Gilbert named Executive Director of Robert Bateman Centre at RRU
Paul Gilbert has been named executive director of the Robert Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University. The appointment comes as Robert Bateman gets ready to celebrate his 80th birthday on May 24.
Paul Gilbert first met Robert Bateman in 1965 as a high school art student. In 1974, Gilbert graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and continued an ongoing relationship with Bateman.
Prior to joining Royal Roads, Gilbert was interim Director of Marketing at The Art Gallery of Ontario, promoting the triumphant re-emergence of the institution through a series of exhibitions including the celebrated Tutankhamun exhibit and the $300 million Frank Gehry transformation. Before joining the AGO, Gilbert was the brand mastermind behind making Aeroplan Canada's premier loyalty program.
"Paul Gilbert brings a huge amount of practical experience to the table," said Royal Roads University president Allan Cahoon. "His personal connection to the Bateman family and his understanding of the relationship of Robert Bateman's art to the environment and to education will help support our fundraising objectives for the centre."
Gilbert also brings an extensive background in environmental education and sustainability. Among the campaigns he has been involved with was the 12-year Cape Jourimain Nature Centre project, considered by many to be the most comprehensive natural history interpretation facility in Atlantic Canada. The project also highlights Gilbert's commitment to natural heritage, communities and sustainability, a founding vision for the Robert Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University.
"My relationship with Bob has come full circle with this appointment," said Gilbert. "Helping create a legacy for my mentor and friend with the world class capability of such a premier institution such as Royal Roads is an opportunity of a lifetime. I'm truly honoured to be able to take on a leadership role in such an important legacy project."
The Robert Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University will be a catalyst for dialogue, research, education, and discovery of the environment through outreach and involvement in stewardship and life long learning for students and visitors. For more about the Robert Bateman Centre please visit the website: www.batemancentre.ca.
Royal Roads University was established by the Province of British Columbia in 1995 specifically to deliver quality applied and professional programs to advance professionals in the workplace. The university blends online and on-campus learning with current, real-world relevance for doctorate, graduate and undergraduate, certificates, diplomas, executive and custom education.
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For media queries, contact:
Communications Officer, Phil Saunders
phil.saunders@royalroads.ca 250-391-2526, cel 250-812-5065
