UNews - member of the board of directors

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)

Calgary Chapter continues to gain momentum

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:14:04 +0000

In 2008, two years after completing his management degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Brock Melnyk (BMgt '06), financial advisor for ATB Securities Inc., attended a golf tournament put on by the U of L Alumni Association Calgary Chapter, where he was promptly recruited to be a member of the board of directors.

He served as both a director and vice-president before taking on the role of president (he will complete his term in spring 2013), after which he plans to stay involved with the board and sit as past-president. During his tenure, Melnyk has witnessed a great amount of hard work and dedication from his fellow board members and he is grateful for the gains that the chapter has made in the last five years particularly with the annual golf tournament, which, Melnyk admits, is his baby.

Carolyn Seward, top left, with Liza Worthington and Steve Worthington, had a great time at the Calgary Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament.

"For our Calgary chapter, the annual Calgary Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament is our single fundraiser for the year. When I first joined the association almost five years ago, we were earning enough money to give out one $500 bursary each year. Since then, we have seen a great increase in the success of the tournament in terms of numbers of people participating, increased donations and increased corporate sponsorship," says Melnyk. "This latest tournament was the most successful so far; we raised $8,000 and had approximately 80 people in attendance. We were able to offer four $1,000 bursaries to students and have ensured that this contribution to student success is sustainable in the future."

Money raised at the golf tournament comes from raffle revenues and corporate donations. This year, for example, Calgary-based West Jet agreed to donate a flight for two to anywhere West Jet flies as a raffle prize. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames donated a Top Shelf Experience, which includes four premium tickets to a Flames game, signed jerseys, dinner and a chance to meet one of the players after the game.

"Jeff Wilson, our vice-president, has been instrumental in increasing our corporate sponsors. Thanks in large part to his hard work with the advancement committee, we have doubled our corporate network," says Melnyk. "Our legacy sponsors have written cheques to us every year since I started with the tournament in 2008. Their generosity, and that of our other sponsors, helps us continue our mission of enhancing the exposure and image of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and alumni in Calgary, while providing networking opportunities for new graduates and students."

Although the Calgary chapter is heading in the right direction, Melnyk believes they still have a lot of work to do as they continue to generate ideas and events that will support all alumni.

"This year, we are introducing our first child-friendly event," says Melnyk. "On Dec. 28 we have rented a suite at the Saddledome for the Lethbridge Hurricanes-Calgary Hitmen hockey game. We are hoping alumni bring their families and enjoy the game in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere, and we would love to have to rent additional suites to accommodate everyone!"

Every year, the Calgary chapter holds a reception at the Big Rock Brewery. It is an evening for alumni to relax, catch up on what is happening at the U of L and in Calgary and to get to know each other. This year the board has decided to hold its AGM at the Big Rock evening in late spring.

"This is always a very successful event," says Melnyk of the Big Rock reception. "Other than the golf tournament, this has the largest turnout, and it's a different demographic in attendance. We would really like to take advantage of how supportive our alumni are by coming out to Big Rock, and similarly, how supportive Big Rock is to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. The majority of our board members are from the Faculty of Management and we encourage alumni from all faculties to get involved so that we can meet the needs of all our current and future alumni."

Melnyk's motivation always comes back to his belief in giving back. It is a philosophy that he hopes all alumni will live by.

"My wife and I have just established scholarships at our high schools to help students pursue their dreams. Without that same kind of help, neither of us would be where we are today," explains Melnyk. "I encourage my fellow alumni to really think about what you have achieved and the help you have received along the way. Whether it is with your time or your chequebook, give back so that others can have those same opportunities."

GET THE FACTS

· Calgary Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament Legacy Sponsors include: LARC Resources, ATB Financial, BMO Nesbitt burns, CGA (Certified General Accountants), CMA (Certified Managerial Accountants) and Trafigura

· Tickets for the Hurricanes/Hitmen game are priced at $25 each, include a meal and can be purchased online by e-mailing uoflcalgaryalumni@uleth.ca or calling toll free 1-866-552-2582. You must RSVP by Dec. 20 and prepayment is required

· Melnyk also runs the annual ATB Brock Melnyk Invitational Golf Tournament, which is in its 10th year. It raised $10,000 for the Alberta Children's Hospital and the Edmonton Stollery Children's Hospital this past year

· Melnyk has been on the organizing committee for the United Way Day of Caring for the past 10 years, and this year he organized 120 bankers to paint 30 houses in one day for underprivileged seniors

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.

Student Speaker Challenge opens

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 23:00:59 +0000

The first head-to-head match-up of the 2011 Student Speaker Challenge takes place Tuesday, Jan. 18 in Students' Union Ballroom A, featuring a battle of intellectual heavyweights, Robbie Rolfe and Thomas Fox, as they debate, "What is global justice and how can it be achieved?"

