UNews - Future Fund

Helping students find their way

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:29:27 +0000

Shawnee Brave Rock never intended to go to university, but after excelling at her high school upgrading courses, she followed the example of her mother – a PhD student – and enrolled at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Born and raised in Lethbridge, Brave Rock knew the city well, but the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ campus was new territory.

"It was really exciting but at the same time, I was really intimidated. It was just really scary," she says.

For the pre-management student, the Native Student Advisor, Elizabeth Ferguson, has been a critical resource.

Judith Wabegijig, left, and Shawnee Brave Rock are appreciative of the assistance they get from Native Student Advisor Elizabeth Ferguson.

"I'm a single mom, and I think my biggest struggle isn't school – it's life outside of school," says Brave Rock. In the last two years, she's approached Ferguson for help with everything from scheduling classes to accessing the food bank, and says this guidance has eased a lot of the pressure.
"One of the most important factors for success for aboriginal students is the support they receive on campus. This support must be culturally relevant and reflect the needs of the aboriginal community," says Ferguson (BA '03, MA '05).

Campus can feel like a large, imposing place for any student, but it can be especially tough for First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students. Many of these students are from out-of-town and may feel shy about asking for help finding the services they need or connecting with the FNMI community. Having an FNMI advisor can mean all the difference.

Judith Wabegijig, a mature student taking Native American Studies, would agree: she meets with Ferguson two or three times each semester for guidance.

"It's stress relieving being able to talk to the advisor about unexpected problems I've had and being directed to the right person to talk to," she says. It's also helped her maintain focus and motivation when the demands of student life pile up.

But success at university requires community support, too. In addition to offering academic counselling for students, the Native Student Advisor organizes several events during the year to connect FNMI students with each other and with the
U of L campus as a whole, like Native Awareness Week. For Brave Rock, these social links are as important as academic services to her success.

"When I'm in class and walking around university, I don't see many aboriginal students. But, because of the services the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ offers, I've met a lot of other native students. It's not that it's exclusive, but we stick together and do things together."

With a tradition of strong aboriginal connections, the U of L implemented the Native Student Advising Program in 2002 in response to the growing number of FNMI students, and to ensure they received the support they needed to succeed academically.

This year, the program received a significant boost thanks to a gift from the Ralph Klein Foundation and matching funds from the Alberta Government through the Access to the Future Fund. As a result, the Native Student Advising Program will be able to hire a second advisor, expand its services and help more students like Brave Rock and Wabegijig in the coming years.

"The Ralph Klein Foundation was proud to support the U of L because of the work the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ does for aboriginal students," says Colleen Klein, who served as Chair of the Foundation. "Words cannot express how much this will impact the lives of the aboriginal students: it will provide them with a sense of welcoming and belonging, and will allow them to follow their dreams and become role models for other students."

Glacial research boosted by donor support

trevor.kenney — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:15:45 +0000

Glaciers around the globe are continuing to melt so fast that many will disappear in the next 50 to 100 years. Such conspicuous evidence of climate change indicates growing challenges that affect more than polar bears and weather forecasts.

Enter U of L associate professor Dr. Hester Jiskoot: a glaciologist leading efforts to understand what's happening to Earth's ice masses, and what those changes mean for southern Alberta and beyond.

"Glaciers are beautiful and intriguing, and are situated in one of the most pristine landscapes: the high mountains and the polar regions," says Jiskoot, who has been a member and leader on glaciological expedition teams on and around glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland, Iceland, the Yukon, Alaska, the European Alps, the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the Himalayas. "Even if you can't go see them yourself, they are fascinating natural systems to learn about."

Dr. Hester Jiskoot's glacial studies take her to the world's high mountains and polar regions.

Collectively covering an area the size of South America, glaciers are ancient rivers of compressed snow that creep through the landscape, shaping the planet's surface and holding about 70 per cent of the world's freshwater.

