The collected wisdom of ...

• Position: THE MONTH STARTS HERE

Name: Frederick Gilbert

Title: President/Vice-chancellor

Company: Lakehead University

Residence: Thunder Bay

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

Listen to others, but follow your own instincts.

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

Surround yourself with bright, energetic and thoughtful people, ideally smarter than yourself.

Q What person has inspired you the most?

Probably Sam Smith former president of Washington State University. In many ways he moved that institution into a new dimension and I consider him to be a mentor and a friend.

Q Do you have a favorite motto?

Several actually. The old adage "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is a mainstay but "Dare to dare." "No pain, no gain" and "Be honest to yourself and others," are important to me also.

Q What's your favorite place to get away?

Home and any place that truly is close to nature.

Q What's been your most gratifying moment, professionally?

Moments when former students or others tell me...