UNews - Senate

Annual dinner first official event for new chancellor Charles Weaselhead

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 May 2019 16:05:36 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s annual Chancellor’s Dinner is of special significance this year as it will mark the first official event for Charles Weaselhead, the U of L’s first Indigenous chancellor.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's first Indigenous chancellor, Charles Weaselhead.

Weaselhead’s historic appointment by the U of L Senate took place earlier this spring and he will be installed officially as chancellor during Spring Convocation Ceremony I by Alberta Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell. He will then preside over the Chancellor’s Dinner later that evening, Thursday, May 30, at which a number of students, faculty and community members will be recognized.

Among those who will be celebrated are the winners of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award, the recipient of the Speaker Research Award, the Distinguished Teaching Award recipient, the President’s Award for Service Excellence winners, honorary degree recipients and student medal winners from across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

This year, the Blood Tribe Department of Health has joined the event as the Student Excellence Sponsor. Their involvement is making it possible for student award winners from each Faculty, as well as the recipients of the Governor General’s Gold and Silver medals, to attend and be recognized for their significant accomplishments.

Other sponsors for the event include Bruce and Donna Tait (table wine sponsors), Kurt Schlachter and Jason VandenHoek (champagne reception sponsor), Pink Tie Events and LA Chefs.

Limited tickets for the 2019 Chancellor’s Dinner (Thursday, May 30, 2019, 6 p.m. at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel) are available until May 21 and can be purchased by visiting the Convocation website: uleth.ca/convocation/chancellors-dinner.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge introduces Charles Weaselhead as 14th chancellor and first of Indigenous descent

trevor.kenney — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:21:28 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate has elected Charles Weaselhead as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 14th chancellor – the first time in the institution’s 52-year history that the chancellor position will be held by an Indigenous person.

Situated in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Territory, the U of L has a shared history with the Indigenous community. From creating one of the nation’s first Department of Native American Studies to adopting an Indigenous Protocol Handbook and the recent opening of the Iikaisskini Gathering Place, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has grown in step with the local Blackfoot community.

“We are honoured that Charlie has accepted the role of chancellor, something that is, frankly, long overdue,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “Our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has always worked to foster a meaningful relationship with the Blackfoot community and our Indigenous students and more can be done in terms of making our campuses accessible and desirable to the Indigenous community. It is important we continue to lead the way in promoting truth and healing and eliminating barriers, both on campus and throughout our community, to achieving reconciliation.”

Weaselhead is the former chief of the Blood Tribe and Treaty 7 grand chief. As a survivor of residential schooling, he has devoted his life to promoting health, education and economic development issues for Indigenous people. Recently retired, he admits his new role with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a little out of his comfort zone and he welcomes the chance to learn.

“I’m a little bit nervous about the position itself and the unknowns associated with it,” he says. “For me, it’s a deep honour, and it’s a deep honour for my tribe, the Blackfoot Confederacy. I come into this position with an open mind. I have a lot of experience walking both sides of our cultures and that’s how I was taught by my grandfather. You need to understand both cultures and you need to find a way to work with both.”

Weaselhead has worked on numerous boards and committees including the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, Community Violence Prevention on the Blood Reserve, the First Nations Governance Centre, the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs’ Committee on Health and the Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre’s Chiefs’ Senate. He was a signatory to the Alberta Protocol Agreement on Government-to-Government Relations and the Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Education.

He is noted as a determined leader who fosters relationship building in resolving social issues facing Indigenous people and he has worked with every level of government in championing his vision for a truly reconciled community.

“Over the years, I’ve worked with our people to begin to understand that there is life outside of the reserve, and that life is a good life; there are opportunities there,” he says. “You also have to align yourself and show that you can fit into that society and the way to fit is through education, being out there and connecting yourself with people and with industry.

“In my view it’s a day-to-day process, a work in progress, you and I, sitting here together understanding our backgrounds; and that there is some commonality between us.”

Weaselhead holds a Certificate of Hospital and Health Care Administration from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan and has served on the Board of Directors for Athabasca ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. He will officially be installed as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 14th chancellor at 2019 Spring Convocation. He succeeds Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’20), who served as chancellor since 2015.

“I am very excited about this opportunity. I think there will be a learning curve for me but it’s a great environment for me to use a little bit of my experience and my background to help the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” says Weaselhead. “It’s all about knowing your identity and where you fit into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. There’s a tremendous opportunity for southern Alberta to grow with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. If one falters, the other falters and if we grow together economically and educationally, I think the sky is the limit.”

