UNews - Manwar Khan

Alumnus Khan earns Top-40-Under-40 honour for advocacy work

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 17:49:36 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc ’07) has been named to Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 list of the most influential young leaders in Edmonton.

Khan, a Government of Alberta employee, has been an active community advocate against violence and bullying since witnessing and intervening to stop a deadly attack against a fellow commuter on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012. He is leading a movement in Alberta as an anti-bullying activist to create awareness against bullying and to encourage people not to be bystanders when they see such type of incidents taking place.

His anti-bullying campaign, Do Not Be A Bystander, has hosted more than 15 rallies in cities across the Alberta, garnering support from the mayors of Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge.

“I share this award with my family, friends and all the people who are making positive differences in Albertans’ lives,” says Khan.

Sponsored by Global Edmonton, the Avenua Magazine Top 40 under 40 - 2016 award presentation ceremony was held on November 1, 2016, at Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton.

The full text of Khan's citation can be found in Avenue Magazine.

Alumnus Manwar Khan continues to empower people to put a halt to bullying and violence

trevor.kenney — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 21:02:53 +0000

Edmonton-based activist and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc ’07), a father of twins, is holding a Candlelight Vigil in Edmonton at the Alberta Legislature Building Steps as he continues to campaign across the province against bullying and violence.

Kahn established his first anti-bullying rally in 2013.

“We will be gathering in front of the Legislature to show our support for every known and unknown victim of bullying and violence in Alberta,” says Khan, who witnessed a violent attack on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012. It led to the death of one man and the incarceration of another.

Khan invites everyone to gather at the legislature on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. to rally in support of those who have been affected by violence and bullying. He is also asking people who are not able to attend the rally to leave their porch lights on from 7 to 9 p.m. to show their support for the stand against violence and bullying.

Khan established a series of anti-bullying rallies in 2013 and has been holding annual events in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Airdrie ever since. He has vowed to continue to represent victims of bullying and to try and stem the onset of violence so that it does not persist in society.

“I believe firmly that it is a matter of great importance to teach our children that bullying is simply not acceptable in our society if we are to achieve safety and happiness for all,” he says. “To stop bullying and violence in our community we must stand together and support each other. Each and every one of us can make a difference and show that bullying and violence will not be tolerated in Alberta.”

Speakers at the Do Not Be a Bystander rally include teachers, students and community leaders.

Alumnus Khan to lead Edmonton rally against bullying and violence

trevor.kenney — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:21:31 +0000

Edmonton-based activist and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc ’07), a father of twins, is holding a Candlelight Vigil Saturday, September 26, 2015 in Edmonton at the Alberta Legislature steps as he continues to campaign across the province against bullying and violence.

"We will be gathering in front of the Alberta Legislature steps to show our support for every known and unknown victim of bullying and violence in Alberta," says Khan, who witnessed a violent attack on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012. It led to the death of one man and the incarceration of another.

Khan invites everyone to gather at the Alberta Legislature steps at 7 p.m. to rally in support of those who have been affected by violence and bullying. He is also asking people who are not able to attend the rally to leave their porch lights on from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 26 to show their support for those affected by violence and bullying.

Khan established a series of annual anti-bullying rallies in 2013, holding events in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Airdrie. He has vowed to continue to represent victims of bullying and to try and stem the onset of violence so that it does not persist in society.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge associate professor of management Dr. Robbin Derry, who works out of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Edmonton campus, has been supportive of Khan's awareness campaign.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is proud to stand with Manwar Khan against bullying," she says. "Thanks to Manwar's leadership on this issue, we are raising awareness of effective strategies to resist and defeat bullying. Join us at the vigil to express your active support."

Speakers at the Do Not Be a Bystander rally include teachers, students and community leaders.

Alumnus Khan continues to crusade against bullying and violence

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:11:18 +0000

Edmonton-based activist and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc ’07), a father of twins, is holding a rally in Calgary at the Calgary City Hall as he continues to campaign across the province against bullying and violence.

“We will be gathering in front of City Hall to show our support for every known and unknown victim of bullying and violence in Alberta,” says Khan, who witnessed a violent attack on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012. It led to the death of one man and the incarceration of another.

