UNews - Shaw Conference Centre

U of L has two up for ASTech Awards

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:02:43 +0000

Youth science program manager Kristy Burke, along with chemistry & biochemistry professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden and his iGEM team are among an impressive list of 25 honourees announced in advance of the Alberta Science and Technology (ASTech) Awards Gala that will take place at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton on Nov. 2, 2012.

The list includes some of the best and brightest in Alberta's science and technology community. The honourees are now officially in contention for the 13 ASTech Awards that will be presented at the gala.

The honourees have been nominated for their leadership, achievements and contributions in the following categories: Research; Applied Research and/or Commercialization of Innovation; Leadership; Impact on Albertans; and Public Awareness.

Kristy Burke (Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness)

Burke, the manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Destination Exploration youth science programs, has been instrumental in expanding existing programming and establishing new initiatives for southern Alberta youth interested in science.

Since taking over as manager, Destination Exploration, in the form of interactive classroom workshops, exciting summer camps, after school Science Clubs, birthday parties and numerous other outreach programs, reaches more than 1,300 youth each year. Through the programs offered by Destination Exploration, Burke exposes students to science in a fun and engaging way, providing valuable opportunities for aspiring scientists throughout southern Alberta to receive quality instruction and encouraging excellence not only in science but also in professional and career endeavours.

Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge iGEM team (Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness)

Over the last five years, Dr. Wieden has been instrumental in creating and mentoring one of Canada's best teams of undergraduate students in the prestigious iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team competition, the purpose of which is to promote the advancement of science and education by developing an open community of students and practitioners in schools, laboratories, research institutes and industry.

iGEM provides Dr. Wieden a different way of teaching science while giving back to the community that helped him establish his career. The U of L iGEM team is comprised of students from around Alberta and across Canada. The students are passionate about their iGEM experience and are ambassadors for the program and science education in general, both on campus and abroad.

With iGEM, Dr. Wieden aims to bring the essence of scientific research to the undergraduate level, helping create the next generation of science entrepreneurs.

The ASTECH Awards are the premiere acknowledgement of scientific and technological achievement in Alberta. The awards have grown to encompass more than a dozen distinct categories. Collectively, the honourees demonstrate the abundance of outstanding work occurring in Alberta's science and technology community.

For more information about specific awards, visit www.astech.ca

Von Heyking recognized with merit award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:33:19 +0000

Sonya von Heyking (CA, CIA, BMgt '03 Great Distinction) is one of 22 Alberta-based chartered accountants being honoured with a 2012 Merit Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) for making significant contributions to charitable and community causes, as well as to the CA profession.

An internal auditor with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since May 2006, von Heyking is being awarded an Early Achievement Award, presented to CAs who, within the first 10 years since qualifying, have demonstrated excellence in professional, civic, charitable, community or other services. Von Heyking received her CA designation in 2006, and prior to joining the U of L, worked at KPMG in Lethbridge.

Reporting to the Audit Committee of the Board of Governors, von Heyking has worked on numerous projects that have helped to streamline processes or affect savings or efficiencies for the U of L, including H1N1 preparedness, supplier selection processes and analysis of various activities related to strategic priorities.

Internal auditor Sonya von Heyking is a 2012 Merit Award winner.

"We are extremely proud of Sonya's achievement," says Bob Turner, the U of L Board of Governors Chair. "Sonya is a valuable member of our administrative team, and has an excellent working relationship with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. In her position, she looks at many different aspects of our business and financial environment, and has a varied skill set that enables her to advise the Board and our senior administrative group with a high level of confidence. This recognition by the ICAA affirms what we already know, and appreciate, about her service to the U of L."

Von Heyking has also earned her CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) designation, making her one of the few CAs in the province with that distinction. As well, she presents at numerous conferences, recently earning a trip to the Institute of Internal Auditors 'All Stars' international conference – an opportunity based on positive feedback from colleagues, audiences and conference organizers.

Among other projects, von Heyking designed assurance engagements that allowed U of L students to conduct actual audit work under her guidance, and present their reports to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Audit Committee. This project was extremely successful and benefitted both the students and Internal Audit.

As an Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta Centennial Ambassador, von Heyking also volunteered extensively in 2010 to establish a long-term fund supporting academic awards in local high schools. Through contributions by Lethbridge and area chartered accountants, the project ultimately raised sufficient funds to provide 60 annual awards to local high school students.

"The ICAA is, once again, honouring a tremendous class of Merit Award recipients," says Blair Nixon (Q.C. FCA), president of the ICAA. "Each of this year's recipients, including Ms. von Heyking, have left a positive impression on those around them. Throughout the profession's history, CAs have been known for making a difference in Alberta's communities – and within the profession. As always, this year's recipients live up to that reputation."

In total, 22 Alberta recipients will be officially recognized at the 2012 Merit Awards Gala, which takes place June 22 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton.

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

Von Heyking recognized with merit award

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:40:34 +0000

Internal auditor Sonya von Heyking is a 2012 Merit Award winner.

In total, 22 Alberta recipients will be officially recognized at the 2012 Merit Awards Gala, which takes place June 22 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton.

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

UNews - Shaw Conference Centre

U of L has two up for ASTech Awards

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Von Heyking recognized with merit award

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Von Heyking recognized with merit award

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