UNews - Alejandro Figueroa

Construction begins on The Grove, a new space dedicated to student wellness

trevor.kenney — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:30:04 +0000

Construction is now underway on phase one of The Grove, a new outdoor recreation and wellness space at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, supported by a $500,000 grant from the Embark Student Foundation*.

Today’s milestone marks the transformation of The Grove into a vibrant, inclusive outdoor space at the heart of campus, where connection, engagement and well-being are central to the experience.

A rendering of some of the amenities proposed for The Grove.

Supported by the Embark Major Grant, the shared space is purposefully designed to strengthen relationships by inviting students, staff and community residents alike to experience the vibrancy of campus life, while giving students a deeper sense of place and belonging within the region.

“Countless studies have shown that loneliness is a worldwide issue, with young people being among the most impacted,” says Mark Slomp, Executive Director, Student Services. “Intentional spaces where people can gather, connect and build community are important for all populations and essential in post-secondary settings where many students are new to their surroundings and seeking connection.”

Located east of Markin Hall, The Grove is a centrally located, currently under-utilized grassed field at the core of the ULethbridge campus, with paths from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, Markin Hall, the Students’ Union Building and Science Commons converging to the area. Together, these elements will create flexible space for study, reflection, events and informal gatherings.

The master plan for The Grove concept involves seven elements, all designed with purpose to strengthen student belonging and engagement, provide areas for outdoor study and reflection, and create a community gathering space for celebrations, performances, markets and other outdoor events.

Grove Features

Phase 1

• Gateway — Vertical elements at the north and west entrances to provide visual reference and wayfinding for the area.

• Coulee Lookout Plaza — At the heart of the Grove, a focal point for gathering at the convergence of the connecting pathways.

• The Hangout — A social space with a harvest table nested between trees.

Phase 2

A key aspect of phase two of The Grove is the Dr. Dennis Connolly Amphitheatre.

• The Gathering — An outdoor fireplace sheltered by planting and topography.

• Coulee Lookout Structure — A contemporary pergola offering a sheltered gathering space.

• Natural Amphitheatre — An outdoor amphitheatre space with cliffstone seating, it will be named the Dr. Dennis Connolly Amphitheatre after the late legendary mathematics professor

• Hammocks — A flexible space with hammocks and moveable furniture to accommodate impromptu gatherings and larger events.

“What is so lovely about this transformation of The Grove is that it reflects another meaningful step forward for students and for the overall campus experience,” says Alejandro Figueroa, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union President. “It is phenomenal to see an underused outdoor space become a place where students can slow down and feel a stronger sense of belonging on campus. That is what makes this project so meaningful, because the spaces between classes are often where community is built and where students begin to feel more connected to the campus they call home.”

The support by Embark Student Corp. affirms the group’s commitment to helping schools realize innovative approaches to enhancing student well-being.

“Congratulations to the team at ULethbridge for creating indoor and outdoor spaces where students can make positive connections and memories that will last a lifetime,” says Andrew Lo, President and CEO, Embark.

The vision of the Grove concept was guided by and aligns with Indigenous principles of land stewardship, which emphasize reciprocity, balance and care for future generations. Today’s symbolic planting of an Indigenous tree honours the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s commitment to reconciliation and marks the beginning of phase one construction with a targeted date of completion in September.

“We’ve already begun fundraising for subsequent phases of this project to fully realize the vision we have for this very important area of campus,” adds Slomp. “Anyone interested in contributing can reach out to philanthropy@uleth.ca or visit go.uleth.ca/grove.”

*The Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program provides funding for innovative programs, initiatives or services that support student success before, during and beyond their post-secondary years. Through this grant program, Embark wishes to partner with post-secondary educational institutions in their efforts to advance access, agency and innovation that will empower students to take hold of their future.

Embark Student Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation and owner of Embark Student Corp., a proud Canadian resource for education savings and planning.

Top high school graduates earn Chinook Scholarships from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

trevor.kenney — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:25:58 +0000

Six of the province’s top high school graduates have been awarded $5,000 Chinook Scholarships from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as they begin their academic journeys this fall.

Students from Lethbridge, Coaldale, Magrath, and Okotoks were successful in earning the major awards, ahead of a strong field of applicants. All ULethbridge-bound high school students are eligible to apply for the Chinook Scholarship, which recognizes those who have demonstrated superior academic achievement (minimum 85 per cent admission average) and leadership qualities.

The winners are: Andreas Gateman (Holy Trinity Academy, Okotoks), Bhawana Pradhan (Winston Churchill high School, Lethbridge), Kealani Wickend (Kate Andrews High School, Coaldale), Alejandro Figueroa (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge), Makena Wood (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge), and Karl Boehme (Magrath High School, Magrath).

