Building a Campus‑Wide Platform for Social Innovation
Innovation Hub – St. Lawrence College
Role: Dan Hendry
Year: 2015–2020
When I began my work at St. Lawrence College, the Innovation Hub was quite literally an empty space—bare walls, desks, and a clear mandate to create something meaningful. What followed was the opportunity to build not just a physical room, but a functional, campus‑wide platform for social innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
In my role, I was responsible for taking the Innovation Hub from concept to full operation. This included developing the brand, communications strategy, systems, and internal processes needed for the space to function as an integrated part of the college rather than a standalone project. Over time, the Hub became a place where students, faculty, and community partners could meet, collaborate, and work on real‑world challenges together.
A significant component of this work involved staffing and team development. I led and supported a team of 12–15 student employees, working closely with them to manage day‑to‑day operations, programming, and events. Building a strong internal team was essential to ensuring the Hub could operate reliably while remaining flexible and open to new ideas.
The Innovation Hub was intentionally designed as a connector space. Much of my focus was on encouraging collaboration across academic disciplines and creating opportunities for faculty and students to engage in applied, interdisciplinary work. By coordinating projects, hosting community‑based events, and supporting experiential learning initiatives, the Hub became a shared environment where experimentation and partnership were actively encouraged.
Programs such as Enactus SLC were based out of the Innovation Hub, further strengthening its role as a centre for student leadership and social innovation. Beyond the physical space, I also led the development of the Hub’s online presence and digital systems, ensuring its purpose, programming, and opportunities were clearly communicated and accessible.
What I value most about this experience is how the space evolved through use. The Innovation Hub became defined by people students taking ownership of ideas, faculty testing new approaches to teaching, and community partners engaging directly with learners. Taking the Hub from an empty room to a recognizable and active centre of innovation reinforced for me that successful innovation spaces are built on intentional design, strong systems, and a culture that prioritizes collaboration over structure.
Related Links & Media: https://www.jconrad.ca/stories/craig-centre-for-innovation