UNews - Van Christou

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge seeking community input in search for new chancellor

trevor.kenney — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:33:09 +0000

The search for a new chancellor is on and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is engaging the public at large to participate in the process.

ULethbridge Chancellor Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead’s term is ending after being appointed the institution’s first Indigenous chancellor in 2019. His successor will be chosen in the coming months following a public search and nomination process — after which the ULethbridge Senate will short-list candidates and eventually choose the institution’s 15th chancellor.

While a volunteer position, the chancellor’s role is integral to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and its mission as the chancellor represents the public interest in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. As Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate, the chancellor is an ex officio member of the Board of Governors and serves as a key ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ locally, provincially and beyond. In addition, the chancellor presides over all degree-confirming ceremonies and confers all degrees, as well as represents the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ at ceremonial occasions.

“We have been very fortunate over the history of ULethbridge to have an outstanding group of chancellors,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “We saw over Charlie’s term, his engagement with the community and his dedication to advancing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s strategic vision. He was key in championing several Indigenous initiatives and strengthening the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s commitment to and connection with the Blackfoot Nation. He was and will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for the institution.”

Past chancellors include L.S. Turcotte (the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s first) (LLD ’72), Van E. Christou (LLD ’84), Ingrid Speaker (LLD ’01), Robert Hironaka (LLD ’02), James Horsman (LLD ’04), Richard Davidson (LLD ’12) and Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02, LLD ’21), among others. Each has brought unique talents to the role, and all have helped forward ULethbridge in communities close and abroad.

“It’s been said that education is the new buffalo that sustains and empowers our young Indigenous learners. I am a firm believer that knowledge provides the tool to make sound decisions to further careers and provide support to underserved communities,” says Weaselhead. “The past four years have been very rewarding, and I will leave this role with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It has been the highest honour to serve as the first Indigenous chancellor in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s history.”

Nominees for chancellor must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, possess a strong interest in university-community affairs and education, and have adequate time to apply to the considerable duties involved. This is a volunteer position with no remuneration.

Official nomination forms, requiring the names and addresses of three nominators, the signed consent of the nominee and any supporting documentation, will be received in the Senate Office until November 30, 2022. The successful candidate will take office March 16, 2023.

For nomination forms and further information, please contact The Chancellor Search Committee, care of The Senate Office (403-329-2482) or via e-mail at governance@uleth.ca. Details are also available by visiting the Chancellor Search web page.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community saddened by passing of Dr. Van Christou

trevor.kenney — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 17:29:43 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Van E. Christou (LLD ’84), one of the guiding influences on cultural and educational life in southern Alberta and an ardent supporter of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Christou was the third Chancellor of the U of L, serving from 1975-1979, a member of the first Board of Governors and an active part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community throughout the history of the U of L.

“Van was a treasured member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community and someone I took great pleasure visiting with at his home, in the community and at many university functions,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “His influence on the first 50 years of our university is undeniable. Van was there in the beginning, advocating for the establishment of the U of L, and remained committed to furthering the ideals of the university in the many roles he would serve over the years. Our community has suffered a great loss and he will be sadly missed.”

U of L Chancellor Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02) says that Christou leaves behind an indelible legacy of leadership and philanthropy.

“His contribution to the fabric of life in southern Alberta, through his commitment to the arts and education, is remarkable. Van not only helped to establish the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, he was instrumental in its growth through his vision and perseverance. We are grateful for his influence in shaping the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as we know it today.”

A condolence notice is available here. Dr. Christou also participated in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 50-Voices project that interviewed 50 influential people from throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 50-year history. That interview is available here.

U of L dignitaries honoured with traditional Blackfoot names

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 17:30:11 +0000

One of the more iconic events of Homecoming Weekend was the traditional Blackfoot Naming ceremony that saw five esteemed members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community receive Blackfoot names.

Those honoured with Blacfoot names at the recent Homecoming Weekend included (from left) Dr. Van Christou, Dr. Dennis Connolly, Dr. Andy Hakin, Kurt Schalchter and Janice Varzari. U of L President Dr. Mike Mahon, far right, was previously honoured by the Blackfoot Nation.

