UNews - Executive Director

Longtime ULFA representative, Rennie, excited about life transition

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 22:38:26 +0000

When Brenda Rennie, the executive director of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA), moved to Lethbridge from Vienna, Austria, she thought she would only stay for a few years.

Brenda Rennie retired this past week from the ULFA after almost 30 years of service with the organization.

“I thought we would be here for three years,” she says, “but it’s been over 25 years and we’re still here!”

Rennie retired this past week from the ULFA after almost 30 years of service with the organization. Her journey with the ULFA began in 1985, when she was hired as the sole employee.

“I was hired on as a part-time secretary, and at that time we were representing around 200 faculty,” she says. “It became clear after a few weeks that just answering the phones and opening the mail wasn’t going to be enough for me!”

The ULFA has grown in Rennie’s time from representing just over 200 faculty members to the current membership, which consists of over 500 faculty members, academic assistants and sessional lecturers.

“Until this previous year, our membership grew every year, which kept the role challenging,” she says.

“I sort of created this position from the ground up,” say Rennie, who over the years has worked with 23 ULFA presidents and six staff members in five different locations across campus. “I’ve been so fortunate to have been given an opportunity to grow with the role. That’s been fantastic.”

As executive director, Rennie’s job entails a variety of tasks every day.

“I’ve always seen my role as helping support what the president and executive do,” she says. “I’m always kept on my toes. No two days are ever the same.”

Annabree Fairweather, currently the executive officer of the ULFA, will be stepping into Rennie’s role after spending the past year learning about the job.

“We’ve had a succession plan in place for the past few years, so I feel very comfortable passing the torch, so to speak, to Annabree. The ULFA is going to be in very capable hands,” says Rennie.

When asked about the most memorable aspect of the role, Rennie says it’s always been about the connections she has made with the volunteers of the ULFA.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with some fantastic people,” she says, “and I’ve gained so much from those relationships.”

Rennie’s connection to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge extends beyond her time at the ULFA, though. Her son and daughter attended the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for their undergraduate education, and Rennie is quick to point that fact out to anyone who asks.

“I’m so proud to say that my children graduated from the U of L,” she says. “They had a fantastic experience… it is a great school.”

Spending time with her two sons is part of what Rennie plans to do with her free time.

“It’s going to be a transition, as it is for most retirees. I keep joking that I’m so used to my routine, I’ll be showing up on campus,” she laughs. “I’m looking forward to travelling, hiking, just staying active, but it is definitely going to be a transition, as I like being busy.”

2013 Gill Symposium honours neuroscience researcher McNaughton

robert.cooney — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 19:08:50 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Neuroscience researcher Dr. Bruce McNaughton is receiving a significant award from a major US-based neuroscience research institute located at Indiana ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, in Bloomington, IN.

As part of the annual Indiana ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ – Bloomington Gill Centre for Biomolecular Science Symposium, McNaughton, the Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions (AIHS) Polaris Research Chair at the Department of Neuroscience and Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN), will receive the 2013 Gill Award for his significant contributions to neuroscience research.

He will also deliver a keynote address to the 300 delegates who attend the event each year from around the world.

Dr. Bruce McNaughton was the first scientist to win the $10 million Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions (AIHS) Polaris Award, the richest health research award in Canada.

McNaughton joined the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2008, moving his research program from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Arizona to the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

His research focuses on how brain cells process information and form memories, and how those processes are altered by aging, trauma or substance abuse.

McNaughton is the first scientist to win the $10 million Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (now Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions (AIHS)) Polaris Award, the richest health research award in Canada. The AIHS award of $10 million was matched by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the Informatics Circle of Research Excellence (ICORE) for a total investment of $20 million into McNaughton's research and the CCBN.

There are presently 56 researchers on McNaughton’s Polaris team at the CCBN, including principal investigators, doctoral and post-doctoral researchers, masters and undergraduate students, and a team of technicians.

According to Gerry Oxford, executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute and professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the IU School of Medicine, McNaughton has provided definitive experimental evidence for the concept that consolidation of memory -- in this case the memory of an individual journey in space -- was facilitated by repetitive "replay" of the hippocampal neuronal activity that occurred during the actual experience.

"His scientific accomplishments are extraordinary and broad, but with a relentless focus on understanding cognitive function through the dynamics of functional brain circuitry," Oxford said.

