UNews - Joan Stebbins

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ individuals earn Jubilee medal

trevor.kenney — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:54:39 +0000

Community leaders and volunteers from Lethbridge and southern Alberta -- including a number of individuals with ties to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge -- were honoured today with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The medals were presented by His Honour, Col. [Ret'd] the Honourable Donald S. Ethell at a ceremony at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge.

"The Diamond Jubilee Medal is presented to citizens who share our Queen's commitment to service," said Lieutenant Governor Ethell.

"These community leaders have dedicated themselves to enhancing the quality of life in Southern Alberta and across the province and they have earned the recognition and thanks of their fellow citizens."

BACKGROUND AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES -- Recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, September 6, 2012, Lethbridge, Alberta

The following individuals were presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge on September 6, 2012.

The Hon. Raymond Speaker (Enchant)- Honorary Degree recipient, 2003

Ray Speaker enjoyed a long and distinguished political career at the provincial and federal levels and, after retiring from politics, he also served the nation as a Member of the Security Intelligence Review Committee. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of Privy Council.

Henry Bergen (Coaldale) Honorary Degree recipient, 2008

Henry Bergen is an agricultural innovator whose engineering developments have resulted in important cost savings for producers while increasing crop yields and reducing negative impacts on the land. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Reginald Bibby (Lethbridge) U of L Faculty member

Reginald Bibby is a leading national and international scholar in the field of sociology whose work has enhanced our understanding of Canadian identity. He is a professor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and a founding director of the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Sergeant (Ret'd) Clarence Cluff (Coaldale)

Clarence Cluff served overseas during the Second World War as a member of the 20th Independent Field Battery, RCA, Lethbridge, continues to serve in his capacity as Honourary Senior Gunner and has been an active community volunteer. Following an invitations to travel to England and meet the Queen and Princess Anne he came to be known by the Royal Family as "the Alberta Rancher".

Karen Collin BMgt '86 (Lethbridge)

Karen Collin is a key organizer at the Annual Lethbridge Dragonboat Festival and a quiet volunteer who does a great deal for the community. She is a volunteer dragonboating coach, helps to get other coaches on board and serves as a flag person at the events.

Irma Dogterom (Lethbridge)

Irma Dogterom is a researcher and author who has played a vital role in ensuring that Lethbridge residents realize the importance of their history. She was instrumental in efforts to have Legacy Ridge streets named after important women from Lethbridge history and she has been a long term board member of the Lethbridge Historical Society.

Leonard Haney (Picture Butte) Honorary Degree recipient, 2005

Leonard Haney is a noted seed grower and cattleman who has offered valued contributions in agriculture. He has also been a longstanding community volunteer with organizations such as the Lethbridge School Division and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Jane Harris-Zsovan (Lethbridge)

In her role as Social Media Coordinator for the Monarchist League of Canada Jane Harris-Zsovan has been successful in the use of social media to promote the Crown in Canada.

James Horsman (Medicine Hat) U of L Chancellor Emeritus and Honorary Degree recipient,2004

Jim Horsman enjoyed a distinguished tenure as an Alberta MLA and Cabinet Minister. He has been a tireless volunteer, particularly in education, who has served institutions such as Medicine Hat College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Darcie James (Lethbridge)

Darcie James served for 28 years as a police officer and has been an active community volunteer. She was among the first female officers in Lethbridge and was the first to achieve the rank of Staff Sergeant. Now retired, she is manager of the Lethbridge Region Police Service's Victim Services Unit and is president of VSU Alberta.

June Kometz (Lethbridge)

For many years, June Kometz has shown her deep sense of Canadian spirit and national pride through her longstanding service spearheading the annual Canada Day Celebrations in Lethbridge.

Les Manning (Medicine Hat)

Les Manning is a noted artist, teacher and arts advocate. He helped develop ceramics studies at the Banff Centre for the Arts into an internationally respected artist residency program and has offered valued contributions to programs at Medalta Potteries National Historic Site. He is a Member of the Order of Canada.

Sheriff Troy MacKay (Lethbridge)

Troy MacKay is an Alberta Sheriff who has been a member of the public service for 14 years. He has provided distinguished support to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta since 2000 and also serves as longstanding volunteer with Alberta Special Olympics.

