UNews - Georgia

Disc golf team makes history

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:46:27 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns Disc Golf Team achieved some history this month, becoming the first Canadian team to compete in the USA Intercollegiate Disc Golf Championship by attending the Northwest Qualifier at Estacada, Ore., Mar. 2-3.

The U of L placed fifth out of six teams in the Advanced classification as host Oregon State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and Humboldt State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ advanced to the national championships in Augusta, GA.

The three-round qualifier saw the U of L struggle early in singles play but respond nicely in doubles action on the second day of the competition, tying for second place with an 89, just five strokes back of champion OSU. Full results can be found here.

The Horns team consists of Kevin King, Mike Woolf, Tyler Kiefer and Matt Mitten. Craig Burrows-Johnson coaches the squad.

Philosophy began with Waterton Conference

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:17:27 +0000

The general purpose statement said it succinctly, " . . . to begin the process of establishing the academic philosophy and objectives of The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge."

Over the course of four days in the fall of 1967, 20 delegates and a trio of invited resource guests charted the course of the fledgling ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge at the Waterton Conference. The goal was to produce a statement of philosophy that would in turn be reflected in the academic program of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. It was essentially a blank canvas with which to work, and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's founders went about crafting a philosophy that is remarkably relevant to this day.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was a blank canvas in the fall of 1967. It began to take shape thanks to a landmark conference that determined its philosophy and goals.

In looking back at documents in advance of the conference, acting president R.J. Leskiw (W.A. Sam Smith would begin his appointment later that year) elicited resources from a trio of outside agencies. A.J. Brumbaugh of the Southern Regional Educational Board in Atlanta, Georgia, along with representatives from the province's Universities Commission and Post-Secondary Education Committee contributed to the process.

Leskiw's letter inviting Brumbaugh is telling in that it sets the framework for the discussion and uses language still prevalent in conversations today.

How large an institution do we want our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to be in terms of student enrolment? Will the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ confine its program to the undergraduate level or is the intention to introduce graduate programs eventually? What type of institution will the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ be, i.e. a liberal arts college, an institution with a liberal arts core and professional schools established eventually? These were all questions put to Brumbaugh by Leskiw.

In Brumbaugh's reply letter, he says, "The problems and specific questions you suggest for consideration in the conference are very appropriate," he writes. "One omission that may be of special interest is the question of what innovations will be included in the plans of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ? I refer to such matters as independent study . . . the use of individual study carrels, a combination of work and study, study abroad."

The group would also discuss how many faculties they should plan to create initially and in the future, the nature of the administrative organization and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's admissions policy, themes that continue to resonate as the present
U of L continually looks at these issues, always with an eye to the foundation laid by its builders.

At the conclusion of the summit, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Philosophy was born and continues to guide the U of L of today.

That the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's founders were so prescient in their thinking is testament to the visionaries that were at the table. This excerpt from a Leskiw letter is almost eerie in its foretelling.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is not located in a large metropolitan area as are the other two universities in this province," says Leskiw. "There is some reason to believe, therefore, that if the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is to succeed, and in fact survive, it must become an institution that is unique. It must somehow be an institution that differs from the two older ones in this province."

He could not be more correct.

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

Wood leads School of Graduate studies into future

trevor.kenney — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:06:52 +0000

His colleagues may have seen an administrative future for Dr. Robert Wood but the dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) didn't necessarily buy into their forecast. In fact, given Wood hadn't even planned on being an educator when he started his post-secondary career, that he's now the dean of a key strategic directive seems even more unlikely.

"I had no aspirations whatsoever to do any admin work until about three or four years ago," laughs Wood, who is now in his 12th year at the
U of L. "So I certainly didn't see myself in this role at that time."

Originally from Leicester, UK, Wood has been in Canada since he was a young boy, growing up largely in Edmonton, where he first studied and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology. He entertained the notion of law school but was too enamored with the study of sociology to leave it behind. A master's degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto, followed by a PhD back at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, paved the way for his career as an academic.

