UNews - Organization of Residence Students

U of L students tackle food insecurity on campus

caroline.zentner — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:27:54 +0000

Through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Nourish initiative, student clubs have joined forces to decrease food insecurity on campus during March, which is Nutrition Month. With one in five students facing food scarcity, around 2,000 students sometimes run out of food and cannot afford to buy more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ from running some of its regular Nourish programs, including Buy a Student Breakfast and Dinner for Six. This year, the PACT (Philanthropy, Advancement, Community and Traditions) club, the U of L Students’ Union (ULSU), the Organization of Residence Students (ORS) and Agility have teamed up for the Swipe Out Hunger campaign.

Started by a group of friends at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of California, Los Angeles in 2010, Swipe Out Hunger is a non-profit organization that partners with universities and colleges to address hunger and food insecurity among post-secondary students. The U of L is the first Canadian university to partner with the organization.

“I’m very proud of our students for banding together this year to address food insecurity on campus,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “Under the umbrella of Nourish, we have launched several programs to combat hunger over the years, but this year has been particularly challenging due the pandemic and our students have faced limited employment opportunities to supplement their income. These student clubs have come up with some very creative ways to provide healthy food for our students and I encourage everyone to get involved in Swipe Out Hunger.”

“Students used to grab breakfast together or have a snack in the library or meet in Urban Market,” says Amy Lambert, a fifth-year student who’s a member of the ULSU and PACT. “Food brought joy and connection. You meet and talk and nourish yourself, both mentally and physically. That hasn’t been possible this year, but the need is still there. We wanted to partner with our local community members and Umami has been great within our U of L community, and they teach you about the actual process of nourishing.”

On Thursday, March 25, the student clubs have partnered with Umami Shop Canada to offer a basket of ingredients for Pad Thai (two to four servings), along with a Zoom cooking lesson to make the dish. The student clubs have secured funding for 175 baskets for students on a first-come, first-served basis and members will be helping pack the baskets in the days ahead of the cooking class.

They are also extending the offer to purchase a basket to anyone who’d like to participate. The baskets at $24.99 each plus GST can be ordered through Umami. Choose “Virtual Cooking Class” from the top menu and then click on the “Umami Pad Thai UofLxUmami” option to order a kit. Community members also have the option of adding a donation to support Nourish programs.

“Anyone who wants to support our U of L community is welcome to buy a basket,” says Lambert. “We are asking community members to place their orders by March 22 at the latest.”

In addition, the last two weeks of March will be devoted to increasing awareness of food insecurity on campus. Recipes from Dr. Angeliki Pantazi’s nutrition class will be made available online on the Food for Thought website. Students in the class worked with each recipe to add nutrition or lower costs.

This project was made possible because of programs like Agility, which is completely funded by donors, that support creative student-led projects.

“We are extremely grateful to our donors for making it possible for our students to apply their education to real-world projects,” says Brandy Old (BA/BEd '17), Agility manager. “They take risks and collaborate in innovative ways to bring real change and awareness to food scarcity.”

Residence assistants represent U of L at annual LEAD conference

trevor.kenney — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 21:21:15 +0000

Six ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge residence assistants (RA) recently attended the LEAD (learn, educate, act, dare) student leadership conference at the Gull Lake Centre in Lacombe County, Alta. While there, they met with delegates from 15 other institutions across Alberta and British Columbia.

The 2019 U of L RA LEAD Team (left to right, top row), Madison Ing, Tess McNaughton, Becca Parkkari, (bottom row), Mark Serebryansky, Blake Frondall, Morgan Hansen.

At the conference, the RAs honed their leadership skills by engaging in presentations on topics relevant to residence life. Over 100 RAs and professional staff attended the conference and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge RAs once again distinguished themselves as great ambassadors for the U of L and the residence life program.

Siksika and Tsuu T’ina Townhomes RA Blake Frondall won the recently renamed Jesara Nichol School Citizenship Award in honour of the late U of L RA, alumna, and Housing Services staff member Jesara Nichol. Frondall earned the award as the delegate who most embodied the spirit of LEAD, making it the seventh consecutive year the U of L has won the prize.

