UNews - Terry Whitehead

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.

Remembering Dean Gallimore

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:59:57 +0000

Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84) was the consummate professional. A respected member of the southern Alberta business community, he was a decorated chartered professional accountant leading one of the top accounting firms in the city. What he will be remembered for was how he leveraged his professional accomplishments to effect long-lasting change in his community, advocate for post-secondary education and create pathways to success for the next generation of students.

Dean Gallimore was appointed the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 11th Board of Governors Chair in 2022.

Gallimore, Chair Emeritus of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors, passed away on Sunday, April 6, at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary at the age of 63. His passing is a profound loss to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, to those who worked alongside him and to the students he ensured had a voice in the governance of the institution.

“The loss of Dean has deeply impacted many people in our community and for me it is especially painful as he was one of the first people I got to know well as the Chair of the search committee when I was hired as president and vice-chancellor,” says Dr. Digvir Jayas. “His generosity, warmth and humility showed me from the beginning that this was a place and an atmosphere I wanted to be involved in, and in my time working with him since, his sincerity for supporting the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and its people always shone through.”

Gallimore, an alumnus of the Faculty of Management (now Dhillon School of Business) was born in Edmonton and raised in Lethbridge, attending Winston Churchill High School before beginning a family legacy by attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Both he and his wife Bev (BA ’85, BMgt ’87) graduated from ULethbridge and their daughters, Lauren (BMgt ’15) and Amanda (BSc/BEd ’19), followed in their footsteps as alums.

Gallimore with President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Digvir Jayas.

Education was extremely important to Gallimore, and he was eager to give back to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through volunteer work and as a philanthropist, crediting his time as a student as the starting point of his professional success.

“Having my spouse, and two children also as alums, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has always been a big part of my life and helped launch my career here in southern Alberta,” Gallimore said on being appointed the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 11th Board Chair in 2022. “Its connection to community as a partner and driver of commerce and innovation is something that is continually expanding and I’m excited to help steward in the coming years.”

He would make students a central focus during his time as Board Chair, advocating for student priorities and ensuring student representatives on the Board were heard. He welcomed student representation on the ULethbridge Budget Advisory Committee in 2021-22 as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ engaged in critical financial planning discussions.

“The entire student community is deeply saddened by this loss,” says Maleeka Thomas, President of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union. “Dean Gallimore was a tireless champion for student causes at our university.”

Always a champion of student initiatives, here he is in the hot tub after taking a cold dip supporting the annual Chillin' for Charity fundraiser.

His time as Board Chair saw Gallimore involved in several major initiatives, including crucial work on the Budget Advisory Committee that tapped into Gallimore’s vast financial acumen as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ continued to navigate its substantial budget challenges. ULethbridge’s major fundraising campaign for student scholarship support was initiated under his watch and the Board’s significant matching campaign, where the Board pledged $10 million in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships, was also created. The long sought Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP) was also realized, with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s first medical students slated to begin their training on campus in June 2026. Most recently, Gallimore was excited to help launch the ULethbridge Strategic Plan.

In 2023, the family established the Gallimore Family Scholarship, an endowed scholarship in support of outstanding students pursuing undergraduate education in the management field. Upon his passing, a specific scholarship is being established in his memory. Due to his personal passion and involvement in the establishment of SAMP and the outstanding care he received from the medical team at Foothills Hospital, the endowed scholarship will support students pursuing medical training at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Contributions to the Dean Gallimore Memorial Scholarship, which will be matched by the Board’s matching program, can be made here.

Gallimore pictured with Wayne Lippa at Convocation.

“Working on these various initiatives with Dean leading the way, he always had a clear vision of our mandate and how we could better support students so that they would be able to excel in their studies,” says Toby Boulet (BEd ’89, MEd ’04), a fellow Board of Governors representative. “His authenticity and willingness to lead by example really set a tone for the work we were doing, and I’m grateful for the time we spent together. That he was also proud of being an organ donor and was always eager to support our family as we raised awareness around organ donations, suits his incredible character.”

As an organ and tissue donor, Gallimore saved three lives and improved the quality of life for countless others upon his passing.

