UNews - RICHARD DAVIDSON

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge seeking community input in search for new chancellor

trevor.kenney — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:33:09 +0000

The search for a new chancellor is on and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is engaging the public at large to participate in the process.

ULethbridge Chancellor Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead’s term is ending after being appointed the institution’s first Indigenous chancellor in 2019. His successor will be chosen in the coming months following a public search and nomination process — after which the ULethbridge Senate will short-list candidates and eventually choose the institution’s 15th chancellor.

While a volunteer position, the chancellor’s role is integral to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and its mission as the chancellor represents the public interest in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. As Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate, the chancellor is an ex officio member of the Board of Governors and serves as a key ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ locally, provincially and beyond. In addition, the chancellor presides over all degree-confirming ceremonies and confers all degrees, as well as represents the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ at ceremonial occasions.

“We have been very fortunate over the history of ULethbridge to have an outstanding group of chancellors,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “We saw over Charlie’s term, his engagement with the community and his dedication to advancing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s strategic vision. He was key in championing several Indigenous initiatives and strengthening the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s commitment to and connection with the Blackfoot Nation. He was and will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for the institution.”

Past chancellors include L.S. Turcotte (the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s first) (LLD ’72), Van E. Christou (LLD ’84), Ingrid Speaker (LLD ’01), Robert Hironaka (LLD ’02), James Horsman (LLD ’04), Richard Davidson (LLD ’12) and Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02, LLD ’21), among others. Each has brought unique talents to the role, and all have helped forward ULethbridge in communities close and abroad.

“It’s been said that education is the new buffalo that sustains and empowers our young Indigenous learners. I am a firm believer that knowledge provides the tool to make sound decisions to further careers and provide support to underserved communities,” says Weaselhead. “The past four years have been very rewarding, and I will leave this role with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It has been the highest honour to serve as the first Indigenous chancellor in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s history.”

Nominees for chancellor must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, possess a strong interest in university-community affairs and education, and have adequate time to apply to the considerable duties involved. This is a volunteer position with no remuneration.

Official nomination forms, requiring the names and addresses of three nominators, the signed consent of the nominee and any supporting documentation, will be received in the Senate Office until November 30, 2022. The successful candidate will take office March 16, 2023.

For nomination forms and further information, please contact The Chancellor Search Committee, care of The Senate Office (403-329-2482) or via e-mail at governance@uleth.ca. Details are also available by visiting the Chancellor Search web page.

2012 Honorary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:32:47 +0000

The 2012 Honorary Degree Recipients

JIM COUTTS

Jim Coutts has made significant contributions to Canada, through his public service, conservation efforts and philanthropy, and to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, to which his donations include over 200 pieces for the Art Gallery and a homestead property near Nanton, Alta.

Coutts has had a fruitful career in law, business and public service, and served as Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson in 1963. He was also the Principal Secretary to Pierre Trudeau during his tenure as Prime Minister, spending six years in this role.

In 2011, Coutts donated to the U of L the land homesteaded by his grandfather, near Nanton. This land brings a major opportunity for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to develop its programming and community connections.

PATRICK O'FARRELL

One of the founders of modern molecular biology, Patrick O'Farrell introduced technical innovations that revolutionized the study of proteins and made the use of proteins in medical diagnostics possible.

In 1969, while a graduate student pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry in Colorado, O'Farrell thought of using separations in two dimensions to resolve complex mixtures of proteins on electrophoretic gels. While his goal was to follow molecular events during the embryogenesis of the particular alga that he was studying, the 2-D gel electrophoresis technique that he developed could be applied to protein mixtures from any source. While still a student he prepared a paper describing this method. This paper is now the sixth most cited paper in biology and chemistry.

RICHARD DAVIDSON

The 11th Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Richard Davidson represented the institution with pride, emphasizing its connections with the community.

Davidson's first formal appointment with the U of L was with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate in 1983. He served as a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senator for two terms (eight years), becoming the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Chancellor in 2007, a position he held until 2011. During this time he tirelessly and proudly represented the institution, presiding over many Convocation ceremonies.

Davidson has also been a valuable community volunteer, working for several organizations and supporting many charitable causes. As a volunteer he has worked for, among others, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation, the Kinsmen Club of Lethbridge, the Regional Hospital Foundation, and the United Way. In 2010, he was recognized by the local Rotary Club as the Lethbridge Citizen of the Year and was named by Alberta Venture as one of the 50 most influential people in the province.

PETE STANDING ALONE

A respected Blood Tribe Elder, Pete Standing Alone is a teacher, cultural guide and leader who has been an integral part of the U of L's commitment to Aboriginal education.

