David Andrews, U of T honorary degree recipient, June 14, 2023

TL;DR

A statistician reflects on his career, highlighting the importance of collaboration, statistical evidence, and public investment in institutions.

Transcript

Chancellor Patten, Dean Woodin, distinguished members of the platform party, family and friends of the graduates and most importantly, the class of 2023 from Victoria College. I am pleased to join in this celebration. Congratulations. This is your day, so I'm gonna be brief. You don't want advice. I know this. I have three sons that graduated fr... Read More

Key Insights

• 💪 Strong collaboration and working with smart people are essential for personal and professional growth.
• 👶 Changing jobs can provide new perspectives and contribute to career development.
• 🖐️ Statistics play a crucial role in various fields, from medicine to law, by informing decision-making and resolving complex issues.
• 🇨🇫 Public investment in institutions is necessary for the development of a civil society and should be prioritized.
• 💁 The decline of political discourse is concerning, and statistical evidence should inform debates and decision-making.
• ❓ Voting is important for a functioning democracy.
• 🤑 Embracing opportunities, including the seemingly impossible ones, can lead to personal and professional fulfillment.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the speaker's main takeaway from his time at Victoria College?

The speaker credits the university's professors, students, and classmates for his success, emphasizing their importance in his educational journey.

Q: How did changing jobs contribute to the speaker's career growth?

Changing jobs allowed the speaker to gain new perspectives and learn from different institutions and mentors, ultimately enriching his skills and knowledge in statistics.

Q: What were some of the fields the speaker collaborated with, using statistical principles?

The speaker collaborated with researchers in medicine, law, and various other fields, applying statistical principles to advance medical interventions, resolve legal issues, and inform data-driven decision-making.

Q: Why does the speaker advocate for public investment in institutions?

The speaker believes that public goods, such as good hospitals and educational institutions, are crucial for societal progress. He argues that high taxes are the price of a civil society and hopes for more civil and informed political discourse.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker reflects on his experience at Victoria College and credits the university's professors and students for his success.

• He emphasizes the value of changing jobs and gaining new perspectives, as well as the importance of strong administration in facilitating opportunities.

• The speaker discusses his collaborations with researchers in various fields, including medicine and law, and how statistics played a crucial role in advancing these disciplines.