UNews - Faculty of Fine Arts

New Faculty of Fine Arts major to strengthen Alberta’s cultural and creative sectors

trevor.kenney — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:31:24 +0000

Southern Alberta is quickly becoming a hot spot for the film and media industry, garnering investments, job opportunities, and now, education for the growing cultural sector.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts is launching a new major in Cinema and Media Studies, a broad program that blends theory and history with hands-on studio courses to support interdisciplinary approaches to the study of visual culture and the moving image.

New Media Instructor Ryan Harper-Brown (right) instructs a student during a class.

“Students enrolled in the program will enjoy a highly distinctive approach to the study of moving image and media culture, both in terms of using and making media,” says Dr. Aaron Taylor, Professor of Cinema Studies.

The unique major will be offered as a Bachelor of Arts that has both core requirements and custom courses, allowing students to build a degree path tailored to their interests. Students in the major can enhance their creative practice, combining theoretical work with practical, applied opportunities in film and media, which prepares them for careers in the arts or further education in filmmaking.

Graduates of this program will play a key role in strengthening Alberta’s cultural and community sectors, bringing versatile skills in storytelling, media production and communication to support creative initiatives, organizations and community-building efforts across the region.

“Having a robust showing of media-savvy folk in southern Alberta shows how important we feel moving image industries are in the region,” says New Media Instructor Ryan Harper-Brown.

“We live in a media-rich world and having the tools to navigate it are a necessity. Our students and alumni are uniquely situated to take advantage of this landscape, and their flexible skill sets are extremely valuable when they enter the workforce. The rising number of productions coming to the region and the beautiful, untapped locations are ripe for more creative industries to move to the region.”

Students in the major will have access to top-of-the-line equipment and technology in the Faculty of Fine Arts and will gain skills in media analysis, communication and management. As a result, graduates of the Cinema and Media Studies program will be well positioned for careers across Alberta’s growing creative and cultural sectors, including opportunities in film and television, broadcasting, policy, research and arts administration, where labour market projections show increased job openings through 2028.

Taylor says the new major allows ULethbridge to make an impact within the larger discipline of media studies while staying true to its liberal education philosophy.

“Institutionally, ULethbridge is in an extremely fortunate position in that it has long fostered dynamic structural connections across academic units and programs that take advantage of natural existing synergies between disciplines,” says Taylor. “This new major incorporates offerings from a variety of pre-existing programs, connecting students from a range of academic cultures in a completely unique, and forward-thinking way.”

Applications for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies are anticipated to open in February for the Fall 2026 (September-December) term. Interested applicants can email finearts.admissions@uleth.ca for information on admissions.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Fine Arts’ Vibe Fest partners with Stringam Law

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:16:22 +0000

It’s a non-traditional pairing — exactly what Vibe Fest and Stringam Law aim to bring to the southern Alberta community in their respective missions.

In a move that celebrates Stringam Law’s strong community commitment, Stringam Law has entered a multi-year partnership with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Fine Arts, becoming the presenting sponsor for the Faculty’s innovative Vibe Fest event.

Lawyers at the Stringam Law Lethbridge office.

Vibe Fest is a contemporary, immersive celebration of artistic excellence at ULethbridge. Showcasing the creative work of students, alumni and faculty, Vibe Fest transforms fine arts spaces into vibrant, interactive art experiences that are open, inclusive and free to the public.

“Vibe Fest made a significant impression on our students and in the southern Alberta community and highlighted the importance of arts-based education,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “We’re thrilled to have Stringam Law affirm this, and with their support, ensure Vibe Fest remains an accessible, innovative and impactful event.”

Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 1,500 people visit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts (UCA), wandering through art-filled hallways, taking in creative showcases and exploring all the spaces, places and technology that make the Faculty of Fine Arts a leading place for arts-based education.

Stringam Law is a regional law firm driven to provide a competitive edge in the increasingly complex and interconnected provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Stringam’s pillars of community engagement include post-secondary schools and the arts, a perfect match for their commitment to supporting community culture and students.

