UNews - convocation

Bernadine and Toby Boulet to be granted honorary degrees at Fall 2025 Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:00:26 +0000

Turning unbearable tragedy into a national movement, Bernadine (BEd ’88) and Toby (BEd ’89, MEd ’04) Boulet have been at the forefront of promoting organ donations across Canada by co-creating Green Shirt Day to honour the tragic passing of their son Logan. For their selfless commitment to motivating Canadians to participate in organ donations and saving countless lives, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Bernadine and Toby Boulet with honorary degrees at Fall 2025 Convocation.

“To see the way Bernadine and Toby have dealt with the devastating loss of their son, turning tragedy into hope for so many other families, is truly inspiring,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “Their unwavering positivity and willingness to allow their very personal story be the catalyst for a national campaign is remarkable and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is proud to recognize their efforts through honorary degrees.”

Bernadine and Toby Boulet have been at the forefront of promoting organ donations across Canada.

Bernadine and Toby Boulet will be bestowed with honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Fall 2025 Convocation on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

Bernadine (BEd ’88) and Toby (BEd ’89, MEd ’04) Boulet

Bernadine and Toby Boulet were unwillingly thrust into the national spotlight when, on April 6, 2018, their son Logan was one of 29 passengers involved in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. A day later, Logan succumbed to his injuries. Only months prior, he had been inspired to be an organ donor and let his parents know his wishes. While grappling with their grief, Bernadine and Toby offered to donate Logan’s organs, thus saving six lives.

While national attention faded, Bernadine and Toby’s unfathomable loss will never subside, and yet they found the strength to turn tragedy into a positive legacy. They started by telling Logan’s story, how he was inspired by his mentor, late ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge women’s rugby coach Ric Suggitt who passed suddenly in 2017 — and how he saved six lives through organ donation.

Logan’s story not only resonated with Canadians, it inspired almost 150,000 donor registrations across the country within a few weeks of the tragedy. This became known as the Logan Boulet Effect. With selfless devotion, Bernadine and Toby recognized they had a platform to make lasting, positive change for people’s lives and keep the memory of their son alive.

Through tireless work, Green Shirt Day — a national movement to encourage conversations and organ donor registrations — was established. They formed partnerships with the Canadian Transplant Association, Kidney Foundation and Canadian Blood Services, giving them the opportunity to speak across the nation. With the Alberta ORGANization Group, they successfully lobbied legislators to change current laws to create Give Life Alberta. From their advocacy, Bernadine and Toby have changed how organ and tissue donation is viewed.

Through their passion and commitment to bettering society, Bernadine and Toby have been relentless advocates for the values and causes that matter most to them. Their philanthropic efforts endowed the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award at ULethbridge. Likewise, their fundraising efforts have exceeded $750,000, benefitting groups such as KidSport, Special Olympics and youth fine arts, while simultaneously establishing the Logan Boulet Endowment.

In 2019, their consistent efforts with Canadian Blood Services and advocacy for the Lethbridge Plasma Centre earned them the national Schilly Award. Canadian Blood Services now annually presents the Logan Boulet Award for organ donation.

Bernadine and Toby Boulet use hope, compassion, generosity, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to make a lasting difference to transform their darkest day into a national movement that continues to change people’s lives every day.

Celebrating Spring 2025 Convocation medal winners

trevor.kenney — Mon, 26 May 2025 16:29:40 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to celebrate the achievements of its 2025 graduating class this week at Spring 2025 Convocation.

Distinguishing themselves among the 1372 graduates are the ULethbridge medal winners for 2025. They are as follows:

Gold Medal of the Governor General — Ogochukwu Kelechi Onyeso (Ceremony III)
(Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing at the graduate level)

Ogochukwu Kelechi Onyeso graduates with a PhD in Population Studies in Health.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s first Indigenous chancellor, Charles Weaselhead, to receive honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:22:53 +0000

He made history in 2019 when he was the first Indigenous person appointed as chancellor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and throughout his tenure, Charles Weaselhead advanced the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s path towards truth and reconciliation. ULethbridge will recognize Weaselhead with an honorary degree at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony II, Thursday, May 29, 2:30 p.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

“I was truly honoured to succeed chancellor Weaselhead following a term where he made some very positive and progressive changes in furthering Indigenous inclusivity on campus and incorporating ways of knowing into ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ culture,” says Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA '94). “Charles is a leader whose vision and commitment led to important and substantive changes in education and health care within the southern Alberta Indigenous community. He has long been a steadfast proponent of bringing cultures together and creating pathways for youth to access post-secondary education and I’m thrilled to recognize his contributions with an honorary degree.”

