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Convocation, a time for celebration and reflection

trevor.kenney — Fri, 23 May 2014 21:49:06 +0000

It was the night before a big exam, and Benjamin Young, then a second-year student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, was burning the midnight oil, struggling to understand a concept that would be covered the next day. It was at that unlikely moment he looked up and saw the professor for the class walking down the hall.

“It was the middle of the night, but I flagged him down and asked him a question. Despite the time, he sat there with me for probably half-an-hour to 45 minutes to help me understand the subject,” recounts Young. “Because of his help, I did great on the test the next day.”

The scene easily ranks beside those in movies like Mr. Holland’s Opus and it will always stick out in Young’s mind. Even so, it was not something that surprised him. Young explains that while the example was memorable, it really was just a reflection of the entire five years he’s had at the U of L.

Ben Young reflects back on his ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ education and the supports he received along the way.

“It’s that level of dedication you find in professors at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. You’re not just a number; most professors make a conscious effort to learn all their students’ names,” he says. “All of the professors I’ve encountered go above and beyond teaching in the classroom. They’re willing to help in whatever aspects a student needs.”

That personal support has also extended to Young as a recipient of various financial awards. Money, he explains, that has enabled him to make the most of his education.

“Scholarships allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue other educational opportunities outside the classroom. If you’re working all the time, it limits what you can do in your undergrad, and you lose out on some of those experiences,” he says.

For Young, some of those opportunities have included six co-ops with companies such as with Western Economic Diversification and Enbridge. He’s researched alongside political science professors, even being credited for his contributions in a published paper, and received a travel award that allowed him to volunteer with Operation Groundswell in East Africa.

“Scholarships really do make a big difference in a student’s life; they gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Scholarships provide a structure that enable you to succeed.”

Young also credits the liberal arts education offered at the U of L as a key factor in his journey.

“The liberal arts requirements forced me to take classes I may never have otherwise taken, such as Great Books Across the Disciplines. Liberal education is a real benefit for undergrads, it gives you a breadth of information and knowledge, and makes you a more well-rounded individual,” says Young.

Young will proudly don a cap and gown at the 2014 Spring Convocation. While the ceremony will officially grant him his degree, it will also be a time to recognize the many people who walked alongside him.

“It will feel pretty good to cross the stage; it’s a real sense of accomplishment. It’s been a lot of work, but my whole undergrad has been a great experience for me,” he says. “The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community as a whole just provides so much support to students in various ways. I found that any time I needed anything, the community was there for me. I’m just really thankful to everyone who had a hand in that.”

To make a gift to SOS, or for more information, please visit: www.uleth.ca/giving. You may also sign up to make monthly gifts through payroll deduction at www.uleth.ca/bridge/sos. Your gift is tax deductible and you may give to any area on campus that is meaningful to you.

Supporting Our Students plays role in student achievement

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 May 2014 18:18:16 +0000

On May 29 and 30, the campus will be dressed up by caps and gowns, flowers and photographs as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community comes together to celebrate convocation and the accomplishments of more than 1,400 graduates.

The next Supporting Our Students campaign milestone is to achieve 250 donors, another 30 participants, before May 31, 2014.

Many people play a supportive role in the life of a student. From friends and family to faculty and staff, a strong support system is crucial to student success. Less conspicuous in the everyday life of a student, scholarships and bursaries also play an important part in helping students achieve their dreams and aspirations.

In 2013, approximately 2,100 scholarships and bursaries were awarded to students, totalling more than $3.5 million. Part of that contribution comes from faculty, staff and retirees who donate to the Supporting Our Students campaign. So, as the 2013-2014 campaign comes to a close, SOS Co-Chairs Lorne Williams, dean of Northern Campuses, and Linda Embury (now retired) want to remind the U of L community that their ongoing support is essential.

In summarizing the 2013/14 campaign, Williams is both proud and optimistic.

“Convocation is a good reminder to reflect on all of our accomplishments, and that includes those of the SOS committee. By the end of 2013, 377 faculty, staff and retirees were participating by supporting students and together we raised more than $177,000,” says Williams. “Each January we set new goals for the upcoming calendar year, so that we can ensure the dollars are there when students need. So our next milestone is to achieve 250 donors, another 30 participants, before May 31, 2014.”

As our campus community gets ready to celebrate convocation, Williams leaves an important reminder.