“This is a key priority for Stringam, as many of our lawyers are graduates of ULethbridge and we have a deep connection with the institution,” says Holt Humphrey, vice-president of business development with Stringam Law.

“The arts in general are under-supported, but they provide immense value to communities. Seeing and experiencing the thriving arts community in Lethbridge affirms our commitment to the arts and makes me proud of the direction we take with our community engagement.”

Humphrey says he learned about Vibe Fest from friends, who noted that the exhilarating event matched Stringam Law’s philanthropic philosophy.

More than an event, Vibe Fest builds community connections, celebrates creative innovation and advocates for the value of arts education by bringing people directly into the world of contemporary artmaking.

From engaging performances to experimental installations, audiences can explore the full spectrum of emerging art practices across disciplines through Vibe Fest. With the support of Stringam, Vibe Fest will continue to ignite curiosity in young artists, families and first-time arts visitors for years to come.

“We’re very much looking forward to supporting and attending such a unique cultural event. I’m thrilled to see what’s being created and to join in the energy that comes from Vibe Fest. It’s great for us to come onboard at such an early stage — watching new events grow and gain success is exceptionally exciting,” adds Humphrey.

Next year’s Vibe Fest will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. in the UCA.

ULethbridge invites business leaders and community members to join Stringam Law in supporting Vibe Fest. Connect with James Phelan, philanthropy advisor, External Relations, to explore sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved. Sponsorship information is available at go.uleth.ca/vibe.

“Brainstorm” documentary wins Rosie Award

caroline.zentner — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:40:55 +0000

Brainstorm, the documentary film created and directed by Dr. Jenna Bailey, an adjunct professor of history and senior researcher with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Centre for Oral History and Tradition, won a Rosie at the Alberta Film & Television Awards ceremony on Oct. 25.

“I’m deeply honoured that Brainstorm has received the Rosie Award for Best Educational Production,” says Bailey. “This film was created to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. Bryan Kolb and Dr. Ian Whishaw, whose groundbreaking research in neuroscience has shaped how we understand the human brain.”

The team behind the production includes co-producer Dr. Edgar Bermudez Contreras, adjunct professor at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN), and editor Bryn Hewko (MFA - New Media '16), assistant professor of new media.

The 42-minute film delves into the history behind the establishment of the CCBN and its growth through the efforts of Kolb, Wishaw, Dr. Robert Sutherland and Dr. Robbin Gibb. The research results produced by CCBN scientists have provided insight into Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and early brain development, to name a few. As a result, prevention strategies for brain disorders and programs to improve brain health have been developed. Community programs have sprouted from their findings and have been key to launching such programs as Building Brains Together and the Early Years program through the Martin Family Initiative.

“It’s been a privilege to share their story with audiences and to highlight the incredible work happening right here in Lethbridge,” says Bailey. “This recognition is a tribute to our entire team and to the power of film as a way to inspire curiosity, learning and pride in our scientific and local heritage.”

The film had its Lethbridge premiere nearly a year ago to a sold-out crowd at the Yates Theatre. Since then, Brainstorm has been picked up by Amazon Prime in the United States and the United Kingdom and by Roku in the US.

The film has also been selected for several film festivals. The documentary was an Official Selection at the SCINEMA International Science Film Festival (Australia) and aired as a part of National Science Week in Australia, a semifinalist at the Raw Science Film Festival (USA), the Iris Global Health Film Festival (USA) and the USA Film Festival. In addition, Brainstorm was a nominee for the Best Science/Nature/Technology Doc at the Yorkton Film Festival (Saskatchewan).

Brainstorm was produced with the support of TELUS STORYHIVE and has been released on Telus Optik TV Channel 9. Additional funding was generously provided by the Alberta Medical Association, Government of Alberta, Alberta Media Fund, CCBN, Centre for Oral History and Tradition (COHT) and the Historical Society of Alberta.

Bailey’s next project focuses on the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the history of classical music making in southern Alberta. Learn more at www.baileyandsoda.com.

New ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Canada Research Chairs at forefront of critical studies

caroline.zentner — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:35:05 +0000

Dr. Alex Tetarenko, an astrophysicist in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, has been named a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Black Hole Astrophysics, and Dr. Amy Mack (BA ’13, MA ’16), assistant professor in the Department of New Media, has been named a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Digital Extremism.

The recent announcement by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, was part of $690 million invested in science and research funding across Canada. Of that amount, $198 million will support 259 new and renewed CRCs like Tetarenko and Mack.

In addition to being named Canada Research Chairs, the pair will also receive funding for infrastructure through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

“This recognition reflects the high calibre of research taking place at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president research. “These Canada Research Chair appointments honour the achievements of Dr. Tetarenko and Dr. Mack and illustrate ULethbridge’s commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in a broad range of fields from astrophysics to new media.”

Dr. Alex Tetarenko studies the physics of black holes.

Tetarenko is an internationally recognized researcher in high-energy astrophysics. She has built her research program by using innovative methodologies to investigate black holes.

“My research focuses on developing creative new ways to study jets of material launched from stellar-mass black holes in our galaxy and extract vital new information about black-hole physics,” says Tetarenko. “This program will further enhance the growth of the Canadian astronomy talent pool by training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates, and have a wide-reaching impact in Canada and internationally.”

Tetarenko will receive $71,233 from the JELF for high-performance computing resources needed for her research lab.

Dr. Amy Mack investigates anti-democratic movements.

Mack, an internationally recognized researcher, speaker and writer in critical far-right studies and anthropology, uses an anti-fascist framework to research reactionary, anti-democratic movements. She leads several national research projects focused on the relationship between social media, disinformation and extremism. These projects explore how hate-based ideologies circulate online and manifest offine. She works closely with federal and municipal governments, frontline practitioners and communities to support efforts to counter hate, bias and extremism in southern Alberta. Her Countering Digital Extremism Lab, which provides research and skill-building opportunities for students and faculty, translates this academic knowledge into public-facing outputs that use new media technologies like podcasts, documentaries and social media campaigns.

“In an era of democratic backsliding and rising authoritarianism, we need to ensure that academic knowledge about the far right and other reactionary, anti-democratic movements is used effectively by stakeholders to disrupt radicalization and promote trust and social cohesion in our communities. This needs to be a whole-of-society approach that includes policy makers, tech companies, practitioners, educators, community advocates and the public,” says Mack.

Mack will receive $123,435 through JELF to set up her research lab.

Discover how governments have used art as a means of diplomacy at opening PUBlic Professor series talk

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:32:43 +0000

Visiting an art gallery or museum can be awe-inspiring and educational, but did you ever expect it could also be political?

Dr. Anne Dymond, art historian and Chair of the Department of Art at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, will explore the mobilization of Canada’s art and museums for political purposes during the first PUBlic Professor Series lecture of the 2025-26 season on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Galt Museum & Archives. A presentation for Calgary audiences has also been scheduled Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at the Esker Foundation.

Art historian Dr. Anne Dymond will present talks in both Lethbridge and Calgary.

Dymond’s talk, From a Communist Doctor to Madonna’s Cone Bra: Museums and Cultural Diplomacy in Troubled Times, will examine how governments have used art as a means of diplomacy, acting as a bridge that connects nations across challenging divides.

“Of course, museums are for displaying and preserving our cultural heritage, but they’ve also always been political tools for the governments that fund them,” says Dymond. “In this talk I’m going to look at Canada’s use of art and art exhibitions to forge an international identity, particularly in the 1970s when the country was taking a new place on the world stage.”

Dymond notes that Canada was one of the world’s first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1970, and art exhibitions between the two nations played a big role in bridging cultural and political divides.

“From Inuit prints to the creation of new museums, Canada was very active in using cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power,” she says. “More recently the federal government has pulled back from supporting this type of cultural diplomacy, but certain provincial governments have stepped up and, in particular, Quebec has been promoting a Francophone identity abroad by using art and art exhibitions.”

