UNews - superintendent

Faculty of Education loses a founding member

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:26:52 +0000

One of the founders of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Faculty of Education has passed away. Dr. Samuel Aubrey Earl passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 7, just two days prior to his 101st birthday.

Earl was a respected educator whose career encompassed roles of teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, a director within Edmonton's Department of Education and professor/director of student teaching at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta.

His journey to Lethbridge began innocently enough with a suggestion from his wife Thera.

"There is a new university opening in Lethbridge," she had said. "Maybe they'd consider you as a prospect."

Earl joined the "new university" in 1967 as a professor, and was a key architect in shaping the highly recognized teacher preparation program. He helped establish the 27-week field experience component of the program (which has grown to become one of the most extensive in Canada), a foundation of theory and practice that he could foresee outshining some of the larger institutions.

"I think we came to be recognized as a prestigious, decent and noteworthy institution," Earl once said in an interview. "Our students were sought after not only in western Canada, but in the United States."

Earl was a visionary who served in many roles as a lifelong educator, including appointment as associate dean of Education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"I envision seeing a school with doctors of education – reading specialists, math specialists, psychologists, wonderful teachers, great leaders, innovators…"

An obituary is available at the Lethbridge Herald website.

Earl helped establish vision

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:23:32 +0000

His journey to Lethbridge began innocently enough with a suggestion from his wife Thera.

"There is a new university opening in Lethbridge," she had said. "Maybe they'd consider you as a prospect."

Earl was a visionary who served in many roles as a lifelong educator, including appointment as associate dean of Education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"I envision seeing a school with doctors of education – reading specialists, math specialists, psychologists, wonderful teachers, great leaders, innovators…"

An obituary is available at the Lethbridge Herald website.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ members earn keys to the city

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:11:50 +0000

Friday the 13th, traditionally a day of bad luck for superstitious people, was instead a lucky day for several organizations and members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and broader community who received a ceremonial Key to the City of Lethbridge from Mayor Bob Tarleck.

"I am pleased that so many of the people honoured with a Key to the City have had ties to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as employees, faculty members or as volunteer supporters," says U of L President Bill Cade. "This shows that our connection to the community extends far beyond our campus."

The presentation of the "Key to the City" – the municipal government's highest honour – is at the discretion of the mayor, and signifies that the outstanding civic contributions generously given by the recipients are recognized and appreciated.

The recipients included:

- The Allied Arts Council, which promotes and supports local arts and culture

- The law firm of Davidson and Williams, one of Alberta's oldest law firms, now in its 3rd generation of family partnership

- Paul Stevenson, John Bolton and Jack Gleason for their work on the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games

- Delia Cross Child, First Nations artist and educator

- Lloyd Hickman, community volunteer and veteran RCMP officer

- Bryan Kolb, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge neuroscience researcher

- David Naylor, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge physics and astronomy researcher and inventor

- Harold Pereverseff, community volunteer and cultural exchange supporter

- Ralph Thrall, rancher, community supporter and environmental awareness advocate

Brief biographical information on these groups and individuals can be found below.

Allied Arts Council

The Allied Arts Council has been an important Lethbridge organization since it was established in 1958 with the objective of encouraging arts activities in Lethbridge and the surrounding district. The Council coordinates activities of member organizations – which includes the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge -- and cooperates with persons, groups and organizations in the promotion of arts activities.

Davidson and Williams

Davidson & Williams was founded in 1885 by C.F.P. Conybeare, K.C., who was Lethbridge's first lawyer. Davidson & Williams is one of Alberta's oldest law firms which today is operated by senior partner and third generation member of the firm, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor Richard Davidson, Q.C.

Paul Stevenson, John Bolton (BEd '72) and Jack Gleason for Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games

These three gentlemen were key to the successful hosting of the first ever Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games, held in Lethbridge in January 2009. Stevenson served as Chair, Bolton as vice-chair and Gleason as financial officer. The Games attracted more than 1,000 athletes, coaches and officials representing eight zones throughout Alberta. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge provided office space and other services to the organizing group.

