July 1 marks, among other things, the start of Brett Fairbairn's five-year term as Head of the History Department. Brett is a graduate of our department (BA hons), and went on to complete his doctorate at Oxford University. From 1986 until roughly yesterday he held a joint appointment in the History Department and the Centre for the Study of Co-Operatives. He was director of the Centre from 2000 until roughly yesterday. A specialist in German and Western Canadian social movements, author of three books and many other publications, holder of numerous awards and fellowships, past editor of the Canadian Journal of History -- Brett brings a wealth of academic and administrative experience to the headship.