Gallimore’s professional achievements were many and his financial acumen was a major asset to his various roles with the Board of Governors. He spent 28 years with local accounting firm KPMG, the final 12 years as the office managing partner before retiring in 2012. An Alberta bronze medalist who placed on the Canadian Honour Role for the 1986 Uniform Final Examinations (having placed in the top 20 of approximately 3,600 candidates), his portfolio at KPMG consisted largely of primary agriculture, agriculture services and agriculture processing clients, as well as many other industries.

Deeply respected by his peers, Gallimore received the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta Distinguished Service Award (2001) and was honoured as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (2008). In 2009, he was named to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Alumni Honour Society.

Green Shirt Day meant a lot to Gallimore, here supporting Toby Boulet making smile cookies.

“In working with Dean these past few years, we spoke a lot about relationships and specifically building bridges between the Board of Governors and the faculty,” says Dr. Craig Coburn, a Board member and professor in the Department of Geography & Environment. “He worked hard to create a space where we could talk about some very difficult issues in a respectful and constructive manner, and I think we made great strides in terms of understanding each other and moving forward.”

Gallimore was also deeply committed to strengthening his community, giving time to several organizations and chairing such committees as the Chartered Accountants of Alberta Education Foundation, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Planned Giving Advisory Committee and Faculty of Management Advisory Committee. He first joined the ULethbridge Board of Governors in 2019 and, among his other duties, was Chair of the Finance Committee.

The culmination of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Strategic Plan launch marked a major milestone in Gallimore's tenure as Board Chair.

“Dean was someone I admired for embodying all that ULethbridge alumni aspire to be,” says Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association. “He made the most of his ULethbridge education, excelling as a student and going on to be a respected, highly successful member of the business community. He also understood how he could contribute to his community beyond his professional role and embraced volunteering, philanthropy and seeking ways to make people’s lives better, all while raising a caring and engaged family with his wife Bev. He will be deeply missed.”

Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) joined his fellow alum in a leadership position in 2023 when he was appointed ULethbridge Chancellor. He says the passion with which Gallimore advocated for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was ever present.

“He truly believed in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, what it had provided for him and his family and how it was creating graduates who were making a real difference in the world,” says Whitehead. “He cared about people, he cared about his community, and I’ll miss our conversations, his warm smile and his generosity of spirit. He was a wonderful man whose impact was significant in every aspect of his life. Dean will be forever admired and deeply missed by all who knew him.”

Those wishing to send condolences to the Gallimore family can submit by following this link. The family also invites all those who knew Dean to share a short video (30 seconds to 2 minutes) reflecting on a special memory, an adventure shared or a meaningful lesson learned from him. Videos can be sent to deangallimoretribute@gmail.com by May 1. A selection of these will be shared at his Celebration of Life on Friday, May 23 (2 p.m.,
Science Commons Atrium) at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ flag has been lowered in his honour and will remain down through Friday, April 18. It will then be lowered again on May 23, the day of his celebration of life event, and remain down through the end of Convocation weekend, June 2.

2025 Play Right Prize winners create compelling written tales

trevor.kenney — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:14:14 +0000

Tales of friendship, youth and motherhood are the topics of the winning scripts of the 2025 Play Right Prize Competition at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Carter Popielarz, Levi Mason and Maddie McKee are the winners of this year’s competition, highlighting the breadth and depth of talent that ULethbridge students possess in creative writing.

Drama (performance) student Carter Popielarz won first place in the competition for his script, Honk If You’re Lonely.

The Play Right Prize, sponsored by Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), is an annual competition that awards $2,500 in cash prizes to students and supports their professional development in playwriting. This year’s jurors include Jenn Taylor, Managing Director of the Alberta Playwright’s Network, and award-winning playwright and alumna Chelsea Woolley (BA/BEd ’14), who received the 2024 ULethbridge Alumni Association Young Alumni Award.

Popielarz wins $1,500 for first place; Mason wins $750 for second and McKee receives $250 for third. All Play Right Prize winners receive professional dramaturgical support to further develop and refine their scripts for the stage.

