UNews - Kurt Schlachter

Lexia Piccolo honoured with 2025 VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award

caroline.zentner — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:26:54 +0000

Lexia Piccolo’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and supporting mental health has earned her the 2025 VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award.

A graduate student in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Education, Piccolo’s background in advocacy work has centred on 2SLGBTQ+ youth in her home province of Quebec.

“It’s an incredible honour; it means so much,” Piccolo says. “Receiving the news was so affirming; it just made me feel proud that all the work I’ve done is making a difference. It also motivates me even more to keep building inclusive pathways for people who have been pushed to the margins for so long.”

In what she calls one of her most impactful professional experiences, Piccolo worked as a public consultation coordinator with Youth for Youth Quebec. There, she designed and executed a town hall-style opportunity for youth at a Pride event, creating a safe space for participants to share their experiences and challenges.

“This was done in a rural community, and I think that’s super important because it’s essentially a double minority. Rural communities don’t get enough attention, and neither do youth in the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” she says.

Piccolo also collected survey data on mental health needs and experiences from participants across Quebec.

“My findings showed a real lack of support within community organizations, including schools, and discrimination from older populations,” she recalls. “With these results, I wrote a policy brief called The Importance of School Support on the Mental Health of LGBTQIA2S+ Youth that was published, calling to the government and aimed at informing educational institutions or people working in them on how we can better support youth.”

Now halfway through her Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, Piccolo’s academic work has continued to reflect her passion for advocacy. Her course work explores how adverse childhood experiences can impact the relationships and mental health of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

She plans to pursue a career as a mental health professional after graduation.

“As someone who has worked directly with Queer youth, especially in the context of mental health and protection services, I’ve seen how systems fail people,” Piccolo says. “Whether it’s a lack of affirming spaces or limited access to mental health care — just not being heard in decisions that directly affect them — I’ve seen how these gaps are real and harmful, so I want to be a part of changing that.”

Piccolo is the second recipient of the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award, part of a first-of-its-kind endowment fund established in June 2023 by ULethbridge alumni Dr. Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00, LLD ’24) and Jason VandenHoek (BMgt ’05). The fund, which was matched by the ULethbridge Board of Governors, aims to celebrate academic achievement, reduce financial barriers, and recognize exceptional contributions to advancing equity and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“Lexia embodies the spirit of this award through her passion, courage and unwavering commitment to uplifting 2SLGBTQ+ youth,” says Schlachter. “Her work reminds us that meaningful change happens when we listen deeply, act boldly, and advocate tirelessly. We are honoured to support students like Lexia who are making a profound impact in their communities and beyond.”

“Any work and progress we make is about more than just inclusion — it’s also about safety, respect and dignity,” says Piccolo. “As a Queer woman — I will include myself in this — we’ve often been pushed to the side. But I want to emphasize the message that we are important, and we deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect as everybody else.”

The VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award is an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Be a Place Where People Aspire to Learn, Work and Contribute. Our people are our greatest strength. We grow a culture rooted in curiosity, respect, access and belonging.

Advocacy work earns Jesson recognition as first VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award recipient

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:44:03 +0000

Mars Jesson, a psychology major and co-chair of Q-Space at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, is the first recipient of the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award. This recognition celebrates Jesson's commitment to supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community on campus and beyond.

Mars Jesson is a psychology major and co-chair of Q-Space.

“I really want to express gratitude for this award, and I feel honoured that our hard work is being recognized,” says Jesson. “In today’s climate, representation is crucial. An award like this validates our efforts and encourages us to continue.”

Q-Space, under Jesson’s leadership, has significantly increased its presence at ULethbridge. Historically known as the Pride Centre, which evolved from the Gay and Lesbian Integrity Association, Q-Space has expanded its activities from social events to providing essential resources for queer students.

“Initially, we were left with just a club room and a few documents,” Jesson recalls. “We've since organized drag shows, coffee nights and game nights, and more importantly, we’ve started offering resources for students navigating university as queer individuals and accessing transition support.”

Jesson emphasized the importance of Q-Space in offering a safe space for self-exploration and community learning.

“��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is often a time when individuals explore their identities more freely than they could in high school. Q-Space facilitates this journey, providing a place to learn about the queer community and the diversity among students.”

The VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award is part of a first-of-its-kind endowment fund established in June 2023 by ULethbridge alumni Dr. Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00, LLD ’24) and Jason VandenHoek (BMgt ’05). The fund aims to celebrate academic achievement, reduce financial barriers, and recognize exceptional contributions to advancing equity and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“We are thrilled to hear that Mars Jesson is the first ULethbridge student to receive funding from the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund,” says VandenHoek.

“It is exactly students like Mars who we wanted to assist when we created this fund,” Schlachter adds. “We hope that the financial help provided by this award will assist Mars as they pursue their ongoing education and that they will continue to be a voice for LGBTQ2IA+ on campus and beyond.”

Following graduation, Jesson plans to pursue a master’s in clinical psychology. They hope to become a role model and advocate in the field, as many trans and queer individuals are still stigmatized and dehumanized in the psychiatric system. In addition, Jesson wants to help trans and queer people navigate the system, as many often do not have social supports and struggle with poor mental health.

“I really want to be a voice of advocacy,” says Jesson. “I can stand my ground as a trans person for other trans people in that system. It should be helpful for you, especially if you're a queer person and you already don't have a lot of social supports. Change needs to happen within that system, and I want to be part of that change.”

Jesson highlighted the broader impact of the award, noting its potential to encourage more individuals to engage in advocacy and drive change.

“Visibility is crucial,” says Jesson. “It shows that people are working to make this a better place and inspires others to join. This award helps attract more volunteers, making progressive change possible. The more people involved, the more biases are challenged, leading to an exponential shift in attitudes.”

The establishment of the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund was inspired by the Board of Governors’ recent announcement of $10-million in matching funds to help grow endowed student scholarships at ULethbridge.

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.

Alumni donors establish first-of-its-kind endowment fund to support 2SLGBTQ+ students

trevor.kenney — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 16:41:13 +0000

A first-of-its-kind endowment fund for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will provide support for 2SLGBTQ+ students and those who advance equity and inclusion, thanks to a generous donation from two ULethbridge alumni.

Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00) and Jason VandenHoek (BMgt ’05) have established the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund. Announced during ULethbridge’s Progress Pride flag raising ceremony, the $200,000 endowment fund will support a suite of awards aimed at reducing barriers for 2SLGBTQ+ students.

Jason VandenHoek, left, and Kurt Schlachter at the ULethbridge Pride Flag Raising Ceremony.

“With some of the incredibly high rates of addiction, homelessness and suicide among 2SLGBTQ+ youth, we wanted to support students from this community by providing access to education that they may not otherwise have, especially those who don't come from supportive families like we do or who may have financial barriers,” says Schlachter. “It was clear to us there is a gap for this segment of the student population. We also felt it was really important for us to support students who are demonstrating leadership and allyship for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

The awards will celebrate academic achievement, remove financial barriers to education and recognize exceptional contributions to advancing equity and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, both on campus and beyond. While a first for ULethbridge, it is also among only a handful of post-secondary institutions across Canada to offer awards for 2SLGBTQ+ students.

“These awards will provide much-needed support for 2SLGBTQ+ students at ULethbridge, and it is a great honour to announce them as we celebrate Pride Month under this year’s theme of Solidarity, Strength and Community,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, vice-provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “As we work to build a more inclusive and welcoming campus, this significant gift sends a powerful message to our students and the broader community that by working together, we can create the culture shift we all seek – a truly safe and welcoming campus space for everyone.”

Schlachter and VandenHoek are notable in the community for their volunteerism and philanthropy. Schlachter is a Lethbridge-based lawyer, who served as Chair of the ULethbridge Board of Governors from 2016 to 2022. He is currently the chief executive officer of Stringam LLP, a regional law firm in Western Canada, and was appointed as Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) last year. VandenHoek spent over a decade as executive director of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation before becoming the chief operating officer of the pair’s real estate holding company. Both are former ULethbridge Senators.

While they had been considering ways to support ULethbridge for several years, Schlachter says the announcement of The Campaign for Students, with $10-million in matching funds pledged by ULethbridge’s Board of Governors, confirmed that the timing was right to create an even bigger impact.