Delia Cross Child (BA '96,Bed '02)

Cross Child was inducted into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society this year. A Blackfoot artist and educator, Cross Child's creativity and passion have brought pride to her community and awareness to First Nation's issues. As a contemporary artist, she is known for integrating tradition and history with a modern sensibility. Her work has been exhibited at the Glenbow Museum, Walter Phillips Gallery, Southern Alberta Art Gallery and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Lloyd Hickman

Lloyd Hickman is a veteran RCMP officer who came to Lethbridge as superintendent for southern Alberta but spent a significant portion of his career being assigned to high-level posts, among guarding politicians and foreign dignitaries such as Pope John Paul II and former US president George Bush. He also led security operations for the Kananaskis G8 convention in 2002. In between all these commitments, Hickman has served on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate and the Lethbridge College criminal justice advisory committee, among other groups.

Bryan Kolb

Canada has become a world power in neuroscience due in large part to the leadership and vision of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge neuroscience researcher Bryan Kolb. Recognized as a founding father of behavioural neuroscience in this country and one of the most influential neuroscientists in the world, Dr. Kolb has led Canada's research to revolutionize the treatment of brain injury, drug addiction, and conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

David Naylor

David Naylor, a veteran physics and astronomy researcher at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, is putting technology developed at the U of L into deep space to help solve some puzzling astronomical questions and look at the far reaches of space in a whole new way. As a co-creator and Canadian lead investigator for the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) project, Naylor's team is responsible for a device that helps the new Herschel Space Observatory 'see' more accurately by detecting infrared emissions from far-off stars and galaxies. Naylor's research group and scientists from eight other nations are contributing to new knowledge about the origins of the universe.

Harold Pereverseff

Harold Pereverseff is a long-time community volunteer and avid proponent of cultural exchanges through his work with the Lethbridge Twinning Society. He is also a part-time security officer at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Thanks to his efforts, the Lethbridge Twinning Society can boast of solid relationships and formal twinning agreements between Lethbridge and Towada, Japan; Lethbridge and Culver City, California; as well as a friendship with Timashevsk, Russia. He is currently president of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association.

Ralph Thrall (LLD '99)

Ralph A. Thrall, Jr. is president of McIntyre Ranching Company, one of the largest ranches in Western Canada and a place of great natural beauty. Although the ranching embodies an important part of our area's history and economy, McIntyre's long history of environmentally sensitive management has succeeded in preserving a native prairie ecosystem. Thrall has also been a very active and dedicated community member – serving many organizations and businesses, including the YMCA, Lethbridge College Foundation, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors and other community organizations.

Rethinking the future

trevor.kenney — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:53:27 +0000

It's a story that never should have been forgotten. This fall, U of L alumna Ramona Big Head (BEd '96) will take 23 students from the Blackfoot Confederacy with her all the way to New York City to perform "Strike them Hard!" The Baker Massacre – a play that speaks to a long-lost tragedy that many have never heard about.

Big Head wrote the script as her final project while pursuing her master of education at the U of L. It brings to life a piece of history that dates back more than 135 years to a cold day in January.

It was 1870 and U.S. Major Eugene Baker and his troops had been given orders to find a group of troublemakers in the area and "strike them hard." When they came across a Blackfeet camp set up along the Marias River in northern Montana, they mistook it as their target.

Despite a signed declaration from the superintendent of Indian Affairs stating that the peaceful camp was not to be attacked, 217 Blackfeet people – mostly women, children and the elderly – were killed.

When Big Head first learned about the massacre through an Aboriginal Elder mentor program she helped develop, she was shocked to discover that her great-great grandmother, who although only a child at the time, was among a small group who survived.

"I was really angry when I first heard about the massacre, especially when I realized that there was a direct connection to my ancestry," says Big Head.

