Of all the situations to greet a new university president upon arrival, a global pandemic is certainly one of the more unexpected — and absolutely among the most challenging.
Such was the scenario facing Deep Saini, whose term at Dalhousie got underway just at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 and mere weeks before the first lockdowns in Nova Scotia.
In addition to causing a cascade of challenges for students, faculty and staff alike, the virus also temporarily put a halt to some of the more ceremonial aspects of university life. This included in-person Convocation, but also Installation — a long-held tradition in the academy whereby the university formally recognizes the start of a new president’s term with a ceremonial swearing in.
Both traditions returned this week, and President Saini — whose title also includes vice-chancellor — finally had the chance to take his pledge Tuesday morning on stage in the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium during Dal’s first in-person Convocation ceremony in more than two years.
“I, Deep Saini, pledge myself to perform the duties of the president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University as prescribed by law and the statues of the university; and I promise to defend the rights, and to promote the welfare of the university and the members thereof.”
Dr. Saini, right, recites his pledge with Cassandra Dorrington, vice-chair of Dal's Board of Governors.
Cassandra Dorrington, vice-chair of Dal's Board of Governors, facilitated the declaration and officially authorized President Saini to undertake the authority and responsibilities of the office of president, making him the 12th individual to do so.
President Saini responded with a tip of his hat.
Vice-Chair Dorrington and Frank Harvey, Dal’s provost and vice-president academic, offered President Saini the presidential robe following the pledge, which took place at the start of the convocation ceremony for the Faculties of Medicine and Graduate Studies.
A special moment
Chair of Dalhousie Senate Louise Spiteri delivered a short biography of President Saini prior to the pledge, offering a few words that former Dal Board Chair Larry Stordy shared when the president was unanimously selected by the hiring committee following an extensive international search in 2019.
“Deep truly stood apart. He’s a warm, genuine and inspiring individual ready to build on Dal’s 200 years of achievement and chart a course towards even greater success in our third century," said Dr. Spiteri, quoting remarks made by Stordy at the time.
As President Saini situated himself at the lectern following his Installation and a round of applause, it was clear how special the ceremony was for the president.
"Please bear with me. I'm still letting the moment sink in,” said President Saini. “Thank you again for your really warm welcome. I'm really, really pleased.”
Dal Chancellor Scott Brison, whose term began in June 2020, was also formally installed by Dorrington during the ceremony with a declaration.
President Saini shared details of Chancellor Brison’s achievements and, with Anne McLellan, chancellor emeritus and Brison’s predecessor in the role, assisted with the robe offering.
Chancellor Brison, far right, on stage for Installation with Chancellor Emeritus Anne McLellan, centre, and Vice-Chair Dorrington.
In a new aspect of the tradition, both President Saini and Chancellor Brison received medicine pouches and eagle feathers from Catherine Martin, Dal’s director of Indigenous community engagement, and Elder Ann Labillois.
"The eagle feather is the highest honour we give to leaders and gifted people who have helped lead us," explained Martin. "Today, we want to acknowledge Dr. Saini for leading us through a pretty tough couple of years."
The dual installations made for a pair of ceremonial moments a long time coming — and now, at last, fulfilled.
Learn more about Dr. Saini and Chancellor Brison.
Left to right: Vice-Chair Dorrington, Dalhousie President Deep Saini, Director of Indigenous Community Engagement Catherine Martin, Chancellor Scott Brison, Elder Ann Labillois, and Chancellor Emeritus Anne McLellan.