“These students have shown throughout their high school careers to be leaders in their schools and in their communities,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “Their applications highlight a well-rounded group of engaging young people who take initiative, are empathetic and utilize the critical thinking skills that will greatly add to our campus community. We’re excited to welcome them to ULethbridge to begin their post-secondary journeys.”

The award recipients were selected by a committee based on a submitted student essay, references, academic excellence, and leadership experience.

Following is a brief synopsis of the winners.

Andreas Gateman, Holy Trinity High School, Okotoks

Intended area of study: Sociology and Education

• Co-president of the “Me to We” volunteer program, where he led students to organize fundraisers, demonstrations and events, successfully raising $10,000 for clean water in developing nations
• Skip/team captain of the Okotoks Curling Club, including helping coach younger players

QUOTE — “This takes on a lot of the burden of paying tuition costs and has made me feel much more comfortable going into my first year. I’m honoured to have been chosen and look forward to starting my studies at ULethbridge in the fall. I am excited to focus my education on something I am truly passionate about and interested in discovering.”

Bhawana Pradham, Winston Churchill High School, Lethbridge

Intended area of study: Health Sciences and Management

• Student leader in school leadership club, where she organized a clothing and necessities drive that impacted over 200 students and resulted in a large donation to the Streets Alive Mission
• Participated in her school’s English Language Learning program, supporting programming and companionship
• Volunteer service representative and sorter at Interfaith Food Bank

QUOTE — “This award is very significant to me because it gets me closer to being able to take more classes without financial worries. It also means a lot to me because it rewards my academic achievements and lessons learned throughout life. I am excited to attend ULethbridge because I will be able to study the field of my interest, join new clubs and meet new people.”

Kealani Wickend, Kate Andrews High School, Coaldale

Intended area of study: Kinesiology and Education

• President of her high school council, a role that required hours of community service, event planning and public speaking
• Team captain and participant in multiple high school athletics

• Community volunteer for local library summer reading program, as well as other community events

QUOTE — “This award means the world to me. I have always believed in the importance of leadership within schools and communities. I thoroughly enjoyed taking on roles of encouragement to develop a positive and inclusive environment. I am very excited about all the new experiences I hope to have at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge! I can't wait to meet new people and expand my learning in a new environment where I can work on personal goals and further my growth.”

Alejandro Figueroa, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge

Intended area of study: Kinesiology

• President of his school’s branch of the National Honor Society, where he served as the group’s official representative to other organizations, led meetings and public presentations, and organized content, community speakers and logistics of the club.
• Initiated introduction of mathematics peer tutoring hours and created a STEM club
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in church and sports activities

QUOTE — “I am truly grateful and elated to have been chosen as a recipient of the award, as it helps reassure me that I am on the right trajectory and have the capabilities to navigate this new stage of my life. I am excited about being able to start a new academic journey that entails diversifying my current lifestyle and surrounding myself with more like-minded people.”

Makena Wood, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute

Intended area of study: Neuroscience

• Member of her school’s branch of the National Honor Society, requiring significant volunteer and community service responsibilities
• Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club athlete who also served as a coach and role model for seven to 10-year-old students

QUOTE — “This award has been amazing to receive as an acknowledgement of my hard work and achievements in high school. I recognize that most everyone spends a lot of time and effort through their teen years as they prepare for the post-secondary path they will take and it is truly special to me to feel recognized for the journey I have been on. This award is definitely a confidence boost heading into my university career and its value will no doubt help kickstart my success. I am excited to experience and participate first hand in the amazing neuroscience program, to get to know some of the talented researchers and professors who make the program what it is, and to explore the amazing technology we have access to. I am also very excited to continue my competitive swimming career in a program I have grown up around for the last decade.”

Karl Boehme, Magrath High School, Magrath

Intended area of study: Neuroscience

• Chairman of the Magrath Hope Squad, which raises awareness for issues related to suicide and mental health, where he directed meetings, planned fundraising opportunities and events and acted as a resource and friend to students who were struggling
• Class Valedictorian
• Soccer coach for the Magrath Soccer Association, ensuring all children progressed in soccer skills and team building

QUOTE — “This award increases my confidence in my leadership skills and is a very welcome support to help me focus on my education. I love to learn! I can't wait to go deeper into topics that interest me and have a greater understanding of and appreciation for the world around me.”

UNews - Alejandro Figueroa

Construction begins on The Grove, a new space dedicated to student wellness

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