UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement

Barbara and John Warren family create new student award

caroline.zentner — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 23:25:11 +0000

A passion for teaching led Barbara Warren to pursue an education degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as a mature student. After graduating in 1981, she enjoyed teaching in the city and now that she has retired, she wants to help other students find their passion.

Santosh Timsina is the first recipient of the Warren Family Bhutanese/Nepalese Entrance and Continuing Award.

Barbara and her husband, John, established the Warren Family Bhutanese/Nepalese Entrance and Continuing Award to provide one undergraduate student annually with $1,500 in financial assistance. A student who receives the award in his or her first year of studies is eligible to renew it for another three years. Candidates are nominated by the Canadian Bhutanese Society, a non-profit organization that works to preserve and enhance relationships between Bhutanese and the general community.

“My hope is that by supporting somebody with their education that maybe one day he or she will be in a position to do exactly the same thing,” says Barbara.

Santosh Timsina, a second-year student studying neuroscience, is the first recipient of the award.

Timsina was born to Bhutanese parents living in a refugee camp in Nepal after they were forced to leave Bhutan. He received basic schooling in the refugee camp. At age 15, Timsina and his family arrived in Lethbridge. He entered Grade 10 and began taking English as a Second Language classes. Timsina spent an additional year taking high school courses to ensure he could enter university to study neuroscience.

“I’m just so thankful for her support. It helps me out in so many different ways,” says Timsina. “It’s not only the financial support, it’s the encouragement and appreciation of what I’ve been doing. It’s an example of what I would like to do in the future.”

He has already built a foundation in giving back to his community. Knowing how difficult it is to learn English, Timsina offered to tutor his fellow Bhutanese students when he was in high school, something he has continued as a university student.

“My years at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ were such a joy and allowed me the benefit of education as a mature student. My teaching career gave me great pleasure as well. To be involved with a student such as Santosh seems perfect. He’s a young man with a vision, drive and great personality,” says Barbara.

The Warrens became involved with the local Bhutanese community when John started volunteering with Lethbridge Family Services – Immigrant Services in 2008.

“We became part of a family and experienced all kinds of traditional parties,” says Barbara. “I thought I’d really like to do something for the Bhutanese community because this fits in with our philosophies of teaching.”

“We enjoy the Bhutanese people because they work hard. They integrate into our society, getting jobs as soon as possible. Families living together and supporting each other are soon able to buy houses and cars,” says John.

The Warrens also have a history of giving back to the community. They established the Shooting Star Foundation, which supported the U of L library campaign.

Anyone interested in establishing a student award can contact ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582 or send an email to advancement@uleth.ca.

Open Mike - March 2013, Understanding and accepting the responsibility of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's role in the community

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:52:41 +0000

One of the words that often comes up when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is in conversation with our civic leaders is that of community.

The U of L plays an integral role in the Lethbridge community and it is not one I take lightly, rather it is at the heart of many of the things we do on a daily basis.

Just recently, we invited the Lethbridge community to come to us and experience the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge through Play Day. It was one way of giving back to the community as a whole and opening our doors to the public.

As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ looks ahead however, rather than only asking the community to come to us, we want to bring the U of L to the Lethbridge community. With the openings of the Penny Building and the new community arts centre, and subsequently a move of the U of L Music Conservatory downtown, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is excited to be a driving force in the vitalization of the downtown core.

The Penny Building is another example of how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ continues to further its links to the community of Lethbridge.

The Penny Building represents a new direction for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, as it brings several key elements of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to downtown Lethbridge. The Office of Alumni Relations, as well as members of the Development office within ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement, has relocated downtown.

As well, a new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ gift shop and gallery space have been constructed in the Penny, allowing an area for Fine Arts students to showcase their work to the general public.

The community arts centre promises to be an iconic representation of the artistic culture of Lethbridge, and it is only fitting that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is playing a major role in its development. By moving the Music Conservatory to the downtown area, the U of L is helping to give arts and culture a profile in this city that it has never before experienced.

Our esteemed researchers are also looking to create more community connections through the development of the inaugural Community/��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Research Exchange (CURE) event, to be held Mar. 22.

Designed to reduce barriers that might prevent collaboration between key business interests in the city and the U of L's research expertise, CURE promises to increase the community's accessibility to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's intellectual resources in a way that's never been done before.

One of the key points of discussion throughout the Strategic Plan consultation process was the theme of community and how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's contribution to Lethbridge is absolutely vital. This was further driven home during conversations with our Senate members, who expressed a great interest in furthering the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's role in helping to support and shape community initiatives.