Khan invites everyone to gather at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. to rally in support of those who have been affected by violence and bullying. He is also asking people who are not able to attend the rally to leave their porch lights on from 6 to 7 p.m. on August 15, 2015 to show their support for the stand against violence and bullying.

Khan established a series of anti-bullying rallies in 2013 and 2014, holding events in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Airdrie. He has vowed to continue to represent victims of bullying and to try and stem the onset of violence so that it does not persist in society.

Speakers at the Do Not Be a Bystander rally include teachers, students and community leaders.

Keynote speakers at the 2015 Do Not Be a Bystander Anti-Bullying Rally

Irfan Sabir – Minister for Alberta Human Servcies
Cam Stewart – Federal Liberal Candidate – Calgary Forest Lawn
Dr. Brendan Miles – Liberal Party of Canada candidate – Calgary Heritage
Janet Keeping – Green Party of Alberta
Bob Hawkesworth – Former MLA and alderman
Jonathan Denis – Former Attorney General
Robyn Luff – NDP MLA – Calgary East
Michael Connolly – NDP MLA – Calgary Hawkwood
Brian Malkinson – NDP MLA – Calgary Currie
Brandy Payne – NDP MLA – Calgary Acadia
Anam Kazim – NDP MLA – Calgary Glenmore
Graham Sucha – NDP MLA – Calgary Shaw
Allison Wemyss – Community Leader
Kent Hehr – Liberal Party of Canada – Calgary Center
Judson Hansell – Federal Green Party candidate – Calgary Forest Lawn
Ali Bin Zahid – Liberal Party of Canada candidate – Calgary Foothills
Ala Buzreba – Liberal Party of Canada candidate – Calgary Nosehill
Arti Modgill – ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary
Jerome James – Liberal Party of Canada candidate – Calgary Shepard
Julie Hrdlicka – CBE Trustee Wards 11 & 13
Levi Nilson – Student Union President, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary
Austin Leitch – B.Com Student Leader – MacEwan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ
Dane Robert – ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge
Christine Cusanelli – Former MLA
Terry Lo – Community activist
Myra D’Souza – Passionate candidate for the NDP nomination – Calgary Forest Lawn

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ announces distinguished group of inductees for Alumni Honour Society

trevor.kenney — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 16:42:23 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association is pleased to announce its 2015 Alumni Honour Society inductees.

A total of five distinguished alumni are being inducted this year, representing the fine arts, architecture, nursing education, public service and athletics.

Introduced in honour of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 35th Anniversary in 2002, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association established the Alumni Honour Society to recognize the achievements of a select group of alumni each year. The individuals honoured serve as role models through success in their vocation, outstanding community service or superior accomplishment in their avocation.

Like those before them, the 2015 inductees are outstanding examples of U of L alumni. Each of the individuals being honoured used the knowledge they gained at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to achieve their personal and professional goals, and through these achievements has left a lasting impact on the people, organizations and communities with which they are involved.

The group will be inducted into the Alumni Honour Society at the Spring Alumni Celebration, May 27, 2015.

2015 Alumni Honour Society Inductees

David Barrus, BA ’09, MFA ’13

David Barrus

David Barrus is a passionate supporter of the arts whose work has had a significant impact on the southern Alberta creative community. Throughout more than 20 years in theatre, Barrus has demonstrated an enthusiasm both in front of audiences as a skilled performer and behind the scenes as an innovative set and costume designer. Recognized nationally and internationally, Barrus shares his knowledge and experience with young performers as part of the Chinook Performing Arts program at Chinook High School. His work is integral to local theatre at the professional, semi-professional, educational and community levels, and has helped enhance the arts in our community.

Alvin Fritz, BASc (BA) ’80

Alvin Fritz

After graduating from the U of L, Alvin Fritz obtained a bachelor of architecture from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia, receiving the RAIC Gold Medal for the highest standard in his class as well as a DAAD scholarship to pursue post-graduate studies at the Technical ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Munich. He later returned to Lethbridge, becoming principal architect of his own firm. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Fritz has donated countless hours to charitable organizations throughout the community. He has organized and led 10 mission teams in building homes for the less fortunate in Mexico, and has also led projects closer to home, including in Stand Off, Alta.