“It resonated with us deeply that this was the right time, and that we could leverage our gift to have double the impact — it just really, really brought it home for us,” says Schlachter. “We consider our time at ULethbridge to be a huge part of our lives and we’ve continued to stay very connected. We both recognize that our lives would be totally different if we had not had the opportunity to obtain a university education.”

Schlachter and VandenHoek both grew up in small rural southern Alberta communities. While grateful for their agricultural upbringing and supportive families, Schlachter recognizes the challenges for those who cannot access vital supports or have limited opportunities to grow in a diverse environment. A portion of the endowment fund will provide support for students growing up in rural communities to allow them to experience something different.

“While there has been some progress, there are still significant barriers to accessing resources and support for 2SLGBTQ+ students,” says Schlachter. “With a smaller population, these students are less likely to be exposed to diversity of perspective, thought and individual circumstances in the same way as when you can come to a larger centre, and especially to a university campus. It opens your eyes in different ways. It’s important for students to see themselves represented and to feel that they are not alone.”

For VandenHoek and Schlachter, the power of representation is critical to building confidence on the pathway to success, especially for 2SLGBTQ+ students.

“For those with similar backgrounds to us to see that they too can achieve success and reach their dreams if they work hard and focus is essential,” says Schlachter. “In some cases, they may need more support to get there. So, we're hoping to provide that to them.”

The first award from the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund will be presented in June 2024.

VandenHoek and Schlachter are challenging their fellow ULethbridge alumni to make a donation to this fund or to any of the other student funds that have been established so far, or to explore establishing a fund that supports future ULethbridge students in a way that aligns with their personal values, by taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in The Campaign for Students.

Those interested in donating can give by visiting the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund webpage. All donations will be matched 1:1.

Alumnus Dean Gallimore appointed Chair of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:03:54 +0000

Local business leader, respected chartered professional accountant and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84) has been appointed Chair of the ULethbridge Board of Governors, effective June 29, 2022.

Dean Gallimore has served as a member of the ULethbridge Board of Governors since October 2019, most recently as Chair of the Finance Committee and Vice-Chair of the President & Vice-Chancellor Search Committee.

Gallimore, who becomes the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 11th board Chair, spent 28 years with local accounting firm KPMG, the final 12 years as the office managing partner before retiring in 2012. Born and raised in Lethbridge, he quickly made a name for himself in the accounting field. Gallimore was an Alberta bronze medalist and placed on the Canadian Honour Role for the 1986 Uniform Final Examinations (having placed in the top 20 of approximately 3,600 candidates).

Gallimore’s portfolio at KPMG consisted largely of primary agriculture, agriculture services and agriculture processing clients, as well as many other industries. He has served as a member of the ULethbridge Board of Governors since October 2019, most recently as Chair of the Finance Committee and Vice-Chair of the President & Vice-Chancellor Search Committee.

“I am honoured to be appointed to this position and excited about the opportunities ahead,” says Gallimore. “Having my spouse, and two children also as alums, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has always been a big part of my life and helped launch my career here in southern Alberta. Its connection to community as a partner and driver of commerce and innovation is something that is continually expanding and I’m excited to help steward in the coming years.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon says Gallimore’s commitment to southern Alberta business and industry is testament to the significant contributions ULethbridge alumni make to their communities.

“Dean’s financial acumen is a major asset to the board and over the past three years, his service has been invaluable,” says Mahon. “His work supporting industry throughout southern Alberta is indicative of the impact our alumni have on communities throughout the world. We’re thrilled he is willing to share his expertise as a board member and now Board Chair.”

Gallimore follows previous Board Chair Kurt Schlachter, who served the last six years in the role.

U of L solidifies Board of Governors with new member and reappointments

trevor.kenney — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 16:58:06 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is pleased to welcome a new member to its Board of Governors and the reappointment of two others who have made significant contributions to the U of L community.

Calgary-based businessman Darcy Gonci (BSC ’96, BMgt ’99) has been appointed to the Board of Directors for a three-year term through October 2023. Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) and Karen Gunn will both serve second terms as board members, also through October 2023.

“We’re extremely fortunate to add Darcy to our group and excited about the perspective he brings from his professional experiences and willingness to serve in the community,” says Board of Governors Chair Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00). “It’s also great to welcome both Karen and Terry back for second terms. Their U of L pride is infectious and their contributions to our community and southern Alberta as a whole have been tremendous.”

