Humanitarian Lindhout to receive Honorary Degree

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 May 2014 16:33:23 +0000

Acclaimed journalist, author and humanitarian, Amanda Lindhout, will receive an Honorary degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge at its Spring Convocation ceremony.

In her courage, compassion, resolve and dedication, Amanda Lindhout is an inspiration, and she embodies the philosophy and values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

“We are very excited that Amanda has accepted our offer of an Honorary Degree,” says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor, Dr. Shirley McClellan. “Her story is one of incredible perseverance and compassion. To be able to use the traumatic ordeal she experienced as the impetus to effect change is incredible. Her attitude embodies the ideals of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.”

The U of L will present Lindhout with the degree of Doctor of Laws, honouris causa, at the Spring 2014 Convocation Ceremony III on Friday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Lindhout will also participate in a book signing (A House in the Sky) at 12:30 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Bookstore.

She is the fourth Honorary Degree recipient to be named this spring, along with Dr. Barbara Hohn, Dr. Seamus O'Shea and Dr. Austin Mardon.

Amanda Lindhout

Journalist, author, and humanitarian Amanda Lindhout is the founder of the Global Enrichment Foundation and has devoted her life to social responsibility.

Amanda Lindhout was born in Red Deer, Alta., and at the age of 24 became a journalist, travelling to various conflict zones. In 2008, she and a freelance photojournalist went to Mogadishu, Somalia. Two days after arriving, they were both kidnapped by religious extremists and held in captivity for 463 days. During this time she was repeatedly tortured and assaulted by her captors. After her release, she chose to become a champion for underprivileged people in Somalia.

In 2010, she founded the Global Enrichment Foundation, which aims to provide education, counselling and community programs in Somalia. This foundation has raised millions of dollars to develop programming that empowers Somalians to create a better future.

Since her ordeal, Lindhout has gone to great lengths to share her story, through speaking engagements, a book (A House in the Sky) and other activities. She has participated in a Bill Clinton Global Initiative panel, has given an address to the United Nations Associate in Ottawa, and has moderated a panel of former extremists for the Google Ideas Summit Against Violent Extremism.

In her courage, compassion, resolve and dedication, Lindhout is an inspiration, and she embodies the philosophy and values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Her overcoming of adversity speaks to deep strength, purpose and compassion, and she exemplifies the notion of engaged citizenry.

In recognition of Amanda Lindhout’s courage, humanitarian contributions and advocacy for peace and empowerment, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge confers upon her the degree of Doctor of Laws, honouris causa.

International dinner features Lindhout

trevor.kenney — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:27:45 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 20^th Annual International Dinner will feature Amanda Lindhout, a Canadian humanitarian with direct and dramatic life experience in Somalia, one of the world's most volatile countries.

Lindhout's presentation, A Celebration of the Human Spirit, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union Ballrooms.

A freelance journalist, Lindhout visited Somalia in 2008 and was kidnapped by a teenage gang shortly after her arrival in the country. Her abduction generated international media attention as she was held hostage for more than 460 days, or more than 15 months.

From that experience, Lindhout became an unlikely and passionate advocate for the Somali people, and in 2010 established The Global Enrichment Foundation (GEF), a non-profit organization dedicated to igniting leadership through educational and community-based empowerment programs. Lindhout returned to Somalia in 2011, propelling GEF onto the world stage after leading famine relief efforts and raising millions of dollars to aid and support more than 200,000 people.
She regularly speaks to students, teachers, policy-makers and business leaders about the interconnected issues of poverty and violence against women, and the role education can play in countering the radicalization of youth.
Tickets for the 20th Annual International Dinner are priced at $60, if purchased before Nov. 7, and $70 after Nov. 7. Table prices are $420/eight places. Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m.; Dinner begins at
6 p.m. and Lindhout speaks at 7 p.m. Free parking is available in Lots FS and E.

Tickets are available online by following this link. Call 403-329-2053 for additional information.

UNews - Amanda Lindhout

Humanitarian Lindhout to receive Honorary Degree

Related Topics

International dinner features Lindhout

Related Topics