UNews - counselor

The U of L inside government

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:43:31 +0000

A look at several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ alumni who now contribute to the inner workings of our government

Melvin Wong

Inspired by the experiences, travels and success stories of several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni working in Ottawa, as well as the guidance of several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty and staff, Melvin Wong (BA '78), assistant deputy minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, embarked on a lifelong career in civil service.

"Originally, I thought of becoming a chartered accountant, then I had an 'a-ha' moment when I spoke with a counselor. She helped me find out what career opportunities I would have with an economics degree. That's when I decided to go into public service," explains Wong.

Wong's first experience with government began in his third year with the economics club.

"I went to a club meeting and someone nominated me for president. It drew me into the administration of the economics department. I learned about the administration and culture of academia, and how universities run. That helps me in my current job because I deal with the universities and colleges throughout Alberta."

Wong has been working in government since his graduation in 1978. He worked in Ottawa initially, as well as at the departments of tourism and small business, economic development, innovation and science and advanced education and technology in Alberta. He travels extensively and has years of senior management and business development experience. He taught economics, international business and marketing, and multinational finance at several post-secondary institutions.

"I chose a life in government because you can work in so many areas and be exposed to so many things," says Wong. "It keeps life really interesting. I am pretty happy right now."

Greg Weadick

Graduating from high school, Greg Weadick (BASc '76), Lethbridge West MLA and parliamentary assistant to the minister of advanced education and technology (PA), spent a year working construction before realizing that he wanted to get an education.

"I started at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in pre-med and later decided to complete my degree in biology. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was quite small and everybody knew each other. We often played bridge in the hallway, had coffee with professors and fellow students in the cafeteria or attended cabarets in the evenings. It was quite collegial," remembers Weadick. "I think one of the important things I got from attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was that I learned to question everything and come up with answers for myself, not just accept other people's opinions. Perhaps the most important things I gained from attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, however, were the relationships I built, relationships with staff, professors and students because those were the people in my community."

Weadick certainly understands community. He is a local businessperson and has spent several years doing environmental work for two local engineering firms. He also served on Lethbridge City Council from 1991-2001, and was the founding president of both Fifth on Fifth Youth Services and the Dragon Boat Festival.

In 2008, Weadick was elected MLA and served as the Chair of the cabinet policy committee on the economy before being appointed to his current position as PA in January this year.

"My goal is to represent the citizens of Lethbridge in Edmonton and make sure that our people are well represented," says Weadick.

Brendan Wade

As executive assistant to the Leader of the Alberta Liberal Caucus, Brendan Wade (BA '10) is on a voyage of self-discovery – a journey he began while working towards his bachelor of arts in political science and history at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Growing up in Vulcan, Wade spent many hours helping at school and community events and developing an important sense of community. With its smaller campus and close proximity to home, the U of L felt like a perfect fit for Wade.

"I can't say enough good things about my campus experience. I got involved with several clubs. I was the founding president of the food and beverage club, which is still going strong and helping make the university experience great for other students," says Wade. "I found that my professors at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ demanded a fair amount of work and that was a good thing. I still connect with some of my profs because I welcome and value their advice and input. Working in partisan politics like I do, I really appreciate the skills I learned at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, one of those being the ability to look at issues from all sides."

Such critical thinking skills are a vital asset to him in his job as he does everything from preparing briefs and face books to chauffeuring and scheduling appointments for the opposition leader.

"This job is a great learning opportunity. It has helped me cement some of my beliefs and call others into question," says Wade. "As I continue to learn and grow I know I am developing valuable skills that will help me in the future."

Mike Simpson

Following his father's footsteps, Mike Simpson (BA '00), executive assistant for the solicitor general and minister of public security, intended to become a lawyer when he started a political science degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Taking a drama class in his second year changed his mind.

"I knew after that class that I did not want to go into law. I played in a band with my cousin. I acted in plays. I changed to a double major and figured I would go into fine arts after I graduated," recalls Simpson. "In my third year I got involved in student politics. I was the fine arts representative on the students' union. In 1999, I ran for students' union vice-president internal affairs and won. It was pretty interesting. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was great for preparing me to do work. Learning to write monologues helped me write speeches. Learning the theories and processes in political science and learning how to research have all benefited me."

In 2001, Simpson's music career was literally leaving him hungry. Simpson began volunteering for the PC Constituency Association; after all, they had food. With a full stomach, Simpson caught the political bug and soon worked his way up the political ladder from research officer to his current position as executive assistant.

"My job is to help the solicitor general do his part to keep the government moving in the right direction," says Simpson. "I am happy doing quiet change. It might be behind the scenes, where nobody else recognizes, but I know that I have made a difference."

Warren Chandler

For Warren Chandler (BA '01), executive assistant to the minister of transportation, attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was more than the next step on his life's journey; it was an investment in a future he could not wait to begin.

"I always assumed I would go to university, and the U of L was always my number one choice of schools. My dad and uncle went there and I looked forward to going there," says Chandler. "I enjoyed the small classes, the academic challenges. My professors were always pushing us to think outside the box and think critically. In class one day, Dr. Paul Viminitz declared he was a feminist and I think he offended most of the women in class, but on further analysis, he was able to back up his claim. He taught me to back up what I say and to think critically."