He is committed to maintaining and promoting the traditions of his people, and has served as a cultural advisor to several organizations and to Red Crow Community College. At the U of L, Standing Alone has led the opening ceremonies of Native Awareness Week for several years. He is consulted by the Blackfoot people on all aspects of traditional and contemporary Blackfoot culture, including ceremonies, sacred societies, protocol, education, history and social and cultural issues.

A traditional Blackfoot Knowledge Keeper and educator for over 50 years, Standing Alone continues to devote his time and energy to his community and to serving as a role model for others.

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

Senate approves honorary degrees

trevor.kenney — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:46:02 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate has approved the granting of five Honorary Degrees at the 2012 Spring and Fall Convocation ceremonies.

Spring Convocation, May 31 – June 1, 2012

Ceremony 1 – Pete Standing Alone – Doctor of Laws
Ceremony 2 – Dr. Patrick O'Farrell – Doctor of Science
Ceremony 3 – Jim Coutts – Doctor of Laws
Ceremony 4 – Richard Davidson – Doctor of Laws

Fall Convocation, October 13, 2012

Dr. Bill Cade – Doctor of Laws

Pete Standing Alone, Doctor of Laws
Ceremony I, Thursday, May 31

A respected Blood Tribe Elder, Pete Standing Alone is a teacher, cultural guide, and leader who has been an integral part of the U of L's commitment to Aboriginal education. Standing Alone is strong proponent of preserving the Blackfoot culture. His life has been chronicled in a National Film Board Documentary trilogy, spanning 1960 to 2010.

Patrick O'Farrell, Doctor of Science
Ceremony II, Thursday, May 31

One of the founders of modern molecular biology, Patrick O'Farrell's discoveries have had dramatic impacts on biological science and have made the use of proteins in medical diagnostics possible. He is a Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of California, San Francisco. Among other projects, he developed 2-D gel electrophoresis, which has become a routine technique for protein separation and analysis.

Jim Coutts, Doctor of Laws
Ceremony III, Friday, June 1

Jim Coutts is a lawyer, businessman, and former advisor to two Prime Ministers who has made significant contributions to Canada through his public service, conservation efforts and philanthropy, including the development and funding of Lester B. Pearson United World College. At the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Coutts has supported the Art collection and, most recently gifted his family homestead property near Nanton, Alberta.

Richard Davidson QC, Doctor of Laws
Ceremony IV, Friday, June 1

The 11th Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Richard Davidson represented the institution with pride, emphasizing its connections with the community, and has served as president or chairman on many local organizations and charities. Davidson has received many awards and accolades, including Lethbridge Citizen of the Year and a place on the Alberta Venture 50 most Influential People list.

William H. Cade, Doctor of Laws
Fall Convocation, Saturday, October 13

President and chief ambassador of the U of L for ten years, Bill Cade oversaw the development of many initiatives including a rapid increase in students, growth in research, growth of graduate-level education, and the largest fundraising campaign to date. As well, Cade strengthened community relations at local, provincial, national, and international levels.

Celebrating the achievement of Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 May 2011 17:44:17 +0000

Convocation is one of the very best times of the year for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ because it is the culmination of everything we do and represents the essence of the institution.

To use an agricultural analogy, it is our harvest, when we reap the benefits of years of nurturing and hard work and release a bright crop of graduates ready to affect the world in a positive and productive manner.

Convocation is unique because it involves every aspect of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. At first glance it is a celebration of the accomplishments of students but at the same time, it is also a celebration of the accomplishments of faculty members, staff members and the external community.

Convocation is an opportunity to step back and celebrate achievement on a number of levels.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is a member of a much larger community than just those individuals who make their way to the west side on a daily basis. By celebrating our distinguished alumni, by granting honorary degrees and by welcoming our stakeholders to campus to join in the Convocation ceremonies, we extend to southern Alberta and beyond, the family atmosphere that marks the U of L as unique.

The Spring Convocation is an especially significant one for the future of the institution, as we will be installing our next Chancellor, Dr. Shirley McClellan. Her appointment is a very important milestone in the transition of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Outgoing Chancellor, Richard Davidson, was exceptional in his role. A true civic leader, he represented the community of Lethbridge extremely well and was a great ambassador for the institution.

In Dr. McClellan, we welcome an honorary degree recipient and a woman with deep rural roots who has strong provincial ties to decision makers in both Calgary and Edmonton. As the U of L continues its emergence as the province's destination university, McClellan's unique skill set embodies the direction to which we are moving.

I congratulate our President's Award winners for their service and dedication to the U of L. The AUPE group from Calgary was invaluable during the transition from our SAIT location to the present U of L campus at Bow Valley College, while Jamie Chinn continues to provide excellent service in his role with the IT department.

