UNews - www.uleth.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents

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