UNews - Kathy Lewis

Alumni Association announces its 2016 award winners

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 May 2016 20:23:12 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association is proud to recognize a diverse and accomplished group of alumni as its 2016 Alumni Honour Society inductees, the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and the Young Alumnus Achievement Award winner.

“The alumni we are honouring are shining examples of what it means to be a U of L graduate,” says Randy Kobbert (BMgt ’86), president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association. “Each of the individuals being honoured used the knowledge they gained at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to achieve their personal and professional goals, and through these achievements has left a lasting impact on the people, organizations and communities with which they are involved.”

2016 Alumnus of the Year

Ronald Arthur Skolrood, BA ’83

Recognized for his integrity and impassioned approach to law, the Honourable Mr. Justice Ronald A. Skolrood has made significant contributions to his profession, earning a position on the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Skolrood spent the entirety of his practicing life at Lawson Lundell LLP in Vancouver, B.C., and is known as a contemplative and thoughtful lawyer, concerned with principle and the way in which his work might promote the values of justice and fairness. These qualities are reflected in his judgements and he is well-respected by peers and colleagues from across the country. Over the years, Skolrood has given back generously to his profession, serving as a board member of the B.C. Law Institute and acting as the Chair from 2007 to 2012. He was also a member of the Canadian Bar Association, National Constitutional and Human Rights Law Section, and a member of the Law Society of British Columbia Special Compensation Fund Committee. He has been a sessional lecturer at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria and a course group leader at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia.

2016 Alumni Honour Society Inductees

Steve Craig, BMgt ’99

As an alumnus and employee, Steve Craig is an excellent ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. In his current role as director of external relations and student professional development, Craig has a diverse slate of responsibilities. These include running the highly successful Management Co-Op Program, overseeing fundraising and sponsored events, and working with Faculty’s external stakeholders. His genuine interest in using U of L talent to make Lethbridge a better place to do business has earned him the respect of students, faculty, staff and community leaders. He received the U of L President’s Award for Excellence in 2014, was recognized by JDC West as the Advisor of the Year in 2013 and received the Friends of MSS award in 2012/13 and 2014/15.

Patrick C. Forrest, BMgt ’92

Patrick Forrest has contributed immensely to his alma mater, his profession and his community, becoming an exemplary role model for alumni. He has been employed in the investment industry for many years and currently serves as vice-president & associate portfolio manager at BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. He currently holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation, and has also been awarded the designation of Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI), the highest designation within the Canadian Investment industry. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Forrest is a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser in the not‐for‐profit sector and the charitable sector. He is currently acting vice‐Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors and is Chair of the Advancement Committee.

Kathy Lewis, BN ’83, MEd ’99

After completing her nursing degree, Kathy Lewis was involved in the development of palliative care, continuing care and sexuality education in Lethbridge and area, establishing herself as a well-respected nursing educator. A strong believer in giving back, Lewis has served on community boards and worked with volunteer groups throughout the region, including the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the Allied Arts Council, the Lethbridge Community Band Society and the Canadian Diabetes Association. She is a strong ambassador for her alma matter and has served on the Board of Governors, the Senate and as president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association where she oversaw the development of the Fiat Lux Ring, the U of L’s official alumni ring.

Ryan MacDonald, BSc ’06, MSc ’09, PhD ’14

A three-time alumnus, Dr. Ryan MacDonald has been conducting research and working in the hydrological sciences for more than 10 years. His work on catchment-scale hydrological processes and aquatic ecosystems has played a lead role in the development and application of process-based hydrological models for mountain watersheds. Having established himself as a leader in this critical field, MacDonald regularly works with clients from government, industry, First Nations, and NGOs in Alberta and British Columbia. He continues to collaborate with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as an adjunct assistant professor, serving on graduate student committees. He has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles and co-authored two books, making contributions to academia while still providing services to clients from both the private and public sectors.

Reed Spencer, BEd ’83

Reed Spencer is perhaps best known as the sculptor of The Buffalo, the iconic art piece that rests on the top of the coulee to the south of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall. A talented artist, Spencer pursued various artistic methods and mediums over the years while spending his professional career as an educator. Respected by his colleagues, deferred to by his principals and sought out by regional supervisors and provincial peers, Spencer has positively impacted many students. Spencer has also dedicated countless hours to sport development in our community, helping found both the Lethbridge Elks baseball program and the Prairie Baseball Academy. His contributions have been recognized by the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame.