Irwin Kenneth McNeely (Lethbridge)

Irwin Kenneth McNeely served with the 39th Field Battery, RCA, Lethbridge during the Second World War and has been and active member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 50 years. He has been a dedicated volunteer who is committed to making his city, province and nation a better place for live and raise a family.

Warrant Officer (Ret'd) Glenn Miller (Lethbridge)

WO (Ret'd) Glenn Miller is a great friend to the veterans of southwestern Alberta. His extensive research has added to the military history and heritage of the artillery in Lethbridge and his work as a visitor to schools, museums, the Legion and seniors homes helps to keep alive our military history and the memory of those who have served. He is Constituency Manager for MLA Bridget Pastoor.

Robert Elliot Moors (Lethbridge)

Following service with the Canadian Armed Forces, Bob Moors returned to Lethbridge for duties with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires where he is presently a Chief Warrant Officer. He is a member of the Army, Navy and Air Force Association and has been a longstanding volunteer on behalf of his fellow veterans and the community as a whole.

Ian Morgan CD and Faye Morgan CD (Okotoks)

Ian and Faye Morgan have been longstanding community volunteers. They have donated countless hours working with the Alberta Summer Games, helping at community flu shot centres and contributing their time, energy and expertise to the Naval Museum in Calgary.

Lloyd (Loye) Olsen (Cardston)

Loye Olsen, along with his magnificent horses and horse drawn carriages, is a regular fixture at parades, rodeos and special events in Southwestern Alberta. He has donated countless hours over the years leading his horses and carriages and carrying dignitaries and others through parades in virtually every town in the region.

Margaret Roberts (Lethbridge)

Margaret Roberts is a very active and highly regarded member of the Friends of the Galt Museum who has volunteered in every department of the facility and in virtually every capacity, big and small. She was instrumental in planning the Galt's Centennial Celebrations.

Dr. Kenneth Sauer (Medicine Hat)

Kenneth Sauer has made great contributions as a volunteer in the areas of health, sport and community service, both in the community of Medicine Hat and at the provincial level. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Joan Stebbins (Lethbridge) Honorary Degree recipient, 2009

Joan Stebbins established the Southern Alberta Art Gallery as one of Canada's leading contemporary art institutions and has been highly successful in making contemporary art accessible to the public. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award.

Constable Blaine Stodolka (Lethbridge)

Constable Blaine Stodolka has offered 23 years of exemplary service to the crown through his policing career. He has done extensive work with community groups involved with crime prevention initiatives and has made significant contributions through his volunteer work with the Special Olympic and Safety City Organizations.

Robert Tarleck (Lethbridge)

Bob Tarleck was the 34th Mayor of the City of Lethbridge and has been a great friend to the people and institutions of Lethbridge and surrounding areas. He served as director of volunteers for the Alberta Summer Games in Lethbridge and his efforts to establish positive relations between the City of Lethbridge and Alberta's First Nations led to him being honoured by the Kainai with a name meaning "Owner of Many Horses".

Lorne Vaughan

Citation unavailable at time of publication.

Stebbins helped shape art culture

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:28:31 +0000

When Joan Stebbins (BFA '79), former curator for the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG), graduated from high school in the small town of Palmer, Alaska, she embarked on a post-secondary journey that, with a little help from Cupid, would alter dramatically the course of her life.

"I started at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alaska with plans to major in English. After one semester I left school to get married and a year later we had our first son," recalls Stebbins. "While my husband completed his education, I stayed home with our two boys, but there was no doubt that I would one day go back to school; it was just a question of when it worked for everybody."

In 1967, Stebbins moved with her family to Lethbridge where her husband, Dr. Lucius Stebbins, would become one of the founding faculty members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was so small then that the faculty was like a family. Everybody knew everybody. We did not have family nearby and we were in an adopted country, so it was very nice," recalls Stebbins.

By 1975, Stebbins felt the time was right for her to return to school. She enrolled in the only available night class at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ that interested her, Japanese art history.

"I got hooked on art. It was wonderful. I would have done a degree in art history but there were not enough courses available at that time; I did a degree in studio art in printmaking," says Stebbins.
"Going back to school was very fulfilling for me but having a career come out of it – that was not planned. My professors brought such a rich range of experience and strength to their teaching; it happened I was well equipped for my career as a curator. I am very grateful for that."

After graduating in 1979 with a bachelor of fine arts with great distinction, Stebbins applied for a part-time position at the SAAG.

