UNews - Brad Donaldson

Southern Alberta Higher Education Relationship creates shared vision for region’s post-secondary institutions

trevor.kenney — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:28:43 +0000

An historic collaborative relationship between four southern Alberta post-secondary schools will create a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region and further solidify southern Alberta as a destination for post-secondary learners.

The Southern Alberta Higher Education Relationship is a formal Commitment to Work Together that unites Red Crow Community College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in a partnership to enhance higher education in southern Alberta through collaborative efforts. The alliance’s Blackfoot name, Innakotsiiysinni (respect for others), reflects the shared goals and mutually supportive nature of the agreement.

From left to right, Dr. Brad Donaldson, Samantha Fox, Kevin Shufflebotham and Dr. Digvir Jayas sign the Commitment to Work Together that unites Lethbridge Polytechnic, Red Crow Community College, Medicine Hat College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The alliance will focus on four specific areas of collaboration, including academic programs, research, student supports and regional stewardship.

• Academic programs will feature clear articulation pathways between institutions that encourage student mobility, with interdisciplinary programs jointly developed to meet regional needs.

• Research projects will encourage the sharing of facilities and expertise as well as joint applications for research funding.

• Student support services and facilities will be enhanced through shared resources and jointly developed initiatives promoting student well-being and success.

• Regional stewardship involves the collection and sharing of information and knowledge between institutions, while leveraging resources and building collective capacity. The goal is to determine, prioritize and then enable educational access to the full spectrum of learning opportunities available to learners.

The alliance plans to meet two to three times per year to discuss action items and evaluate progress, guided by the principles of inclusivity, transparency and consensus-building. Mutual respect and reconciliation are at the heart of the collective approach, with a special focus on reconciliation and Indigenous education. A student-centred commitment to all learners will be the focus of all decisions.

The potential of this collaborative effort is substantial. By leveraging the unique strengths and resources of each institution to create a comprehensive and diverse educational environment for all learners, the alliance will be able to enhance educational opportunities, strengthen research impact and improve student supports.

Partner Statements

“This partnership embodies our purpose of building a vibrant future with learners and our region. By working together, we can better support students across southern Alberta, strengthening our college, our community and our region.”

Kevin Shufflebotham
President & CEO, Medicine Hat College

“In our partnership, we share our history, strengths and responsibilities so every learner can find their place. In the Niitsitapi way, relationships are the source of strength. Each institution offers its own gifts, stories and responsibilities. When we come together in Innakotsiiysinni — respect for one another — we honour the land, uplift our learners and ensure that the wisdom of our ancestors guides our future. Our partnership and commitment bring balance, respect for each Nation and institution, and help create a place where all learners can learn, thrive and belong.”

Sinopaaki - Samantha Fox
Interim President, Red Crow Community College

“This partnership reflects something truly unique, a university, college, polytechnic and Indigenous college coming together with a shared purpose in one region. By working collaboratively, we are strengthening pathways for students and positioning southern Alberta as a distinct and compelling destination for post-secondary education.”

Dr. Brad Donaldson
President & CEO, Lethbridge Polytechnic

“The opportunities created through this collaborative approach will greatly enhance student outcomes by creating more mobility between institutions, enriching educational options through collaborative programs and initiatives and enhancing services and supports. This sharing of expertise will also strengthen the significant impact of our research efforts regionally, nationally and globally.”

Dr. Digvir Jayas
President & Vice-Chancellor, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

“This partnership is about making post‑secondary education work better for students — clearer pathways, stronger alignment with jobs, and high‑quality education close to home. It’s a practical example of how collaboration strengthens Alberta’s post‑secondary system.”

Minister Myles McDougall
Minister of Advanced Education

Post-secondary pancake breakfast now in its third year

caroline.zentner — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:44:08 +0000

Once again, Lethbridge Polytechnic and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge are inviting the public to a free pancake breakfast during Whoop-Up Days.

The breakfast runs from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, in Rotary Square outside of Casa (230 8 St. S.). Current and future students, alumni, employees and friends of both institutions are invited to don their school colours and attend the free event along with polytechnic and university mascots, Kodi and Luxie, who are known to gobble up flapjacks as fast as their paws will let them.

