Benjamin Cashore
I was so very fortunate to have taken Glen Toner’s public policy class as an undergraduate at Carleton at the very beginning of his remarkable career. I remember him teaching us really interesting theories of the policy process, and what they all meant for helping governments and society address critical challenges – from wise management of energy and resources to understanding how responsible environmental policies might be fostered.
My memories are of a professor who took a keen interest in student advancement – even undergraduates. He made it a point to invite us to attend really interesting public policy workshops that showcased faculty research on critical questions. And, I remember he was always keen for engaging students in thoughtful conversations about the key public policy issues of our times. When I was in Ottawa on sabbatical in the fall of 2017 he invited me to that year’s launch of the student journal he created, ISEMA, where I was able to witness, over three decades later, his unwavering interest in showcasing past and present students around research and outreach.
One of my fondest memories was during the graduation ceremonies at the National Art Center in the fall of 1986. Glen made it a point to seek out my parents, who had travelled from Vancouver, to congratulate them for what their son had achieved at Carleton. I remember beaming widely. It was those personal touches, keen mind, and problem orientation that combine to make Glen such a cherished and devoted faculty member for so many. Indeed, Glen’s mentoring played a key role in my eventual recognition that I, too, wanted to engage problem focused public policy research around key domestic and global challenges. I think it therefor fitting that 33 years later, I conclude my recognition of Glen’s path breaking achievement at Carleton by thanking his parents for raising such a fine son.