Ruth Grant Kalischuk, BN ’85, MEd ’92

Ruth Grant Kalischuk

Ruth Grant Kalischuk is a well-respected leader in nursing education in Alberta. After completing her nursing degree, Grant Kalischuk drew on her practice as an RN to move through the academic ranks, ultimately becoming a professor. Recognized as a superb educator and researcher, she has been instrumental in multiple research programs in nursing and more recently, health as it relates to environmental issues. A strong leader and passionate advocate, Grant Kalischuk was the associate dean of nursing in the U of L’s Faculty of Health Sciences, helping establish the program’s strong reputation on the national stage.

Manwar Khan, BSc ’07

Manwar Khan

Manwar Khan, who came to Canada in 2001 from Bangladesh to study at the U of L, is an active community advocate against violence whose work earned him recognition as one of the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014 and The Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. Since witnessing and intervening to stop a deadly attack against a fellow commuter on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012, Khan has organized a number of anti-bullying rallies across the province, raising awareness around the issue of bullying and empowering citizens to take a stand against violence.

James Steacy, BASc ’09

James Steacy

As an athlete, James Steacy has represented not only the U of L but Canada at throwing competitions around the world. During his five-year career with the Pronghorns, Steacy went undefeated in the weight throw and won a total of nine CIS medals, including eight gold. He currently holds the Canadian record in men’s hammer throw and has represented our country at two Olympic Games and earned a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. A role model for younger students, Steacy spends countless hours speaking to local schools about the importance of education and the opportunities available through athletics, and volunteers his time as a coach for youth track programs.

Alumnus Khan named one of RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014

trevor.kenney — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:26:20 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc ’07) is being recognized as one of the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014.

Khan, a father of twins, has been an active community advocate against violence since witnessing and intervening to stop a deadly attack against a fellow commuter on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012. Since then, he has organized a number of anti-bullying rallies across the province and worked to empower citizens to take a stand against violence.

“The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards recognize outstanding individuals from diverse communities who enrich Canada and make it a better place to live,” says Christine Shisler, director, Multicultural Markets, RBC, in a news release.

The annual program invited citizens to submit nominees to the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, from which a judging panel created a 75-person list of finalists. From there, Canadians were encouraged to vote online for the final award winners through to May 15, 2014, after which the top 25 were recognized.

Khan, who came to Canada in 2001 from Bangladesh as an international student to study at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, is now a business user acceptance testing co-ordinator for the Ministry of Alberta Human Services. Since his hero moment, he also has the unofficial moniker of the Anti-bullying Crusader.

“Since that day, I have been setting up rallies across the province to raise awareness about bullying and the role of the bystander. I have been sharing my story in the hopes of making Alberta a better, safer place,” explains Khan.

He has organized rallies and candlelight vigils in the province to create awareness against violence and the power of bystanders to intervene.

“I am proud of seeing my anti-bullying campaign go province-wide and start to empower victims of bullying and violence, and gain so much support from people of all different backgrounds in Alberta,” says Khan. “Having a positive attitude toward the challenges I encountered as an immigrant and facing those with patience helped me succeed in Canada. I believe if I want something, I have to go after it. You can’t wait for someone else to give it to you. You have to be focused, have a goal and go after it.”

For more on the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, visit the following website: http://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants.

Khan holding Candlelight Vigil in Calgary, Feb. 1

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 20:26:46 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc '07) is holding a Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Calgary Municipal Complex Plaza Space as he continues to campaign against bullying and violence.

Manwar Khan believes we can all play a part in stemming bullying and violence.

"We will be gathering in front of the Calgary Municipal Complex Plaza to show our support for every known and unknown victim of bullying and violence in Alberta," says Khan, who witnessed a violent attack on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012. It led to the death of one man and the incarceration of another.

"This vigil will ensure that kids who were bullied to death across Canada are not forgotten, and empower bystanders to step in when they witness bullying and violence," adds Khan. "We want to show the world that we Albertans do care; we will not keep quiet, and will continue our fight against bullying and violence.

Khan established a series of anti-bullying rallies in the summer of 2013, holding events in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge. He has vowed to continue to represent victims of bullying and to try and stem the onset of violence so that it does not persist in society.

