UNews - President Emeritus

Tennant named Chair of new Alberta agency

trevor.kenney — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:44:38 +0000

Alberta will build the most comprehensive environmental monitoring program in Canada with the establishment of a new arm's-length environmental monitoring agency, led by ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Emeritus Dr. Howard Tennant.

The agency will be built on credible science, research and data collection. This is the key recommendation of the independent Environmental Monitoring Working Group report released by the Alberta government.

The new science-based agency will begin work in the oil sands region and will focus on what is monitored, how it's monitored and where it's monitored. This will include integrated and coordinated monitoring of land, air, water and biodiversity.

A management board named by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Diana McQueen will immediately begin work to set up the new agency. Tennant has been named Chair of the management board.

"Under the leadership of Premier Redford, this government has been clear on the need to improve how we manage natural resource development in the province," says McQueen.

"Building on the implementation of our first regional land-use plan in the Lower Athabasca, the move to an arm's-length environmental monitoring agency is the next critical step. This agency will be the first of its kind in Canada and signals to Albertans, Canadians and the world that we are committed to world-leading resource stewardship."

The work of the six-member management board will focus on how the new science-based agency will operate, long-term funding options and establishing a Science Advisory Board to provide input and advice on monitoring efforts. The initial focus of the new arm's-length agency will be on the Lower Athabasca area with the ability to expand to the rest of the province.

Members of the management board include:

Dr. Howard Tennant - Chair
Dr. Arlene Ponting
Dr. Gregory Taylor
Dr. Ron Wallace
Mr. Doug Tupper
Mr. Paul Clark

"Arm's-length oversight is an essential component of comprehensive, adaptive and effective environmental monitoring," says Tennant.

"The work of the management board will be key to ensuring the foundation of the new agency is based on sound, credible science. I look forward to the high quality technical and scientific advice the board will provide government as we work to build the best system for Albertans."

"Providing scientifically-credible information through an independent body is fundamentally important to excellence in resource management," says Kirk Andries, Executive Director of the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute.

"We are looking forward to working with the Management Board to contribute to the development of a fully integrated, multi-media based environmental monitoring system."

"CAPP supports the establishment of the provincial monitoring agency," says CAPP vice-president David Pryce. "This is an important mechanism to further the implementation of scientifically credible monitoring which can be used to confirm and assure responsible development."

The work of the management board will be supported through Environment and Sustainable Resource Development's operating budget. Funding for the management board's work for the remainder of this fiscal year could be up to one million dollars and an estimated $3 - $5 million for next year (2013/14).

While the new agency is being established, environmental monitoring in the oil sands region will continue to be led through a joint federal-provincial program announced in February.

To date, that program has added new water quality sites on the Athabasca River and Muskeg River system; increased air monitoring by adding more sampling sites; and, improved bio-diversity monitoring to include all oil sands producing areas. Up to $50 million a year is being provided by industry in the region to support the joint federal-provincial environmental monitoring plan.

The full report of the Environmental Working Group is available online at http://environment.alberta.ca/03379.html.

Tennant, Johnson on Venture Top 50 list

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:31:57 +0000

A former ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge president and a U of L alumnus who parlayed his geography studies into a satellite imaging company with worldwide influence are among Alberta Venture Magazine's 50 Most Influential People in the province for 2012.

The annual collection of people from all walks of life provides a snapshot of the province's business, government, arts, culture, education and entrepreneurial communities.

President Emeritus Dr. Howard Tennant led the U of L from 1987 to 2001 and since his retirement has remained a member of the Faculty of Management – balancing his academic work with service to a number of regional, provincial and national boards and organizations.

In 2011, Tennant co-chaired the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel, a committee charged with making recommendations to create a world-class environmental monitoring system for the province.

