UNews - Dan Laplante

Members identified for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Hockey Advisory Committee

trevor.kenney — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 16:19:27 +0000

The members of the committee that will look into the possible reinstatement of men’s and women’s hockey at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge have been chosen.

The Hockey Advisory Committee, which was established shortly after the U of L discontinued its men’s and women’s hockey programs in April, will be led by Chair Dan Laplante (BMgt ’88) and consist of 13 sitting members as well as three resource personnel. Its membership represents various viewpoints related to the hockey programs, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the community at large.

“I think it was important for us to establish a committee that has broad representation and takes into account the many stakeholders connected to the hockey programs,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “Given Dan’s reputation as a long-time supporter of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and Pronghorn Athletics, his appointment as Chair was very well received and elicited a lot of interest in the committee.”

Other committee members include U of L Board of Governors Finance representative Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84); Board of Governors Advancement representative Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) and Pronghorn Athletic Director Neil Langevin (BA/BEd ’91, MEd ’10). Community members include Perry Neufeld (BSc ’01), Toby Boulet (BEd ’89, MEd ’04), Jerry LeGrandeur, Dino Caputo (BFA ’99, BEd ’01) and Kathy Hopkins. Sam Schneyder (BSc ’07) and Lesley Burton (BSc ’02) are members representing the women’s hockey alumni group and PJ Lynch (BMgt ’05) and Reese St. Goddard (BMgt ’11) will represent the men’s hockey alumni.

“From the committee list you can see we have alumni, former players, community representatives and original founders of the programs,” says Mahon. “It is an excellent group and I look forward to hearing their recommendations as they work through their process.”

The committee’s purpose is to explore the re-establishment of both men's and women's hockey programs at the U of L supported by a solid and sustainable community-based funding model. The committee will consider other successful post-secondary community-based funding models. Its role is strictly advisory and will not revisit the decision to withdraw the hockey programs or conduct a review of the varsity athletic programs at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

The Hockey Advisory Committee will sit over the next 18 months before making its findings known. By withdrawing its teams from Canada West play, the U of L cannot be reinstated in the conference for two years, meaning the earliest possible date for the Pronghorns to return to play would be the 2022-23 season. Canada West requires applications for a new sport to be submitted in the summer prior to the new sport participation year, with the application process completed by the following March.

The committee will make recommendations to the President's Executive Council, and the President and Vice-Chancellor will decide and approve if any or which recommendations will be presented to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is the final decision body.

The Hockey Advisory Committee full terms of reference are available here.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge striking community-university committee to explore Pronghorns hockey viability

trevor.kenney — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:37:33 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is establishing a committee consisting of donors, alumni and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ representatives to determine the feasibility of future Pronghorns hockey programs.

The committee’s goal is to seek a solution that would allow the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to apply for reinstatement to USPORTS in the coming years by exploring examples of athletic programs at universities that have found success through community-based funding models. USPORTS rules dictate that universities discontinuing participation in their league must wait two years before applying for reinstatement.

The committee will be led by U of L alumnus, and retired entrepreneur and oilfield company executive, Dan Laplante (BMgt ’88). Laplante has also been a major donor to the Pronghorns hockey programs.

“Dan is a longtime supporter of the Pronghorns hockey programs and of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in general,” says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Mike Mahon. “His business expertise, philanthropic experience and passion for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ athletics make him ideal for this role.”

Last week, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge announced the discontinuation of the Pronghorns men’s and women’s hockey programs in response to historic budget cuts. Since last fall, the U of L has eliminated over 60 positions and, with two more signaled cuts to its provincial operating budget in 2021-22 and 2022-23, the U of L will be required to make further significant reductions.

The U of L has undertaken past reviews of Pronghorn Athletics, focusing on program sustainability. The 2015 (and again in 2019) review of Pronghorn Athletics identified significant concerns about the sustainability of the institution’s athletic programs. In an effort to stabilize the funding situation in 2015 and allow time to source external revenues, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ committed an additional $400,000 per year for three years and $350,000 in the fourth year (for a total investment of $1.55 million). Unfortunately, over that time, support for operations has not materialized.

Regardless of past reviews, U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon says the conversations he has had with donors and alumni over the past week make it clear the Pronghorns hockey community would like to explore the possibility of hockey returning to the U of L in the future.

