UNews - Member of Parliament

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.

Whishaw among those receiving key to city

trevor.kenney — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:27:11 +0000

A number of notable residents of southern Alberta, including many with ties to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, will receive a key to the city from Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck this week.

Neuroscience researcher Dr. Ian Whishaw headlines an impressive group of residents set to be honoured by the outgoing mayor. He'll receive his key on Thursday, Oct. 7 at a ceremony which begins at 2 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 910 4th Ave. S.

Following is a complete list of those receiving keys to the city.

Mr. Ken Nakagama — Downtown business owner (Nakagama's Foods)

Senator Joyce Fairbairn — Member, Senate of Canada and U of L Honorary Doctoral degree recipient, 2004

Dr. Tracy Edwards — President, Lethbridge College

Mr. Kai Yip — Boxing coach, competitor and sports/recreation advocate

Mr. Kevin Sali — Manager, Canadian Pacific Railway and High Level Bridge lighting supporter/facilitator

The Hon. Rick Casson — Member of Parliament, Lethbridge, and recently-named Privy Council member

Dr. Ian Whishaw — Leading neuroscience researcher, member of the Royal Society of Canada and U of L Honorary Doctoral degree recipient, 2008

Ms. Rochelle Yamagishi — Author and U of L alumna BASc (BA) 1971, MEd 1991

Mr. Gary Kirk — Regional business owner, Kirk's Tire, and Faculty of Management Scholarship Dinner honoree, 2004

Chief Charles Weasel Head — Kainai First Nation

Chief Reg Crowshoe — Piikani First Nation

The public is welcome to attend the ceremony.

Casson earns Privy Council appointment

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:32:10 +0000

Former ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge employee and current Member of Parliament, Rick Casson, was recently appointed to Privy Council by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Laurie Hawn, joins Casson as the two newest Privy Councillors.

"I am pleased today to announce the appointments of Laurie Hawn and Rick Casson as Privy Councillors, following their many years of dedication and hard work in the House of Commons, including on Canada's engagement in Afghanistan," says Harper. "Both Mr. Hawn and Mr. Casson continue to meet the highest standards of public service to the benefit of their constituents and all Canadians."

Long recognized as an honourable man by the constituents of his southern Alberta riding, Casson now carries the official designation of "Honourable" to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada following a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

Prior to his election as a Member of Parliament, Casson served for many years as a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge employee (manager of the printing services department), and as a community volunteer and elected county representative in his hometown of Picture Butte, Alta.

"This is an unexpected and very special honour," says Casson.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, only hours after being sworn-in as the 28th Governor General of Canada, presided over Casson's swearing in ceremony.

Privy Councillors are members of The Queen's Privy Council for Canada, established under the Constitution Act, 1867 to advise the Crown. The Privy Council includes all past and present ministers, as well as a number of select persons. The Governor General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, appoints members to Privy Council.

"I am very grateful to Prime Minister Harper for considering me for this appointment, which is given to very few Canadians outside the ranks of government ministers, governor generals and chief justices," says Casson.

"It was an honour to have Canada's new governor general preside over my swearing in as Privy Council member among his inaugural duties, as I had attended Mr. Johnston's own swearing-in ceremony earlier today."

Casson is a five-term Member of Parliament, who has been named Chair of the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan and Chair of the Alberta Caucus. He was also named the Canadian Chair of the Permanent Joint Board on Defence, a Canadian-American advisory body established at Ogdensburg, NY in 1940 by Prime Minister Mackenzie King and United States President F.D. Roosevelt.

"On behalf of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge we would like to congratulate Rick on being appointed as a member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada," says U of L Board of Governors Chair Bob Turner.

"The fact that very few Canadians are appointed as Privy Councillor makes this appointment all the more exceptional. Canada, and more specifically southern Alberta, is a better place because of his service."

U of L President Mike Mahon adds that, considering the contributions Casson has made to the university, as both an employee and elected Member of Parliament, the U of L could not be more proud of his appointment.

"The U of L has benefited enormously from Rick's hard work over the years, and we cannot think of a more worthy person to receive this prestigious appointment."

Events Calendar - September

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:43:48 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics

Sept. 25 | Canada West Soccer
Women – Regina vs. Horns, noon
Men – Trinity Western vs. Horns, 2 p.m.
Community Sports Stadium

Sept. 26 | Canada West Soccer
Women – Manitoba vs. Horns, noon
Men – UBC vs. Horns, 2 p.m.
Community Sports Stadium

Oct. 2 | Canada West Soccer
Calgary vs. Horns | Women at noon, men at 2 p.m. | Community Sports Stadium

Lectures

Sept. 15 | Art Now: Sculptor, Faye HeavyShield | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 17 | Art Now: Jamelie Hassan
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 20 | Art Now: Caitlin Jones (Western Front executive director)
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 20 | Architecture & Design Now: John Savil and Dan Westwood
Discussing the Southern Alberta Art Gallery renovation and addition
6 p.m., C610

Sept. 22 | Art Now: Artist, writer and curator, Jeffrey Spalding | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 23 | Owen G. Holmes Lectures: Michael Shermer | Why People Believe Weird Things | 7 p.m., PE250

Sept. 24 | Prentice Institute Brown Bag Series: Dr. Raphael Lencucha
International Trade and Chronic Disease: Making the Link | Noon, Prentice Boardroom (L1102)

Sept. 27 | Art Now: Catherine Crowston (Art Gallery of Alberta)
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 27 | Architecture & Design Now: Catherine Crowston (Art Gallery of Alberta) | 6 p.m., C610