“As you participate in Convocation, please remember that each and every student is there because of the contributions of many individuals, and I believe we should all take great pride in the part we play. Our job as instructors and administrators is to facilitate student success in ways that most benefit the individual. Giving to SOS, in large or small ways, helps students go forward and become positive forces in the world. So if you haven’t yet made your SOS gift, there is still time”, Williams emphasizes. “Please join the SOS Committee members, your colleagues and peers, and donate to help students succeed."

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Helping students spread their wings

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 23:12:20 +0000

On behalf of the faculty and staff, we thank Linda Embury for her decades of service at the U of L, her bright smile and warm heart, and we wish her a very happy retirement.

Linda Embury is the first person you’ll meet when hired at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – and she’s the first to stand behind our students.

Over the last 24 years, Embury, who is now the assistant to the associate vice-president (HR and Administration), has made it her mission to create a helpful and welcoming work environment.

Linda Embury is not only a pride ambassador for the U of L, she's strong advocate for the Supporting Our Students campaign.

“I think people put my name to the department and know that I’m here to help,” she says. “I’m proud of the friendships I’ve made across campus and my dedication to this job.”

Not only does Embury have a role in hiring at the U of L, her name has become synonymous with one of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s most celebrated events. With enthusiasm and commitment, she has grown the annual Long Service Awards ceremony into an afternoon celebration attended by 400 people.

Needless to say, Embury has an incredible sense of pride in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. She has also come to feel a sense of family on campus. When she and her two sons fell on hard times, the U of L helped her through.

“My goal was to put my sons through university, and as a single mother I had to work three jobs to do it,” she recalls. “My family at the U of L was there for me during that difficult time.”

It was her experience struggling to make ends meet that inspired her to contribute to the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign.

“When SOS started, I thought there might be others in situations like the one my family and I were in,” she explains. “If I can help students stay in university and finish off their degrees, it can set them up for life.”

Embury is excited to share the message of SOS throughout the U of L community as Co-Chair of the 2013-2014 campaign. Since its inception in 2005, the annual fundraiser has seen more than 650 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty, staff and retirees contribute more than $1.5 million towards student scholarships and bursaries.

“I am so honoured to be Co-Chair,” says Embury. “I want to be a role model to my colleagues. I believe we can all afford to give back; every little bit of money helps.”

Embury knows that with the financial challenges students face today, it’s more important than ever for the U of L community to support our students. She also knows first-hand the benefits of education and the importance of seeing a degree through to the end.

“When my sons graduated, I saw what education can do. It can open up the doors of the world,” she says. “I hope my gifts to SOS will help other students finish their education and spread their wings.”

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

SOS making a difference

trevor.kenney — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 21:09:38 +0000

On May 30 and 31, the excitement of Spring Convocation was palpable at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Caps and gowns, flowers and photographs lit up the campus as the U of L community came together to celebrate the accomplishments of over 1,400 graduates.

As Chief Marshall of Convocation, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD '06) was able to join in the excitement.

"Convocation is a great experience to share with the students," says Doan, Co-Chair of the current Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign. "The ceremonies are a wonderful combination of tradition and excitement, and you can really see the students reflecting on their accomplishments at the U of L and envisioning their futures."

Many people play a supportive role in the life of a student. From friends and family to faculty and staff, a support system is crucial to student success. That's why the Supporting Our Students campaign is so important.

Dr. Jon Doan, seen here on the left administering his Chief Marshall duties at convocation, is the Co-Chair of the 2012-2013 Supporting Our Students campaign.

Judy Jaeger, long-time supporter of SOS, is the other Co-Chair of the current campaign.

"I know my donations are always needed," she says. "I see firsthand the struggles students face daily; 25 per cent of my employees in the caretaking department are students taking full course loads. My SOS contributions help them succeed."

In 2012, a total of 330 faculty, staff and retirees contributed to SOS, totalling over $174,000 in gifts and pledges. In 2013, 238 participants have already contributed over $55,000 in gifts and pledges.

Through the generosity of these donors, approximately 2,000 scholarships and bursaries have been awarded to students over the past year. This amazing show of support resonates far beyond the classroom.

"As donors, we might be providing the funds for a student to take that formative course that 'flips the switch' on their education, or to join that eye-opening class trip or student event, or to buy that innovative course textbook that exposes a whole new interest," says Doan, who contributes to SOS on an ongoing basis.