To that end, I can foresee the new Strategic Plan formalizing a community engagement strategy much in the same way that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ developed a formal strategy for First Nations Métis and Inuit initiatives and is working on a similar venture regarding internationalization.

In this way, we are able to put to paper not only the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's commitment to continuing to be a vital member of the Lethbridge community, but we recognize viable strategies to bolster our community relations activities.

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

Future of Penny Building looks bright

trevor.kenney — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:23:46 +0000

It's taken a few years, but the redevelopment of the downtown Dr. James Foster Penny Building is coming along. Parts of the building are already accessible and the main floor is set to open in January 2013. A recent $800,000-renovation to Level 1 and sections of Level 2 has enhanced the building immensely.

Upon completion, the Alumni Relations office within ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement will move into its new home, complete with five offices and a meeting room. As well, a new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ gift shop will be created and the art gallery space updated, allowing Faculty of Fine Arts students a venue to showcase their work. The building's entrance will also be spruced up and the stairwell to the second floor is receiving a facelift.

An artist's conception of the lobby area inside the Penny Building.

The U of L Conservatory of Music is calling the second level of the Penny Building home until it moves into the new downtown Community Arts Centre in the spring of 2013.

Meanwhile, other areas of Level 2 continue to undergo construction, including a community meeting room, boardroom and upgrades to the washrooms and kitchen area.

The U of L Call Centre is also housed on the upper level of the building. It will continue to occupy the space part time throughout the year.

Renovations to the Penny Building have been ongoing since it was donated to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2007. Formerly a furniture store and a pool hall, the Penny Building has a long history in Lethbridge. Unfortunately, it wasn't in the greatest condition when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ took ownership, and with no set purpose for its use, construction to the building didn't get off to a roaring start.

The Project Management Office (PMO) first began work on the building to make it functional starting with the creation of gallery space for the Faculty of Fine Arts. However, there was a slight delay before the gallery could move in.

"We were doing the renovation for Fine Arts, but at the time, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery needed a home because their building was being renovated, says Project Manager Greg Lacey. "So we renovated the Penny Building for Fine Arts knowing that they wouldn't move in until after SAAG was done occupying the building."

In 2010, SAAG moved out and Fine Arts moved in, and soon after the PMO began an overhaul of the mechanical components throughout the building. Previously, each floor was broken into two zones, which offered little control of the heating and cooling systems among other mechanical operations.

"We did that for functionality of the space because we wanted to be able to mechanically zone the area to outfit anything we wanted to," says Lacey.

All renovations included the installation of energy efficient lighting and low voltage relays. A new hot water tank was also installed.

"We are using anything we can to make the building as energy efficient as possible," says Lacey.

Situated in downtown Lethbridge, the 2,862 gross sq. m. Penny Building not only presents more space for U of L programming, it is the perfect site for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to host events and further immerse itself into the community – part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's strategic plan to build relationships off campus.

"Right from the get-go, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ identified the building as a good place to have galas and other events," says Lacey, adding many events have already been held on the site.

Future phases of the building project have yet to be outlined, but it may include renovations to the bar, art gallery area, and storage space as well as new signage.

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

Scholarships provide boost

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:22:25 +0000

When Faculty of Arts & Science students need help planning their academic careers, they often find their way to Lesley Rode.

An academic advisor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for the past 13 years, Rode gets to know students well and has come to understand the struggles they face – inspiring her to provide help above and beyond her advising role.

Lesley Rode gets great satisfaction out of helping students achieve their academic goals.

Starting as an academic advisor at Lethbridge College, Rode made the move to the U of L in 1998. More and more of the students she worked with at Lethbridge College planned to transfer to the U of L, so coming here seemed like a natural progression for her. One of the draws to the U of L for Rode was the unique student experience offered here.

"I really like the fact that students at the U of L are able to work with professors through independent studies and other unique learning opportunities," says Rode. "I see this as a real key to students finding success."

Rode revels in the opportunity to work closely with students and see them progress as they move through their academic careers. She says she has no problem being their biggest cheerleader, especially for those who may be struggling to find their way.

"I am most proud when the students with the greatest challenges complete their programs," she says. "When the students do well it's very validating, and makes you feel as though your work is really worthwhile."

Just as Rode's advising is important to students, she recognizes how important student success is to faculty and staff.

"Without students we wouldn't be here," she says. "Taking part in the Supporting Our Students campaign is a way to remind students of their valuable place here and how much we appreciate they have chosen to get their education here."