Gill Symposium organizers will also acknowledge the achievements of Dr. Loren M. Frank, associate professor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of California San Francisco Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Department of Physiology, who is receiving this year’s Gill Young Investigator Award. His findings have broken new ground concerning memory formation and wakefulness.

For more information about the Gill Symposium or the Gill Center please contact Misty Theodore at 812-856-1930 or mtheodor@indiana.edu.

To speak with Professor McNaughton, contact Amanda Mauthe-Kaddoura at 403-332-4099 or amanda.mauthe2@uleth.ca.

Website: http://ccbn.uleth.ca/people/primary/McNaughton.php

Professor Frank can be reached at 415-502-7357 or loren@phy.ucsf.edu.

For additional information, please visit the Gill Symposium website: http://news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/university-wide/2013/09/2013-gill-awards.shtml

About the Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science

The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, which is part of the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington, was established by a generous gift from Linda and Jack Gill to advance the understanding of complex biological processes and to train the next generation of scientists in biomolecular measurements, especially in the field of neuroscience. Members and collaborators include faculty from IU's departments of Biology, Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Physics, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience and the School of Medicine.

http://www.indiana.edu/~gillctr/symposiums.shtml

Hansen named Horns men's head coach

trevor.kenney — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:45:05 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns Athletic Department announced that Mike Hansen (BA '96, BEd '99, MA '09) has been named the new head coach of the Pronghorn men's basketball program Friday, becoming the 10th head coach in the program's history.

Hansen replaces Dave Adams, who resigned Feb. 25 after his fourth season with the program to pursue an international teaching opportunity.

"We are excited to welcome Mike back to the program," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation, Sandy Slavin. "His track record at the college level speaks for itself and his connection to the basketball community in southern Alberta is equally important."

Hansen returns to the 'Horns program after suiting up for the blue and gold during the 1990s. He played in 74 games for the Pronghorns over four seasons under the program's all-time winningest coach, Dave Crook, and graduated after the 1994 season.

"It is such an honour to be able to lead the Horns program," says Hansen. "Dave Crook and Dave Adams have been two of the most influential mentors in my life. I have a huge sense of responsibility to live up to the standards they have set for this program, and I hope I can have the same impact on my players that they've had on me."

Coaching at both the college and high school level in Alberta, Hansen comes to the 'Horns with a wealth of experience. Over five seasons in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) with Lethbridge College and NAIT, Hansen compiled a 68-30 conference record and a 114-47 overall record. Hansen reached the playoffs in all five seasons in the ACAC, including bronze medal finishes in 2009 and 2012 and a silver medal at the 2011 ACAC Final Four Championship.

After leading Lethbridge College to a 17-1 record and a CCAA silver medal, he moved on to NAIT for one season and finished with a 16-4 record. He resigned from NAIT after one season due to the inability to relocate his family to Edmonton.

In addition to his college experience, Hansen spent 10 years as a local high school coach, winning three league titles, four zone championships and attending the provincial championships six times, including this past year when he led the Chinook High School Senior Girls team to its first 4A Zone championship and a fourth place finish at provincials. He has also been involved in Alberta's provincial program, serving as an assistant coach and winning a bronze medal at the 2001 Canada Games.

Hansen will have instant familiarity with the current 'Horns roster, having coached a number of the current 'Horns at Lethbridge College.

Kolb, McDaniel join list of Jubilee medalists

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:12:12 +0000

In late February, Dr. Bryan Kolb (Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience) and Dr. Susan McDaniel (Sociology, Director, Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy) received Jubilee Medals awarded by the Royal Society of Canada. Both Kolb and McDaniel are Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC). This was the first visit to the U of L campus by Royal Society executive director Darren Gilmour and Royal Society President, Yolande Grisé.

In addition to Kolb and McDaniel, a number of U of L faculty members have also recently received Jubilee medals, among them Dr. Peter McCormick (Political Science), Dr. Reg Bibby (Sociology), Dr. Dayna Daniels (Women and Gender Studies), Dr. Rick Mrazek (Education), Tanya Harnett (Fine Arts/Native American Studies) and U of L President Dr. Mike Mahon. A complete list of medal recipients to date is available on the Government of Alberta website: alberta.ca/diamondjubileemedal.cfm

Adams resigns as Horns' head coach

trevor.kenney — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:50:33 +0000

Following a 12-win season, the most the program has achieved since the 1999-2000 season, Dave Adams has resigned as the head coach of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's basketball program to pursue an international opportunity outside of coaching.

