Since returning to Queen’s and my hometown of Kingston in September, I’ve been settling in and getting reacquainted with the university and the city. Now that I’ve had a chance to get my feet underneath me, and as we set our course for a new year, it feels like a great time to share what I’ve learned and give you a sense of what’s to come.
First, though, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the warm welcome so many of you – and the entire Queen’s community – have shown me over these first months. I’m an alum and I’ve stayed connected to the university over the years, particularly through my work with University Council, so your kindness and warm welcome isn’t surprising, and has been much appreciated.
It has been an energizing start, and being back on campus every day has reminded me just how deeply we all care about this place. That passion shows up again and again in conversations I’ve had with faculty, students, and colleagues across the university and in stories from alumni telling me about the impact Queen’s has had on their lives.
That passion also shines through in the work happening here, including in the research that is pushing into new territory – from supercomputing and astroparticle physics, to art conservation, cancer care, and beyond. I had the chance to experience some of that energy at my first Queen’s Mico Summit in Ottawa this fall, where alumni and some of Queen’s leading researchers came together for a discussion about Canada’s security and sovereignty in a rapidly changing world. Continuing to share this research with you is an exciting priority for us, especially as Queen’s continues to make a real impact in so many areas globally.
Students also continue to be a source of constant inspiration. Spending time with them has been another highlight of these first months, and I feel a personal connection to their experience as well. I’m a Queen’s parent, so I see firsthand the community and sense of possibility that define student life at Queen’s. Helping students thrive and ensuring they have access to opportunities that spark growth remains central to our work (strengthened, of course, by the generosity of alumni who believe in their potential).
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to meet even more of you. I’ll be visiting alumni and Queen’s friends across Canada and internationally over the next few months, and I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the kind of Queen’s we want to build together.
This year also brings special milestones, including the 100th Homecoming (Oct. 16 - 18) and the 100th anniversary of the Queen’s University Alumni Association. Being at Homecoming in the fall for the first time in many years reminded me of the pride and sense of belonging that define Queen’s. These centennial celebrations, along with all the other programming we’re planning for 2026, will give us even more ways to come together.
None of this work happens without you. Your support – through your generosity, time, expertise, and pride in Queen’s – strengthens the student experience and advances discovery. Thank you for everything you do.
Wishing you and the entire Queen’s community a wonderful year ahead.
Sincerely,
Kate Wilson, Artsci’86
Vice-Principal, Advancement