Drama (performance) student Carter Popielarz won first place in the competition for his script, Honk If You’re Lonely. Described as a generous character study of friendship between two older men, Popielarz says he was intrigued by what it means to leave old lives behind, particularly later in life, exploring themes of change and regret.

Play Right Prize jury member Jenn Taylor took note of Popielarz’s nuanced writing. “Honk If You’re Lonely is the story of a man at a crossroads in his life. After a chance meeting at a small-town motel, he begins an unexpected journey with an uncertain end,” says Taylor. “This beautifully self-contained narrative explores questions of genuine connection and vulnerability in two lives constrained by expectations.”

For Popielarz, entering the Play Right Prize competition is a great way to get eyes on his work, as he receives valuable dramaturgical feedback. Winning the cash prize also allows students like Popielarz to learn without financial strain, kickstart projects and begin building a name in the industry.

English student Levi Mason is the second-place winner with his play, God is a Black Hole.

“I feel very honoured to be recognized for a piece of work that has been so close to my heart for the past two years,” he says. “I am interested in having the show fully produced in the next few years. I think a local theatre company would be a good option, as there are often many great actors in their 40s and 50s in the community who could really have a great time with it.”

English student Levi Mason is the second-place winner with his play, God is a Black Hole. In this script, three childhood friends meet at the edge of the apocalypse, confronting their choices and regrets as they seek validation from their found family. Levi says capturing the bleakness of the story, which was at first one of his biggest obstacles, ended up becoming something that he found joy in exploring.

“How could I make something about existentialism, nihilism and the end of the world and make it something that people actually want to read and watch? Despite the heaviness of the themes in this play, I actually find it quite joyful in a lot of ways,” says Mason. “It might be a play about the end of the world and trying to accept that nothing matters and dealing with religious trauma, but it’s also a play about friendship and healing and playing at the park.”

"God is a Black Hole muses on youth and friendship with great imagery that reveals both the small and astronomical aspects of growing up queer,” says Play Right Prize juror Woolley.

Drama (performance) student Maddie McKee took third place in the Play Right Prize competition for her play, Create. Described as an absurdist horror that follows a pregnant woman struggling to find inspiration to give birth, McKee says she began writing the play in her second year during a playwriting class.

Drama (performance) student Maddie McKee took third place in the Play Right Prize competition for her play, Create.

“Create is very personal to me and is a representation of how easily we can limit ourselves through our own self-doubt. Creating art is so vulnerable and intimidating, and the character’s journey reflects the complicated feelings artists have towards their work,” says McKee.

“A surreal journey through the act of becoming a mother, Create is a complex story birthed from a unique metaphor,” says Taylor. “Through the relationship between an artist and her muse, the audience comes to understand some of the anxiety, pressure and the need to be perfect that expectant mothers experience.”

For McKee, winning the Play Right Prize reminded her of the importance of her voice, prompting her to continue writing plays.

“Paid opportunities are crucial for emerging artists! It validates our art and proves that students deserve to be paid for their work. This is why the Play Right Prize is so important: it proves to students that we can be paid for our work, even as emerging artists, even before we finish our degrees.”

Learn more about the Play Right Prize winners: https://stories.ulethbridge.ca/2025-play-right-prize-winners/

Canadian comic icon Brent Butt among ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge 2025 honorary degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:03:44 +0000

Corner Gas creator will headline comedy show fundraiser in support of Food For Thought, student food security program

He created a Canadian landmark television program, has traversed the globe performing live stand-up shows and continues to mentor and support the growth and health of the Canadian comedy community. Brent Butt is a true Canadian comic icon and one of six people who will be awarded ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge honorary degrees during Spring and Fall 2025 Convocation ceremonies.

Brent Butt's comedic career has spanned more than 35 years.

Butt, who will be recognized at one of the four spring ceremonies, joins acclaimed writer David Robertson, former ULethbridge Chancellor Charlie Weaselhead, conductor Kirk Muspratt and community advocates Bernadine (BEd ’88) and Toby Boulet (BEd ’89, MEd ’04)(fall ceremony), as distinguished honourees.

