UNews - ULAA

Educational leader Dr. Jerome Cranston named Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

trevor.kenney — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:11:14 +0000

Respected academic and scholar Dr. Jerome Cranston is working within the system he seeks to change, combatting systemic racism and advancing opportunities for historically marginalized communities in the academic world. His commitment to addressing social inequity and championing diversity has earned him recognition as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s (ULAA) 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Dr. Jerome Cranston's career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and systemic change.

“Dr. Cranston’s work and humanitarian efforts have taken him around the world as he seeks to give voices to those who have historically been silenced,” says Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “His graduate studies at ULethbridge laid the foundation for the important research he has continued throughout his academic career as he has sought to make significant and lasting change in post-secondary education and beyond.”

Cranston will be recognized at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Dr. Jerome Cranston

Dr. Jerome Cranston (MEd ’98) is a respected educational leader and renowned scholar whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and systemic change.

A proud graduate of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program, Cranston now serves as Vice-Provost of Students and Learning at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan, where he brings a student-centred approach to every facet of his work. Driven by a belief that education can be a powerful force for justice, Cranston has built a career focused on dismantling systemic racism and advancing opportunities for historically marginalized communities in academic spaces and beyond.

In 2013, he was credentialed as an academic observer for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Two years later, his ethnographic work, which focused on stories of Rwandan teachers who survived the 1994 genocide, earned him recognition from the American Educational Research Association’s Peace Education Special Interest Group. His research and humanitarian efforts have taken him to refugee camps to work with displaced Syrians in Lebanon and Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, and he has worked closely with Indigenous and tribal communities in Canada and internationally.

Cranston has travelled widely as a speaker, consulted with school boards and public institutions and mentored the next generation of scholars on the topics of systemic racism and social inequity. During his time as dean of the Faculty of Education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina, he created the first Black and racialized student group at the institution, creating a safe space for students to connect and be mentored by scholars. With five books, more than 50 scholarly and professional publications and more than $350,000 in research and teaching grants, his contributions to academic discourse are extensive. In 2022, he was recognized with an Alumni Honour Award from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, where he completed his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Most recently, his 2023 book, Half-caste: Decidedly Brown in a Black or White World, offers a deeply personal exploration of identity, belonging and racialization. His vulnerability opens the door for readers to reflect on their social positioning and engage in the difficult conversations that lead to action.

A true changemaker in Canadian post-secondary education, Cranston continues to use his voice, research and leadership to make academia a welcoming space for all.

Olympian, mentor and teacher, Kacie Bosch, named 2025 Young Alumni Award winner

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:14:53 +0000

Never afraid to take her shot, Kacie Bosch (BA ’20, BEd ’25) carved out a basketball career that saw her compete everywhere from local gyms to the international stage, culminating with representing Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics. All the while, Bosch stayed true to her roots, serving as a coach, mentor, leader and inspiring role model. Now a teacher eager to spark dreams in the next generation, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association has named Bosch the 2025 Young Alumni Award winner.

Kacie Bosch was a member of Canada's 3x3 women's national basketball team that placed fourth at the Paris Olympics.

“It was amazing to watch Kacie compete on the world’s biggest stage last summer, both as an athlete and as a humble young woman who has always taken the time to share her journey with young athletes who harbor the same dreams,” says Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01) ULAA president. “It’s exciting to think of the positive impact she will now have as a teacher, and the lucky students who will benefit from her experiences.”

Bosch will be recognized at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Kacie Bosch

The sport of basketball has taken Kacie Bosch around the globe, but she has always returned to her Lethbridge roots. Whether on the world stage — like the 2024 Paris Olympics — or in the gyms and classrooms in her hometown, Bosch brings the same leadership, determination and unwavering spirit, serving as an outstanding ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

After beginning her collegiate career south of the border at Gonzaga ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Bosch chose to return home and join the Pronghorns in 2016. Over four seasons representing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on the court she also excelled academically, earning USPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours three times on her way to completing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2020.

In 2021, Bosch transitioned to 3x3 basketball, helping elevate the sport to new heights in Canada. Her accomplishments with the Canadian Women’s 3x3 National Team include three FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series championship titles, a pair of FIBA 3x3 World Cup medals and a pivotal role in securing the country’s first-ever Olympic berth in the sport.