Residence students give back to community through multiple initiatives

trevor.kenney — Mon, 28 May 2018 15:28:35 +0000

A host of local community organizations are in a better place today, having been bolstered by the generosity of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge residence students.

The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen was one local organization assisted by campus residence students.

As the spring semester closed and residence students moved out of their campus apartments, both clothing and food drives were held to benefit the area’s less fortunate, capping off a year of fundraising and community outreach initiatives that connected students with their adopted community.

“We placed food donation bins in all of the residence buildings during the last week of classes,” says Steve Brodrick (BMgt ’09), director of Housing Services. “Students donated non-perishable food items and we made arrangements with the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen to have these picked up. Our staff then sorted and boxed it all up and we were able to donate a ton of food.”

Residence students and Pronghorn Athletics also teamed up for a clothing drive that netted a large donation to Value Village, who in turn sponsors Pronghorn Athletics throughout the year. These were just two of a number of initiatives undertaken by residence students throughout the year that benefited the southern Alberta community.

“We recognize how much the community at large helps students and we are always looking for new ways to show our appreciation for this and to reciprocate that generosity,” says Brady Hornung, past president of the Organization of Residence Students (ORS). “Whether through our Staches for Cashes fundraiser, clothing and food drives, weekly trips to walk foster puppies, or donations to national and international organizations, it is important that we give back in any way we can.”

Residence students jumped at the opportunity to volunteer walk rescue puppies.

Hornung says students coming to Lethbridge are looking for new experiences and are eager to connect with their new community.

“The more our students can see themselves as contributing members to the greater Lethbridge community, the more comfortable they are,” says Hornung. “��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a time to try new things, and for many students that also includes trying community outreach and volunteering for the first time. The more we can do to facilitate this step, the more we are able to create mutually beneficial relationships between our students and the community.”

The Pies 4 Lives fundraiser helped raise money for local mental health initiatives.

Some of the group’s outreach programs included raising more than $2,400 for the Below the Belt Cancer Fundraiser, $500 for the Canadian Mental Health Association, clothing for the Canadian Diabetes Association, $450 each to the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association Community Key Tree Ornament program and Days for Girls Canada, and weekly walks for rescue dogs from Prairie Pitbull Rescue.

“ORS has always been about fostering a sense of community and belonging for students staying at the U of L,” says residence assistant Hailly Harder. “It’s important for ORS to give back to the community because it creates an environment where students can feel like they are making a difference in the world, and they can choose where and how they would like to do so.”

New ULAA president looks to further engage alumni

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:50:08 +0000

The new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association president understands the value of a community.

“I love growth, development and opportunity. Anything I can do to make things better for my community, for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ or my neighbourhood, I try to get involved in,” explains Grant Adamson (BSc ’03), who was elected as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s 26th president in July.

“Community involvement has been an unwritten part of my family philosophy forever; that goes back to growing up on a farm. Being on a farm is not a place where you can grow or develop on your own. You need community,” says Adamson. “About 10 years back we received a farm century award. It was pretty important to our family and community, but when I graduated from high school I wanted to see who I was away from the farm. Someone suggested I would be a good teacher, so I researched and found that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge had an excellent program for teachers and chose to come to Lethbridge.”

Grant Adamson, with his wife Rebecca, at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Donor Gala

Adamson, however, discovered he had no desire to teach, so in his second year he switched his studies to biology. That same year, he developed a severe case of mononucleosis and was subsequently unable to take a full course load for the next several years. It was then that he truly experienced the fellowship and support found within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

“I was a very strong student academically going into university, but when I found myself suffering academically due to my health, I relied on services provided by the U of L. I sought out help when I needed it and I found it all over the place,” he says. “I became involved with the Organization of Residence Students, the Students’ Union and the curling club. My residence experience was particularly impactful because I got to be a part of governance and make a difference, which I loved. I also met my wife Rebecca (BA/BEd ’99, MEd ’09) and her friend Janet, who would later become my sister-in-law. Being involved in extra-curricular activities was very fulfilling and kept me going until I was well enough to take on full course loads.”

As he began to take more advanced theoretical courses, Adamson could not imagine himself being confined to working in labs for the rest of his life. He began to wonder if it was time to take a small turn in his academic direction once again.