“We are excited to team up with Lethbridge Polytechnic for the third annual post-secondary pancake breakfast,” says Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “Our two institutions are part of the fabric of Lethbridge and southern Alberta, and we will continue to work together for the benefit of this region we call home.”

The post-secondary sector in Lethbridge plays a vital role in the area’s economy. In addition to drawing top-notch talent to the area, the teaching and research efforts from both institutions lead to insights, developments and innovations that benefit everyone.

“The post-secondary breakfast is a great way to celebrate our shared commitment to community and collaboration,” says Dr. Brad Donaldson, president and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic. “Whether you’re a student, alumni or just love free breakfast, we hope to see you downtown to chat, celebrate and enjoy some post-secondary spirit.”

The breakfast, which includes pancakes and sausages, will be prepared by the Lethbridge Polytechnic Culinary program. Music students from ULethbridge will provide background entertainment, and outdoor games will be available.

Second annual Lethbridge Post-Secondary Pancake Breakfast to take place Aug. 23

caroline.zentner — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:40:11 +0000

It’s official, the Lethbridge Post-Secondary Pancake Breakfast is now an annual event! Lethbridge Polytechnic and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge are once again inviting the public to a free pancake breakfast during this year’s Whoop-Up Days celebration.

Kodi and Luxie are ready to flip — pancakes, that is!

The second annual breakfast runs from 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23 while supplies last in Rotary Square outside of Casa (230 8th St. S.). Current and future students, alumni, employees and friends of both institutions are invited to don their school colours to attend the free event alongside polytechnic and university mascots Kodi and Luxie — the two biggest pancake lovers in southern Alberta!

“Our first celebration was such a positive way to connect with our community, we’re really looking forward to continuing this collaboration with Lethbridge Polytechnic and sharing the excitement we have for Lethbridge and southern Alberta,” says Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “Our institutions continue to find new pathways to work with one another and enhance the long-established tradition of supporting our region economically, socially and culturally.”

Lethbridge and communities across southern Alberta (and beyond) have benefited greatly from the teaching, research and community outreach activities of ULethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic.

“We are excited to team up with our university colleagues once again to celebrate community, collaboration and the start of a new academic year during one of the biggest events of the summer,” says Dr. Brad Donaldson, Lethbridge Polytechnic president and CEO. “As post-secondary institutions, we are dedicated to preparing the leaders and builders of tomorrow, and we look forward to sharing this passion with the community over breakfast next Friday. This is also a great chance for the community to come out to talk about our redesignation as a polytechnic and how this can benefit our communities.”

Members of the polytechnic’s Culinary program will prepare pancakes and other breakfast foods for the event. Attendees will also have the chance to play some outdoor games, and music students from ULethbridge will provide background entertainment. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Lethbridge post-secondaries kick off year with pancake partnership

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:38:02 +0000

Lethbridge College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will kick off the 2023-24 academic year with a delicious new event – inviting the community to a free pancake breakfast during the city’s Whoop-up Days celebration.

Luxie, left, and Kodi, are excited for the Post-Secondary Pancake Breakfast.

The Lethbridge Post-Secondary Pancake Breakfast will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 25, in Rotary Square outside of Casa (230 8th Street S). Current and future students, alumni, employees and friends of both institutions are welcome to attend this free event. Special guests – including college and university mascots Kodi and Luxie – will be there to help celebrate.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with our colleagues at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to mark a new academic year and all of the opportunities that await us,” says Lethbridge College President and CEO Dr. Brad Donaldson. “Our two institutions are linked through history and purpose, and together our people help make the City of Lethbridge the vibrant community it is. This will be a great way to kick off the year.”

Both institutions have welcomed new presidents into leadership roles in the last year. Donaldson started as president at the college in September 2022, while Dr. Digvir Jayas began his term as president at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in July 2023.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to collaborate with the college to host this event," says Jayas. "As two institutions who contribute greatly to the fabric of our city, we are glad to jointly host this event as an invitation to our community to join us in our excitement for the upcoming academic year. We are committed to working together to continue to advance our region culturally, socially and economically.”

In addition to the important educational roles each institution plays in preparing leaders and builders of the future, the college and university also have a significant economic impact on the city and region. Members of the College’s culinary program will prepare the pancakes and other breakfast foods for the event.

UNews - Brad Donaldson

Southern Alberta Higher Education Relationship creates shared vision for region’s post-secondary institutions

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