UNews - Eva Gorny

Scholarship gifts help shape the future

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:36:32 +0000

Eva Gorny knows that a university education will ensure she reaches her full potential, allowing her to maximize her contribution to society.

In her final year of a Bachelor of Education degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Eva recognizes the importance of student engagement both inside and outside the classroom. She is committed to her studies but maintains there's more to the student experience than going to class and writing exams.

"My time at the U of L has been about so much more than just taking classes and working toward a degree," says Eva, who works closely with various student groups including the U of L Students' Union General Assembly and the U of L Rotaract Club, just to name a few. She strongly believes these experiences have enriched her education.

"I've really immersed myself in campus life," says Eva, who admits she's always had a passion for community service. "As a student here, I'm proud to be a part of such a stro

ng community. Working with the different service clubs and volunteering my time to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ causes have allowed me to give back to the community here on campus – one that gives me so much."

Her commitment to giving back has not gone unnoticed. Last year, Eva was the recipient of the John Gill Memorial Award, which recognizes student leadership and community engagement, qualities very near and dear to Eva's heart.

"Scholarships help provide a well-rounded university exp

erience, allowing students to focus on ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as well as opportunities outside the classroom," says Eva, who says awards like this one allow students to pursue opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach, simply because of limited financial means. "I am truly humbled to be the recipient of the John Gill Memorial Award."

For Eva, this is just the beginning. While she looks forward to teaching, she is committed to continuing to serve the communities to which she belongs.

"I look forward to taking the knowledge and skills I learned as a student and using them to continue serving my community," says Eva, proving that supporting students has impact beyond our campus.

To learn more about student awards or to make a gift today, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving

Scholarship gifts help shape the future

trevor.kenney — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:08:36 +0000

Eva Gorny knows that a university education will ensure she reaches her full potential, allowing her to maximize her contribution to society.

"I've really immersed myself in campus life," says Eva, who admits she's always had a passion for community service. "As a student here, I'm proud to be a part of such a strong community. Working with the different service clubs and volunteering my time to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ causes have allowed me to give back to the community here on campus – one that gives me so much."

"Scholarships help provide a well-rounded university experience, allowing students to focus on ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as well as opportunities outside the classroom," says Eva, who says awards like this one allow students to pursue opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach, simply because of limited financial means. "I am truly humbled to be the recipient of the John Gill Memorial Award."

For Eva, this is just the beginning. While she looks forward to teaching, she is committed to continuing to serve the communities to which she belongs.

"I look forward to taking the knowledge and skills I learned as a student and using them to continue serving my community," says Eva, proving that supporting students has impact beyond our campus.

To learn more about student awards or to make a gift today, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving

ULSU charitable efforts laudable

trevor.kenney — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:17:01 +0000

Life isn't always a breeze, and every once in a while we are all in need of a helping hand. Students are no different.

Thankfully, there are numerous services offered by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) to help students whenever life's pinch gets a little too tight, but this is only one side of the charitable coin at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The flip side to the long list of services offered to students are the charitable actions and efforts of students who want to make life just a little easier for those who need it. The beneficiaries range from those within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community to the local and provincial communities and as far reaching as beyond international borders.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union works diligently to provide an avenue for motivated students to host charitable events on campus. Most recently, Paul Klein and Maxine Saretsky, members of the ULSU General Assembly (GA), organized a shoe drive benefitting Soles 4 Souls. The Nashville-based organization has been collecting and distributing shoes to disadvantaged persons since 2005 and they currently reach people in need in 127 countries.

Over the course of a frigid week in January, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community donated 194 pairs of shoes to the organization's cause. After this year's successful showing, Maxine and Paul hope to have the event return next year.

Another annual charitable event by students profiting students is the ULSU and Education Undergraduate Society (EUS) Fashion Drive. Now in its third year, and spearheaded by GA Education Rep Eva Gorny, the EUS Fashion Drive benefits scholarships for Faculty of Education students. The proceeds raised help to assist future teachers during their third practical semester and their first year in the profession.

