UNews - Convocation

Medal winners to be celebrated at 2017 Spring Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 31 May 2017 17:28:27 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to celebrate the achievements of its newest graduates at the 2017 Spring Convocation, June 1 and 2, in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Caitlin Ratcliffe, pictured here with Faculty of Arts & Science Dean Dr. Craig Cooper, was one of the U of L's medal winners at 2017 Spring Convocation.

Distinguishing themselves among the many outstanding graduates are the U of L’s medal winners for 2017. They are as follows:

Gold Medal of the Governor General – Megan Morman (Ceremony I)
Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing at the graduate level.

Silver Medal of the Governor General – Natasha Lohues (Ceremony II)
Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing at the undergraduate level.

Faculty of Arts and Science Gold Medal (Science) – Allison Farfus (Ceremony II)
Awarded an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award and an Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Award to complete research during her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Farfus will continue her studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, where she has been accepted to the Cumming School of Medicine.

Faculty of Arts and Science Gold Medal (Arts) – Caitlin Ratcliffe (Ceremony I)
Ratcliffe was an active and engaged learner throughout her completion of majors in History and English. The winner of the City of Lethbridge HistoriCity essay competition in 2016, Ratcliffe will begin her Masters of Library and Information Studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta this fall.

Alberta Teacher’s Association William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education – Peter Vooys (Ceremony III)
Vooys excelled in his coursework and field placements, developing strong relationships with colleagues and students alike, and is also recognized for his significant and selfless volunteer work.

Faculty of Education Gold Medal – Tracey Driedger (Ceremony III)
Driedger was an exemplary student whose mentors praised her for her planning, preparation, student engagement and building of student and staff relationships.

Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal – Amy Parks (Ceremony III)
Parks has made significant contributions to the art community through four major curatorial projects and a variety of research projects, all while excelling academically. In 2016, she became the first U of L student to complete an internship at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, Alberta.

Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal – Nicole Boras (Ceremony II)
Boras, a nursing student, is described as insightful, kind, thoughtful, respectful, compassionate, meticulous and thorough.

Faculty of Management Gold Medal – Marina Keijzer (Ceremony IV)
In addition to excelling academically, Keijzer completed three cooperative education terms and a term as a teaching assistant. Her bright and positive attitude continues to shine as she pursues her CPA designation.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Doctor of Philosophy – Laura Keffer-Wilkes (Ceremony I)
The combination of Keffer-Wilkes’ research accomplishments and impact with her communication and leadership skills are described as unique and impressive.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Arts – Emily Kirbyson (Ceremony I)
Kirbyson’s contribution to anti-racist scholarship complements the emergent critical “race and space” literatures in Canada. She is now turning her focus to doctoral studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Fine Arts & Music – Megan Morman (Ceremony I)
With more than 50 exhibits, presentations, performances, and publications, Morman has been recognized with professional and academic recognition across Canada. She will continue her work as she pursues doctoral studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge this fall.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science – Diana Wilches Correal (Ceremony I)
Wilches Correal is an exceptionally well-trained molecular biologist and entomologist whose centres around the Khapra beetle, one of the world’s most invasive and destructive pests.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Education – David Fuller (Ceremony I)
Always putting students first, Fuller is a thorough and passionate researcher seeking better professional teaching practices to benefit literacy in schools. His research offers teachers and administrators new possibilities for engaging with students coming to Canada from diverse cultural contexts.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science (Management) – Sagar Bhattarai (Ceremony I)
Noted as very hardworking and intelligent, Bhattarai excelled on his thesis presentation, producing a work that was exceptional and well above the standard for a master thesis.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Spring Convocation ceremonies take place Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

Celebrating the Spring 2016 Convocation medal winners

trevor.kenney — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 18:09:21 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge celebrates the achievements of its newest graduates at the Spring 2016 Convocation, June 2 and 3, in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

Distinguishing themselves among the many outstanding graduates are the U of L’s medal winners for 2016. They are as follows:

Gold Medal of the Governor General – Scott Semenyna (Ceremony I)

Thesis: Bullying, Physical Aggressivity, Gender Atypicality, and Sexual Orientation in Males

Scott Semenyna’s research examined the connections between physical aggression, childhood gender-atypicality and sexual orientation in the Pacific Island Nation of Samoa. Scott won several prestigious scholarships, including a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship, and his work has generated multiple publications. Now a U of L PhD student in psychology, Semenyna is also this year’s School of Graduate Studies Master of Science medal winner.

Silver Medal of the Governor General – Justan Sawada (Ceremony II)

Justan Sawada is graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience).

Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Science) – Jessica Baedke (Ceremony I)

Jessica Baedke (biochemistry) completed an honours undergraduate thesis and earned three NSERC undergraduate research awards. Recently admitted to the Master of Science program in Epidemiology at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, with a goal of becoming an interdisciplinary genetic epidemiologist.

Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Arts) – Jasmine Saler (Ceremony I)

Jasmine Saler completed a double major in kinesiology and women and gender studies, including an honours undergraduate thesis in the latter. Jasmine was a research assistant to faculty members in several departments, and was the recipient of a Chinook Summer Research Award. She has been admitted to the U of L’s Master of Arts program in Cultural, Social and Political Thought.