U of L alumnus and CEO of BlackBridge Geomatics, Ryan Johnson (BSc 98, MSc 00, Geography) has taken his interest in imaging literally out of this world. While in school, Johnson founded a company that has since grown to worldwide influence as a leading provider of optical satellite imaging. Through the acquisition of a German company, Blackbridge is now the world's fourth largest private owner of space-based satellites.

As well as partnering with the U of L on imaging education and equipment use, Blackbridge is investing in technology to support high-tech startups at tecconnect, a new facility in Lethbridge that will serve as an incubator for companies in the information and communications technology sector.

Bill and Elsa Cade receive Generosity of Spirit Award

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:47:23 +0000

President Emeritus Dr. Bill Cade and his wife Elsa have a saying: "We've always believed in the 3 Ts," says Bill. "Time, treasure and talent. Everyone can help their community and fellow humans in at least one of those ways."

Both originally from Texas, the former president of the U of L and his wife Elsa certainly have all three areas covered and were recently recognized with a Generosity of Spirit award at a National Philanthropy Day event in Calgary.

The Cades were honoured in the family category of the program, which also recognizes the philanthropy of individuals, companies and organizations. The video below was shown at the event.

As strong supporters of education and youth, the Cades have established the Bill and Elsa Salazar Cade Scholarship in Evolutionary Biology at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the endowment of which has reached nearly $130,000. They have both contributed to countless student fundraisers and have volunteered their time with many local organizations, including the Lethbridge Youth Foundation, Alberta Science Foundation and the Lethbridge United Way. In recognition of her long-standing service to the community, Elsa was awarded the 2010 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate Volunteer award.

When he was president, Bill often found himself on the front lines of fundraising.

"More than once I would say to potential supporters, I wouldn't ask you to do anything I haven't done myself," he says. "To be in the position of asking people, you have to be there yourself. Otherwise it just doesn't work. "

One such donation garnered a lot of attention. In the spring of 2010, they donated their much-loved 1984 BMW, affectionately named Michael Nolan, to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union to be raffled off in support of student scholarships. The unique donation raised more than $30,000 through ticket sales to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

For those looking to start their philanthropic journey, Elsa has some advice: "Get involved in your community and in what interests you," she says. "Giving doesn't have to come out of your wallet. When it's something that's close to you, it's amazing what you can accomplish."

Generosity of Spirit Award given to Bill and Elsa Cade

trevor.kenney — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:56:10 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Emeritus, Dr. Bill Cade, and his wife Elsa have received a Generosity of Spirit Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Calgary & Area Chapter at a National Philanthropy Day (NPD) event in Calgary.

The Cades were nominated for the Family category of the popular award program, which recognizes and celebrates the philanthropy of individuals, companies, and organizations in the community.

Bill and Elsa are well known in the southern Alberta community to be strong supporters of education and youth.

Among the numerous projects they have been involved with, they established the Bill and Elsa Salazar Cade Scholarship in Evolutionary Biology, an endowment which has reached nearly $130,000.

They have both contributed to countless student fundraisers and volunteered their time with many local organizations, including the Lethbridge Youth Foundation, Alberta Science Foundation and the Lethbridge United Way.

In recognition of her long-standing service to the community, Elsa was awarded the 2010 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate Volunteer award and was instrumental in supporting a Haiti earthquake relief effort which raised more than $118,000.

In the spring of 2010, they donated their much-loved 1984 BMW, affectionately named Michael Nolan, to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union to be raffled off in support of student scholarships. The unique donation raised more than $30,000.

From student groups and aboriginal programs to economic development, the Cades have supported numerous local projects and community-based organizations such as the Rotary Club of Lethbridge, to which they have a combined 30 years of service.

They've also served as a resource to various youth and student groups. What is particularly noteworthy is the integral role Elsa has played in the family by putting her career as an award-winning science educator on hold, to support Bill in his role as president.

President Emeritus Tennant reappointed to NRC

trevor.kenney — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:01:28 +0000

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council Canada (NRC), announced Thursday the reappointment of Dr. Howard Tennant, President Emeritus of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, as a member of the NRC.

