UNews - Prince

Gift of the past creates future opportunities

trevor.kenney — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:37:06 +0000

Kay's story was featured on Global News. View the video on the Global Lethbridge website.

When you sit in the presence of Dr. Kathleen Kerr (LLD ’04), better known as Kay, you have the keen sense that she’s the type of person you could shoot the breeze with for hours on end. Often recognized by the hats she frequently wears, she has a twinkle in her eye and carries a certain spunk not typically associated with a 94-year-old. It takes only minutes of conversation to confirm this suspicion as her story begins to take shape.

Kay Kerr and her late husband Jack owned four Kentucky Fried Chicken locations, and she personally developed the gravy recipe still used by KFC, while staying in the home of Colonel Sanders himself.

As Kay will tell you, her first job out of business college was in John Diefenbaker’s law office in Prince Albert, Sask. She was married in 1939, just a few days before Canada joined the Second World War, and she lost a brother (LAC George Hanson) in a flying accident in 1941. Kay and her late husband John (Jack) owned four Kentucky Fried Chicken locations, and she personally developed the gravy recipe still used by KFC, while staying in the home of Colonel Sanders himself.

Although Kay and Jack travelled the world, they made their home amidst the mountains in the Crowsnest Pass where they ran the legendary Turtle Mountain Hotel in Frank, Alta. Kay has received numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and an honorary degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Her life history is rich.

It follows then that her former three-story home was filled to the brim with nearly a century's worth of collectables, each with its own memory: German-crafted wardrobes, a long cigarette holder kept in a roll top desk, an intricate Arctic oosik (made from the bone of a walrus penis), a cup and saucer received as a wedding gift, boxes of KFC memorabilia, a K-Tell plug-in coffee maker for your car (still pristine in its box), a red velvet couch and a vintage camera – just to name a few.

However, when Kay made the move to a lodge in Blairmore, Alta., she knew she had to downsize and was faced with finding someone who would love her collection as much as she had.

A former member of the U of L Senate and Board of Governors, and long-time U of L supporter, Kay believed the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ might be just the place. Following a phone call and a visit, Kay made a plan to give the entire contents of her house to the U of L theatre department.

“After packing everything up in boxes, my two-car garage was absolutely loaded. I’ve seen pictures of houses where someone was a recluse and they’d saved everything, and corridors are piled high on both sides, well, that was my garage, right up to the rafters,” Kay recounts with a smile.

What followed was an epic move headed by James McDowell, the technical director for the U of L theatre. A 26-foot U-Haul trailer made the trip twice, three loads were carted in a pick-up and one more in a van – finally Kay’s garage was cleaned out.

The timing was serendipitous. Just weeks later, a set designer came into James’s office, explaining that he was looking for a large collection of antique furniture for his upcoming production, Courting Johanna.

“The opening line in the show was to be: “I have some furniture to ship…”

So I said, ‘come with me,’” James recalls. “We walked into the theatre where we had it stored, and he was like, ‘Oh my gosh, there it is.’”

And so it was, that many of Kay’s items already made their debut on stage earlier this year. As James explains, the newly acquired props can be hard to find and will help expand the drama department and benefit students.

“I’m grateful to Kay for offering this to us. She could have easily put it all up for auction and given the profit to her children. But she wanted to see it used. And she knows we’ll give it a good home. She recognized the value of what we do here, and we’re thankful,” says James.

As for Kay, she carries with her these words on stationery: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

“People ask me if I was sad to see everything go, but as far as the stuff is concerned, I really don’t miss it,” she says. “I think it’s just wonderful that my things will be used in a new way. It will just keep on giving, and that’s the best.”

Horns women's soccer team plays host to UNBC

trevor.kenney — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:02:56 +0000

After earning their first point of the Canada West season last weekend, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s soccer team (0-3-1) remains at home this weekend for one game, hosting the UNBC Timberwolves Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the U of L Community Sports Stadium. The game also marks the ‘Horns' Pink the Pitch program in support of breast cancer fundraising, with donations from a variety of activities going to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Coming off three consecutive losses, the Pronghorns earned a single point last Sunday with a scoreless draw against the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba Bisons.