"Global warming has caused widespread accelerated glacier retreat, which has negative effects on the fresh water available for humans and in ecosystems, and which has caused and still causes global sea levels to rise," explains Jiskoot, who conducts her research in the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building on campus. "By being informed about natural systems such as glaciers we can learn why some changes in nature happen so fast while others take longer, but also what our own influence on these systems is. All systems in our world are connected, and a small change on one side of the globe can have a large effect in other parts or even on our entire world."

Understanding the large-scale impact of the research taking place at the U of L, former director of research services, Dr. Einard Haniuk and his wife Kay were happy to support water research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"In working at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, I got to know people here and understand their research," explains Einard, who worked in research settings across the United States and Canada. "Because of the importance of water and its widespread impact, particularly in relation to agriculture in this area, we were pleased to contribute to the water building and water research."

When matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, the Haniuks's gift helped equip the Glaciology and Geoscience Lab where Jiskoot and her research team conduct their research.

"Good facilities and tools are essential to doing research," says Jiskoot, looking around appreciatively at a lab full of equipment. "The Haniuks's gift helped provide the finishing touches to my lab and has enabled me to build an exceptional research environment and phenomenal learning opportunities for myself and the students who work with me."

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

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.

History Department leading SOS charge

trevor.kenney — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:07:44 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge History Department is celebrating 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 243 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 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 Chris Epplett.

"I would like to see more departments on campus with 100 per cent participation. Consider this a friendly challenge."

To accept the challenge and make a donation, visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents

Adventures in philanthropy

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:23:23 +0000

Actions speak louder than words – it's an old adage and the message is repeated in numerous phrases such as "practice what you preach" and "put your money where your mouth is." These sayings reflect the understanding that, at its very essence, philanthropy is personal and intimate, something that requires individual sacrifice.

Together, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade and his wife, Elsa, are a living testament to this truth.

When they came to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Elsa expressed a desire to be part of the U of L team. Now, with 10 years of service coming to a close, it's undeniable: these philanthropists believe in their cause.

Elsa Cade with members of the U of L's Rotaract Club as they help raise money for the purchase of shelterboxes to send to Haiti.

As the presidential couple, Bill and Elsa have served as front-line fundraising ambassadors; encouraging community members, government officials, faculty, staff and even students to support the goals of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. But what made their requests so powerful, and ultimately successful, was the example they set themselves.

"Bill and Elsa have been incredibly generous volunteers and donors at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and in their community," says Dan Laplante (BMgt '88), the president of CTE Ltd. and Chair of the U of L's Legacy of Leadership Campaign, which wrapped up in 2007. "Their support has been given quietly, but has not gone unnoticed by the many students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members who have seen the impact of this philanthropy. The Cades have inspired many to give back."

To date, the couple has contributed more than $100,000 personally and supported initiatives as diverse as student awards, athletics and the library. This past spring, the Cades donated their long-loved BMW to the Students' Union to be raffled off in support of student scholarships. Michael Nolan, as the car is affectionately named, illustrates the playful energy and enthusiasm characteristic of Bill and Elsa, who have always made students their priority.

Christine Michell is one such student who has benefited first-hand from the Cades' generosity. As a recipient of the Bill Cade and Elsa Salazar Cade Scholarship in Evolutionary Ecology, Michell was able to move her interest in animal ecology from the classroom to the field.

"I've spent three summers doing field work in animal ecology," explains Michell, who graduated in June with a combined degree in biology and education. "These were great experiences and they wouldn't have been possible without the scholarship I received."

In addition, as a fellow biologist, Michell is flattered to be funded specifically for her work in evolutionary ecology.

"It's an honour to be recognized for my work in an area that's obviously so important to Dr. Cade," says Michell, who jokingly hopes the president isn't too disappointed that she studies birds instead of insects.

Michell emphasizes that she admired Bill's dedication to students throughout her time at the U of L.

