UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate

2013 Honorary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:01:45 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate has confirmed a diverse and distinguished group of five persons as recipients of Honorary Degrees for 2013.

From the sporting field to the boardroom, the concert hall and the halls of parliament and justice, the group represents a cross section of the local, national and international community.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is very pleased that these individuals have agreed to let us recognize them with an Honorary Degree," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor, Dr. Shirley McClellan. "Their collective accomplishments have made our local, provincial, national and international communities stronger and have improved the quality of life for people around the world."

Following are brief biographies (in alphabetical order) of this year's honoured recipients.

Dr. Garald (Gary) W. Bowie

A founding faculty member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Dr. Gary Bowie is a respected community volunteer, builder, leader and educator.

Dr. Bowie taught and developed courses in physical education and kinesiology at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the course of a 30-year career (1968-1998) and played a major role in the construction of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

A former Pronghorns basketball coach and Chair of the Department of Physical Education, Dr. Bowie was also active in his community, serving as the Director of Sports for the 1975 Canada Winter Games and Chair of both the Alberta Winter and Summer Games. A co-founder and Chair of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, Dr. Bowie is also a hall inductee.

As an educator, Dr. Bowie served 15 years as a trustee on the Lethbridge School District #51 Board, and his volunteer activities have long served the local and provincial homeless populations.

He was recently appointed Chair of the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness and continues to positively influence his community.

Richard (Rick) Casson

The former Manager of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Printing Services, Rick Casson has served the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, his home community of Picture Butte, the people of southern Alberta and Canada as a whole over the course of his 30-plus year political career.

Casson began his community service as a volunteer firefighter before being convinced to run for local political office, eventually serving as a municipal councilor for nine years and then as Mayor of Picture Butte for an additional nine years.

Casson would spend 14 years as a sitting Member of Parliament and was both a successful and influential MP. He served as Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defense as well as Chair of the Special Committee on Afghanistan, all the while remaining true to his local roots and actively supporting the constituents of southern Alberta.

Named to the Queens Privy Council for Canada in 2010, Casson has also been a strong advocate for the support of Multiple Sclerosis research, raising $122,000 for the MS Society over the last seven years.

Rivka Golani

A world-class musician, performer, teacher and promoter of classical music, Rivka Golani is among the top-five viola soloists in the world and a major contributor to the advancement of classical music in southern Alberta.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Golani moved to Canada in 1974, performing across the country and spreading the love of music to the communities that she visited.
When approached to teach master viola classes to students in southern Alberta, she enthusiastically shared her immense talent and quickly took up the charge to create an international music festival.

The Fort Macleod International Festival was born and is now in its ninth year.

A dedicated and successful teacher, Golani is also a champion of southern Alberta composers, giving young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents and taking their works to national and international audiences.

With more than 250 original works composed especially for her, Golani has brought the world of classical music to southern Alberta's doorstep.

Robert Turner

As Chair of the Board of Governors for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for six years (2006-2012), Robert Turner helped guide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through an era of significant change and growth, including the creation of a new Strategic Plan, a successful fundraising campaign and a major expansion of campus services.

Turner, a successful attorney and businessman, was elected to the U of L's Board of Governors in 2002 and served four years as a key contributor to the creation of governance policies and practices, as well as the attached responsibilities of the Board, administration and others.

When appointed Chair of the Board in 2006 and then reappointed for a second term in 2009, Turner recruited an outstanding group of Board members, ensuring gender balance, a Pan-Alberta membership and the skills necessary to run an emerging comprehensive university.

Turner's extensive volunteer contributions reflect the values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and continue to have impact at the local, provincial and national level.

Neil Wittmann

Lethbridge Collegiate Institute graduate Neil Wittmann has long been respected as one of the top litigators in the province of Alberta, serving as an exceptional teacher and mentor to junior lawyers and erstwhile champion of ethical litigation.

Now, as Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench in the Province of Alberta, Wittmann conducts the majority of his work behind the scenes, continually working to better the practice of law in the province.

As Vice-Chair of the Judicial Conduct Committee of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC), Wittmann's work is absolutely essential in ensuring that the independency of the judiciary is maintained in Canada and the conduct of the members of the judiciary adhere to the ethical principles adapted by the CJC.

Wittmann's stellar career as a lawyer in private practice, coupled with his excellence as a judge and now Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench demonstrates the respect and admiration the legal community has for his contributions to the practice of law in Alberta and beyond.