Through the first four games of the season, the ‘Horns have struggled to find the back of the net. Despite being fourth in the conference in shot attempts, U of L strikers have only scored one goal. Defensively, the ‘Horns have been solid thus far, allowing only six goals against.

In only their second season in Canada West play, the UNBC Timberwolves have opened the season with four consecutive losses, including last weekend’s defeats to the Alberta Pandas and Mount Royal Cougars. Through four games, the Timberwolves have scored just two goals, while surrendering 10.

Saturday’s game will be the first ever visit for the Timberwolves to Lethbridge. In their inaugural season, the Timberwolves held the ‘Horns to a 2-2 draw in Prince George.

After Saturday's match, the U of L will not host a home game until the October 12-13 weekend, which marks the club's final home games of the 2013 season.

Horns head out on the road to face fifth-ranked Bears

trevor.kenney — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 17:37:38 +0000

Coming off a hard fought 2-1 win last Sunday, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s soccer team (1-3-0) heads out on the road this weekend for a pair of games versus the CIS fifth-ranked ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Golden Bears (2-0-1).

Both games are scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at Foote Field in Edmonton.

After falling behind last Sunday, the ‘Horns scored two unanswered goals to earn their first win of the season, over the previously undefeated Saskatchewan Huskies.

Offensively, the Horns have relied on a balanced attack with four different goal scorers accounting for the team’s four goals.

At the other end of the pitch, as evident from last weekend’s performance versus the high powered Huskies, the ‘Horns can be one of the strongest defensive teams. The Huskies have two of the best strikers in the conference and the ‘Horns held the Huskies to a combined 10 shots on goal in the two-game weekend series.

For the Bears, this weekend will be their first games at home after starting the season with three games on the road. After opening the season with a disappointing 1-1 tie in Prince George versus the UNBC Timberwolves, the Bears swept the Calgary Dinos last weekend in Calgary with a pair of two-goal victories.

The duo of 2012 Canada West first team all-stars Marcus Johnstone and CJ Gilroy have been the offensive catalysts for the Bears, leading the team with two goals apiece.

Last season, the ‘Horns took four points from the Bears in their weekend series in Lethbridge with the ‘Horns earning a 2-0 win and the two teams battling to a scoreless draw.

The ‘Horns will return home next weekend to host the Mount Royal Cougars for a pair of games.

Horns host weekend Canada West soccer games

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 21:35:58 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's and women's soccer teams will be looking for their first victories of the Canada West season this weekend as they each host a pair of matches at the
U of L Community Stadium.

Pronghorn Men

Coming off a disappointing opening weekend of the season, the men’s soccer team (0-2-0 CW) will look to rebound this weekend hosting the Saskatchewan Huskies (2-0-0).

Revenge will also be on the squad's mind this weekend; the ‘Horns and Huskies faced off on the final weekend of the season last year and were battling each other for a post-season spot. The Huskies dashed any hopes of the ‘Horns qualifying for the playoffs with a heartbreaking 2-1 victory on the second to last game of the season. In the final game of the season, the ‘Horns and Huskies battled to 1-1 draw.

The ‘Horns dropped both games of a home-and-home series with the Calgary Dinos last weekend, falling 3-2 Saturday in Calgary and 1-0 the next day at home. Defender Conner Brady and freshman Odilichukwu Ohuegbe were the ‘Horns goal scorers on Saturday.

The Huskies, who made their first appearance on the 2013 CIS top 10 list this week at #10, opened their season two weeks ago beating the Winnipeg Wesmen 2-1. Last weekend they traveled to Prince George for one game versus the UNBC Timberwolves and routed the Timberwolves 7-0.

Kick-off for both Saturday's and Sunday's games will follow the women’s contests at approximately 2:15 p.m. at the Community Sports Stadium.