"He's been a visible presence on campus. As a biology student, I saw him in the department and at the seminar presentations for the students who work in his lab. He says hello in the halls and attends as many student events as he can," says Michell, who admits his approach isn't what she expected.

The Cades' philanthropy is driven by the spirit of generosity that Michell describes. The role of the presidential couple is a busy one, but Bill and Elsa have graciously volunteered countless hours to both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the broader community, going above and beyond the call of duty to help.

No matter what the project or initiative, whether raising funds for a new building or a new student program, the Cades don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk, creatively making their gifts and believing in the results of the support they provide.

• The endowment for the Bill Cade and Elsa Salazar Cade Scholarship in Evolutionary Ecology has reached close to $130,000, providing tangible opportunities for students like Christine Michell.

• Bill and Elsa have shown their Pronghorn Pride by sponsoring a male and a female athlete through the Adopt-a-Horn program each year. "The financial support Bill and Elsa have provided to athletics over the years is substantial," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services Sandy Slavin. "But more importantly, they've helped foster a sense of pride in Pronghorn athletics. Their enthusiasm for giving back is contagious, and they have encouraged many others to get involved."

• In support of the recovery and disaster relief efforts underway in Haiti, Elsa encouraged the support of ShelterBox, a Rotary International campaign aimed at providing necessities in times of disaster. As a result of Elsa's efforts, 130 ShelterBoxes, each worth $1,000 US, were purchased and sent to Haiti.

• The Cades' BMW, Michael Nolan, made appearances on campus and brought in ticket sales from faculty, staff, students and community members. With matching money from the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund and an additional contribution from the U of L Board of Governors, the campaign raised more than $30,000 toward a student scholarship in honour of Bill and Elsa. As for Michael Nolan, the car found a new home with student winner Joshua Og.

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

Significant And Mentionable

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:46:20 +0000

Chancellor named Citizen of the Year

Widely known as one Alberta's most influential people, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chancellor Richard Davidson was recognized in May as the Lethbridge Citizen of the Year by the Rotary Club of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Herald.

"Clearly in his law practice, his work with the Chamber of Commerce, his work with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and his work with virtually every other volunteer organization you could imagine, this is one cool dude," says Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck, who also presented Davidson with a key to the city. "This is the highest honour we can bestow upon anyone, and Richard is extremely deserving."

Davidson was appointed a Queen's counsel in 1986 and is a partner at the law firm of Davidson & Williams. In recognition of his many contributions to the community, he has received numerous awards including the Commemoration Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada by the Governor General, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Law Society of Alberta Distinguished Service Award for Service to the Community.

U of L at forefront of water hub

World Water Day, on March 22, served as the perfect occasion for federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice to announce $1.5 million in funding for the creation of the Water and Environmental Sciences Water Hub at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The Hub, which will be developed over the next two years, will serve as a data repository and will be an authoritative public source of information, providing tools to analyze water and environmental data. This data will be used by governments, industry, academia and the public to make more-informed decisions regarding water, and will create a better understanding of this resource by these stakeholders.

Prentice explains that the government needs reliable water data to make better decisions concerning water.

"To make good decisions, governments in Canada need good information – and it's not as though you can just turn on a tap to get it. We need knowledge generated by scientists and researchers who can provide the evidence for informed decisions about freshwater use," says Prentice.

Ellis welcomed as new management dean

On July 1, Dr. Robert (Bob) James Ellis will join the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as the new dean for the Faculty of Management.

Originally from Vancouver, B.C., Ellis is an accomplished administrator who successfully bolstered business programs at both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern British Columbia and Wilfrid Laurier ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

With a collaborative and visionary approach, he has a strong record of attracting accomplished faculty and raising the research profile of programs. His current research focuses on increasing educational opportunities in society, specifically for aboriginal students in a business environment.

Ellis is looking forward to the creative atmosphere he sees within the Faculty.