"For me an academic career was an unplanned outcome, but it has been an immensely positive part of my life," says Wood.

Dr. Robert Wood with his wife Kristin Ailsby-Wood and daughter Georgia.

Wood's early years at the U of L were focused on establishing a research portfolio and igniting a passion for sociology in his undergraduate students. By 2005-06 he'd begun to involve himself at the committee level throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"I actually found the chance to have some strategic input into the direction and priorities of the institution to be quite exciting," says Wood. "For me it's all about creating momentum and I saw those committee settings as an opportunity to do that."

Over the next three or four years Wood says he really connected with the committee service aspect of his job and the idea of a future in administration. His move into the area of graduate studies was natural, having been active as a graduate student supervisor and serving on a number of graduate education committees.

He now finds himself on the cusp of a whole new era for graduate studies. The SGS has its own dedicated space in Anderson Hall and it has been identified as a key strategic directive as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ further establishes itself as a comprehensive institution.

"When I came here in 2000, the key message was that we were an undergraduate university," says Wood. "As a new faculty member, I got the sense that grad studies was a bit of an add-on to what we were really all about, which was undergraduate education. A lot of that has changed now because today it's really a central component of not only how we see ourselves as an institution but where we see ourselves going forward."

Wood will play a key role as graduate studies continue to evolve. While much progress has been made, there are many areas that need to be addressed in order to truly advance the SGS.

"I would like to see the program areas and faculties properly synchronized and co-ordinated with respect to the resourcing, administration and delivery of graduate education," says Wood. "I also want to emphasize the importance of quality. Not only enhancing the quality of the programs that we offer, but also enhancing the quality of the overall experience of graduate education on this campus."

Wood is fully invested in his role as dean, meaning he's had to put his research ambitions and teaching responsibilities on the back burner. While he is in the midst of co-editing a book on Internet gambling that is due out in February 2012, teaching is out of the question.

"If you take an administrative job, it definitely impacts your ability to prosper as a researcher. I'm still actively engaged as a researcher but the dean's job takes priority," says Wood. "I do miss the classroom though. Teaching was probably my favourite part of the job as a professor. I love being around undergraduate students and I love teaching in the classroom. I just love the dynamic interaction and really do miss it."

He has a bigger picture focus now, one the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ sees as a priority and one where the U of L is beginning to garner a reputation for excellence.

"While we're still relatively small as a graduate school, we're becoming more and more recognized for many key strengths," says Wood. "I think where we're really being noticed on the national terrain is with the very unique multi-disciplinary programs we have, especially at the PhD level. People are certainly taking notice and I think that will continue as we continue to expand the range of PhD majors that we offer at the U of L."

GET THE FACTS

• Wood is married to alumna Kristin Ailsby-Wood (BA '96, MA, LLB), a family lawyer at Davidson & Williams, and they have a five-year-old daughter, Georgia. He took a year of parental leave in 2006.

• An avid fisherman, Wood tries to find time to fish for walleye, on the Oldman River, in the Grassy Lake area.

• Wood has authored or co-authored a number of peer-reviewed articles and books on youth culture and the various aspects of problem gambling.

• Wood's family originally emigrated from the UK to Grande Cache, Alta.

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

Investigating global population and economies

trevor.kenney — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:11:23 +0000

The extent and implications of population change and the dynamics of economies raise questions that demographers and social scientists alike are working to better understand. Taken together in a global context, the number of questions only increases. Yet both population and economies affect our lives, our choices and our policies.

At the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, global population challenges are explored from different angles and potential solutions are investigated in new ways.

By DANA YATES

Like many people, John Prentice of Calmar, Alta., dreamed of making a difference in the world. But the late agri-business entrepreneur and philanthropist didn't just stop there; he wanted to change the course of history altogether.