Competing on the world’s biggest stage, Bosch and her teammates battled to a hard-fought fourth-place finish in Paris.

Despite her international success, Bosch has never lost sight of where she came from. In 2022, she joined the Pronghorns women’s basketball program as an assistant coach, while also returning to the classrooms of ULethbridge in pursuit of her Bachelor of Education. Central to her values is a deep commitment to mentorship, whether it be guiding the next group of Pronghorns or inspiring the students she teaches and coaches. She can often be found volunteering her time at youth clinics and is a passionate advocate for increasing opportunities for girls in sport.

For her outstanding contributions to her community, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

Bosch’s story is one of chasing the biggest dreams imaginable, while never losing sight of the people and places that shaped her. Her growing legacy is defined not only by the medals and milestones she’s achieved, but by the youth she’s inspired, the teammates she’s lifted and the belief she’s sparked in others to dream just as boldly.

Alumni Honour Society 2025 inductees working to better their communities

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:05:12 +0000

If there’s one theme connecting the four alumni being honoured by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA) with Alumni Honour Society induction, it is that they all have made significant contributions to bettering their communities professionally and in their private lives.

Tammie Belanger (BA ’98), Ashley Day Chief (BASc ’14), Harvey Labuhn (BMgt ’82) and Gianna Magliocco (BFA – New Media ’10) are all being recognized by the ULAA for working to enhance society through caring and understanding.

“It’s quite remarkable to see how these alumni, all in different vocations, have found ways to raise up the people in their communities,” says Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “Each in their own way has utilized their ULethbridge experience to make the world better by showing empathy, establishing relationships and growing a culture of respect and collaboration. They are well deserving of this honour.”

Alumni Honour Society inductees will be honoured for their contributions at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Tammie Belanger

Tammie Belanger

Tammie Belanger is a Chartered Professional Accountant and partner at Ignite CPA LLP who uses her expertise to create local jobs and enhance stability.

With a focus on sustainability, Belanger helps small businesses steady cash flow, hire with confidence and plan for growth. She also invests locally through KFC franchises in Lethbridge, Coaldale, Cardston and Brooks and Pet Valu stores that support more than 120 jobs and create first work experiences for youth.

As a former YWCA Lethbridge Chair and Project Connect organizer, she has completed hundreds of tax returns for low-income residents and people experiencing homelessness, returning refunds and benefits to family budgets.

Her support of community extends to fostering with Windy City Canine Rescue and chairing the City of Lethbridge Animal Welfare Committee.

Ashley Day Chief

Ashley Day Chief

Ashley Day Chief is the Chief Operations Officer and co-owner of AdvancedAg Inc., where she drives growth, innovation and operational excellence.

As a proud First Nations entrepreneur, Day Chief is passionate about empowering others and creating a positive legacy for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Day Chief currently serves on the ULethbridge Senate, contributes to the Town of Raymond’s Truth and Reconciliation committee and recently made history as the first Indigenous Chair of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.

Recognized with multiple awards, including the 2023 Young Business Professional Award through Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award through CETAC West, Day Chief is dedicated to creating lasting impact as a leader, mother and role model.

Harvey Labuhn

Harvey Labuhn

Respected leader Harvey Labuhn has spent over four decades shaping businesses and communities with integrity and vision.

As a chartered accountant, chartered business valuator and partner at Avail CPA, Labuhn championed small business growth, provided trusted valuations and delivered collaborative divorce solutions. His position in firm management allowed him to mentor Ulethbridge graduates into leaders.

Labuhn’s commitment to service extends far beyond his profession. As Chair of the finance committee and vice-Chair of ULethbridge’s Board of Governors, Labuhn strengthened the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s fiscal health during economic challenges. He also devoted years of financial guidance to the Canadian Organization of Rare Disorders and Lethbridge Society for Meals on Wheels. Recently, he and his brother, Roland Labuhn (BMgt ’90), co-founded the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize at ULethbridge to support Indigenous students.

