Feb. 18, 2014
2014 Lecture of a Lifetime to be delivered by Gayla Rogers
Gayla Rogers鈥 believes in working for 鈥渟ocial well-being and just societies鈥, shared by Social Work.
Riley Brandt, University of Calgary
When Gayla Rogers, professor and former dean of social work, says that the University of Calgary has been a huge part of her life, she鈥檚 not exaggerating.
鈥淚鈥檝e grown up here. It鈥檚 seen me through a lot of stages and transitions 鈥 from student to sessional instructor, tenured faculty to dean, and now as a special advisor to the provost,鈥 muses Rogers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also been there through many of life鈥檚 sorrows and joys.鈥
Rogers鈥 teaching and service will be celebrated on April 16 when she shares insights, stories and lessons from her distinguished career during the 2014 Lecture of a Lifetime.
Introduced by the University of Calgary Senate in 2008, the annual lecture showcases our top academics, recognizes exceptional talent and achievement, and celebrates outstanding service to the university, its students and the community. It鈥檚 also an opportunity for honourees to share what they鈥檝e learned about the value of teaching during their careers.
鈥淲hen Jim [Chancellor Dinning] phoned me, I was honoured, surprised and thrilled to say yes,鈥 remembers Rogers. 鈥淭hen, I hung up the phone and said 鈥極MG,鈥 because it鈥檚 a rather daunting task to pull together something like this.鈥
Those who know Rogers believe she is a natural choice.
鈥淗aving known Gayla since high school and watched her excel in her career, I was thrilled when she was recommended鈥 as this year's 'Lecturer',鈥 says Chancellor Jim Dinning. 鈥淲e're so fortunate to have a strong leader like Dr. Rogers among us on our campus."
Never one to settle for the status quo, Rogers has made many outstanding contributions to the university and community by supporting innovation, embracing change, motivating others and inspiring excellence. She advocates for the vulnerable, works to empower the disadvantaged, and is known as a thoughtful leader and capacity builder.
Rogers received the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Order of the University of Calgary in 2010, and was named a Global Television/YWCA 鈥淲oman of Vision鈥 and the Calgary-based 鈥淲oman of Influence鈥 by Deloitte Women of Influence Inc.
During her tenure as dean, she was instrumental in securing provincial government support to expand undergraduate and graduate social work education across Alberta, including First Nations and M茅tis communities. The faculty鈥檚 first-ever endowed research chair was established under Rogers鈥 leadership, as were a significant number of research grants, community-based projects, and student awards and scholarships.
Underpinning all of these accomplishments is a fundamental belief in the importance of people and relationships. Rogers urges each person to 鈥渂e part of the solution, regardless of age, stage or ability. Get involved in something bigger than yourself. Contribute something that will make this world a better place.鈥
Fitting words for the Lecture of a Lifetime.