Maine, New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia face similar challenges and opportunities
For Release: March 12, 2003
(Wolfville,
NS) - Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have unique
opportunities for connecting. This was the view of Mr. Owen Wells,
President of the Libra Foundation who delivered the 2003 Bank of
Montreal Lecture on March 11, 2003, at Acadia University in
Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
The topic of the
lecture was "A New Look at Maine and the Maritimes," where Mr. Wells
discussed economic and cultural integration, with a more general
focus on the relationship between Canada and the United States.
“Maine and the
Maritimes face similar challenges,” said Mr. Wells. “Our climate and
rural settings could be seen as difficulties, but are actually
opportunities. People are now looking for areas to live and work
that are less populated, but that also offer opportunities for
learning and healthy living.”
Mr. Wells feels Acadia
University and Wolfville are best able to sell this type of
lifestyle. “Situated in this beautiful region, Acadia University has
become a model for using technology to change the way we live and
learn. I feel Maine should create more partnerships with you to help
both our regions.”
Born in Kittery,
Maine, Mr. Wells serves as President and CEO of the Libra
Foundation, which donates millions of dollars each year to a variety
of organizations. Acadia received $100,000 from the Libra Foundation
for teacher training. He is also of Counsel at the law firm Perkins,
Thompson, Hinckley & Keddy, a Trustee of the Board of the Maine
Medical Center, a Board member of The Hauser Center at Harvard
University, and served as a Captain in the United States Army in
Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
"I am excited to have Mr. Wells
speak on such a timely and important subject," said Dr. Michael
Leiter, Vice-President (Academic) of Acadia University.
"Universities are places for people to come together, discuss
important issues, and celebrate the accomplishments of our region.
The insights of Mr. Wells on economic and social issues affect all
of us and will shape our region in the future."
A full house was on hand to hear the
lecture, which was held at the K. C. Irving Environmental Science
Centre. This unprecedented gift of the Irving family to Acadia
includes a 65,000 square foot building, scientific and technical
equipment to investigate climate change, a campus meeting place,
world-class fully-wired conference facilities, and more than six
acres of unique native botanical gardens.
The lecture was sponsored by the
Bank of Montreal and presented through the Office of the
Vice-President (Academic), School of Business Administration, and
the Department of Economics.
-30-
For more information contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Manager
Office of Public Affairs
Acadia University
(902) 585-1362
Acadia
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