Critical thinking and the ability to deal with stress and pressure and to write and communicate clearly are skills that Chandler honed at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ – skills that are vital to his success in the political world. He began working in an introductory research role at the legislature in the fall of 2001. Since then, Chandler has steadily moved up the ranks to his current position.

"I do anything and everything that the minister needs in order to conduct his daily duties," explains Chandler. "It can be extremely stressful, but it is very exciting and I am very happy where I am."

Sound advice allowed Robinson to seek path

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:49:47 +0000

Derek Robinson (BA '00, MEd '03) always knew what he wanted to do – he just needed someone to tell him it was OK.

The former ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's hockey forward had an interest in psychology that he wanted to pursue but it wasn't until a career counselor at the U of L affirmed it was a realistic path, that Robinson really believed he had the right stuff.

"Most of the guys I played with were in education or management and pretty much told me I'd never get a job in psychology," Robinson, now a mental training consultant at the Canadian Sport Centre in Calgary who works primarily with Canada's National Long Track Speed Skating team, says.

So he continued on, studying psychology but never fully committing to a major until his third year.

"I always wanted to be a psychologist and obviously loved sports but I was a hockey player, I swore in the dressing room, drank beer in the pub and never really thought I had the material to be a psychologist," he says.

"I think back now to the sessions I had with the counselor and everything we talked about I actually ended up doing."

The events he refers to include research projects, working with elite athletes and coaching at the highest level of sport. In February, Robinson will be in Vancouver as the long track speed skating team looks for a golden harvest at the 2010 Olympics.

A Victoria, B.C. native, Robinson found the U of L to be a perfect fit when he came to campus in the fall of 1995. The size of the city suited him well and he was joining a hockey program fresh off its first national title. However, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ would prove to be much more than just a hockey stop.

"The U of L was a great fit," Robinson says. "Lethbridge is a great place to go to university and it was a really good experience getting my BA there and playing for the Horns. Obviously I liked it enough to go back and complete my master's degree."

The research focus for his master's thesis was on the prevalence of mental training in hockey, specifically the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and whether the league's coaches felt it would be beneficial. The majority did but were lacking the resources to add a mental trainer to their staff.

"Over the course of my thesis, I formed a great relationship with Dr. Kerry Bernes," Robinson says. "I really respect both he and Dr. Kris Magnusson, who was running the program at the time. Those two guys were pivotal through my master's and were really helpful for my career."

He's looking for a career high note in February, after which he'll try and curtail his travel schedule and devote more time to his family.

"I'll be with the support staff at the Games," Robinson says. "Working with the athletes on such a personal level, it's very exciting to see them excel and I'll be thrilled if they do well in Vancouver."

GET THE FACTS

• Robinson and his wife Lisa (now an art teacher) both came to the U of L from Victoria and they have two children, a four-year old son and 18-month old daughter.

• Robinson has also worked in private practice with the Calgary Health Region.

• While at the U of L, Robinson had a 20-goal season in 1998-99.

Donors stay true with support

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:59:33 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 2008 fundraising results show that a healthy $7 million was raised to support more than 200 separate areas on campus – from scholarships and bursaries to research projects and equipment purchases that will make a significant difference to students and researchers.

"Despite challenging economic times that have had an impact globally, the U of L has had one of the best years ever, thanks to our generous contributors," said President Bill Cade. "Our dedicated donors made this year such a success, and we are truly grateful."

"There is no doubt that as times get tough we need individuals and private businesses to show leadership and confidence through continued investment in our community," Cade added.

"The support provided to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a great example of this leadership. We are building something very special here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – something our community can be proud of. I think the support we received this past year shows they are already proud."

In 2008, more than 3,200 gifts were received from alumni, friends, students, and current and retired employees, with 69 per cent of those gifts destined to help students directly through student awards.

Donor generosity also enabled the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to obtain more than $3 million in matching funds from the Government of Alberta through the Access to the Future Fund.

Since 2005, more than $9 million has been directed toward the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for scholarships, bursaries and support to the institution as a result of the province's matching program.

Generous ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge supporters featured in the 2008 Donor Report include:

- Glenn Varzari, a local Chartered Accountant, and his spouse Janice Varzari, a U of L Senator, member of the Alumni Honour Society and a counselor with Lethbridge Family Services, who supported the new Markin Hall building project for the Faculty of Management and School of Health Sciences. Their gift was matched by both the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation and the Access to the Future Fund.

- Calgary-based oil and gas entrepreneurs Darol and Evelyn Wigham, who have supported the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for many years with scholarships, bursaries and books for the Faculty of Education library. Their most recent gift helped researchers at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience acquire specific equipment for a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility.

- Internationally renowned Canadian operatic tenor -- and U of L Honorary degree recipient -- Dr. Ben Heppner, whose benefit concert in Lethbridge established an endowment for U of L music students. More than $50,000 was raised for an award that will encourage students to pursue the performing arts.

- Charlene Janes, a staff member in the U of L International Centre for Students, who has established a bursary for international students. Charlene is one of more than 280 U of L faculty, staff and retirees, who have contributed towards Supporting Our Students 2008, an annual campaign to raise money for student awards.

- Nexen Inc. and Imperial Oil, which gave to support water research initiatives. When matched through the Access to the Future Fund, their support resulted in a combined $1 million investment in water research at the U of L.

UNews - counselor

The U of L inside government

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