Charles Weaselhead

When Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead was named the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s 14th Chancellor on March 15, 2019, it marked the first time in the institution’s then 52-year history that an Indigenous person had been appointed to the Chancellor position. A significant moment that continued to advance the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s path towards truth and reconciliation, Weaselhead’s tenure invoked lasting change and played an instrumental role in securing one of the largest contributions in institutional history.

Weaselhead was born on the Blood Indian Reserve and spent his formative years in the residential school system. He survived the experience, falling back on youth sports as an escape from the conditions into which he was thrust. He also recognized at a young age the value in education, a theme he would champion as he became older.

Having grown up confronted by the challenges facing his community, he sought solutions and became interested in invoking change. In the early 1980s, Weaselhead turned his focus to health issues, advancing initiatives designed to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. He took on important administrative roles as director of treatment centres Napi Lodge and Poundmaker’s Lodge, director of the Blood Indian Hospital and chief executive officer for the Blood Tribe Department of Health.

In 2004, Weaselhead was elected Chief of the Blood Tribe, a post he would hold for 12 years. During his tenure, he was appointed Treaty 7 Grand Chief and held the Health and Education portfolio for the Treaty 7 Chiefs. At the heart of advocating for his community was a belief in fostering relationships that would support his goals to better the lives of his people. He was a signatory to the Alberta Protocol Agreement on Government-to-Government Relations (2008) and the Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Education (2010).

One of Weaselhead’s greatest strengths is his collaborative approach that galvanizes community participation and support. By exploring new and innovative partnerships, all while protecting and advancing the sovereignty of First Nations, he is able to tackle dire issues of housing, poverty, community violence and other social and health concerns.

Weaselhead’s appointment as ULethbridge Chancellor afforded the opportunity to build bridges between cultures and create even more pathways for Indigenous youth to access post-secondary education. Taught by his grandfather to walk in both cultures to better understand perspectives, Weaselhead enacted positive change by incorporating traditional Indigenous ceremonial aspects and protocols to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ events, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of ULethbridge life. He was also at the forefront of helping secure the $15 million MasterCard Foundation contribution to ULethbridge aimed at dismantling education barriers and supporting employment opportunities for Blackfoot youth.

Spreading the joy of classical music and inspiring youth, Kirk Muspratt to be recognized with honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 12 May 2025 17:18:41 +0000

Raised in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Kirk Muspratt cultivated his love of music into an impactful career as a conductor and educator, dedicating his life to spreading the joy of music through magical, inspiring performances. For his unwavering passion and enthusiasm for music and music education, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Muspratt with an honorary degree at Spring 2025 Convocation.

“Kirk Muspratt is remarkable for his unwavering commitment to make classical music accessible and enjoyable for all people,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ‘94). “His unique approach breaks barriers and invites people, especially younger audiences, into the classical world, entertaining and educating all at once. He is richly deserving of an honorary degree.”

Muspratt will be bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony III, on Friday, May 30, at 9 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

Kirk Muspratt

An internationally renowned conductor and music director, Maestro Kirk Muspratt came from humble beginnings. Music was part of his life from an early age; he had his first piano lesson with Mrs. Madeline Pinkney after his first day of school. He credits her with shaping what was to follow in his life. He was six years old when he participated in music festivals in the Crowsnest Pass and eight when he entered festivals in Lethbridge. Muspratt joined the Crowsnest Pass Symphony Orchestra at age 11. After high school, he was accepted at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He went on to study at Temple ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Philadelphia and the Vienna Conservatory. Muspratt had a summer apprenticeship with Leonard Bernstein at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer academy for advanced music study.

In his professional life as a music director and conductor with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic and the Dupage Opera Theater, Muspratt focuses on bringing classical music to the masses without the stuffiness with which it’s typically associated. He’s especially keen on thinking of ways to introduce younger people to the genre and following up with opportunities to expand their interest and encourage ongoing involvement. Muspratt developed a Just Ask Kirk program so audience members could ask him questions. The Cookies with Kirk and Interactive Intermission initiatives allow patrons and musicians to meet, and the Kirkature cartoon supports his belief that symphonic music can have broad appeal.

