UNews - Terry Whitehead

Honourable Justice Derek Redman to be given ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:35:25 +0000

The Honourable Justice Derek Redman is a distinguished Alberta jurist recognized for his exemplary judicial leadership, his dedication to public legal education and community service. An unwavering advocate for a justice system that is accessible, culturally informed and responsive to communities, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will grant Redman an honorary degree at Spring 2026 Convocation.

Honourable Justice Derek Redman will be honoured during Ceremony IV of Spring 2026 Convocation.

“Justice Redman has had an exemplary legal career and been a pillar of the Alberta justice system, and at the heart of his practice, first as a lawyer and then as a jurist, has been his commitment to fairness, accessibility and innovation,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “His unique ability to inject humanity into the legal system, as seen in his unwavering support of the incredible ULethbridge Chess for Life program and its emphasis on guiding youth on probation, sets him apart from his peers. His creativity and compassion are to be lauded, and we are proud to present him with an honorary degree.”

Redman will be bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2026 Convocation, Ceremony IV, Friday, May 29, 2:30 p.m. at the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness.

Honourable Justice Derek Redman

Author, athlete, advocate, educator, mediator, lawyer and judge, the Honourable Justice Derek Redman came to Lethbridge as a youngster and graduated from Winston Churchill High School. His exceptional abilities were evident early; he was both valedictorian and male athlete of the year. After high school, he played junior football and college basketball before attending Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Faculty of Law, where he also played rugby and helped secure the Ontario ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ AA Championship. His passion for sport has continued throughout his life, and he was recently named the BC Age‑Group Sprint Triathlon Champion.

After articling in Calgary, Redman returned to Lethbridge and built a busy legal practice focused on litigation and mediation. Beyond his professional work, he and his wife Ashelyn (MEd ’02) were devoted parents to three sons, with Derek learning violin alongside them and coaching their sports teams. His commitment to community service has been equally significant. He served on numerous boards, including the Lethbridge and District Exhibition, was president of the Victorian Order of Nurses, and chaired the Board of Governors for Lethbridge College, as well as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate. His contributions have been recognized with the City of Lethbridge Citizen of the Year Award (2000), the Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022).

A trained mediator, Redman taught conflict resolution to criminal justice students at Athabasca ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, to senior administrators at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Ukraine. He also delivered many community legal education courses and authored two books — one in serial form — aimed at young adults and business managers.

Redman was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2000 and, in 2007, became a Justice of what was then the Provincial Court of Alberta, now the Alberta Court of Justice. He was appointed Assistant Chief Justice for the southern region in 2017 and Chief Justice in 2020, serving in that role until late 2023. He continues to serve as a part‑time justice.

Throughout his judicial career, Redman has been a champion of fairness, accessibility and innovation. He created the Integrated Services Court to support individuals facing addiction, mental illness, poverty or marginalization. He supported the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Chess for Life program for youth on probation and oversaw the expansion of Drug Treatment Courts from two to seven.

His commitment to reconciliation led to the development of the first Indigenous Justice Strategy by a court in Canada, created in consultation with Indigenous leaders and service organizations. Under his leadership, three additional Indigenous Courts were opened, including one in Lethbridge.

Community champion Knud Petersen to be awarded ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:58:17 +0000

Whether it be fundraising, volunteering or simply offering his infectious smile as support, Knud Petersen consistently shows up for his community. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will recognize Petersen for his unique and enduring dedication to southern Alberta by awarding him an honorary degree at Spring 2026 Convocation.

Knud Petersen will be recognized during Spring 2026 Convocation, Ceremony III.

“Knud Petersen is truly one-of-a-kind and if you’ve been to virtually any community event in the last 30-plus years, there’s a good chance Knud was there as a volunteer, leader or to simply provide support,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “His commitment to Pronghorn Athletics, fine arts and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has touched every corner of campus, and beyond that, he has affected change and bettered society by being a community champion throughout our region who is respected by people across all political, cultural and socio-economic boundaries. We are excited to recognize his contributions.”

Petersen will be bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2026 Convocation, Ceremony III, on Friday, May 29, 9 a.m. at the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness.

