UNews - Cyndi Bester

Corporate leader and community advocate Dr. Hendriatta Wong named 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award winner

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:22:08 +0000

An accomplished business leader who champions the values of positive mental health, cultural diversity and gender equality, Dr. Hendriatta Wong (BMgt ’00) has been an influential figure in bettering her community and contributing to a more empathetic and engaged society. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA) has named Wong the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Hendriatta Wong serves as a shining example of the transformative power of opportunity and education.

“Dr. Wong’s corporate success as a leader of one of Canada’s fastest growing companies is testament to her vision and commitment to her core beliefs,” says Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “Her ability to balance professional success and contribute to her community through advocacy work that supports society’s most vulnerable citizens is remarkable and impactful.”

Wong will be presented with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award at the Let There Be Light Night Alumni Achievement Awards celebration on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Dr. Hendriatta Wong

Dr. Hendriatta Wong serves as a shining example of the transformative power of opportunity and education. Her journey at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge began with an undergraduate degree in business where Wong took advantage of the post-diploma Bachelor of Management program and graduated with great distinction. She describes this experience as a “game changer,” setting the stage for an illustrious career that has significantly benefited numerous communities and society at large.

Wong went on to complete her MBA at Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and her DBA at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manchester. She is currently the COO of her family-owned business, Insight Psychological Inc., and has led the organization to remarkable success, transforming it into a well-respected multi-award-winning mental health-care leader. Under her leadership, the company has seen exponential growth over the past five years despite intense competition. These achievements have earned the company repeated recognition from Canadian Business and the Globe and Mail as one of Canada's Fastest Growing Companies.

In addition to her corporate success, Wong has been an influential figure in her community and a steadfast advocate for mental health, cultural diversity and gender equality. Her advocacy efforts included serving as chief operating officer and later board member of Bissell Centre to address poverty and homelessness, serving on the Edmonton Public School’s Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity Policy Review Advisory Committee to enhance cultural diversity in education as well as performing as the executive director of Autism Edmonton and board member of Autism Alberta to deliver province-wide autism support and strategies. Wong was also appointed by Edmonton City Council to the Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton Committee where she worked to champion women’s rights and advise on gender-based policies.

Her contributions have also extended to academia, where she has held positions such as assistant dean of the Faculty of Professional and Continuing Education at Concordia ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Edmonton, associate professor of business at King’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and long-time adjunct lecturer at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business.

Wong’s dedication to service and leadership was recognized in 2020 when she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.

Throughout her career, Wong has balanced professional success with personal achievements, including raising a family and caring for a son with autism. Her story is a testament to the power of education, opportunity and persistent dedication to making a difference.

Canadian playwright Woolley named winner of ULAA 2024 Young Alumni Award

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:56:17 +0000

Giving a voice to at-risk youth through the powerful medium of theatre, accomplished Canadian playwright Chelsea Woolley (BA/BEd ’14) has been named the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s 2024 Young Alumni Award.

Chelsea Woolley's work gives a voice to vulnerable young women and marginalized youth who confront family trauma and social inequity.

“Chelsea Woolley’s ascension as one of the strongest writers in Canadian theatre is testament to her skill, talent and unwavering commitment to tell these difficult, powerful stories that speak to a segment of youth that yearns to be heard,” says Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “A graduate with combined degrees, Woolley is an excellent example of the liberal education philosophy of ULethbridge, utilizing her educational background in a fine arts medium and facilitating programming for young people to become engaged in theatre.”

Woolley will be presented with the 2024 Young Alumni Award at the Let There Be Light Night Alumni Achievement Awards celebration on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Chelsea Woolley (BA/BEd ’14)

Chelsea Woolley is an award-winning, emerging Canadian playwright whose voice speaks on behalf of vulnerable young women and marginalized youth who confront family trauma and social inequity.

A two-time winner of the Play Right Prize competition as an undergraduate student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Woolley also received the Faculty of Education Gold Medal as the most distinguished graduate of her class. Quickly establishing herself as an exceptional talent in Canadian theatre, Chelsea attended the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada’s playwriting program, a first for a ULethbridge grad, and won the RBC Emerging Playwright Prize in 2019, leading to a residency at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre.

Steadfast in her commitment to community causes, Woolley launched a multidisciplinary performing arts program for at-risk and under-housed youth in downtown Toronto, which allows them to work with professional artists and learn how to create unique musical and theatre pieces. She has also partnered with UNICEF Canada for the development of a new play on the Charter of the Rights of the Child and is currently the Head of Drama with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company, directing several youth operas a year.

