The annual Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC) conference drew approximately six dozen participants from universities, colleges and technical institutes across Canada. BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff says the gathering featured exceptional content.

“I have attended SWAAC conferences since the first in 1987,” says Dr. Poff, “and the speakers and panel discussions in Brandon have been among the strongest ever.”

Keynote speaker Amanda Lindhout detailed her horrific capture and 15-month long confinement in war-town Somalia. Lindhout was a freelance journalist when kidnapped for ransom in August 2008. Upon her release, Lindhout established the Global Enhancement Foundation, a charity which has raised millions of dollars for programming primarily for women in Africa.

Other speakers included Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Karen DeYoung, ethics writer Dr. Joanne Ciulla and Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, President of Mount Saint Vincent University.

SWAAC provides a forum and a collective voice for women in senior administrative ranks in Canada’s academic institutions.  Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

 -30-