UNews - Roland Labuhn

Brothers continue legacy of community building through creation of Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize

trevor.kenney — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:26:14 +0000

Brothers Harvey (BMgt ’82) and Roland Labuhn (BMgt ’90) grew up witnessing their parents’ generosity and community-minded spirit, spurring a legacy of giving they are proud to continue through the creation of the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni are longtime supporters of their alma mater, contributing philanthropically through financial contributions, volunteerism, mentorship and relationship building. The latest contribution encapsulates their commitment to community building, education, reconciliation and allyship.

Harvey, left, and Roland Labuhn.

“Our parents were refugees who knew nobody, but created a community,” says Harvey, who worked 42 years in the accounting profession and is a retired partner at Avail LLP.

Their father, an immigrant from Ukraine, managed a concrete factory where he employed a diverse workforce, including individuals from the Blackfoot Nation.

“We saw how people embraced each other, and that formed our values,” he says. “Then, with our individual journeys towards university and understanding more broadly over time, southern Alberta and Indigenous issues, we felt like it was the right focus for this scholarship because that’s where we saw the greatest need and where we could have the biggest impact.”

The Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize will award two, $2,000 prizes annually, with at least one award designated for a student of Indigenous ancestry. The second is open to any student — Indigenous or non-Indigenous — with the focus of the awards going to those who have shown a commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous communities in Canada.

“We want to support and recognize the journey of Indigenous students and help them rise up,” says Roland, a technology partner at Deloitte and founder of R8dius, an Indigenous-majority-owned services firm. “And we also want to celebrate those who contribute to Indigenous communities in various ways, whether through research, science or community engagement. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility.”

Naamoipiiksi (Hummingbird) Shanda Webber (BA ’05), director of Iniskim Indigenous Relations, says the award continues to advance Indigenization and reconciliation on campus, a key ULethbridge priority.

“Gifts like the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize provide pathways for our students to pursue their post-secondary education,” says Webber. “In addition to that, the Labuhns are showing true partnership in reconciliation. This award emphasizes building relationships based on trust, respect and understanding.”

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Board of Governors Matching Fund will also double the impact of the Labuhn family donation, meaning every dollar contributed to the fund will provide twice the support for Indigenous students.

For the Labuhns, the gift is not a one-way transaction, rather it further cements relationships and elevates the community for all.

“It’s relational, and it’s a gift to us,” says Harvey. “For those of us who have the means, it’s about what it gives back in terms of how it shapes our lives and the relationships we have with our community.”

Roland encourages fellow alumni and community members to find what inspires them to contribute.

“Lean in — all of us can have an impact,” he says. “Whether you think it’s small or not, you impact a broader circle, and when you connect with others and learn about them, that is the core of life. For me, that’s the biggest part of the journey.”

The deadline for applications for the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize is April 15, 2025, after which the first recipients will be announced. Their journeys, shaped by the support of the Labuhn family, are sure to reflect the values of leadership, allyship, and a commitment to reconciliation — ensuring that the Labuhn legacy continues to inspire.

“To whomever receives this scholarship — be that light that inspires others,” says Roland. “Whether as an Indigenous leader or an ally, keep up the momentum.”

For more, see this profile.

Student scholarship drive championed by ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni and community leaders

trevor.kenney — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:49:23 +0000

When the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors pledged $10 million in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships, it laid the groundwork for the most ambitious student scholarship drive in the 50-plus year history of ULethbridge.

ULethbridge alumni and community leaders Janice Varzari, Roland Labuhn, Terry Whitehead and Bernadine Boulet are lead ambassadors for the student scholarship drive initiative.

Now, alumni and community leaders Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02, LLD ’21), Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Bernadine Boulet (BEd ’88) and Roland Labuhn (BMgt ’90) are leading the way through the next phase of the initiative, with ULethbridge students, current and future generations, destined to benefit.

“We are so excited to have the support of these outstanding alumni and community leaders to help us champion this new initiative and build a plan to move it forward. They are fantastic ambassadors for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and we are so grateful for their advocacy and support,” says Kathy Greenwood, ULethbridge vice-president (external relations). “As graduates, these alumni know the difference a ULethbridge education can make, and they are committed to ensuring more students have the same opportunities they had. This will significantly increase the sustainability of our current awards program and lay a strong foundation to build upon moving forward.”