It was an ambitious goal – and one that prompted Prentice, along with his wife Connie, to donate more than $8 million to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2006. The endowment marked the largest-single gift in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's history and established the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy. The institute, which was officially launched in 2009, studies changes in the world population and their lasting impact on demographics, economies and societies.

Just a short time later, the Prentice Institute has become a leading research centre, one of only a few worldwide that is focused on global population changes and the economy. What's more, the institute has attracted many external research grants and is building graduate programs, along with bringing together 20 research affiliates from across eight departments at the U of L.

From looking at how people move through life stages in different economies with different demographic structures, to questions of food security, ethnic diversity, immigration and international trade, the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is at the cutting edge of demographic research.

"It's magical when you get that cross-pollination of expertise," says Dr. Trevor Harrison, a U of L sociology professor who served as the Prentice Institute's interim director between 2007 and 2009.

At the Prentice Institute, sociologists, historians, anthropologists and economists work alongside experts in such diverse fields as nursing, public health, political science and women's studies. Those researchers, in turn, create partnerships with experts across Canada and around the world. The result: global population challenges are explored from different angles and potential solutions are investigated in new ways.

"John Prentice was a big thinker," says
Dr. Susan McDaniel, the institute's current director. She also holds the Prentice Research Chair in Global Population and Economy, the first endowed position of its kind at the U of L. "John was a Renaissance man who understood how things were connected."

Indeed, many forces and factors affect – and are connected to – the global population and economy. But the links between the former and latter are not well understood. Prentice Institute researchers are advancing our understanding of this relationship and using data to verify or refute popular beliefs about demographic changes. This "myth-busting" practice can be applied to numerous situations, says McDaniel.

"We often hear, for instance, that providing health care to an aging population will bankrupt the system," she explains. "In reality, there are much wider concerns. Medical treatments are expensive, and there is a deepening problem of poverty and the health issues associated with it."

To that end, Prentice Institute researchers are studying various issues that appear, at first blush, to be unconnected. They include international trade, migration, aging and family size. But while the subjects may seem disparate, McDaniel says cause-and-effect relationships are at work – and they are having a major impact on the world's citizens.

"Growing inequalities, for example, are happening in developed countries, such as Canada and the United States, and in developing countries, too. These inequalities cause health problems and lower everyone's life expectancy," says McDaniel. The process, she explains, is similar to an illness spreading through a classroom. If one unvaccinated child becomes sick, others will inevitably be affected.

That concept of social ramifications is one in which McDaniel is well versed. An internationally recognized sociology researcher and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, her expertise includes demographic aging, generational relationships, family change and the social impacts of technology. Before joining the Prentice Institute and the U of L Department of Sociology two years ago, McDaniel was a professor of family and consumer studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Utah and a senior scholar at its Institute of Public and International Affairs.

Having lived in Alberta before, McDaniel's return north of the border has helped attract other researchers to the Prentice Institute. Among them is Dr. Kathrin Komp, a post-doctoral fellow from VU ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Amsterdam. Other researchers, such as Drs. Harrison and Alexander Darku, who were U of L faculty members before the Prentice Institute was created, currently serve as the institute's associate directors. Their collective experience and expertise have made a significant impact on the institute.

For example, Darku, an assistant professor of economics at the U of L, previously taught at McGill and Concordia Universities. He has also served as a consultant to the World Bank at its Washington, D.C., headquarters and has worked as an economist in Ghana. Through his association with the Prentice Institute, Darku has noticed a shift in his research interests.

Whereas he was previously focused strictly on economic policies and international development, he now studies the interplay among international trade, migration and health. Specifically, Darku is currently looking at the growth of multinational companies in developing countries and the resulting impact on populations' eating habits. The situation, Darku has found, contributes to a "nutritional shift" within a population and can increase obesity rates.

"The interdisciplinary nature of the Prentice Institute has brought many new dimensions to my research," says Darku.

Harrison, meanwhile, has shared his research with new audiences; he has spoken at a number of presentations hosted by the institute. Once a visiting professor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Japan, Harrison was the 2010 Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Canadian Studies at Georgia's Kennesaw State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. As a researcher and guest lecturer at the university, he brought a Canadian perspective to the relationship between Canada and the United States since Sept. 11.