Another popular program he developed is the Solo Competition for Children, which results in a different child being chosen to perform at a Northwest Indiana Symphony concert. High school students get the chance to perform with New Philharmonic musicians through the Side by Side concerts. Muspratt implemented an Orchestral Fellowship Program with Indiana’s Valparaiso ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and his vision helped found the South Shore Music Festival.

His career has included serving as assistant conductor at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, music director of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, associate conductor at the Utah Symphony Orchestra, resident conductor at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Alberta Ballet.

Muspratt has earned many accolades for his work and has been a guest conductor with orchestras around the world. He possesses boundless enthusiasm and passion for music.

He remains proud of his southern Alberta roots. Muspratt owns the house where he was born and spends as much time in the community as his schedule allows, adjudicating festivals in Lethbridge and Crowsnest Pass and mentoring young performing artists.

Prodigious writer and social advocate David A. Robertson to be awarded honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 05 May 2025 17:19:52 +0000

The ULethbridge Bookstore (SU210, Student Union Building Food Court) will host a book signing with David A. Robertson on Thursday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Acclaimed writer, podcaster, public speaker and social advocate David A. Robertson is a strong and influential voice on Indigenous issues who has the innate ability to empower young adults through his works. Dedicated to ensuring children have access to books and championing accessibility to diverse literature, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Robertson with an honorary degree at Spring 2025 Convocation.

Robertson believes sincerely that children must always have access to books, even those that cover difficult and uncomfortable topics, and champions a scaffolding approach where age-appropriate content helps build understanding as readers mature.

“David Robertson writes from a place of honesty, and I think that’s why he resonates so deeply with his readers, many of whom are young adults who value the truth. His latest book, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, again broaches difficult issues but in a manner that invites the reader to a safe place of compassion and understanding,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead. “He is a compassionate and compelling speaker, and we are fortunate to have David as one of our judges for the 2026 Bridge Prize national short story writing competition and very proud to be presenting him with an honorary degree.”

Robertson will be bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony I, on Thursday, May 29, at 9 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

David A. Robertson

David A. Robertson has never been fearful of heavy subjects. An Indigenous author, podcaster, public speaker and social advocate, Robertson often confronts difficult issues in his writing with an inherent honesty and openness that resonates with readers of all ages.

A member of Norway House Cree Nation, he currently lives and works out of Winnipeg. Robertson writes primarily for children and youth, opening minds to the strength of the written word and empowering new voices to be heard. Embracing Indigenous identity and culture, he presents important topics that contribute to understanding, healing, truth and reconciliation.

Robertson first garnered attention in 2012 with his seminal four-part graphic novel series, 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga, an epic story that follows one Indigenous family over three centuries and seven generations. The works soon found their way into schools and libraries across the country, gaining appreciation from teachers and librarians alike as they inspired young readers and sparked meaningful conversations.

Extremely respectful of his audience, he never wavers from presenting the hardest truths while encouraging deeper levels of understanding. Robertson believes sincerely that children must always have access to books, even those that cover difficult and uncomfortable topics. Using a scaffolding approach, he presents age-appropriate content that builds understanding as readers mature.

His thoughtful and caring approach to broaching delicate subject matter has not only made his writing a favourite of young readers, but it has also garnered the respect of educators and parents. When one of his books was banned by a misguided school division for containing “too much culture and ceremony,” the ensuing uproar from parents, teachers and fellow writers soon saw the book returned to library shelves.

The honours and recognition for Robertson’s work are substantial. He’s a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award — in 2017 for When We Were Alone and in 2021 for On the Trapline — and was nominated for a third in 2020 with The Barren Grounds. In 2017, he earned the Beatrice Mosionier Aboriginal Writer of the Year Award, and in 2018, the first book of Robertson's Reckoner series won the McNally Robinson Best Book for Young People Award, the Manitoba Book Awards’ Michael Van Rooy Award for Genre Fiction, and the Indigenous Writer of the Year Award at the High Plains Book Awards. In 2021, he won the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award and in 2023, was recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba for outstanding contributions to the arts.

His continued commitment to creating space for emerging Indigenous voices has earned him an appointment as editorial director of a new children’s imprint, Swift Water Books, dedicated to publishing Indigenous writers and illustrators, further advancing understanding and reconciliation.