"It is a distressing fact that bullying occurs on the schoolyard. It is even more distressing to know that this continues on among adults in environments such as the workplace," he says. "I believe firmly that it is a matter of great importance to teach our children that bullying is simply not acceptable in our society if we are to achieve safety and happiness for all."

Looking back at an amazing year at the U of L

trevor.kenney — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 17:16:55 +0000

It has been an incredibly busy year for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on a number of fronts. From groundbreaking research activities to hosting national events to serving as a shelter for the province’s greatest storm, the U of L has been front and centre.

As we wrap up 2013, we’ve compiled a sampling of some of the major activities that took place in and around the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ this past calendar year. This is by no means a comprehensive list, nor is it a ranking, rather it is simply a snapshot of the many ways in which the U of L impacts the world we know.

The Destination Project promises to shape the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for the next 50 years.

Government of Alberta dedicates $200 million to the Destination Project

In December, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ announced a $200-million investment from the Government of Alberta to the Destination Project. What promises to be a transformative project that will shape the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s future for the next 50 years, it will involve the construction of new science facilities, a new energy plant and the revitalization of the original ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall.

“I cannot overstate how momentous this day is to the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and southern Alberta as a whole,” said ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon. “This is the most significant development of our Lethbridge campus since ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall was completed in 1972.

“The Destination Project will contribute to Alberta’s ability to recruit the best and brightest scientific talent to our province, but it is more than a teaching and research space. Rather, it is a place for community engagement and outreach; a research incubator; a place where undergraduate and graduate research opportunities develop; where knowledge transfer and commercialization happen; a place where the next generation of researchers, scientists and scholars credit for the start of their science careers.”

Rowing for research

In January, a seemingly impossible journey began off the coast of Dakar, Senegal and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was well represented.

Adam Kreek, a Canadian Olympic rower, set off on a trek with three other distance rowers, Markus Pukonen, Pat Fleming and Jordan Hanssen, as they attempted to row unassisted for more than 3,700 nautical miles to Miami, Florida.

Along the way, researchers from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, led by the late Dr. Rick Mrazek of the Faculty of Education, tracked their progress and collected data for a number of studies.

Followed by students in community classrooms, the trek received a massive amount of media interest. Unfortunately, the mission came to a dramatic conclusion in early April when the crew’s 29-foot boat was capsized by a massive wave off the coast of Puerto Rico. The crew members all survived the ordeal and the boat was eventually recovered.

We love our Canadian football

Dr. Reg Bibby (sociology) has always had an interest in Canadiana, and much of his research work involves tracking trends related to Canadian popular culture.

In advance of the November Grey Cup game, Bibby worked with Angus Reid Global to test Canadians on their sporting tastes. His findings, particularly in relation to the growth of football popularity, were featured in media across the nation.

Bibby specifically looked at not only whether Canadians loved football, but also drew a picture of our taste for both Canadian and American football and whether the National Football League could ever be welcomed in Canada. His conclusion was that the NFL could make a go, but only if the Canadian Football League would also remain strong, was a topic of interest throughout the country.

Herschel goes silent

Dr. David Naylor is at the forefront of the science of space imaging.

A pioneering space imaging mission that sent a scientific instrument co-developed by ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researcher Dr. David Naylor on a 1.5 million kilometer trip to deep space came to its conclusion in March when the Herschel Space Observatory finally went dark.

Naylor and his team of researchers led Canada’s contribution to the Herschel project on behalf of the Canadian Space Agency. Their instrument, called the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE), was one of three devices attached to Herschel. It was designed to pick up heat and chemical signals not visible by optical telescopes, and turn the data collected into amazing images and information used to learn more about the life and death of stars and galaxies.

Naylor and his cohorts are now busy in the five-year post operation phase of the project, where the data obtained is used to develop improved calibration algorithms to allow the most information to be extracted from the images.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ welcomes High River evacuees

When floodwaters began to rise in Central and southern Alberta in late June, nobody could have predicted the devastation that would eventually occur.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, although a long way from the flood zone, became a very important location to a number of flood victims as the summer wore on. With much of their town under water, High River residents were forced into a number of makeshift shelters as they waited for the floodwaters to subside. The U of L stepped up and made available its residence buildings throughout the month of July. Over the course of the month, anywhere from 200 to 400 evacuees called the U of L their temporary home, many of which were families with small children.