Today at the Prentice Institute, Harrison – like Darku – balances his research with administrative responsibilities. And it seems both areas involve big-picture thinking.

"We're developing programs that will keep the institute moving forward. Ultimately, we're creating a research infrastructure that supports creative thinking and incubates good ideas."

One example is a policy concept known as a guaranteed annual income (GAI). While there are many different approaches to a GAI, the initiative would essentially provide each citizen with a base sum of money. Harrison has studied this complex issue since the 1970s, and while the logistics of implementing a GAI system would be considerable, it would also offer a number of advantages. They include administrative efficiencies, the reduction or elimination of poverty and an increasingly mobile workforce that can afford to move around the country.

GAI supplements, however, are just one of many ideas being analysed at the Prentice Institute. And it's all part of an effort to inform public and private policies that will better reflect, and keep up with, a changing Canada and world. To raise awareness of this vital work, Prentice Institute researchers participate in conferences and dialogue sessions, and contribute to articles, journals and books. Finally, there are future plans to build international partnerships with sister institutes.

"There are many challenges that governments, corporations, education systems and individuals have to address," says McDaniel. "But once they have the information they need, they have the potential to act upon it.

"People are hungry for knowledge. And we're training them how to look beyond myths and build a better society. It will lead to better voters, parents, consumers and caregivers."

What can we learn from other countries with regard to population aging and social policy?

Population aging and economic challenges have raised questions about how social policy regimes are, or will be, affected in various types of economies. Some research indicates a downward convergence across countries is inevitable as global economic and demographic pressures work to bring greater homogeneity to social policies. Other studies suggest that demographic and economic pressures can actually have stimulating effects on social policies.

To address these issues, Prentice Institute researchers are investigating Japan, which has experienced population aging and economic challenges simultaneously. Scholars are analysing changing relations among demographics, economics and social policy. They ask what opportunities can be discerned from the experience of Japan for re-creation of social policy regimes elsewhere in the 21st century. Ultimately, researchers will widen the comparative lens to include other Asian and developed countries. The findings from this crucial research will guide policy-makers in various countries facing similar challenges.

Is there a "Canadian exceptionalism" in issues related to immigration and diversity?

The rapid rise in ethnic diversity in immigrant-receiving countries has resulted in a general anti-diversity, anti-multiculturalism sentiment. Some studies indicate that a generalized trust is more difficult to foster in a multicultural society, resulting in a loss of sense of community and togetherness. However, other research suggests that Canada might be immune from these largely European trends.

At the Prentice Institute, researchers are investigating the extent of, and the reasons for, this Canadian exceptionalism. A clearer understanding of the differences among ethno-racial groups in terms of labour-market integration and social capital could make a significant difference in the lives of Canadians and the global community.

To what extent is population, at root, a problem with respect to food security?

Food is a basic resource essential for human survival. It is estimated that at the end of 2009, more than one billion of the world's population did not have adequate food to meet basic nutritional needs. As the most populous country in the world, China is constantly challenged in providing food for its citizens. Given the sheer size and strategic prominence of China, food security there is a global concern.

As leaders of an international team, researchers at the Prentice Institute are examining the stress points related to food security in various regions in China. The set of indicators of food security and rural development they develop will be an important assessment tool in China and around the world.

How can we achieve economic equality in developing countries?

Throughout most of human history, the conditions of human life have varied from difficult to tolerable, from starvation to subsistence. In some parts of the developing world, these conditions have not changed much, while in others, progress has been made. Disparities in the distribution of economic assets and income exist in a wide range of societies and their nature and cause are issues our world must address.

Researchers at the Prentice Institute are studying how international trade can lead to growth and the distribution of income, especially in developing countries. Another crucial line of research focuses on the relationship between business cycles, poverty and income inequalities.

How will social policy address our aging population?