"But today I can talk about the Baker Massacre and not be angry about it. Why? Because I am doing something about it. I wrote the play to remind my people of what our ancestors endured. We're a testimony to their strength."

Following a recommendation from her master's supervisor, Big Head submitted a proposal for the play to be included in Performing the World '08 – a New York festival that brings together more than 400 activists, scholars and researchers from around the world who share a common goal to use performance to foster growth and development.

Exceeding Big Head's greatest expectations, the play was the first submission to ever be accepted from a First Nations group. Big Head and a cast of students ranging in ages from six to 18 are preparing for a performance of a lifetime on a stage off Broadway.

"While there are many ways to tell a story, for me this is the best way – to have children learn the story, perform it and share it with others. These kids are learning and teaching others about the strength and resiliency of our people. It is something they will never forget."

Distinguished list of Honourary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:24:40 +0000

Following are the 2009 Honourary Degree Recipients for Spring Convocation

Robert Best
Ottawa, Ont.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Bob Best (BASc '73) recently retired from his position as Vice President of National Affairs for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. In this role, he has been influential in shaping much of the advocacy on behalf of Canadian universities. His leadership and commitment to higher education have made him a highly respected and sought-after presenter and consultant on policy issues and government relations.

Ralph Himsl
Lethbridge, Alta.

The retired Superintendent of the Catholic School District, Ralph Himsl has been described as a "Renaissance man". His career in education was dedicated to serving others and challenging them to reach their full potential, whether they were students or other professional educators. Himsl initiated the 'Blueprints' process to reflect on the nature and spiritual needs of Catholic education.

Mobina Jaffer
Vancouver, BC

Mobina Jaffer began practicing law in British Columbia in 1978 and was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 2001 by Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Jaffer has extensive experience in refugee and immigration law, and has done much work in the areas of women's rights, peace, and security. Jaffer also has the distinction of being the first Indo-Canadian female lawyer in BC, the first African-born member of the Senate, and the first Muslim member of the Senate.

Samantha Nutt
Toronto, Ont.

Samantha Nutt is a Canadian physician with over a decade of experience working in war zones. In 1999, Nutt became the founder and executive director of War Child Canada. Her dedication to humanitarian work in war-ravaged nations has made positive change a reality in some of the most devastated and dangerous areas of the world. Nutt has an incredible ability to mobilize youth and has worked with students and teachers across Canada to foster awareness and activism.

Joan Stebbins
Lethbridge, Alta.

One of Canada's foremost curators of contemporary art, Joan Stebbins (BFA '79) has an outstanding record of scholarly achievement. More than 184 exhibition-related publications have come to fruition under her direction or mentorship as curator and director of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge from the 1980s forward. Her dedication and expertise have established the SAAG as one of Canada's leading contemporary art institutions.

Ross Watson
Cochrane, Alta.

An outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, Ross Watson was the first blind climber to summit Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, in the Yukon. Watson is a community leader and dynamic speaker who has made numerous radio and television appearances, drawing on his unique mountain climbing experiences and an uncompromising belief in the power of personal goals, dreams, and ambition.

Honourary Degree Recipients

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:49:03 +0000

Following are the 2009 Honourary Degree Recipients for Spring Convocation

Robert Best
Ottawa, Ont.

Ralph Himsl
Lethbridge, Alta.

Mobina Jaffer
Vancouver, BC

Samantha Nutt
Toronto, Ont.

Joan Stebbins
Lethbridge, Alta.

Ross Watson
Cochrane, Alta.

Brandt among Honorary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:58:02 +0000

Country music artist Paul Brandt is coming to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – but he'll have to share the stage.

Brandt is one of eight persons selected by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate as an Honorary Degree recipient for 2009. He is among a diverse group of individuals from Alberta, Canada and around the world who have distinguished themselves through their charitable activity, community service or advocacy for change.

"Our candidates this year reflect a mix of local, national and international achievements," says Cheryl Dick, the Chair of the Senate Honorary Degree Committee. "The Senate chose individuals who not only represent the best in their communities, but also people who reflect the spirit and focus of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge."

