UNews - musician

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.

Matisz looking to make an impact

trevor.kenney — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:07:19 +0000

When Chelsea Matisz (BSc '05, MSc '09) began her academic journey at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2001, she wasn't sure what she wanted to be – knowing only that she loved studying biology and was good at it. Ten years, plenty of hard work and several incredible opportunities later, Matisz is a PhD student with a passion for parasitology, ecology and evolution who has earned the distinction of being an award winning research scientist.

Matisz began her research career during the summer of 2003 when she landed a job collecting data for one of her professors, Dr. Andrew Hurly.

"I spent the summer in a cabin at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's field research station collecting data about the foraging behaviour of hummingbirds," recalls Matisz. "Once I realized that there were professors with different research projects going on and that they were looking for keen students to collect data, it was just a dream come true. I was amazed that I could get this kind of job and that I could get paid for it."

Alumna Chelsea Matisz recently won the prestigious Ashton Cuckler New Investigator Award.

During a course with Dr. Cameron Goater, Matisz became interested in parasitology so she jumped at the chance to work with parasites in Goater's lab. She spent a summer working as Goater's lab research assistant before completing her BSc in December 2005. The relationship she established with Goater led to Matisz pursuing a master's degree with Goater as her supervisor.

"We have a very unique situation in the Goater lab in that we can rear a parasite with a complex life cycle in the lab and we are able to control the age and density of the parasite; that offers some exceptional research avenues," explains Matisz.

Using the flathead minnow as an intermediary host, Matisz studied why two parasites migrated to specific areas (one to the minnow's brain, the other to its liver), how the parasites migrated and what the minnow's response was once the parasite made itself at home.

In 2007, Matisz was awarded the Meritorious Student Paper Award, after presenting her research at the First North American Parasitology Congress in Mexico. She continued to receive accolades for her work and in June this year she will be the first graduate student to be presented with the prestigious Ashton Cuckler New Investigator Award from the American Society of Parasitologists for work at the master's level. The award has previously gone to recently graduated PhD students only.

"This award means so much to me because it is validation for the work I have done. I feel immensely proud to get this," says Matisz.

Goater, who nominated Matisz for the award says, "There could be no better ambassador for our graduate program and for our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. I am thrilled to see her waive the U of L flag at the annual meeting in Anchorage."

Now that she is studying for her PhD at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, Matisz looks back on her graduate studies at the U of L with some degree of amazement.

"I had a great experience at the U of L. I was given such incredible resources in terms of support and expertise. Generating three publications for my masters was simply amazing. I don't feel like I could have done better anywhere else," she says.

Matisz admits there were times throughout her thesis project when she needed to clear her head, so she attended a variety of different lectures on campus.

"The lecturers reminded me why I was doing what I was doing. Seeing their passion was really motivating and helped me keep trucking on, although, there have been times in desperation that I've seriously considered abandoning research to be a musician or write fiction," laughs Matisz.

She completed her masters of science in biology with a 4.0 GPA in 2009. For nine months she worked as a research associate at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through the Canadian Water Network, before spending another three months at the Alberta Provincial Laboratory for Public Health in Edmonton in advance of her PhD studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. Currently she is studying with Dr. Derek Mackay and Dr. Keith Sharkey, researching host-parasite interactions of the rat tapeworm in a mouse and how this can affect or modulate joint inflammation.

"I hope that my studies will one day have an impact on human health. It's amazing that parasites can potentially have a therapeutic role for inflammatory diseases – and I hope I can be a part of elucidating those mechanisms. That would be amazing," she says.

GET THE FACTS

· Matisz also won the 2010 Medal of Merit and was a finalist for the Gold Governor General Award

· Matisz had her own radio show on CKXU, Music Soup, while she was at the U of L

· Matisz designed the cover for the edition of the International Journal of Parasitology which housed her very first publication

· Matisz has been awarded scholarships/grants in excess of $114,000

This story first appeared in the Legend. To view the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Conservatory campaign off to rousing start

trevor.kenney — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:07:53 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge officials, community volunteers and students from the U of L Conservatory of Music launched the "Music in the Making" campaign on Friday afternoon with more than half of their ambitious goal already achieved.