I also want to congratulate our outstanding faculty members, Dr. HJ Wieden and
Dr. Jennifer Mather, honoured with the Distinguished Teaching Award and Ingrid Speaker Medal, respectively. At the end of the day, our fundamental commitment is always to the students, and that we provide a student-centred atmosphere. We can never lose sight of the fact that our core responsibility is to educate the leaders of tomorrow.

I urge you to attend one of the upcoming Convocation ceremonies and share in the joy of our students as they set out to begin the next phase of their lives. It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the work you do to help them achieve their goals, and serves as a poignant reminder of how everyone in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community plays a part in their success.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Open Mike - February

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:56:42 +0000

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

When the U of L Senate elected Shirley McClellan as our next chancellor, it spoke to the vision we have for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ moving forward as an emerging comprehensive institution that engages its students and community.

Over the years, the role of a university chancellor has undergone a significant transition. Today's chancellors are strategically selected by universities to represent their specific ideals and directions. Shirley McClellan, by this way of thinking, is an ideal fit for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Looking back at Shirley's career as a leader, I am struck by the fact that at every turn, her focus was rooted in community values and initiatives. A leader at the local, provincial and national levels, she is a natural when it comes to engaging groups of individuals, and this is reflected in the impact she has had on so many communities, both large and small, throughout her career.

Our retiring chancellor, Richard Davidson, did a terrific job at connecting the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to the community and I see Shirley taking up that charge seamlessly.

The evolution of the chancellor's role has been gradual. While it is still honorific, especially when it comes to convocation and events of a ceremonial nature, it has become so much more. Our chancellor is our window into the community and provides another form of leadership for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

We are very fortunate to have found a person like Shirley to represent the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's interests because she knows and understands the U of L experience, and is able to tell our story on a number of levels.

As the parent of an alumna, she has been the mother of a U of L student. As a person with smalltown roots, she has the ability to speak to those with rural backgrounds, but at the same time, having worked the halls of legislature, she can open doors to the province's key decision makers. As Alberta's true provincial ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, with campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton, she is uniquely suited to represent our needs in any setting.

Shirley will be a strong advocate for this ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ because she has a genuine affinity for the U of L and can see the vision we have established for the future. Her strength as an experienced leader that champions community engagement can only serve the U of L well as it continues to establish itself as a destination university for the brightest minds in the province and beyond.

I want to congratulate the U of L Senate for its worthy selection and I look forward to working with Shirley in the years to come.

Finally, I want to invite everyone to the Feb. 16 Strategic Plan Luncheon in the Atrium. This will be a great opportunity to discuss the strategic directions we have been working towards, and to further clarify our priorities as we forge ahead.

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

McClellan named ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 12th Chancellor

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:54:55 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge announced the appointment of its 12th Chancellor Monday, Dr. Shirley McClellan, who will officially take over for outgoing Chancellor Richard Davidson, QC, on Mar. 15, 2011.

The veteran Alberta politician and former deputy premier of the Province of Alberta was selected on Feb. 5, 2011 by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's next Chancellor.

"On behalf of the U of L, I look forward to welcoming Shirley into our community in the same way I was welcomed when I began my term," says U of L President Mike Mahon. "As she settles in to her new role, I am confident that she will bring a new perspective to the role of Chancellor."

Since leaving the Government of Alberta in 2007, after a 20-year career as a member of the Alberta Legislature, McClellan has matched her interests in farming and education with a long tradition of community service, most recently as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta's Rural Economy/ALES Faculty Office and The School of Business.

She is also a member of the Olds College Board of Governors, and is active in the governance of Horse Racing Alberta.

"I am very honoured to be selected to serve as the U of L's Chancellor," says McClellan. "I've a had a strong affinity for the U of L, which dates back to my days not only as a parent of a U of L student, but in the continuing education field, where we worked with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the college to develop credit programming for rural communities."

Mahon says that McClellan's time in government, and her work since leaving government, has focused strongly on education issues and supporting rural and regional interests.

"Our students come from all over the country to attend the U of L, and many of them are from smaller communities," Mahon said. "As a parent of a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate, Shirley understands and appreciates the challenges they face and the interests they have. She is also a strong ambassador for Alberta and the Campus Alberta program, so we are fortunate to have her on our team."

Louella Cronkhite, a member of Senate and Chair of the Chancellor Selection Committee of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, adds that as the U of L moves forward as an institution and grows its programs and services across the province, finding a person with a broad view of what the U of L stands for was a key selection criteria.

"Shirley is well known and well respected both locally and provincially," says Cronkhite. "We believe her enthusiasm for education and her commitment to our goals will be helpful in taking the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge forward in many different ways."

McClellan served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Drumheller-Stettler constituency from 1987 to 2007. During her six terms in office she held such diverse ministerial portfolios as health, community development, agriculture, food and rural development, international and intergovernmental relations. Additionally, she served as deputy premier and finance minister.