Brandt, a native Calgarian, is joined by Cochrane-based blind mountaineer Ross Watson; Lethbridge residents and community leaders Ralph Himsl, educator, and Joan Stebbens, respected art curator; Toronto-based humanitarian Dr. Samantha Nutt; national university administrator and U of L alumnus Robert Best; refugee and immigration advocate and Canadian Senator Mobina Jaffer; and Son Soubert, a Cambodian archaeologist and politician who supports orphanages in Cambodia.

Selected members from the group will be honoured at either the spring or fall convocation ceremonies. Spring 2009 Convocation is to be held May 28-29 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Following are biographies of the 2009 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Honorary Degree Recipient.

Robert Best – Ottawa, Ont. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Bob Best recently retired from his position as Vice President of National Affairs for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. In this role, he has been influential in shaping much of the advocacy on behalf of Canadian universities. His leadership and commitment to higher education have made him a highly respected and sought-after presenter and consultant on policy issues and government relations.

Paul Brandt – Calgary, Alta. (Fall 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Calgarian Paul Brandt is the most-awarded Canadian country music artist in history. In addition to his musical talent, Paul is a registered nurse who practiced as a pediatric nurse at the Alberta Children's hospital. He is a highly committed volunteer and philanthropist, working with groups such as the Alberta Children's Hospital, Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child, World Vision, and Centre Street Church in Calgary.

Ralph Himsl – Lethbridge, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

A retired Superintendent of the Catholic School District, Ralph Himsl has been described as a "Renaissance man". His career in education was dedicated to serving others and challenging them to reach their full potential, whether they were students or other professional educators. Ralph initiated the 'Blueprints' process to reflect on the nature and spiritual needs of Catholic education.

Mobina Jaffer – Vancouver, B.C. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Mobina Jaffer began practicing law in British Columbia in 1978 and was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 2001 by Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Mobina has extensive experience in refugee and immigration law, and has done much work in the areas of women's rights, peace, and security. Mobina also has the distinction of being the first Indo-Canadian female lawyer in BC, the first African-born member of the Senate, and the first Muslim member of the Senate.

Samantha Nutt – Toronto, Ont. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Samantha Nutt is a Canadian physician with over a decade of experience working in war zones. In 1999, 29-year-old Samantha became the founder and executive director of War Child Canada. Her dedication to humanitarian work in war-ravaged nations has made positive change a reality in some of the most devastated and dangerous areas of the world. Samantha has an incredible ability to mobilize youth and has worked with students and teachers across Canada to foster awareness and activism.

Son Soubert – Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Fall 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Son Soubert is currently a Member of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia and a Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology of the Royal ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Phnom Penh. He has worked to establish responsible politics in Cambodia and has done extensive work to help children, including the establishment of two orphanages. In his political, academic, and humanitarian roles, Son has publicly taken a stand against corruption and is an outstanding example of integrity and humility.

Joan Stebbins – Lethbridge, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

One of Canada's foremost curators of contemporary art, Joan Stebbins has an outstanding record of scholarly achievement. More than 184 exhibition-related publications have come to fruition under her direction or mentorship as curator and director of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge from the 1980's forward. Her dedication and expertise have established the SAAG as one of Canada's leading contemporary art institutions.

Ross Watson – Cochrane, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

An outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, Ross Watson was the first blind climber to summit Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, in the Yukon. Ross is a community leader and dynamic speaker who has made numerous radio and television appearances, drawing on his unique mountain climbing experiences and an uncompromising belief in the power of personal goals, dreams, and ambition.

Rethinking the future

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:29:43 +0000

Big Head wrote the script as her final project while pursuing her master of education at the U of L. It brings to life a piece of history that dates back more than 135 years to a cold day in January.

"I was really angry when I first heard about the massacre, especially when I realized that there was a direct connection to my ancestry," says Big Head.

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