Dymond is a dedicated teacher who has been a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors Teaching Chair and has served on the Board of Governors. Her ongoing work supporting refugees garnered her both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Senate Volunteer Award and the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award. Her book, Diversity Counts: Gender, Race, and Representation in Canadian Art Galleries, is the first large-scale quantitative assessment of gender and ethnicity in Canadian art galleries and was described as “a path-breaking study and an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the contemporary art scene in Canada.”

The annual PUBlic Professor Series lectures spark thought-provoking discussions on the most relevant topics of the day, bringing together a diverse group of experts and researchers from across campus and into the community. Every talk is free of charge. For a look at the full series, visit ulethbridge.ca/research/public-professor.

2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series

From a Communist Doctor to Madonna’s Cone Bra: Museums and Cultural Diplomacy in Troubled Times — Dr. Anne Dymond, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 — Galt Museum & Archives

Cockwombles, Cornucopias and the Curious Task of Economics — Dr. Danny Le Roy, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 — Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre

Has AI Made Teachers Obsolete? — Dr. Richelle Marynowski — Thursday, November 27, 2025 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Playing Telephone with Eyewitness Evidence — Dr. Jamal Mansour, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 — The Owl Acoustic Lounge

Indigenous Childhood Stories Transform Worlds – Want Some? — Dr. Don McIntyre, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Legalized Gambling in Canada: Winners and Losers — Dr. Robert Williams — Thursday, March 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Unique research collaboration sees fine arts summer class support neuroscience project

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:33:57 +0000

Instead of preparing for the stage, students in drama instructor Dave Smith’s summer class are practicing for brain health research in an innovative research collaboration between the fine arts and the sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Smith’s course, Theatre for Scientific Purposes, is a hands-on class that has fine arts students writing, designing and executing structured scenes in support of Dr. Chelsea Ekstrand’s (neuroscience) research project.

Fine arts students run through a scene that will be viewed by study participants.

“What’s really cool about this class is we have students with all different focuses enrolled,” says Smith. “Some are designers/technicians, some are performers/directors but all of them are contributing to the project in every capacity. They come ready to work, and really show their dedication to the class, and more importantly, to the project.”

Ekstrand is studying how memories are formed and the processes used to retrieve memories in real-world environments. She received a $100,000 Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research grant in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support her work.

“This collaboration is an exciting step into a new kind of research, one where science and storytelling come together, and where we study the brain not in isolation, but in the richness of real life,” says Ekstrand. “By working together, we’re making the science feel more grounded, more powerful, and more deeply connected to what it means to be human.”

The goal of Ekstrand’s work is to better understand the neural processes behind memory formation in both healthy older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that frequently precedes dementia.

Study participants wear body cameras to capture scenes played by drama students in Smith’s course. Participants then recall the scenes while in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine to compare brain activity during real-life experiences with passive viewing of the same scenes on a screen.

“If we really want to understand how people think, remember and connect, we need to move beyond the lab and into the kinds of everyday experiences that actually shape our lives,” says Ekstrand. “Working with the artists in this class has been a powerful reminder that human experience is more than what we can quantify. They bring emotional insight, nuance and a sense of narrative that challenges me to think differently about how we study memory and connection. For the students, I think it’s a rare opportunity to step into the world of science while using their creativity to create scenes that are both emotionally rich and scientifically rigorous.”

For multidisciplinary student Danica Sommer, contributing to leading-edge research and expanding the ways theatre can be utilized is something in which she feels lucky to contribute.

“This course has put me in a unique professional context that is both challenging and rewarding. Working as a team, being flexible and delivering results under a time crunch are experiences both theatre professionals and scientific researchers are familiar with.”

Smith adds that theatre and drama programs tend to be more cross-disciplinary than commonly thought.

“The number of students who leave our drama program and get jobs in all kinds of positions not just pertaining to theatre is remarkable,” he says. “Having courses like this help to articulate the need for creative minds to mix with analytical minds.”