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.”

Destination 2020, the U of L's 2014/19 Strategic Plan, is released

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:42:19 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has released a new strategic roadmap that will guide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ forward over the next five years.

The U of L’s 2014/19 Strategic Plan, dubbed Destination 2020, outlines the U of L’s strategic priorities and identifies actions to ensure its goals are realized.

The approval of the strategic plan by the Board of Governors occurred at its December 12, 2013 meeting, which concluded an 18-month process that included consultation across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ campus and greater community.

“This new strategic plan makes absolutely clear where our priorities lie and what the commitments are that we make to our students and to society in general,” says Board Chair Gord Jong. “The progress of the U of L over the past 47 years is an exceptional story, as already our institution is recognized a national leader. However, now is not the time to be complacent and this new strategic plan will ensure we remain relevant to our important stakeholders well into the future.”

The strategic plan includes a new vision, entitled Where We Are Going:

“We will be Canada’s destination for all who seek a comprehensive, liberal education-based university that promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and inspires research-informed teaching and learning, creative discovery, scholarship, professional endeavor, experiential opportunities and community engagement.”

Destination 2020 clearly defines Who We Are, Why We Exist, Our Fundamental Principals, Strategic Directions and Connecting To Action.

Further, the new strategic plan contains measures that will be used in determining the success of the plan through its implementation.

Outlined within the plan are strategic directions, which include Excelling as a Comprehensive ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ; Inspiring and Supporting Student Potential; Promoting Access to Quality; Affordable Post-Secondary Education; Building Internal Community and Enhancing Relationships with External Communities; and Enhancing the Sustainability of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon says the strength of the new Strategic Plan is due to the broad participation of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community in the process.

“We had a robust discussion across our campus and broader community in creating this very important plan,” says Mahon. “Through open forums, the General Faculties Council, sessions with students, consultations with academic and administrative units, alumni, senate and other community members we have a plan that encapsulates our aspirations as a university and provides a guide for how to achieve them.”

Mahon says this new plan was created as the previous plan was set to expire. He says going forward there may be interim amendments made to the plan as opportunities arise and landscapes change.

The Destination 2020 document can be viewed here.

President Mahon outlines vision for U of L at inaugural Community Town Hall

trevor.kenney — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 23:47:19 +0000

Three weeks after delivering his annual Fiat Lux Address to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge president Dr. Mike Mahon addressed southern Albertans, Wednesday evening, sharing key future directions for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

In his address, delivered at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Dr. Foster James Penny Building in downtown Lethbridge, Mahon spoke about the U of L’s impact on the City of Lethbridge both economically and in terms of community engagement.

Mahon's address to the community reflected many of the themes he first presented at the Fiat Lux Address in October.

In addition to sharing that the U of L has an economic impact of $1.7 billion annually in the province and $801 million within the city of Lethbridge, Mahon also addressed new community initiatives, such as the collaboration with Volunteer Lethbridge.

“This partnership (with Volunteer Lethbridge) will create opportunities for an enhanced connection to the community and greater opportunities for our students to engage in volunteer activity,” said Mahon. “We believe this type of community engagement greatly benefits a student’s academic experience. Despite funding issues, we continue to move forward on ensuring our programs are of the highest quality and on the development of innovative, new degree pathways at the undergraduate and graduate levels.”

Mahon took the opportunity to thank the community for its advocacy on behalf of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ since the U of L had its Campus Alberta operating grant cut in March.

“I think it is fitting that today the Alberta government made a significant reinvestment in our sector - a 2.6 per cent in-year increase to the U of L - the same day this speech was scheduled,” said Mahon. “I am incredibly grateful to the many members of senior administration, our faculty, students, Board of Governors, Senate and the public who advocated so passionately on the importance of post-secondary education to the future of our province.”

Mahon added that while uncertainty remains in its budget landscape, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ could take solace in positive enrolment numbers, which reinforce the tremendous national and international reputation earned by the U of L.

This fall, more than 8,300 students are enrolled at the U of L’s Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton campuses. That number includes more than 1,100 first-year high school graduates, an increase of 11.3% over last year. In addition, the U of L is quickly becoming a university of choice for graduate students from across the country and around the world as demonstrated by an increase of 16.4% in graduate student enrolment.

Despite an uncertain budget landscape, Mahon said it was important for the U of L to remain forward-looking to ensure the future success of the institution. He said the U of L is currently revising its strategic plan to help guide the university in the future.

