UNews - 403-329-2582

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/

SOS making a difference

trevor.kenney — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 21:09:38 +0000

On May 30 and 31, the excitement of Spring Convocation was palpable at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Caps and gowns, flowers and photographs lit up the campus as the U of L community came together to celebrate the accomplishments of over 1,400 graduates.

As Chief Marshall of Convocation, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD '06) was able to join in the excitement.

"Convocation is a great experience to share with the students," says Doan, Co-Chair of the current Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign. "The ceremonies are a wonderful combination of tradition and excitement, and you can really see the students reflecting on their accomplishments at the U of L and envisioning their futures."

Many people play a supportive role in the life of a student. From friends and family to faculty and staff, a support system is crucial to student success. That's why the Supporting Our Students campaign is so important.

Dr. Jon Doan, seen here on the left administering his Chief Marshall duties at convocation, is the Co-Chair of the 2012-2013 Supporting Our Students campaign.

Judy Jaeger, long-time supporter of SOS, is the other Co-Chair of the current campaign.

"I know my donations are always needed," she says. "I see firsthand the struggles students face daily; 25 per cent of my employees in the caretaking department are students taking full course loads. My SOS contributions help them succeed."

In 2012, a total of 330 faculty, staff and retirees contributed to SOS, totalling over $174,000 in gifts and pledges. In 2013, 238 participants have already contributed over $55,000 in gifts and pledges.

Through the generosity of these donors, approximately 2,000 scholarships and bursaries have been awarded to students over the past year. This amazing show of support resonates far beyond the classroom.

"As donors, we might be providing the funds for a student to take that formative course that 'flips the switch' on their education, or to join that eye-opening class trip or student event, or to buy that innovative course textbook that exposes a whole new interest," says Doan, who contributes to SOS on an ongoing basis.

As the 2012-2013 campaign comes to a close, Jaeger and Doan are proud of how it has progressed and look forward to staying involved as volunteers. Watch for an announcement on the SOS Co-Chairs for the 2013-2014 campaign, launching in September.

If you haven't yet made your 2013 gift, the Co-Chairs encourage you to do so.

"We are all here for the students. Without them, this campus would be empty," emphasizes Jaeger. "Please join Jon and myself in giving back to students on a monthly basis. Thank you for putting students first."

For more information on Supporting Our Students, or to make a donation today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving or call 403-329-2582.

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.

SOS making a difference

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:10:08 +0000

As Chief Marshall of Convocation, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD '06) was able to join in the excitement.

Dr. Jon Doan, seen here on the left administering his Chief Marshall duties at convocation, is the Co-Chair of the 2012-2013 Supporting Our Students campaign.

Judy Jaeger, long-time supporter of SOS, is the other Co-Chair of the current campaign.

If you haven't yet made your 2013 gift, the Co-Chairs encourage you to do so.

For more information on Supporting Our Students, or to make a donation today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving or call 403-329-2582.

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.

Legacy gift supports learning

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:52:03 +0000

For the late Ida Wiens, it was a love of learning that motivated her to complete her education, drove a successful career as a teacher and inspired a gift that leaves a legacy.

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, it was not easy for Wiens to pursue an education. She attended Rosenfeld County School initially but had to complete her high school by correspondence before being accepted to normal school in Regina. Wiens left home at the age of 20 to obtain a teaching certificate.

The late Ida Wiens wanted to ensure that the next generation of students could have every opportunity to succeed.

"She had to work her way through normal school to pay for room and board. My parents helped her where they could but they didn't have much to give," says her brother Reinard Kohls. "Given her background and the fact that she was relatively without means, it was very impressive that she was able to do what she did."

Following graduation, Wiens taught in small schools throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta before settling in Coaldale in 1948.

"She would tell young people to stay in school, keep their noses to the grindstone and get an education," remembers Kohls. He says for Wiens there was no better investment.
For her, learning was a continual process and she remained committed to her own education throughout her career. Although she taught full-time, Wiens pursued a bachelor of education degree through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta by taking classes over several summers.

She spent more than 36 years in the classroom before retiring in 1980. But even then, education remained a priority and having spent much of her life in southern Alberta, Wiens saw great value in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"Ida and her husband Elmer were immensely proud that southern Alberta had managed to get its own university," says Kohls. "Having grown up in small communities themselves, they saw this as a great opportunity for people from this area."

Grateful for her own education and successful career in teaching, Wiens wanted to ensure more students had the opportunity to go to university. With no living relatives, Wiens made an allowance in her estate for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. The Elmer and Ida Wiens Faculty of Education Bursary will help provide the financial means necessary to train the next generation of teachers.

Moreover, Wiens' commitment has inspired a lasting legacy – one that remembers a teacher who believed in the importance of continued education, and one that will benefit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ well into the future.

As a result of her bequest, Ida Wiens joins the Fiat Lux Legacy Society, a group of donors who have left a legacy gift or are planning a legacy gift that will benefit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in the future.

For more information, visit www.ulethbridge/giving or call 403-329-2582.

This story first appeared in the May 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Scholarships provide boost

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:22:25 +0000

When Faculty of Arts & Science students need help planning their academic careers, they often find their way to Lesley Rode.

An academic advisor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for the past 13 years, Rode gets to know students well and has come to understand the struggles they face – inspiring her to provide help above and beyond her advising role.

Lesley Rode gets great satisfaction out of helping students achieve their academic goals.

Starting as an academic advisor at Lethbridge College, Rode made the move to the U of L in 1998. More and more of the students she worked with at Lethbridge College planned to transfer to the U of L, so coming here seemed like a natural progression for her. One of the draws to the U of L for Rode was the unique student experience offered here.