“After exiting from the C-stairwell on 7th, I’d always turned left toward the bio-tech labs. One day, I felt drawn to the geography labs so I turned right instead! I sat there for about an hour reading the presentation boards about the projects and research going on in the department. I saw displays about things I cared about and it played to my roots. That fall, I switched my program to geography. Finally, I could look to the future and visualize what my life would look like.”

Adamson graduated in 2003 and began his career in the oil industry, working in environmental sciences. After the project he was working on shut down, he spent several years pursuing an interest in real estate investment, but his agricultural heritage always beckoned. In 2007, everything came together when Adamson began working with hybrid canola seed production at Monsanto Canada Inc. It was the perfect combination of biotechnology and agriculture all in one. Three years later, Adamson accepted a position at Dow AgroSciences where he continues to work as their lead agronomist for canola seed production in southern Alberta, the Pacific Northwest and Chile. One of his secondary duties is liaising with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, recruiting students to work with Dow AgroSciences as summer interns and potentially as long-term employees.

“The hybrid canola seed industry relies heavily on student interns in the summer, as it is extremely busy during this season,” says Adamson, who is happy to support students through his work and as a member of the ULAA. “The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a great supplier of excellent students who have a background in, or knowledge of, agriculture, or who are willing to learn about it.”
Adamson became involved with the ULAA in 2005. He has served as a director, treasurer and vice-president and was elected as president in July.

“I got involved with the association because I missed the connection with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Participation with the ULAA is a great way for alumni to foster and maintain that link. As part of the executive, I have seen the association become increasingly involved in the community and take on a more formal role. My goal is to lead the maturation and formality process. With 36,480 alumni coming of age in the workforce, we are at a tipping point. I encourage alumni to reconnect and get involved. We want to hear about your stories, your successes and your adventures.”

GET THE FACTS

• Adamson is very proud of his family connection to the U of L – his wife Rebecca (BA/BEd ’99, MEd ’09), sister-in-laws Janet Adamson (BA/BEd ’00), Lauren Adamson (BSc ‘ 04) and brother Lowell Adamson (BSc ’04) are all a part of the alumni family

• Adamson has been a member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate since 2011

• A former member of the board of directors for the Youth Federation of Canada, Adamson also serves as a construction volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, of which his wife is the organization’s local vice-chair

• The 2013 ULAA Executive consists of Adamson as president, vice-president Randy Kobbert (BMgt ’86), past president Kathy Lewis (BN ’83, MEd ’99), treasurer Jason Baker (BMgt ’02) and secretary Sharon Malec (BEd ’73)

Brodrick remains engaged

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:22:56 +0000

When Steve Brodrick (BMgt '09) thinks back on his time as a student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, a myriad of memories emerge – resident student activities, volunteering as a mentor for new students, taking part in the first-ever Fresh Fest – just to name a few.

"I sat on the General Assembly for the Students' Union and was president of the Organization of Residence Students. I lived in residence the whole time I was a student and had a great experience," says Brodrick, who is grateful for the opportunities he had to engage with the broader U of L community.

He recognizes that many of those opportunities would not have been available had it not been for the financial support offered through scholarships and bursaries.

"As a student, receiving scholarships meant that I could work less and get involved on campus more," says Brodrick, who credits his time at the U of L as a formative period in his life.

Steve Brodrick made the most of his time as a U of L student.

The sense of belonging he felt at the U of L was only enhanced when he learned about the number of faculty and staff who support student awards through the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign.

"I would be in administrators' offices and see SOS stickers on the wall. When I walked around campus, I saw people that taught and mentored me on SOS banners. That kind of leadership made a big impression on me," says Brodrick. "Knowing that the people around me cared about my student experience meant a lot. It really stuck with me."

Following the lead of U of L faculty and staff, Brodrick established the ORS Council Excellence Award while he was still a student. The scholarship emphasizes leadership, something near and dear to his heart.

"I wanted to see more students get involved and take initiative towards improving our campus," explains Brodrick, who has also since established the ORS Family Award for students raising children and a Healthy Living Bursary for students living in residence.

Having been immersed in a variety of campus activities as a student, it's no surprise that Brodrick, continues to be involved today, in his role as associate director of housing services at the U of L.

