Earlier this week, new president Richard Florizone kicked off his to get to know the Dal community.
The Dal community wants to get to know him too, of course, so we thought we’d do our part and help with some of the fun stuff.
Here are 11 things you might not know about Dal’s 11th president.
1. Early aspirations
As a child, Dr. Florizone wanted to be “a scientist… or work in a developing country,” saying he’s always been curious about the world around him. “As a physicist, you want to understand what makes the world tick, the origins of the universe. In administration or business, it’s about organizations and how they function, how you bring facts and data and people together.”
2. School days
In grade school, his favourite subject was English, but his best class was Trigonometry.
3. A short-lived music career
Dr. Florizone picked up the clarinet in junior high, but drifted towards the guitar in high school. The peak of his music career came shortly thereafter, playing guitar with his high school friends in a cover band inspired by new wave icons DEVO (of “Whip It” fame).
4. Fill’er up
His first paying job? Working as a gas station attendant.
5. A cut above
While on exchange in Australia, Dr. Florizone ended up working at his host family’s butcher shop as an apprentice. “It was a great experience,” he says of his time behind the counter.
6. Born to be wild?
While you won’t see a motorcycle parked in front of the president’s residence anytime soon, he does have his license and speaks fondly of the K7-750 Kawasaki he owned in grad school.
7. Hidden talents
Dr. Florizone sheepishly admits to being able to twiddle his thumbs in opposite directions (which we’ve tried; it’s surprisingly difficult) and has been known to entertain daughters Elinor and Zoë with his juggling skills.
8. Morning routine
The first websites the self-described “news junkie” visits each morning? The Globe & Mail, followed by the New York Times.
9. Morning kickstart
Dr. Florizone isn’t picky when it comes to caffeine, but you’re most likely to find dark roast coffee or chai tea in his mug.
10. Words of wisdom
The piece of advice Dr. Florizone continues to carry with him in his career? “If you can’t explain something simply, you probably don’t understand it well enough.”
11. Role models
When asked who he looks up to, Dr. Florizone explains that he gets inspiration from many different sources. “Right now? It’s former university presidents – to try and learn from their examples.”
To learn even more about Dr. Florizone and get involved in his 100 Days of Listening, please visit