"Dr. Tennant's expertise in the areas of budgeting, financing and commercializing the output of science at the university level will continue to bring rich and diverse contributions to the NRC as it furthers its work," says Minister Clement.

First appointed to the NRC on Oct. 21, 2003, Tennant currently serves on the Advisory Board of Statistics Canada and chairs the Canadian Advisory Board to Montana Alberta Tie Ltd. In addition, he owns and manages Tennant Management Ltd.

Tennant was Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Associate Vice-President at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan from 1977 to 1987. He also served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Tennant has a Bachelor of Business Administration and an LL.D. from Gonzaga ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, acquired a Master of Business Administration and a Ph.D. from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Oregon and was honoured with an LL.D. from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Recognized globally for research and innovation, the NRC is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.

Gaudet serving the greater good

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:59:15 +0000

Whether it means taking on the powers that be or courageously facing a room full of "Dragons," Kevin Gaudet (BA '91), federal director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), stands strong in his convictions, a legacy of valour that runs in his family.

"My grandfather, Walthen Gaudet, was the mayor of Charlottetown. He saw public service as a noble profession and lived up to the values of truth, duty and honour. I was brought up that way by my parents," says Gaudet. "They taught me to stand up for what I believe in, and they incubated a curious mind, encouraged it and put up with it."

Gaudet spent much of his childhood moving across Canada with his family, ending up in Lethbridge for his Grade 12 year. After graduating from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute in 1986, Gaudet spent a year studying engineering at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, B.C., before deciding that was not the path for him.

"I went back to Lethbridge because my family was there. I was aware of the benefits of a liberal arts undergraduate degree so it was a rather easy decision for me to attend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. I could stay at home and get a really good quality education," explains Gaudet.

After taking an introductory philosophy course, Gaudet fell in love with the discipline and chose it as a major.

"When I told my parents, they asked me what the hell I was going to do with that, and of course I told them ,'I can do anything I want'," says Gaudet.

He was right. Studying philosophy began opening doors for him from the outset of his education. In his second year at U of L, Gaudet worked as a teacher's assistant for his philosophy professor, U of L President Emeritus Dr. John Woods. He also cut his political teeth that year by winning a seat on school council. Gaudet regards his time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in a very positive light.

"The professors were open and friendly and with the smaller size of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ you could actually get in the doors to talk to your professors so that they could prove to you just how wrong you were when you proposed ideas," laughs Gaudet. "Lethbridge has an interesting culture with its agricultural community, influx of foreign students and religious community. It provides the campus a rich diversity of experience, opportunity and thought, all in one place."

Following his graduation in 1991, Gaudet's education and career continued to grow. He spent five years as the director of opposition research for Preston Manning, graduated with an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Western Ontario in 2000, and worked for various telecommunications, banking, computer and medical technology companies, performing marketing strategy and government relations.

In 2007, Gaudet began working as the Ontario director of the CTF and became the federal director in January 2008. As director, he is responsible for looking at all policy matters relating to the federal government. The CTF advocates for lower taxes, less waste and a more accountable government. Gaudet does whatever is necessary to get that message out, whether it is planning a rally, or presenting his flat tax message on the television show Dragons' Den.

Gaudet hopes to affect positive change on the national stage and his former professor is proud of the path he's taken since his time at the U of L.

"Kevin's skills are abundantly evident in his work. His policy analyses show an impressive analytical intelligence at work; his television appearances show a cool, elegant and engaging advocate," says Woods. "Kevin Gaudet reflects great credit upon the university that trained him."

GET THE FACTS

• Born in Halifax, N.S., Gaudet has lived in eight Canadian provinces

• He studied logic at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Amsterdam (summer 1990) and is fluent in both English and French

• Gaudet took over for John Williamson as federal director of the CTF

• Volunteering as a scout leader in Toronto, he says his greatest personal accomplishment is, "A very successful marriage and three wonderful children."

UNews - President Emeritus

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