(Oct. 22, 2010) It takes a certain type of lecture to draw more than 100 listeners to a talk on a Friday afternoon at 4 pm. And the topic presented by Prof. Michael Trebilcock, “Why foreign aid mostly fails,” certainly did.
Trebilcock’s public lecture, which kicked off Reunion events for 2010, examined what works and what doesn’t in the world of foreign aid, and how to best move forward. He highlighted that aid occurs mostly between governments, and as such, does little to change the “dysfunctional institutions” in recipient countries. This is important to note for lawyers, says Trebilcock, as lawyers can diagnose problems and advise a range of solutions.
“Which country to give aid to is not a simple question,” said Trebilcock, “nor is deciding how much…and the coordination of aid is a serious and unresolved challenge.” (Watch Prof. Trebilcock's lecture online or read the text of his talk (PDF)).
The reunion lecture by Trebilcock drew many alumni back to the law school. One of them was Peter Simm, LLB ’89. “It’s a way to present issues of current developing interest to graduates, expose them to current thought and activities among faculty, and have interaction with old friends and students,” said Simm.
Leonard Max, LLB ’60, came from the Ottawa area to catch up. “I don’t get to see these guys, except for every five years. At this age, if you get a chance to see them, you see them.”
Gail Czukar, JD ’83, said she came to reunion “to hear what the big thinkers are saying about important topics. It was interesting to hear an economic analysis of foreign aid.” And the bonus: “I ran into people I knew from law school.”
Alumni enjoyed a cocktail event in the Rowell Room after the lecture, and many went on to dinner events Friday and Saturday around the city to reconnect with their classmates. In total, more than 300 alumni participated in reunion this fall.
“Reunion events are wonderful,” said Max. “We were a small class then— most of them were. And there’s a real camaraderie, so this is simply a chance to renew. And to ensure that people are alive,” he said with a chuckle.
Photos: Jeff Kirk
