The month starts here: some things that you need to know--and a few you probably don't.

• Position: NEWS - Dominic Giroux of Laurentian University of Sudbury - Interview - Brief article

THE COLLECTED WISDOM OF ...

Name: Dominic Giroux

Title: President, Laurentian University

Title: Former assistant deputy minister, Ministry of Education / Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Residence: Sudbury

Q What's the best advice you've ever received?

1) Surround yourself with the best people, set them ambitious goals, get out of their way and give them honest and timely feedback. 2) Don't enter in a pissing contest with a skunk (this was after enduring personal attacks as chair during a school board meeting).

Q What's the best advice you have to give?

Make the best of every opportunity--you may be surprised where it will lead you.

Q What person has inspired you the most?

Dr Ben Levin, Ontario Deputy Minister of Education and a Canada Research Chair at the University of Toronto/OISE. Ben always keeps his eyes on the ball, is challenging, makes decisions based on evidence, communicates effectively and often, always motivates his team.

Q What's been your most...