QIP fund helps ease challenge for students

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:02:33 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) plays a prominent role in every student's educational and social experience during their time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. To what degree and depth that interaction between students and their organization occurs can differ significantly with each individual.

The majority of U of L students interact with the ULSU through one of the many programs or services that are regularly offered, such as the Health and Dental Plan, a club, the Zoo, a major music event, the food court or through a scholarship opportunity. However, in a few special cases, the ULSU has been able to make a very personal impact on the lives of some of our students through the Quality Initiative Program (QIP) Disability Fund.

"The QIP Disability Fund is set up to improve the quality of life for students who have disabilities," says Adam Vossepoel, ULSU president. "Often, a student's required procedures or devices aren't covered by health care or any other government agency because they aren't considered 'necessary'. However, without these, a student's ability to participate in their university career would be affected in a very negative way."

The most recent case of the QIP fund being put to good use was the opportunity to provide a SpeechEasy fluency tool to a student, which continues to assist that student in reducing stuttering. Other devices and treatments purchased through this initiative include implanted hearing aids and treatment for extreme migraine headaches.

"We exist to ensure that U of L students' needs are being met. That's our mandate, to look out for students, and we do the best we can to keep that in mind every day," says Vossepoel.

Serving up scholarships

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:12:25 +0000

You might not recognize Wayne and Rhonda Kwan's names, but it's quite likely you'd recognize their faces, and there's an even greater chance you've eaten a meal they've prepared.

As owners and operators of both the Regent Restaurant and Hiroba, the take-out restaurant in the Students' Union food court, the husband and wife team serve up Chinese cuisine every day of the week.

As Wayne explains, it was students from the U of L who initially planted the idea to start a restaurant at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"In 1986, we started the Regent Restaurant in Lethbridge as a family business. Back then there were already a lot of Asian students attending the U of L. They would often visit the Regent and were always encouraging me to open up a restaurant on campus," Wayne recalls.

Those promptings led the Kwans to purchase and take over Hiroba, a restaurant that was already on campus, but at the time was struggling. It didn't take long for the Kwans to turn Hiroba around, and today, nearly 20 years later, it is known as a popular lunch destination for faculty, staff and students alike.

Through Hiroba, Wayne and Rhonda have developed many lasting relationships with students who are both their customers and sometimes their employees. Watching these students work and study at the same time led the Kwans to think about how they could support students in a decidedly different way.

This past fall, they established the Zhan-Wen Kwan Scholarship for students studying international management. They chose to name the scholarship in honour of Wayne's father, who instilled in his children the importance of
giving back to the community in which they live. After being matched by the Alberta Government's Access to the Future Fund, the Kwans' donation will result in a $60,000 endowment — something that will provide support for students for years to come.

"The world is getting smaller and smaller. With more education, society will have more harmony. Education may not make you rich, but it will provide fulfillment and allow you to make wise decisions," Wayne says. "I hope the scholarship will give students the encouragement to pursue their goals."

As long-time supporters of many worthwhile organizations throughout southern Alberta, Wayne and Rhonda have consistently demonstrated how every gift makes a difference.

"It's important to give whatever amount you can afford — regardless of the size of the gift; it all adds up," says Wayne.

In Japanese, Hiroba means huge, and although Wayne and Rhonda didn't choose the name for the business, it seems entirely fitting for this couple whose lifestyle of generosity is resulting in lasting impacts.

GET THE FACTS

• Both Wayne and Rhonda immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong; Wayne arrived on Christmas day in 1974, and Rhonda came with her family in 1975

• Wayne and Rhonda met when Wayne was working at the Mandarin, a restaurant owned by Rhonda's brother at the time

• In the mid-'70s Wayne attended the U of L and majored in Fine Arts

• Approximately 80 per cent of Hiroba's employees are students

UNews - food court

QIP fund helps ease challenge for students

Related Topics

Serving up scholarships

Related Topics