Gianna Magliocco

Gianna Magliocco

A cinematic force to be reckoned with, Gianna Magliocco is a renowned multidisciplinary filmmaker, photographer and poet known for her bold, compassionate storytelling. Her award-winning work blends bold realism with themes of identity, resilience and social justice.

Drawing on her heritage, Magliocco explores complex human experiences in films like Famiglia, a personal look at her family’s immigration from Ireland to Canada, and her latest documentary follows a former Italian gang member’s search for redemption.

She has also worked on major productions, including Interstellar, The Revenant and A Wrinkle in Time.

Named one of the country’s top emerging producers by the Canadian Media Producers Association in 2020, Magliocco mentors young creators, collaborates with ULethbridge alumni and continues to uplift underrepresented voices through courageous, culturally grounded storytelling.

Nominations open for Alumni Achievement Awards

trevor.kenney — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:33:26 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association, representing nearly 55,000 alumni worldwide, is seeking nominations for its annual suite of awards celebrating the achievements of ULethbridge graduates.

ULethbridge alumni are making valuable contributions to society every day, positively impacting communities locally, provincially, nationally and around the world. Using the knowledge and experience they gained as ULethbridge students, they are achieving personal and professional goals and bettering the world in which we live.

Each year, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ celebrates a host of accomplished alumni, including the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Young Alumni Award, Alumni Honour Society inductees and the Pronghorn Alumni of the Year. Award recipients are celebrated at the annual Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, as part of the Fall 2025 Convocation week activities.

“There are so many amazing ULethbridge alumni doing great things, both close to home and around the world. They have stories worth telling — stories about leadership, creativity, and the ways they’re making a difference in their communities,” says Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association. “Through our alumni awards, we get to shine a light on their accomplishments and recognize the meaningful contributions they are making in all kinds of fields. It’s also a chance to celebrate the ULethbridge experience — the people, the moments and the education that helped shape their journeys.

Alumni Achievement Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award
This premier award recognizes alumni whose accomplishments in the public, private or not-for-profit sector have earned national and/or international prominence as a result of their exceptional professional achievements and/or service to society.

Young Alumni Award
This award recognizes young alumni (aged 35 or under) whose accomplishments are of such excellence that they provide inspiration and leadership to ULethbridge students and fellow alumni. The recipient has shown significant leadership either in their professional career and/or community, public or humanitarian service.

Alumni Honour Society
This award recognizes alumni for contributions that demonstrate an extraordinary level of dedication, professionalism, service and/or significance. The Alumni Honour Society is comprised of alumni with diverse skill sets but a shared commitment to excellence across discipline.

Pronghorn Alumni of the Year Award
This award recognizes ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn alumni excellence, leadership and innovation in their contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of our communities.

To nominate a ULethbridge alumnus for one of the above awards, or to learn more, visit go.uleth.ca/alumni-achievement-awards. The deadline to submit nominations is May 15, 2025.

The Alumni Achievement Awards are an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Shape the Future. Our graduates are equipped with the skills and tools to be aspirational, adaptable and resilient in their lives and careers, ready to confront local and global challenges and transform society.

Corporate leader and community advocate Dr. Hendriatta Wong named 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award winner

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:22:08 +0000

An accomplished business leader who champions the values of positive mental health, cultural diversity and gender equality, Dr. Hendriatta Wong (BMgt ’00) has been an influential figure in bettering her community and contributing to a more empathetic and engaged society. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA) has named Wong the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Hendriatta Wong serves as a shining example of the transformative power of opportunity and education.

“Dr. Wong’s corporate success as a leader of one of Canada’s fastest growing companies is testament to her vision and commitment to her core beliefs,” says Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “Her ability to balance professional success and contribute to her community through advocacy work that supports society’s most vulnerable citizens is remarkable and impactful.”

Wong will be presented with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award at the Let There Be Light Night Alumni Achievement Awards celebration on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Dr. Hendriatta Wong

Dr. Hendriatta Wong serves as a shining example of the transformative power of opportunity and education. Her journey at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge began with an undergraduate degree in business where Wong took advantage of the post-diploma Bachelor of Management program and graduated with great distinction. She describes this experience as a “game changer,” setting the stage for an illustrious career that has significantly benefited numerous communities and society at large.