"Throughout my career, my focus has always been to try and increase opportunities for students through the development of new courses or new programs," says Ellis. "The faculty at the U of L are very innovative, and I think at the forefront of management thought and action."

Ellis succeeds Dr. Murray Lindsay, who spent the past five years in the position and is returning to the academic community at the U of L.

Education dean O'Dea passes leadership to Loewen

After 10 years of incredible success, Dr. Jane O'Dea will step away from her role as dean of the Faculty of Education at the end of June. And while she is handing the reins of leadership over with plans to return to the classroom, she has no plans to leave the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Dr. Craig Loewen

"Absolutely not. This is a tremendous ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. I love its size, I love its entrepreneurial innovative spirit and its emphasis on community and student engagement," says O'Dea.

Taking over the Faculty, Dr. Craig Loewen (BEd '84) will serve as acting dean for a two-year term.

A veteran faculty member, Loewen admits he will miss the classroom, but stands firmly in a belief that whatever the setting, teaching is an important calling.

"You're looking after the path, building for the future, caring about the kids of today. I find it really hard to see anything much more important than that," he says. "The person who you are can, at some point, be traced back to a teacher or mentor."

CREATE funding translates to employment opportunities

On June 10, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) announced the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as the recipient of the CREATE program award. The U of L will be the only institution in Alberta to receive the award this year.

With more than $1.6 million, the CREATE program award provides funding for approximately 50 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates working in satellite and other imaging programs, including photonics, climate change, civil engineering and optical networks.

Through the program, 20 projects will receive $32 million over six years, support that will help science and engineering graduates upgrade their skills to make a successful transition to the workplace.

As part of this, participating students will complete work placements with local, national and international organizations including companies such as Iunctus Geomatics, the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Corporation, Natural Resources Canada, NASA and several European research institutes.

U of L Vice-President of Research Dr. Dan Weeks says this will give students a strong mix of professional skills development and workforce preparation.

"The exciting aspect for me is the employment rate for graduates," says Weeks. "It isn't unreasonable to expect 100 per cent employment, because we are looking at this as a model that will provide for sustainable training for research workforce preparation."

Top 40 Under 40

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk, a biological sciences and epigenetics researcher at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, can now add recipient of Canada's Top 40 Under 40TM to an already long list of accomplishments.

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk

Canada's Top 40 Under 40TM, a prestigious national award program, annually honours 40 Canadians in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors under the age of 40.

With more than 1,200 nominees, honourees were selected by an independent advisory board based on five key criteria: vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; impact; community involvement and contribution; and strategy for growth.

"This is an outstanding award for Olga, the members of her lab team, for her research collaborators here and literally worldwide – and for our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says U of L President Dr. Bill Cade.

"Olga has worked very hard to bring new research and new programs to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and has influenced countless young researchers. With her husband and research collaborator, Dr. Igor Kovalchuk, they have brought new people with a wealth of international talent to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. It is an understatement to say that we are extremely proud of her achievement."

A ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors Research Chair, as well as a Canadian Institute of Health Research Chair in Gender, Sex and Health, Kovalchuk focuses her research on the effects of long-term exposure to radiation, and how that exposure changes cellular and molecular structures in animals and people.

Inspired by her experience as a high school student living in Ukraine, only 600 kilometres from the nuclear Chernobyl blast, her work examines how radiation induces secondary tumours in cancer patients, the different effects radiation has on women and men, and what can be done to protect the children of radiation-exposed parents from contracting cancer.

Kovalchuk has also played a key role in working toward establishing an Alberta Institute for Epigenetics at the U of L.

Sakamotos give back

Ron and Joyce Sakamoto

Ron Sakamoto (LLD '03), or "Sak," as he is affectionately known, has presented shows from KISS to Shania Twain. In March, the concert provider and his wife, Joyce, announced a $200,000 donation in support of students in the U of L Digital Audio Arts (DAA) program. The gift will be matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, bringing the total to $400,000.