Attesting to her stature and reputation, Woolley premiered her most recent play, Paint Me this House of Love, in 2023 at the Tarragon Theatre, one of Canada’s most revered companies for new work, to rave reviews. A sign of continued success, Paint Me this House of Love will be receiving its USA premiere next year, while Woolley was also a featured playwright in a showcase at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Described by critics as frighteningly skilled and a formidable writer, Woolley pushes boundaries through her work and does so with ambition and vision, the hallmarks of a great writer. With a mandate to experiment, inspire and connect with communities that traditional theatre leaves behind, Woolley is committed to a career in connecting others to the excellence of live performing arts through storytelling and experimentation.

Woolley is an emerging storyteller in Canadian theatre, and a powerful inspiration to students and to those who aspire to follow in her path of playwriting. Through her path to a career as a professional artist, Woolley is demonstrating that talent, perseverance and a commitment to community can, and does, lead to artistic fulfillment and professional success.

Newest Alumni Honour Society inductees creating positive change

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:11:41 +0000

Art, education and social change highlight the issues being addressed by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s (ULAA) newest inductees into the Alumni Honour Society.

Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf (BFA - Native American Art ’17), Desmond (Dez) Kamara (BA ’10), April Matisz (BFA - Art ’09) and Dr. Philip McRae (BEd ’91) are all being recognized for their achievements.

“I’m very pleased to introduce these four outstanding alumni, all of whom have and continue to make vital contributions to their communities,” says Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), ULAA president. “Our alumni are using their ULethbridge experience to make a real difference in society, improving people’s lives and serving as inspiration to today’s students who can see themselves in the inspiring work they do.”

Alumni Honour Society inductees will be honoured for their contributions to community at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf

Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf

A visionary artist and curator from the Kainai Nation, Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf has carved an inspiring path in the world of Indigenous art and cultural preservation. With a deep commitment to the Niitsitapi heritage, her multidisciplinary work — including painting, sculpture and photography — explores environmental and cultural themes deeply rooted in Blackfoot traditions. Achieving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Native American Art (Art History/Museum Studies) in 2017, Crop Eared Wolf’s work has appeared in prominent galleries across North America. Her leadership extends beyond the gallery walls, with community-based initiatives and workshops, including Traditional Blackfoot Plants workshops across Treaty 7 territory. Currently the curator at The Confluence (Fort Calgary), Crop Eared Wolf is transforming the interpretive exhibits, bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront. Her journey is a testament to the power of art and education in fostering cultural understanding and connection.

Desmond (Dez) Kamara

Desmond (Dez) Kamara

Desmond (Dez) Kamara has turned his personal experiences into a powerful force for social change. His dedication to excellence was evident at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in anthropology. Born in Sierra Leone, Kamara survived 12 years of civil war and post-conflict. Focused on supporting war victims, especially former child soldiers, Kamara produced a documentary to raise awareness of their experiences. His career spans nearly a decade working with the United Nations, the Special Court for Sierra Leone and various international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Sierra Leone, Canada and Jamaica. In 2023, Kamara returned to ULethbridge to launch his first book, reflecting his commitment to family values, education and his resilience to achieve his dreams. He recently completed a master’s in social work at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Windsor, specializing in mental health and community development (policy + practice). Kamara exemplifies the values and spirit of ULethbridge, making him an exceptional representative and alumnus whose work continues to inspire globally.

April Matisz

April Matisz

April Matisz continually proves to be an exceedingly talented and dedicated artist. Her research interests are varied, as she explores the creatures and complex processes that make up the natural world, as well as the natural processes that have created us and continue to shape our lives. Matisz has established herself as a significant voice in contemporary Canadian art, connecting her education in both art and biology to engage in issues of motherhood and ecology. Through her artwork, Matisz captivates viewers with attention to detail in her creative brushwork and intricate paper collages that combine to demonstrate captivating stories of migration, evolution and survival. Matisz’s recent solo exhibition at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery is evidence of her work making a larger impact across the province. She recently finished her MFA at Emily Carr ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Art and Design and is excited to begin teaching Drawing 1 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in Winter 2025. 