The draft strategic plan outlines five familiar priorities, shared Mahon. They are to excel as a comprehensive university, continue enhancing the student experience, promote access to quality post-secondary education, build our internal community while enhancing those valuable, productive relationships with external communities and enhance the sustainability of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

In looking to the future, Mahon spoke about how the Destination Project, which includes the construction of new science facilities, will be transformational for the U of L, and also for the city.

“We have considered the concept of the new science facility as more than a teaching and research space but a place for community engagement and outreach,” said Mahon. “A research incubator, a place where undergraduate and graduate research opportunities flourish, where knowledge transfer and commercialization happen; a place the next generation of researchers, scientists and scholars credit for the start of their science careers.”

Making an address to the community is an important activity said Mahon, recognizing the important role that community leaders have played in establishing and ensuring the growth of the U of L.

“The U of L was founded in 1967 thanks to the persistence of a forward-thinking group of citizens who believed southern Alberta merited its own university. While a lot has changed in 46 years, I’m happy to say that the commitment of this community to the U of L has remained a constant,” said Mahon. “Your unwavering support has enabled the U of L to become one of Canada’s most outstanding universities and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

Morrison, Bowie to be honoured at Alumni Celebration

trevor.kenney — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 16:41:03 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association and Senate will be holding a special Alumni Celebration Saturday, Oct. 19 at 12 p.m in the Markin Hall Atrium, at which they will be honouring
Drs. Robert Morrison (BASc '83) and Gary Bowie.

Dr. Robert Morrison

Morrison, the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, is known for a boundless energy and enthusiasm for English literature, and has established his position as an outstanding scholar and educator.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts & Science at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 1983, Morrison continued his education in the UK completing a Master of Philosophy at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Oxford in 1987 and a Doctor of Philosophy at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Edinburgh in 1991.

Dr. Gary Bowie

Currently a professor in the Department of English at Queen`s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Morrison is well-respected by both colleagues and students and has been recognized with numerous research and teaching awards. His clear and thought-provoking approach to literature has earned him international praise and he is often quoted as an expert in his field.

Bowie is a founding U of L faculty member, and enjoyed a 30-year career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, spending time as athletic director, professor and coach. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he also made significant volunteer contributions at both the local and provincial level.

Summer Games work earns group Senate Volunteer Award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:35:37 +0000

Thanks to the dedicated volunteer work of these four individuals, for four days in July 2012, more than 2,600 athletes came to Lethbridge to compete in the 2012 Alberta Summer Games.

The Senate of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is proud to recognize their service with the 2013 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award.

Nancy Walker, Deb Marek, Cheryl Meheden and Jochen Bocksnick sat on the Board of Directors for the games as well as managing their own specific portfolios. They began preparation for the games more than two years before the event, and each played an important role in organizing the games. The games were a success due to the contributions of these individuals, as well as hundreds of other volunteers, many of whom included ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ employees and students.

Senate Volunteer Award winners (L to R) Jochen Bocksnick, Deb Marek, Cheryl Meheden and Nancy Walker.

Nancy Walker was the director of administration for the games, responsible for managing the budget and brokering all contracts and legal agreements. Walker is currently the U of L's vice-president (finance and administration), and has extensive community volunteer experience.

As director of facilities, Deb Marek ensured that the sports and activities of the games had a venue. She also supervised all signage, portable facilities and warehousing. At the U of L, Marek is a manager in Sport and Recreation Services, and has been the assistant coach to the women's hockey team.

Cheryl Meheden's responsibilities as director of protocol included managing opening ceremonies, official receptions, hospitality, games attire, medals, participant entertainment and the torch relay. Meheden is currently an instructor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, in the Faculty of Management, and at Lethbridge College.

Guided by the Alberta Summer Games' mission to provide the best possible experience for all involved, director of sport Jochen Bocksnick ensured that the games offered the best venues and sport chairs. Bocksnick is an instructor in kinesiology and physical education at the U of L.

The 2012 Alberta Summer Games were a huge success, with over 2,600 athletes participating in 15 sports over the four days, watched by over 7,000 spectators. All four of these volunteers committed hundreds of hours to make this success happen, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment.

This story first appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

2013 Alumni Honour Society inductees

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:54:29 +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.

Sarah Amies (BASc '88)

A vigorous and compassionate human rights advocate, Sarah Amies has more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit and education sectors. Since becoming the program director of Lethbridge Family Services – Immigrant Services in 2001, Amies has had a positive impact on new immigrants in the Lethbridge community. Under her leadership, Lethbridge Family Services has grown in programming and services, and expanded its resources. She has worked closely with many volunteer boards, such as the Alberta Association of Immigrant Services Agencies, the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination, Family Violence and Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Committee and Social Housing in Action. The YWCA recognized her in 2012.