Dr. Shirley McClellan is the U of L's 12th Chancellor

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:24:05 +0000

Dr. Shirley McClellan, an advocate for education, veteran Alberta politician and former deputy premier of the Province of Alberta, was selected on Feb. 5 by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate to serve as the institution's 12th Chancellor.

Chancellor-elect McClellan succeeds current Chancellor Richard Davidson, QC, whose four-year term will conclude on Mar. 15, 2011.

"On behalf of the U of L, I look forward to welcoming Shirley into our community in the same way I was welcomed when I began my term," says U of L President Mike Mahon. "As she settles into her new role, I am confident that she will bring a new perspective to the role of Chancellor."

Dr. Shirley McClellan is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 12th Chancellor.

Since leaving the Government of Alberta in 2007 after a 20-year career as a member of the Alberta Legislature, McClellan has matched her interests in farming and education with a long tradition of community service, most recently as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta's Rural Economy/ALES Faculty Office and The School of Business.

She is also a member of the Olds College Board of Governors, and is active in the governance of Horse Racing Alberta.

Mahon says that her time in government, and her work since leaving government, has focused strongly on education issues and supporting rural and regional interests.

"Our students come from all over the country to attend the U of L, and many of them are from smaller communities," says Mahon. "As a parent of a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate, Shirley understands and appreciates the challenges they face and the interests they have. She is also a strong ambassador for Alberta and the Campus Alberta program, so we are fortunate to have her on our team."

Louella Cronkhite, a member of Senate and Chair of the Chancellor Selection Committee of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, says that as the U of L moves forward as an institution and grows its programs and services across the province, finding a person with a broad view of what the U of L stands for was a key selection criteria.

"Shirley is well known and well respected both locally and provincially. We believe her enthusiasm for education and her commitment to our goals will be helpful in taking the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge forward in many different ways."

McClellan served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Drumheller-Stettler constituency from 1987 to 2007. During her six terms in office she held such diverse ministerial portfolios as health, community development, agriculture, food and rural development, international and intergovernmental relations. Additionally, she served as deputy premier and finance minister.

"I am very honoured to be selected to serve as the U of L's Chancellor," says McClellan. "I've a had a strong affinity for the U of L, which dates back to my days not only as a parent of a U of L student, but in the continuing education field, where we worked with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the college to develop credit programming for rural communities."

McClellan says that over the years, she has followed the development of the U of L's water research programming and other programs and services with keen interest.

"In my area of the province, water and irrigation issues are critical to the success of the agriculture industry, and the U of L is a real leader in that area, and many more," she says. "I am looking forward to participating in as many activities as possible to help tell the U of L story."

McClellan has been involved in bringing further education to rural areas, serving on the board of directors for the Alberta Association of Continuing Education and the Canadian Association for Continuing Education. She also served as co-ordinator of the Big Country Further Education Council for 12 years, among other volunteer roles.

She retired as an MLA in 2007 and now farms near New Brigden, Alta., with her family, which includes husband Lloyd, son Mick and daughter and U of L graduate Tami (BEd 89) who, with her spouse Jeff, have four children ages 10 to 14. New Bridgen is approximately 250 km north of Medicine Hat, Alta. near the Saskatchewan border.

She shares a notable connection with members of the internationally famous musical group Nickelback – her hometown is also Hanna, Alta., where she was born in 1942.

Several community organizations have named facilities in her honour, in particular Olds College, which unveiled the Shirley McClellan Riding arena in 2009, and the Town of Oyen, which dedicated their aquatic centre to her. In 2010, McClellan received an Honorary Degree from the
U of L.

Significant And Mentionable

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:54:14 +0000

HISTORIANS SCORE 100%

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge History Department celebrated 100 per cent participation in Supporting Our Students for the second year in a row.

"This is an incredible accomplishment," says Debi Sandul, who is co-chairing this year's SOS campaign. "Students have always been at the centre of what we do and this demonstrates the continued commitment of the History Department to enhance the student experience and create opportunities."

Supporting Our Students is an annual internal fundraising campaign to raise money for student awards. Faculty and staff donations are matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, doubling the impact of all contributions.

The goal for this year's campaign is 300 contributions and thanks to the dedication of faculty and staff like those from the History Department, the campaign already has 255 participants.

"This year's campaign is about participation and this group has come together to demonstrate the strength of the U of L community," explains Dr. Rob Wood, the campaign co-chair.

"We are very proud of what we've been able to do as a group and I hope this is just the beginning," says History Department Chair Dr. Chris Epplett, who went on to issue a friendly challenge to other U of L departments.

GRAD STUDENTS HONOURED

When the School of Graduate Studies and the Office of Research Services handed out their Research Excellence awards recently, there were no trophies, only cold hard cash to the tune of more than $700,000, which was shared by 36 student recipients of graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies awards.