Wong went on to complete her MBA at Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and her DBA at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manchester. She is currently the COO of her family-owned business, Insight Psychological Inc., and has led the organization to remarkable success, transforming it into a well-respected multi-award-winning mental health-care leader. Under her leadership, the company has seen exponential growth over the past five years despite intense competition. These achievements have earned the company repeated recognition from Canadian Business and the Globe and Mail as one of Canada's Fastest Growing Companies.

In addition to her corporate success, Wong has been an influential figure in her community and a steadfast advocate for mental health, cultural diversity and gender equality. Her advocacy efforts included serving as chief operating officer and later board member of Bissell Centre to address poverty and homelessness, serving on the Edmonton Public School’s Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity Policy Review Advisory Committee to enhance cultural diversity in education as well as performing as the executive director of Autism Edmonton and board member of Autism Alberta to deliver province-wide autism support and strategies. Wong was also appointed by Edmonton City Council to the Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton Committee where she worked to champion women’s rights and advise on gender-based policies.

Her contributions have also extended to academia, where she has held positions such as assistant dean of the Faculty of Professional and Continuing Education at Concordia ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Edmonton, associate professor of business at King’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and long-time adjunct lecturer at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business.

Wong’s dedication to service and leadership was recognized in 2020 when she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.

Throughout her career, Wong has balanced professional success with personal achievements, including raising a family and caring for a son with autism. Her story is a testament to the power of education, opportunity and persistent dedication to making a difference.

Canadian playwright Woolley named winner of ULAA 2024 Young Alumni Award

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:56:17 +0000

Giving a voice to at-risk youth through the powerful medium of theatre, accomplished Canadian playwright Chelsea Woolley (BA/BEd ’14) has been named the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s 2024 Young Alumni Award.

Chelsea Woolley's work gives a voice to vulnerable young women and marginalized youth who confront family trauma and social inequity.

“Chelsea Woolley’s ascension as one of the strongest writers in Canadian theatre is testament to her skill, talent and unwavering commitment to tell these difficult, powerful stories that speak to a segment of youth that yearns to be heard,” says Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “A graduate with combined degrees, Woolley is an excellent example of the liberal education philosophy of ULethbridge, utilizing her educational background in a fine arts medium and facilitating programming for young people to become engaged in theatre.”

Woolley will be presented with the 2024 Young Alumni Award at the Let There Be Light Night Alumni Achievement Awards celebration on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Chelsea Woolley (BA/BEd ’14)

Chelsea Woolley is an award-winning, emerging Canadian playwright whose voice speaks on behalf of vulnerable young women and marginalized youth who confront family trauma and social inequity.

A two-time winner of the Play Right Prize competition as an undergraduate student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Woolley also received the Faculty of Education Gold Medal as the most distinguished graduate of her class. Quickly establishing herself as an exceptional talent in Canadian theatre, Chelsea attended the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada’s playwriting program, a first for a ULethbridge grad, and won the RBC Emerging Playwright Prize in 2019, leading to a residency at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre.

Steadfast in her commitment to community causes, Woolley launched a multidisciplinary performing arts program for at-risk and under-housed youth in downtown Toronto, which allows them to work with professional artists and learn how to create unique musical and theatre pieces. She has also partnered with UNICEF Canada for the development of a new play on the Charter of the Rights of the Child and is currently the Head of Drama with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company, directing several youth operas a year.

Attesting to her stature and reputation, Woolley premiered her most recent play, Paint Me this House of Love, in 2023 at the Tarragon Theatre, one of Canada’s most revered companies for new work, to rave reviews. A sign of continued success, Paint Me this House of Love will be receiving its USA premiere next year, while Woolley was also a featured playwright in a showcase at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Described by critics as frighteningly skilled and a formidable writer, Woolley pushes boundaries through her work and does so with ambition and vision, the hallmarks of a great writer. With a mandate to experiment, inspire and connect with communities that traditional theatre leaves behind, Woolley is committed to a career in connecting others to the excellence of live performing arts through storytelling and experimentation.

Woolley is an emerging storyteller in Canadian theatre, and a powerful inspiration to students and to those who aspire to follow in her path of playwriting. Through her path to a career as a professional artist, Woolley is demonstrating that talent, perseverance and a commitment to community can, and does, lead to artistic fulfillment and professional success.