Knud Petersen

If an event takes place in southern Alberta and Knud Petersen isn’t there — did it really even happen? Such is the reputation of the man known affectionately as “Knuddie,” who is arguably the most present person at anything and everything that’s going on in his community. Petersen is an influential driver of community spirit, philanthropy and well-being.

Petersen arrived in Canada in 1965 as a Danish agricultural exchange student. He quickly liked the vibe and eventually fell in love with the open plains of southern Alberta to make Canada his new home. Utilizing his desire to farm and an enviable work ethic, he raised his family and worked the fields as a successful potato farmer partnering with the Perry family in the Chin area until his retirement in 1994. Petersen’s community interests then became his full-time passion and giving back to his adopted homeland his focus.

From sports to music and the arts, education, community advocacy, food security and the environment, Petersen is seemingly in the midst of everything — always looking to leave things in a better place than when he started.

Petersen’s support for post-secondary sport at both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic is legendary. He co-founded and then co-coached the Polytechnic’s Kodiaks women’s soccer program that went on to claim the CCAA national championship in 1994. He was a founding member of the Pronghorn Booster Club and Kodiaks Association and served as president of both organizations for several years. He’s coordinated and staffed casinos and worked multiple shifts as an organizer and driver for the Horns Operation Red Nose campaigns. He’s been recognized with the Pronghorn Athletics Gary Bowie Leadership Award, the ULethbridge Senate Volunteer Award and inducted into the Pronghorns Hall of Fame.

In the broader community, Petersen helped launch the Southern Oldtimers Football Association, has served on the board of directors for the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, of which he’s been inducted, the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs and Lethbridge Sport Council. He also played a major role in the establishment of Environment Lethbridge and continues to support the Lethbridge Food Bank and other charitable organizations.

Petersen’s generosity and selflessness are exemplified by his funding of multiple endowments for student scholarships. Petersen shows no signs of slowing down and is a current Link Pathway board member and in recent years earned recognition with the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award, the Canadian Mental Health Association Volunteer Award and a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Renowned archaeologist Robert Dawe to be granted honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:52:07 +0000

A leading Alberta archaeologist and assistant curator at the Royal Alberta Museum, Robert (Bob) Dawe has had an enviable career, conducting fieldwork throughout Alberta, notably at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Writing-On-Stone, and also across the Arctic from Alaska to Baffin Island, in Ontario and even China. For his devotion to preserving the history of Alberta, his passion for archaeology and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with Albertans, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Dawe with an honorary degree at Spring 2026 Convocation.

“Robert Dawe’s dedication to uncovering Alberta’s rich history is only matched by his commitment to engaging the public and educating how important it is to preserve our past,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “His integral work with Indigenous communities has opened a window into history and emboldened Indigenous voices to embrace the interpretive process, benefitting all Albertans.”

Robert Dawe's work has been integral in educating Albertans about the province's rich history.

Dawe will be bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2026 Convocation, Ceremony II, Thursday, May 28, at 2:30 p.m. in the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness.

Robert (Bob) Dawe

With his considerable field experience, Robert Dawe’s involvement in archaeological projects has made him a leading expert in ancient Alberta heritage, extending back to the earliest Indigenous occupations. While his research and public outreach have taken him all over the province in his role working for the Royal Alberta Museum, his varied contributions to the southern Alberta archaeological record are noteworthy.

This participation includes surveying and documenting rock art at Writing-On-Stone, ongoing monitoring of the St. Mary Dam, working on the archaeological impact assessment of the mining heritage of the Crowsnest Pass, and more than four decades of involvement at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. His contributions include using photogrammetry to document rock art at Writing-On-Stone and retrieving a huge 1,600-year-old roasting pit from Head-Smashed-In for display. With his research and contribution to the development of the interpretive program at Head-Smashed-In, Dawe has built strong relationships with the interpretive centre staff, members of the Piikani and Kainai communities, and ranchers in the area. He supported the Blackfoot staff in their interpretation of archaeological materials and their engagement with the public, in a practice that has since become known as Indigenous Archaeology, where Indigenous voices are welcomed as part of the interpretive process, benefiting the entire community.

