Carleton hosts national launch of AUCC’s 2014 Open Doors, Open Knowledge event
Local and national business leaders, government representatives, university officials and students gathered at Carleton University today to help launch the fourth annual national university open house. Open Doors, Open Knowledge – Big ideas for better business highlights the role of university and private sector partnerships in driving prosperity and innovation, creating jobs and preparing students for rewarding careers.
Over the coming weeks, universities across Canada will open their doors to their communities and partners to showcase the many ways they collaborate with small- and medium-sized businesses, helping companies grow and succeed. These partnerships also equip students to achieve their potential and build a better Canada.
Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte delivered opening remarks, and the launch was co-hosted by Paul Davidson, president and CEO of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women delivered an address. The breakfast event brought together more than 80 local and national business leaders, government stakeholders, student entrepreneurs and university officials.
A panel of Carleton’s top student and graduate entrepreneurs discussed the impacts of Carleton University’s entrepreneurship programs on the community, economy and students’ futures. Panelists included Natasha D’Souza, owner of Virtual EyeSee and a graduate of Carleton University’s TIM Program; Myles Foster, owner of Fast2eat and a fourth-year Commerce student; and Anna James, owner of Modern Market and a third-year student Interdisciplinary Studies student. The panel was moderated by Brian Hurley, president and CEO of Purple Forge and a Carleton Engineering graduate.
Open Doors, Open Knowledge, Big ideas for Better Business runs from November 8 to 16 on campuses from coast to coast. More than 40 universities are organizing events including panel discussions, student showcases and innovation open houses. For more information and a full listing of events, please visit www.aucc.ca/opendoors