Dr. Philip McRae

Dr. Philip McRae

Dr. Philip McRae is an esteemed thought leader and highly coveted speaker, recognized internationally for his influence on the educational landscape. His keynote addresses and presentations at prestigious events worldwide have created spaces sharing insights and advancing dialogue on critical issues shaping the future of education. Dr. McRae’s commitment to research and fostering positive change knows no boundaries. His impactful work in secondary and post-secondary institutions transcends borders and includes teaching experiences in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and in Alberta, with the Lethbridge Public School District and at Red Crow College with the Blood Tribe. He currently holds a pivotal role in the provincial educational system, balancing positions as the executive staff officer and associate coordinator of government research at the Alberta Teachers’ Association and as an adjunct professor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, where he earned his PhD.

Business leader Cyndi Bester named new president of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association

trevor.kenney — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:22:17 +0000

Award-winning business leader, concert pianist and double alumnus Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01) is the new president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA).

Cyndi Bester has been CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce since 2019 and a continuing supporter of ULethbridge since her days as a student.

The ULAA now boasts more than 55,000 alums, who are making a difference in communities throughout our province, country and around the world. The role of ULAA President is key in maintaining connections with those alumni, engaging them with each other, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and current students.

“Taking on the role of ULAA President is both an honour and a responsibility I hold dear,” says Bester. “It appeals to me because it offers a unique opportunity to give back to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ that has given me so much, while also helping to foster a strong and engaged alumni network.”

Bester has helmed successful companies specializing in registry services, health care and workplace safety. Her professional career began under the direction of her entrepreneurial parents, focusing on health care with We Care Health Services for 20 years, where she served as CEO for a decade. After selling the company at 39, she became the managing partner of Lethbridge Vehicle Licensing & Registry, the final enterprise under the family umbrella.

Since early 2019, Bester has been CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, leading a wide range of policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the local business community. Beyond the business world, she has traveled globally as a solo concert pianist, performing in Canada, England, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and the United States. She is also an accomplished author, co-writing four bestselling books: The Fine Art of Parenting After Separation: The Power of a Positive Mental Attitude, The Girl in the Red Bikini, Johnny B, and Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Bartok: Lessons from the Big Four. Additionally, she is active in the fitness community, competing nationally in bodybuilding.

“My experience at ULethbridge was transformative,” Bester reflects. “The liberal education focus encouraged me to explore a variety of disciplines, which has deeply influenced my approach to both my professional and personal life. The skills and perspectives I gained there have been invaluable in navigating the diverse range of pursuits I’ve been involved in over the years.”

A tireless volunteer who has received national recognition for her philanthropic efforts, Bester currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee, a member of the Community Wellbeing and Safety Advisory Committee, the YWCA Board of Directors, and the board of directors of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. She recently completed terms on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate and Economic Development Lethbridge. In October 2022, she was inducted into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society.

In addition to Bester’s appointment, Deirdre McKenna (BA ’94) now moves into the role of ULAA past-president, Lisa Neufeld (BA ’97) is vice-president and Wheaton King (BMgt ’17) has been appointed secretary for the association. As well, three new directors are on board, including Armin Escher (BSc '13), Brendan Cummins (BA '16, MA '18) and Emmanuel Makoni (BMgt '17). For more, check out information on the full ULAA Council.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosting inaugural International Women’s Day Leadership Conference

trevor.kenney — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:33:45 +0000

An impressive roster of leaders will grace the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus for its inaugural International Women’s Day Leadership Conference on March 13.

Featuring keynote presentations by Manjit Minhas, CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Winery and CBC’s Dragons’ Den co-star, and Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina, the conference aims to bring people together for an afternoon of conversation, networking and inspiration.

“This event is about creating spaces of engagement with phenomenal individuals who have been change makers and have shifted the conversation around leadership and representation,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina.

Under the theme — Telling Our Stories: Embracing Excellence — this conference will foster welcoming spaces of belonging for all voices, as well as share in the possibility and celebration of excellence as women/trans/queer or two-spirit individuals. The day promises to be a celebration of success and solidarity, and support and inspiration.

In addition to the keynote speakers, a panel of prominent local leaders will share their insights, formally establishing the ULethbridge Inspiring Leaders Forum. The panel includes:

Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), CEO of Lethbridge and District Chamber of Commerce
kii Nitsikainaakii (Sunwoman) Annette Fox-Bruised Head (BSc ’00, BEd ’02, MEd ’10), Indigenous Education Consultant at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge
Adriana Mercader, CEO of Flexahopper Plastics Ltd.
Olutoyin (Toyin) Oyebola (BHSc ’18), co-founder of Genesis Exotic Market

“We have brought together thought leaders and innovators to offer an exceptional professional development experience right here in Lethbridge, and this is just the beginning,” says ULethbridge’s Vice-President (Research) and event co-host, Dr. Dena McMartin.

