On February 2, Alberta University of the Arts officially launched its centennial year while welcoming Dr. Janis Goldie as the University’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The President & CEO installation and centennial celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, post-secondary and art community leaders in recognition of a century of impact.
The event marked a significant moment for the University. Dr. Goldie was officially installed as AUArts’ 20th executive leader, assuming the powers and responsibilities of the presidency as the institution entered its 100th year. The evening was a mix of formal ceremony and creative inspiration as guests were invited to reflect on AUArts’ 100-year history while looking ahead to the opportunities of the next century. The ceremony was opened by Elder Casey Eagle Speaker and Indigenous drummers Dakota Bylow, Davis McGilvery and dancer Charmaine Wycotte.
The occasion welcomed Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lahkani, AOE, BSc, LLD (hon), the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta; the Honourable Tanya Fir, M.L.A., Minister of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women; Ms. Anne Ryton, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Governance, Policy and Engagement, Advanced Education; Councillor Myke Atkinson, Ward 7, City of Calgary; and several other government representatives to honour both a new chapter of leadership and AUArts’ impressive legacy as one of only three post-secondary institutions in Alberta to reach this milestone.
“Congratulations to Alberta University of the Arts on reaching this remarkable centennial milestone, and to Dr. Janis Goldie on her installation as President and CEO. For 100 years, AUArts has been a cornerstone of creative excellence in Alberta, preparing generations of artists, designers and innovators to contribute to our province’s cultural and economic vitality. Alberta’s government looks forward to supporting AUArts as it builds on this legacy and charts its next century of impact.”
- The Honourable Myles McDougall, M.L.A, Minister of Advanced Education
Dr. Goldie reflected on AUArts’ legacy while emphasizing the role of people and community in shaping the University’s future:
“As we begin our centennial year, we are celebrating more than a milestone — we are celebrating the incredible people who make this institution what it is. AUArts has always been defined by creativity, courage and community. Together, we are building a future that supports artists, designers and craftspeople as leaders, innovators and changemakers.”
- Dr. Janis Goldie, President and CEO of Alberta University of the Arts
The installation ceremony formally recognized Dr. Goldie’s leadership vision, which centres on collaboration, belonging and impact. The event also underscored the University’s commitment to creative practice, research and education as drivers of cultural and economic vitality in Calgary, Alberta and beyond.
Adrian Stimson, Chair of the Alberta University of the Arts Board of Governors, spoke to the significance of the moment — connecting the installation of the president with the launch of the centennial year:
"Confirming Dr. Goldie as the institution’s 20th executive leader marks the beginning of our future as an innovative educational leader and a driver of economic, arts and cultural impact.”
- Adrian Stimson, Chair of the Alberta University of the Arts Board of Governors
Stimson highlighted AUArts’ long history of creative inquiry and its role in shaping creative culture locally and globally. He emphasized the strength of the University’s community — students, alumni, faculty, staff and collaborators — who continue to inspire and lead through creative practice, education, research and engagement.
Founded in 1926, Alberta University of the Arts has been at the centre of creative inquiry and cultural innovation in the Prairies for a century. More than 14,000 students have studied at the institution, with alumni contributing to creative culture as artists, designers, craftspeople, entrepreneurs and innovators around the world.
The February 2 celebration marked the beginning of a year-long series of centennial initiatives and moments that will invite the broader community to participate, reflect and connect with AUArts’ ongoing impact.
To learn more about Alberta University of the Arts’ centennial and explore stories from 100 years of creativity and community, visit AUArts100.ca.
