UNews - Kathy MacFarlane

Mirau and Newberry to lead Supporting Our Students campaign

trevor.kenney — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:51:38 +0000

Heather Mirau and Dr. Jan Newberry have teamed up on several projects at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in the past, but their current joint effort is one the duo is particularly passionate about: Co-Chairing the 2014-15 Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign.

Heather Mirau, left, and Dr. Jan Newberry are the Co-Chairs for the 2014-15 Supporting Our Students campaign. Last year, the U of L awarded 2,100 scholarships and bursaries to students, more than $3.5 million in total, and SOS is an essential part of that support.

Newberry, a faculty member in the Department of Anthropology and long-time SOS contributor, says the opportunity to Co-Chair has given her a broader perspective on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, something she says her counterpart, Mirau, has always had.

“As director of Integrated Planning, Heather has a comprehensive view of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, which as a faculty member, I don’t always see,” says Newberry. “Being Co-Chair of SOS gives me a sense of the U of L on a global scale and how important it is to create a caring university community.”

Last year, the U of L awarded 2,100 scholarships and bursaries to students, more than $3.5 million in total. SOS is an essential part of that support. Participation in the program reached its highest level in 2013, with a total of 377 faculty, staff and retirees supporting the campaign – a number that Mirau and Newberry would like to see increase.

“It doesn’t matter if you give $5 or $100, your participation is what matters,” says Mirau. “Through SOS, we have the opportunity to make a real difference with students and have a positive impact on campus life. SOS donations go directly to students to help pay for books and tuition, enabling them to graduate. With SOS, everybody wins. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ isn’t just a place to attend classes – it’s a community unto itself. We have a responsibility as faculty and staff to help create a positive, caring community.”

Kathy MacFarlane, manager of development programs and a long-time SOS contributor, says that SOS helps to inspire and support student potential, and is a great example of why the U of L is Alberta’s Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

“The U of L is a phenomenal place to be, as a student and as an employee,” says MacFarlane. “If we can show students and each other that we care about our people, that speaks directly to the kind of university the U of L aims to be.”

Among the thousands of recipients of SOS funds is Kevan Bryant (BA/BED ’12), a graduate student completing a Master of Education degree in counselling psychology. Bryant says that the support she received through SOS was game changing on many levels.

“The scholarships I received took a lot of pressure off. I was able to focus on my studies, pursue other interests and avoid working excessive hours while attending school,” says Bryant. “I’m not sure I would have continued with a master’s program if it weren’t for SOS – and it wasn’t only academic achievement I was rewarded for. I received awards for volunteering and leadership as well. SOS made me realize that going the extra mile is really worth it.”

And at the end of the day, that’s what Newberry says SOS is all about.

“We are all here because of students, so it’s only right to support them. I’m happy to support today’s students because they’re the people who will build and shape our future.”

Support our students and contribute to SOS today. Sign up through payroll deduction.

Call Centre wrapping up season with simple message - Thank You

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:20:51 +0000

In downtown Lethbridge, on the second floor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Dr. Foster James Penny Building, you’ll find a team of students, donning headsets, armed with stamina and ready to dial the numbers of U of L alumni and donors.

The student team has made calls to 20,000 alumni, raising more than $57,000 in gifts and pledges.

This team of 28-callers is a representation of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ itself; each with varying backgrounds, diverse majors and unique motivations, but bringing a shared passion for the U of L with a goal to raise support for the institution.

Unlike what you’d expect to see in a call centre, there is a unique buzz and energy as the students engage in conversation, asking alumni what they remember from their years studying or if they have any words of advice they’d like to offer. In turn, details around exciting campus projects and initiatives are shared.

Depending on who has been called, students will often also explain how crucial donor gifts are for the ongoing efforts of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and ask for support. For Ryan Parks, one student caller, it’s a personal question that is rooted in gratitude.

“I have been really lucky to receive a lot of support through scholarships. I feel like it has less do with what I’ve done, but rather what other people were willing to do for me by giving,” he says. “There are so many financial stressors and other stressors going on in life, and I’m sure those are still there when you graduate and possibly even more, but at a time when you’re trying to find yourself and get on your own two feet, it’s really helpful to not have to worry as much about money. I really can’t express how much that support means; I say thank you a lot.”

Nearing completion for the semester, the student team has made calls to 20,000 alumni, raising more than $57,000 in gifts and pledges. While that alone is an impressive outcome, the numbers tell only part of the success story.

“The students are having a lot of great conversations with alumni. The value goes well beyond the dollars raised,” explains Kathy MacFarlane, manager of development programs at the U of L. “ We are very pleased with the gifts we are getting and equally important the connections we are making with alumni.”

Rhys Hakstol, another student caller, recalls when he first recognized this aspect of his role.

“I had a conversation during my second shift where I talked to a guy for 45 minutes. He told me all about his life – he was a cancer survivor and was going back for his third degree at the U of L and was deeply connected to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” recalls Hakstol. “At the end of the call, I asked him if he’d like to make a donation. Because of his medical bills he wasn’t able to, but that’s when I understood that we’re not here to just get money, we’re here to listen and talk to people, too."

Hakstol will cross the stage at convocation this spring with a bachelor of sciences degree, and jokes about how he’s looking forward to hassling the student callers on the other end of the line next year. But with all kidding aside, he’s already given thought to how his role will change as he moves from being a student to a member of the U of L’s more than 37,000 alumni worldwide.

“I won’t directly see the ramifications of the donations we’ve received, but I think ultimately building a better university is good for southern Alberta as a whole and helps make our school one we can all be proud of,” he says. “When alumni show their support, it’s a vote of confidence in what the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is doing. It’s cool to be playing a part in helping projects go forward that will benefit future generations of students.”