“We’re thrilled to announce this tremendous group of honorary degree recipients who represent all the best attributes of the ULethbridge experience and its graduating students,” says Terry Whitehead, current ULethbridge Chancellor. “These are people who have achieved great success in their fields and done so in the right way, as engaged citizens in their communities, as educators, as mentors and leaders.”

Butt, who is known primarily for being the creator, writer and star of the iconic Canadian comedy series Corner Gas, has fashioned a comedic career spanning more than 35 years. Successful as a live performer as well as on the big and small screen, he is now an active screenwriter and author, always with deference to his small-town Canadian roots.

“To be able to recognize Brent for all the joy he has brought Canadians over the years is exciting and a recognition he richly deserves,” adds Whitehead. “Laughter is incredibly important in our lives, and I think we are realizing that more every day. Brent’s devotion to his comedic craft, willingness to share with others in the comedy community and unwavering commitment to his rural roots and Canadian culture says a lot about the kind of person he is.

“His willingness to perform for a Lethbridge audience and raise money in support of food security initiatives at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is heartfelt, and I can’t wait to enjoy a great evening of entertainment with him and his guest.”

The comedy show fundraiser to benefit the Food For Thought student program takes place Sunday, May 25, 7 p.m., at the Yates Memorial Theatre and features Brent Butt as the headliner with special guest Charlie Demers. Tickets, priced at $65 each, will be available through the City of Lethbridge Ticket Centre.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Butt with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony IV, on Friday, May 30, 2:30 p.m., in the Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Brent Butt

For Brent Butt, there really was no other career path than comedy, something he’d decided before his teenage years. While he briefly attended Ontario’s Sheridan College after graduating high school in his hometown of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, formal schooling quickly took a back seat to his entrepreneurial tendencies. Leaving school, he and a friend developed their own publishing company, and they created two issues of their comic book, Existing Earth, in which Butt drew the illustrations.

He approached comedy not on a whim, but rather as a vocation, studying the intricacies of the craft. By the time he took the stage for his first stand-up performance at the age of 21, he was ready and his meteoric rise in the comedy industry was testament to his work ethic and preparation. A year after his first appearance on an amateur night at a Saskatoon comedy club, Butt was touring Central and Eastern Canada. Before long he was headlining Toronto’s downtown Yuk Yuks Comedy Club and doors began to open for him internationally.

Once established as a live entertainer, Butt began realizing the next phase of his career, and in 2004 created, wrote and starred in the hit television show Corner Gas. Set in the fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan, the show reflected Butt’s smalltown upbringing and shone a new light on rural Canada, one that resonated with small communities across the country and struck a chord with populations in larger urban centres.

Corner Gas ran for six seasons, averaging a remarkable 1.2 million viewers per episode and reaping numerous awards, including four Canadian Comedy Awards and five Gemini Awards. The show has now aired in 60 countries and continues to run on streaming platforms, boasting large fan bases in Germany, the United States, Australia and beyond. A Canadian Armed Forces soldier once wrote the show about his unit watching episodes of Corner Gas to take the edge off during particularly dangerous deployments, reminding them of home and that laughter and simpler times still existed.

The success of Corner Gas garnered remarkable attention and in 2008, Butt was awarded the Peter Ustinov Award for outstanding body of comedic work at the Banff World Media Festival. He joined the likes of past recipients John Cleese, Bob Newhart, John Candy and Eugene Levy.

With a platform as a leader in the industry, Butt has used his profile to call attention to the work of other comedians and to mentor and promote the growth and health of the comedy community.

Eager to continue to expand his creative knowledge, Butt is an active screenwriter and now author, having released his first novel, Huge, a #1 national best seller and one of Indigo’s 2023 Best Books of the Year.

Bridge Prize national short story competition selects jury for 2026 cycle, submissions now being accepted

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:31:50 +0000

Submissions are now open for the 2026 version of Canada’s largest literary prize for post-secondary students — the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Bridge Prize — and the main jury has been selected.

Now entering its fourth competitive cycle, the reputation of the cross-Canada short story competition continues to grow, garnering attention from some of Canada’s most accomplished authors. Among those is Ian Williams, the author of seven acclaimed books of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, and whose book, Reproduction, won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2019. He headlines a stellar main jury that includes representation from across the country.