The goal of this event is to raise enough money to keep this scholarship going for at least two additional years. Funding will be distributed in $500 increments to education students who qualify.

The collection period for this year's event takes place from Feb. 6-17 and there will be collection boxes located across campus. The fashion sale will take place on Feb. 28-29 in the Students' Union Ballroom B (SU200B).

The focus of the sale may be to help education students through their studies but the entire ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community benefits from the great prices and items available at the sale. Students will have the opportunity to refresh their wardrobe with minimal impact on their pocketbooks, all the while helping their fellow students – a win-win situation.

The well-being of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's student community remains at the heart of the ULSU's charitable efforts and they continue to seek out new and innovative efforts to improve the lives of their students and the community.

Rotaract event to support emerging education

trevor.kenney — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:53:07 +0000

Students desperate for a permanent place to receive an education in the new country of South Sudan will benefit from a popular ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student-organized fundraising event.

The U of L's Rotaract Club will host Guir Ku Baai – Building Peace through Education, its 7th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, Feb. 4 in the Grand Ballroom at the Lethbridge Lodge.

Proceeds from the event will help current U of L Management student Anthony Makwach build a school in his home community of Abouk (pronounced Ab-wark), South Sudan, in the world's newest nation.

Anthony Makwach is looking to give children in his homeland of South Sudan the same educational opportunities he enjoyed in his youth.

Makwach was born during a prolonged civil war between what are now the countries of Sudan and South Sudan, and was raised in nearby Kenya. He has returned numerous times to his home community of Abouk since hostilities diminished in 2005.

Makwach says his long-term dream is the construction of a school to assist the children of the community.

"I went back to the South Sudan this past summer to celebrate the country's independence, and to visit my family," says Makwach. "I was so inspired, but at the same time heartbroken to see how the kids are struggling for their education. They have no school and are taking classes under a tree. I built a small shelter with my own funds, and came back to Canada with the idea for a project – to build a building big enough for at least 600 elementary school children."

Makwach knows first-hand the value of an education and the freedom it provides.

"I had an opportunity and privilege to go to a high school in Kenya. I got my diploma, and now am attending the U of L, where I am training to become an accountant," he says.

The direct connection between Anthony, his family in Abouk, and the dedication of the community to build the school formed the basis for the Rotaract group's support for this project.

"It is Anthony's dream to see a school built in his community, and we are working to make his dream a reality," says Eva Gorny, Rotaract's vice-president, External Affairs. "The Rotaract event typically raises between $10,000 and $15,000. We are hopeful that most, if not all, of the needed funds will be raised at this event."

Makwach's family members in Abouk and area are builders, and the cost of construction materials will be offset by volunteer labour from the community.

South Sudan, as the world's newest country, is also the poorest, with the majority of its eight million citizens living on less than $1 (CDN) per day. Life expectancy and literacy rates are low, infant mortality rates are high, basic medical care is scarce, education is difficult to obtain and the economy is unstable.

The landlocked nation was officially recognized as an independent country in 2011. Several international aid and development organizations are active in the country, but there remains a significant need for specific projects – such as the Rotaract Abouk School Project – that can help communities develop on their own.

Tickets for the Rotaract Dinner and Silent Auction are priced at $65 each ($40 for students), or $450 for a table of eight.

Silent auction items, gifts-in-kind and monetary donations are also appreciated. Contact rotaract@uleth.ca to purchase tickets or for additional information.

GET THE FACTS

· A brief video presentation from Makwach can be seen at vimeo.com/33668154

· The U of L Rotaract Club is a not-for-profit service club that is part of Rotary International. Its mandate is to fundraise, provide volunteers and, most importantly, raise awareness for both local and international needs

· Over the past six years, the Rotaract Club has raised more than $100,000 for projects in such varied locations as Burkina-Faso, Iqaluit and Malawi

· For more information, contact Eva Gorny, vice-president External Affairs at 403-360-3843 or e-mail rotaract@uleth.ca

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

Students' Union recognizes contributors

trevor.kenney — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:03:39 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union held its annual Recognition Dinner on Friday, Apr. 8 to acknowledge the incoming and outgoing councils, as well as honour those dedicated individuals who contribute so much to the ULSU.

