UNews - Chancellor

Alumnus Terry Whitehead named ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s 15th chancellor

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:38:27 +0000

Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), one of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s most engaged and impassioned alumni, has been elected by the ULethbridge Senate as the institution’s 15th chancellor. It is just the second time in the 56-year history of the school that an alumnus will occupy the role.

Currently a managing partner of a Vancouver-based executive search and management consulting firm, Whitehead has served on the ULethbridge Board of Governors and been a champion of multiple initiatives over the years through his philanthropic support of the arts, Pronghorn Athletics and student food security issues.

Terry Whitehead is one of ULethbridge’s most engaged and impassioned alumni.

“When you think of the chancellor’s role and their relationship to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, you can’t help but see Terry as an absolutely perfect fit,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “He has long been one of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s greatest advocates and his support is tangible in the ways he has affected the lives of our students through the many awards and prizes he has created over the years. I’m excited to see what he will do in this new role and how he will continue to raise the profile of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.”

Whitehead views the chancellor position as an opportunity to take his work with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to another level. Already the philanthropic impetus behind the creation of such initiatives as the Bridge Prize (Canada’s only national short story writing contest for post-secondary students), the Play Right Prize (annual student one-act playwriting competition), HistoriCity (annual student historical essay competition), the Pronghorn Citizenship Award, and most recently the Spirit Prize (annual award recognizing excellence in visual arts by an Indigenous student), Whitehead says his connection to ULethbridge is a sincere recognition of how his time as a student shaped his future career and opened his world view.

“This is a fantastic institution, and I have such wonderful memories and am deeply appreciative of my time here as a student,” he says. “Coming here really changed my perspective on everything, changed my worldview. I’m so grateful for the liberal education experience — it really inspired my curiosity for and gave me the critical thinking skills to apply to the bigger world.”

The chancellor’s primary responsibilities are to chair the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate and preside over convocation ceremonies. ULethbridge chancellors have also used the role as an opportunity to champion key initiatives in support of students and the student experience. Outgoing chancellor Charles Weaselhead was instrumental in his support of inclusivity and indigineity on campus while his predecessor, Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02), was a strong advocate for energizing the vast ULethbridge alumni base as well as student mental health and wellness initiatives.

“An issue of real importance and concern for me is sustainable food security for our students,” says Whitehead, who is also one of the four recently named co-chairs of the current fundraising campaign for student scholarships. “This romanticized image of the starving student as some important rite of passage into adulthood is just so wrong. Students can’t study or write papers if they are hungry, so working with the Ulethbridge community to address this issue is one area I’d like to focus on during my term.”

Whitehead found early in his time as a ULethbridge student how important it was to engage with the opportunities available on campus. He dove right in, serving on Students’ Union council, writing as Sports Editor for the Meliorist, acting in fine arts dramatic productions, attending Pronghorns games and basically immersing himself in the campus lifestyle.

“You arrive on campus, and the world just opens up for you. You might come in thinking you’re going to do this one thing and then you discover there are so many other opportunities to explore, and you gain confidence and just run with it,” he says. “I recall attending student plays, art exhibitions and grad recitals for music students and being blown away by the talent. Those experiences really ignited an appreciation for the talented artists who attend our campus and the outstanding faculty who inspire them. You go to a Horns game or a concert or a play and you just dive into the student experience and it’s intoxicating.”

Kairvee Bhatt, Students’ Union president, has worked with Whitehead in his role as a board of governors’ member and respects his dedication to ULethbridge.

“Terry is just the embodiment of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge spirit,” she says. “He’s someone who has a continual commitment to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, to its students, alumni and the community beyond.”

Whitehead will be officially installed as chancellor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Spring Convocation ceremony to be held June 1-2, 2023. He will also host his first Chancellor’s Dinner on the evening of June 1.

Check out the chancellor's web page for more.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge seeking community input in search for new chancellor

trevor.kenney — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:33:09 +0000

The search for a new chancellor is on and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is engaging the public at large to participate in the process.

ULethbridge Chancellor Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead’s term is ending after being appointed the institution’s first Indigenous chancellor in 2019. His successor will be chosen in the coming months following a public search and nomination process — after which the ULethbridge Senate will short-list candidates and eventually choose the institution’s 15th chancellor.