Newest Alumni Honour Society inductees creating positive change

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:11:41 +0000

Art, education and social change highlight the issues being addressed by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s (ULAA) newest inductees into the Alumni Honour Society.

Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf (BFA - Native American Art ’17), Desmond (Dez) Kamara (BA ’10), April Matisz (BFA - Art ’09) and Dr. Philip McRae (BEd ’91) are all being recognized for their achievements.

“I’m very pleased to introduce these four outstanding alumni, all of whom have and continue to make vital contributions to their communities,” says Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “Our alumni are using their ULethbridge experience to make a real difference in society, improving people’s lives and serving as inspiration to today’s students who can see themselves in the inspiring work they do.”

Alumni Honour Society inductees will be honoured for their contributions to community at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf

Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf

A visionary artist and curator from the Kainai Nation, Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf has carved an inspiring path in the world of Indigenous art and cultural preservation. With a deep commitment to the Niitsitapi heritage, her multidisciplinary work — including painting, sculpture and photography — explores environmental and cultural themes deeply rooted in Blackfoot traditions. Achieving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Native American Art (Art History/Museum Studies) in 2017, Crop Eared Wolf’s work has appeared in prominent galleries across North America. Her leadership extends beyond the gallery walls, with community-based initiatives and workshops, including Traditional Blackfoot Plants workshops across Treaty 7 territory. Currently the curator at The Confluence (Fort Calgary), Crop Eared Wolf is transforming the interpretive exhibits, bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront. Her journey is a testament to the power of art and education in fostering cultural understanding and connection.

Desmond (Dez) Kamara

Desmond (Dez) Kamara

Desmond (Dez) Kamara has turned his personal experiences into a powerful force for social change. His dedication to excellence was evident at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in anthropology. Born in Sierra Leone, Kamara survived 12 years of civil war and post-conflict. Focused on supporting war victims, especially former child soldiers, Kamara produced a documentary to raise awareness of their experiences. His career spans nearly a decade working with the United Nations, the Special Court for Sierra Leone and various international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Sierra Leone, Canada and Jamaica. In 2023, Kamara returned to ULethbridge to launch his first book, reflecting his commitment to family values, education and his resilience to achieve his dreams. He recently completed a master’s in social work at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Windsor, specializing in mental health and community development (policy + practice). Kamara exemplifies the values and spirit of ULethbridge, making him an exceptional representative and alumnus whose work continues to inspire globally.

April Matisz

April Matisz

April Matisz continually proves to be an exceedingly talented and dedicated artist. Her research interests are varied, as she explores the creatures and complex processes that make up the natural world, as well as the natural processes that have created us and continue to shape our lives. Matisz has established herself as a significant voice in contemporary Canadian art, connecting her education in both art and biology to engage in issues of motherhood and ecology. Through her artwork, Matisz captivates viewers with attention to detail in her creative brushwork and intricate paper collages that combine to demonstrate captivating stories of migration, evolution and survival. Matisz’s recent solo exhibition at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery is evidence of her work making a larger impact across the province. She recently finished her MFA at Emily Carr ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Art and Design and is excited to begin teaching Drawing 1 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in Winter 2025. 

Dr. Philip McRae

Dr. Philip McRae

Dr. Philip McRae is an esteemed thought leader and highly coveted speaker, recognized internationally for his influence on the educational landscape. His keynote addresses and presentations at prestigious events worldwide have created spaces sharing insights and advancing dialogue on critical issues shaping the future of education. Dr. McRae’s commitment to research and fostering positive change knows no boundaries. His impactful work in secondary and post-secondary institutions transcends borders and includes teaching experiences in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and in Alberta, with the Lethbridge Public School District and at Red Crow College with the Blood Tribe. He currently holds a pivotal role in the provincial educational system, balancing positions as the executive staff officer and associate coordinator of government research at the Alberta Teachers’ Association and as an adjunct professor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, where he earned his PhD.

Business leader Cyndi Bester named new president of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association

trevor.kenney — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:22:17 +0000

Award-winning business leader, concert pianist and double alumnus Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01) is the new president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA).