Darcy Gonci

A chartered professional accountant originally from Calgary, Gonci graduated from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Science (co-op in biochemistry) in 1996, and a Bachelor of Management (finance) in 1999. He earned a Master of Professional Accounting from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan in 2003 and obtained his chartered accountant designation in 2004.

Gonci has held various finance leadership positions in the energy sector in Calgary and is presently financial controller for a reservoir engineering and evaluation firm.

Karen Gunn

With over 20 years of combined experience as an insurance professional and a Canadian Risk Manager, Gunn began her career in Ontario with a family-owned commercial insurance brokerage. Relocating to Calgary, she joined the largest international commercial insurance brokerage in the country and earned her Canadian Risk Manager designation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary.

In 2003, Gunn was approached to join Rogers Insurance Ltd., and, in 2006 was invited in as a shareholder and partner. While maintaining an office in Lethbridge, Karen also spends time at her Calgary office to meet with her Calgary clients and staff.

Terry Whitehead

Living in Vancouver where he is managing partner of Alexander Whitehead Executive Search, a boutique search firm specializing in the natural resources, Whitehead is also the founder of Elev8Exec Coaching, a Vancouver-based executive coaching firm.

Whitehead is Chair of the Advancement Committee and serves on the Executive and Compensation committees of the board. He is also a member of the Vancouver Writers Fest Board of Directors and Chair of the Vancouver International Film Festival Advisory Committee.

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon reappointed for three-year term

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:14:07 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors has approved the reappointment of President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon to a third term. At the request of Dr. Mahon, this appointment is for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2020 and will be his final term.

Dr. Mike Mahon is the sixth president and vice-chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I want to extend my congratulations to Mike on his reappointment,” says Kurt Schlachter, Chair, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors. “Mike has led the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through a period of unprecedented growth and has secured the place of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as Alberta’s Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. There are a number of extraordinary initiatives currently underway that are significantly aided through strong, consistent leadership. Among these include action to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses and relatedly, moving forward in our important commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. As well, leading the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to the successful completion of SHINE: The Campaign for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, including the achievement of the private sector fundraising goal for the Destination Project.”

Mahon is the sixth president and vice-chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and first came to the U of L in 2010. He was reappointed for a second term in July 2015. During his tenure, he introduced the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s first Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan followed closely by Destination 2020, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Strategic Plan.

A key aspect of Destination 2020 was the construction of the new Science and Academic Building, a $280-million science teaching and research facility that will officially open in September 2019. The 38,500 m2 facility promises to be the most advanced science teaching and research centre of its kind in the country and is the largest project undertaken at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ since the completion of the original ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall in 1972.

Throughout his tenure, Mahon has maintained his commitment to strengthening the U of L’s place as a comprehensive, destination university. Strategic initiatives such as the creation of new residence spaces through the opening of Mount Blakiston House, the creation of a formal working partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge, the appointment of Dr. Leroy Little Bear as a senior adviser on Indigenous issues, a rededication to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s founding philosophy through the creation of the School of Liberal Education, the revitalization of business and finance education through the transformation of the Dhillon School of Business, and a focus on expanding the U of L’s global footprint have all earmarked Mahon’s presidency.

In September 2018, Mahon and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ publicly launched the most ambitious campaign in the 51-year history of the institution – SHINE: The Campaign for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

“I am very grateful for this reappointment and extend my appreciation to the board and members of the Search and Review Committee for their service,” says Mahon. “As I shared with members of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community earlier, my motivation in seeking a third term is to complete a number of very important projects underway at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and see the path forward secured for others. My passion for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is strong and I feel that there is much more to be done. I have the same energy and enthusiasm as I did when I first started as President, and I look forward to contributing to our university as it continues to evolve as one of Alberta’s comprehensive academic research universities, an emerging leader in our country and globally.”

Mahon currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Universities Canada and is a past Chair of the Board of Directors for USPORTS.

Mahon holds a PhD in Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research is in the field of disability studies where he has conducted research related to decision making and self-determination for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the role of play in child and community development in developing countries.

