Inspired by a speech on the strong value of education delivered by his mentor Daisaku Ikeda in Japan in 2010, Dr. Paul Sherman desired a new challenge. He decided to apply for the role of Program Head, Family & Community Social Services (now known as Chair, Community Social Services) – and has never looked back.
He’s also the Director of the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) Soka Education Research Centre on Global Citizenship (SERC-GC), which provides students the opportunity to conduct research on the applications of the Japanese learning philosophy of Soka for educational and community settings.
While he will continue his role as Director of SERC-GC, Dr. Sherman reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave at U of GH and shares his uplifting philosophy on life as he retires from his duties as CSS Chair on Dec. 31.
“I try not to avoid the inevitable struggles that I’ll face because if I’ve overcome the struggle, then the experience has taught me to become a better person,” he said.
Watch Dr. Sherman's inspiring video interview here: