UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty

Zieber earns Lipinski scholarship

trevor.kenney — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:08:47 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences researcher Em Pijl Zieber is one of two local registered nurses who have been named the inaugural recipients of the Wendy Lipinski Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Education.

Pijl Zieber was honoured along with Klaas Vanden Beld on May 8 at Chinook Regional Hospital. The scholarship serves as a memorial to the contributions of Wendy (MacFarlane) Lipinski, a registered nurse who practised for 18 years in Lethbridge and area. She died of cancer last December at age 59. It was established this year by the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET), with funding from Executive Links/Nursing Links, a Calgary provider of nursing education.

Executive Links owner Terese Fleming wanted to honour the nursing contributions of Lipinski, a lifelong friend, who had also returned to school as an adult student to take classes in fine arts at the U of L prior to her passing.

"I am a nurse myself and, if I was ever in a position where I would need to receive health care, Wendy was the type of nurse I would want caring for me," says Fleming. "She was such a kind and caring nurse, so gentle and patient."

Pijl Zieber and Vanden Beld receive scholarships worth a total of $5,000. They were chosen by an ARNET allocation committee on the basis of academic merit in their graduate-level studies.

Pijl Zieber, 44, teaches community health nursing theory and clinical courses in the Faculty of Health Sciences. She is enrolled in doctoral studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and has a special interest in nursing in marginalized populations. Prior to joining the U of L, she worked as an RN in remote communities, Vancouver's Downtown East Side and at Lethbridge College.

"It is fitting that such an outstanding educator as Em Pijl Zeiber receive the Wendy Lipinski Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Education," says Faculty of Health Sciences Dean, Dr. Chris Hosgood. "We are dedicated to providing educators with opportunities for professional development and nursing students with an outstanding education, and wholeheartedly support Em's commitment to mobilize students to make a difference in their communities."

"It's an honour to receive this scholarship," says Pijl Zieber. "It will help me continue with my research, which is focused on how well nursing students are prepared for registered nursing practice. The nursing profession can make even greater contributions to the health of Canadians by enhancing community health clinical education and by mobilizing students to make a difference in their communities. That could have a positive impact on the health of everyone."

Teacher Job Fair connects students to employers

trevor.kenney — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:12:34 +0000

Even in a challenging economy, people still have to learn - and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Education is well known for supplying high-quality teachers to the profession who work locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Since 2003, the Faculty's well-deserved reputation for excellence has brought more than 30 school boards or educational organizations to its annual Teacher Job Fair.

This year, the Teacher Job Fair takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium.

The Teacher Job Fair allows students opportunity to establish one-on-one contact with representatives from prospective school boards from as far as the United Kingdom.

"We provide a service to current students and recent graduates that allows them to interact with future employers," says Nicole Spence, Teacher Job Fair co-ordinator. "Many students will be ready to teach within the next few months and the job fair can present opportunities for employment. Some employers will even decide to personally interview or make group presentations to upcoming grads at this job fair."

Spence adds that the fair is not just for impending graduates but for all teachers beginning to chart their career path.

"We encourage third- and fourth-year students to attend the job fair at some point during the day to talk or interview with the delegates. It's a great experience for both employers and students to collect information about potential opportunities with each school board or agency."

The Faculty of Education offers some of the most extensive practical teaching experience in Canada – with 27 weeks of practical work placement, students often receive double the amount of time in front of a classroom as other programs, and find they turn their experiences with the many teacher partners who mentor U of L students into long-term work relationships.

Malaysian exchange a benefit to all involved

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:59:13 +0000

Three months of hands-on experience in the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts Scene Shop for Muhammad Azri B. Ali (also known as Ajie) has not only left a lasting and meaningful impression on this Malaysian exchange student's life, but has also positively affected the staff, students and administration at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

For the first time in his life, Ajie travelled overseas, arriving in Lethbridge on Aug. 23, 2012 to experience a new language, new culture and to learn new techniques and skills in theatre and dramatic arts. Led by U of L Professor Emeritus, Dr. Ches Skinner, this unique program between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Technology of Mara in Malaysia and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts has provided valuable experience to four Malaysian theatre students over the past two years.

"I've always wanted to travel around the world, and my professor, Dr. Skinner, approached me to apply for this exchange program to learn and work at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for the semester," explains Ajie.

With no more than a handful of English words in his vocabulary, Ajie settled into his new home at the U of L, working in the Scene Shop on the set of The Rocky Horror Show, the first Mainstage production of the 2012-2013 Theatre and Dramatic Arts Season.

In addition to becoming almost fluent in English over the course of three months, Ajie's experience further enhances his education with the numerous skills he learned on campus.

"I've learned many things," says Ajie. "I've come to appreciate how organized people and systems can be. Reading scale drawings and building set pieces exactly as they are drawn has been very interesting for me to learn. I understand how careful I have to be."

Ajie didn't spend all his time in the Scene Shop. He also joined the Global Drums percussion ensemble and had the chance to lead a dramatic movement class, teaching students a traditional Malaysian dance.

"I have liked the relationships I've made with the professors and the staff," says Ajie. "I intend to work hard so that I can return to Canada to work on a master's program sometime in the near future."

Set to graduate with a degree in theatre directing from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Technology of Mara in June 2013, Ajie says he is better prepared to fulfill the final requirements of his degree, which include directing a play for his final project.

"I can't wait to share my experiences with my friends and colleagues back home, and I also can't wait to return to Canada," he says confidently.

Penner to receive Health Sciences Award

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:47:44 +0000

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences will host the third annual Friends of Health Sciences Awards reception, giving the Faculty the opportunity to show its appreciation to the many individuals and organizations who have supported its programs in practice settings.

Each year, the Faculty of Health Sciences recognizes an individual or an agency that has made a significant contribution to health education and research in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

This year, the Faculty is pleased to honour Jennifer Penner, RN, BScN, as the 2012 Friends of Health Sciences Award recipient.

Penner is a veteran health-care professional with more than 25 years experience as a registered nurse and nurse clinician in a wide variety of settings across Alberta.

Originally from Bow Island, Alta., Penner entered the health-care profession as a multi-award-winning graduate of the Medicine Hat College School of Nursing and began her career in Bow Island, Alta.

Apart from returning to school to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Critical Care Nursing Certification from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, Penner has spent her career in southern Alberta in a variety of clinical and managerial roles. Most recently, she has led a variety of initiatives that support health-care professionals working with people experiencing chronic heart failure.

In addition to developing a comprehensive educational resource book to help patients and families, Penner has worked on several evidence guided heart failure optimization projects in conjunction with physicians, interdisciplinary care professionals and nursing professionals who worked to transfer evidence into practice and endorse an integrated approach to heart failure care.

As a guest lecturer at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College, Penner has freely shared her knowledge of the nursing profession and, in her capacity as a mentor to numerous nursing students, has provided valuable advice, employment supervision and preceptorship to the next generation of health-care professionals.

"Through her commitment to advancing health-care practices and knowledge, Jennifer Penner exemplifies the values and vision of the Faculty of Health Sciences," says Dr. Chris Hosgood, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. "We are very proud to recognize her contributions by honouring her with the 2012 Friends of Health Sciences Award."

2012 Alumni Honour Society Inductees

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:05:19 +0000

Introduced in celebration of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 35th Anniversary in 2002, the Alumni Honour Society recognizes the achievement of successful alumni within the global community. The alumni inducted into this prestigious group have served as role models to our students and the broader ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community through success in their vocation, outstanding community service or superior accomplishment in their avocation.

René Barendregt (BASc '71)

René Barendregt has been a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts & Science at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since 1982 and took on the role of associate dean in 2001. Dedicated to his profession and respected by his peers, Barendregt's work in the field of physical geography is currently funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. In addition to his research, Barendregt has served the U of L community as a member of the Board of Governors, the Senate and the General Faculties Council.

Viola Cassis (BA '97)

Viola Cassis started her career in international humanitarian work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where she was instrumental in revising the organization's guidelines on the prevention and response to sexual- and gender-based violence, and helped to develop policies to ensure gender-equitable access to UN refugee interventions. Cassis currently works with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and has been involved in various CIDA programs in Afghanistan. She has made field visits to Kabul and Kandahar to liaise with Canadian Forces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and other government agencies.

Marilyn Smith (BFA '96) (Multidisciplinary)

Marilyn Smith has more than 30 years of experience in the arts and culture sector and is currently the executive director of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG). Since Smith took on this role in 1999, SAAG has increased revenue over 200 per cent, while membership, programming and sponsorship have also increased. Recently Smith oversaw renovations of SAAG and implemented a three-year strategic plan designed to capitalize on the new facilities. Last fall Smith was honoured with the 2011 Rosza Award for Excellence in Arts Management from the Rosza Foundation.

Gayle Strikes With A Gun (BEd '88)

Raised on the Piikani Nation in southern Alberta, Gayle Strikes With A Gun has been a leader in education for 25 years. After completing her bachelor of education, she worked as the project co-ordinator for the Four Worlds development project, an initiative aimed at helping Blood and Peigan women develop the skills and training necessary to prepare them for post-secondary education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Over the course of her career, she worked as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and acting superintendent in schools across Alberta and in the Northwest Territories. In 2011, Strikes With A Gun was elected the first female chief of the Piikani Nation where she remains committed to helping her people's youth.

Bruce Thurston (BASc '78)

With close to 35 years of experience in business, Bruce Thurston brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to his teaching role in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Management. He is also currently the CEO and president at Management Resource Services, a company that provides management consulting and training in leadership
development, organizational change, workforce diversity and staff development. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Thurston has generously served the community by volunteering his time with local organizations including the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, the Society of Management Accountants of Alberta and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

Keith Walker (BASc '79)

As the director of Library Services at Medicine Hat College, Keith Walker is respected for the innovation and passion he brings to his profession. As the first college librarian to serve as president of the Canadian Library Association in the organization's history, Walker successfully led a major review and restructuring that saw the organization's first balanced budget in over a decade and a doubling of memberships. In 2003, Walker received the Community and Technical College Libraries Outstanding Academic Librarian Award and the Industry Canada Award. The following year, he was honoured with the College and Technical Libraries Innovation Achievement Award.

This story first appeared in the June 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in flipbook format, follow this link.

Faculty of Education always keen on strengthening the program

trevor.kenney — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:49:00 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Education is embarking upon a unique partnership with students and alumni to better understand and further strengthen the Faculty's academic program.

"This teacher education program has always been successful," says Dr. Thelma Gunn, assistant dean, Student Program Services. Why it has been successful, however, has never been formally researched.

"We want to know specifically what components of the educational program had the most impact on pre-service teachers—and then how those components were eventually perceived out in the field."

Dr. Thelma Gunn and her colleagues recognize the Faculty's academic program cannot rest on its laurels.

Data collection will initially be survey-based, with interviews and possibly focus groups developing as the study progresses.

"We'd like to start with individuals who would agree, even in ED 2500, to be tracked as they go into PSI, II, III, and then out into the profession."

A major facet of the initiative will be feedback from graduates.

"We value what they know and understand about being a teacher. Now we want to find out more information about how our on-campus components contributed to their development as a teacher," says Gunn.

"Alumni can provide at least two important ideas for us," adds Dr. Craig Loewen. "One is reflection on what parts of their program had the greatest impact on their teaching career. The other is current experience in the field and advice on what new we might need to add."

Although the program has changed over time, the study isn't limited to recent graduates.

"It's mostly the academic portion that's changed, not necessarily the feeling," says Gunn. "We don't know specifically what people have valued. It might be the personal experiences they had here—the small groups, the collegiality, the professors who were committed to developing teachers."

Veteran teachers often see trends that newer teachers can't, she notes, and may have "something intriguing to state in terms of how the program could move forward."

"We're interested in anyone who was a graduate of the faculty," says Gunn, "even if they use their BEd in another capacity. Then there are people who've left the profession altogether. Why they left is equally interesting to us."

"We're just really interested in what students and alumni have to say about the overall program. If there was something good we want to keep it, and if there was something they think could have been done differently, we want to know. We're looking for genuine, authentic perceptions of the program."

For more information, contact: edu.sps@uleth.ca

Business case competition on campus

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:20:08 +0000

The brightest minds in business will be coming to Lethbridge's two post-secondary institutions this weekend to discuss the future of business education and solve some real world problems.

Lethbridge College is co-hosting the seventh annual Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Management on Friday and Saturday.

This event brings teams of Alberta's best business students and deans of business schools from across the province to the City of Lethbridge, where the deans will hold their annual spring meeting and students will immerse themselves in a case study requiring them to develop solutions for real world business problems.

The event will also showcase business programs and opportunities at the college and university.

"Lethbridge College is thrilled to be hosting this dynamic event with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge," says Dennis Sheppard, dean of Applied Management at Lethbridge College. "This competition brings together the best business students in the province who will get great hands-on experience solving the kind of problem facing real businesses today.

"Like much of the work we do at the college, the Case Competition is a chance to put theory into practice," adds Sheppard. "We can't wait to watch the students get to work."

"We are very pleased to be involved with this event as a partner with Lethbridge College," says Dr. Bob Ellis, the dean of the U of L Faculty of Management "Sharing our facilities with students from across the province is something we are proud to do, alongside meeting with our colleagues to catch up on the latest trends in our profession."

The competition begins Friday morning when teams will receive the case and will be locked in "war rooms" from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to analyze and prepare a solution.

On Saturday, students will deliver 12-minute oral presentations before an audience and panel of industry professional judges in pursuit of cash prizes totaling $8,000.

The awards are offered thanks to a generous sponsorship by the Certified General Accountants' Association of Alberta (CGA Alberta).

Small Business Institute set to launch

trevor.kenney — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:58:48 +0000

Small businesses can be big business for southern Alberta – that's the message two ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Management researchers are sending as they launch a new institute that will focus on the specific needs of small businesses.

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, the U of L and its Faculty of Management will officially launch the Small Business Institute (SBI), the brainchild of Dr. Gordon Hunter and Dan Kazakoff, two management faculty members with several decades of experience in small business consulting, management and education between them.

The focus of the institute's work will be on privately held small businesses, varying from start-up operations to multi-generational ownership. In addition to entrepreneurship and family-owned businesses, other aspects of their research will include franchises, non-participating family members, succession and sustainability. The SBI is unique in that it will focus primarily on Lethbridge and southern Alberta businesses.

Both Hunter and Kazakoff expect a significant student benefit through the exchange of ideas with business people and faculty. In addition, new courses may be developed or existing courses modified to incorporate ideas that come out of the SBI research process.

The launch event and a brief presentation about the SBI takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 17, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in AH100 (Andy's Place). An advisory council is currently being organized that will provide guidance to Kazakoff and Hunter with regard to the Institute's direction. Information about the advisory council will be presented at that time.

For more information, contact Steve Craig (steve.craig@uleth.ca) or call 403-329-5181. To learn more about the institute, visit http://www.uleth.ca/management/SBI

Kazakoff and Hunter also welcome those interested in the SBI to contact them via e-mail: dan.kazakoff@uleth.ca and ghunter@uleth.ca.

Senator Mitchell praises positive contribution from U of L program

trevor.kenney — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:30:36 +0000

Senator Grant Mitchell recently addressed the Senate to discuss the unique Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students (SPANS) at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Following is text from his address.

Honourable Senators, it is my pleasure to speak about an exciting program offered at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in Alberta. It is the Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students (SPANS).

This program was created in response to the shortage of Registered Nurses in rural and First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. There is an urgent need for members of these communities to become nurses to address the health issues experienced among Aboriginal people and to provide appropriate health services within their communities.

The main objective of SPANS is recruiting and retaining Aboriginal students who are academically capable and interested in pursuing a nursing career. Assistance and support is then offered toward providing the necessary academic background needed to complete a BN within the existing Bachelor of Nursing program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. It is hoped that when the students have completed their program, they will consider returning to their home communities to work.

SPANS is a partnership amongst the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences, Red Crow Community College, Blood Tribe Department of Health, Aakom-Kiyii Health Services (Piikani Nation), Siksika Health Services and the Blackfoot Confederacy.

There are several elements to this unique program. One element is the pre-nursing year, a transitional year that provides students with an opportunity to enroll in required courses for admission to the nursing program. And they are supported in the often-challenging transition from home and family life to university.

Another element is the integral role that Elders have in the program. Their discussions with students help them to examine concepts related to nursing and health care from a Blackfoot perspective.

In addition to learning from Elders, the Aboriginal nursing students have also benefitted from a Mentorship Program, which has involved current Registered Nurses who work in the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Opportunities for social networking and tutoring are also provided to support the students.

Designated staff and infrastructure provide additional academic and personal support. Thanks to the leadership of the learning facilitator and administrative assistant, the students can feel supported in all that they do.

The success of this program can be measured in a few important ways.

The program has recently expanded to assist students working towards degrees in Addictions Counselling and Public Health. The program has grown from seven students to approximately 60 in four years.

The retention rate of the program is also an indicator of success: of all the Aboriginal nursing students who started in SPANS, only one is no longer enrolled in a post-secondary program. The majority of Aboriginal students remain in a health-related program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Another impressive measure of success is that the students in this program have the opportunity to complete their clinical practicum in their home communities on local reserves and to become role models for other community members.

Honourable Senators, please join me in commending the students and staff of the Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. They are truly a part of an innovative and visionary endeavour that will benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada for years to come.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Clint Dunford to headline Management dinner

trevor.kenney — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:31:36 +0000

Clint Dunford, a well-known Lethbridge resident, former MLA and political advocate for southern Alberta, will be recognized for his community contributions at the upcoming ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Management Scholarship Dinner. The 24th annual event will take place Friday, Mar. 11 at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Lethbridge.

"In the community, in education, in business and in his personal life, Clint has made a lasting impact on the people and organizations he's been dedicated to serving," says Dr. Bob Ellis, dean of the Faculty of Management. "We look forward to celebrating his success with the community."

Proceeds from the evening will be used to establish the Clint Dunford Scholarship, available to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Management.

To purchase tickets, or for more information on supporting the fund, contact Steve Craig at 403-329-5181 or steve.craig@uleth.ca

Tickets can also be purchased online at https://www.uleth.ca/conreg/scholarship_dinner/

For a full look at the January issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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