The $500,000 community-based campaign will support the Conservatory's move to the new Community Arts Centre, currently under construction in downtown Lethbridge, east of Galt Gardens on the corner of 8th St. S and 3rd Ave. S.

The Conservatory will be a major tenant in the facility, which will enhance the ability for members of the community to experience and enjoy the arts. With more than $250,000 raised to date, the campaign is well underway, according to campaign Co-chairs Lottie Austin and Dr. George Evelyn.

"Music in the Making will support the Conservatory so that students have access to the equipment and tools necessary to be successful," explains Evelyn, who's excited about the opportunities presented by the new downtown location. "This is an important step as we continue to grow music in our community."

"Music has been a part of my life since my mother signed me up for violin lessons when I was five," says Evelyn, who grew up and completed his training in the United States before immigrating to Canada in 1973. He recently retired from the U of L after a more than 25-year tenure as a professor of music in the Faculty of Fine Arts and as the director of the U of L Singers.

"Although it wasn't with a violin under my chin, I've had a rewarding career and from that first lesson on it seemed natural that music was something I was going to do forever."

Austin acknowledges her business activities have led her away from music, but maintains she constantly finds applications for the skills she learned as a musician. "Music taught me to analyze, to set goals, to compartmentalize, to work towards success and those same tenets can be directly applied to a career in business. I know the majority of people who take lessons will not go on to be professional musicians but they will always carry music with them. It is a core component that no matter where you are or what your circumstances are, you will always have music with you," says Austin.

Both Evelyn and Austin agree that investment in the U of L Conservatory of Music is an investment in community. "By supporting the development of musicians and performers, you create possibilities that extend beyond the practice room, theatre or recital hall – you are helping make our community a better place to live. It's one way your contribution can leave a lasting note on the world," says Austin.

Hitting all the right notes

trevor.kenney — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:48:11 +0000

Music in the Making campaign already halfway towards $500,000 goal

Lottie Austin and Dr. George Evelyn are all warmed up and ready to put on a show. As Co-Chairs for Music in the Making, a campaign for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Music Conservatory, the couple is showing thanks for the opportunities they've had by encouraging others to support something they love – music.

"Music is my core and my soul," says Austin, as her hands effortlessly move across the polished keys, filling her living room with a melody she's making up as she goes. If you listen closely, you'll probably hear Evelyn singing along.

Once a performance musician, Austin is no longer playing for a large crowd of expectant ticket holders. Instead, more often than not, she's playing in her own living room for Evelyn, who taught in the U of L music department for 26 years before retiring in 2009.

"Music has been a part of my life since my mother signed me up for violin lessons when I was five," says Evelyn, who grew up and completed his training in the United States before immigrating to Canada in 1973. "Although it wasn't with a violin under my chin, I've had a rewarding career and from that first lesson on it seemed natural that music was something I was going to do forever."

Lottie Austin and Dr. George Evelyn are encouraged by the support shown for the Music Conservatory.

For these two, music is more than notes on a page – it's laid a foundation on which they've built their lives.

"My business activities have led me away from music, but I constantly find application for the skills I learned as a musician," says Austin, who currently works in the finance industry. "Music taught me to analyze, to set goals, to compartmentalize, to work towards success and those same tenets can be directly applied to a career in business. I know the majority of people who take lessons will not go on to be professional musicians but they will always carry music with them. It is a core component that no matter where you are or what your circumstances are, you will always have music with you."

Having benefitted themselves, this couple is working hard to make sure more people have access to quality music education. Plans for the new Community Arts Centre in downtown Lethbridge include space for the U of L Conservatory, allowing for expansion and growth and helping to build confidence in a new generation of musicians.

"Music in the Making will help provide the support necessary for the Conservatory to continue delivering quality programs and ensure students have access to the equipment and tools necessary to be successful," explains Evelyn, who's excited about the opportunities presented by the new downtown location. "This is an important step as we continue to grow music in our community."