The investment in research funding directed toward candidates in master's and doctoral programs is critical to help grow the
U of L's research programs and its place as a comprehensive research university.

The research funding was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Alberta-based agencies Alberta Ingenuity Fund, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and the Alberta government-funded Ralph Steinhauer Awards of Distinction.

NATIONAL RANKING SHOWS DRAMATIC GROWTH FOR U OF L RESEARCH FUNDING

The U of L is ranked second nationally by Re$earch Infosource in terms of research income growth over the decade 1999-2009 for undergraduate universities – with an overall growth rate from $3.295 million to $15.956 million.

"This is the highest gain of any Alberta school and any Western Canadian school – and we are still growing," says U of L Vice-President (Research) Dr. Dan Weeks.

"These figures do not reflect the additional people we have attracted, the income from this past year or the many new programs that we have launched."

As assessed by RE$EARCH Infosource, the list ranks universities by their research income and research intensity (research funding per faculty member).

ACCESSIBILITY AND INNOVATION LEAD TO RECORD ENROLMENT

This September brought with it the largest student enrolment in the U of L's history. The official enrolment number is 8,472, with the growth being credited to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's dedication to being an accessible and innovative institution.

EDUCATION STUDENTS TAKE A STAND AGAINST BULLYING

The third annual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week was held Oct. 4 to 6. Organized by the Education Undergraduate Society, the event is the only student-organized anti-bullying campaign in Alberta and aims to increase the awareness of cyberbullying and bullying in the community.

The ever-increasing use of technology among children is rapidly leading to a transformation in the traditional forms of bullying, with cyberbullying becoming more prevalent.

The anti-bullying campaign highlighted the need for schools to develop policies and procedures related to cyberbullying, while providing teachers with techniques and tools to address the issue.

STUDENTS' UNION HELPING PAINT A BRIGHTER FUTURE

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union Executive Council worked on their home-improvement skills this past summer by volunteering with Project Paintbrush.

Working with Volunteer Lethbridge and Project Paintbrush, the students laboured to fix up homes for those who are not able. Specifically, the four council members grabbed brushes and aided in painting the exterior of a local home.

Project Paintbrush focuses on assisting seniors and individuals with special needs who are physically and/or financially unable to maintain the exterior of their property. There is no cost to the homeowner and the program operation is based solely on volunteers.

Taz Kassam, SU president, believes that "making positive changes through volunteering in the community provides for greater experiences and opportunities for all. Lethbridge supports its students and it is important for students to support Lethbridge, too."

By taking part in this project, the ULSU hopes to not only spark knowledge of Volunteer Lethbridge and Project Paintbrush, but also showcase the impact volunteering has on individuals and the community.

"At the end of the day, we can look back and realize that we made a difference, and the families are more than grateful for the help," says Kassam.

IGEM TEAM CLEANS UP

A group of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge undergraduate chemistry, biochemistry and neuroscience students has been awarded a $20,000 international research grant from the Oil Sands Initiative to find a biological solution to improving the environmental sustainability of Alberta's oil sands.

The students are members of the
U of L's multiple-award-winning International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) team, which competes each year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, Mass. Regarded as the premier undergraduate synthetic biology competition in the world, the conference attracts competitors from around the world but the U of L group was the only team to receive a $20,000 award.

The money will help support the development of a petrochemical-eating bacteria that the group plans to design. If successful, the bacteria could be used to help clean up water in ponds that have been polluted in the refining process.

CONGRATULATIONS

The U of L extends sincere congratulations to the following members of our community for their awards and recognitions this fall.

U of L Chancellor Richard Davidson was named one of the 50 most influential people in Alberta by Alberta Venture magazine.

Dr. Trevor Harrison, sociology professor, was awarded a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Canadian Studies at Kennesaw State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

The Honourable Rick Casson, who is a Member of Parliament for Lethbridge and a former U of L employee, was appointed to the Queen's Privy Council of Canada.

Dr. Susan McDaniel, director of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, was named Vice-Chair of the Council of Canadian Academies' Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

Dr. Joseph Rasmussen, biological sciences researcher, was appointed to the National Oil Sands Review Panel.

GLOBE & MAIL REPORT CARD

The Globe and Mail's annual report card on Canadian ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ performance is out and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has been given high marks, ranging from B's to A's in more than 80 per cent of 17 categories.

The survey was prepared by higher Education Strategy Associates in partnership with the Globe and Mail, and asked more than 35,000 students 100 questions that were distilled down to the final 17 categories. Individual scores (such as the U of L's) are based on a minimum number of responses from U of L students.

The Faculties of Health Sciences and Management recorded high marks from students for providing a quality education, and "A" level grades were received for the number of small class sizes, the quality of student/professor interaction, and the institution's athletics and recreation services.