“The resolve of many people I have talked with is strong,” says Mahon. “Recognizing this, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will explore with the community the possibility of hockey programs returning to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in the coming years — supported by a community-based funding model.”

In the coming weeks, the U of L will announce the balance of the membership of this committee as well as its terms of reference.

Laplante says the history of Pronghorns hockey is a source of pride for many individuals in southern Alberta and that he is hopeful the committee, working with the community and the U of L, will be able to find a way forward.

“Pronghorn Athletics are a key connector of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the broader community and they are critical in building future leaders. It is my intent that the work of this committee be thorough and expeditious in determining next steps toward the goal of reinstating Pronghorns hockey,” says Laplante.

Mahon says the funding required to maintain hockey programs is significant and not implementing the decision to discontinue the hockey programs would mean additional layoffs for the institution — beyond those that have occurred so far and those expected in the future.

“It would be an understatement to say it is a challenging time for our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” says Mahon. “The conversations I have had with many individuals over the past week prove to me that our community cares deeply about the presence of our university and the activities with which we are involved. I am heartened by this. The relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the community has been a foundation of our success for more than half a century and will continue to be so into the future.”

Alumnus Laplante throws support behind Pronghorns women's hockey team

trevor.kenney — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 20:49:00 +0000

A five-year commitment of support from a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus has given the Pronghorns women’s hockey team a power play opportunity in the ultra-competitive Canada West recruiting battle.

Dan Laplante (BMgt ’88), retired entrepreneur and former oilfield service company executive, has pledged $125,000, allowing the Horns to offer the maximum number of full-ride scholarships, enabling a stronger and deeper roster.

“Dan’s generosity and support for the Pronghorns Women’s Hockey Program will enhance the student-athlete experience and now provides the U of L with the ability to compete against other U SPORTS schools when it comes to recruiting the top U-18 female players in Canada and specifically Western Canada,” says Horns head coach Doug Paisley. “The U of L has always been one of the best post-secondary choices in Canada and the City of Lethbridge has so much to offer from a community standpoint. Dan’s backing of the hockey program now gives us the ability to build a perennial playoff contender and ultimately a team that can compete for a U SPORTS national championship.”

U SPORTS programs have a cap on the amount of scholarship dollars that can be provided to student athletes so covering the costs of tuition and fees is carefully managed to maximize the use of scholarship dollars. Programs that cannot fund a full complement of scholarships are at a distinct disadvantage to those that can. Laplante wants to level the ice surface.

“The idea is to help our coaches by giving them a little more ammo,” he says. “The entire experience at the U of L is wonderful, but until you get there some students may not know that. The key is to get them there.

“My experience at the U of L was fantastic and I feel indebted to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for providing me a platform and the experience that allowed me to be successful in business. A potential employer wants a well-rounded, engaged graduate. That’s what I always looked for, and I wanted a team player when I was hiring, somebody who would be more ‘we’ centric as opposed to ‘I’ centric.”

Laplante sees university athletics as an excellent training ground, and student-athletes as driven, committed and ultimately employable graduates.

“The vast majority of our partners, executives and salespeople, between my two companies, played team sports at either the U SPORTS or NCAA level,” says Laplante. “I see a real linkage in why employers hire university athletes because they have a lot of skills and a lot of valuable attributes that are transferable to the workforce.”

Laplante’s investment is part of the U of L’s SHINE campaign and highlights the community’s involvement in supporting students and promoting opportunities for them to thrive while working to achieve their academic goals. It comes on the heels of a similar commitment Laplante made of $132,000 to the Horns men’s hockey team in 2018, allowing the program to also offer a full complement of scholarships.

“I didn’t think it was appropriate to support one gender without supporting the other,” he says. “It’s important to show the current players there are people who support them and also to help with recruiting for the future.”

For Paisley and his group, the support provides a funding stability that will allow the Horns to put their best skate forward.

“Dan’s an amazing person who truly cares about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Pronghorn Athletics,” says Paisley. “We can’t thank him enough for the positive impact his commitment will have on the women’s hockey program for years to come.”

Faculties of Health Sciences and Management reunion

trevor.kenney — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:11:40 +0000

On Sept. 24, more than 250 health sciences and management alumni and friends returned home to celebrate the opening of Markin Hall.