"For students to have that extra push in the right direction is like running a marathon and someone handing you a water bottle at that halfway mark," he says. "It's just one little thing that will help them get through."

Brodrick now proudly displays his own SOS stickers – and students walking the halls as he once did will soon see his face on a banner. Brodrick is proud to be a part of the campaign and hopes he's inspiring the next generation of U of L donors.

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For more information on Supporting Our Students or to make your contribution today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving

This story first appeared in the November 2012 issue of the Legend. To view the full issue online, follow this link.

Steve Brodrick continues to stay engaged with his university

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:23:33 +0000

When Steve Brodrick (BMgt '09) thinks back on his time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, a myriad of memories emerge – resident student activities, volunteering as a mentor for new students, taking part in the first ever Fresh Fest – just to name a few.

He recognizes that many of those opportunities would not have been available had it not been for the financial support offered through scholarships and bursaries. "As a student, receiving scholarships meant that I could work less and get involved on campus more," says Brodrick, who credits his time at the U of L as a formative period in his life.

The sense of belonging he felt at the U of L was only enhanced when he learned about the number of faculty and staff who support student awards through the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign.

"I wanted to see more students get involved and to take some initiative towards improving our campus," explains Brodrick, who has also since established the ORS Family Award for students raising children and a Healthy Living Bursary for students living in residence.

Having been immersed in a variety of campus activities as a student, it's no surprise that Brodrick, continues his involvement in his role as associate director of housing services at the U of L.

Kassam elected ULSU President

trevor.kenney — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:39:49 +0000

Management student Taz Kassam is the President-elect of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) and the fourth woman to hold the position since the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's founding in 1967.

Kassam's executive team includes Allan Hall, a veteran SU contributor who returns to the SU governing body as vice-president administration, and Keith McLaughlin, a former news editor of the Meliorist and recent winner of the SACPA Student Speaker Challenge, as vice-president academic.

More than 21 per cent of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students cast their ballots last week in the ULSU 2010/2011 General Election.

"I'm excited to pass the torch to next year's executive team," says Alex Massé, the current vice-president academic. "They're all solid people with relevant experience. They've also been very perceptive of some of the areas that they can improve upon over the current year."

Kassam, who takes office May 1, 2010, says she was deeply appreciative of the support, both during and following the election.

"I am very excited about the opportunities ahead and am ready to serve as a representative for the ULSU."

The position of vice-president internal affairs remains vacant; the ULSU is currently in the process of running a by-election to fill this position and other general assembly positions that are also vacant for the 2010/2011 year.

"We have a phenomenal and talented group of people who have just been elected and I am just as excited to find out the results of those who are running in the by-election, which will complete the ULSU team," says Kassam.

The ULSU 2010/2011 General Assembly currently includes Andrew Williams, Lisa Rodych, Zack Moline, Tyrell DaSilva, Shane Groarke and Cole Schneider, who are all arts and science representatives; Kyle Hammond is the Organization of Residence Students Representative.

The ULSU exists to represent students' interests at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as well as on the provincial and federal levels of government and to provide value-added services, spaces and programs to enhance the campus community.

Rez Wars add community element

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:54:09 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students are putting a new spin on war, using it to build positive relationships with the Lethbridge community.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Organization of Residence students, in conjunction with the Students' Union (ULSU) are engaging to help the community by cleaning up the coulees, all in the context of a friendly war – Rez Wars.

"Cleaning the coulees for the betterment of the entire city of Lethbridge, which is something the westside community can take pride in, shows the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's neighbours the students here care about the community's well-being," says Jeremy Girard, Students' Union president.

Rez Wars is a competition among residence students that incorporates a good-hearted challenge while also engaging students in social activities.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m. Participants will be given 45 minutes to go into the coulees, starting at the U of L Breezeway, and pick up as much debris as possible. Debris collected by the participants will be divided into recycling and waste. The winning team will be determined by who collects the most debris.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union supports the Organization of Residence Students in an attempt to clean up the community, not just for students but also for everyone.

"These students are not merely competing in a residence competition, they are showing that ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students are environmental stewards and can lead by example," adds Girard. "These are the types of events the ULSU can throw its entire weight behind."

UNews - Organization of Residence Students

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