UNews - Paul Brandt

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

Paul Brandt to earn honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:22:21 +0000

Paul Brandt

Award-winning singer/songwriter Paul Brandt works on behalf of several local and global humanitarian efforts.

Born in Calgary, Paul Brandt attended Mount Royal College to study nursing and worked as a pediatric nurse at the Alberta Children's Hospital. During this time, he continued to pursue his passion for music.

Winning first prize in the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, he went on to capture the attention of Warner Brothers Records in Toronto and was later signed by the Nashville office. After the release of his debut album, Calm Before the Storm, the #5 song, "My Heart Has A History," became the first song to chart in the U.S. by a Canadian Male Country Artist. The follow-up single "I Do" went to #1.

Over a stellar musical career, Brandt has received numerous Canadian Country Music Awards, JUNO Awards, and also the Country Music Award for Global Artist of the Year in 2005.

Using his fame as a platform to help people around the world, Brandt's
humanitarian efforts include working with World Vision and Samaritan's Purse and, in doing so, helps to raise awareness of the various needs in developing and war-torn countries.

For his outstanding achievements in music and humanitarianism, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will honour Paul Brandt by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.

Town Hall Meeting will update budgetary process

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:16:35 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

This past spring, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ held a town hall meeting for staff and faculty to address issues surrounding the economic downturn and an expected shortfall in the provincial operating grant.

At that time, much of what we talked about was based on speculation and an expectation that the provincial funding grant increases for the years 2010 and 2011 would come in at zero per cent.

As you read this Billboard, senior administration has just returned from a meeting in Edmonton with Advanced Education Minister, Hon. Doug Horner. He invited the board of governor Chairs and presidents from the province's post-secondary institutions to discuss the state of the provincial budget and what the allocations will be to the post-secondary system.

Now that we have this information, I invite everyone to attend the Friday, Oct. 9, Town Hall Meeting so that we may discuss the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's financial situation further. The feedback from the previous town hall was generally positive and some very good ideas were generated as a result. I expect Friday's town hall will be just as beneficial.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ just recently unveiled a Voluntary Retirement Program as one measure aimed at alleviating some of the financial stress on our operating budget. It is hard to say what impact this initiative will have but it has already received a number of inquiries. The nature of our organization, as with any educational institution, is that salaries make up the majority of the operating budget and all avenues are being explored to best handle the expected shortfall in provincial funding.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ celebrated a major event last month with the grand opening of the new Community Sports Stadium. The festivities were spectacular by any measure. I'm still thrilled by the Friday night football games featuring four of our local high school programs. I have no rooting interest in any of these teams and yet I was swept up in the emotion of the evening. The traffic, the people, the spirit of the stadium was truly alive. Our own Pronghorn teams then carried that momentum over into Saturday, making it a very memorable weekend.

Another good news story this month is the realization of our largest enrolment figure to date. At 8,248 students, we are well ahead of last year's Fall Semester numbers, which is a testament to the hard work of many ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ departments. At one point, projected enrolment saw us at a 17 per cent decline from the previous year, but as is the nature of the U of L, a concentrated interdepartmental effort tackled the challenge and produced wonderful results.

Congratulations to Dr. Reg Bibby, recently honoured by the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA) with the CAFA Distinguished Academic Award for 2009. One of our most recognized faculty members due to his groundbreaking and oft-cited research interests, this honour is well deserved.

I am looking forward to celebrating another graduating class at the Fall 2009 Convocation later this month. With Son Soubert and Paul Brandt here to receive honorary degrees, as well as the return of our first Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Cheryl Misak, as the Alumna of the Year, it promises to be a prominent event.

Honorary degree nominations sought

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:14:48 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate is collecting nominees for its Spring and Fall 2010 honorary degree awards, and is appealing to southern Alberta community groups to nominate individuals who have made a local, regional or world-wide impact on society.

"The people we honour are making a difference to their communities, charitable organizations, or society in some way," says Elisha Rasmussen, chair of the Senate Honorary Degree Nominating Committee.

"Our honorary degrees reflect the multi-faceted fabric of southern Alberta, Canada and many countries world-wide. By bringing these individuals to Lethbridge to celebrate with our graduands and their families, we enrich the convocation experience for all."

On Oct. 17, at its 2009 Fall Convocation ceremony, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will honour two individuals from vastly different walks of life, but who share a common interest in helping people.

"Educator, politician, and humanitarian Son Soubert runs homes for over 200 students and works to establish responsible politics in his home country of Cambodia, while Calgary-based award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Paul Brandt works on behalf of several local and global humanitarian efforts," Rassmussen says. "It is not likely that these people would meet if it weren't for the U of L."