Cyndi Bester has been CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce since 2019 and a continuing supporter of ULethbridge since her days as a student.

The ULAA now boasts more than 55,000 alums, who are making a difference in communities throughout our province, country and around the world. The role of ULAA President is key in maintaining connections with those alumni, engaging them with each other, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and current students.

“Taking on the role of ULAA President is both an honour and a responsibility I hold dear,” says Bester. “It appeals to me because it offers a unique opportunity to give back to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ that has given me so much, while also helping to foster a strong and engaged alumni network.”

Bester has helmed successful companies specializing in registry services, health care and workplace safety. Her professional career began under the direction of her entrepreneurial parents, focusing on health care with We Care Health Services for 20 years, where she served as CEO for a decade. After selling the company at 39, she became the managing partner of Lethbridge Vehicle Licensing & Registry, the final enterprise under the family umbrella.

Since early 2019, Bester has been CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, leading a wide range of policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the local business community. Beyond the business world, she has traveled globally as a solo concert pianist, performing in Canada, England, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and the United States. She is also an accomplished author, co-writing four bestselling books: The Fine Art of Parenting After Separation: The Power of a Positive Mental Attitude, The Girl in the Red Bikini, Johnny B, and Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Bartok: Lessons from the Big Four. Additionally, she is active in the fitness community, competing nationally in bodybuilding.

“My experience at ULethbridge was transformative,” Bester reflects. “The liberal education focus encouraged me to explore a variety of disciplines, which has deeply influenced my approach to both my professional and personal life. The skills and perspectives I gained there have been invaluable in navigating the diverse range of pursuits I’ve been involved in over the years.”

A tireless volunteer who has received national recognition for her philanthropic efforts, Bester currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee, a member of the Community Wellbeing and Safety Advisory Committee, the YWCA Board of Directors, and the board of directors of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. She recently completed terms on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate and Economic Development Lethbridge. In October 2022, she was inducted into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society.

In addition to Bester’s appointment, Deirdre McKenna (BA ’94) now moves into the role of ULAA past-president, Lisa Neufeld (BA ’97) is vice-president and Wheaton King (BMgt ’17) has been appointed secretary for the association. As well, three new directors are on board, including Armin Escher (BSc '13), Brendan Cummins (BA '16, MA '18) and Emmanuel Makoni (BMgt '17). For more, check out information on the full ULAA Council.

International education leader, artist and mentor, Dr. Rita L. Irwin, earns Distinguished Alumni Award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:44:07 +0000

A respected national and international educational leader, Dr. Rita L. Irwin (BEd ’77, Diploma in Education '84) is both a well-known artist and renowned researcher who has long strived to improve education for all learners through artistic and creative avenues. A teacher of teachers, collaborative mentor and educational leader for inquiry through the arts, she has been named the recipient of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s (ULAA) 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Throughout her career, Dr. Rita L. Irwin, has maintained a deep commitment to the arts, curriculum studies and education.

“Dr. Rita Irwin is an exceptional representation of how influential ULethbridge alumni are both in our community and beyond. She is a well-known artist and highly respected arts education researcher who has positively shaped the philosophies and practices of countless teachers and made a meaningful impact in the lives of students across Canada and around the world,” says Deirdre McKenna (BA ’94), ULAA president. “As a widely exhibited artist herself, Dr. Irwin exemplifies the value of a well-rounded liberal arts education."

Irwin will be recognized at 2023 Fall Convocation on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium. As well, she will be celebrated as part of the Let There Be Light Night Alumni Achievement Awards celebration on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at 7 p.m. in Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Alumnus of the Year — Dr. Rita L. Irwin

Throughout her career, Dr. Rita L. Irwin, has maintained a deep commitment to the arts, curriculum studies and education. A teacher of teachers, Irwin is known for her community-oriented, participatory teaching style.

With roots in rural southern Alberta, Irwin’s interest in the arts stems from a shared love of creative exploration with her mother. From that interest came a desire to improve education for all learners through artistic and creative avenues, leading her to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Education in 1973. Following her time at ULethbridge, Irwin began her teaching career with the Lethbridge School Division, where she started as an art and drama specialist for elementary students. She soon became a district-wide visual arts consultant and arts and music specialist. Irwin continued her own education while teaching, first completing a Master of Education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria and then pursuing a doctoral program in art education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia (UBC).