Canadian comic icon Brent Butt among ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge 2025 honorary degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:03:44 +0000

Corner Gas creator will headline comedy show fundraiser in support of Food For Thought, student food security program

He created a Canadian landmark television program, has traversed the globe performing live stand-up shows and continues to mentor and support the growth and health of the Canadian comedy community. Brent Butt is a true Canadian comic icon and one of six people who will be awarded ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge honorary degrees during Spring and Fall 2025 Convocation ceremonies.

Brent Butt's comedic career has spanned more than 35 years.

Butt, who will be recognized at one of the four spring ceremonies, joins acclaimed writer David Robertson, former ULethbridge Chancellor Charlie Weaselhead, conductor Kirk Muspratt and community advocates Bernadine (BEd ’88) and Toby Boulet (BEd ’89, MEd ’04)(fall ceremony), as distinguished honourees.

“We’re thrilled to announce this tremendous group of honorary degree recipients who represent all the best attributes of the ULethbridge experience and its graduating students,” says Terry Whitehead, current ULethbridge Chancellor. “These are people who have achieved great success in their fields and done so in the right way, as engaged citizens in their communities, as educators, as mentors and leaders.”

Butt, who is known primarily for being the creator, writer and star of the iconic Canadian comedy series Corner Gas, has fashioned a comedic career spanning more than 35 years. Successful as a live performer as well as on the big and small screen, he is now an active screenwriter and author, always with deference to his small-town Canadian roots.

“To be able to recognize Brent for all the joy he has brought Canadians over the years is exciting and a recognition he richly deserves,” adds Whitehead. “Laughter is incredibly important in our lives, and I think we are realizing that more every day. Brent’s devotion to his comedic craft, willingness to share with others in the comedy community and unwavering commitment to his rural roots and Canadian culture says a lot about the kind of person he is.

“His willingness to perform for a Lethbridge audience and raise money in support of food security initiatives at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is heartfelt, and I can’t wait to enjoy a great evening of entertainment with him and his guest.”

The comedy show fundraiser to benefit the Food For Thought student program takes place Sunday, May 25, 7 p.m., at the Yates Memorial Theatre and features Brent Butt as the headliner with special guest Charlie Demers. Tickets, priced at $65 each, will be available through the City of Lethbridge Ticket Centre.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Butt with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony IV, on Friday, May 30, 2:30 p.m., in the Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Brent Butt

For Brent Butt, there really was no other career path than comedy, something he’d decided before his teenage years. While he briefly attended Ontario’s Sheridan College after graduating high school in his hometown of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, formal schooling quickly took a back seat to his entrepreneurial tendencies. Leaving school, he and a friend developed their own publishing company, and they created two issues of their comic book, Existing Earth, in which Butt drew the illustrations.

He approached comedy not on a whim, but rather as a vocation, studying the intricacies of the craft. By the time he took the stage for his first stand-up performance at the age of 21, he was ready and his meteoric rise in the comedy industry was testament to his work ethic and preparation. A year after his first appearance on an amateur night at a Saskatoon comedy club, Butt was touring Central and Eastern Canada. Before long he was headlining Toronto’s downtown Yuk Yuks Comedy Club and doors began to open for him internationally.

Once established as a live entertainer, Butt began realizing the next phase of his career, and in 2004 created, wrote and starred in the hit television show Corner Gas. Set in the fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan, the show reflected Butt’s smalltown upbringing and shone a new light on rural Canada, one that resonated with small communities across the country and struck a chord with populations in larger urban centres.

Corner Gas ran for six seasons, averaging a remarkable 1.2 million viewers per episode and reaping numerous awards, including four Canadian Comedy Awards and five Gemini Awards. The show has now aired in 60 countries and continues to run on streaming platforms, boasting large fan bases in Germany, the United States, Australia and beyond. A Canadian Armed Forces soldier once wrote the show about his unit watching episodes of Corner Gas to take the edge off during particularly dangerous deployments, reminding them of home and that laughter and simpler times still existed.

The success of Corner Gas garnered remarkable attention and in 2008, Butt was awarded the Peter Ustinov Award for outstanding body of comedic work at the Banff World Media Festival. He joined the likes of past recipients John Cleese, Bob Newhart, John Candy and Eugene Levy.