Dawe’s involvement at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump has also had an important effect on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and its students. He has served as co-director of the current field school there, organized by ULethbridge archaeology professors Drs. Shawn Bubel and Kevin McGeough. With his endless patience, many students come to see him as a mentor because he puts their education first.

Dawe’s knowledge of ancient technology has led to numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference papers. His research approach is innovative and driven by his curiosity about how people lived in the past. His passion for archaeology knows no bounds, and Albertans are richer because of it.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge honorary degree recipients represent service and excellence

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:58:03 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will honour six influential individuals with honorary degrees in 2026, recognizing leaders in diverse fields such as archaeology, education, the arts, business, justice and philanthropy.

“The individuals who have been chosen this year to be honoured reflect the values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and bring to life what it means to effect change and better society,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “Whether it’s through their chosen careers, their commitment to community, their stature as thought leaders, they are all invested in contributing positively to humanity and we’re excited to recognize their accomplishments.”

Archaeologist Robert (Bob) Dawe, artist Faye HeavyShield, community advocate Knud Petersen and Justice Derek Redman will be granted honorary degrees as part of Spring 2026 Convocation (May 28-29). The late Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84), former ULethbridge Board of Governors Chair, will be honoured at a private ceremony on May 30, while Cheryl Misak (BASc (BA) ’83) will be recognized at Fall 2026 Convocation (Oct. 17).

“I am really looking forward to the upcoming convocation ceremonies and the addresses of our honorees,” adds Whitehead. “I am always eager to learn from successful leaders of society, to understand their world view and what motivates them in their daily lives. I know our graduating class and those who attend the ceremonies will leave inspired by their words.”

The following are the honorees:

Robert (Bob) Dawe

Faye HeavyShield

A visual artist, cultural worker, mentor and teacher, Faye HeavyShield has earned national and international acclaim for her artistic works that are deeply connected to her Blackfoot culture, a practice she is eager to share with youth and emerging artists to help preserve Blackfoot ways of knowing.

Cheryl Misak (BA ’83)

Dr. Cheryl Misak, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s first Rhodes Scholar, has achieved global recognition for her contributions to the world of philosophy through the highest standards of scholarship and numerous publications, and as an academic who has served as vice-president and provost at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto.

Knud Petersen

Whether it be fundraising, volunteering or simply offering his infectious smile as support, Knud Petersen consistently shows up for his community as an influential driver of local spirit, philanthropy and well-being, always willing to do the heavy work and make a better society for all.

Justice Derek Redman

The Honourable Justice Derek Redman is a distinguished Alberta jurist recognized for his exemplary judicial leadership, his dedication to public legal education and community service, and his unwavering advocacy for a justice system that is accessible, culturally informed, and responsive to the communities it serves.

Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84)

A respected member of the southern Alberta business community, decorated chartered professional accountant and former Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors, Dean Gallimore effected long-lasting change in his community, advocated for post-secondary education and created pathways to success for the next generation of students. Gallimore unexpectedly passed away during his term as Chair of the Board of Governors, and this is the first posthumous degree awarded by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate.

For more information on Spring 2026 Convocation, visit ulethbridge.ca/convocation/spring-2026-information.

Relationships at the core of 2026 Play Right Prize winning scripts

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:08:18 +0000

Complex, yet deeply human relationships are the focal points of the winning scripts for the 2026 Play Right Prizes. Supported by Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), the annual Play Right Prize competition encourages excellence and development in student playwriting. This year’s winners are Steele Prefontaine, Nikko Hunt and Naima Rain.

Steele Prefontaine won the top prize for Homebodies.

The three prize winners each receive tuition credit and dramaturgical support to bring their plays to life on stage, with the first-place winner receiving a staged reading during the Play Right Prize and Spirit Prize Gala.

Fourth-year drama (tech/design) student Steele Prefontaine is the first-place winner. His script, Homebodies, follows the final days of two brothers at odds, one caring for the other, as they confront themselves, their past and their present.

The Play Right Prize jury noted the pull of opposing themes of care and resentment, turning the myth of sibling rivalry on its head to create an absurd and confronting story.