Alberta Teachers' Association William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education – Justin Silva (Ceremony III)

Justin Silva is an exceptional teacher able to translate his extensive knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics into highly engaging and active learning opportunities. An avid golfer and sports fan, Justin consistently supports and advocates for students of all abilities, and is renowned for his ability to develop meaningful and respectful relationships with his students and colleagues.

Faculty of Education Gold Medal – Anna Gotgilf (Ceremony III)

Anna Gotgilf is characterized as a dedicated, creative and hard-working teacher who creates a warm and respectful learning community, achieving the highest academic standing in the Faculty of Education.

Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal – Alexa Elser (Ceremony III)

Alexa Elser maintained an outstanding academic record, earning dean’s honour list standing and numerous scholarships, as well as a Chinook Summer Research Award that resulted in the publication of a co-authored research paper. Alexa has performed in five mainstage productions, served as a student voice mentor and has been involved in all aspects of the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts.

Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal – Madison Martens (Ceremony II)

Madison Martens is an independent and insightful problem solver who thinks critically and has a collaborative leadership style. She possesses a strong sense of professionalism and commitment to the values of public health, and will be entering the U of L’s Bachelor of Nursing After Degree program.

Faculty of Management Gold Medal – Krista Wald (Ceremony IV)

Krista Wald balanced coursework with a full-time career in achieving the highest academic standing in the Faculty of Management. Krista attained new responsibilities and positions and is now directly applying the skills and knowledge from her university experience.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Doctor of Philosophy – Patrick Barks (Ceremony I)

Thesis: Parental Age Effects and the Evolution of Senescence in Lemna minor

Patrick Barks has demonstrated research and academic excellence while studying the evolution of senescence (or aging) in the small, aquatic plant Lemna minor (duckweed). Patrick was the recipient of NSERC Scholarships at both the masters and PhD levels, and has published four scholarly articles in top ranked journals. Patrick is now a Postdoctoral Fellow at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Arts – Amy Mack (Ceremony I)

Thesis: This Isn’t What War is Like: An Ethnographic Account of ARMA 3

Amy Mack’s research focused on the social practices of the Armed Assault 3 gaming community and its attempt to recreate a realistic combat experience online. Amy was awarded the SSHRC Canadian Graduate Scholarship for outstanding achievements. Amy’s dedication to professional and community service is evident through her work with Amnesty International and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Institute for Child and Youth Studies.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Education – Patrick McFarland (Ceremony I)

Thesis: Theoretical & Clinical Perspectives on the Etiology, Diagnosis & Treatment of Antisocial Disorders in Adolescence

Patrick McFarland’s research examined theoretical and clinical perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of antisocial behaviours with the intent to develop substantive theory on the cause, assessment and treatment of antisocial disorders. In addition to being an experienced and dedicated clinician, Patrick is an emerging academic with several forthcoming publications, demonstrating a keen commitment to sharing his research findings.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science Management – Corie Lazenby (Slauenwhite) (Ceremony I)

Thesis: Assertiveness and Leadership Perceptions: The Role of Gender and Leader-Member Exchange

Corie Lazenby tested the effects of assertiveness on leader, social and instrumental outcomes, as well as the moderating effects of gender and leader-member exchange quality. With work accepted for presentation at a prestigious conference in the human resource sector, Corie is an emerging academic with many publications on the horizon.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science – Scott Semenyna (Ceremony I)

See above notation.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Spring 2016 Convocation ceremonies take place Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

For complete Spring 2016 Convocation information, please visit: http://www.uleth.ca/convocation/spring-2016-information.

Mental health advocate Mardon to receive honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:16:47 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate announced the first of its distinguished 2014 Honorary Degree recipients – well-known and influential advocate for the mentally ill, Dr. Austin Mardon (BA '85).

Honorary degree recipient Austin Mardon with Canada's Governor General, Michaelle Jean.

“We’re very excited that Austin has accepted our offer of an Honorary Degree and are pleased to recognize the passionate work he has done over the years to bring issues of mental illness to the forefront,” says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor, Dr. Shirley McClellan.

The U of L will present Mardon, who was the 2002 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, with the degree of Doctor of Laws, honouris causa at either the Spring 2014 or Fall 2014 Convocation Ceremonies.

Austin Mardon

In 1992, at the age of 30, Austin Mardon was diagnosed with schizophrenia. This was at a time in his career when he was a promising graduate student after doing research in Antarctica. Though this diagnosis could have curtailed his academic career, Mardon chose to continue his studies. He eventually received a PhD in geography and has co-authored, authored, translated and edited over 50 books and 242 shorter pieces.

Over the last two decades, Mardon has used his own experiences to become an advocate for reducing the stigma of mental illness, for improving services for the mentally ill and for improving education and awareness. His work has helped bring mental illness out of the shadows to improve treatment and opportunities for the mentally ill.

His influence in advocating for mental health awareness has been wide ranging. Mardon has met with politicians, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and others in positions of influence. He formerly sat on the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and was a founding member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health and Addiction. Mardon has also helped the medical profession by supporting the development of policy positions that assist health providers in treating those with mental illness.

The specific ceremony at which Mardon will receive his degree is unconfirmed at this time. Additional information will be released prior to the Spring 2014 Convocation Ceremony.

UNews - Convocation

Medal winners to be celebrated at 2017 Spring Convocation

Related Topics

Celebrating the Spring 2016 Convocation medal winners

Related Topics

Mental health advocate Mardon to receive honorary degree

Related Topics