The ULSU award winners are as follows:

Employee of the Year -- Cheri Pokarney

This annual award is presented to the Students' Union employee who has made the most outstanding contributions to our organization over the past year and best displays the values of the Students' Union. The winner of this year has only been with the organization for a relatively short time, but she has come into her position with strength and dedication. She is always willing to help the Executive Council with any questions or concerns, and acts as a driving force for the entire office. The winner this year best demonstrates the core of what the Students' Union is; dedication to students.

John Brockelesby Students' Union Award of Excellence -- Armin Escher

This award is for the General Assembly member who has made the most outstanding contribution to this ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. As anyone who has met this individual knows, he is extremely passionate and determined. Never one to be shy during General Assembly meetings, he has kept this entire organization accountable. This individual has sat on numerous committees for both the Students' Union and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and is always ready to be the voice of the students. He also organized the second annual Fashion Drive to raise money for student scholarships. The ULSU is pleased to have had him on the General Assembly this year, and knows he will do great things as the incoming Board of Governors Representative.

Bill Chapman Students' Union Certificate of Distinction -- Eva Gorny

This is an annual award presented to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student who has shown the most innovation in the area(s) of student affairs, wellness, or any other notable field over the past year. The winner this year is an extremely active student in many ways, especially with the Rotaract Club. She has volunteered at many events and is always looking for new ways to raise awareness for causes she feels strongly about. This year she organized the first ever 12-hour Relay for Life, which raised money in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. This year she was received the 2010 Leaders of Tomorrow Volunteer Excellence Award, given on behalf of Volunteer Lethbridge. She has gone beyond expectations of the average student, and we are so glad that she is part of our community.

Students' Union Helping Hand Award -- Karol Budny

This is an annual award presented to a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge faculty or staff employee that has made the most significant and lasting contribution to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union and their members over the past academic year. The winner has always been willing to help out the Students' Union in any way he can. Whether it means lending a hand or a ladder, he is eager to serve the SU in any way possible. He is always positive and so polite to everyone he interacts with and is always quick to respond to any requests the SU has. Any task that this individual takes on is completed thoroughly and promptly, and regularly exceeding expectations.

Outstanding Dedication Award -- Bob Cooney

This award honors the faculty or staff member who demonstrates outstanding dedication to the students of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Students are the heart of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and this individual consistently seeks to make sure the heart is strong. Any time a student or a club needs help with promoting an event he has been eager to help out in ways that surpass his job description. He has even dedicated time to help the Executive Council of the SU learn how to properly handle the media.

Continued Support Award -- Calvin Toth

This is presented to a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge faculty or employee in special recognition to outstanding dedication to the students of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. This year's winner continually puts in all of his effort to helping the students. He spends nights, weekends and even lunch hours in assisting students to put on their events. Almost every club has had this individual working behind the scenes for them, and he is always willing to help with any last minute considerations. Never one to give up, he is persistent to delivering quality service.

Students' Union Student Employee of the Year Award -- Dukagjin Berisha

This is an annual award presented to the Students' Union student employee who has demonstrated the most exceptional contribution to our organization over the past year. This individual personifies the values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union in all his endeavors and is enrolled as a full-time student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. This year's recipient is hard working and always looking for more ways to help out. He goes above and beyond expectations, is extremely reliable and always positive. This person is mindful of the little things and provides great customer service with his polite and conscientious demeanor.

Students' Union Club of the Year Award -- PRIDE Centre

This annual award is to honor the Students' Union ratified club that has demonstrated the most dazzling effort and dedication in its endeavors over the past year. This club should have held numerous successful events and should be in excellent standing with Clubs' Council. This club has attended every Clubs' Council and always coming to up with something new. This club is constantly looking for ways to positively spread their message to the community, and bring a sense of belonging to the students. They are one of the most active clubs on campus, and probably the most persistent.