With a platform as a leader in the industry, Butt has used his profile to call attention to the work of other comedians and to mentor and promote the growth and health of the comedy community.

Eager to continue to expand his creative knowledge, Butt is an active screenwriter and now author, having released his first novel, Huge, a #1 national best seller and one of Indigo’s 2023 Best Books of the Year.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge eager to celebrate graduating class at Fall 2024 Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:11:06 +0000

An exemplary group of graduating students will celebrate a milestone in their academic careers this weekend as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosts its Fall 2024 Convocation on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium. The public is welcome to join the festivities, either in person or by watching the streaming version on YouTube.

A total of 303 students will graduate on Saturday, with 205 expected to cross the stage.

A total of 303 students will graduate on Saturday, with 205 expected to cross the stage. The ceremony will include graduates from the School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Health Sciences and Dhillon School of Business. ULethbridge will also recognize Elder Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Francis First Charger, with an honorary degree, acclaim Dr. Marc Roussel as the Excellence in Teaching Award recipient and celebrate Dr. Hendriatta Wong (BMgt ’00) as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award winner.

On Friday, ULethbridge will hold its annual Let There Be Light Night alumni achievement celebration, recognizing the contributions of its newest Alumni Honour Society inductees, the Distinguished Alumni Award winner, the Young Alumni Award recipient (Chelsea Woolley, BA/BEd ’14) and the Pronghorn Alumni of the Year (Cam Slomp, BA ’93).

Graduands will assemble in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall starting at 8:30 a.m. The academic procession from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall to the Centre for Sport and Wellness begins at 9:50 a.m.

For more information on Fall 2024 Convocation, visit ulethbridge.ca/convocation.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduates to be celebrated at Spring 2024 Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 29 May 2024 16:08:00 +0000

This week, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will celebrate the accomplishments of 1,432 students as they cross the stage at Spring 2024 Convocation.

This spring’s graduating class reflects the great diversity of our campus and includes graduates aged 19 to 68. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will celebrate its first-ever cohort of Bachelor of Science students from the ULethbridge Calgary campus and recognize the initial graduates of the Indigenous Student Success Certificate program, a first-year credit program that provides a solid foundation of core skills, as well as cultural and peer support that better positions students for success in their further undergraduate studies.

Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies take place Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31.

“Graduation is a significant milestone — a time to look forward at next steps and also to recount the journey to this moment,” says ULethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Digvir Jayas. “From the time they began their programs, many of them virtually, they have experienced significant shifts, both personally and in the world around them. The education our students have received, the people they have met and the conversations they have engaged in have greatly broadened their perspectives and prepared them to do great things in this world as ULethbridge alumni.”

Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies take place Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

All four ceremonies are free of charge and open to the public and media. Following is the convocation schedule for the week.

Thursday, May 30

Ceremony I — 9:30 a.m. — School of Graduate Studies (PhD, MSc); Faculty of Arts & Science (BASc, BSc); Honorary Degree: Tadashi Mitsui; Speaker Research Award: Dr. René T. Boeré

Ceremony II — 2:30 p.m. — School of Graduate Studies (MA, MN); Faculty of Arts & Science (BA); Faculty of Health Sciences (BHSc, BN, BTR); Honorary Degree: Karen Wauters; Volunteer Award: Talayna Ekelund; Graduate Mentorship Award: Dr. Kristine Alexander

Chancellor’s Dinner — 6 p.m., Science Commons Atrium — A dinner to honour all award recipients

Friday, May 31

Ceremony III — 9:30 a.m. — School of Graduate Studies (MC, MEd, MFA, MMus); Faculty of Education (BEd); Combined Degrees with Education; Faculty of Fine Arts (all programs); Honorary Degree: Dr. Nahum Sonenberg; Board of Governors Teaching Chair: Wayne Lippa

Ceremony IV — 2:30 p.m. — School of Graduate Studies (MHSM, MSc (Mgt)); Dhillon School of Business (all programs); Combined Degrees with Management; Honorary Degree: Kurt Schlachter

For complete Spring 2024 Convocation information, please visit ulethbridge.ca/convocation.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge medal winners to be recognized at Spring 2024 Convocation

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 May 2024 16:51:03 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to celebrate the achievements of its 2024 graduating class this week at Spring 2024 Convocation.

