Global Engagement Amid Global Uncertainty

Colleen Packer

Director, International Learning Experiences

University of Calgary

Colleen Packer, M.Ed.,has worked in the field of international education for over 20 years. She is currently the Director, International Learning Programs at University of Calgary International, where she provides leadership for the University’s education abroad programs, working with stakeholders across campus to support the institution’s international strategy. In addition to serving on various internal and external committees, Colleen is the co-chair of the CBIE’s Education Abroad Professional Learning Community and is a frequent presenter at both national and international conferences. Prior to joining University of Calgary International, Colleen also worked in France, the USA, the Netherlands, Wales and Japan. Colleen has an M.Ed. in adult learning from the University of Calgary.

Janaka Ruwanpura

Vice-Provost (International) and Professor

University of Calgary

Janaka Ruwanpura is the Vice-Provost (International) at the University of Calgary since 2013. He is also the current elected Executive Chair of the Commission of International Initiatives of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). He was a full Professor and Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Project Management Systems (2007-13) in the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary before he became the VPI. He is a Professional Engineer and a Professional Quantity Surveyor. During his 7 years as VPI, he has brought new initiatives to the University of Calgary including developing and implementing collaborative degree models for undergraduate and graduate levels, offering customized training and capacity building programs, co-developing Global Research Initiatives and Sites in China and Mexico and raising funding for research and infrastructure, establishing and promoting new research opportunities and partnerships in number of countries, promoting and developing new funding models for opportunities for students’ international experience and to enhance international exposure for faculty and staff and securing, raising research internships through MITACS and lobbying for international development grants. Because of these initiatives UCalgary won 6 competitive excellence and innovation awards since 2016 from CBIE, APLU and AIEA. He recently led to develop an International Partnership Assessment Rating Index (IPARI) to assess existing university partnerships, identify top partners in each country and develop strategic partnerships.

Buffy St-Amand

Director, International Relations

University of Calgary

Buffy St-Amand has worked in higher-education and the social sector for over 20 years in Calgary and internationally. Her specialties are in the areas of alumni and community engagement, philanthropy, international education and partnership development. She is currently the interim Director, International Relations at the University of Calgary, where her team is responsible for institutional partnerships, agreements, data management and assessment to support UCalgary’s Global Engagement Plan. Activities also include hosting of incoming international delegations, plan executive level missions, and make recommendations for local/global activities, agreements and protocol matters. Buffy’s academic background includes a Bachelor Degree in Sociology from Université de Moncton, a Certified International Trade designation, and a certificate in Non-Profit Executive Leadership. In addition to serving on various internal university committees, she currently sits on the National Advisory Committee for Canada’s Volunteer Awards, she also volunteers with the Calgary Foundation, and is a mentor with the Scholars’ Academy Mentorship program at UCalgary.