Board of Governors reappoints one, welcomes three new members

trevor.kenney — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 21:14:22 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is pleased to announce the approval of four members to its Board of Governors, including three new public members and one reappointment.

“We’re very excited to reappoint Jennifer Harker to the Board and to welcome three new members,” says Board of Governors Chair Kurt Schlachter BSc ’00. “Our new members are accomplished professionals and longtime supporters of education in their communities. The perspectives they bring to the Board will prove to be very beneficial to our group and serve the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and its stakeholders extremely well. I look forward to working with them as we continue to advance the U of L as one of Canada’s premier universities of choice.”

Jennifer Harker (reappointed) – Senior Manager, Human Resources, Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Jennifer Harker (BA ’99) is a native of Lethbridge and long-time resident of Calgary. In addition to her B.A., Jennifer earned a Master of Arts degree in history from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto and a Bachelor of Law degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. She clerked for the Federal Court of Canada in Ottawa, and has been employed in the Calgary legal field for a number of years.

She currently serves as senior manager, Human Resources at Pembina Pipeline Corporation, a Calgary-based pipeline transportation and midstream service provider.

Jennifer is currently a public member of the Board of Governors of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Chair of the Governance Committee. She is also a board member of The Elder Statesman Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, comfortable and affordable housing for senior citizens in Calgary.

Karen Gunn – Senior Account Executive, Partner – Commercial Lines, Rogers Insurance Ltd.
Karen Gunn has over 20 years of combined experience as an insurance professional and a Canadian Risk Manager. She started her career at her family-owned commercial insurance brokerage in Ontario. She moved to Calgary to work at the largest international commercial insurance brokerage and earned her Canadian Risk Manager designation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. Karen joined Rogers Insurance Ltd., the largest independent, privately-owned commercial insurance brokerage in Western Canada, in 2003 and became a partner and shareholder in 2006. She has managed the Lethbridge satellite office since 2005 and also spends time at her Calgary office where her staff resides.

Karen has served on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate since 2011 and is a member of the Global Risk Management Institute, the Southern Alberta Risk and Insurance Management Society (S.A.R.I.M.S.) and the Insurance Institute of Southern Alberta.

Georgina Knitel – Senior Manager and Team Lead, Agriculture Banking Specialist CIBC
Georgina Knitel is a professional agrologist and chartered mediator working as a senior manager and team lead, Agriculture Banking Specialist for CIBC. She holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta) and an MBA in Agriculture (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph. Her background includes a thesis in Riparian Management, contribution as an advisor to the South Saskatchewan Land-Use Framework, day-to-day work with financing strategies for the farming and agri-business community, and conflict resolution.

Georgina has worked in diverse settings including Alberta, Yukon Territory, Saskatchewan, United States, China and the Netherlands, and brings a unique perspective and passion to the building of communities and prosperity within healthy environments.

Terry Whitehead – Managing Partner of Alexander Whitehead Executive Search from Vancouver
Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) was raised in Lethbridge and attended both Lethbridge Community College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, where he was the sports editor of the student newspaper and then served on Students’ Union as Vice-President Academic and then as Students’ Union President. Upon graduation, he began his career as an arts administrator and was New West Theatre’s first company administrator. In 1998, he joined Theatre Calgary and concluded his tenure there in 2004 as the company’s Director of Advancement. He served as a member of the Calgary International Film Festival’s Board of Directors before moving to Vancouver to become the Director of Development for the Arts Club Theatre Company, Canada’s largest urban professional theatre company.

In 2008, he entered the professional search industry, eventually establishing Alexander Whitehead Executive Search, a boutique search and consulting firm operating in Vancouver and Calgary. He is currently a member of the Vancouver International Film Festival’s Board of Directors and continues to be an active donor and supporter of student initiatives in the arts at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

U of L dignitaries honoured with traditional Blackfoot names

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

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

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

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

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

Following are the traditional Blackfoot names bestowed upon the honorees.

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

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

Janice Varzari, Chancellor - Oohskwiikkitstakaakii – Blue Offering Woman

Dennis Connolly, Professor - Itiiomaahkaa – Long Journey

Van Christou, Chancellor Emeritus - Iinniowdoomoowa– Buffalo Leader

Traditional Blackfoot naming ceremony a highlight of Homecoming Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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