Prefontaine says his inspiration came from the real-life story of Homer and Langley Collyer, who became tabloid fixtures in the 1930s for their life of seclusion and hoarding.

“When learning about their story, I found an inherent dramatic tension as I imagined what their final days must have been like. They became the basis of my characters, Ira and Harpo,” he says. “I found creative freedom in taking their story and transplanting it into rural Saskatchewan. Placing the story in Saskatchewan was an integral change in finding the tone of the play. I was able to draw on imagery, language and stories of the people and the land.”

Nikko Hunt's script for Hot Commodity, earned second place.

The first runner-up is drama (performance) student Nikko Hunt. For her play, Hot Commodity, Hunt explores a mentor/mentee relationship between two young women in the cosmetics industry.

Described by the prize jury as a timely, fast-paced and tightly constructed critique of the beauty industry, Hunt says the idea for her play came from realizing how much her life had been consumed by makeup and skincare products.

“I have spent more than I would like to admit on products that sometimes just sit on my dresser. The main culprit that kept influencing me to buy more was social media. Every time I would open my phone there would be a new lip gloss out, or worse, a new perfume that was a ‘must have’,” she says.

“I began workshopping the play in my Playwriting II class and continued to work on it after the class concluded. During that process I received helpful feedback from my classmates and from my professor, Greg MacArthur, and I used their notes to help guide the next drafts of the play.”

Naima Rain earned the third-place prize for her script, Goodbye See You Later.

Third-year drama student Naima Rain is the second runner up for the Play Right Prize with her play, Goodbye See You Later. The play explores the relationship between a father and daughter, taking place in limbo as the duo unpacks intergenerational traumas, addiction and the effects of residential schools.

The prize jury praised Rain’s submission as a mature and devastating testament of imagination, noting the script acts as both a lullaby and an elegy.

“By the end of the play, you are left wondering if the daughter will follow in his footsteps, as so much of her is made up of him,” Rain says. “The play itself was inspired by a conversation between my grandfather and me about tipi rings, and traditionally how, when someone passed away, their tipi ring would be closed, making it a death lodge.”

Prefontaine, Hunt and Rain will be recognized at the annual Play Right Prize and Spirit Prize Gala on March 19. The winners receive $1,500, $750 and $250 respectively in tuition credits.

Learn more about the plays on the ULethbridge Stories site.

Bernadine and Toby Boulet to be granted honorary degrees at Fall 2025 Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:00:26 +0000

Turning unbearable tragedy into a national movement, Bernadine (BEd ’88) and Toby (BEd ’89, MEd ’04) Boulet have been at the forefront of promoting organ donations across Canada by co-creating Green Shirt Day to honour the tragic passing of their son Logan. For their selfless commitment to motivating Canadians to participate in organ donations and saving countless lives, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Bernadine and Toby Boulet with honorary degrees at Fall 2025 Convocation.

“To see the way Bernadine and Toby have dealt with the devastating loss of their son, turning tragedy into hope for so many other families, is truly inspiring,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “Their unwavering positivity and willingness to allow their very personal story be the catalyst for a national campaign is remarkable and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is proud to recognize their efforts through honorary degrees.”

Bernadine and Toby Boulet have been at the forefront of promoting organ donations across Canada.

Bernadine and Toby Boulet will be bestowed with honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Fall 2025 Convocation on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

Bernadine (BEd ’88) and Toby (BEd ’89, MEd ’04) Boulet

Bernadine and Toby Boulet were unwillingly thrust into the national spotlight when, on April 6, 2018, their son Logan was one of 29 passengers involved in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. A day later, Logan succumbed to his injuries. Only months prior, he had been inspired to be an organ donor and let his parents know his wishes. While grappling with their grief, Bernadine and Toby offered to donate Logan’s organs, thus saving six lives.

While national attention faded, Bernadine and Toby’s unfathomable loss will never subside, and yet they found the strength to turn tragedy into a positive legacy. They started by telling Logan’s story, how he was inspired by his mentor, late ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge women’s rugby coach Ric Suggitt who passed suddenly in 2017 — and how he saved six lives through organ donation.

