I am very excited to wade into the world of blogging as it is a wonderful medium for reaching out to share ideas, stories and news with members of the Brescia community – wherever you might be – and with those who have an interest in women’s education. I look forward to sharing with you on a regular basis during the academic year here at Brescia.
Under the strong leadership of the Ursuline Sisters, Brescia was founded in 1919 and remains Canada’s only women’s university. Since the very first day, leadership has been central to Brescia’s educational mission. Leadership, however, has recently become a pretty hot topic, with countless different definitions of and ideas about leadership and leaders. Maybe the best way for me to define my view of ‘leadership’ is by suggesting what leadership isn’t.
- Leadership is not restricted to those with a defined set of personal character traits;
- Leadership is not reserved for those who are brilliant, wealthy, or educated;
- Leadership is not limited to formal positions in politics, the professions, or business;
- Leadership need not be about individuals, hierarchies, and control.
Instead, at Brescia, students learn that leadership is a conscious choice that we are each called to make. It is about examining the world around us and choosing to improve it. So, while that choice may mean running for Prime Minister, it may also mean getting involved in a community organization that is committed to a green environment. Alternatively, choosing to lead might mean embarking on a career as a teacher, a dietician or a psychologist – all aimed at serving the world around us.
At Brescia, we urge our students to ‘Choose to Lead’ every day – and we provide the tools needed to support that choice. For some students, that translates into significant involvement in student politics and campus groups. For other students, leadership is nurtured through participation in meaningful academic or community-based projects. For others yet, leadership is forged through spiritual pursuits and examinations. When we talk about leadership at Brescia, these are the opportunities that help our students to grow as young women and to refine their leadership mission as they move beyond Brescia.
All of this begs one important question: how do you choose to lead?
Dr. Colleen Hanycz
Principal, Brescia University College
Principal’s Bio
Dr. Colleen Hanycz was named Principal of Brescia University College in July 2008, making her only the second lay Principal in Brescia’s history. Dr. Hanycz completed her undergraduate history degree at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, after which she completed her LL.B. at Dalhousie University and her LL.M and Ph.D. at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
Following several years in practice as a commercial litigator, Dr. Hanycz served as an Associate Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School where she taught civil procedure, legal negotiation and dispute resolution, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her scholarship and teaching focus is on alternative dispute resolution and she has practiced as a civil mediator for many years.
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