed eye for innovation to by teaching in depth, with knowledge about
enhancing teaching and learning at Royal what really happens in the world, not just
Roads through the Buttedahl and Skene from an academic perspective. That’s the
Learning and Teaching Award. kind of research I am hoping will continue
With matching funds from the Royal Roads to contribute to Royal Roads’ unique
University Faculty Association and the approach.”
university, the award supports faculty Bob attributes his experience in the private
members to make direct links between sector to his strong support for real-life
scholarship, effective teaching, research learning.
and student learning. “I understand how incredibly important it is

“Royal Roads is a university at the forefront for students to learn from faculty who have
of teaching been there before
methodologies from a practical
and I want to perspective–most
make sure we “Royal Roads is a university at the universities don’t
stay ahead of forefront of teaching methodologies offer that. There
the curve in the and I want to make sure we stay is nothing like Explore leadership,
post-secondary ahead of the curve.” learning from impact philanthropy
sector. I think this someone who has
award helps in had the experience, and the personal legacies
some small way,” who can relate people can bring to their
Bob says. stories that are right to the point in terms of
As a former acting president of Royal what you are studying.” communities.
Roads University in 2006, Bob understands Exemplifying Bob’s vision, this year’s
the challenges of delivering effective and awards include projects exploring
innovative approaches to learning. simulated work environments, developing For more information
“There’s always theory involved in Royal Roads’ communities and deepening please get in touch
teaching, but there’s the practical side,” connections with the Songhees and
he says. “The faculty is measured in terms Esquimalt communities to improve Amy Hinrichs | 250-391-2529
of where they come from, not just from teaching practices. a.hinrichs@royalroads.ca