Logan’s story not only resonated with Canadians, it inspired almost 150,000 donor registrations across the country within a few weeks of the tragedy. This became known as the Logan Boulet Effect. With selfless devotion, Bernadine and Toby recognized they had a platform to make lasting, positive change for people’s lives and keep the memory of their son alive.

Through tireless work, Green Shirt Day — a national movement to encourage conversations and organ donor registrations — was established. They formed partnerships with the Canadian Transplant Association, Kidney Foundation and Canadian Blood Services, giving them the opportunity to speak across the nation. With the Alberta ORGANization Group, they successfully lobbied legislators to change current laws to create Give Life Alberta. From their advocacy, Bernadine and Toby have changed how organ and tissue donation is viewed.

Through their passion and commitment to bettering society, Bernadine and Toby have been relentless advocates for the values and causes that matter most to them. Their philanthropic efforts endowed the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award at ULethbridge. Likewise, their fundraising efforts have exceeded $750,000, benefitting groups such as KidSport, Special Olympics and youth fine arts, while simultaneously establishing the Logan Boulet Endowment.

In 2019, their consistent efforts with Canadian Blood Services and advocacy for the Lethbridge Plasma Centre earned them the national Schilly Award. Canadian Blood Services now annually presents the Logan Boulet Award for organ donation.

Bernadine and Toby Boulet use hope, compassion, generosity, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to make a lasting difference to transform their darkest day into a national movement that continues to change people’s lives every day.

ULethbridge community members given King Charles III Coronation Medal recognition

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:08:44 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge proudly congratulates multiple individuals who have been honoured for their significant contributions to bettering our communities with King Charles III Coronation Medals.

Members of the ULethbridge community who were recognized in 2024-25 include: Rick Casson (LLD '13), Paige Crozon, Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Ninnaa Piiksii (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22), Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, Dr. Trushar Patel, Ron Sakamoto (LLD '03), Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, Ksikkihkíni (Bald Eagle) Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) have all been presented with medals at various ceremonies over the past six months.

The Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. Recipients have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Nominations for King Charles III Coronation Medals were only accepted from partner organizations list created by the Government of Canada.

Following is a list of those associated with ULethbridge who have received King Charles III Coronation Medals, and their presenters.

Rick Casson, Acting Chair, ULethbridge Board of Governors — Presented at Royal Canadian Legion, Feb. 15, 2025

Paige Crozon, Assistant Coach, Pronghorn Women’s Basketball— Presented by YMCA, Mar. 20, 2025

Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations – Presented by Universities Canada, Mar. 21, 2025

Ninnaa Piiksii, (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22), ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association Director – Presented by Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025

Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, President and Vice-Chancellor – Presented by Minister of Advanced Education, Rajan Sawhney, Mar. 21, 2025

Dr. Trushar Patel, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science – Presented by Honourable Rachel Thomas, Member of Parliament, Mar. 13, 2025

Ron Sakamoto, honorary degree recipient — Presented by Premier Danielle Smith, Feb. 28, 2025

Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, former Chancellor – Presented by Senator Patti Laboucane-Benson, Oct. 2024

Ksikkihkíni (Bald Eagle) Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Chancellor – Presented by Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s first Indigenous chancellor, Charles Weaselhead, to receive honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:22:53 +0000

He made history in 2019 when he was the first Indigenous person appointed as chancellor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and throughout his tenure, Charles Weaselhead advanced the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s path towards truth and reconciliation. ULethbridge will recognize Weaselhead with an honorary degree at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony II, Thursday, May 29, 2:30 p.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

“I was truly honoured to succeed chancellor Weaselhead following a term where he made some very positive and progressive changes in furthering Indigenous inclusivity on campus and incorporating ways of knowing into ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ culture,” says Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA '94). “Charles is a leader whose vision and commitment led to important and substantive changes in education and health care within the southern Alberta Indigenous community. He has long been a steadfast proponent of bringing cultures together and creating pathways for youth to access post-secondary education and I’m thrilled to recognize his contributions with an honorary degree.”

Charles Weaselhead

When Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead was named the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s 14th Chancellor on March 15, 2019, it marked the first time in the institution’s then 52-year history that an Indigenous person had been appointed to the Chancellor position. A significant moment that continued to advance the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s path towards truth and reconciliation, Weaselhead’s tenure invoked lasting change and played an instrumental role in securing one of the largest contributions in institutional history.