Neuroscience student Zeth Stewart is bridging the educational gaps between art and science and bringing depth and meaning to the scientific method.

“We can’t forget that the arts are a fundamental part of life. This course brought those personal, lived experiences into the conversation in a meaningful way, while still grounding the discussion in the scientific method,” Stewart says. “As a student with a passion for both understanding human behaviour and theatrically expressing it, this class was a wonderful blend of empirical analysis and the subjective experience.”

“Collaborations like this spark the kind of innovation that just wouldn’t happen if we stayed in our separate lanes,” concludes Ekstrand. “It pushes us all, students and faculty alike, to get a little uncomfortable, take risks and discover new ways of thinking and creating.”

Once Ekstrand’s research has concluded, she anticipates sharing her results in scientific journals, presenting at research conferences and developing community resources to share with the public.

This research collaboration is an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Challenge Boundaries and Inspire Curiosity. In teaching and learning, ULethbridge takes a liberal education approach that fosters valuable interdisciplinary exchanges, connections and discoveries.

This project has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Vibe Fest returning in 2026, planning underway for popular event

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:15:11 +0000

After an extraordinary community response to Vibe Fest 2025, the Faculty of Fine Arts at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is pleased to announce that Vibe Fest will be returning April 18, 2026. Community members will once again be invited to enjoy an all-access, premiere showcase of student, faculty, staff and alumni talent and creativity.

Vibe Fest 2025 was a hit with the southern Alberta community.

The 2025 event was a resounding success, where 1,600 community members, friends and family made their way through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts building, wandering through art-filled hallways, touring scarcely-seen spaces and immersing themselves in live music and soundscapes. Next year, Vibe Fest hours will be extended to give attendees a chance to take in all the sights, sounds, bites and activities.

“The success of Vibe Fest highlights how the Faculty of Fine Arts contributes to the arts ecosystem of Lethbridge and southern Alberta, and how much our community supports our students and alumni,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “We are excited to continue growing Vibe Fest as an outstanding celebration that connects students and alumni to the arts communities and affirms the important role that arts education plays in society.”

Vibe Fest 2026 will showcase exhibits, performances and works from all areas of the fine arts, including the Departments of Art, Drama, Music and New Media. Vibe Fest 2026 will again feature the local artisan market, which connects local makers and attendees, as well as activities for participants of all ages, snacks and refreshments.

Applications for the artisan market and project proposals from ULethbridge artists are now being accepted on the Faculty of Fine Arts website at go.uleth.ca/vibe.

Also making a return in 2026 is the Faculty’s signature fundraising dinner, Abbondànza. A beloved celebration of artistic excellence and community generosity, Abbondànza broke fundraising records this year to raise $120,000, thanks to matching support from the ULethbridge Board of Governors. The funds raised will create several new awards for experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for students. In 2026, Abbondànza will be held on the evening of April 17 to allow attendees to fully participate in both Abbondànza and Vibe Fest.

Sponsorships are available at all levels for community organizations and philanthropists to support these events. Contact ULethbridge External Relations for more information.

ULethbridge PhD student Michelle Sylvestre named Trudeau Foundation Scholar for groundbreaking AI and equity research

trevor.kenney — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:18:46 +0000

Michelle Sylvestre (BFA – Art ’17, MFA – New Media ’21), a PhD student in the cultural, social and political thought program, has been selected as a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar — the first doctoral student from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to receive this prestigious recognition.

Sylvestre’s research, Intersecting Biases: Exploring Gender and Indigenous Representation in Artificial Intelligence to Promote Equity and Inclusion for Historically Underrepresented Communities in Canada, examines how AI systems reflect and reproduce systemic inequities. Drawing on a research-creation framework, she blends critical inquiry with artistic practice to explore the social impacts of emerging technologies and envisions more inclusive digital futures grounded in care, accountability and community engagement.

Michelle Sylvestre’s creative work spans traditional and digital media.