The evening included tours of the new state-of-the-art facility, a "U" photo booth and the chance to catch up with fellow alumni and professors. In addition, both faculties hosted dinners to honour the individuals who helped make Markin Hall possible.

The Faculty of Management celebrated the completion of the Power of 25 initiative, a unique project envisioned by U of L alumni Dan Laplante (BMgt '88), Kevin Nugent (BMgt '88) and Dean Setoguchi (BMgt '89) to recruit 25 alumni to give a minimum of $25,000 each to support Markin Hall.

In the end, the Power of 25 initiative raised more than $2 million, including matching dollars and additional contributions from the participants. More importantly, it united a group of successful leaders who share the same passion, appreciation and pride for the U of L.

Similarly, the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted faculty, staff and friends at the inaugural Friends of Health Sciences Dinner. Former U of L President Dr. Bill Cade and his wife Elsa were honoured with the first Friends of Health Sciences award for their support in growing the Faculty.

A new year for the Edmonton and FNMI chapters

On Oct. 21, the Edmonton Chapter of the Alumni Association had the opportunity to review its first successful year of operation at an Annual General Meeting. The year had focused on further establishing the chapter and in reconnecting with alumni. In addition, the chapter hosted two alumni receptions and a family BBQ. With Jeanette Dotimas (BMgt '01) elected as the new president, the chapter will continue to build on these endeavours.

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Chapter held its Annual General Meeting on Nov. 2. Chaired by Leroy Little Bear (BASc '72, DASc '04), the chapter will continue to foster a spirit of partnership between the FNMI alumni and students on campus. Participation in activities such as Native Awareness Week and student advisory panels will carry on in the year ahead.

FIAT LUX ring designs

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association invites alumni, students and the general community to submit designs for a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Fiat Lux ring. This ring for alumni will be part of a new tradition in building pride at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

For more information or to download the submission form, visit: www.ulethbridge.ca/alumni.

Proposals must be received by Nov. 26, 2010.

For a look at the full issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Adventures in philanthropy

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:23:23 +0000

Actions speak louder than words – it's an old adage and the message is repeated in numerous phrases such as "practice what you preach" and "put your money where your mouth is." These sayings reflect the understanding that, at its very essence, philanthropy is personal and intimate, something that requires individual sacrifice.

Together, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade and his wife, Elsa, are a living testament to this truth.

When they came to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Elsa expressed a desire to be part of the U of L team. Now, with 10 years of service coming to a close, it's undeniable: these philanthropists believe in their cause.

Elsa Cade with members of the U of L's Rotaract Club as they help raise money for the purchase of shelterboxes to send to Haiti.

As the presidential couple, Bill and Elsa have served as front-line fundraising ambassadors; encouraging community members, government officials, faculty, staff and even students to support the goals of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. But what made their requests so powerful, and ultimately successful, was the example they set themselves.

"Bill and Elsa have been incredibly generous volunteers and donors at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and in their community," says Dan Laplante (BMgt '88), the president of CTE Ltd. and Chair of the U of L's Legacy of Leadership Campaign, which wrapped up in 2007. "Their support has been given quietly, but has not gone unnoticed by the many students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members who have seen the impact of this philanthropy. The Cades have inspired many to give back."

To date, the couple has contributed more than $100,000 personally and supported initiatives as diverse as student awards, athletics and the library. This past spring, the Cades donated their long-loved BMW to the Students' Union to be raffled off in support of student scholarships. Michael Nolan, as the car is affectionately named, illustrates the playful energy and enthusiasm characteristic of Bill and Elsa, who have always made students their priority.

Christine Michell is one such student who has benefited first-hand from the Cades' generosity. As a recipient of the Bill Cade and Elsa Salazar Cade Scholarship in Evolutionary Ecology, Michell was able to move her interest in animal ecology from the classroom to the field.

"I've spent three summers doing field work in animal ecology," explains Michell, who graduated in June with a combined degree in biology and education. "These were great experiences and they wouldn't have been possible without the scholarship I received."

In addition, as a fellow biologist, Michell is flattered to be funded specifically for her work in evolutionary ecology.

"It's an honour to be recognized for my work in an area that's obviously so important to Dr. Cade," says Michell, who jokingly hopes the president isn't too disappointed that she studies birds instead of insects.