James Wade, BFA ’11

James Wade has established himself as an important new and emerging voice in Canadian playwriting. He has written one full-length dramatic piece and several one-act plays, including two pieces written as an undergraduate student that earned him the top prize in the U of L’s Play Right Prize. In the few short years since he graduated, his work has been performed both regionally and nationally, and he has been recognized with awards from the Ottawa Little Theatre National Playwriting Competition and the Alberta Playwriting Competition. He is presently completing his master’s degree in playwriting at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary and is studying with notable Canadian theatre artists, including Clem Martini.

Young Alumnus Achievement Award

Danielle Tait, BMgt '10

In the six short years since she graduated, Danielle Tait’s career has been marked by significant achievements at a world-class art gallery.

First hired as special events coordinator in 2008, she worked her way through a variety of positions to become associate director at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) in June of 2013. In addition to managing increased job responsibilities, Tait gives back to her community through her involvement with the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and as a board member for Economic Development Lethbridge. She has done volunteer work with groups in Tanzania and has supported a number of volunteer organizations, like the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Urban Spirits.

New ULAA president looks to further engage alumni

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:50:08 +0000

The new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association president understands the value of a community.

“I love growth, development and opportunity. Anything I can do to make things better for my community, for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ or my neighbourhood, I try to get involved in,” explains Grant Adamson (BSc ’03), who was elected as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s 26th president in July.

“Community involvement has been an unwritten part of my family philosophy forever; that goes back to growing up on a farm. Being on a farm is not a place where you can grow or develop on your own. You need community,” says Adamson. “About 10 years back we received a farm century award. It was pretty important to our family and community, but when I graduated from high school I wanted to see who I was away from the farm. Someone suggested I would be a good teacher, so I researched and found that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge had an excellent program for teachers and chose to come to Lethbridge.”

Grant Adamson, with his wife Rebecca, at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Donor Gala

Adamson, however, discovered he had no desire to teach, so in his second year he switched his studies to biology. That same year, he developed a severe case of mononucleosis and was subsequently unable to take a full course load for the next several years. It was then that he truly experienced the fellowship and support found within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

“I was a very strong student academically going into university, but when I found myself suffering academically due to my health, I relied on services provided by the U of L. I sought out help when I needed it and I found it all over the place,” he says. “I became involved with the Organization of Residence Students, the Students’ Union and the curling club. My residence experience was particularly impactful because I got to be a part of governance and make a difference, which I loved. I also met my wife Rebecca (BA/BEd ’99, MEd ’09) and her friend Janet, who would later become my sister-in-law. Being involved in extra-curricular activities was very fulfilling and kept me going until I was well enough to take on full course loads.”

As he began to take more advanced theoretical courses, Adamson could not imagine himself being confined to working in labs for the rest of his life. He began to wonder if it was time to take a small turn in his academic direction once again.

“After exiting from the C-stairwell on 7th, I’d always turned left toward the bio-tech labs. One day, I felt drawn to the geography labs so I turned right instead! I sat there for about an hour reading the presentation boards about the projects and research going on in the department. I saw displays about things I cared about and it played to my roots. That fall, I switched my program to geography. Finally, I could look to the future and visualize what my life would look like.”

Adamson graduated in 2003 and began his career in the oil industry, working in environmental sciences. After the project he was working on shut down, he spent several years pursuing an interest in real estate investment, but his agricultural heritage always beckoned. In 2007, everything came together when Adamson began working with hybrid canola seed production at Monsanto Canada Inc. It was the perfect combination of biotechnology and agriculture all in one. Three years later, Adamson accepted a position at Dow AgroSciences where he continues to work as their lead agronomist for canola seed production in southern Alberta, the Pacific Northwest and Chile. One of his secondary duties is liaising with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, recruiting students to work with Dow AgroSciences as summer interns and potentially as long-term employees.

“The hybrid canola seed industry relies heavily on student interns in the summer, as it is extremely busy during this season,” says Adamson, who is happy to support students through his work and as a member of the ULAA. “The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a great supplier of excellent students who have a background in, or knowledge of, agriculture, or who are willing to learn about it.”
Adamson became involved with the ULAA in 2005. He has served as a director, treasurer and vice-president and was elected as president in July.

“I got involved with the association because I missed the connection with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Participation with the ULAA is a great way for alumni to foster and maintain that link. As part of the executive, I have seen the association become increasingly involved in the community and take on a more formal role. My goal is to lead the maturation and formality process. With 36,480 alumni coming of age in the workforce, we are at a tipping point. I encourage alumni to reconnect and get involved. We want to hear about your stories, your successes and your adventures.”

