UNews - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation

Peers bringing message to campus

trevor.kenney — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:52:18 +0000

One of the highlight speaking events of the fall semester will take place Monday, Oct. 1 when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ welcomes Danielle Peers to campus for her talk entitled Interrogating Disability: The De-Composition of a Recovering Paralympian.

Co-sponsored by the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Office of the President and numerous departments and organizations on campus, this event promises to have wide appeal, as Peers's work is provocative, interdisciplinary and creative.

Peers is a Trudeau and Vanier scholar who studies the relationship between disability, sport and social justice movements in Canada. The timing of her talk could not be better, coming on the heels of the Paralympic Games in London, Eng.

Danielle Peers is a Trudeau and Vanier Scholar.

Bringing Peers to the U of L is a coup for organizers. An activist filmmaker, performance artist, former Paralympic athlete, wheelchair basketball coach and community organizer, Peers is a sought-after speaker. She is currently pursuing a PhD in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, and has been involved in research projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Sport Science Association of Alberta. Her academic writings have appeared in such scholarly venues as Disability and Society, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, and Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise. Several U of L faculty members teach Peers's work in their classes on campus.

In her talk, Peers will weave personal stories, creative writing and critical disability theory to explore how the daily questioning and storytelling about disability serve to create certain kinds of disabled (and able-bodied) subjects. She will revisit her own experiences of diagnosis, Paralympic classification, basketball games, media interviews, conversations and internal struggles to consider how she has been composed, and has decomposed herself as a disabled Paralympian.

The event provides a valuable forum for intellectual discussion and it is an important opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff, to hear a provocative and engaging speaker who will challenge us all to think about the ways in which particular bodies are constructed as the "Other."

Organizers of the event include Drs. Carly Adams (kinesiology and physical education), Jason Laurendeau (sociology) and Suzanne Lenon (women and gender studies).

The event is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. in the SU Ballroom and is free and open to the public. Following Peers's talk, there will be a reception with light refreshments. Peers will also meet with interested graduate students at a luncheon earlier on Oct. 1 as well as speak to undergraduate classes on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

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

Meet the next U of L president: Dr. Mike Mahon

trevor.kenney — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:37:41 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will embark upon a new era in July 2010 when Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Mahon officially assumes the role of U of L president and vice-chancellor.

Poised to become the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's sixth president, Mahon will succeed Dr. Bill Cade, who has held the post since 2000.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for me and my family," says Mahon, who will come to Lethbridge with his wife, Maureen. The couple has three grown children.

"My greatest impression so far with the U of L is the people. They have been genuine, and they've really wanted to connect with Maureen and myself in a personal way, and that's fundamentally why we're so excited about this opportunity."

Mahon comes to the U of L after serving two terms as dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta. A vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability, he holds a PhD in education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MSc in physical education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and a bachelor of physical education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba.

An accomplished researcher, Mahon has worked with, and conducted research for, the Canadian Special Olympics organization and Right to Play, a non-profit group that supplies sports equipment and support to children in developing countries.

"I've always been interested in the extent sport and play influence the social integration and quality of life of people with disabilities," says Mahon.

His reputation as a personable, community-minded individual, coupled with an outstanding research record and proven leadership abilities made him the ideal candidate for the position.

"We were looking for an individual who would not only embrace the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's ideals as a community of scholars and leaders, but who could also continue to engage our students and the broader community on a regional, national and international scale," says Robert Turner, Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors.

To view the entire issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Joining the U of L family

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:31:21 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community was introduced to its next President just prior to the Christmas break, and if the enthusiastic reception he received during the announcement is any indication, Dr. Mike Mahon is a very popular selection.

The Winnipeg, Man., native and most recently Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, was accompanied by his wife, Maureen, as he symbolically accepted a blue Pronghorns men's hockey jersey from Dr. Bill Cade, whom he will be succeeding officially July 1, 2010.

"I don't think my heart has beaten this fast since the birth of my third child . . . and that was 20 years ago," Mahon said as he addressed a crowded Atrium. "It's good to get the heart going."

Mahon, a vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability, would know. He holds a PhD in Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba.

The move to Lethbridge and the U of L is one he and his family are anticipating.

"A big part of making such a big decision is where you're going to live. We always said that if we were to leave the U of A, we would only go somewhere that was obviously a good fit academically but also an interesting place geographically. We see Lethbridge as fitting that bill," he says. "Living closer to the mountains is exciting because we both like to ski, we also both run and do all sorts of outdoor things so we see the U of L and Lethbridge as providing a wonderful outlet for those interests."

Mahon is quick to credit departing president Cade for the work he has directed over the previous decade and is enthused about the direction the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is headed and the blueprint laid out by the institution's strategic plan.