This story first appeared in the June 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

U of L Senate Confirms 2013 Honorary Degree Recipients

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:00:29 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate has confirmed a diverse and distinguished group of five persons as recipients of Honorary Degrees for 2013.

From the sporting field to the boardroom, the concert hall and the halls of parliament and justice, the group represents a cross section of the local, national and international community.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is very pleased that these individuals have agreed to let us recognize them with an Honorary Degree," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor, Dr. Shirley McClellan.

"Their collective accomplishments have made our local, provincial, national and international communities stronger and have improved the quality of life for people around the world."

The recipients will receive their degrees at the Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 Convocation Ceremonies.

Following are brief biographies (in alphabetical order) of this year's honoured recipients.

Dr. Garald (Gary) W. Bowie

A founding faculty member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Dr. Gary Bowie is a noted community volunteer, builder, leader and educator.

Dr. Bowie taught and developed courses in physical education and kinesiology at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the course of a 30-year career (1968-1998) and played a major role in the construction of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

A former Pronghorns basketball coach and Chair of the Department of Physical Education, Dr. Bowie was also active in his community, serving as the Director of Sports for the 1975 Canada Winter Games and Chair of both the Alberta Winter and Summer Games. A co-founder and Chair of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, Dr. Bowie is also a hall inductee.

As an educator, Dr. Bowie served 15 years as a trustee on the Lethbridge School District #51 Board, and his volunteer activities have long served the local and provincial homeless populations.

He was recently appointed Chair of the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness and continues to influence his community in positive ways.

Richard (Rick) Casson

The former Manager of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Printing Services, Rick Casson has served the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, his home community of Picture Butte, the people of southern Alberta and Canada as a whole over the course of his 30-plus year political career.

Casson began his community service as a volunteer firefighter before being convinced to run for local political office, eventually serving as a municipal councilor for nine years and then as Mayor of Picture Butte for an additional nine years.

Casson would spend 14 years as a sitting Member of Parliament and was both a successful and influential MP. He served as Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defense as well as Chair of the Special Committee on Afghanistan, all the while remaining true to his local roots and actively supporting the constituents of southern Alberta.

Named to the Queens Privy Council for Canada in 2010, Casson has also been a strong advocate for the support of Multiple Sclerosis research, raising $122,000 through the MS Society over the last seven years.

Rivka Golani

A world-class musician, performer, teacher and promoter of classical music, Rivka Golani is among the top-five viola soloists in the world and a major contributor to the advancement of classical music in southern Alberta.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Golani moved to Canada in 1974, performing across the country and spreading the love of music to the communities that she visited.

When approached to teach master viola classes to students in southern Alberta, she enthusiastically shared her immense talent and quickly took up the charge to create an international music festival.

The Fort Macleod International Festival was born and is now in its ninth year.

A dedicated and successful teacher, Golani is also a champion of southern Alberta composers, giving young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents and taking their works to national and international audiences.

With more than 250 original works composed especially for her, Golani has brought the world of classical music to southern Alberta's doorstep.

Robert Turner

As Chair of the Board of Governors for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for six years (2006-2012), Robert Turner helped guide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through an era of significant change and growth, including the creation of a new Strategic Plan, a successful fundraising campaign and a major expansion of campus services.

Turner, a successful attorney and businessman, was elected to the U of L's Board of Governors in 2002 and served four years as a key contributor to the creation of governance policies and practices, as well as the attached responsibilities of the Board, Administration and others.

When appointed Chair of the Board in 2006 and then reappointed for a second term in 2009, Turner recruited an outstanding group of Board members, ensuring gender balance, a Pan-Alberta membership and the skills necessary to run an emerging comprehensive university.

Turner's extensive volunteer contributions reflect the values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and continue to impact at the local, provincial and national level.

Neil Wittmann

Lethbridge Collegiate Institute graduate Neil Wittmann has long been respected as one of the top litigators in the province of Alberta, serving as an exceptional teacher and mentor to junior lawyers and erstwhile champion of ethical litigation.

Now, as Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench in the Province of Alberta, Wittmann conducts the majority of his work behind the scenes, continually working to better the practice of law in the province.

As Vice-Chair of the Judicial Conduct Committee of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC), Wittmann's work is absolutely essential in ensuring that the independency of the judiciary is maintained in Canada and the conduct of the members of the judiciary adhere to the ethical principles adapted by the CJC.