GET THE FACTS

• Adamson is very proud of his family connection to the U of L – his wife Rebecca (BA/BEd ’99, MEd ’09), sister-in-laws Janet Adamson (BA/BEd ’00), Lauren Adamson (BSc ‘ 04) and brother Lowell Adamson (BSc ’04) are all a part of the alumni family

• Adamson has been a member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate since 2011

• A former member of the board of directors for the Youth Federation of Canada, Adamson also serves as a construction volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, of which his wife is the organization’s local vice-chair

• The 2013 ULAA Executive consists of Adamson as president, vice-president Randy Kobbert (BMgt ’86), past president Kathy Lewis (BN ’83, MEd ’99), treasurer Jason Baker (BMgt ’02) and secretary Sharon Malec (BEd ’73)

Fiat Lux ring an iconic symbol of maturing university

trevor.kenney — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:05:59 +0000

Whether intricately crafted from precious metals and gems, delicately carved out of stone or meticulously woven of grass, the ring has become a familiar symbol worn throughout history, signifying everything from love and commitment to fellowship and achievement.

On Jan. 26, at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 45th anniversary celebration, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA) was delighted to announce the creation of a brand new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ symbol, the Fiat Lux Alumni Ring.

"I think this is a wonderful initiative," says Maureen Schwartz, director, Alumni Relations. "The Fiat Lux ring is a great tradition to begin, and my hope is that it will tie all alumni together in a common bond for their alma mater.

The Fiat Lux Ring is now available for purchase through the Alumni Association website.

The ring is a culmination of several years of hard work. It began in 2008 when the Students' Union approached the ULAA with the idea of an alumni ring.

"It just seemed to be the right idea at the right time. There was a nice mix of older alums and fairly recent graduates on the council and we all agreed that it was something that everyone wanted," says ULAA President, Kathy Lewis. "We sent out a call for designs and in the end we agreed on a beautiful design created by one of our students, Eric Klempnauer."

Klempnauer, a second year new media student at the time, was sitting in an introductory 3D modelling class when he first learned about the competition in the fall of 2010.

"I designed the ring on a 3D modelling program on the computer. It was my first experience with this. I just thought it would be good practice for me. I wasn't really that serious at first because I didn't think I would ever get chosen, but my friends kept telling me that it looked really good, that they would love to wear it. That was when it became quite a serious competition for me," explains Klempnauer who, ironically, received word that his design had been chosen the following spring while he was sitting in an advanced 3D modelling class.

"The design is something that isn't too bulky so it works well for men and women. It is a simple band with slightly raised edges. On the front is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's crest – the sun – surrounded by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's motto, Fiat on one side and Lux on the other (let there be light). I felt it was important to get the motto and crest in the design because they represent the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ so well. The idea for the raised edges came from the design of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall and how it seems to rise out of the coulees. I am really proud of the ring and I believe others will be proud to wear it," says Klempnauer. "I am very excited to become an alumnus, especially now with the ring, because when you become alumni you become part of a family. The ring is a reminder of your time here and the friends you made; it is a way of connecting, and staying connected, with other people."

Lewis agrees, saying she believes that the ring is also a symbol of growth and maturity.

"We are 45 years old and 33,000 alumni strong. The ring is an iconic symbol of a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ that is coming of age. We have reached a critical mass and we are everywhere in the world. We want alumni to be able to identify each other by the rings on their fingers. We would like people to be curious and ask about the ring to create a worldwide awareness of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Lewis. "The beauty of the ring is that it says everything we wanted to say. I think it will be very nice to have something on my finger that reminds me, let there be light."

Cast in brushed silver, the ring is available in both wide and narrow bands. Each will be numbered sequentially and alumni can request a specific number. The rings will be made in partnership with Tompkins Jewellers and pictures of the ring as well as information on how to order one can be found on the alumni website (www.uleth.ca/alumni).

"We are going to begin a new tradition and have a special Fiat Lux ring ceremony in May at the annual Alumni Honour Society event just prior to convocation, to present the rings to all those who have ordered them," explains Schwartz. "We will then have another ceremony again in the fall. We have had so many people inquire about the ring and have had so many positive comments. I am absolutely thrilled."

Distinctive Fiat Lux Ring introduced

trevor.kenney — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:20 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association has launched the Fiat Lux Ring, helping alumni to show their pride in the U of L in a distinctive fashion.

The ring was officially unveiled on Thursday, Jan. 26 at a noon-hour BBQ and launch of the U of L's 45th anniversary activities.

The design, chosen after a competition, is by current Faculty of Fine Arts (new media) student Eric Klempnauer and is both simple and distinctive – cast in sterling silver, the band features the U of L's traditional fiery sun emblem between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's motto, Fiat Lux (Let there be light). All the rings are numbered and alumni can request specific numbering for their own ring. Klempnauer will receive the first ring upon graduation.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association's new Fiat Lux Ring.

