Ont. who creates lifelong learning programming for individuals, organizations and communities. Working with police chiefs and law enforcement organizations to develop better leadership, training and research methods, he was creating a program for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police through its Institute for Strategic International Studies. The focus was policing methods in other countries.
Taylor wanted to strengthen the program’s theoretical foundation and research component to make it one of the premiere executive development programs in the country, so in 2007, he joined AU’s Master of Distance Education program.
“The quality of education was superb,” he says. Even as an experienced education professional, he “was surprised,” he adds, “by the creativity and breadth with virtually every subject. The faculty at Athabasca University took things in directions that were richer, deeper – not pedestrian or rudimentary at all.” Taylor appreciated the disciplined approach to research, and the challenge of intellectual debate with fellow students all over the world. Their interaction fueled his work, his policing program development, and his own personal growth.
“The AU program gave me a richer knowledge base to apply to what I’m doing,” he says. “And the cumulative effect was reawakening a passion for lifelong learning, something you don’t want to lose. I’ll be working to integrate even more of my global and social awareness into the work I do.” In 2008, Taylor completed his degree and graduated with the university’s highest honour, the Governor General of Canada Gold Medal, which is awarded annually to the student finishing a graduate-level program with the highest grade point average in AU credits.
Taylor says MDE was “a great personal challenge. You have to be independent and self-driving as a student.” But he was passionate about the program, “because of the great independence it affords you.” And true to his engagement with lifelong learning, Taylor, 53, is already looking at the doctoral program in distance education AU recently established. The educator may soon find himself a student again.
ALUMNI & STUDENTS
calendar of events Athabasca University boasts a family of more than 10,000 alumni who make remarkable contributions to the business, health, social and cultural progress of their communities. Because AU graduates are found in all Canadian provinces and territories, we make a special effort to stay in touch through regular social events in locations across the country. As a graduate, current student or potential student, you are invited to attend one of our receptions or events wherever is convenient for you. We always look forward to bringing our alumni, students, special guests and faculty together. These gatherings – food and refreshments are on us – are a great opportunity to stay connected with the university and meet people who share a love of life-long learning. If you have been considering Athabasca University to continue your education, you are invited too! These events are an opportunity to speak to alumni, students and the university’s senior leadership to gain a better understanding about our programs and student life.
November Thursday, Nov. 6 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lethbridge Lodge & Conference Centre 320 Scenic Drive, Lethbridge, AB
December Thursday, Dec. 4 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 19 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Vancouver Maritime Museum 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens 285 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON
Friday, Dec. 5 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Dundurn National Historic Site, Coach House Hayloft
Friday, Nov. 21 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON
AU Calgary Open House Third Floor, 1030 7 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
For more information about events and a map to each location, visit www.athabascau.ca/alumni and follow the links. To RSVP, please call 800-788-9041, ext. 7285 or e-mail aualumni@athabascau.ca.
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