"I really like the fact that students at the U of L are able to work with professors through independent studies and other unique learning opportunities," says Rode. "I see this as a real key to students finding success."

Rode revels in the opportunity to work closely with students and see them progress as they move through their academic careers. She says she has no problem being their biggest cheerleader, especially for those who may be struggling to find their way.

"I am most proud when the students with the greatest challenges complete their programs," she says. "When the students do well it's very validating, and makes you feel as though your work is really worthwhile."

Just as Rode's advising is important to students, she recognizes how important student success is to faculty and staff.

"Without students we wouldn't be here," she says. "Taking part in the Supporting Our Students campaign is a way to remind students of their valuable place here and how much we appreciate they have chosen to get their education here."

For Rode, scholarships are essential to students being able to achieve their goals.

"When students receive scholarships it's a tremendous boost to them," she says. "My hope is that scholarships can one day be given to all students. The SOS campaign is a step towards that."

For more information on Supporting Our Students, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving or call ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582.

This story first appeared in the April 2012 issue of the Legend. To view the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Giving creates access

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:57:43 +0000

When Fred Greene (BA '98) is asked to name a favourite work of art, he rhymes off not one, but a handful. With an impressive resumé that includes a four year fellowship at the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) in Rome and 10 years in the Conservation Department at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, it's not surprising that Greene feels right at home in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Art Gallery.

He describes the U of L Art Collection with passion.

"Our collection is spectacular," he says simply.

Even more importantly, Greene is proud of the work going on behind the scenes. "Our reputation isn't based on what we have in the collection anymore. We're being recognized for what we're doing with it," explains Greene, whose training is in conservation. "Instead of commenting on the value or size, people now know we also have a well-housed, well-maintained, well-documented and well-utilized collection."

Fred Greene sees Supporting Our Students as a chance to create opportunities for students.

Moreover, access to artworks is incredible. Since Greene started work at the gallery in 1999, he's been involved in the development of an online database that allows much of the collection to be viewed electronically. This makes artworks more accessible, helping Greene to share what he loves with others.

"I'm the art guy," laughs Greene, referencing his unofficial title amongst the students he works with. "I am involved in our museum studies program, but I also work with students from disciplines outside of fine arts. We have very dynamic young people on this campus and I'm proud to say that I get to work with lots of them."

For Greene, supporting students extends beyond showing them works from the collection and helping them with conservation projects, he also shows his commitment as a regular contributor to Supporting Our Students (SOS).

"We talk a lot about access and equal opportunities but without proper funding, it's not possible," says Greene, who returned to university in his 40s and completed a bachelor of arts at the U of L. He took advantage of applied studies and was able to work overseas on archaeological sites between semesters to help pay for his education, but Greene recognizes many students are not as fortunate.

"I hope my gift helps someone who wouldn't be here otherwise," says Greene, who is proud to be part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

"The U of L plays a significant role not only in my life, but in the life of my family," adds Greene, who notes his wife is a faculty member and his son is a current student. He's witnessed the impact the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has from all angles and wants to ensure more students benefit from what the U of L has to offer.

"I'm proud of this university and what we're building."

For more information on SOS, or to make a contribution, visit www.uleth.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents or call 403-329-2582.

This story first appeared in the March 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Unlocking student potential

trevor.kenney — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:37:36 +0000

Dr. Robin Bright (BASc '79, BEd '82, MEd '88) is not only a dedicated faculty member, she's a proud ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus who fondly remembers her time as a U of L student and sees so many possibilities in the students she teaches today.

"The best part of being here is the students – their enthusiasm, fresh ideas and willingness to learn," says Bright, a professor in the Faculty of Education who specializes in language and literacy. "This job wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for the amazing calibre of students we have."

Although Bright has been a professor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for almost 20 years, her time as a student is still fresh in her mind.

"It's important to never forget what it felt like to be a student," says Bright, who earned three degrees here and was one of the U of L's first graduate students. "Sometimes you feel vulnerable, scared or worried, and other times you feel empowered and confident."

Dr. Robin Bright is co-Chair of the Supporting Our Students campaign and a long-time contributor to the program.

Bright understands the mixed emotions that students experience, and strives to support students in every way she can.

"Faculty and staff can make or break a student's day," says Bright, who believes students are dependent on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community not only for their educational needs but also for their well-being. "As a student I was supported by faculty and staff in a number of ways, and it really made my experience a positive one."

Bright is co-Chair of this year's Supporting Our Students campaign and has been a long-time contributor to the program.

"Supporting Our Students is a way of showing my students that I remember what it's like to be in their place, and that I care about their success as learners," she says.

She remembers benefitting from scholarships as a student and how it enhanced her opportunity to succeed.

"I can say without a doubt that scholarships make a difference," she says. "'We believe in you' is the message it sent to me, and that's the message we send to current students when we support this campaign."

As the campaign co-Chair, Bright is passionate about the cause, seeing each student as an individual in need of the community's support.

"Every student has a story, and many students have had to sacrifice to get here," she says.

"When you give to this campaign, you can look into a student's eyes and know that you've helped them to be successful."

Supporting Our Students is an annual faculty and staff campaign that raises money for student awards. Since its launch in 2005, U of L faculty and staff have generously donated more than $1 million to the campaign, sending a strong message to students that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community stands behind them.

For more information on the Supporting Our Students campaign, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents or call 403-329-2582.

This story first appeared in the February 2012 edition of The Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Unlocking student potential

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:52:25 +0000