Pronghorn Women

After starting the 2013 season on the road last weekend, the women’s soccer team (0-2-0 CW) returns home to host a pair of Manitoba schools.

Saturday afternoon, the ‘Horns will host the Winnipeg Wesmen (0-2-0 CW) before the Manitoba Bisons (0-2-0 CW) come calling on Sunday. Both games are set for 12 p.m. at the U of L Community Sports Stadium.

The ‘Horns opened the season with a tough 3-0 loss to the Alberta Pandas in Edmonton, followed by a close 1-0 defeat to the Mount Royal Cougars in Calgary. The Cougars' lone goal came on a penalty kick in the opening half.

Both the Winnipeg Wesmen and Manitoba Bisons opened the season with a pair of losses on home field versus the Regina Cougars and Saskatchewan Huskies respectively.

Feel the Beat celebrates Mozart

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:15:50 +0000

Join us on a magnificent voyage as Mozart and his young son Karl come to life on stage at Southminster United Church, May 15 and 16.

Discover Mozart's passion for composing and embark on a magical journey into the world of Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. Follow the Prince and Papageno as they try to rescue Princess Pamina from the Queen of the Night in Sarastro's enchanted castle.

Mozart's Magnificent Voyage includes 23 excerpts from the master's music. Performed by musicians from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, these excerpts are masterfully woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer's life.

"The Feel the Beat concert series offers free performances year round for children, providing opportunities to hear and see classical music performed live," says Breeanne Fuller, conservatory program co-ordinator. "Our programs are age appropriate, relatively short and always free!"

This mesmerizing concert and story performance is about 50 minutes long and is recommended for audiences age six and up. More than 3,500 seats have already been reserved, but with six performances in total, seats are still available in three performances.

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Crowsnest Pass Symphony Orchestra, Feel the Beat is completing its fifth successful season.

Seats are available for only the following presentations: May 15 at 12 p.m., May 15 at 6 p.m., and May 16 at 2 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved in advance by calling the U of L Conservatory of Music at 403-329-2304 or by visiting www.uleth.ca/music-conservatory/mozarts-magnificent-voyage and clicking Register Online.

Polataiko exhibition garners worldwide attention

trevor.kenney — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:45:18 +0000

Taras Polataiko's exhibition, Sleeping Beauty, at the National Art Museum in Kyiv, Ukraine, has generated considerable media interest worldwide. What initially started out as an interactive performance art exhibit with live streaming video has stirred up a firestorm of international commentary that includes critical praise, some apprehension, a possible copycat, and at least one newfound romantic relationship.

The three-week-long show, which ran until Sept. 9, 2012, featured five women in white gowns sleeping on a raised podium bed in the gallery, to Eric Satie's mystical Gnossiennes piano pieces. Each Beauty had her own melody. Men and women who came to view the show had the opportunity to participate in it by 'awakening' one of the women with the power of a single kiss…and an important accompanying commitment. Before attempting the kiss, both men and women were required to sign a contract stating that they were single, at least 18 years of age, and seriously intended to marry the Beauty if their kiss caused her to open her eyes. The 'Sleeping Beauties' participating in the exhibit signed a similar agreement: that they would only open their eyes if they felt a true, intuitive connection in the kiss, and they agree to marry the 'Prince' whose kiss awakens them.

Instead of a quiet exhibit, international TV and radio networks like BBC, EURONEWS, FOX, ABC, CBS, RAI, ANSA, American Public Radio and GloboTV all of the major international news companies – including Associated Press, Reuters, France Presse and The Telegraph – online news and major international newspapers from Le Figaro and The Guardian to the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, and social sites from Hyperallergic to Huffington Post have pounced on the story, some repeatedly.

The responses have ranged widely from the romantic to the political. The exhibition was almost shut down by the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture a day before it was scheduled to open. There is cultural commentary embedded in Polataiko's take on the fairy tale regarding the enduring patience of the Ukrainian people awaiting a "catalyst" for successful revolution (see the Guardian's article for more).