Hired April 17, 2009, Adams finishes his second tenure with the program with a 46-60 career won-loss record, the second best winning percentage of any Pronghorn men's basketball coach. He also guided the Horns to three post-season appearances. His first stint with the 'Horns was as interim head coach for the 2001-02 season, following the departure of Dave Crook.

"One door is closing and another door is opening both in Horns' Nation, and in my personal life," says Adams. "My journey has been greatly enriched by the wonderful experiences as a player, assistant coach and then head coach at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, but both my family and I are excited about this new endeavour and exciting opportunity overseas."

Head coach Dave Adams, seen here during a timeout, leaves the Horns after one of the team's most successful seasons.

Also an alumnus of the men's basketball program, Adams suited up for 76 games for the Blue and Gold from 1976-81, having his best season during the 1980-81 season when he averaged 11.9 points per game.

Adams has accepted a position as Principal/ Superintendent for the Alruwad International Schools in Muscat, Oman. There are four new schools set to open under the Alruwad International schools umbrella that will be offering Canadian curricula education in addition to sports academies. Two of those areas are close to Adams's heart - basketball and triathlon.

"I'm happy for Dave, I can't imagine a job that would be more perfect for him," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation, Sandy Slavin. "He has done a great job for us these past four years, he's moved the program forward and is leaving it in great shape for the next coach. We will all miss the enthusiasm and excitement that Dave brings to Pronghorn Athletics."

Pronghorn Athletics will begin the process of searching for a new coach immediately.

Groundbreaking study to focus on moral distress

trevor.kenney — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:59:54 +0000

Knowing the right thing to do is one thing. Actually being able to do it, quite another.

In fact, many nurses experience that dilemma every day, according to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researcher Dr. Shannon Spenceley. She is exploring ways to lessen this source of moral stress among nurses in the workplace.

The study, which is funded by the national Alzheimer Society Research Program, is the first in Canada to focus on moral distress in continuing care settings, such as long-term care or supportive living facilities.

A nursing professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Spenceley is the principal investigator on a study that is examining moral distress among nurses who care for those with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia.

The Alzheimer Society of Canada reports that more than 747,000 Canadians are living with AD or other types of dementia – and that figure is expected to more than double in 25 years (by 2038).

In Alberta, there are more than 46,000 people with Alzheimer's or related dementias, and over the next 25 years, that figure is expected to reach more than 100,000. Seventeen per cent of new cases are 'early onset', where people are diagnosed before age 65, and 72 per cent of those are women.

A fatal and progressive disease that destroys brain cells, AD affects one's ability to remember things, make decisions and perform routine activities. Most people living in residential care facilities have some form of dementia, including AD.

Nursing caregivers can find themselves in difficult, and ethically complex, situations when trying to provide the best care for residents with dementia.

"It may be that a nurse who is caring for a confused and agitated resident can either use a prescription drug to reduce the agitation or simply sit with a resident until the resident calms down," says Spenceley. "The nurse knows that while the former option may cause undesirable side effects, the latter one will require extra time. In a situation where staffing is short and there are many competing demands, the nurse may feel that the choice he/she feels is right is simply not possible. Such situations create feelings of moral distress, which has been linked over time to nurse burnout, and to nurses leaving a job or even the profession."

To better understand the triggers and effects of moral distress, and to help residential-care managers address staff recruitment and retention challenges, Spenceley's team will interview and survey nursing caregivers in several facilities across southern Alberta.

"Ultimately, we want to develop strategies to mitigate moral distress," says Spenceley. "By understanding such issues, and working to create solutions, it creates the opportunity to address some of the recruitment and retention issues faced in this sector of care. Finally, anything that can be done to create a healthier and happier workforce caring for this complex population is a step in the right direction in terms of providing high-quality residential care."

The two-year project also involves U of L health sciences co-investigators Dr. Bradley Hagen and Dr. Olu Awosoga, as well as Dr. Barry Hall of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary Faculty of Social Work (Lethbridge Campus) and Dr. Roland Ikuta, the medical director of Seniors Health, Alberta Health Services (AHS) South Zone. Colin Zeiber, executive director of Seniors Health for Alberta Health Services (AHS) South Zone, is the AHS community partner liaison for the project.

