As an alumnus, I have more than a passing interest in the affairs of my beloved alma mater.
Several years ago, under the presidency of Amit Chakma, an estimated $200,000 was spent on ‘re-branding’ the institution, purportedly to give it more ‘international’ prestige (translat: attract more students – translate: bring more dollars into the university kitty). That foolhardy decision was, for me, a clear indication of where UWO was heading – and the direction was not upward.
Now, thanks to the Sunshine List (the only worthwhile thing the Ontario Conservative government under Mike Harris ever created), we learn Chakma (described by Board of Governor’s Chair Chirag Shah as a “… recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most influential academic leaders in Canada”) has received almost $1 million in salary for 2014.
Although not in a position to comment on how influential an academic leader he is, I certainly have no doubt that, as a result of the current fiasco, Chakma will certainly now be recognized nationally and internationally. Such a shame – a university with such great potential, if only it were led by people with integrity and with a conscience.
Frederick R. Ball
PhD’75 (Microbiology)