Distinguishing themselves among the 1,432 graduates are the ULethbridge medal winners for 2024. They are as follows:

Gold Medal of the Governor General — Rajwinder Kaur (Ceremony I)
(Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing at the graduate level)

Rajwinder Kaur came to ULethbridge having completed her Bachelor and Master of Science in Chemistry from India, and subsequently started a master’s degree at ULethbridge in 2017 before transferring to a PhD program in 2019. She received a prestigious Alberta Innovates scholarship along with Board of Governors and School of Graduate Studies tuition scholarships. While at ULethbridge, Kaur published six research articles, and presented her work at 23 local, national and international conferences. After her successful experience in research during graduate studies, Kaur accepted a postdoctoral fellowship position at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto.

Silver Medal of the Governor General — Cameron Beazer (Ceremony I)
(Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing at the undergraduate level)

Cameron Beazer is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology (double major), with a 4.00 GPA that included A’s in 35 classes. He took several independent study courses, learning to apply his classroom work to practice and was supported by multiple scholarships and awards, including the Chinook Entrance Scholarship, Chinook Summer Research Award, NSERC Summer Research Scholarship and other local and provincial awards. He looks forward to studying medicine for a career in the medical field.

Undergraduate Academic Medals

Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Arts) — Jan Lawrenz Decano (Ceremony II)
An urban and regional studies student with a minor in anthropology, Jan Lawrenz Decano wrote his honours thesis on migrant app-based delivery drivers. He served as a research assistant on a SSHRC-funded research project on Sanctuary Cities and Families, led by Dr. Julie Young, that resulted in a co-authored paper. He further presented his research at conferences such as the Western Division Canadian Association of Geographers and the Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies.

Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Science) — Elisha Wong (Ceremony I)
Elisha Wong earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in art history. She spent four years working in Dr. Robert Sutherland’s lab where she completed her undergraduate honours thesis on cognitive enrichment and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. In completing this work, she mastered multiple disparate techniques that enabled her to undertake productive experiments including using a mouse model to measure sex differences in the way experience directs the birth of new neurons in a relevant adult brain circuit. She was also a leader on the iGEM team that won a gold medal in Paris in 2023.

Faculty of Education Gold Medal — Toshi Uyesugi (Ceremony III)
Toshi Uyesugi graduates with a perfect 4.0 in both mathematics and education. In addition to her excellence in the classroom, Uyesugi was outstanding during her PS III internship at St. Mary’s School in Taber. Able to adapt to a unique learning environment — teaching subjects like Math 20 in high school along with middle school science — students respected and enjoyed working in the safe learning environment that she fostered. Uyesugi was eager to apply critical thinking practices that supported and encouraged a growth mindset within her classroom.

Alberta Teacher’s Association William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education — Hayley Bedard (Ceremony III)
A general social sciences/Indigenous education major, Hayley Bedard is widely regarded as an emerging teacher who will change the field of education. She achieved a near perfect GPA in the classroom, while her Professional Inquiry Project, focused on increasing student engagement through thinking routines, received top honours. Bedard showcased her intentional planning and reflection, commitment to relationship and trust building, and willingness to adapt to the needs of her students throughout her highly successful PS III internship at Nicholas Sheran Elementary School.

Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal — Alayna McNeil (Ceremony II)
A violinist who earned a Bachelor of Music with Great Distinction, Alayna McNeil has been described as an exceptionally committed student demonstrating top-level musicianship, community engagement and leadership, dedication to her studies, and the potential for a successful career as a professional violinist.

Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal — CJ Johnson (Ceremony II)
A strong supporter of peers and staunch advocate for social justice, CJ Johnson actively engages with issues of affordable housing and accessible mental health service. Johnson worked and volunteered in the community, supporting the most vulnerable populations — the unhoused and those with mental health issues. Johnson developed strong fundraising skills through writing grants for several non-profits in the community and displayed the ability to adapt their communication skills to diverse communities and groups with which they worked.

Dhillon School of Business Gold Medal — Cassidy Christman (Ceremony IV)
Cassidy Christman completed a Bachelor of Management in Accounting with Great Distinction. An exceptional, engaged and hardworking student who is impressive on all fronts, her analytical skills are first-rate. Her participation in class discussions added immensely to other students’ interest and understanding of the course, and she is poised to distinguish herself in her professional career.