"The Southern Alberta Art Gallery has always had a symbiotic relationship with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Art students are familiar with the Gallery through their professors. I had always gone to the Gallery and been interested in their programs, so I applied for the job when the position as front desk person came up," says Stebbins.

Gradually, Stebbins' responsibilities at the gallery increased. She helped with exhibitions, worked with artists, and curated several local historical exhibitions on her own. In 1982, she became the assistant curator. She was promoted to director/curator in 1985. For the next 15 years, Stebbins worked in liaison with the board of directors to manage gallery resources and programs. She initiated an education program and an artist in residency program. Under her direction both budget and staff size increased and the gallery gained a reputation as one of Canada's leading contemporary institutions.

"I think our successful national reputation comes from the exhibition program. As
director/curator, I chose a national program and did a lot of grant writing to the Canada Council for the Arts and other sources to bring in artists that stood out across our country," says Stebbins. "By 1999, my job title was split because the Gallery had grown and there was just too much to do. Until my retirement in 2008, I acted as curator because that is what I love to do – working with the artists."

Although her career was unplanned, it has turned out to be an extraordinarily rich and rewarding journey for Stebbins. She has traveled extensively, attended major art events throughout Europe, Canada and the United States, worked with very talented artists and continues today to be an important part of the flourishing art community in Lethbridge.

GET THE FACTS

• Stebbins is Curator Emerita at the SAAG and continues to work on selected special projects.

• She was a guest lecturer in Introductory Art at the U of L from 1985 to 1991.

• Stebbins is a member of numerous professional associations, juries, and committees including the U of L Art Acquisitions Committee and the Hnatyshyn Foundation.

• In 2007 Stebbins was named a member of the Order of Canada, while in 2009 she received an honorary doctor of fine arts from the U of L; earned the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist award; and was given the a Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, RCA Medal for her work on countless artist exhibition publications.

Distinguished list of Honourary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:24:40 +0000

Following are the 2009 Honourary Degree Recipients for Spring Convocation

Robert Best
Ottawa, Ont.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Bob Best (BASc '73) recently retired from his position as Vice President of National Affairs for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. In this role, he has been influential in shaping much of the advocacy on behalf of Canadian universities. His leadership and commitment to higher education have made him a highly respected and sought-after presenter and consultant on policy issues and government relations.

Ralph Himsl
Lethbridge, Alta.

The retired Superintendent of the Catholic School District, Ralph Himsl has been described as a "Renaissance man". His career in education was dedicated to serving others and challenging them to reach their full potential, whether they were students or other professional educators. Himsl initiated the 'Blueprints' process to reflect on the nature and spiritual needs of Catholic education.

Mobina Jaffer
Vancouver, BC

Mobina Jaffer began practicing law in British Columbia in 1978 and was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 2001 by Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Jaffer has extensive experience in refugee and immigration law, and has done much work in the areas of women's rights, peace, and security. Jaffer also has the distinction of being the first Indo-Canadian female lawyer in BC, the first African-born member of the Senate, and the first Muslim member of the Senate.

Samantha Nutt
Toronto, Ont.

Samantha Nutt is a Canadian physician with over a decade of experience working in war zones. In 1999, Nutt became the founder and executive director of War Child Canada. Her dedication to humanitarian work in war-ravaged nations has made positive change a reality in some of the most devastated and dangerous areas of the world. Nutt has an incredible ability to mobilize youth and has worked with students and teachers across Canada to foster awareness and activism.

Joan Stebbins
Lethbridge, Alta.

One of Canada's foremost curators of contemporary art, Joan Stebbins (BFA '79) has an outstanding record of scholarly achievement. More than 184 exhibition-related publications have come to fruition under her direction or mentorship as curator and director of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge from the 1980s forward. Her dedication and expertise have established the SAAG as one of Canada's leading contemporary art institutions.

Ross Watson
Cochrane, Alta.

An outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, Ross Watson was the first blind climber to summit Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, in the Yukon. Watson is a community leader and dynamic speaker who has made numerous radio and television appearances, drawing on his unique mountain climbing experiences and an uncompromising belief in the power of personal goals, dreams, and ambition.

Honourary Degree Recipients

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:49:03 +0000

Following are the 2009 Honourary Degree Recipients for Spring Convocation

Robert Best
Ottawa, Ont.

Ralph Himsl
Lethbridge, Alta.