"This survey is a solid reinforcement of our strength as an undergraduate university, but we're moving along a new path to become a comprehensive research university – without losing sight of the very important factors that put all of our students first," says U of L President Dr. Mike Mahon.

U OF L'S CANDO PARTNERSHIP NETS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Faculty of Management student Shermayn Menicoche (photo, right) is one of three people to receive a $3,000 National Indigenous Economic Education Foundation (NIEEF) scholarship from the charitable arm of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO).

CANDO is an Aboriginal-controlled, community-based group that builds partnerships with educational institutions, Aboriginal leaders and senior corporate and government representatives.

The U of L is now one of nine post-secondary institutions accredited by CANDO to deliver courses that help economic development officers working in First Nations communities obtain an Aboriginal Economic Developer Certificate in addition to their U of L degree.

For a look at the full issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Mahon assumes leadership role

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:30:52 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is officially under the leadership of Dr. Michael James Mahon.

On Friday, Oct. 15, Mahon was officially installed as the U of L's 6^th President and Vice-Chancellor. He begins his tenure as President by addressing the students, staff, faculty and supporters of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Following is his Installation address.

Presidential Installation Address

Welcome and Greetings

YOUR HONOUR Chief Justice of Alberta Catherine Fraser, CHANCELLOR

New ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Michael James Mahon.

RICHARD DAVIDSON, BOARD CHAIR ROBERT TURNER, SPECIAL GUESTS, MEMBERS OF OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY, VISITORS TO OUR CAMPUS, and EVERYONE WATCHING ON THE WEB

It is an honour and a pleasure to stand before you today as the sixth president and vice-chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Thank you for being here as we celebrate the future of our great ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. In doing so, we reflect on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's past, the foundation the institution was built on and the many people who have contributed to the emergence of this world-class institution.

Our history begins with the Blackfoot people and the sacred land on which the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ sits. I would like to begin my address with a thank you to the Blackfoot community and the role they have played in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's rich history.

To the Blackfoot People:

NIII TSI KSI NII YII TSI PA, NII TSI TA PII WAH SINI

(Loosely translated, this means "I am grateful and thankful for the Blackfoot way")

Since its founding in 1967, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has evolved from a small and very successful primarily undergraduate university to a research-intensive, comprehensive university with a focus on both undergraduate and graduate studies.

This is a place where ideas ignite thanks to inspired teaching combined with superior research. A place where a collaborative community of scholars and researchers has built a culture of support – for students, both undergraduate and graduate, for each other and for the broader communities of southern Alberta and beyond. Everyone at this university and in this community contributes to our success.

Today, more than 8,500 students from approximately 85 countries call the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton home. Our student-body has grown by more than 50% in the last 10 years. Despite this growth, we have remained true to who we are – a community focused on the student and grounded in liberal education.

There is no doubt that the history of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is one of community.

The success of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is a reflection of the many people who have played a role in its development. More than four decades of students, faculty, boards of governors and senate members, administrators, employees, community supporters and 32,000 alumni have contributed to the emergence of a world-class institution.

Without question, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has exceeded the expectations of its most optimistic founders.

As I begin my first year as president, I assure you, our university will continue to provide each and every student with the most vital and engaging learning environment in the country.

The last four months have validated all of my impressions of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the southern Alberta community. The experiences my wife Maureen and I have had have brought the U of L to life for us. As part of my introduction to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, I was given the opportunity to meet with every unit on campus and participate in activities that form part of their daily lives. I spent an early morning with the dedicated staff in care-taking vacuuming and cleaning classrooms. I drove a street-sweeper, delivered a baby and got lost in a corn maze, we visited classes in drama, critical thinking and poetry and learned to line dance again, which brought back memories of our disco years in the 70's. Through these experiences, Maureen and I have been made to feel very quickly that we are members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge family.

I am struck by how often that term is used as people reference the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – family. This has truly reaffirmed our decision to join the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, as family is foundational to us.

I was born in Winnipeg into a very close-knit family of five children. My mother Lucille and two siblings Susan and Patrick are here today and my dad Jim and siblings Kathy and Paul are watching on streaming-video back in Winnipeg.

Growing up in Winnipeg I came to appreciate cold, heat, wind, rain and snow. During our first summer in Lethbridge we have experienced all of this and thus feel right at home.

Maureen and I met in Edmonton in 1981 and have been married for 27 years. Our careers have led us to Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and North Carolina. I have however, lived in Western Canada for all, but three years of my life, and as a result have a fundamental and deep-rooted connection to the West.

We are fortunate to have three wonderful children in Katie, Brennan and Seann, who are here today, as are a number of Maureen's family members including her mother Cathy.