Graduate Academic Medals

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Doctor of Philosophy — Rajwinder Kaur (Ceremony I)
See write-up above.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Music — Sonny-Ray Day Rider (Ceremony II)
Sonny-Ray Day Rider is a gifted composer of national stature who has already started a brilliant professional career. He has achieved recognition and performances of his work from some of the finest orchestras and ensembles in Canada.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Education — Counselling Psychology — Moriah Edge-Partington (Ceremony III)
An outstanding student, Moriah Edge-Partington consistently exhibited the qualities of tenacity, intelligence, integrity and commitment throughout her studies. Her thesis, An Examination of Work-Related Stress and Resilience in Canadian Teachers, is an exceptional study examining one of the most pressing issues impacting education internationally.

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Counselling — Applied Psychology — Sydney Gelineau-Olay (Ceremony III)
Sydney Gelineau-Olay’s academic excellence and perseverance contributed to her writing an outstanding 150-page project to advance the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ therapy clients. As a student, she also presented at two conferences, wrote a textbook chapter and served her fellow students as a Residence Assistant.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies take place Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

For complete information on Spring 2024 Convocation, visit the convocation web page.

Board Chair Emeritus Kurt Schlachter to be awarded ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Thu, 23 May 2024 16:42:46 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board Chair Emeritus Kurt Schlachter KC (BSc ’00) helped guide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through an important period of growth and transition while remaining dedicated to his professional law practice and volunteer and philanthropic activities. Recognizing his dedication to community building, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will award Schlachter with an honorary degree at Spring 2024 Convocation.

“Strong, steady leadership is essential for an organization to thrive and with Kurt Schlachter as Board of Governors Chair, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was able to navigate some very difficult circumstances and remain true to its vision,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “Great change and growth were realized during his tenure and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a stronger institution as a result. We’re very pleased to recognize Kurt’s longstanding dedication to the mission of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge by awarding him an honorary degree.”

Kurt Schlachter helped guide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through an important period of growth and transition.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Kurt Schlachter with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2024 Convocation, Ceremony IV, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.

Kurt Schlachter

It is often through the most difficult circumstances that the most valuable leaders emerge. Kurt Schlachter KC (BSc ’00), former Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors, is one of those leaders who consistently shows a steady hand and cultivates a consensus-building culture during the most trying times.

A fourth generation Albertan who grew up on a family farm near Bow Island, Alberta, Schlachter proudly followed his mother, Juanita Schlachter, as a ULethbridge graduate. He earned a Bachler of Science in Neuroscience with Honours from ULethbridge in 2000, then completed a Juris Doctor from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan in 2003.

Upon joining Stringam Denecky LLP in 2003, Schlachter’s passion for the business of law and entrepreneurship shone as he quickly established his practice and reputation in the community. By 2010, he was invited to be a partner as the firm evolved into Stringam LLP. In 2015, he was named one of Lethbridge’s Top 40 under 40, and a year later was elected to be the firm’s Regional Managing Partner. In 2022, Schlachter was awarded the designation of King’s Counsel by the Province of Alberta, and in 2023 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Stringam LLP.

All the while, Schlachter was an active volunteer and philanthropist, lending his time to groups such as the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta and Economic Development Lethbridge, as well as supporting organizations such as Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge Family Services, Southern Alberta Art Gallery and both ULethbridge and Lethbridge College. He also stayed connected to ULethbridge by serving on Senate and in 2016, took on the role of Board of Governors Chair.

Schlachter’s six years as Chair were challenging, uplifting, historical and transformative. During his tenure, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ opened the $280 million Science Commons building, successfully completed the $100-million Shine campaign — the largest fundraising effort in school history — navigated its way through the COVID-19 pandemic and endured substantial provincial funding cuts. Despite the difficult circumstances, Schlachter’s leadership was instrumental in meeting these challenges. In 2017, he was honoured by the Blackfoot Nation with the Blackfoot name Stamiksiiitoohkitapoyii (Bull Buffalo Standing on the Hill), and in 2022 appointed Board Chair Emeritus.

Upon concluding his role as Board of Governors Chair, he and his spouse Jason VandenHoek (BMgt ’05) established a first-of-its-kind endowment fund to support 2SLGBTQ+ students. The two also co-own and manage a private commercial real estate portfolio and Schlachter maintains a role as a corporate director with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Business Corporation.

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