“This scholarship is an amazing opportunity for advancing inclusive technologies through creative, community-engaged research, guided by my work as a Researcher-in-Residence with the Niitsitapi Pod at CIART (Centre for Indigenous Art, Research, and Technology),” says Sylvestre.

Sylvestre is one of only 16 graduate students from a national pool of 686 applicants to receive the award, which provides up to $210,000 over three years, supporting tuition and research-related expenses, as well as access to a national network of interdisciplinary scholars and mentors.

A multidisciplinary artist and sessional instructor in the Faculty of Fine Arts Department of New Media at ULethbridge, Sylvestre’s creative work spans traditional and digital media, with a focus on the intersection of technology, craft and identity.

“My project examines the colonial and patriarchal biases within artificial intelligence (AI) large language models. Using a research-creation framework, I aim to critique AI while imagining futures built on a foundation of care, inclusion and accountability,” she says.

“This is an exceptional achievement for Michelle and the Faculty of Fine Arts,” says Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “Michelle has demonstrated excellence throughout her academic career — as an undergraduate, a master’s student, and now as a doctoral candidate. Her work exemplifies how rigorous research and creative practice can come together to address some of the most urgent social questions of our time.”

Dr. Jackie Rice, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, emphasizes that Sylvestre’s selection reflects both the strength of her research and the high level of support she is receiving as a doctoral student at ULethbridge.

“With more than 680 highly qualified applicants to this program and a rigorous selection process including in-person interviews, we are extremely proud that the Foundation recognized the excellent work that Michelle is carrying out and is providing funding that will help amplify the impact of her work,” says Rice. “We look forward to continuing to support her in her doctoral studies and are excited to see where this work takes her.”

As a Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholar, Sylvestre joins a national network of outstanding researchers committed to advancing equity and social justice through their work. The Foundation, established in 2001 as a tribute to the former prime minister, supports the advancement of outstanding, cutting-edge doctoral research that will have meaningful impacts in our communities, institutions and beyond.

“Becoming a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation scholar is an exciting opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and to build lasting relationships with changemakers across Canada,” says Sylvestre.

Helping students thrive from day one, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ names Dr. Aaron Taylor Board of Governors Teaching Chair

trevor.kenney — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:14:08 +0000

Drama professor Dr. Aaron Taylor is advancing student success by developing resilience, executive functioning and essential skills like time management and communication in new and first-year students. His efforts have led to him being named the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s 2025 Board of Governors Teaching Chair.

Known for his dynamic teaching style and commitment to critical dialogue, Taylor builds inclusive, collaborative learning environments that help students find success from the beginning of their academic journey.

The Board of Governors Teaching Chair recognizes teaching excellence and the scholarship of teaching and learning at ULethbridge. Taylor will be recognized at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony III, on, May 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

Dr. Aaron Taylor

Taking a nuanced approach to student growth and resiliency, Department of Drama Professor Dr. Aaron Taylor deeply understands the challenges faced by students and the need to support them beyond classroom learning. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and critically rigorous pedagogy, Taylor is ensuring students are prepared to excel in post-secondary environments and in their later careers from the moment they step foot on campus.

Taylor is a cinema and media studies scholar who focuses on screen acting, cognitive film theory and transmedia relations between film and comics. Since joining the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2007, Taylor has built a reputable pedagogy that distinguishes him as a standout professor and mentor. He received a Teaching Fellowship in 2017 and was recognized as a Tier 2 Board of Governors Research Chair in 2019, his teaching methods focused on creating an environment of critical conversation, openness and dialogue.

Lauded by students and peers for his dynamic and engaging teaching style, Taylor strives to facilitate learning through open environments and conversations where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and making thoughtful and well-reasoned judgments in their work. Taylor meticulously designs his courses to encourage collaboration and move students from routine memorization to truly understanding and transforming what they learn.

With a long history of making significant and meaningful contributions to the culture of teaching excellence, Taylor’s ability to appeal to a diverse range of students creates safe, positive and enjoyable learning experiences for many.