Manjit Minhas, CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Winery and CBC’s Dragons’ Den co-star.

This year’s conference will focus on the importance of representation, safety, sponsorship and trust. These renowned speakers will delve into how to become a successful leader in a highly complex and rapidly changing space and share key leadership advice and insights on staying true to one’s values, story and identity.

The opportunity to bring this event to the ULethbridge campus will be pivotal, says event co-host Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

“As a destination university, we continue to uphold our commitment to building bridges to the Lethbridge community and this year’s conference provides us with the opportunity to connect across our alumni networks, campuses and communities.”

Tickets are limited and on sale now. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, please email edi.office@uleth.ca or visit go.uleth.ca/IWD-conference.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge launches development process for Comprehensive Strategic Plan

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:58:04 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is looking to the community for input into the creation of its new Comprehensive Strategic Plan, the roadmap that will guide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and help shape the look of post-secondary education in southern Alberta and beyond for the next five years.

The strategic plan will set the course for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and the input received through the strategic planning process will also inform the renewal of other guiding documents, including ULethbridge’s Academic Plan, Research Plan and People Plan. At the heart of any successful strategic plan is the process by which the plan was created, and the contributions made by its constituents.

“If I can emphasize one thing related to this process, it is to urge our campus community and our external community partners to be involved,” says Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “This is not my plan — this is our plan, and we will only be successful if this plan is truly collaborative and aligns with the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. There will be many opportunities to participate in the creation of this plan and to have your voice incorporated. Our goal is to achieve a shared vision and your participation is essential."

The community engagement process over the next several months will elicit the viewpoints of students, employees, alumni and retirees, as well as community members, research and industry partners, municipal and provincial government representatives and other key constituents.

“Faculty input will be vital in ensuring a successful strategic plan and our experience, insights, and perspectives will be invaluable in shaping the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Input from our academic community will contribute to a plan that promotes on-campus academic excellence and student success, and through our outreach, teaching and research activities, engages the many communities we impact locally and around the globe.”
Tracy Oosterbroek PhD, RN (BN ’95, MSc ’09)
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences

“Students are a guiding light for our institution, and our experiences, aspirations and needs should be at the forefront of our strategic plan. We are not just recipients of education; we are active contributors to our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. Our perspectives and collective vision should shape the activities we undertake in the future to build a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ experience that is academically enriching, supportive, inclusive and aligned with the needs of the diverse student body.”
Maleeka Thomas
President, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union

“Graduate students play an important role in many crucial facets of our university. This includes driving novel research, securing research funding for our institution, and supporting a variety of undergraduate programs and offices on campus through teaching and academic employment. To develop a prosperous and inclusive strategic plan to guide our institution into the future, consultation with our graduate student body will be essential. We look forward to being involved in this process.”
Jaxon Reiter (BSc '22)
President, Graduate Students’ Association

“��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge non-academic employees, whether in administrative, support or operational roles, work behind the scenes to ensure that everything functions seamlessly, from finance to facilities management, student services and beyond. We understand the intricacies of our roles, the needs of our colleagues, and the expectations of our students. Input from employees, regardless of our responsibilities, will be paramount for a successful strategic plan.”
Nicole Bach (BSc ’19)
Planning Assistant, Campus Development

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s many external partners will also play a major role in the creation of the Comprehensive Strategic Plan.

“The success and vibrancy of our city is directly tied to the growth and development our post-secondary institutions. Our community’s collective voice was instrumental in establishing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge 56 years ago and it is important now. Having our community share critical insights into this process will pave the way for a strategic plan that reflects the aspirations of our city, region and university.”
Blaine Hyggen
Mayor of Lethbridge

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is not just a place of higher learning; it is an integral part of our city's economic ecosystem. The decisions made by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ impact not only the education of our future workforce but also the economic development, innovation and prosperity of our community. On behalf of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, I commend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for taking such a thoughtful approach to their strategic planning process and for seeking the valuable input of local businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders."
Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01)
CEO, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce

Information about how to provide input can be found on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s strategic planning website, which was launched today.