Wittmann's stellar career as a lawyer in private practice, coupled with his excellence as a judge and now Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench demonstrates the respect and admiration the legal community has for his contributions to the practice of law in Alberta and beyond.

Senate approves honorary degrees

trevor.kenney — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:46:02 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate has approved the granting of five Honorary Degrees at the 2012 Spring and Fall Convocation ceremonies.

Spring Convocation, May 31 – June 1, 2012

Ceremony 1 – Pete Standing Alone – Doctor of Laws
Ceremony 2 – Dr. Patrick O'Farrell – Doctor of Science
Ceremony 3 – Jim Coutts – Doctor of Laws
Ceremony 4 – Richard Davidson – Doctor of Laws

Fall Convocation, October 13, 2012

Dr. Bill Cade – Doctor of Laws

Pete Standing Alone, Doctor of Laws
Ceremony I, Thursday, May 31

A respected Blood Tribe Elder, Pete Standing Alone is a teacher, cultural guide, and leader who has been an integral part of the U of L's commitment to Aboriginal education. Standing Alone is strong proponent of preserving the Blackfoot culture. His life has been chronicled in a National Film Board Documentary trilogy, spanning 1960 to 2010.

Patrick O'Farrell, Doctor of Science
Ceremony II, Thursday, May 31

One of the founders of modern molecular biology, Patrick O'Farrell's discoveries have had dramatic impacts on biological science and have made the use of proteins in medical diagnostics possible. He is a Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of California, San Francisco. Among other projects, he developed 2-D gel electrophoresis, which has become a routine technique for protein separation and analysis.

Jim Coutts, Doctor of Laws
Ceremony III, Friday, June 1

Jim Coutts is a lawyer, businessman, and former advisor to two Prime Ministers who has made significant contributions to Canada through his public service, conservation efforts and philanthropy, including the development and funding of Lester B. Pearson United World College. At the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Coutts has supported the Art collection and, most recently gifted his family homestead property near Nanton, Alberta.

Richard Davidson QC, Doctor of Laws
Ceremony IV, Friday, June 1

The 11th Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Richard Davidson represented the institution with pride, emphasizing its connections with the community, and has served as president or chairman on many local organizations and charities. Davidson has received many awards and accolades, including Lethbridge Citizen of the Year and a place on the Alberta Venture 50 most Influential People list.

William H. Cade, Doctor of Laws
Fall Convocation, Saturday, October 13

President and chief ambassador of the U of L for ten years, Bill Cade oversaw the development of many initiatives including a rapid increase in students, growth in research, growth of graduate-level education, and the largest fundraising campaign to date. As well, Cade strengthened community relations at local, provincial, national, and international levels.

Senate Volunteer Award nominations sought

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:28:11 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate – a volunteer group of community members who support the community service efforts of the U of L – is seeking persons to be nominated for its Senate Volunteer Award, which recognizes people who have volunteered to serve the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Over the past 45 years, the U of L has benefitted from the extraordinary commitment of thousands of volunteers, from the founding Board of Governors and Senate to present day students, faculty members, staff, their families and community members who have given generously of their time to help the U of L in many ways.

The award is open to any individual whose volunteer contributions, past or present, have benefitted the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Nominations are welcome from any member of the general public and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

A committee representing volunteers, faculty, staff, alumni and students will screen nominations and develop a pool of approved candidates. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate will select one candidate per year to receive the award, which is traditionally presented at the Chancellor's Dinner in the Spring.

Please submit completed nomination packages to the Senate Office no later than Feb. 1, 2012.

For nominations forms, contact the Senate Office by calling 403-329-2482 or via e-mail at senate@uleth.ca

Honorary Degree nomination deadline approaching

trevor.kenney — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:13:48 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate is collecting nominations for the Spring and Fall 2012 Honorary Degrees, and is appealing to southern Alberta community groups to nominate individuals who have made a local, regional or worldwide impact on society.

"Our honorary degrees act as a mirror. We're looking to show the face of the region, the nation and the international community by honoring the best of what people give to their fellow human beings," says Alex Hann, Chair of the Honorary Degree Search Committee.