Sept. 27 | Georgina Beyer, New Zealand Member of Parliament
Overcoming Barrier: A Discussion with the World's First Trans MP | 7 to 9 p.m., Ballroom B, Students' Union

Sept. 29, Oct. 1 | Art Now: Michael Morris & Vincent Trasov | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 30 | Discovery Lecture Series: You Can't Spin Mother Nature
James Hoggan discusses the energy sector and the scientific debate on climate change | 7 p.m., PE 250
Free admission

Oct. 4 | Dutch installation artist, Susanne Bruynzeel | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 4 | Architecture & Design Now: Robert Steven | 6 p.m., C610

Oct. 6 | Art Now: Animator & Illustrator, James Brathwaite
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 6 | CRDC Presents: Doug Phillips | An Introduction to WestGrid
12:30 to 1:30 p.m., CRDC L1126

Oct. 8 | Art Now: Painter, Alexander Irving | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 8 | Women Scholars Speaker Series: Helen Kelly | The Clinical Impact of eHealth on the Self-Management of Diabetes | 3 to 5 p.m., AH100

Oct. 13 | Art Now: Writer, Simon Houpt | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Performances

Sept. 21 | Music at Noon: Dale Ketcheson (guitar) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 28 | Music at Noon: Margaret Mezei (clarinet); Thomas Staples (horn); Glen Montgomery (piano)
12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 5 | Music at Noon: Piotr Grella-Mozejko (ensemble) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 12 | Music at Noon: Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 | TheatreXtra presents Muse Control | A struggling writer's life begins to fall apart when he takes in a muse | 8 p.m. nightly, David Spinks Theatre. Matinee, 2 p.m., Oct. 2

Oct. 5 | Ensemble Extravaganza!
U of L Singers, Wind Orchestra, Global Drums, Opera Workshop, Jazz Ensemble, Vox Musica, Collaborative Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble and Women's Chorus | 8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Oct. 8 | Homecoming
Musaeus String Quartet premiere's Passacaglia for Oboe and String Quartet | 8 p.m., Southminster United Church

Miscellaneous

Sept. 12 to Oct. 24 | Shifting Myths
Helen Christou Gallery

Sept. 23 | Women Scholars Speaker Series: Fall Reception | Wine and cheese reception to introduce speaker series lineup | 3 to 5 p.m., AH100

Sept. 23-24 | Auditions for Spring Awakening | Open call auditions for play to be presented Nov. 24-28,
6 to 10 p.m. each day, W425

Sept. 25 | Get to Know You 5K Fun Run/Walk | Meet President Mike Mahon and benefit KidSport Alberta
Registration at www.uleth.ca/sportrec | 10 a.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre

Sept. 29 | Career Fair
Employers visit the U of L campus
All day, 1st Choice Savings Centre track

Renovation plan to aid women's hockey

trevor.kenney — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:36:39 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's hockey team has never really had a place to call home. Thanks to a city of Lethbridge plan to undertake a major upgrade of the Nicholas Sheran Leisure Centre, that will soon change.

The renovations will provide a major benefit to the Horns who, for years, have had to store their gear in unused washrooms, and did not have access to proper change facilities or other services – on home ice.

This is a massive shift for us as a team," says Pronghorns women's team head coach Chandy Kaip. "To finally have our own space and locker room area will make our home ice a better place for us to play. Anything that encourages success helps the team. As well, the new facilities that are being designed for all women to enjoy hockey should go a long way to making the sport more accessible."

The renovation plan includes the construction of change rooms in the arena for use by female patrons, creation of an athletic training centre, installation of an elevator, modifications to stairways and the parking lot, and upgrades to the refrigeration system. The project is estimated at $1.8 million, and will begin construction in the spring of 2010 with a planned completion in March 2011.

In acknowledging receipt of federal funding, Lethbridge Mayor Robert Tarleck says, "This is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the city of Lethbridge to barrier free access for women to athletic facilities."

Lethbridge Member of Parliament Rick Casson announced a $500,000 contribution to the enhancement project and further development of the recreational facility. The federal contribution comes in the form of its Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, and will complement the $1.3 million municipal commitment to this project.

"I'm pleased that our government is supporting improvements to the Nicholas Sheran Leisure Centre, as the renewal of this facility will ensure all users have access to a full range of recreational opportunities long into the future," states Casson.

For more on the Pronghorns women's hockey program, visit horns.uleth.ca

Son Soubert to receive honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:28:12 +0000

Son Soubert

Educator, politician and humanitarian Son Soubert runs homes for underprivileged students and works to establish responsible politics in his home country of Cambodia.

Born in Phnom-Penh and educated in archaeology and classics in France, Son Soubert has a long history of involvement in the political life of his country. He became secretary general of the Khmer People's National Liberation Front and later helped his father found the Khmer Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party. In 1993, he was elected a member of parliament and went on to be elected second vice-president of the National Assembly.

In 1998, he was elected president of the Son Sann Party, and was later appointed as a member of the Constitutional Council. Most recently he helped form the Human Rights Party.

Son Soubert's commitment to people extends from the political arena to the humanitarian.

In 1994, he founded the Peaceful Children Home I. The home shelters about 120 orphan and street children. The Peaceful Children Home II opened in 1995, and now shelters about 52 children. To date, 32 of the children from his orphanages have gone on to obtain a university education.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is proud to add to Son Soubert's long list of honours by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

UNews - Member of Parliament

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