Sylvia Campbell (BEd '79)

Through her many years as an educator and mentor, Sylvia Campbell has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to environmental issues and human rights. She has served on numerous committees and boards, including the Lethbridge branch of the Canadian Federation of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Women, the Southern Alberta Group for Environment and the Lethbridge Network for Peace. Campbell was a longtime member of the Raging Grannies, a group through which she worked to raise awareness of social justice issues related to peace, the environment, gender, human rights, world equality, Canadian unity and social programs. In 2003, she was recognized by the YWCA.

Frank Gnandt (BASc '74, BEd '79)

Frank Gnandt has been an exceptional educator in Lethbridge School District No. 51 for more than 30 years and has instilled a passion for the arts in many students. Gnandt, currently the choir director for Chinook High School in Lethbridge, is recognized by his peers as an accomplished adjudicator, instructor and conductor. His influence and passion for music have spread to students and audiences locally, provincially, nationally and abroad. Gnandt has been a guest conductor and performed at numerous prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and at the Vatican. Gnandt is a recipient of both the Governor General's Award for Community Service and the ATA Teacher of Excellence Award.

Michelle Hogue (MEd '04)

An assistant professor and co-ordinator of the First Nations Transition Program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Dr. Michelle Hogue has helped ensure the success of many students at university, particularly in science-related programs. Hogue's research blends required curricular and institutional demands with narrative and arts practices that, with holistic knowledge, have the potential to change science education for Aboriginal learners. In addition to her research, Hogue develops new and innovative teaching practices with high school students, educators and administrators on the Blackfoot (Kainai) Reserve in southern Alberta. Hogue has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships, including most recently the Canadian Education Association Pat Clifford Award.

Douglas McArthur (Certificate in Mgt '90)

Douglas McArthur is well known for his enthusiastic support of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and particularly the U of L Alumni Association (ULAA). An investment advisor by profession, McArthur served as ULAA president from 2003 to 2005. His leadership played a key role in advancing the ULAA, strengthening its affinity with alumni and establishing a foundation that the association has continued to build upon. McArthur remains an active member of the ULAA and is currently serving on the U of L Board of Governors. McArthur has invested in his community by volunteering his time with organizations such as Rotary, Crime Stoppers and the Lethbridge Symphony Association.

Diane Randell (BN '91)

Throughout her career, Diane Randell has worked diligently to make a difference in her community. Since beginning her career in nursing in the 1970s, Randell's care and compassion for others has expanded from individual patients to entire communities. Currently the manager of the community and social development group at the City of Lethbridge, Randell's work addresses large-scale issues such as social policy, homelessness, poverty and racism. Randell is a founding member of the Abreast of Bridge Dragon Boat Team, a founding board member and past Chair of the Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival and a member of the U of L Senate. She has been recognized by Rotary International, the YWCA and is a recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal.

This story first appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Update from President Mahon on the Budget Adjustment Process

trevor.kenney — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:26:27 +0000

April 11, 2013

At the Community Update held on March 27, 2013, I committed to developing a values-based process to guide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through the operating budget adjustments that we as a community must participate in. In his presentation, our Provost, Dr. Andrew Hakin, outlined the process through which those values will be determined and endorsed, and the timeline under which we would conduct this process.

The values that will guide us are those that we, as a community, have collectively developed over multiple years, through many inclusive, collegial processes. They are a distillation of the values that are the foundation of our Strategic Plan, our Academic Plan and our Research Plan. Most importantly, the values are reflective of our community, and have been endorsed by both governance bodies of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the General Faculties Council and the Board of Governors.

While much work has been done to develop the 2013/14 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ budget, there is much yet to do. Using these values as a compass we will over the course of the next month develop and debate options and ultimately bring forward the 2013/14 consolidated budget for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Using the pre-existing budget development entities and processes I expect to make a recommendation to the Board of Governors to approve the 2013/14 consolidated budget in mid-May to allow the Comprehensive Institutional Plan (CIP) to be submitted to Enterprise and Advanced Education for the May 31 deadline. The budget is a key component of the CIP.

At the end of this message I have included the values statement that has been presented, vigorously debated and refined by Deans' Council, Executive Directors' Council, President's Executive, the Budget Advisory Committee, the Budget Priorities Advisory Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, General Faculties Council, and the Board of Governors. I encourage you to read the document.