"Our recipients are those people who work hard to make a difference, through involvement in the community and charitable organizations. These extraordinary individuals are a vital part of the convocation process, as they celebrate alongside our own graduands and show them what is possible for those who seek to make the world a better place."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will honour two individuals at the Fall Convocation ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 15. They are from vastly different walks of life, but share a common interest in helping people.

Dr. John Kloppenborg, who works on the origins of Gospel narratives in the New Testament, has fundamentally reshaped New Testament studies and the history of early Christianity. He will be honoured along with Lethbridge resident George Gemer, who survived World War II prisoner of war camps to become a skilled draftsman and internationally acclaimed track and field coach and official.

To be eligible for Spring and Fall 2012 Convocations, nominations must be received by Nov. 1, 2011 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate Office (A767), 4401 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4.

To obtain a nomination form, please call the Senate Office at 403-329-2482.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate selects recipients from nominations provided by members of the general public and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. The Senate is empowered to confer honorary degrees by the Universities Act of Alberta.

Additional information is available at the Senate website: http://www.uleth.ca/sen

Senate to recognize Rasmussen with annual award

trevor.kenney — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:01:51 +0000

Elisha Rasmussen, a valued member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate and a revered advocate for the interests of the U of L and the value of post-secondary education, is the 2011 Senate Volunteer Award recipient.

Over the past several years, Rasmussen has led the Senate Honorary Degree Search Committee, and, under her leadership, has increased the profile of the honorary degree program. An experienced and accomplished journalist, Rasmussen drew on that expertise to spread the word about honorary degrees both internally and externally. As a result, while once there were just two or three honorary degree nominations, the committee now receives 10 to 12 each year.

Elisha Rasmussen has been a long-time advocate for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Rasmussen's contributions go far beyond her work with the Senate. Over the years she has served the U of L in a number of volunteer capacities, such as welcoming international students as a part of the Hospitality Committee, serving with her husband Collin in the Family Friendship program and assisting at numerous convocation ceremonies by pouring tea, greeting guests and providing transportation. She and Collin would routinely help welcome students to campus from places such as South Korea, Germany, Mexico, France, Poland and Ghana by hosting family dinners and including them in other community events.

An exemplary ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and a gracious host, Rasmussen is a worthy recipient of the 2011 Senate Volunteer Award.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Senate selects honorary degree group

trevor.kenney — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:17:51 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate has confirmed six deserving individuals to receive an Honorary Degree at Convocation ceremonies taking place in the spring and fall. Following are short biographical sketches of this year's honorees.

Maude Barlow
Barlow is a widely published author, leader in the International Water Justice Movement, senior advisor on water to the 63rd president of the United Nations General Assembly and the founding member and national chairperson of the Council of Canadians.

Clint Dunford
Dunford is a business consultant and four-term member of the Alberta Legislature (Lethbridge West) who was instrumental in the creation and launch of Campus Alberta and WorkSafe Alberta, among other initiatives. A cancer survivor, Dunford served as the honorary chairman of the Canadian Cancer Society's Walk for Life.

George Gemer
A well-known Lethbridge track and field and fencing coach, Gemer is also an author and survivor of Second World War prisoner of war camps who fled Hungary for Canada in 1956. Gemer has coached and officiated at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and other world-class sporting events while retaining close ties to the Hungarian community in Lethbridge and beyond.

John Kloppenborg
A ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate (1974), he is a professor and Chair at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto's Department and Centre for the Study of Religion. Kloppenborg is well-known as a researcher of the origins and sources of early Christian texts such as the Q document, a lost book of the New Testament.

Kim Phuc
Phuc is a noted humanitarian and subject of the famous photograph of a young Vietnamese girl fleeing her village after a horrific napalm attack. Phuc founded the Kim Phuc Foundation and is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for a Culture of Peace.

Gordon Semenoff
A Pincher Creek-born theoretical physicist, Semenoff is a professor of physics at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia. He was the 2010 Bertram Brockhouse medal winner and is a renowned expert on quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, statistical mechanics and string theory.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Welcoming Shirley

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:42:22 +0000

Chancellor-elect Shirley McClellan wants everyone to know that she is more than aware of the distance from her farm in New Brigden, Alta. to Lethbridge.

Her family made the more than 400 km drive regularly while her daughter Tami (BEd '89) attended the U of L. She also has four hockey-playing grandchildren who travel to Lethbridge and southern Alberta on a regular basis. Indeed, the former politician, rural advocate and veteran community volunteer has been on the road as much as some long distance truck drivers.