The remainder of the jury consists of Sharon Bala (Newfoundland & Labrador), Ivan Coyote (Yukon), Alice Kuipers (Saskatchewan), Idman Nur Omar (Alberta) and David Robertson (Manitoba).

“The 2026 competition features some of Canada’s most accomplished writers and thinkers,” says Dr. Harold Jansen, ULethbridge librarian and dean of the School of Liberal Education, which presents the Bridge Prize. “These established and emerging writers represent a cross-section of Canada as well as genres of writing. We are grateful to our outstanding national and local jury members and to Munro’s Books of Victoria for their support of the next generation of writers in Canada.”

The success of the event has led to an increase in prize money for the 2026 cycle and a new structure for the competition. For the first time, the top story written by an undergraduate student and the top story written by a graduate student will each receive $5,000. As well, one finalist in each category will earn $1,000 and each of the four winners and finalists will be awarded $200 gift cards from lead sponsor Munro’s Books.

“Writing is alive and well in Canada and with each awarding of the Bridge Prize we see stronger and stronger submissions,” adds Jansen. “It truly has become a national literary competition, with each province represented by really outstanding young writers.”

Initiated by ULethbridge alumnus Terry whitehead (BA ’94) with support of the School of Liberal Education, the first prizes were awarded in 2020. Entry is open to all students attending colleges and universities in Canada, with a fee of $20 per submission. Entrants can submit as many stories as they like. To date, over 1,000 stories have been submitted and over $30,000 in prize money has been distributed.

Submissions are now being accepted until Jan. 26, 2026. For more information, visit the Bridge Prize web page.

Following are short biographies of the 2026 jurors.

Sharon Bala

Sharon Bala’s best-selling debut novel, The Boat People, won the 2020 Newfoundland & Labrador Book Award and the 2019 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, was short listed for several awards, and is in translation in four languages. She won the Writers’ Trust/ McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize in 2017. Her short fiction has been published in: Best Canadian Stories 2024, The Journey Prize 29, Hazlitt, Grain, PRISM international, The New Quarterly, Maisonneuve, and elsewhere. Sharon is a member of The Port Authority, a St. John’s writing group.

Ivan Coyote

Ivan Coyote is a writer, storyteller and performer. Born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, they are the author of thirteen books, the creator of four films, seven stage shows, and three albums that combine storytelling with music. Coyote’s books have won the ReLit Award, the B.C. Book Prize for Writing That Provokes, been named a Stonewall Honour Book, been longlisted for Canada Reads, been shortlisted for the Hilary Weston Prize for non-fiction, and the Governor General’s Award for non-fiction twice.

Alice Kuipers

Alice Kuipers is the bestselling, award-winning author of five novels, a memoir for teenager Carley Allison, Always Smile, and six books for younger readers. She’s also a bestselling ghost author, experienced in writing adult memoir and self-help. Alice’s work is published in 36 countries, and she’s taught thousands of people online and in person. Now, she’s Head of Coaching at The Novelry, and she shares writing secrets over on Confessions & Coffee, her weekly publication. Her newest book, Spark, is a guide for anyone wanting to write their own book for young readers.

Idman Nur Omar

Idman Nur Omar was born in Rome and immigrated to Canada in 1991. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph and an MA in English Literature from Concordia ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Montreal. The Private Apartments, her first book, was a finalist for the 2024 Alberta Literary Awards, a finalist for the 2023 Writers’ Union of Canada Danuta Gleed Literary Award and included in Brittle Paper’s 100 Notable African Books of 2023. She lives in Calgary.