The Budget Advisory Committee will begin its deliberations on the budget adjustments, which include reductions as well as revenue opportunities, on Saturday morning. Their recommendations will be reviewed and refined by the Budget Priorities Advisory Committee. The Strategic Planning Committee will review the proposed adjustments and provide guidance on whether the proposed adjustments are respective of our values and to help the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ ensure that the adjustments being proposed are not being made solely for expediency and do not compromise the long term development of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as it relates to our priorities and aspirations as an academic community. President's Executive will be fundamental through this process and will review all of the proposed adjustments before the budget is presented to GFC and to the Board of Governors.

While this process will be challenging and must be conducted in a very compressed time period, I do encourage you to continue to provide your feedback and ideas via this website.

To date, I have received over 50 submissions from U of L community members on the Letter of Expectation as well as suggested budget adjustments. A fair summary of those ideas has been posted to this web page

for your review. I am grateful for the thoughtful and considered ideas that have come forward to date. All ideas that are proposed will be provided to the Budget Advisory Committee.

On April 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Students' Union Ballroom Level 3, we will host another Community Update to discuss the budget progress made to date. I am hopeful that there will be additional clarity with regard to the Letter of Expectation by that time. As well, I hope to be able to share with you the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's response to the Letter to Enterprise and Advanced Education.

This continues to be a stressful and challenging time for our sector and our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. I am buoyed however by the positive support and collective will of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community to work together to address our current challenges. Our Board of Governors, our General Faculties Council, the Senate, the alumni of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and our community have been rallying in their advocacy and support of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. I am proud of and grateful to members of our academic community who have engaged in public debate and civil dialogue on these issues. I am proud of our students who have actively engaged with government in a positive way and have regularly exercised their rights to express themselves and their opinions. I am assured through this very tangible support that our future remains ours to determine and is bright.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike Mahon
President and Vice-Chancellor

Reaffirming our Values:
A ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Response to the 2013-14 Provincial Budget

We commit to maintaining the forward vision of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Our Strategic priorities remain priorities independently of the financial challenges our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ encounters. To take us to our desired future the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will pursue its established strategic directions and identified priorities.

The Alberta Provincial Budget 2013-14 has imposed severe reductions and thus introduced significant financial challenges for the post-secondary sector in our province and for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. A reduction to our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Campus Alberta Grant of 7.3% will require the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to eliminate $11.9 million from its continuing operating budget.

An increase of 2% to the Campus Alberta Grant for 2013-14 had previously been communicated by the Government of Alberta to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, as part of a three year funding commitment. This was presented with the intention of enhancing future financial planning and sustainability. Although it became increasingly clear during the 2012-13 fiscal year that the 2% increase was becoming less likely, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and others in the post-secondary sector, were not informed or warned by the Ministry of the deep financial reduction that has been applied to our continuing operating funds.

In managing the impact of this severe funding reduction, members of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ senior administration have committed to clear, timely, and transparent communication to all members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Our first order of business is to enter into a process that will address our required reductions. To do this our institutional values will be reaffirmed and will be used to guide and influence all budget related decisions and processes that lie ahead. The processes by which these values will be endorsed and reaffirmed by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and by which the 2013-14 budget will be established are provided within Appendix 1 of this document. They follow closely the paths already utilized for budget approval within our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Fortunately, in the last few years much work has been completed with respect to the values of our institution. They are contained within the documents that provide the framework for the operation and the establishment of priorities for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. These documents include our current Strategic Plan, Academic and Research Plans, and our Comprehensive Institutional Plan. All of these documents were approved utilizing the full scope of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ bicameral governance framework. Although they were created and approved at times in which significantly different financial conditions were anticipated, these documents enshrine both our values and our priorities as an institution. These values and priorities are independent of our immediate financial future as the long-term future of our three-campus ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ extends well beyond immediate budgetary issues.

To intentionally follow our priorities will require all constituents of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to work together. Working together provides strength. As we address our financial challenges we will strive to ensure that all groups within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ are engaged in the protection of the academic integrity and the future of our institution. There are no aspects of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's operation that will be excluded from consideration in constructing the path by which we will best ensure the continuing financial sustainability of our institution. Indeed, in moving towards this desired outcome it will be necessary to explore all possible operational collaborations to achieve efficiencies. New forms of revenue generation will be considered an important component of any plan to mitigate our financial challenges.