Langevin takes year leave

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:25:41 +0000

On the heels of a season that saw an end to a six consecutive Canada West Championship run, 12-year ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby head coach Neil Langevin has announced that he will take a year leave from his head coaching duties.

Former Pronghorn and long-time assistant coach JJ Ondrus has been named the interim head coach for the 2013 season. While Langevin will not be the head coach next season, he will stay on as an assistant coach.

"Neil has done a great job not only developing the student-athletes in his time but also his coaches," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services, Sandy Slavin. "JJ will do a great job, and having Neil around to help with the transition is an asset and will also free him up to concentrate on other areas of the program."

Langevin, the architect of the 'Horns most successful athletic program, has been the head coach since its inception in 2000 and led the Horns to three consecutive national titles from 2007-2009, in addition to the six consecutive conference titles. The 'Horns also medaled on two other occasions at the CIS Championships, earning a silver medal in 2003 and a bronze medal in 2006.

Twice named the Canada West coach of the year (2002 and 2009), Langevin was also named the CIS coach of the year in 2009.

Over the 12 years, Langevin compiled a 41-21-0 conference record including a 22-game conference winning streak that spanned more than three full seasons.

Internationally, Langevin coached Canada's National Team to a fourth place finish at the 2006 World Cup. He also spent time as the head coach with Rugby Canada's National U20 Women's team.

"The challenge to contend for a national title every year has become difficult as I have two active boys with increasingly busy schedules and a full-time job," says Langevin of his decision to take a year leave. "JJ will bring her own ideas and strengths to build the program back to a national contender. I am proud of her and am confident in her abilities."

Ondrus began her Pronghorn career as a women's soccer player in 1997, playing three seasons, before moving to rugby. She was part of the inaugural women's rugby team in 2000. She finished her fifth year of athletic eligibility in 2001 when the Horns captured their first win against UBC in the Canada West bronze medal game.

Ondrus has been coaching with the program since her graduation. She's coached for over 10 years in the Southern Alberta High School Rugby League, most currently at Winston Churchill High School, where she teaches physics.

She has also travelled as a coach with two international high school rugby tours, one to England/Scotland (2006) and one to Wales (2010). Ondrus was an assistant coach for Rugby Alberta Senior and U23 Women at Rugby Nationals.

"I've been with the program since it started in 2000, so it is near and dear to my heart," says Ondrus. "I am very excited for my new role and cannot wait to bring my energy and ideas to the table. Neil has set the bar pretty high, but I know, as he does, that I am ready!"

The 2013 Canada West rugby schedule has yet to be released but the 'Horns will begin training camp in late August.

Game day shirts establishing Horns culture

trevor.kenney — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 21:04:46 +0000

The challenge is on!

As part of the Recruitment and Retention Project (RRP), the Enhancing Community & School Spirit (ECSS) subject matter team is challenging ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ departments, faculty, staff and students to wear Game Day Shirts on the day of our Pronghorn Athletics games.

The ECSS team has partnered with Sport & Recreation Services to develop the initiative, and an initial order of shirts for participating departments has already taken place. ECSS team leaders, Kara Watson and Trevor Flexhaug, say the initiative is designed to foster a greater awareness and promotion of when Horns games are taking place, to engage more faculty, staff and students with Pronghorn Athletics by having them attend games and to increase the pride of wearing our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge branded clothing.

Horns culture gets a boost from a new campus initiative aimed at engaging the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

"It's also about having some fun and challenging departments across campus to see who can promote the Horns' brand the best and increase attendance at the games," says Flexhaug.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Calgary and Edmonton campuses are also invited to participate.

"It's exciting to see an initiative like this take shape," says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport & Recreation Services (SRS). "Pronghorn Athletics represents the entire ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and to see widespread support like this is great for the program and will really be noticed by our student-athletes."

Robb Engen, the manager of marketing and promotion for S&RS, is a member of the ECSS team and helped direct the proposal. He says that SRS will provide campus with notice the day prior to every Horns game so that everyone will know when to wear the shirts. Game days are also promoted on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's digital signage system and on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive digital screen. A full Pronghorns season schedule is available at gohorns.ca.

The impetus for the initiative comes from a School Spirit Student Survey that was conducted by the ECSS team. The survey indicated that 49 per cent of student respondents (1,017 students responded in total) had never attended a Pronghorn game, 25 per cent indicated there was a need to create more awareness of Horns Athletics on campus and better communication of campus events, while less than 44 per cent of respondents had ever worn U of L branded clothing.