David Robertson

David A. Robertson is a two-time Governor General's Literary Award winner and has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba in 2023 for outstanding contributions to the arts and distinguished achievements. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Ian Williams

Ian Williams is the author of seven acclaimed books of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. His previous book, Disorientation, was selected as a best book of the year by the Boston Globe. His novel, Reproduction, won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2019 and was published in Canada, the US, the UK and Italy. His poetry collection, Word Problems won the Raymond Souster Award from the League of Canadian Poets. His previous collection, Personals, was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize and the Robert Kroetsch Poetry Book Award. His short story collection, Not Anyone’s Anything, won the Danuta Gleed Literary Award for the best first collection of short fiction in Canada. He is a trustee for the Griffin Poetry Prize. Ian completed his PhD at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto. In the fall of 2024, Ian delivered the cross-Canada 2024 CBC Massey Lectures, What I Mean to Say, about rehabilitating conversations.

Elder Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Francis First Charger, to receive honorary degree at fall convocation

caroline.zentner — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:38:13 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge (Iniskim) is proud to announce that Elder Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Francis First Charger, will be awarded an honorary degree at Fall 2024 Convocation ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19.

Photo by AE Cross.

First Charger has been an Elder in Residence at ULethbridge since 2008 and his advice has been invaluable to staff, students and faculty members. He began his work at the Iniskim with the Dhillon School of Business as an Elder in Residence, providing guidance and support, occasionally giving class lectures, and hosting many visitors. This work has now expanded for all students, staff and faculty members at Iniskim. In addition, he has served on the General Faculties Council as part of their Iniskim Education Committee and is currently a member of the Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Iniskim Governance Process. First Charger also participates in Talking Circles at the Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Student Gathering Centre and advises and supports students, staff and faculty in the Department of Indigenous Studies and other departments as needed. His presence and guidance help students feel welcome and give them a safe space to grow as people and develop their curiosity, knowledge and skills.

“Many years ago, a ‘spark’ manifested somewhere on Blood Reserve in southern Alberta. That ‘spark’ continued to shine for a number of years almost unnoticed,” says Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04). “But suddenly that ‘spark’ manifested as a source of knowledge, wisdom and service. That ‘spark’ is ‘Ninnaisipistoo’ (Francis First Charger). Francis continues to be a spark of knowledge and service to his community and Iniskim ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in many different capacities. The awarding of an honorary degree ensures that the ‘spark’ will never die out and will always be remembered.”

“The contributions that Francis has made to ULethbridge are innumerable and we are extremely pleased to award him an honorary degree,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “He played a key role in helping the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ acquire its ceremonial pipe, commissioning Jerry Potts from the Piikani Nation to handcraft the pipe. Furthermore, his knowledge of Blackfoot culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, coupled with his broad experience in business, have benefited many people and organizations in southern Alberta.”

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Francis First Charger with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Francis First Charger

First Charger was raised following Blackfoot culture and ceremonies, and traditional Blackfoot values have guided his life. He brought many skills with him when he became an Elder in Residence. He was instrumental in initiating the process for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to acquire its ceremonial pipe, commissioning Jerry Potts from the Piikani Nation to handcraft the pipe.

In addition to his knowledge of Blackfoot culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, he brought a broad base of experience in business management, administration and accounting after working at Red Crow Community College and the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project (BTAP). He was one of the key figures in coordinating the export of Timothy hay to Pacific Rim countries for BTAP. At Red Crow College, First Charger was involved in a visit to Guatemala for possible academic work. Beyond the Kainai First Nation, First Charger has lent his expertise and time to many local organizations, including Lethbridge Polytechnic, the City of Lethbridge, Community Futures Treaty 7, Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society and the First Nation Forestry program.

First Charger was approved for the role of Elder in the Independent Assessment Process (IAP), the system used to determine eligibility for damages and quantum of damages for abuse suffered by claimants under the Residential Schools Class Action lawsuit against the Government of Canada and the churches that ran the schools. Claimants could choose if they wanted an Elder present to support them through the hearing process. First Charger played that role in numerous hearings, providing spiritual ceremonies before the hearings and support throughout the hearing process. Many claimants asked First Charger to be present for their testimony, as his presence provided comfort and strength as they spoke about the atrocities they suffered and the impacts on their lives. He was also a qualified Blackfoot interpreter in many IAP hearings. First Charger was widely praised by lawyers and adjudicators involved in the IAP because he could be relied upon to provide compassionate, kind and respectful support to claimants going through this difficult process. 

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