Michell emphasizes that she admired Bill's dedication to students throughout her time at the U of L.

"He's been a visible presence on campus. As a biology student, I saw him in the department and at the seminar presentations for the students who work in his lab. He says hello in the halls and attends as many student events as he can," says Michell, who admits his approach isn't what she expected.

The Cades' philanthropy is driven by the spirit of generosity that Michell describes. The role of the presidential couple is a busy one, but Bill and Elsa have graciously volunteered countless hours to both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the broader community, going above and beyond the call of duty to help.

No matter what the project or initiative, whether raising funds for a new building or a new student program, the Cades don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk, creatively making their gifts and believing in the results of the support they provide.

• The endowment for the Bill Cade and Elsa Salazar Cade Scholarship in Evolutionary Ecology has reached close to $130,000, providing tangible opportunities for students like Christine Michell.

• Bill and Elsa have shown their Pronghorn Pride by sponsoring a male and a female athlete through the Adopt-a-Horn program each year. "The financial support Bill and Elsa have provided to athletics over the years is substantial," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services Sandy Slavin. "But more importantly, they've helped foster a sense of pride in Pronghorn athletics. Their enthusiasm for giving back is contagious, and they have encouraged many others to get involved."

• In support of the recovery and disaster relief efforts underway in Haiti, Elsa encouraged the support of ShelterBox, a Rotary International campaign aimed at providing necessities in times of disaster. As a result of Elsa's efforts, 130 ShelterBoxes, each worth $1,000 US, were purchased and sent to Haiti.

• The Cades' BMW, Michael Nolan, made appearances on campus and brought in ticket sales from faculty, staff, students and community members. With matching money from the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund and an additional contribution from the U of L Board of Governors, the campaign raised more than $30,000 toward a student scholarship in honour of Bill and Elsa. As for Michael Nolan, the car found a new home with student winner Joshua Og.

To view the entire issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Welcome to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge 2007/2008 Community Report

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:18:05 +0000

Wow – what a year this has been! Our 40th anniversary year was filled with plenty of excitement, but I can honestly say our 41st year is proving to be truly transformational.
We continue to build a comprehensive institution by expanding our horizons into the world of graduate studies while maintaining our tradition in undergraduate education. This year, 8,000 students from around the world call our campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton home. Our student body has grown by 50 per cent in the last 10 years, phenomenal growth among post-secondary institutions in Canada. Despite this growth, we have remained true to who we are – student-focused, research-intensive and grounded in liberal education. Our graduates face the world with confidence – not only in their educations, but in their abilities to succeed in their careers.
The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is built on a commitment to the individual student and to providing each student with the most vital and engaging learning environment in the country. We are a university that sees teaching as a core activity and a university that has developed a reputation as a major research institution. In what is being called the biggest research hire for a university in Canada, this fall, Dr. Bruce McNaughton joined our Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience team as the inaugural Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) Polaris Award recipient. The award is a 10-year, $10 million research grant that will ultimately result in $20 million through matching funding.
Our centres of research excellence provide opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students that are second to none. New facilities, such as the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building and the future Markin Hall, will create additional research space and accommodate future student needs. Over the last two years, we have had $147 million worth of new construction on campus. To date, five projects are complete and two more are under construction and set to open in 2009/2010. A key part of the U of L's campus infrastructure, our signature Arthur Erickson building, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, is also being preserved through an $18.5 million renovation investment.
I am also pleased to report that we set out to raise $20 million from the community through our Legacy of Leadership Campaign and we actually raised $35 million, an achievement made possible in part through the support of the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund. The largest percentage of the money raised went directly to establishing scholarships and bursaries for our students. I want to thank alumnus Dan Laplante (BMgt '88) for serving as Chair of the campaign – he did an outstanding job of motivating support and we sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm he brought to the campaign.
And last, but definitely not least, I would like to highlight two U of L students who shone brightly on national and international stages this year. Theo Tams, a music and psychology student, won the Canadian Idol competition, and hammer thrower Jim Steacy competed for Canada at the Beijing Olympics.
So why rethink? Because we want you to "rethink" what you thought you knew about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

William H. Cade, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
Professor of Biological Sciences

UNews - Dan Laplante

Members identified for ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Hockey Advisory Committee

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