Wayne Gretzky is credited with saying, "You must skate to where the puck will be." In contemplating the future of aging populations, policy often skates instead to where the puck is now. The presumption is that by studying those who are older now, we can understand those who will be older in the future. But... the older of tomorrow will be very different, as will the socio-economic contexts in which they live.

As leaders of a Canada/U.S. multidisciplinary team, Prentice Institute researchers are studying how people in mid-life in Canada and the U.S. are aging in terms of health and overall well-being. How they help (or not) younger and older relatives now and as they age, and how they anticipate their later years relative to their older relatives now and their younger relatives as they reach their later years, are two of the important questions being addressed. These studies will yield a wealth of information that is critical to addressing policy and family needs in the future.

This story first appeared in SAM Magazine. For a look at SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Sociology researcher Harrison receives Fulbright Scholarship

trevor.kenney — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:53:30 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Sociology researcher Trevor Harrison will become the 2010 Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Canadian Studies at Kennesaw State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ (KSU), just outside Atlanta, Georgia as the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship.

Harrison will be taking a sabbatical from the U of L until December 31, 2010 to travel south to lecture and conduct research at KSU, Georgia's 3rd largest university with a student population of more than 22,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

As a visiting Fulbright Scholar, Harrison is already on the school calendar and, in addition to guest lecturing in several courses, will deliver an opening lecture in mid-September, as well as host a number of informal sessions for faculty and students sponsored by the sociology and political science departments.

Among other topics, Harrison plans to bring a Canadian perspective to the relationship between Canada and the United States Since 9/11, issues surrounding nationalism and something that is sure to be interesting to Atlanta Falcons or KSU Owls fans -- the social history of the Canadian Football League.

Professor Harrison is a full professor in the Department of Sociology at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. He completed his PhD in Sociology in 1988 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta after completing his MA (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, 1985) and BA (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Winnipeg, 1979) degrees in sociology.

He has served as Visiting Professor in the Canadian Studies Program at Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ (Sapporo, Japan, fall 2006) and at the Univesity of Alberta (1997-2002). Additionally, he was appointed as Interim Director (now Associate Director), of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy (2007). He has served as a consultant for various organizations, both at the international level.

Harrison is the U of L's fourth Fulbright Scholar. Drs Derek Peddle (Geography) Geoffrey Hale (political Science) and Chris Kukucha (political Science) have received past Fulbright awards.

Jazz Ensemble hits stage, Wednesday

trevor.kenney — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:03:28 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre is the place to be on Wednesday, Apr. 7 for Know What I Mean?, a concert featuring the U of L Jazz Ensemble, The Porter Davidson Quartet and special guest saxophonist Mace Hibbard, from Atlanta, Georgia. The stage comes alive at 8 p.m.

"We are thrilled to have Mace perform on our stage," says David Renter, Jazz Ensemble director. "He is an amazingly accomplished performer and composer."

Mace Hibbard comes from a musical family and developed his firm grasp of the history of jazz and its standard repertoire as a teenager by playing with his father - Dave Hibbard, a great trumpet player who has been a staple in the Texas jazz scene for many years.

Hibbard has two recordings to his credit and has performed throughout the United States and Europe, sharing the stage with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, The Derek Trucks Band, Michael Brecker, Bobby Shew, Arturo Sandoval, James Moody, the Austin Symphony, the Four Tops and the Temptations.

The U of L Jazz Ensemble is a 19-member group consisting primarily of music majors, along with other interested students from a variety of disciplines across campus. The band performs an eclectic mix of repertoire, including contemporary and vintage big band jazz music.

Each year, the band performs several times, both on and off campus and has often collaborated with special guests, who have in the past included some of Canada's top jazz musicians, most notably, alto saxophonist PJ Perry, trumpeter Don Clark and tenor saxophonist Pat Belliveau.

Tickets for the U of L Jazz Ensemble are priced at $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors at the U of L Box Office – 403-329-2616.

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