Students' Union Student of the Year Award -- Thomas Fox

This award recognizes the student who has shown excellent effort and commitment to his or her endeavors over the past year. Our recipient this year has taken on enough activities for an entire committee and still manages to find time for more. He was president of two clubs this year; Amnesty International and the Chess Club, participated in the Student Speaker Challenge, and even had time to serenade the masses at the occasional Open Mic Night. This person has worked closely with the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group to promote important causes to the student community, such as the Bring your own Bag movement.

Legacy Award -- Taz Kassam, 2010/2011 Students' Union President

The Legacy Award is presented to the President of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union. It symbolizes the hard work put in by the outgoing council, under the guidance of the President. This year has been quite dynamic, seeing a lot of new events and great incentives. This year council came together to support each other, and a lot of it had to do with the drive and optimism of the President. She is a great communicator and always works for the best interests of the students. The ULSU President is unbelievably organized and an exceptional leader.

One final BillBoard - President Dr. Bill Cade

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:35:51 +0000

One of the first opportunities I had to communicate to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community came in the fall of 2001 when I penned the first ever Billboard in a brand new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ publication, the Legend. As I prepare to leave my position as President of the U of L, I am pleased to have the opportunity to write one final Billboard, a fitting bookend to my time here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

There have been a lot of 'lasts' taking place over the past month and one of the more significant occasions was participating in my final convocation ceremony. I have found always that convocation is an excellent reaffirmation of what we do, day-in and day-out, here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Each ceremony is unique and one highlight this spring was seeing our first graduate of Ceremony 2 receive her degree. Alix Blackshaw was a very involved student on campus and worked diligently with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Rotaract Club. She, along with Kristina Larkin and Eva Gorny, were recently profiled in the Lethbridge Herald and embody the ideals we embrace here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. It is very satisfying to see our students take their role in life seriously, that they don't concentrate just on their books but they take what they've learned in the classroom and share their lessons outside with those less fortunate.

As many of you know, I do not wear hats, and especially convocation hats. For the past 10 years I had avoided wearing my official convocation hat during ceremonies, but Chancellor Richard Davidson made a point of noting that I was not "appropriately" attired during the final ceremony – I ultimately relented.

I want to thank George McIntosh in Facilities for mentioning that I had never had the opportunity to touch the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Mace. I was surprised and pleased to have Chief Marshal John Poulsen hand it to me as Elsa and I walked out in our final procession.

I also want to thank the Senate for bestowing upon Elsa the Senate Volunteer Award. Her contributions to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the last 10 years have been invaluable, and I could not have done any of this had it not been for her love and support.

Another significant event was the annual Paul Lewis Lunch. This is one of my favourite gatherings as it brings retirees back to campus and really drives home the community spirit we've fostered here at the U of L. This year we were thrilled to showcase Markin Hall to many of our former employees.

The official opening of Markin Hall this fall is one I'm looking forward to attending. While the date has not been finalized, if it can be co-ordinated before our trip to Mozambique in October, I will not let it open without me.

The many farewell wishes both Elsa and I have received have been fantastic. The goodbye events have been very warm, very gratifying, embarrassing, awkward at times, but more than anything, a lot of fun.

It has been a wonderful ride – I've said that many times and I'll go on saying that. I can't imagine a more satisfying time in my life in terms of the people, the things we worked on, and the recognition the U of L has received.

Wherever our travels and careers take us in the future, we will always be Pronghorns and members of the U of L community.

President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bill Cade

UNews - Eva Gorny

Scholarship gifts help shape the future

Related Topics

Scholarship gifts help shape the future

Related Topics

ULSU charitable efforts laudable

Related Topics

Rotaract event to support emerging education

Related Topics

Students' Union recognizes contributors

Related Topics

One final BillBoard - President Dr. Bill Cade

Related Topics