The gender roles of the 'beauty' and the 'prince' ignited online discussion about old-fashioned gender tropes, positive and negative notions of 'true love', even voyeurism. In a media world where courting has been turned into successive generations of reality television programming, the idea of love found through hopeful intuition is perhaps not so far-fetched; at least one hopeful suitor moved viewers to tears when his kiss was not successful.

Only one 'awakening' was reported, with a twist - instead of a 'Prince' waking the sleeping beauty, it was a 'Princess'. Same-sex marriage is currently not allowed in Ukraine, but the attention the exhibit received might stir new consideration of that issue. Further information regarding this development was examined by the Huffington Post.

Five days after Polataiko's project ended, a notably similar event took place at the Guggenheim Museum in New York: a one-night-only launch on Sept. 14, by American pop singer/writer Lady Gaga, where she 'slept' inside a large set construction of her perfume's custom bottle. While sleeping performances have been seen previously in art, Gaga's exhibit may have been less about contributing any kind of artistic statement and more about simply promoting her fragrance. Polataiko's response to the similarities was posted on the New York art website Hyperallergic.com.

While this inaugural exhibition has ended, Polataiko may recreate Sleeping Beauty in North America, South America, Europe or other parts of the world. He is indeed interested in other possible readings its restaging in other countries may engender.

Taras Polataiko has been teaching at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since 2010.

Horns coaches support Right To Play

trevor.kenney — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:29:44 +0000

This weekend, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn coaches will join coaches from across Canada who are going shoeless to raise awareness and funds for Right To Play, an international organization that uses the power of sport and play to teach life skills and improve health.

Horns coachesare proud to support Right To Play this season by going shoeless to recognize children around the world who do not have access to sports and proper sporting equipment.

Women's soccer head coach Ilsa Wong will go shoeless for Saturday's game at home versus the Calgary Dinos, and has already raised $420 to donate to the Right to Play cause. Similarly, women's rugby coach Neil Langevin will also go shoeless Saturday in Calgary and has raised $230.

In Prince George on Sunday, men's soccer head coach Randy Bardock and assistant coach Daryl Moore will coach without shoes versus the Timberwolves. During the National Female Hockey Challenge being hosted in Lethbridge this weekend, Horns hea coach Chandy Kaip will go shoeless during Saturday's game versus Queen's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

While Horns basketball has yet to enter its competitive season, both head coaches will be involved in the initiative Friday afternoon during regular scheduled practice time with the men's basketball team holding a intra-squad game at 4:30 p.m.

Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity in more than 20 countries. A pioneer in its field, Right To Play uses sport and play as tools to build essential life skills and create social change, impacting 835,000 children each week. Programming in Canada includes the enhancement of education in priority schools, and the Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program in Northern Ontario. Founded in 2000 by four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur Johann Olav Koss, their programs are facilitated by nearly 12,000 volunteers.

Right to Play is expected to announce that more than 20 universities across the country and 40 coachesare joining the U of L in going shoeless.

It only takes $50 to enroll a child in weekly Right to Play programs for an entire year. If you would like to make a donation in honour of the Pronghorn coaches, visit this link to see our page and donate.

Lapadat breaks ground on student role

trevor.kenney — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:23:11 +0000

Being in on the ground floor is a comfortable position for Dr. Judith Lapadat, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's first associate vice-president (students). It should serve her well as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ carves new ground with a position dedicated to student success and enhancing the student experience.

"I had an opportunity to start with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern British Columbia when it was just a hole in the ground in 1993," says Lapadat, a native of Smithers, B.C. "I did a lot of program development and building during those first 11 years in Prince George and that's one of the things that really intrigues me about this position, the opportunity to be involved in building and developing something new."

Dr. Judith Lapadat is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's first associate vice-president (students).

Reporting to the vice-president (academic), Lapadat will oversee the Registrar's Office and Student Services. By creating the role, the U of L is making a major step forward as it continues to devote resources to better serving its students.