This is just the initial stage of the Game Day Shirts project, with the campus departments that most interact with our students invited to participate.

Watch for further promotion of Game Day Shirts (they'll be available at the Horns Athletics Office, PE210, later this month) and upcoming staff, faculty and department opportunities to get involved.

"It's a great way for everyone to get involved in our campus community and to really add to our school spirit," says Watson. "Let's go Horns!"

This story first appeared in the November 2012 issue of the Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Game day shirts a part of establishing Horns culture on campus

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:17:28 +0000

The challenge is on!

Horns culture gets a boost from a new campus initiative aimed at engaging the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

"It's also about having some fun and challenging departments across campus to see who can promote the Horns' brand the best and increase attendance at the games," says Flexhaug.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Calgary and Edmonton campuses are also invited to participate.

This is just the initial stage of the Game Day Shirts project, with the campus departments that most interact with our students invited to participate.

Watch for further promotion of Game Day Shirts (they'll be available at the Horns Athletics Office, PE210, later this month) and upcoming staff, faculty and department opportunities to get involved.

"It's a great way for everyone to get involved in our campus community and to really add to our school spirit," says Watson. "Let's go Horns!"

This story first appeared in the November 2012 issue of the Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Tennant named Chair of new Alberta agency

trevor.kenney — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:44:38 +0000

Alberta will build the most comprehensive environmental monitoring program in Canada with the establishment of a new arm's-length environmental monitoring agency, led by ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Emeritus Dr. Howard Tennant.

The agency will be built on credible science, research and data collection. This is the key recommendation of the independent Environmental Monitoring Working Group report released by the Alberta government.

The new science-based agency will begin work in the oil sands region and will focus on what is monitored, how it's monitored and where it's monitored. This will include integrated and coordinated monitoring of land, air, water and biodiversity.

A management board named by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Diana McQueen will immediately begin work to set up the new agency. Tennant has been named Chair of the management board.

"Under the leadership of Premier Redford, this government has been clear on the need to improve how we manage natural resource development in the province," says McQueen.

"Building on the implementation of our first regional land-use plan in the Lower Athabasca, the move to an arm's-length environmental monitoring agency is the next critical step. This agency will be the first of its kind in Canada and signals to Albertans, Canadians and the world that we are committed to world-leading resource stewardship."

The work of the six-member management board will focus on how the new science-based agency will operate, long-term funding options and establishing a Science Advisory Board to provide input and advice on monitoring efforts. The initial focus of the new arm's-length agency will be on the Lower Athabasca area with the ability to expand to the rest of the province.

Members of the management board include:

Dr. Howard Tennant - Chair
Dr. Arlene Ponting
Dr. Gregory Taylor
Dr. Ron Wallace
Mr. Doug Tupper
Mr. Paul Clark

"Arm's-length oversight is an essential component of comprehensive, adaptive and effective environmental monitoring," says Tennant.

"The work of the management board will be key to ensuring the foundation of the new agency is based on sound, credible science. I look forward to the high quality technical and scientific advice the board will provide government as we work to build the best system for Albertans."

"Providing scientifically-credible information through an independent body is fundamentally important to excellence in resource management," says Kirk Andries, Executive Director of the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute.

"We are looking forward to working with the Management Board to contribute to the development of a fully integrated, multi-media based environmental monitoring system."

"CAPP supports the establishment of the provincial monitoring agency," says CAPP vice-president David Pryce. "This is an important mechanism to further the implementation of scientifically credible monitoring which can be used to confirm and assure responsible development."

The work of the management board will be supported through Environment and Sustainable Resource Development's operating budget. Funding for the management board's work for the remainder of this fiscal year could be up to one million dollars and an estimated $3 - $5 million for next year (2013/14).

While the new agency is being established, environmental monitoring in the oil sands region will continue to be led through a joint federal-provincial program announced in February.

To date, that program has added new water quality sites on the Athabasca River and Muskeg River system; increased air monitoring by adding more sampling sites; and, improved bio-diversity monitoring to include all oil sands producing areas. Up to $50 million a year is being provided by industry in the region to support the joint federal-provincial environmental monitoring plan.

The full report of the Environmental Working Group is available online at http://environment.alberta.ca/03379.html.

UNews - Executive Director

Longtime ULFA representative, Rennie, excited about life transition

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