Weaselhead was born on the Blood Indian Reserve and spent his formative years in the residential school system. He survived the experience, falling back on youth sports as an escape from the conditions into which he was thrust. He also recognized at a young age the value in education, a theme he would champion as he became older.

Having grown up confronted by the challenges facing his community, he sought solutions and became interested in invoking change. In the early 1980s, Weaselhead turned his focus to health issues, advancing initiatives designed to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. He took on important administrative roles as director of treatment centres Napi Lodge and Poundmaker’s Lodge, director of the Blood Indian Hospital and chief executive officer for the Blood Tribe Department of Health.

In 2004, Weaselhead was elected Chief of the Blood Tribe, a post he would hold for 12 years. During his tenure, he was appointed Treaty 7 Grand Chief and held the Health and Education portfolio for the Treaty 7 Chiefs. At the heart of advocating for his community was a belief in fostering relationships that would support his goals to better the lives of his people. He was a signatory to the Alberta Protocol Agreement on Government-to-Government Relations (2008) and the Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Education (2010).

One of Weaselhead’s greatest strengths is his collaborative approach that galvanizes community participation and support. By exploring new and innovative partnerships, all while protecting and advancing the sovereignty of First Nations, he is able to tackle dire issues of housing, poverty, community violence and other social and health concerns.

Weaselhead’s appointment as ULethbridge Chancellor afforded the opportunity to build bridges between cultures and create even more pathways for Indigenous youth to access post-secondary education. Taught by his grandfather to walk in both cultures to better understand perspectives, Weaselhead enacted positive change by incorporating traditional Indigenous ceremonial aspects and protocols to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ events, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of ULethbridge life. He was also at the forefront of helping secure the $15 million MasterCard Foundation contribution to ULethbridge aimed at dismantling education barriers and supporting employment opportunities for Blackfoot youth.

Spreading the joy of classical music and inspiring youth, Kirk Muspratt to be recognized with honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 12 May 2025 17:18:41 +0000

Raised in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Kirk Muspratt cultivated his love of music into an impactful career as a conductor and educator, dedicating his life to spreading the joy of music through magical, inspiring performances. For his unwavering passion and enthusiasm for music and music education, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Muspratt with an honorary degree at Spring 2025 Convocation.

“Kirk Muspratt is remarkable for his unwavering commitment to make classical music accessible and enjoyable for all people,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ‘94). “His unique approach breaks barriers and invites people, especially younger audiences, into the classical world, entertaining and educating all at once. He is richly deserving of an honorary degree.”

Muspratt will be bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony III, on Friday, May 30, at 9 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

Kirk Muspratt

An internationally renowned conductor and music director, Maestro Kirk Muspratt came from humble beginnings. Music was part of his life from an early age; he had his first piano lesson with Mrs. Madeline Pinkney after his first day of school. He credits her with shaping what was to follow in his life. He was six years old when he participated in music festivals in the Crowsnest Pass and eight when he entered festivals in Lethbridge. Muspratt joined the Crowsnest Pass Symphony Orchestra at age 11. After high school, he was accepted at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He went on to study at Temple ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Philadelphia and the Vienna Conservatory. Muspratt had a summer apprenticeship with Leonard Bernstein at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer academy for advanced music study.

In his professional life as a music director and conductor with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic and the Dupage Opera Theater, Muspratt focuses on bringing classical music to the masses without the stuffiness with which it’s typically associated. He’s especially keen on thinking of ways to introduce younger people to the genre and following up with opportunities to expand their interest and encourage ongoing involvement. Muspratt developed a Just Ask Kirk program so audience members could ask him questions. The Cookies with Kirk and Interactive Intermission initiatives allow patrons and musicians to meet, and the Kirkature cartoon supports his belief that symphonic music can have broad appeal.

Another popular program he developed is the Solo Competition for Children, which results in a different child being chosen to perform at a Northwest Indiana Symphony concert. High school students get the chance to perform with New Philharmonic musicians through the Side by Side concerts. Muspratt implemented an Orchestral Fellowship Program with Indiana’s Valparaiso ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and his vision helped found the South Shore Music Festival.