As the 2012-2013 campaign comes to a close, Jaeger and Doan are proud of how it has progressed and look forward to staying involved as volunteers. Watch for an announcement on the SOS Co-Chairs for the 2013-2014 campaign, launching in September.

If you haven't yet made your 2013 gift, the Co-Chairs encourage you to do so.

"We are all here for the students. Without them, this campus would be empty," emphasizes Jaeger. "Please join Jon and myself in giving back to students on a monthly basis. Thank you for putting students first."

For more information on Supporting Our Students, or to make a donation today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving or call 403-329-2582.

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

SOS making a difference

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:10:08 +0000

As Chief Marshall of Convocation, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD '06) was able to join in the excitement.

Dr. Jon Doan, seen here on the left administering his Chief Marshall duties at convocation, is the Co-Chair of the 2012-2013 Supporting Our Students campaign.

Judy Jaeger, long-time supporter of SOS, is the other Co-Chair of the current campaign.

If you haven't yet made your 2013 gift, the Co-Chairs encourage you to do so.

For more information on Supporting Our Students, or to make a donation today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving or call 403-329-2582.

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

Patton thankful for support

trevor.kenney — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:14:26 +0000

When Karissa Patton crosses the stage at convocation this spring, she will do so knowing faculty and staff at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge have supported her.

Originally from Calgary, Patton came to the U of L in 2009 with the intention of majoring in history and later entering the education program. After taking three applied studies conducting archival research, Patton changed paths.

"I loved the hands-on research and I realized history was my passion," recalls Patton. "I wanted to continue doing research."

Over the course of her history degree, Patton has worked with both the U of L Archives and Galt Museum & Archives. She has researched numerous local stories and events, written biographies to accompany oral histories, created a museum display at the Galt Museum and recently defended her honours thesis.

Karissa Patton has made the most of her scholarship opportunities.

Patton's hard work has not gone unnoticed. She has received two Board of Governors' Scholarships, the Students' Union Scholarship and the Chinook Summer Research Award.

"These scholarships have meant so much to me. It is so encouraging to have that kind of recognition," she says.

Patton has a unique perspective on student awards after working at the U of L Call Centre, where students connect with alumni to help raise financial support for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"At the call centre, I learned that without donors, students like me wouldn't have a lot of the resources we depend on – including scholarships," she explains.

Among those donors are U of L faculty and staff. Through the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign, faculty and staff have the opportunity to contribute to scholarships and bursaries for students.

As a history major, Patton is particularly proud of the fact the history department has 100 per cent participation in SOS.

"It really makes me feel as though my professors genuinely value both the history discipline and my education," she emphasizes.

As Patton wraps up her undergraduate degree and prepares to begin her graduate studies at the U of L this fall, she hopes faculty and staff will continue to help students succeed through SOS.

"I am so proud of what I accomplished during my time as an undergraduate at the U of L. I am so grateful for the scholarships and the generous donors who helped make it all possible," she says.

For more information on SOS or to make your gift today, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving.

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.

Team support goes a long way

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:04:57 +0000

Maybe it's her background as a Pronghorns women's basketball player, but
Dr. Lorraine Beaudin (BEd '89, MEd' 98) likes to think of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community as a team.

"We all have a responsibility to the people around us," she explains, drawing experience from her time on the hardcourt. "We need to work together in order to be successful and that means giving of ourselves for the betterment of the group."

Currently the assistant dean of field experience in the U of L's Faculty of Education, Beaudin first started giving back to her university as an undergraduate student.

"I played basketball as a student and in my final year, I took on the role of assistant coach," says Beaudin, who was part of the team that won bronze at nationals one season. "Coaching was harder than playing in lots of ways but it allowed me to give back in a concrete way to something that was important to me."

Dr. Lorraine Beaudin recognizes that not everyone has the opportunity to pursue a university education.

The lesson stuck with her long after the basketball season ended and Beaudin has been a strong supporter of Pronghorns women's basketball ever since.

"My time as a student-athlete at the U of L had a huge impact on my life," says Beaudin, who still keeps in touch with many of her former teammates and stays connected to the program by volunteering at Pronghorns alumni events. "It created opportunities that I simply wouldn't have had otherwise."

She recognizes that not every student is given the same breaks she was.

"We sometimes assume that everyone in Alberta has the chance to earn a university education, but unfortunately that's not the case. My kids have friends who can't afford to go to university," she says, pointing out that many students who are fortunate enough to attend university depend on student loans and part-time jobs to make ends meet.