The support of Maureen, our children, and my extended family has enabled and empowered me throughout my career. I will bring this fundamental belief in the multiple contributions of a family to my new home.

My parents were dedicated to education, volunteerism and diversity. They were role models to me as volunteers, dedicated to community building and in particular supporting the needs of those who are vulnerable. This commitment to service has been instilled in me since my childhood. I believe I am here to support and serve the people who make up this ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. I believe in collaboration, in trust, in foresight, listening and empowerment. My first commitment to you as President is that my role as leader of this ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will be to serve and to help enable the dreams and aspirations of all who work, learn, create, and study, at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. I make this same commitment to the community that we as a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ serve and are accountable to.

The foundation of our culture and identity as a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a commitment to this community of people. Regardless of whether they are students, faculty, staff or alumni, people form the basis of our strength. They define the character of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. As we strive to realize our aspirations as a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, we cannot lose this defining feature of who we are and what we value.

I believe this includes creating an environment that supports healthy living and balanced lifestyles for students, faculty and staff and takes seriously its role in promoting this in the broader community.

Since its inception, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has made a promise to provide a very personal experience to our students. This promise will be continued and indeed enhanced as we go forward.

We must commit all aspects of our university to taking a Student First approach.

Whether it is in academic programs and research, how we recruit and orient our students, our class sizes, our residences, recreation and sport opportunities, health services, or the environment of our campus, we will all ensure that we bring to life this moniker of the Student First.

A note I received in September from a parent of one of our first year students' sums up the essence of our Student First approach and the value of the people who make up this ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ:

This Mother Wrote –

"From the first contacts we had with the university last fall through the orientation day, each and every piece of correspondence and every phone call, I have been overwhelmingly impressed with the caliber of the individuals and the overall feeling of satisfaction I have with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as an institution and a community … I remain a proud parent of an alumnus and a student at an institution that is, in my mind, a national treasure and truly committed to the individual student thriving in and beyond your campus."

Individual people working towards a common goal are an important theme at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. It is the story of our founding, and it is the story that has and will continue to lead us to greater success. Much of this success has been rooted in the principles of interdisciplinary collaboration. It is this concept that Dr. Arthur Erickson sought to foster through his design of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall.

And it is this concept that U of L faculty have used to build research teams and conduct their works of creativity and inquiry. The importance of research across the academy and the potential for multiple disciplines working together to unlock many of the important questions in our world and to contribute to the furtherance of our society cannot be emphasized enough. Our future as a comprehensive university will continue to be rooted in interdisciplinary research and discovery across the academy.

It is the bridge however between teaching and research - to both inform and support undergraduate and graduate education - that is the underlying principle of a comprehensive university.

I arrive at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, with an abiding respect and enthusiasm for working across our academy, to build our capacity as a comprehensive university but to do it in a way that is respectful of our history and identity. We must rededicate our university to high quality, student-centered undergraduate liberal education. In doing so we must also encourage and nurture the research aspirations of our colleagues and their graduate students.

The U of L grew up as a primarily undergraduate university renowned for the quality of its teaching, but has provided thousands of undergraduate students with research experience and the opportunity to work with our world-class faculty researchers - an experience that is reserved for masters and doctoral students at most other universities, and one we should continue to embrace. Recently, the U of L has also dedicated itself to creating more opportunities for graduate education. We must use our experience and commitment to excellence in undergraduate education as a springboard for the development and improving access to graduate level programming.We must however ensure that our commitment to and successes in graduate education and research are balanced across all disciplines. There is no model I look to that will guide us in this achievement, we will continue to create our own .

My entire educational experience was rooted in the philosophy of liberal education. These liberal education roots are the same as those of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. This includes a fundamental belief in the importance of community service learning outside of the classroom. I was in grade 11, during a community service-learning experience, when I had a life changing and career-focusing experience. As part of a school-based volunteer requirement, I worked at an institution for children and adults with severe intellectual disabilities. This experience was the impetus for 33 years of work dedicated to understanding and supporting people with disabilities.

My high school volunteer experience and subsequent career in disability studies had a significant influence on my philosophy of education. In keeping with that philosophy, it is my goal to ensure that during my tenure as President and continuing thereafter, each of our U of L students has an opportunity to complete at least one community-based experience during their undergraduate program. We are committed to building a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ culture that promotes social responsibility and community engagement. We have an obligation to give back to the community that supports us, and our students have an obligation to give back to the community that welcomes them and enables their education.

Abigail Adams, an advocate of women's rights and the abolishment of slavery in the 19^th century United States, summarizes this obligation very well by saying, "If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind, whom should we serve?"