While a volunteer position, the chancellor’s role is integral to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and its mission as the chancellor represents the public interest in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. As Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate, the chancellor is an ex officio member of the Board of Governors and serves as a key ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ locally, provincially and beyond. In addition, the chancellor presides over all degree-confirming ceremonies and confers all degrees, as well as represents the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ at ceremonial occasions.

“We have been very fortunate over the history of ULethbridge to have an outstanding group of chancellors,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “We saw over Charlie’s term, his engagement with the community and his dedication to advancing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s strategic vision. He was key in championing several Indigenous initiatives and strengthening the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s commitment to and connection with the Blackfoot Nation. He was and will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for the institution.”

Past chancellors include L.S. Turcotte (the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s first) (LLD ’72), Van E. Christou (LLD ’84), Ingrid Speaker (LLD ’01), Robert Hironaka (LLD ’02), James Horsman (LLD ’04), Richard Davidson (LLD ’12) and Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02, LLD ’21), among others. Each has brought unique talents to the role, and all have helped forward ULethbridge in communities close and abroad.

“It’s been said that education is the new buffalo that sustains and empowers our young Indigenous learners. I am a firm believer that knowledge provides the tool to make sound decisions to further careers and provide support to underserved communities,” says Weaselhead. “The past four years have been very rewarding, and I will leave this role with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It has been the highest honour to serve as the first Indigenous chancellor in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s history.”

Nominees for chancellor must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, possess a strong interest in university-community affairs and education, and have adequate time to apply to the considerable duties involved. This is a volunteer position with no remuneration.

Official nomination forms, requiring the names and addresses of three nominators, the signed consent of the nominee and any supporting documentation, will be received in the Senate Office until November 30, 2022. The successful candidate will take office March 16, 2023.

For nomination forms and further information, please contact The Chancellor Search Committee, care of The Senate Office (403-329-2482) or via e-mail at governance@uleth.ca. Details are also available by visiting the Chancellor Search web page.

Former chancellor Janice Varzari to be recognized with honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 16:34:14 +0000

A champion for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on a number of levels, Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02) will be recognized with an honorary degree as part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 2021 Spring Convocation celebrations.

Janice Varzari has been a steadfast champion of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for greater than 30 years.

Connected to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for greater than 30 years, Varzari has been a steadfast ambassador for the U of L throughout her many roles, from student to alumnus, senator, board member and chancellor.

“I don’t believe you could find many people more committed to advancing the goals of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and supporting our students than Janice Varzari,” says Charles Weaselhead, U of L Chancellor. “When I followed Janice as chancellor, I understood how difficult it would be to fill the role and also benefitted greatly from the wonderful work she had done. We’re very pleased to present her with an honorary degree for her longstanding commitment to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and its students.”

Varzari will be conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the Chancellor’s Reception on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

Janice Varzari

Janice Varzari’s connection to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ began with her time as a student, first in the Bachelor of Nursing program, from which she graduated in 1990 with Great Distinction while earning the Gold Medal in Nursing. She returned to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to complete a Master of Education with Specialization in Counselling Psychology in 2002. In 2008, Varzari was inducted into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society.

Amazingly, this was just the start for Varzari as she continued to not only stay connected with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, but sought ways in which she could further contribute to the institution. She began to take on a number of volunteer roles, beginning with terms on both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate and Board of Directors. In 2015, Varzari was appointed by the Senate as the 13th chancellor, the first alumnus to ever assume the post.

As chancellor, Varzari was able to utilize all her skills as an ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and was involved in a number of prominent initiatives which further enhanced the profile of the institution. She saw the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through its 50th anniversary celebrations, ushering in a new era of growth and maturity for the U of L, and was dedicated to taking a personal approach in enhancing the experience for all students.

The vice-president and co-owner (with her husband Glenn) of National Salvage Ltd. and National Holdings Ltd., they have continued to show steadfast support for U of L students in particular. In 2021, the couple backed the launch of the Student Wellness Ambassador Program, ensuring a legacy of student support would continue.

Annual dinner first official event for new chancellor Charles Weaselhead

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 May 2019 16:05:36 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s annual Chancellor’s Dinner is of special significance this year as it will mark the first official event for Charles Weaselhead, the U of L’s first Indigenous chancellor.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's first Indigenous chancellor, Charles Weaselhead.