Management students pay it forward with Kazakoff Scholarship

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 19:52:49 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community has a proud tradition of providing financial support for students in the pursuit of their educational goals. And, once in a while, these students take an opportunity to pay it forward to others who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence.

One such opportunity was taken by Faculty of Management alumni Kelly Kennedy (BMgt '08), Lee Spracklin (BMgt '08) and Christine Odney (BMgt '08). The three former members of the JDC West business competition team were looking for a way to make use of surplus team funds and came up with the idea to support current students, all the while honouring the contribution of an outstanding professor.

Alumnus Kelly Kennedy is one of the former students behind the establishment of a new Faculty of Management scholarship program.

The Dan Kazakoff Award in Student Leadership was established shortly thereafter to recognize exceptional leadership as demonstrated through community and campus involvement.

Kazakoff is the director of Theory Into Practice Programs in the Faculty of Management. He is also known for his involvement with the Small Business Institute and, most notably, his work with students in the Integrated Management Experience class. He is both proud and humbled by the establishment of an award in his name.

“I was very surprised, honoured and touched to hear about the award,” says Kazakoff. “To me it was the greatest honour I could ever achieve. I have gained so much from the students I’ve interacted with and am constantly astonished at the creativity and work ethic so many have. I have also come to realize that if you provide a high performance culture for students they can achieve so much. Seeing how many students grow in their personal and professional development makes me very happy and proud of what we do in the Faculty of Management.”

With characteristic humour, Kazakoff adds, “I was also very happy the award did not have ‘memorial’ in the title.”

Kennedy says the project began simply, with he and his friends trying to find a way to honour a professor and mentor who had greatly impacted their U of L experience.

“The ball got rolling when I sent a message to my friends Lee, Christine and a few others asking if they would like to work on this concept as a team. Dan gave so much of his time and energy to his students that we thought we needed to give back to him and the Faculty of Management in some way.”

Odney and Spracklin got on board quickly to help make the idea a reality.

Dan Kazakoff is well known on campus for the extra work he does with students in the JDC West program.

“Dan has been inspiring students a long time and it did not take any convincing that this would be a fantastic way to say thanks and hopefully continue to pay the inspiration forward," says Odney. "JDC West is about striving for our best and contributing to community and that’s what we wanted the extra funds to accomplish.”

“The financial burden of getting an education is a struggle for many students,” adds Spracklin. “This award will hopefully encourage students to go beyond the minimum course requirements to make a difference for themselves, their school and their community.”

Kelly, Odney and Spracklin credit a number of people on campus with helping to push the award through the administrative approval process, including Chris Horbachewski (VP Advancement), Murray Lindsay (former Dean of Management), Kathy MacFarlane (Manager, Development Programs) and Anita Ryder (Management Financial Analyst).

“Support for the award on campus was incredibly strong,” says Kennedy.

Kazakoff says it is inspiring to see his former students recognize the value of the education they received while at the U of L, and to take that knowledge and apply it to help the next generation.

“My best ‘gift’ would be that no matter what they do in their lives, they will always be part of a community and maybe through their activities with me, they realize how their efforts can make a positive difference in whatever community they choose to be a part of," he says. "I hope deserving students will be honoured to receive this award and they will aspire to be change agents in whatever they do.”

The $1,500 award is disbursed annually to a full-time bachelor of management student with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average and a demonstrated record of service.

Read about the first three Kazakoff Award Recipients here.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Dan Kazakoff Award for Student Leadership, or any other award, is asked to contact the office of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582 | advancement@uleth.ca or visit http://www.uleth.ca/giving/

Beny award creates opportunity

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:29:30 +0000

The late photographer, painter and designer Dr. Roloff Beny (LLD '72) recognized that the choices he made in the present could have impact upon the future. By establishing the Roloff Beny Foundation Photographic Award in Fine Arts, Beny created a lasting legacy that is still benefiting U of L students today – more than two decades after his passing.

To recognize individuals like Beny who have made or will make planned gifts, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ established the Fiat Lux Legacy Society, and on May 20, 2009, society members were invited to an appreciation tea. As part of the program, Corinne Thiessen Hepher, the 2008 recipient of the Roloff Beny award, shared her personal experience about the impact of donor-funded awards.

Thiessen Hepher, who grew up in a family of seven, always felt her parents supported her interest in the arts, but at the same time, post-secondary education was an unaffordable luxury – leaving the full cost of a university education on Thiessen Hepher's shoulders.

As Thiessen Hepher recalls, she was reluctant to apply for the Roloff Beny award, feeling that she either wouldn't qualify or that her work was insufficient. However, one her professors persuaded her to put her name forward.

"That encouragement was the beginning of a significant impact on my education," Thiessen Hepher says.

Receiving the prestigious, $5,000 award enabled Thiessen Hepher to purchase much-needed photography equipment, including a digital camera, lens and tripod, and it afforded her the opportunity to travel to Vancouver and Montreal to stage two performance pieces: Woman with Monkey on Back, Vancouver and Rue St Remi, Montreal. The money also supplemented her tuition expenses the following semester.

While the award undeniably helped remove financial barriers, it was equally significant in confirming Thiessen Hepher's work as an artist, and in giving her the confidence to continue. After an eight-year educational journey, Thiessen Hepher proudly donned a cap and gown and convocated this spring.

"I have nothing but sincere gratitude for donors such as Roloff Beny who generously leave legacy gifts so students can pursue art in education, bettering their artistic practice as a result," Thiessen Hepher says. "Contributions and efforts that assist students financially are absolutely life changing and in many instances, imperative to completing a degree."

For more information about how you can leave your legacy for future students, call Kathy MacFarlane at 403-317-2838 or visit http://www.uleth.ca/giving/planned_giving.html

UNews - Kathy MacFarlane

Mirau and Newberry to lead Supporting Our Students campaign

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