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Last week I had a conversation with our Vice President External and International Relations, Dr. Manfred Zeuch, in which he indicated his intent to step down from his senior administrative role at the conclusion of his second term on June 30, 2023.

It is fitting that I take this opportunity to thank him and recognize his efforts during his time in senior administration. The results speak for themselves. Under his leadership CUE was able to develop 100 meaningful partnerships with highly reputable international universities, allowing for exchange of students and researchers around the world. He has also taken us from having less than 3% of international students to reaching our target of 18%. His expertise, enthusiasm, and vision were behind the creation and development of our Concordia Innovation Hub, which has added a new sense of vibrancy and external connection to our university. His work with our donors and alumni has been exemplary. 

There are, of course, many other achievements too numerous to list here, not the least of which is facilitating the recent establishment of the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada Brazil Hub in Western Canada at CUE, and some years ago our successful Centre for Chinese Studies, and the Office of Extension and Culture, with its Continuing Education program. He has always been helpful in adapting his role as required and has always had the best interests of CUE and our students at heart. His vision for a more outward facing, entrepreneurial CUE is a shared one that will continue in the upcoming years.

Moving forward, I have decided to reduce the size of CUE’s senior administration and not fill the Vice President External and International Relations position. Our International Office and Office of Extension and Culture will report to our VP of Campus Life. The Concordia Innovation Hub will report to our VPA and Provost. Our Community Relations unit will report to our VP Finance and Operations. This transition will happen slowly over the coming months and will involve conversations between each of these teams and the new administrative units that they will join. Thankfully, Manfred will assist with facilitating the transition so that the strong work occurring in his portfolio can continue.

Over the years Manfred has become a valued friend and one of my closest and most trusted colleagues. He has always been positive, creative, caring, and kind, and he approaches his work with a strong sense of personal integrity. I will miss working with him as a senior colleague, but Manfred remains a friend of CUE and I look forward to our next few months together and whatever the future may hold. Please join me in wishing Manfred all the best for the future.

Sincerely,

Tim Loreman, PhD.
President and Vice-Chancellor