Taylor often serves as students’ first instructor in post-secondary education, frequently teaching large introductory courses. Through this role, he has gained insight into the challenges new students face and has identified a need to build resilience and executive function skills. In a post-secondary setting, resilience refers to the ability to adapt to and overcome academic and social setbacks.

Recognizing a lack of essential skills like time management, self-confidence and communication in new and first-year university students, Taylor aims to systematically cultivate resilience in first-year students to help them succeed and flourish. Inspired by the StartSmart program at ULethbridge, which identifies opportunities for growth and institutional assistance in first-year students, Taylor hopes to support students’ growth in demanding learning environments.

Taylor proposes to explore multiple strategies during his Board of Governors Teaching Chair project — from creating an interdisciplinary working group to identifying core executive function skills to integrate into foundational courses, to developing a post-secondary transition program that builds upon and synthesizes existing transitional programs at ULethbridge, such as the Indigenous Student Success Certificate, the Early Start Experience, StartSmart and the Global Citizenship Cohort.

Abbondànza returns, generating record fundraising effort in support of student endowment

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:57:12 +0000

A record-setting fundraising effort that will shape the creative and career development of the next generation of artists is the legacy of the Abbondànza endowment and the return of the long-running fundraising dinner for 2025.

This year, Abbondànza (Italian for abundance) took on a fresh approach and tied its celebrations to the inaugural Vibe Fest, an all-access community event that opened the doors of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts to the public to showcase the creative talents of Fine Arts students, alumni and employees. The result was a record $70,000 raised for the endowment, with attendees and sponsors contributing before and during the festivities. The Board of Governors will match all net proceeds of the event, doubling the funds dedicated to supporting experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for Fine Arts students.

Drama students captivated the audience with an electric, David Bowie-inspired performance.

“Abbondànza unites those who believe in the arts and in arts education, and this year, we’re continuing that legacy by creating new awards in the endowment for experiential learning — such as internships, artist residencies and practicums — offering our students hands-on, real-world experiences,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Faculty of Fine Arts dean.

“These experiences help our students gain confidence, build professional networks and transition from the classroom to careers in the cultural sector, further shaping their futures and engaging our communities through creative partnerships.”

The Faculty’s long-running fundraising dinner, Abbondànza has raised more than $1.75 million to create 155 scholarships for new and continuing Fine Arts students. For over 20 years, Abbondànza has brought conga lines, sing-alongs, serenading chefs, performances, auctions and more in a celebration of creativity, community and generosity.

For former students like Nicole Wilkinson (BFA - Art ’18), receiving an Abbondànza Award allowed her to explore her studies deeper and put herself on the right educational path.

“The Abbondànza Award made me feel recognized and seen for my hard work and it gave me the chance to pursue an internship at the Galt Museum & Archives. That internship turned out to be a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just an opportunity to learn — it was where I found my calling,” says Wilkinson.

“Supporting Fine Arts students creates possibilities far beyond the classroom. It fosters creativity, critical thinking and passion — qualities that shape our communities. Today, I’m fortunate to be working as a Curatorial Assistant with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Museums, continuing the work I started at the Galt Museum. Everything I learned there has been foundational to what I do now, and I carry it with me every day.”

Performances at Abbondànza included a curated showcase of works from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Art Collection, a fashion show with student-designed and created costumes for Mainstage productions and a performance from renowned members of the Music department.

“Having Abbondànza nested within Vibe Fest allows us to bring world-class talent to the forefront,” adds Davis-Fisch. “Vibe Fest highlights the diverse talents of our students, employees and alumni, and strengthens the bond between the Faculty and the broader community. It’s an event that connects us all in celebration of the transformative power of the arts.”

To contribute to the Abbondànza endowment, visit the giving web page.

The Abbondànza fundraising dinner and Vibe Fest are an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Engage Communities. We proudly engage as a vibrant and present partner as we aim to generate knowledge and build capacity, foster mutual growth, address shared challenges and create pathways for communities to thrive.

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