His career has included serving as assistant conductor at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, music director of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, associate conductor at the Utah Symphony Orchestra, resident conductor at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Alberta Ballet.

Muspratt has earned many accolades for his work and has been a guest conductor with orchestras around the world. He possesses boundless enthusiasm and passion for music.

He remains proud of his southern Alberta roots. Muspratt owns the house where he was born and spends as much time in the community as his schedule allows, adjudicating festivals in Lethbridge and Crowsnest Pass and mentoring young performing artists.

Prodigious writer and social advocate David A. Robertson to be awarded honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Mon, 05 May 2025 17:19:52 +0000

The ULethbridge Bookstore (SU210, Student Union Building Food Court) will host a book signing with David A. Robertson on Thursday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Acclaimed writer, podcaster, public speaker and social advocate David A. Robertson is a strong and influential voice on Indigenous issues who has the innate ability to empower young adults through his works. Dedicated to ensuring children have access to books and championing accessibility to diverse literature, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Robertson with an honorary degree at Spring 2025 Convocation.

Robertson believes sincerely that children must always have access to books, even those that cover difficult and uncomfortable topics, and champions a scaffolding approach where age-appropriate content helps build understanding as readers mature.

“David Robertson writes from a place of honesty, and I think that’s why he resonates so deeply with his readers, many of whom are young adults who value the truth. His latest book, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, again broaches difficult issues but in a manner that invites the reader to a safe place of compassion and understanding,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead. “He is a compassionate and compelling speaker, and we are fortunate to have David as one of our judges for the 2026 Bridge Prize national short story writing competition and very proud to be presenting him with an honorary degree.”

Robertson will be bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony I, on Thursday, May 29, at 9 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

David A. Robertson

David A. Robertson has never been fearful of heavy subjects. An Indigenous author, podcaster, public speaker and social advocate, Robertson often confronts difficult issues in his writing with an inherent honesty and openness that resonates with readers of all ages.

A member of Norway House Cree Nation, he currently lives and works out of Winnipeg. Robertson writes primarily for children and youth, opening minds to the strength of the written word and empowering new voices to be heard. Embracing Indigenous identity and culture, he presents important topics that contribute to understanding, healing, truth and reconciliation.

Robertson first garnered attention in 2012 with his seminal four-part graphic novel series, 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga, an epic story that follows one Indigenous family over three centuries and seven generations. The works soon found their way into schools and libraries across the country, gaining appreciation from teachers and librarians alike as they inspired young readers and sparked meaningful conversations.

Extremely respectful of his audience, he never wavers from presenting the hardest truths while encouraging deeper levels of understanding. Robertson believes sincerely that children must always have access to books, even those that cover difficult and uncomfortable topics. Using a scaffolding approach, he presents age-appropriate content that builds understanding as readers mature.

His thoughtful and caring approach to broaching delicate subject matter has not only made his writing a favourite of young readers, but it has also garnered the respect of educators and parents. When one of his books was banned by a misguided school division for containing “too much culture and ceremony,” the ensuing uproar from parents, teachers and fellow writers soon saw the book returned to library shelves.

The honours and recognition for Robertson’s work are substantial. He’s a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award — in 2017 for When We Were Alone and in 2021 for On the Trapline — and was nominated for a third in 2020 with The Barren Grounds. In 2017, he earned the Beatrice Mosionier Aboriginal Writer of the Year Award, and in 2018, the first book of Robertson's Reckoner series won the McNally Robinson Best Book for Young People Award, the Manitoba Book Awards’ Michael Van Rooy Award for Genre Fiction, and the Indigenous Writer of the Year Award at the High Plains Book Awards. In 2021, he won the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award and in 2023, was recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba for outstanding contributions to the arts.

His continued commitment to creating space for emerging Indigenous voices has earned him an appointment as editorial director of a new children’s imprint, Swift Water Books, dedicated to publishing Indigenous writers and illustrators, further advancing understanding and reconciliation.

UNews - Terry Whitehead

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