JP Gladu, president of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), was formally installed as St. Paul's second Chancellor in an afternoon ceremony on October 19.
Several people gave words of welcome to the new Chancellor, including Jeff Casello, Associate Provost, Graduate Studies, who mentioned the timeliness of the appointment as the University of Waterloo embarks on its Indigenization strategy, and the key role that entrepreneurship plays for the University.
Katherine Bergman also welcomed Mr. Gladu on behalf of the Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo, as did Peter Frick on behalf of faculty at St. Paul's, Amy Smoke on behalf of staff, and Ben Zammit on behalf of students.
St. Paul's Principal Rick Myers described Mr. Gladu as "a dynamic young entrepreneur" who bridges many communities, including two key aspects of our programming at St. Paul's: Indigenous education and social entrepreneurship.
In a message read by the Principal, Jim Balsillie, former CEO of Research in Motion, said, "Today’s appointment of JP is a confirmation of his leadership and the positive impact he is having within the First Nations community nationally, especially on the issue of economic advancement. I can’t think of a more suitable individual to be asked to serve as Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College.”
Mr. Gladu seemed genuinely touched by the heartfelt welcome, saying he was "blown away" by it. He added, "If my grandmothers could see where society is headed regarding Indigenization today, they would be incredibly proud."

St. Paul's Board of Governors Chair Brenda Simpson delivering a welcome speech

Mr. Gladu with a group of Indigenous staff and students

Mr. Gladu listening to a Welcome Song from Indigenous staff and students

Indigenous staff and students playing a Welcome song for Mr. Gladu

St. Paul's Principal Rick Myers presenting the Chancellor

Dr. Jeff Casello welcoming Mr. Gladu on behalf of the University of Waterloo

Mr. Gladu with the Elders

Mr. Gladu chatting with members of the St. Paul's Board of Governors

Mr. Gladu delivering the Chancellor's Address

Mr. Gladu delivering the Chancellor's Address

Mr. Gladu delivering the Chancellor's Address

Oath of Office and robing of the Chancellor

Oath of Office and robing of the Chancellor

Oath of Office and robing of the Chancellor

Oath of Office and robing of the Chancellor

Oath of Office and robing of the Chancellor

Mr. Gladu reciting the Oath of Office

Ben Zammit welcoming Mr. Gladu on behalf of the students at St. Paul's

Amy Smoke welcoming Mr. Gladu on behalf of St. Paul's staff

Dr. Peter Frick welcoming Mr. Gladu on behalf of St. Paul's faculty

Dr. Peter Frick welcoming Mr. Gladu on behalf of St. Paul's faculty

Dr. Katherine Bergman welcoming Mr. Gladu on behalf of the Affiliated and Federated Institutions at UWaterloo

Dr. Jeff Casello welcoming Mr. Gladu on behalf of the University of Waterloo

Mr. Gladu and Brenda Simpson listening to Dr. Myers' speech

St. Paul's Principal Rick Myers presenting the Chancellor