For Beaudin, these difficulties emphasize the importance of Supporting Our Students (SOS), an annual campaign that brings faculty, staff and retirees together to support student awards.

"It's fantastic that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community comes together to support this cause," says Beaudin, who is a longtime SOS donor and an enthusiastic volunteer.

While Beaudin shows her support for Pronghorn Athletics, she emphasizes the importance of helping students from all walks of life and encourages all faculty and staff to give to an area that is important to them.

"Together, we are providing support for students who might not be here otherwise. As an educator, I can't think of a better gift than education," says Beaudin, who remains committed to creating opportunities for students both on and off the court.

For more information on SOS or to make your gift today, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving.

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

Scholarship gifts help shape the future

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:36:32 +0000

Eva Gorny knows that a university education will ensure she reaches her full potential, allowing her to maximize her contribution to society.

In her final year of a Bachelor of Education degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Eva recognizes the importance of student engagement both inside and outside the classroom. She is committed to her studies but maintains there's more to the student experience than going to class and writing exams.

"My time at the U of L has been about so much more than just taking classes and working toward a degree," says Eva, who works closely with various student groups including the U of L Students' Union General Assembly and the U of L Rotaract Club, just to name a few. She strongly believes these experiences have enriched her education.

"I've really immersed myself in campus life," says Eva, who admits she's always had a passion for community service. "As a student here, I'm proud to be a part of such a stro

ng community. Working with the different service clubs and volunteering my time to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ causes have allowed me to give back to the community here on campus – one that gives me so much."

Her commitment to giving back has not gone unnoticed. Last year, Eva was the recipient of the John Gill Memorial Award, which recognizes student leadership and community engagement, qualities very near and dear to Eva's heart.

"Scholarships help provide a well-rounded university exp

erience, allowing students to focus on ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as well as opportunities outside the classroom," says Eva, who says awards like this one allow students to pursue opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach, simply because of limited financial means. "I am truly humbled to be the recipient of the John Gill Memorial Award."

For Eva, this is just the beginning. While she looks forward to teaching, she is committed to continuing to serve the communities to which she belongs.

"I look forward to taking the knowledge and skills I learned as a student and using them to continue serving my community," says Eva, proving that supporting students has impact beyond our campus.

To learn more about student awards or to make a gift today, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving

Jaeger sees need first-hand

trevor.kenney — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:57:21 +0000

Judy Jaeger has the type of job that when it's done well, it can easily be taken for granted.

As manager of caretaking at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, her day-to-day duties revolve around coordinating the 51 staff members who keep the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's campus sparkling clean. It's a role that is integral to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's operations, but it's also the kind of position that flies under the radar, simply because it's executed so exceptionally.

Judy Jaeger works with many students who are just trying to make ends meet while pursuing their academic goals.

In a similar way, Jaeger has been a long-time, behind-the-scenes supporter of bursaries, faithfully giving to U of L students in need, year after year. Early on in her role as manager, she recognized that many of her employees were struggling to make ends meet while going to school. She felt compelled to help them.

"Approximately 25 per cent of the staff in caretaking are students. Because of my first-hand interaction, I see how hard students have to work on a daily basis. Scholarships and bursaries make a big difference; some students couldn't afford to be here without them," she says. "If students get help with their tuition, then they can work less and spend more time focusing on their studies.

It's a message Jaeger is taking to the broader ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ campus in her role as co-Chair of this year's Supporting Our Students campaign. Since its inception in 2005, the annual fundraiser has seen more than 650 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty, staff and retirees contribute more than $1.5 million towards student scholarships and bursaries. And while it's an impressive dollar figure, Jaeger is determined to see it grow larger.

"I want to blow the other records out of the water," says Jaeger enthusiastically.

As Jaeger explains, donations need not be large to make an impact.

"All I want is five dollars a month from everyone on campus. That will be a lot of money in the end."

And while Jaeger encourages colleagues to give for the benefit of students, she also recognizes that the support ultimately has an added benefit for faculty and staff.

"If it wasn't for the students, none of us would be here," she says. "Supporting Our Students gives employees a way to support them. Here at the U of L, we really are part of a strong community where people take care of each other. We work as a great team and are doing a lot of great things by working together."

For more information about Supporting Our Students or to make a contribution, visit: www.uleth.ca/giving.

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.

UNews - www.uleth.ca/giving

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