While at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, evacuees had access to all the U of L amenities, including the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre, the fitness centre, cafeteria and so on. Many children took part in summer camps and for a brief window of time, some normalcy and routine was returned to their lives.

Survival of the fabulous: Vasey research on the Nature of Things

Dr. Paul Vasey's research has been featured by a number of media sources.

Psychology professor Dr. Paul Vasey was all over the newswire in November when his research on the Samoan fa’afafine went mainstream with a spot on David Suzuki’s The Nature of Things.

Vasey’s research into the ‘third gender’ biological males who live as women, was a key ingredient of the program and brought to light the evolutionary debate about why homosexuality survives despite it being a trait that seems to prevent reproduction.

Alumnus takes a stand against bullying

Manwar Khan, a 37-year-old IT professional, saw his life change in an instant when he witnessed a brutal beating on an Edmonton LRT train. Powerless to stop the attack, he struggled coming to terms with the victim’s eventual death and decided to take action.

In April, Khan staged the first of three anti-bullying rallies he would hold across the province. His first, in Edmonton, attracted city officials, concerned citizens and multiple media outlets.

“I want to encourage people to stand up against bullying, not just stand by,” said Khan.

With support from the U of L, the proud alumnus would go on to host rallies in both Calgary and Lethbridge, furthering the community-minded attributes he acquired during his time as a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student.

Protocol handbook a guide for FNMI inclusion

What began as an exercise in process turned into a major leap forward for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit community at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The creation of the FNMI Protocol Handbook has initiated a unique way of sharing knowledge between the FNMI community and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and ensured that the significance of FNMI traditional activities will endure at the U of L.

The subject of a CBC television and radio feature story, the handbook received a great deal of media attention when it was released.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), professor of Native American Studies and the FNMI Advisor to the President, says the handbook is more than a simple document, rather it is a living text that will continue to evolve as does the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and its relationship with the FNMI community.

“I was recently telling my class that one of the most profound ways that humans learn is through exchange with other humans and exchanges of ideas and experiences,” says Little Bear. “Not much learning occurs in a vacuum. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has developed and continues to foster these relationships, and I am very pleased to have had a role in developing this resource, which provides a foundation for ongoing exchange that we hope enriches the educational experience at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.”

Nurturing the next generation of scientists

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ hosted one of the largest events it has ever staged in May when it opened its doors to more than 1,100 students, chaperones, judges and sponsors at the 2013 Canada-Wide Science Fair.

The venue was perfect for the fledgling scientists as they had the opportunity to take part in Discovery Day, a chance to learn about the exciting multidisciplinary research activities that take place on a daily basis at the u of L.

The amazing event went off without a hitch and close to $1 million in cash, prizes and scholarships were handed out to the best student presentations.

All the while, the southern Alberta community was treated to some incredible science from the next generation of researchers.

Rankings tell us what we already know

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has never been about defining itself through external ranking devices but when the rankings consistently show the institution as one of the country’s best, it’s hard not to take it as a feather in the cap.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ continues to pride itself in providing the best educational atmosphere for its students.

This past year, the U of L maintained top-three national rankings in both Maclean’s and Research Infosource. But rather than the ranking, it was the way in which the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ achieved its lofty status that pleased President Mike Mahon.

“We’re very pleased that the ranking indicators reflect many of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s fundamental priorities, notably our philosophy of creating a supportive atmosphere for our students in a setting that fosters academic excellence and engaging research opportunities,” said Mahon. “All of this would not be possible without the contributions of our faculty and staff who have embraced the U of L’s vision and made the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ a destination of choice for our students.”

At the end of the day, it is all about creating opportunities for success for our students and the U of L will continue with that as its guiding principle for years to come.

Inspired by tragedy, alumnus launches province-wide anti-bullying campaign

trevor.kenney — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:09:03 +0000

On what was otherwise a regular December afternoon this past year, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc '07) witnessed a brutal event that changed his life forever.

But rather than try and put that day behind him and move on, he's using his experience as the impetus for change.