The values presented below are purposely non-prioritized as they provide a holistic framework to guide and influence the budget processes and decisions that lie ahead. Underlying these values is a commitment to open, transparent and timely communication to our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. And fundamentally, as president Sam Smith asserted in his August 1, 1967 address to the students of summer session, our core commitment is still "to the individual student as a person and as of ultimate worth.

Our people define our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and are our greatest strength

People are the essential resource of our institution and as such the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will strive to preserve employment. All ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ employee groups will be treated with fairness and with respect in all that lies ahead in our work to maintain our student centred focus and to ensure the continuing financial sustainability of our institution.

High quality is central to all that we do

Our commitment to maintaining high quality undergraduate and graduate academic programmes is key to our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mission to build a better society. High quality instruction and teaching are essential to this commitment. Research and creative activity are also key to our mission and their vitality and vibrancy serve as a differentiating feature of our institution and a central part of our culture as a comprehensive academic and research institution. High quality facilities and services support our mission and best serve our students, staff, and academic staff.

Access to our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a foundational value

As a Comprehensive Academic and Research ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, dedicated to liberal education, that was born out of the needs and aspirations of our local communities we are committed to providing student access to our high quality academic programs throughout the province without creating unnecessary financial barriers. Community engagement with our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and community use of our facilities play a role in defining us as a public institution.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mourns passing of DeBow

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:19:30 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Community offers its most sincere condolences to the family, many friends and colleagues of the late Dr. Shirley DeBow, a Lethbridge-based community volunteer, social worker and educator who served as the 10th Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge from 2003 – 2007.

Shirley passed away on Monday, March 25, at age 68.

She is survived by her husband Gerald DeBow, and their three children – Jeremy, Suzanne and Adrienne – and their families.

A memorial service has yet to be confirmed.

This notice will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Shirley served the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and broader community with enthusiasm, good humour and dedication, and participated in a host of community activities as Chancellor that served to strengthen the relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the Lethbridge community at large.

She served on the U of L Senate from 1993 to 2001, as well as a number of U of L-specific committees and groups, and received an Honorary Degree from the U of L in 2008 for her extensive community service efforts.

During her time as Chancellor, she either hugged or (was hugged by) more than 6,000 students who were welcomed into the U of L family and helped establish the Senate Volunteer award, as well as an endowed Senate Scholarship for students, among other outreach activities.

"The U of L has long been fortunate to have strong community support and committed volunteers and Shirley DeBow was very much one of those people," said Dr Bill Cade, who served as U of L President during Shirley's term as Chancellor.

"She devoted much time and effort to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ activities over the years, especially in her role as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Chancellor. This was a job that Shirley loved and was ideally suited for. She performed her duties with much class and with genuine interest in the well being of our students.

Cade said that Shirley also served as an outstanding ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and worked tirelessly with the broader southern Alberta community to advance the U of L.

"One of Shirley's most significant legacies was the establishment of the Senate Scholarship Fund. Shirley provided leadership at a critical time when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate launched a drive to raise scholarship funding for outstanding students. They were very successful and the fund continues to this day. It was a pleasure to work with Shirley in her capacity as Chancellor of the U of L. Elsa and I will miss her and we offer our condolences and best wishes to her family at this time."

Shirley's care and concern for people extended far beyond her immediate family, and she was forever a Maritimer, no matter how much time she spent on the prairies. Shirley was born in Nova Scotia (delivered by the doctor-father of Canadian music artist Anne Murray)and spent her childhood on Cape Breton Island, where her father served as an Anglican priest.

She attended Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, the Maritime School of Social Work, and, after moving to Alberta in 1966, attended the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary Faculty of Social Work.

She accepted a position as a social worker with the Government of Alberta, then progressed to NAIT, where she launched the first Social Services Worker program.

Shirley took this experience to the newly-established Grant MacEwan Community College in 1971, where, as the institution's 5th full-time employee, she established several key outreach programs and was particularly proud of an outreach program that she personally delivered to remote and northern locations of the province. She became the Head of the Social Services program, and was an instructor within the program until moving to Lethbridge in 1984.

In Lethbridge, she taught at Lethbridge Community College on a part-time basis and worked as a Social Worker/Supervisor of Social Work Programs at FamilyCare Inc., training and certifying social workers in several communities in southern Alberta, including the Town of Claresholm, the Kainai first Nation and the Siksika First Nation.

She will be remembered as the ultimate grandmother who was fiercely proud of her family, as a gracious host who welcomed people from all walks of life into her world, and as a community volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for organizations in need.

Condolences may be sent to the family at this address: senate@uleth.ca

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