For Rode, scholarships are essential to students being able to achieve their goals.

"When students receive scholarships it's a tremendous boost to them," she says. "My hope is that scholarships can one day be given to all students. The SOS campaign is a step towards that."

For more information on Supporting Our Students, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving or call ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582.

This story first appeared in the April 2012 issue of the Legend. To view the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Student support essential

trevor.kenney — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:33:36 +0000

Jan Newberry started teaching at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge with one simple goal – to change the world through education. Staying true to this goal, Newberry supports students in every way she can.

With a background that includes a small private college and large state-funded universities in the United States, Newberry describes the U of L as both fun and different. An anthropology professor at the U of L for the past 10 years, her research focuses primarily on Indonesia but covers a wide variety of areas ranging from theories of exchange and economy to the politics of childrearing, allowing her to share with students a multi-faceted anthropological experience.

Newberry is not interested in the "ivory tower" of academia. For her, it's much more fun to have students involved in her research.

"We often talk about how our research supports our teaching, but I find that my teaching also supports my research," she says. "Student responses to my ideas help me go back to my research in a different way."

Anthropology professor Dr. Jan Newberry sees supporting the SOS campaign as a natural choice.

Because of this interchange of ideas, supporting students is a priority for Newberry. More fundamentally, Newberry sees student support as essential because of their roles after graduation.

"I want to support students because they're going to go out and build the next world," she says. "The Supporting Our Students campaign helps me do that."

Supporting Our Students (SOS) is an annual fundraising campaign aimed towards faculty and staff on campus. Its purpose is to raise money for student awards. Since it launched in 2005, faculty and staff have generously donated more than $1 million to the campaign, sending a strong message to students that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community stands behind them.

Newberry emphasizes not only the importance of the campaign, but also how easy it is to show support.

"What most people don't realize is that you can do this in such a painless way," she says. "By having a small amount of money taken off my paycheque each month, I'm improving the lives of students. It couldn't be a more clear contribution to the institution, and one that is so very easy to do."

Supporting this campaign was a natural choice for Newberry.

"Money makes a difference," she says. "Sometimes the best thing we can do is give money to support something we think is important."

For more information on the Supporting Our Students campaign, please visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving or call ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582.

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

Lawson recognizes a need

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:32:59 +0000

Annual Supporting Our Students campaign launches Oct. 24-28

From student to staff member, Sharon Lawson (BEd '88) is no stranger to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. With a first-hand understanding of the U of L student experience, she has been supporting students since her first day on the job.

Lawson graduated from the U of L with a Bachelor of Education degree. After a few years of working in several different fields, she returned to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in 2009 as an administrative assistant in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

What Lawson enjoys most about her job are the people she works with.

"We have fantastic faculty and staff," she says. "I enjoy the team atmosphere here. Everyone works together and shows appreciation for each other."

While she is now a staff member, Lawson has not forgotten what it's like to be a student. She understands the challenges many students face and realizes she was lucky when she was in their shoes.

"I was able to live at home and rely on the 'Bank of Dad,'" she jokes. "I also received an entrance scholarship. Many students aren't so lucky."

Lawson has seen the cost of education rise a great deal since she was taking classes, leading many students to depend on student loans.

"Student debt is growing significantly," she says. "Anything I can do to help students start their careers with a little bit less debt and stress is a good thing. That's why I donate to the Supporting Our Students campaign."

Supporting Our Students (SOS) is an annual fundraising campaign aimed towards faculty and staff on campus. The purpose of the campaign is to raise money for student awards. Since its launch in 2005, faculty and staff have generously donated more than $1 million, sending a strong message to students that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community stands behind them.

Lawson emphasizes the impact of her giving.

"I find that often when giving to larger charities you don't see the impact right away," she says, "whereas my donation to this campaign is having a visible and immediate impact on students."

For more information on Supporting Our Students, please visit www.thisismyu.ca/giving-u-l or call ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582.

Recognizing a need

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:29:25 +0000

From student to staff member, Sharon Lawson (BEd '88) is no stranger to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. With a first-hand understanding of the
U of L student experience, she has been supporting students since her first day on the job.

What Lawson enjoys most about her job are the people she works with.

"We have fantastic faculty and staff," she says. "I enjoy the team atmosphere here. Everyone works together and shows appreciation for each other."

Staff member Sharon Lawson is thankful she had support while pursuing her educational goals.

While she is now a staff member, Lawson has not forgotten what it's like to be a student. She understands the challenges many students face and realizes she was lucky when she was in their shoes.