Launched last fall, the DAA program is the first of its kind in Canada and produces graduates who are experts in music technology and have skills to integrate with visual media, audio and advanced research.

"The role of audio across all media has changed monumentally from the traditional broadcast media of the past. The culture of audio and visual media is growing and evolving rapidly," says Sakamoto.

"Joyce and I are happy to support students in the DAA program. These are the people who will be superstars in the years to come, and I look forward to the contributions this group will make to the music industry."

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

Supporting Our Students surpasses $1 million in funds raised

trevor.kenney — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:36:20 +0000

This year's Supporting Our Students campaign kicks off on a high note as co-chairs Debi Sandul and Robert Wood announce $1 million in support for students since the campaign's initial launch in 2005.

"This demonstrates an outstanding commitment on the part of faculty and staff to support our students," says Sandul. "In the last five years,
U of L employees have generously donated more than $1 million to Supporting Our Students, increasing funds for scholarships, bursaries and support for the institution."

Donations from the annual campaign are matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund.

"Students have always been at the centre of what we do and this milestone demonstrates the continued commitment of U of L employees to enhancing the student experience and creating opportunities," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bill Cade.

The announcement is particularly encouraging given the current economic challenges.

"This is a tough year, but now more than ever, students need our help," says Wood. "We are very proud of the $1 million dollar milestone, but we hope that this is just the beginning."

For more information on how you can make a difference in the lives of students, or to donate visit the Supporting Our Students website.

Watch the May edition of the Legend for a full interview with Sandul and Wood, the co-chairs of this year's campaign, where they will discuss their goals for the 2010 campaign.

Sakamoto support invests in students

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:47:43 +0000

Ron Sakamoto (LLB '03), or "Sak," as he is affectionately known, has presented shows from KISS to Shania Twain and has been a constant champion of Canada's entertainment scene, helping build it into the thriving industry it is today.

His time in the business has been marked by change: he's watched the careers of countless rock and country artists blossom and grow; he's seen the size of the arenas and the magnitude of the shows increase exponentially; and he's witnessed the monumental growth and rapid evolvement of audio and visual media.

"The role of audio across all media has changed significantly from the traditional broadcast media of the past," says Sakamoto. "It is now more important than ever for young people entering the field to have the skills, knowledge and confidence to effectively navigate the changing landscape of the industry."

Responding to the globally expanding communication environment, the U of L launched the bachelor of music in digital audio arts (DAA) in the fall of 2009. Building on the U of L's highly successful bachelor of fine arts in new media, this innovative program produces graduates who are experts in music technology and whose skills integrate with visual media, audio and advanced research, matching the needs of industry – today and into the future.

"I am very excited to have a program of this quality and stature in my hometown," says Sakamoto. "When my son was looking for training, he ended up in Nashville. We were fortunate enough to be able to afford the costs associated with sending him to study down south, but not every student is that lucky."

Ron and his wife Joyce are happy to help fill that gap. The couple recently donated $200,000 in support of students in the DAA program. The gift will be matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, bringing the total of the contribution to an impressive $400,000.

While Ron and Joyce hope the award will help students along in their educational journeys, Ron explains that establishing the scholarship is also a way of giving back to an industry that has been so good to him.

"Programs like this one play a crucial role in creating the next generation of sound engineers," explains Sakamoto. "Joyce and I are happy to support students in the Digital Audio Arts program, as they work to meet their educational and professional goals. These are the people that will be superstars in the years to come and I look forward to the contributions this group will make to the music industry."

Sakamoto makes major gift to DAA program

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:03:30 +0000

On Tuesday, Mar. 23, officials from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge announced $400,000 in support of students in the Digital Audio Arts (DAA) program in the Faculty of Fine Arts.

A $200,000 gift from Ron and Joyce Sakamoto will be matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, bringing the total of the contribution to the impressive $400,000 figure.

"For some students, the costs of post-secondary education prohibit them from pursuing advanced studies," acknowledges Dr. Bill Cade, the U of L's President and Vice-Chancellor.