"There's a big gap between talking about it and actually doing it," says Lapadat of the pledge to continually enhance the student experience. "There is a long history of very good services for students here but the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is going through a renewal process when it comes to our view of students and how to serve them better. At present, student services are somewhat fractured and spread all over the place."

Lapadat sees a great opportunity to better co-ordinate these services, to consolidate them so that students have a one-stop shopping experience and to build communication bridges between Faculties and departments responsible for student services.

"I think it needs some renewal, probably because it was designed for a much smaller student body. It's almost as if it has grown organically and now it's time to take another look at how we best meet the needs of students 20 or 30 years after that original conception."

Lapadat's experience at UNBC had her involved in developing the School of Education, masters' degree programming, and the Bachelor of Education program. When she later took on the role of Chair of UNBC's Northwest Region, her emphasis was placed on student service needs, blended learning and developing a broad array of community-based programs. She worked closely with marginalized student groups and had the opportunity to develop relationships between multiple campuses.

"I'm really interested in the development of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's northern campuses," says Lapadat. "Having come from a regionalized university, I have a good sense of how that can work and be effective. I also want to reach out to students who haven't been as large a component of the student body, such as international students, aboriginal students, and mature learners, and to help expand graduate student enrollment."

She has been charged with a broad portfolio, and it's one she's excited to tackle. She's also enthused about living in Lethbridge and the possibilities it holds. An accomplished painter and poet, Lapadat sees inspiration in the landscape.

"It does intrigue me," she says. "The years that I lived in Regina I was quite actively painting and this area offers a lot of opportunities."

She and her husband have a blended family of five children, the youngest of which is their 18-year-old son who is in Lethbridge for the summer and entering his second year of studies in the fall.

"I'm happy to join the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge," says Lapadat. "I've been impressed with the people. They have a huge commitment to this university and it's an exciting environment to come into."

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.

RiboWest Conference, June 10-13

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:14:34 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is once again serving as host to the annual RiboWest Conference, inviting some of the top researchers in the field of RNA to campus.

The RiboWest Conference is an annual meeting of RNA researchers from western Canada and beyond. In particular, it welcomes whole research groups to attend the conference, with several opportunities available for young researchers in a friendly and supportive setting.

The meeting serves as an excellent opportunity for researchers to network, establish new collaborations and have fun sharing their enthusiasm for RNA.

The first RiboWest Conference was organized in 2005 by Stephen Rader at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, B.C. Since 2008, the annual conference alternates between Prince George and Lethbridge.

For more information on the 8th Annual RiboWest Conference, visit this website.

Chambers leads overseas project

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:14:47 +0000

The British Museum's collection of Inuinnait objects is part of a visual repatriation project taking northern elders, crafts people and researchers to London, England.

The project is part of the Ulukhaktok literacies research, a long‐term collaboration among the NWT Literacy Council, the community of Ulukhaktok, and Dr. Cynthia Chambers, a Faculty of Education researcher from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The research sought to understand what literacy meant traditionally to the Kangiryuarmiut and what it means today.

The elders, researchers and crafts people will examine British Museum tools, clothing and other objects dating back to the first encounters between Europeans and ancestors of the Inuinnait.

The museum objects and the trip to London, England will be captured in photos and a video documentary.

"People who still know the importance of these objects to the traditional way of life will have a chance to see some of them," says Helen Balanoff, the NWT Literacy Council executive director. "We hope to be able to capture language and stories about the objects, as well as the skills involved in making them."

Those going on the Apr. 16‐23 trip include Chambers and toolmaker Adam Kudlak and researchers Emily Kudlak and Helen Kitekudlak, all of Ulukhaktok, as well as Emily Angulalik, a founder of the Kitikmeot Heritage Society, and elders Mary Avalak and Annie Atigihioyak, all of Cambridge Bay.

The Ulukhaktok literacies research project findings from Phase 1 were shared in a museum exhibit at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in 2009 and in the recent book, Pihuaqtiuyugut: We are the Long Distance Walkers.

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