"I was able to live at home and rely on the 'Bank of Dad,'" she jokes. "I also received an entrance scholarship. Many students aren't so lucky."

Lawson has seen the cost of education rise a great deal since she was taking classes, leading many students to depend on student loans.

Lawson emphasizes the impact of her giving.

"I find that often when giving to larger charities you don't see the impact right away," she says, "whereas my donation to this campaign is having a visible and immediate impact on students."

For more information on Supporting Our Students, please visit www.thisismyu.ca/giving-u-l or call ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582.

Calendars signal start to United Way campaign

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:39:14 +0000

If I told you there was an opportunity to win money for 30 consecutive days in November, while supporting a worthy community organization in the process – for only $25 – you probably wouldn't believe it.

Cheesy sales pitch aside; the popular United Way Cash Calendars are now on sale.

The Cash Calendar initiative is half of a two-part campaign at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to raise money for the United Way. Many faculty and staff also choose to donate to the United Way through payroll deductions.

The Lethbridge United Way started in 1941 under the name "Community Chest" to support a variety of different charitable organizations within the Lethbridge area. That structure is still in place today with the United Way supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Lethbridge, the Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Family Services and a host of other worthwhile charities.

This is the seventh consecutive year the U of L has organized an annual United Way campaign. Since 2006 over $40,000 has been raised from payroll deductions with an additional $15,000 raised through the cash calendar initiative.

The Cash Calendar is a fun way to raise money for this worthy cause. Two draws for cash will be made daily of those who buy a calendar. The total prize money for the month of November will be $3,500, with an additional $4,000 going to the United Way.

Calendars are available for $25 each and can be purchased from the volunteers listed below.

Annette Bright, Bookstore; Diane Boyle, Information Technology; Naomi Cramer, CCBN; Shauna Haag, Facilities; Cathy Kanashiro, Faculty of Arts & Science; Doris Kostiuk, Library; Patrick Mack, Human Resources; Karen Mahar, Faculty of Fine Arts; Greg Martin, Printing; Carol Van Dyk, Faculty of Management; Kristine Wall, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement.

Along with my co-chair, Barb Erler, I hope that you will support the U of L's 2010 United Way Campaign.

SOS campaign full of optimism

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:44:03 +0000

Supporting Our Students (SOS) co-chairs Debi Sandul and Rob Wood are remaining positive despite the tough economic times. Drawing on the strong tradition of faculty and staff support at the U of L, these co-chairs are refusing to back down.

"We're all facing some level of economic uncertainty," acknowledges Wood, "but none more so than our students. This is not the time to hold back. This is the time to give more."

In their time on campus, both Sandul and Wood have seen the difficulties students face when pursuing a university education. They can also attest to the difference scholarships and bursaries make.

"Students should be focused on their studies instead of worrying about tuition, rent or groceries," says Sandul. "Students are the reason the rest of us are here, and we need to be a part of keeping them here. Your support allows students to focus on being students by alleviating some of the financial burden."

This year's campaign focuses on addressing the growing student need by educating faculty and staff on how they can make a difference in the lives of our students.

"I hope to lead by example," says Sandul who has been a part of SOS since it's inception five years ago. "I want to raise awareness and educate people on what we're doing and how they can help in a positive way."

"We've got a great team of volunteers this year as well," recognizes Wood. "This group includes representation from across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, including our campuses in Calgary and Edmonton. Each volunteer will be fostering momentum in his or her own department or unit and helping to build that team spirit that is so important to SOS."

Both Sandul and Wood emphasize that the success of this year's campaign will be measured by the number of donors who give, as well as by the dollars raised.

"The goal for this year's campaign is 300 contributions, but I would like to see many more than that," says Wood.

"I want people to understand that every little bit helps," explains Sandul. "The amount you choose to give is not nearly as important as your participation. If everyone on campus made just a small donation, we'd be able to do some amazing things."

Sandul, Wood and a team of SOS volunteers are out in full force and are asking for your support.

"I am perfectly happy to pester my colleagues for money," jokes Wood.

Consider yourselves warned.

For more information on how you can contribute to SOS 2010, please visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents or call ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582.

Communications survey available

trevor.kenney — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:16:18 +0000

The Communications leg of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement wants your input into the future of its print publications and the use of digital signage.

Is it time to go green and limit the use of print, is it time to take the Legend off the rack and put it solely online and are you getting what you need out of digital signage?

Take the UL Communications survey (just 10 questions) and be eligible to win an iPod shuffle.

This survey is open to all ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students, staff and faculty and is available by clicking on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VY27WPC

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