A decades-long custom, the naming ceremony recognizes and celebrates the relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the Blackfoot Nation. Located in Treaty 7, the heart of traditional Blackfoot Territory, the U of L has enjoyed a deep and meaningful relationship with the Blackfoot people since its inception in 1967.

The latest memers of the U of L community to be honoured with traditional Blackfoot names are: Chancellor Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02), Board of Governors Chair Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00), longest-serving faculty member Dr. Dennis Connolly (LLD '17), Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Van Christou (LLD '84) and Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Andy Hakin.

Following are the traditional Blackfoot names bestowed upon the honorees.

Andrew Hakin, Provost & Vice-President (Academic) - Iinniowmoowakima – Herding the Buffalo

Kurt Schlachter, Chair, Board of Governors - Stamiksiiitoohkitapoyii- Bull Buffalo Standing on the Hill

Janice Varzari, Chancellor - Oohskwiikkitstakaakii – Blue Offering Woman

Dennis Connolly, Professor - Itiiomaahkaa – Long Journey

Van Christou, Chancellor Emeritus - Iinniowdoomoowa– Buffalo Leader

Traditional Blackfoot naming ceremony a highlight of Homecoming Weekend

trevor.kenney — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 17:00:52 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to welcome everyone to a special Homecoming Weekend this year, Sept. 1-3, 2017, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Proud to be located in Treaty 7, the heart of traditional Blackfoot Territory, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will see five outstanding members of its community, including four alumni, participate in a decades-long custom. Chancellor Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02), Board of Governors Chair Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00), longest-serving faculty member Dr. Dennis Connolly (LLD '17), Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Van Christou (LLD '84) and Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Andy Hakin will each be honoured with a Blackfoot name as they take part in a traditional naming ceremony.

“Our relationship with the Blackfoot people extends to the very beginning of the U of L and is one that figures prominently in everything we do here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, President and Vice-Chancellor.

Mahon was bestowed the Blackfoot name Iipisowahsi or Morning Star, meaning son of the sun and the moon, when he was inducted into the Kainai Chieftainship in 2012.

“That was a very significant ceremony for me, and I’m sure the distinguished group of individuals who will be granted their Blackfoot names this weekend see it as a great honour,” adds Mahon. “Blackfoot Elder Dr. Pete Standing Alone gave me my name, saying that the sun is the father and the moon is the mother. Therefore, when they are praying, they often refer to the morning star as their brother. That is very symbolic and reflects the relationship we want to continue to foster with the Blackfoot people.”

The naming ceremony (Saturday, Sept. 2, 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Grove) is just one of a number of Homecoming activities. With three days of free events ranging from behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on workshops, fascinating speakers, live music, an open-air community fair and more, those returning to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as well as newcomers will find plenty to do.

For a full list of Homecoming events, visit: https://blogs.ulethbridge.ca/50-years/schedule/.

Dr. Arthur Erickson (1924-2009)

trevor.kenney — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:05:55 +0000

Renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson (LLD '81) died on May 20, 2009, at age 84. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's main building, is one piece in a legacy of architectural masterpieces that he leaves behind.

Erickson was also responsible for a number of key Canadian buildings such as Simon Fraser ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in British Columbia and the Vancouver Law Courts complex as well as many other significant structures worldwide, including the Canadian Embassy in Washington, One California Plaza in Los Angeles and the Kuwait Oil Sector Complex in Kuwait City.

Erickson was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1973 and then was promoted to Companion of the Order in 1981. In 1986, he was the first Canadian to win the prestigious American Institute of Architects Gold Medal.

Erickson and his business partner, Geoffrey Massey, designed ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's campus plan in the late 1960s. Their design, which was considered quite radical at the time, set the U of L apart in architecture and academic circles alike and brought the southern Alberta landmark international recognition.

"Arthur's whole way of thinking was that there were no limits as to what could be done," recalls his long-time friend Dr. Van Christou (LLD '84), who was a founding member of the U of L Board of Governors and the person responsible for connecting Erickson with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in the '60s.

"Arthur was a brilliant man and an amazing architect."

Erickson's work has left a lasting imprint on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and southern Alberta that will live on well into the future.

UNews - Van Christou

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge seeking community input in search for new chancellor

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