The Student Speaker Challenge is in its third year and is presented in partnership by the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The format of the competition will see both Rolfe and Fox present a 15-minute thesis response to the global justice question, followed by an additional 15 minutes responding to questions and criticisms from the judges and audience members. A winner is then selected to advance to the next round. In total, eight speakers begin the challenge.

The judging panel consists of one ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student, one member of faculty, and one member of the Lethbridge community.

Rolfe is a double political science and economics major who recently completed his honors thesis in political science. He is a former president of the campus Model United Nations Club and a founding member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Fox is an environmental science major who is completing his honors thesis this semester. He is the president of both the campus Chess Club and Amnesty Club. He also is a member of the board of directors for both the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG) and the Lethbridge chapter of Amnesty International.

The rhetorical duel begins at 12:15 p.m. in SU Ballroom A.

Chancellor Davidson earns city honour

trevor.kenney — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:17:48 +0000

Over the course of his life, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge chancellor Richard Davidson has served the city of Lethbridge in a number of capacities, many from the volunteer perspective. So it was only fitting that the Rotary Club of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Herald recognized Davidson as the Lethbridge Citizen of the Year at a luncheon Monday afternoon.

"Clearly in his law practice, his work with the Chamber of Commerce, his work with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and his work with virtually every other volunteer organization you could imagine, this is one cool dude," says Lethbridge mayor elect Bob Tarleck, who also presented Davidson with a key to the city. "This is the highest honour we can bestow upon anyone and Richard is extremely deserving."

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor Richard Davidson and his wife Denise.

Born and raised in Lethbridge, Davidson earned both his bachelor and law degrees from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta. He was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1986 and is a partner at the law firm of Davidson & Williams, following in the footsteps of two previous generations of Davidson lawyers.

It is his service beyond his professional capacity however that has earned him the city's recognition.

"This tradition has grown in importance in the community because it's our opportunity to recognize people who have been tremendous builders in Lethbridge and southern Alberta," says Tarleck of the Citizen of the Year Award.

Lethbridge West MLA Greg Weadick says that Davidson's talent of bringing clarity to complicated discussions with divergent views is exceptional.

"He is always able to find that nut that you are looking for, that key element that brings it all together and it really is a unique talent he owns," says Weadick.

"He's one of those people that I can honestly say, when Richard comes to a meeting to speak, people stop and listen because he always has a well thought-out approach that people respect."

In 2000, Davidson was awarded the Law Society of Alberta Distinguished Service Award for Service to the Community.

He was an honouree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Management Scholarship Dinner in March 2002, and has received numerous community service awards, including the Commemoration Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada by the Governor General in 1992, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005.

Actively involved in the Lethbridge Bar Association and a current member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association, the K-40 Club of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Country Club, Davidson's community service is extensive. He has served numerous organizations as either president, chairman or as a member of the board of directors. These organizations include: Kinsmen Club of Lethbridge; The Lethbridge Community Foundation; Lethbridge Society for Meals on Wheels; the United Way of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta; the City of Lethbridge Economic Development Advisory Committee; the Small Business Development Centre Committee; Lethbridge & District Community Futures Board of Directors; the YWCA Advisory Board; the Kidney Foundation of Canada; the Lethbridge Regional Hospital Foundation; the Lethbridge Country Club; the YMCA of Lethbridge; and the Chinook Health Region.

Through it all, he has performed in a selfless and humble manner.

"I'm blown away by all of this. I can honestly say I've truly enjoyed the time I've spent in the various volunteer activities I've pursued," says Davidson. "I'm deeply honoured. I know the people who came before me and I could not be more honoured to have my name put forward with the previous year's recipients. I am greatly honoured and very humbled."

He follows in the footsteps of previous winners Val Matteotti (2006), Dr. Gerald Bowie (2007), Del Allen (2008) and Dr. Keith Robin (2009).

Chancellor Davidson named Citizen of the Year

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:12:55 +0000

It is his service beyond his professional capacity however that has earned him the city's recognition.

Lethbridge West MLA Greg Weadick says that Davidson's talent of bringing clarity to complicated discussions with divergent views is exceptional.

"He is always able to find that nut that you are looking for, that key element that brings it all together and it really is a unique talent he owns," says Weadick.

"He's one of those people that I can honestly say, when Richard comes to a meeting to speak, people stop and listen because he always has a well thought-out approach that people respect."

In 2000, Davidson was awarded the Law Society of Alberta Distinguished Service Award for Service to the Community.

Through it all, he has performed in a selfless and humble manner.

He follows in the footsteps of previous winners Val Matteotti (2006), Dr. Gerald Bowie (2007), Del Allen (2008) and Dr. Keith Robin (2009).

UNews - member of the board of directors

New ULAA president looks to further engage alumni

Related Topics

Calgary Chapter continues to gain momentum

Related Topics

Student Speaker Challenge opens

Related Topics

Chancellor Davidson earns city honour

Related Topics

Chancellor Davidson named Citizen of the Year

Related Topics