Weaselhead’s historic appointment by the U of L Senate took place earlier this spring and he will be installed officially as chancellor during Spring Convocation Ceremony I by Alberta Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell. He will then preside over the Chancellor’s Dinner later that evening, Thursday, May 30, at which a number of students, faculty and community members will be recognized.

Among those who will be celebrated are the winners of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award, the recipient of the Speaker Research Award, the Distinguished Teaching Award recipient, the President’s Award for Service Excellence winners, honorary degree recipients and student medal winners from across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

This year, the Blood Tribe Department of Health has joined the event as the Student Excellence Sponsor. Their involvement is making it possible for student award winners from each Faculty, as well as the recipients of the Governor General’s Gold and Silver medals, to attend and be recognized for their significant accomplishments.

Other sponsors for the event include Bruce and Donna Tait (table wine sponsors), Kurt Schlachter and Jason VandenHoek (champagne reception sponsor), Pink Tie Events and LA Chefs.

Limited tickets for the 2019 Chancellor’s Dinner (Thursday, May 30, 2019, 6 p.m. at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel) are available until May 21 and can be purchased by visiting the Convocation website: uleth.ca/convocation/chancellors-dinner.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge introduces Charles Weaselhead as 14th chancellor and first of Indigenous descent

trevor.kenney — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:21:28 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate has elected Charles Weaselhead as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 14th chancellor – the first time in the institution’s 52-year history that the chancellor position will be held by an Indigenous person.

Situated in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Territory, the U of L has a shared history with the Indigenous community. From creating one of the nation’s first Department of Native American Studies to adopting an Indigenous Protocol Handbook and the recent opening of the Iikaisskini Gathering Place, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has grown in step with the local Blackfoot community.

“We are honoured that Charlie has accepted the role of chancellor, something that is, frankly, long overdue,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “Our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has always worked to foster a meaningful relationship with the Blackfoot community and our Indigenous students and more can be done in terms of making our campuses accessible and desirable to the Indigenous community. It is important we continue to lead the way in promoting truth and healing and eliminating barriers, both on campus and throughout our community, to achieving reconciliation.”

Weaselhead is the former chief of the Blood Tribe and Treaty 7 grand chief. As a survivor of residential schooling, he has devoted his life to promoting health, education and economic development issues for Indigenous people. Recently retired, he admits his new role with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a little out of his comfort zone and he welcomes the chance to learn.

“I’m a little bit nervous about the position itself and the unknowns associated with it,” he says. “For me, it’s a deep honour, and it’s a deep honour for my tribe, the Blackfoot Confederacy. I come into this position with an open mind. I have a lot of experience walking both sides of our cultures and that’s how I was taught by my grandfather. You need to understand both cultures and you need to find a way to work with both.”

Weaselhead has worked on numerous boards and committees including the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, Community Violence Prevention on the Blood Reserve, the First Nations Governance Centre, the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs’ Committee on Health and the Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre’s Chiefs’ Senate. He was a signatory to the Alberta Protocol Agreement on Government-to-Government Relations and the Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Education.

He is noted as a determined leader who fosters relationship building in resolving social issues facing Indigenous people and he has worked with every level of government in championing his vision for a truly reconciled community.

“Over the years, I’ve worked with our people to begin to understand that there is life outside of the reserve, and that life is a good life; there are opportunities there,” he says. “You also have to align yourself and show that you can fit into that society and the way to fit is through education, being out there and connecting yourself with people and with industry.

“In my view it’s a day-to-day process, a work in progress, you and I, sitting here together understanding our backgrounds; and that there is some commonality between us.”

Weaselhead holds a Certificate of Hospital and Health Care Administration from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan and has served on the Board of Directors for Athabasca ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. He will officially be installed as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 14th chancellor at 2019 Spring Convocation. He succeeds Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’20), who served as chancellor since 2015.

“I am very excited about this opportunity. I think there will be a learning curve for me but it’s a great environment for me to use a little bit of my experience and my background to help the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” says Weaselhead. “It’s all about knowing your identity and where you fit into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. There’s a tremendous opportunity for southern Alberta to grow with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. If one falters, the other falters and if we grow together economically and educationally, I think the sky is the limit.”

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge introduces Charles Weaselhead as 14th chancellor and first of Indigenous descent