"As a result of the Sakamotos' support of students in the DAA program, we are going to see even more students graduate with the skills, knowledge and confidence to effectively navigate the ever-growing and changing landscape of music technology – these are the very people who will be leaders in the field in years to come."

Responding to the globally expanding communication environment, the U of L launched the DAA program in the fall of 2009.

Building on the U of L's highly successful Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media, this innovative program produces graduates who are experts in music technology and whose skills integrate with visual media, audio and advanced research, matching the needs of industry – today and into the future.

"The role of audio across all media has changed monumentally from the traditional broadcast media of the past. The culture of audio and visual media is growing and evolving rapidly," says Ron Sakamoto.

"Programs like this one play a crucial role in creating the next generation of sound engineers. As I built my company and moved through my career, I have always been struck by the lack of high-end, formalized training available in Canada for young people wanting to move into a career in sound engineering. I am very excited and motivated to now have a program of this quality and stature built in my hometown. Joyce and I are happy to support students in the Digital Audio Arts program, as they work to meet their educational and professional goals and eventually contribute to growing the industry that has been so good to me."

The DAA program was the first of its kind in western Canada when it launched last fall and offers students a unique experience.

"The DAA program – which includes experience in professionally designed studios and labs featuring industry standard hardware and software – provides a unique experience to students interested in pursuing a career in music technology," says Dr. Rolf Boon, the chair of the department of music at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Rebecca Holmes is a DAA major and is excited by the possibilities offered by the program.

"As someone who's always been interested in music, this program was an ideal fit for me because it offers such a broad scope of education and training: I am learning music theory, history and ear training, in addition to the technical skills required to capture, manipulate and reproduce sound," explains Holmes.

"I want to thank Dr. and Mrs. Sakamoto on behalf of DAA students for their generous donation to the program. It's extremely encouraging to receive support from someone so respected in the music industry. Your support will enable more students to complete their degrees in this exciting field."

Students benefit from donor support

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:54:16 +0000

A challenging economy has not affected the generosity of the individuals and organizations that supported the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2009.

"Last year, close to 1,500 individuals and organizations partnered with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to raise nearly $8.4 million," ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Bill Cade says. "Of those gifts, $4.5 million was raised to support student awards. Those are numbers we can all take great pride in."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will release its 2009 Donor Report to the community as part of its SAM magazine distribution, which takes place in late February. On Wednesday, Feb. 3, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is holding its annual Donor Gala, at which donors are recognized for their valuable contributions to the institution.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support this community shows to its ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," adds Cade. "Even when times are tight, people from Lethbridge – and many other Albertans – have shown that they value the important role the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge fulfills, and they recognize the importance of its contributions to our city, province and country."

Cade says attracting new donors and maintaining solid relationships with existing donors contributed to the increase in support from 2008, when the institution raised more than $7 million.

In the end, it is students such as Cassandra Churchill, the winner of the Dr. Barbara June Whitlock Chemistry Scholarship, and James Falconer, the winner of the Senate Award, who benefit from the donor support.

Cade adds that the work of volunteers in raising funds for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the addition of new programs – like the new student-run alumni call centre – also play a significant role.

"Our ongoing donor generosity also enabled the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to leverage more than $3 million in matching funds from the Government of Alberta through the Access to the Future Fund," Cade says. "This has been an outstanding commitment on the part of the Government of Alberta to support our students. Since 2005, more than $12 million has been directed toward the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for scholarships, bursaries and support to the institution as a result of the province's matching program."

For more information on donor activity at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, visit this Giving website.

2009 DONOR REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Total dollars raised = $8,368,626

Total number of gifts = 3,619

Total dollars raised for student awards = $4,487,908

Total number of gifts for student awards = 2,386

Total number of 2009 donors = 1,483

Total number of first time U of L donors in 2009 = 652

Number of areas supported = 233

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