"I had always known the U of L as being terrific at educating undergraduate students, but I really learned over the past few months how it has emerged as a research intensive university with a commitment to moving more in that direction," Mahon says. "That's a very important direction for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and something I'm very excited about."

An accomplished researcher, Mahon has worked with, and conducted research for, the Canadian Special Olympics organization and Right to Play, a group that supplies sports equipment and support to children in developing countries.

"I've always been interested in the extent sport and play influences the social integration and quality of life of people with disabilities," he says.

His body of work has included more than 250 presentations, workshops, lectures and publications including more than 90 articles in refereed journals, book chapters and books. His wife Maureen is also a dedicated educator who specializes in early childhood development issues.

Regarded as personable and community-minded, Mahon identifies with the personal approach championed at the U of L.

"My greatest impression so far with the U of L is the people," he says. "They have been genuine and they've really wanted to connect with Maureen and myself in a personal way, and that's fundamentally why we're so excited about this opportunity."
GET THE FACTS

• Mahon and his wife Maureen have three children, Katie (23, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta graduate and assistant manager of a local Edmonton business), Brennan (21, currently studying physical education at the U of A) and Seann (20, currently pursuing a bachelor of arts at the
U of A).

• Maureen has an education degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia, a master's in early childhood development from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba and has worked as an early childhood consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School Board the past two years.

• Mahon says he would like to continue his research interests at the U of L but recognizes they may take a back seat as he transitions to the role of President.

• Mahon will continue to supervise his current PhD student through his defence, likely in
Dec. 2010.

• An avid sports enthusiast, Mahon says his sons will reap the benefits of his move to the
U of L. "They're pretty excited because now that I'm a Pronghorn, they get all of my Golden Bear golf shirts."

Mahon appointed as 6th U of L President

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:09:42 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Mahon as the 6th President of The U of L.

His appointment takes effect July 1, 2010. Mahon succeeds Dr. Bill Cade, who held the position from 2000 and wraps up his tenure in 2010 to return to research and teaching.

Mahon (pronounced "Man") is a long-time Alberta resident, former Manitoban and currently Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta in Edmonton Alberta, where he has just completed a second term.

He is a vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability and specializes in research focused on adapted physical activity with an emphasis on older individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities.

As well, he is working on several projects that bring a research focus to how sports and play can help children in developing countries by working with, and conducting research for, the Canadian Special Olympics organization and "Right to Play," a group which supplies sports equipment and support to children in developing countries.

Mahon holds a PhD in Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba.

"We were looking for an individual who would not only embrace the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's ideals as a community of scholars and leaders, but who could also continue to engage our students and the broader community on a regional, national and international scale," said Bob Turner, the Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors.

"Dr. Mahon has a unique combination of skills and a proven research, community service and administrative track record in Manitoba and Alberta which gives us a high level of confidence that he can continue his approachable style of leadership at the U of L."

Mahon began his academic career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies in 1987.

During his tenure there he served as Director of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute for five years and as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs for three years. He joined the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta in 2000.

"I had always heard good things about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, but as I got more involved in the selection process for the presidency, it became apparent to me that there was a real vibrancy to the people and the research," Mahon said.

"The U of L has also managed to grow to become a comprehensive research university without losing sight of its undergraduate students and their experiences, and that is extremely important."

He added that as he and his spouse Maureen, an educator and university lecturer/researcher who specializes in early childhood development issues, met more people from the community and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, it further solidified their decision to accept the position.

"We came away from our meetings quite energized, especially about the way in which the members of the selection committee and others we met welcomed both of us. Everyone was quite personable, welcoming and hospitable. This was also an opportunity to stay in Alberta, and live in a geographically unique environment that is close to the mountains."

The Mahons have three adult children, who are all either completing university studies in Edmonton or working full time.

Being the president of the U of L has been a lot of work but an incredible experience, current U of L President Bill Cade said.

"We have spent a considerable amount of time and effort refocusing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as a comprehensive research institution, growing our campus, expanding our programs and enrolments, reaching out to the community and telling our story to Alberta, Canada and many parts of the world. I am very proud of all the people who have helped with that process, and who keep the U of L 'running' both academically and operationally."

"I am confident that Dr. Mahon will come to work after July 1, 2010 to find the people and resources in place to ensure the sustainability and continued success of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge -- among them a solid strategic plan, community support and engaged students. Elsa and I wish Mike, Maureen and their family well as they embark on this wonderful new opportunity."

Cade will take an administrative leave and return to research and possibly teaching duties. He is a zoologist/entomologist by profession and has maintained an active international research program, including the supervision of postdoctoral fellows and research students during his time as President.

UNews - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation

Peers bringing message to campus

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