Kathy Lewis, the current president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association, says that the ring concept is one that all graduates can embrace, and that its distinctive design will be a conversation starter.

"Our graduates are everywhere, and making a real difference around the world," says Lewis. "We were looking for a way for them to identify each other no matter where they were, and we also wanted a design that would show off our differences. I believe Eric accomplished that, and it is also especially meaningful that a current student – and future member of our alumni community – designed the ring for us."

The design is suitable for men and women, with additional engraving available on the inside of the band.

The Fiat Lux Ring is priced at $249 + tax. If required, a $10 shipping fee will apply.

Orders can be placed online by clicking here, or by contacting the U of L Alumni Office at 403-317-2825.

Lewis a perfect fit for Alumni post

trevor.kenney — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:02:36 +0000

Joking that some might call her career path "checkered" – she prefers eclectic – retired nurse, Kathy Lewis (BN '83, MEd '99) is both nervous and excited to take on the role of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA) president this year.

Lewis began her nursing career in the early 1970s after receiving her RN certificate from the Holy Cross School of Nursing, but a phone call from a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ recruiting officer would lead Lewis to explore a whole new world of possibilities.

"I was married, had two young children and was working as a nursing sessional instructor at the Lethbridge Community College. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was just starting the nursing program and I was asked to enrol. I remember thinking, 'Gee, why are you contacting me?' I really didn't feel that I had what it took academically, but you know the old saying: success breeds success. I found myself completing courses and did very well. I surprised myself," says Lewis, who completed her BN (with distinction) in 1983.

With an undergraduate degree in hand, Lewis says doors opened to her that had formerly been closed. She landed a job as a discharge planning co-ordinator for St. Mike's Hospital and eventually began working as a home care co-ordinator for the Lethbridge Health Unit. Working as a sexuality educator and counsellor in the 1990s, Lewis decided to pursue her master's degree.

Kathy Lewis sees the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as a positive force in the community.

"I had always liked the teaching part of my job so I opted for a master's in education at the U of L. My supervising professor was Dr. Cynthia Chambers. She was such an inspiration; she had a lot of life experience as a wife, mother, educator and writer and she brought that experience to the classroom," says Lewis. "By coincidence, Ron Chambers taught me my last class, which was a drama elective. It was one of the most rewarding classes I had in all my ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ time. Here I was, almost 50, and I found myself in class pretending to be a cow.

"That is what the university does; it gives you that opportunity to open up to a broad range of ideas, people, experiences and possibilities."

Despite her busy schedule with family, work and schooling, Lewis has always made community service a priority in her life. She has served on various boards, including the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the Lethbridge Community Band Society and the Allied Arts Council, and has been a canvasser for a variety of different organizations such as the Canadian Diabetes Association. In 2002 she was nominated to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate to which she dedicated six years of service. In 2008, while attending a Senate meeting, Lewis volunteered to join the ULAA.

"It was not in my life plan to be on the Alumni Council, but the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is such a positive force, certainly in my life and in the community. It is a major employer in the region, we have excellent research going on, wonderful fine arts and contribute to educating our population. I often say that Lethbridge is a different place because people in the 1960s had a vision. We can be proud of that and proud of the people who made all this happen," says Lewis. "Being a part of the ULAA is a valuable opportunity. I am very much a believer in working together; where we may have shortcomings in experience or knowledge, others fill in. Together we all contribute to the betterment of our society."

During the past two years the ULAA has revised its constitution and by-laws to ensure that the association continues moving in the right direction, maintaining its focus on building relationships with the community, students and alumni.

"In Spring 2012, thanks to the hard work of Cheryl Meheden and her committee, we will be launching a Fiat Lux ring as part of our 45th Anniversary celebration at the U of L. We hope every alumnus will want to have one and wear it with pride," says Lewis. "Our alumni chapters are essential. Together we are over 32,000 strong. We are represented on the Board of Governors, the Senate and many ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ committees. Our voice is at the table of decision-making and our participation is vital to the success of this institution. I would encourage each alum that when the timing is right and the opportunity to get involved knocks – open the door."

GET THE FACTS

· Lewis is a proud mother and grandmother.

· A member of ULAA since 2008, she served as ULAA vice-president from 2009 to 2011.

· Lewis plays clarinet with the Lethbridge Community Band Society, and is also a former concert planner.

· Lewis is a former ESL tutor with the Lethbridge Public Library.

· In 2009 she completed her RN re-certification through Grant MacEwan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

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

UNews - Kathy Lewis

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