Another vital element of this process is that it will not create a specific and separate Indigenous plan. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge (Iniskim) is located on Blackfoot Confederacy Territory, and Indigenous perspectives will inform the entire activity.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has a deep commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous Peoples. One recent example of this commitment is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ becoming the first post-secondary signatory of the Buffalo Treaty with a focus on education, research and cooperation. The priority to have Indigenous world views that are interwoven into the Strategic Plan, as well as other institutional plans, is paramount in ensuring that the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives is done so in a holistic manner.”
Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04)
Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations

“Our commitment to the relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and Indigenous Peoples connects everything we do and must be woven throughout each plan,” adds Jayas.

As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ begins consultations for the Comprehensive Strategic Plan engagement process and wanting to do it in a good way that is grounded in Blackfoot ways of knowing, culture and protocol, Jayas and Little Bear participated in a pipe ceremony led by Elder, Francis First Charger. The pipe ceremony was held Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the Iikaisskini Gathering Centre.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will share further details about the strategic plan engagement process in the coming weeks.

Alumni Honour Society welcomes four new members

trevor.kenney — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:55:59 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s (ULAA) Alumni Honour Society is adding four new members for 2022, recognizing significant contributions the inductees are making to their respective communities.

The new honour society members reflect the breadth and depth of the ULethbridge alumni family and showcase the valuable work alumni are doing throughout the province, the country and worldwide.

“While our new inductees have all taken their own path since graduating from ULethbridge and established themselves in different careers, a common theme is that they all have made it a priority to give back to their communities,” says Deirdre McKenna (BA ’94) ULAA president. “Whether it is through philanthropy, as volunteers or through their respective careers, these outstanding individuals are making a positive impact and bettering the world around them.”

2022 Alumni Honour Society Inductees

Drew Beauchamp (BMgt ’06)

Andrew (Drew) Beauchamp excels at leadership. An army reservist with the Calgary Highlanders before attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, he continued his part-time military service locally throughout his undergraduate studies. He later accepted a full-time position with the Army Reserves, and in 2008, deployed to Afghanistan. There, he led a platoon of 45 army reservists, who protected resupply convoys and provided security at the main entrance to Kandahar Airfield. Back in Canada as a reservist, Beauchamp played a key role in planning the Calgary-based army reserve soldiers during the 2013 Alberta floods. Today, in addition to being a program lead in human resources at Alberta Health Services, he is pursuing a Master of Public Administration through the Royal Military College. Beauchamp is also now commanding officer of the Calgary Highlanders.

Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01)

Cynthia (Cyndi) Bester has an expansive record of achievement. An award-winning business leader, she has travelled the world as a concert pianist, co-written four bestselling books and taken the stage as a competitive bodybuilder. During her business career, Bester has helmed successful companies specializing in registry services, health care and workplace safety. Today, as chief executive officer of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, she has spearheaded a wide range of policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the local business community. A tireless volunteer who has received national recognition for her philanthropic efforts, she currently serves on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate, Co-Chairs the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee and is a member of the Community Wellbeing and Safety Advisory Committee. Cyndi Bester also sits on the board of directors of Economic Development Lethbridge.

Brad Dersch (BA/BEd ’01)

Brad Dersch has long been passionate about sports. While attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, he played varsity hockey and was twice named an Academic All-Canadian by the national governing body of university sport. He went on to work as a physical education teacher and administrator for the Lethbridge School Division, becoming principal of G.S. Lakie Middle School this fall. Over the years, in addition to completing graduate studies at Gonzaga ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Dersch has coached dozens of school- and community-based teams. Many of his former players, in fact, have gone on to compete at the post-secondary and professional levels. Last spring, in honour of his commitment to developing local youth as athletes and citizens through coaching, Dersch received the Shaun Ward Sport Champion Award from Lethbridge Sport Council.

Michael Mankowski (BMgt ’10)

Michael Mankowski owned a video production company in Fort McMurray when the 2016 wildfire devastated his hometown. Following the disaster, the Red Cross asked him to interview local residents. Their touching stories inspired Mankowski to write an animated film about the fire, and later, to study animation at Vancouver Film School. His 2021 film, Back Home Again, features an all-star cast, including Michael J. Fox, Catherine O’Hara and Lorne Cardinal. To date, Back Home Again has won the Jury Award for Best Short Film and the Audience Choice Award for Best Dramatic Film at the Edmonton International Film Festival and Leo awards for Best Animated Program and Best Screenwriting from the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation of British Columbia. Most recently, Mankowski’s film enjoyed an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run.

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