Others from the southern Alberta community have also been touched by an honorary degree, and have reinforced the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's commitment to seek out people who are worthy recipients.

"Being the recipient of an honorary degree from an outstanding university like the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was a humbling experience for me and one of the greatest occasions in my life, one that I will always cherish," says Dr. Roelof Heinen, LLD, a Picture Butte resident and community supporter who received his honorary degree in 2008.

To be eligible for Spring and Fall 2010 Convocations, nominations must be received by Nov. 1, 2009 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate Office, 4401 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4. To obtain a nomination form, 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

Brandt among Honorary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:58:02 +0000

Country music artist Paul Brandt is coming to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – but he'll have to share the stage.

Brandt is one of eight persons selected by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate as an Honorary Degree recipient for 2009. He is among a diverse group of individuals from Alberta, Canada and around the world who have distinguished themselves through their charitable activity, community service or advocacy for change.

"Our candidates this year reflect a mix of local, national and international achievements," says Cheryl Dick, the Chair of the Senate Honorary Degree Committee. "The Senate chose individuals who not only represent the best in their communities, but also people who reflect the spirit and focus of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge."

Brandt, a native Calgarian, is joined by Cochrane-based blind mountaineer Ross Watson; Lethbridge residents and community leaders Ralph Himsl, educator, and Joan Stebbens, respected art curator; Toronto-based humanitarian Dr. Samantha Nutt; national university administrator and U of L alumnus Robert Best; refugee and immigration advocate and Canadian Senator Mobina Jaffer; and Son Soubert, a Cambodian archaeologist and politician who supports orphanages in Cambodia.

Selected members from the group will be honoured at either the spring or fall convocation ceremonies. Spring 2009 Convocation is to be held May 28-29 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Following are biographies of the 2009 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Honorary Degree Recipient.

Robert Best – Ottawa, Ont. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus Bob Best recently retired from his position as Vice President of National Affairs for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. In this role, he has been influential in shaping much of the advocacy on behalf of Canadian universities. His leadership and commitment to higher education have made him a highly respected and sought-after presenter and consultant on policy issues and government relations.

Paul Brandt – Calgary, Alta. (Fall 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Calgarian Paul Brandt is the most-awarded Canadian country music artist in history. In addition to his musical talent, Paul is a registered nurse who practiced as a pediatric nurse at the Alberta Children's hospital. He is a highly committed volunteer and philanthropist, working with groups such as the Alberta Children's Hospital, Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child, World Vision, and Centre Street Church in Calgary.

Ralph Himsl – Lethbridge, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

A retired Superintendent of the Catholic School District, Ralph Himsl has been described as a "Renaissance man". His career in education was dedicated to serving others and challenging them to reach their full potential, whether they were students or other professional educators. Ralph initiated the 'Blueprints' process to reflect on the nature and spiritual needs of Catholic education.

Mobina Jaffer – Vancouver, B.C. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Mobina Jaffer began practicing law in British Columbia in 1978 and was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 2001 by Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Mobina has extensive experience in refugee and immigration law, and has done much work in the areas of women's rights, peace, and security. Mobina also has the distinction of being the first Indo-Canadian female lawyer in BC, the first African-born member of the Senate, and the first Muslim member of the Senate.

Samantha Nutt – Toronto, Ont. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Samantha Nutt is a Canadian physician with over a decade of experience working in war zones. In 1999, 29-year-old Samantha became the founder and executive director of War Child Canada. Her dedication to humanitarian work in war-ravaged nations has made positive change a reality in some of the most devastated and dangerous areas of the world. Samantha has an incredible ability to mobilize youth and has worked with students and teachers across Canada to foster awareness and activism.

Son Soubert – Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Fall 2009 Convocation ceremony)

Son Soubert is currently a Member of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia and a Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology of the Royal ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Phnom Penh. He has worked to establish responsible politics in Cambodia and has done extensive work to help children, including the establishment of two orphanages. In his political, academic, and humanitarian roles, Son has publicly taken a stand against corruption and is an outstanding example of integrity and humility.

Joan Stebbins – Lethbridge, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

One of Canada's foremost curators of contemporary art, Joan Stebbins has an outstanding record of scholarly achievement. More than 184 exhibition-related publications have come to fruition under her direction or mentorship as curator and director of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge from the 1980's forward. Her dedication and expertise have established the SAAG as one of Canada's leading contemporary art institutions.

Ross Watson – Cochrane, Alta. (Spring 2009 Convocation ceremony)

An outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, Ross Watson was the first blind climber to summit Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, in the Yukon. Ross is a community leader and dynamic speaker who has made numerous radio and television appearances, drawing on his unique mountain climbing experiences and an uncompromising belief in the power of personal goals, dreams, and ambition.

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