As construction of the Community Arts Centre gets underway, Austin and Evelyn are excited that the Music in the Making campaign has already reached $250,000 of its $500,000 goal.

---

For more information on the Music in the Making campaign or to contribute, please e-mail advancement@uleth.ca or call 1-866-552-2582.

Honorary degree nominations sought

trevor.kenney — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:30:27 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate is seeking nominees for its 2011 and 2012 honorary degree awards, and is appealing to southern Alberta community groups to nominate individuals who have made a local, regional or worldwide impact on society.

"Our Honorary Degree recipients reflect not only excellent service to our community, but are also people who inspire others to make a difference," says U of L Senate member Elisha Rasmussen, a member the committee that co-ordinates the selection process. "The people we choose become part of the U of L family and participate actively in the life of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

What does receiving an honorary degree mean to the recipients, whose life experiences have varied from surviving the Holocaust during World War II to entertaining and affecting thousands of people as an award-winning musician and humanitarian?

"Receiving my honorary degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2006 meant a great deal to me," says Holocaust survivor and award-winning author Dr. Chava Rosenfarb.

"Not only was this the first university degree that I ever received, but it also represented a recognition of my lifelong work as a writer in Canada. I also considered the degree as a tribute to the language in which I have written all my works - Yiddish, a language that was as much a victim of the Holocaust as its speakers."

Passionate Albertan Paul Brandt, a former nurse and now a high-profile Canadian country music artist, says his honorary degree has helped to validate his work as an artist.

"Receiving an honorary degree from an institution as reputable and relevant as the U of L came as a real feeling of validation to me," says Brandt.

"I'm currently working on new music to be released mid 2011, and it has put me in a bit of a reflective mood. I've spent a great deal of my life honing my craft, working to influence and entertain people through art, and being recognized with an honorary degree in Fine Arts made me feel like some of that work has been recognized in a context even larger than the world stage. It's nice to see your name in lights, but to know that it's leaving a legacy is a wonderful feeling."

To be eligible for the 2011 and 2012 Convocations, nominations must be received by Nov. 30 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate Office, 4401 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive, Lethbridge, Alta. T1K 3M4. To obtain a nomination form, please call the Senate Office at 403-329-2482.

Recipients are selected by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate from nominees 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

Celebrate your inner drummer

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:07:05 +0000

Here's your chance to release your inner drummer.

Everyone is invited to attend the Third Annual Day of Percussion on Saturday, Apr. 10 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall hosted by the U of L Conservatory of Music. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with $10 registration at the door.

"The day features clinics and performances from world drum educators and performers," says Adam Mason, Percussion Ensemble director. "Everybody in the community is welcome to attend."

Door prizes, giveaways and a showroom of percussion equipment greet attendees. The day is filled with workshops and some hands-on opportunities as well.

"Mike Michalkow, one of our special guests, is conducting a drum set clinic," says Mason. "Michalkow comes to us from Vancouver courtesy of Yamaha. It's a great opportunity for students to meet and work with an exceptional musician."

Another highlight is the Marching Percussion Clinic, led by Lael Johnston.

"Participants are going to experience one of the best drum lines of our region," says Mason.

Tickets for the Global Drums concert are separate from Day of Percussion registration and are available for $15 regular admission and $10 for students and seniors.

Catch the beat during Day of Percussion

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:01:30 +0000

Here's your chance to release your inner drummer.

"The day features clinics and performances from world drum educators and performers," says Adam Mason, Percussion Ensemble director. "Everybody in the community is welcome to attend."

Door prizes, giveaways and a showroom of percussion equipment greet attendees. The day is filled with workshops and some hands-on opportunities as well.

Another highlight is the Marching Percussion Clinic, led by Lael Johnston.

"Participants are going to experience one of the best drum lines of our region," says Mason.

Tickets for the Global Drums concert are separate from Day of Percussion registration and are available for $15 regular admission and $10 for students and seniors.

UNews - musician

2013 Honorary Degree recipients

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