Mobina Jaffer
Vancouver, BC

Samantha Nutt
Toronto, Ont.

Joan Stebbins
Lethbridge, Alta.

Ross Watson
Cochrane, Alta.

Brandt among Honorary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:58:02 +0000

Country music artist Paul Brandt is coming to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – but he'll have to share the stage.

Brandt is one of eight persons selected by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate as an Honorary Degree recipient for 2009. He is among a diverse group of individuals from Alberta, Canada and around the world who have distinguished themselves through their charitable activity, community service or advocacy for change.

"Our candidates this year reflect a mix of local, national and international achievements," says Cheryl Dick, the Chair of the Senate Honorary Degree Committee. "The Senate chose individuals who not only represent the best in their communities, but also people who reflect the spirit and focus of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge."

Brandt, a native Calgarian, is joined by Cochrane-based blind mountaineer Ross Watson; Lethbridge residents and community leaders Ralph Himsl, educator, and Joan Stebbens, respected art curator; Toronto-based humanitarian Dr. Samantha Nutt; national university administrator and U of L alumnus Robert Best; refugee and immigration advocate and Canadian Senator Mobina Jaffer; and Son Soubert, a Cambodian archaeologist and politician who supports orphanages in Cambodia.

Selected members from the group will be honoured at either the spring or fall convocation ceremonies. Spring 2009 Convocation is to be held May 28-29 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Following are biographies of the 2009 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Honorary Degree Recipient.

Robert Best – Ottawa, Ont. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Bob Best recently retired from his position as Vice President of National Affairs for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. In this role, he has been influential in shaping much of the advocacy on behalf of Canadian universities. His leadership and commitment to higher education have made him a highly respected and sought-after presenter and consultant on policy issues and government relations.

Paul Brandt – Calgary, Alta. (Fall 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Calgarian Paul Brandt is the most-awarded Canadian country music artist in history. In addition to his musical talent, Paul is a registered nurse who practiced as a pediatric nurse at the Alberta Children's hospital. He is a highly committed volunteer and philanthropist, working with groups such as the Alberta Children's Hospital, Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child, World Vision, and Centre Street Church in Calgary.

Ralph Himsl – Lethbridge, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

A retired Superintendent of the Catholic School District, Ralph Himsl has been described as a "Renaissance man". His career in education was dedicated to serving others and challenging them to reach their full potential, whether they were students or other professional educators. Ralph initiated the 'Blueprints' process to reflect on the nature and spiritual needs of Catholic education.

Mobina Jaffer – Vancouver, B.C. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Mobina Jaffer began practicing law in British Columbia in 1978 and was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 2001 by Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Mobina has extensive experience in refugee and immigration law, and has done much work in the areas of women's rights, peace, and security. Mobina also has the distinction of being the first Indo-Canadian female lawyer in BC, the first African-born member of the Senate, and the first Muslim member of the Senate.

Samantha Nutt – Toronto, Ont. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Samantha Nutt is a Canadian physician with over a decade of experience working in war zones. In 1999, 29-year-old Samantha became the founder and executive director of War Child Canada. Her dedication to humanitarian work in war-ravaged nations has made positive change a reality in some of the most devastated and dangerous areas of the world. Samantha has an incredible ability to mobilize youth and has worked with students and teachers across Canada to foster awareness and activism.

Son Soubert – Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Fall 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Son Soubert is currently a Member of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia and a Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology of the Royal ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Phnom Penh. He has worked to establish responsible politics in Cambodia and has done extensive work to help children, including the establishment of two orphanages. In his political, academic, and humanitarian roles, Son has publicly taken a stand against corruption and is an outstanding example of integrity and humility.

Joan Stebbins – Lethbridge, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

One of Canada's foremost curators of contemporary art, Joan Stebbins has an outstanding record of scholarly achievement. More than 184 exhibition-related publications have come to fruition under her direction or mentorship as curator and director of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge from the 1980's forward. Her dedication and expertise have established the SAAG as one of Canada's leading contemporary art institutions.

Ross Watson – Cochrane, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

An outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, Ross Watson was the first blind climber to summit Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, in the Yukon. Ross is a community leader and dynamic speaker who has made numerous radio and television appearances, drawing on his unique mountain climbing experiences and an uncompromising belief in the power of personal goals, dreams, and ambition.

UNews - Joan Stebbins

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ individuals earn Jubilee medal

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