Since leaving the Government of Alberta in 2007, after a 20-year career as a member of the Alberta Legislature, McClellan has matched her interests in farming and education with a long tradition of community service, most recently as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta's Rural Economy/ALES Faculty Office and The School of Business.

"I am very honoured to be selected to serve as the U of L's Chancellor," says McClellan, who was elected by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate on Feb. 5. "I've had a strong affinity for the U of L which dates back to my days not only as a parent of a U of L student, but in the continuing education field, where we worked with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the college in the early days of Campus Alberta to develop credit programming for rural communities."

McClellan says that over the years, she has followed the development of the U of L's water research programming with a lot of interest.

"I was Minister of Agriculture twice, and in my area of the province, water and irrigation issues are critical to the success of the agriculture industry. The U of L is a real leader in that area, and many more. I am looking forward to participating in as many activities as possible to help tell the U of L story."

McClellan has been involved in bringing advanced education to rural areas, serving on the board of directors for the Alberta Association of Continuing Education and the Canadian Association for Continuing Education. She also served as co-ordinator of the Big Country Further Education Council for 12 years, among other volunteer roles.

"I've also been involved in the development of the Prairie Baseball Academy, which serves students at both the U of L and Lethbridge College," says McClellan. "A lot of young people who had academic talent as well as baseball skills had to go to the United States, and this model has really shown what they can do. I really like that they develop the whole student, not just the sports aspect. It's exciting to see more of these academies develop in such places as Vauxhall and Oyen."

She adds that as a proponent of Campus Alberta, she was aware that the U of L has always shown strength in the area of developing strategic liaisons with other institutions.

"I really want that process of collaboration to continue in as many ways as possible," says McClellan.

U of L president Mike Mahon says McClellan's small-town roots will be a great benefit to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Students come from all over the country to attend the U of L, and many of them are from smaller communities, so it is helpful to have a Chancellor that relates to their circumstance.

"Shirley appreciates the challenges they face and the interests they have," says Mahon. "We are fortunate to have her on our team."

GET THE FACTS

• McClellan served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Drumheller-Stettler constituency from 1987 to 2007. During that time she had a number of diverse portfolios, including finance minister. She also served as deputy premier.

• McClellan is a member of the Olds College Board of Governors, and is active in the governance of Horse Racing Alberta.

• McClellan now farms near New Brigden, Alta., with her family, which includes husband Lloyd, son Mick and daughter Tami (BEd 89) who, with her spouse Jeff, have four children ages 10 to 14.

• Several community organizations have named facilities in McClellan's honour, in particular Olds College, which unveiled the Shirley McClellan Riding arena in 2009. The town of Oyen also dedicated their aquatic centre to her.

• In 2010, McClellan received an honorary degree from the U of L.

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

McClellan named ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 12th Chancellor

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:54:55 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge announced the appointment of its 12th Chancellor Monday, Dr. Shirley McClellan, who will officially take over for outgoing Chancellor Richard Davidson, QC, on Mar. 15, 2011.

The veteran Alberta politician and former deputy premier of the Province of Alberta was selected on Feb. 5, 2011 by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's next Chancellor.

"On behalf of the U of L, I look forward to welcoming Shirley into our community in the same way I was welcomed when I began my term," says U of L President Mike Mahon. "As she settles in to her new role, I am confident that she will bring a new perspective to the role of Chancellor."

Since leaving the Government of Alberta in 2007, after a 20-year career as a member of the Alberta Legislature, McClellan has matched her interests in farming and education with a long tradition of community service, most recently as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta's Rural Economy/ALES Faculty Office and The School of Business.

She is also a member of the Olds College Board of Governors, and is active in the governance of Horse Racing Alberta.

"I am very honoured to be selected to serve as the U of L's Chancellor," says McClellan. "I've a had a strong affinity for the U of L, which dates back to my days not only as a parent of a U of L student, but in the continuing education field, where we worked with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the college to develop credit programming for rural communities."

Mahon says that McClellan's time in government, and her work since leaving government, has focused strongly on education issues and supporting rural and regional interests.

"Our students come from all over the country to attend the U of L, and many of them are from smaller communities," Mahon said. "As a parent of a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate, Shirley understands and appreciates the challenges they face and the interests they have. She is also a strong ambassador for Alberta and the Campus Alberta program, so we are fortunate to have her on our team."