At the heart of the drive is the $10 million in match funds, providing an opportunity to double the impact donations of all sizes make to endowed scholarships — significantly enhancing the endowment base and its sustainability for generations to come.

“What excites me about being a part of this initiative is recognizing that the need for student financial support is greater than ever. It’s so challenging right now for post-secondary students to go to school, and I think students today have a lot more barriers than when I was a student,” says Whitehead. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to have donations matched, and the impact of your gift being doubled will really go a long way. If an alumnus or a member of our community has never donated before, this is a wonderful time to make that first donation as it will be leveraged significantly.”

One of the hallmarks of the scholarship drive is its focus on removing social and financial barriers and creating pathways for Indigenous and racialized communities, people with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ students to access post-secondary education.

“I want to see this improve accessibility so that more students can get assistance with their education,” says former chancellor Varzari. “By making a donation, by writing that cheque, you’re going to assist lots of students moving into the future who may not be able to attend university otherwise. People who make a donation, even a small donation, they can see that gift grow and make a difference with the match funds.”

Boulet graduated from the education program in 1988 and is still deeply connected to ULethbridge, personally and professionally. As an educator, she is quick to mentor student teachers in her classrooms and sees how support from the Lethbridge community creates lasting connections with students.

“I really hope that through this we can build those connections, and that students see we value them,” says Boulet. “You can make a difference in a student’s life by them receiving a scholarship, even if it’s not a big scholarship, and that student will go on to have a positive impact in our community and our province in the future. By giving, you can inspire others to give too.”

Labuhn has long championed the benefits of post-secondary education and how it enhances career outcomes for students, thereby collectively bettering southern Alberta and the communities ULethbridge graduates call home. He sees donations to establish student scholarships reaping immediate dividends.

“What I really like about this is how the money goes directly to students, and it’s going to be something where you can really see the results,” he says. “A scholarship and an advanced education can have a huge influence in life. These scholarships will help people who may be in a difficult situation get access to post-secondary education, or maybe they will be used to accelerate the path current students are on — it’s all about helping students get to where they want to be.”

To contribute to or create a new student scholarship, contact Director of Development, Erika Scott (BA ’08), erika.scott@uleth.ca or by calling 403-332-4030. Visit the campaign web page.

Board of Governors pledges $10 million in match funds to support student scholarships

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:21:00 +0000

Acknowledging that increased financial support is critical in ensuring a university education remains an option for more students, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors is pledging $10 million in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships.

The endowed funds will significantly increase the sustainability of the ULethbridge awards program.

The funds, which will be used to attract and inspire philanthropic support from the community in support of student awards and scholarships, will significantly increase the sustainability of the ULethbridge awards program and lay the foundation for future generations of students.

“Our students are at the centre of everything we do here, and student support and the student experience has long been a hallmark of ULethbridge,” says Board of Governors Chair Dean Gallimore. “What is available to our students is an enriching experience across a breadth of programs and majors, and one that prepares them as critical thinkers and global citizens. We see this endowment of funds as a means to remove barriers and allow more students the opportunity to pursue their passions and realize success.”

By offering $10 million in match contributions, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is aiming to build a significant base of support that will unlock opportunities for future generations of students. It will allow ULethbridge to further attract, retain and reward diverse and promising students now and for generations to come.

“I applaud the board for this substantial commitment, which will have both an immediate and everlasting impact on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s mission to educate students as adaptive learners and strong-minded community leaders,” says Dr. Mike Mahon ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “This pledge is a vote of confidence in what we do, who we are as a university and the future that is before us.”

Scholarships and awards play a key role in student success. For some, scholarships are the incentive and reward for hard work and dedication, community service or athletic excellence. For others, scholarships relieve the financial burden post-secondary education can place on themselves and their families, and in some cases, scholarship funds create access and make the dream of attending university possible.

“I have had the opportunity to speak to many of our students who have received scholarships over the years and the difference it makes in their lives is substantial,” says Mahon. “So many speak of how scholarship support allows them to focus on their studies, pursue their passions and really embrace the full university experience.”

ULethbridge is also pleased to announce a distinguished group of alumni and community leaders who have been chosen to champion this new initiative and help build a plan for it moving forward. Former chancellor Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02), Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Bernadine Boulet (BEd ’88) and Roland Labuhn (BMgt ’90) have all been selected as outstanding ambassadors for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

UNews - Roland Labuhn

Brothers continue legacy of community building through creation of Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize

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