Khan, a 37-year-old father of two-year-old twins, was on the Edmonton LRT when one passenger attacked another just a few metres away and began a ruthless beating. Shocked by the savagery of the assault and the daunting task of stopping it, Khan appealed to other passengers for assistance, but no one came forward.

Although Khan desperately tried to stop the attack, one man died and the other now sits in a jail cell, awaiting trial on second-degree murder charges. Khan, with the images of that day still fresh in his mind, has launched a provincial-wide anti-bullying initiative in an effort to raise awareness of bullying and empower bystanders.

Alumnus Manwar Khan is bringing his anti-bullying campaign to the U of L campus for a Sept. 14 rally.

"Since that day, I have been haunted by that incident," he says from his Edmonton office where he works as an IT professional for Alberta Human Services. "Even when I go to bed, I think about this. When I'm in the LRT I think about it. What if I could go back to that day, what could I try differently? I can either sit here and hope that this will pass, or I can stand up and help other people by raising awareness among them to speak up against bullying. I want bullying to be stopped – period."

Khan's first anti-bullying rally was held in Edmonton on Apr. 27, with a second event staged in Calgary on May 11. He will be at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for a Sept. 14 rally at 1:30 p.m. outside the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness.

"I want to encourage people to stand up against bullying, not just stand by," says Khan. "I thought of my own kids that day, what if something like this was happening to them, who is going to help them? People actually have the power together, they just don't know."

Khan came to study at the U of L in 2001 as an international student from Bangladesh. He met his wife, Nashid Sultana (BSc '06), on campus and looks back on his U of L experience as a springboard to the life he leads today. It also helped shape his character, something that was tested that December afternoon.

"My education at the U of L sharpened my self-awareness and moral values," he says. "These values have guided me throughout my career and now stimulate me to organize this campaign and to stand up against bullying."

His ties to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ still run deep, and Khan was pleased to welcome Dr. Bruce MacKay (liberal education) to the Edmonton rally as a guest speaker.

"He was not only a teacher to me, but he also provided some valuable advice whenever I was stressed out with academic life," says Khan.

He also credited Lesley Rode (academic advising) and Dr. Shahadat Hossain as key influences on his
U of L experience.

"Lesley was the one who guided me throughout my academic life at the U of L and was my academic mentor," says Khan. "Dr. Hossain was the one who encouraged me to enroll in the co-op program to get an understanding of the professional environment. That changed my life and led to my job in government."

Khan now has the opportunity to give back to the community he still considers as his Canadian home. It is one of awareness, understanding, empathy and strength, all attributes influenced by his time at the U of L.

"Bullying is not acceptable and there is no place for bullying in our society," he says. "Violence should never be tolerated. I want to encourage people to stand up against bullying, not only for yourself but for others."

Alum looks to put stop to bullying

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:06:23 +0000

A harrowing incident on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012 that left one man dead has sparked a grassroots movement to put an end to bullying.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc '07) witnessed the savage attack and tried desperately to stop the assault. But with bystanders intimidated and feeling powerless against the attacker, the beating continued.

"Since that day, I have been haunted by that incident," says Khan, a 37-year-old IT professional with Alberta Human Services. "Even when I go to bed, I think about this. When I'm in the LRT I think about it. What if I could go back to that day, what could I try differently? I can either sit here and hope that this will pass, or I can stand up and help other people by raising awareness among them to speak up against bullying. I want bullying to be stopped – period."

Khan is initiating a series of provincial rallies to raise awareness about bullying and the power that regular citizens have to stop it. Saturday's rally, to be held in Edmonton's Sir Winston Churchill Square from 3 to 4 p.m., is the first of three planned rallies to be held across the province. In May, Khan plans to rally in Calgary before bringing his message to Lethbridge in June.

"I want to encourage people to stand up against bullying, not just stand by," says Khan. "I thought of my own kids that day, what if something like this was happening to them, who is going to help them? People actually have the power together, they just don't know."

The rally will feature an opening address, the distribution of bullying fact sheets and opportunities for participants to share their experiences with bullying. Khan will also announce the date of the Calgary rally.

"We want Albertans to start talking about bullying to build a safer Alberta for everyone," says Khan.

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ announces distinguished group of inductees for Alumni Honour Society