Louella Cronkhite, a member of Senate and Chair of the Chancellor Selection Committee of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, adds that as the U of L moves forward as an institution and grows its programs and services across the province, finding a person with a broad view of what the U of L stands for was a key selection criteria.

"Shirley is well known and well respected both locally and provincially," says Cronkhite. "We believe her enthusiasm for education and her commitment to our goals will be helpful in taking the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge forward in many different ways."

McClellan served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Drumheller-Stettler constituency from 1987 to 2007. During her six terms in office she held such diverse ministerial portfolios as health, community development, agriculture, food and rural development, international and intergovernmental relations. Additionally, she served as deputy premier and finance minister.

Dr. Shirley McClellan is the U of L's 12th Chancellor

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:24:05 +0000

Dr. Shirley McClellan, an advocate for education, veteran Alberta politician and former deputy premier of the Province of Alberta, was selected on Feb. 5 by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate to serve as the institution's 12th Chancellor.

Chancellor-elect McClellan succeeds current Chancellor Richard Davidson, QC, whose four-year term will conclude on Mar. 15, 2011.

"On behalf of the U of L, I look forward to welcoming Shirley into our community in the same way I was welcomed when I began my term," says U of L President Mike Mahon. "As she settles into her new role, I am confident that she will bring a new perspective to the role of Chancellor."

Dr. Shirley McClellan is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 12th Chancellor.

Since leaving the Government of Alberta in 2007 after a 20-year career as a member of the Alberta Legislature, McClellan has matched her interests in farming and education with a long tradition of community service, most recently as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta's Rural Economy/ALES Faculty Office and The School of Business.

She is also a member of the Olds College Board of Governors, and is active in the governance of Horse Racing Alberta.

Mahon says that her time in government, and her work since leaving government, has focused strongly on education issues and supporting rural and regional interests.

"Our students come from all over the country to attend the U of L, and many of them are from smaller communities," says Mahon. "As a parent of a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate, Shirley understands and appreciates the challenges they face and the interests they have. She is also a strong ambassador for Alberta and the Campus Alberta program, so we are fortunate to have her on our team."

Louella Cronkhite, a member of Senate and Chair of the Chancellor Selection Committee of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, says that as the U of L moves forward as an institution and grows its programs and services across the province, finding a person with a broad view of what the U of L stands for was a key selection criteria.

"Shirley is well known and well respected both locally and provincially. We believe her enthusiasm for education and her commitment to our goals will be helpful in taking the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge forward in many different ways."

McClellan served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Drumheller-Stettler constituency from 1987 to 2007. During her six terms in office she held such diverse ministerial portfolios as health, community development, agriculture, food and rural development, international and intergovernmental relations. Additionally, she served as deputy premier and finance minister.

"I am very honoured to be selected to serve as the U of L's Chancellor," says McClellan. "I've a had a strong affinity for the U of L, which dates back to my days not only as a parent of a U of L student, but in the continuing education field, where we worked with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the college to develop credit programming for rural communities."

McClellan says that over the years, she has followed the development of the U of L's water research programming and other programs and services with keen interest.

"In my area of the province, water and irrigation issues are critical to the success of the agriculture industry, and the U of L is a real leader in that area, and many more," she says. "I am looking forward to participating in as many activities as possible to help tell the U of L story."

McClellan has been involved in bringing further education to rural areas, serving on the board of directors for the Alberta Association of Continuing Education and the Canadian Association for Continuing Education. She also served as co-ordinator of the Big Country Further Education Council for 12 years, among other volunteer roles.

She retired as an MLA in 2007 and now farms near New Brigden, Alta., with her family, which includes husband Lloyd, son Mick and daughter and U of L graduate Tami (BEd 89) who, with her spouse Jeff, have four children ages 10 to 14. New Bridgen is approximately 250 km north of Medicine Hat, Alta. near the Saskatchewan border.

She shares a notable connection with members of the internationally famous musical group Nickelback – her hometown is also Hanna, Alta., where she was born in 1942.

Several community organizations have named facilities in her honour, in particular Olds College, which unveiled the Shirley McClellan Riding arena in 2009, and the Town of Oyen, which dedicated their aquatic centre to her. In 2010, McClellan received an Honorary Degree from the
U of L.

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2013 Honorary Degree recipients

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