After a few years as an assistant professor at Lakehead ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Ontario, Irwin returned to UBC in 1992 where she has remained firmly rooted as an integral part of the Faculty of Education. While impacting the education of countless students as a respected professor, Irwin has also served in administrative roles that include heading UBC’s Department of Curriculum Studies (1999-2005) and serving as the Associate Dean of Teacher Education (2005-2015) before being named a Distinguished ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Scholar in 2017.

At the heart of her work, Irwin explores a range of questions and topics through photography, painting, poetry and prose. Her work has been published prolifically, and she has secured millions of dollars in research funding, including numerous Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada grants. Irwin’s research interests have spanned in-service art education, teacher education, socio-cultural issues and curriculum practices. She is perhaps best known for her work in the development of a/r/tography, or inquiring through the process of art making, as a research methodology.

Even with such a wide-ranging impact, Irwin has remained connected to southern Alberta, establishing an endowment to ULethbridge early in her career for the long-standing Rita L. Irwin Scholarship for Arts Education, generously giving back to the program that began her career path.

Young Alumni Award recipient, Dr. Amy Mack, a key voice in advancing global human rights

trevor.kenney — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:49:35 +0000

Committed to equity, the work of reconciliation and the promotion of democracy, as well as the mentorship of young people, Dr. Amy Mack has made an indelible impression on communities both near and far. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA) has named Mack the recipient of the 2023 Young Alumni Award.

Dr. Amy Mack excelled as a ULethbridge undergraduate anthropology student.

“In a short time, Dr. Amy Mack has proven herself as an outstanding academic researcher and engaged global citizen,” says Deirdre McKenna (BA ’94), ULAA president. “Dr. Mack has helped us understand the troubling rise of extremism and how social media has fueled the phenomenon. Her passion for research and facilitating dialogue helps communities understand these challenging topics and the questions they raise about our world.”

Mack will be presented with her award at the Let There Be Light Night Alumni Association Awards celebration on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, beginning at 7 p.m. in Science Commons. Tickets for the event are available online.

Dr. Amy C. Mack (BA ’13, MA ’16)

Mack excelled as an undergraduate anthropology student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, showcasing her skills as an excellent citizen-scholar, skilled researcher, analyst and collaborator, and stellar student. She established an early record of funding and academic publication and undauntedly explored polarizing topics. As a board member for Amnesty International Lethbridge, she organized events and fundraisers to bring attention to local and global human rights issues.

Mack’s master’s studies focused on studying male-dominated online video game communities. This research occurred at the time of Gamergate, an online harassment campaign targeting women in the video game industry. She remained resolute in addressing gender issues in the face of trolling and aggression and developed a broader interest in how social media and other digital technologies impact social and political landscapes.

After completing her master’s, Mack was the lead researcher and project manager on the Raising Spirit project, a collaboration with the Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society, a non-profit dedicated to Indigenous children and families in southern Alberta. She helped build a digital storytelling library with a team of Indigenous and settler high school and undergraduate students and built strong relationships with local communities in the process. Her long-lasting ties to Blackfoot Elders and community members exemplify what it means to work toward reconciliation.

Mack’s doctoral research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta focused on the rise of online hate and extremism. She’s committed to public engagement around these contentious issues and was recently involved with CIVIX, a non-partisan national charity building the capacity and commitment of young Canadians to participate in democracy. She also works with schools on developing curricular materials that can interrupt the radicalization of young people.

Following the 2022 protests in Ottawa and at the Alberta-Montana border, she saw a need for rural communities to have more resources to address radicalization. In response, Mack, along with an international group of early-career scholars, founded the Canadian Institute of Far-Right Studies (CIFR), a think tank dedicated to the critical study of the far right in Canada.

Mack has been funded for two years as a post-doctoral fellow at the Center for Research on Extremism in Oslo, Norway following the completion of her post-doctoral work at UAlberta. Originally from Claresholm, her academic and professional work has taken her across Canada and Europe where she speaks to government, industry professionals and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

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