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is a treasure: a treasure that is recognized throughout the province and across the country – approximately 70% of our students come from outside of our city. While this is an impressive measure of our reputation, one of our goals must be to ensure that the citizens of Lethbridge and southern Alberta continue to take great pride in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as their university. That it be the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of choice for their children. At the same time it is important to recognize the opportunity and need to continue to promote the U of L as a university of choice for students from across Canada and indeed the world. Every student we bring from outside Lethbridge, makes significant contributions to this community.

During my tenure as President, I wish to see the U of L truly recognized as a premier Canadian comprehensive university dedicated to providing a second to none student experience for both undergraduate and graduate students. To achieve this vision, we must continue to build our capacity to house students on campus, by increasing residence space. In turn, this will ensure increased access to affordable housing in the city for Lethbridge residents. We must promote ourselves and continue to vocally and publically celebrate the successes of our colleagues in the faculty and staff ranks, of our students and of our graduates and alumni.

We must ensure that we no longer hear that we are, "One of Alberta's best kept secrets." Instead, we will hear that we are one of Canada's top destination universities.

Our journey forward will continue to recognize the importance of internationalization. With over 85 countries represented in our current student population, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is already an international campus. Our goal of becoming a destination university will be achieved in part through our ability to continue to attract international students. These students contribute immeasurably to our campus. They must be made to feel welcome at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and in the city of Lethbridge. Internationalization is also about providing opportunities for Canadian students to grow through an international experience offered as part of select academic programs and to be exposed to an international, multi-cultural campus.

Our Strategic Plan provides an exciting vision for our university; one that has been embraced by our campus community and a vision I completely endorse. As I have heard repeated, it is a path we have chosen to follow, not a set of railroad tracks that will dictate where we will end. It is not a directive – it is a vision we collectively must contribute to or we will be unsuccessful in achieving it. Each of us has a unique role to play in this endeavor. I am committed to doing my part to get us there.

There is a wonderful promise outlined in the academic calendar of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. With slight modification, today I make this promise to you,

To our students, to our faculty and staff and the community of supporters of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, I make a promise:

· A promise to do my best, so you can be your best.

· A promise to foster exploration, to share ideas and information, to teach but also to learn.

· A promise to help build the buildings, acquire the technology, cultivate the partnerships, and welcome the people essential to advancing an environment that excites and ignites learning, teaching, research and creativity, while contributing to the sustainability of the environment within which we live.

· A promise to create an environment where professors and students are colleagues and everyone grows together, an environment that recognizes the power of every student's dream. And helps that dream come true.

We will have many new challenges ahead us but I know we are ready to take them on. Along the way we will be guided by our roots epitomized in the ever-changing light of the prairie landscape. Fiat Lux- Let there be light!

Marching for a cause

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:28:13 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor, Richard Davidson, and his En Route 66 team have raised more than $42,000, the most money of any team, at the first ever Kidney Foundation of Canada Kidney March.

The three-day event took place Sept. 10 to 12 in the Kananaskis and brought participants from all over Canada. A total of 219 participants walked 100 km in support of research efforts to fight kidney disease. In the end, just over $900,000 was raised for the cause.

Davidson led the way as the top individual fundraiser, bringing in over $23,000, while his wife Denise and supporters of En Route 66 then upped that total to more than $42,000 with their efforts. Donations are still coming in, days after the conclusion of the event.

"Since our son's transplant almost 17 years ago, we have had the opportunity to see first hand the value of the

Chancellor Richard Davidson and his wife Denise celebrate after completing the Kidney March from Kananaskis to Calgary.

research that has been done, and in more than 20 years of volunteering with the Kidney Foundation, we have seen the way the foundation has helped people living with kidney disease in so many ways," says Davidson.

As a dedicated group, Kidney March walkers received tremendous support leading up to and throughout the event from community members, volunteers, family and friends all committed to making the first ever March a success.

"Everyone's efforts have made the event a huge success for The Kidney Foundation," says Joyce Van Deurzen, executive director of the Kidney Foundation of Canada – Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. "Our walkers, volunteers and donors came together as a community with one goal, and they made it happen. We're incredibly happy with the amount of money raised and the awareness that has been brought to the fight against kidney disease."

The walk, which included stays in two overnight camps, began in Millarville on Friday, Sept. 10 and made its way through beautiful Kananaskis Country. Hundreds of walkers ended their journey Sunday afternoon at Canada Olympic Park.

All March proceeds will go to The Kidney Foundation of Canada in support of kidney health programs, organ donation initiatives and cutting-edge medical research aimed at combating kidney disease. The Foundation hopes to build the Kidney March into a national event over the next few years. Most Canadians who are at risk of kidney disease may not even know it. Currently, two million people have chronic kidney disease or are at risk and the numbers are growing fast.

To keep informed about next year's Kidney March, call 1-866-9-KMARCH or visit www.kidneymarch.ca.

UNews - RICHARD DAVIDSON

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge seeking community input in search for new chancellor

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