UNews - coordinator

Ferguson earns provincial honour

trevor.kenney — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:07:40 +0000

Elizabeth Ferguson (BA '03, MA '05, Native American Studies), the coordinator of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Native Student Advising office, has received an award from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) for her work to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at the U of L.

As the first recipient of this award from the U of L community, Ferguson joins more than 300 women from 76 communities across the province who have been recognized for their strength and accomplishments.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit students enjoy the strength of support systems initiated by Elizabeth Ferguson.

"Elizabeth has single-handedly developed a lot of the support systems we have in place for our FNMI students, and has done so in a resourceful, gracious and determined way," says Dr. Judith Lapadat, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's associate vice-president, students. "I am extremely proud of her, as are our staff members who work with her to support our FNMI students. Elizabeth is a key point of contact for all of them at some point in their university life, and does everything she can to make their experiences here better. As a U of L graduate who returned to school as an adult, Elizabeth has the inside knowledge they appreciate."

The U of L currently has more than 400 FNMI students from all parts of Canada.

Ferguson, a member of the First Nations Dene community, is well known on campus and in the community for her advocacy for, and wholehearted participation in, numerous activities that showcase the achievements of the U of L's FNMI students. These include an event for families and graduates at spring and fall convocation ceremonies, the annual Native Awareness Week celebration and her role in enhancing the presence of Elders on campus.

She also started an FNMI student-specific food bank, made sure that the campus food services providers learned how to make fry bread, berry soup and other traditional foods at FNMI-focused events and works with students to provide settlement assistance when they relocate to attend school.

Her external community activities include a city-appointed position as the First Nations representative on the board of Economic Development Lethbridge, among many other commitments.

"Elizabeth Ferguson has been invaluable in the cultural, spiritual and scholarly advancement of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students on the campus of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and has served the larger campus community through her leadership," says Dr. Carol Williams, a faculty member and Chair of the Department of Women and Gender Studies. "She has successfully shown the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ how, and why, ensuring student confidence through cultural specific and sensitive policy and practices is crucial to their success."

SU looks to mobilize voters

trevor.kenney — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:04:09 +0000

The Council of Alberta ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Students (CAUS) and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) recently rolled out an ambitious Get Out The Vote (GOTV) campaign to get young and first-time voters in Alberta's post-secondary institutions involved in the impending provincial election.

"The goal of the campaign is simple, get as many students out to vote as possible," says ULSU president and CAUS Chair Zack Moline. "Students at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will be asked to sign a pledge form with a commitment that they will vote in the next election."

The contact information that the students provide on the pledge form will be used to update them with the necessary information to make an informed decision on Election Day. It will also provide CAUS and the ULSU the opportunity to encourage students to get out and exercise their right to vote.

"As a Spring election appears imminent, the ULSU is preparing now to ensure that the campaign is an overwhelming success," said Moline.

Together with CAUS, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Students' Unions, the ULSU hopes to inform and encourage a record number of students to pledge and then get out to the polls in the potential spring election. This upcoming election will be exciting, and will be the first provincial election for many new voters and the ULSU is optimistic that droves of students will pledge.

Students can pledge to vote online at the campaign website www.getoutthevote.ca but will also be given numerous opportunities to pledge in person throughout the campaign.

Any students interested in participating in the GOTV campaign to help inform their fellow students can contact ULSU Volunteer Coordinator Mike Solberg to get involved. Mr. Solberg can be contacted via email at su.volunteer@uleth.ca.

For more information about CAUS' GOTV campaign, visit www.getoutthevote.ca or contact the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union at 403-329-2222.

Finding a way to keep the winter blahs at bay

trevor.kenney — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:58:26 +0000

By SUZANNE MCINTOSH

It's February, and I am finding it hard to keep the winter blahs away. The next few months are my least favorite because it seems like we have had winter (especially this year!) forever, and we are still too far away from spring to be thinking about golf or gardening.

So how can we keep the winter blahs at bay? Some suggestions:

• Plan a winter getaway

Whether it's a day at the ski hill, a trip to a different city (both Calgary and Medicine Hat are close enough for a day trip), or an all-out escape to a warm destination (my personal favorite), just thinking about and planning a getaway will give you something to look forward to.

• Register for a class or try something new

There are lots of free or inexpensive events happening at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ or throughout the city. The Galt Museum and Lethbridge Public Library have weekly events, and Lethbridge College offers one-night cooking classes throughout the semester.

• See a play or a musical performance

The U of L Faculty of Fine Arts has plenty of offerings in the next couple of months. Check their schedule at: www.uleth.ca/finearts/events

• Register for an upcoming run

The Moonlight Run is a fun one to do because your exhilarating evening walk or run is followed up with pizza. Proceeds of the run go to the Lethbridge Food Bank and the Lethbridge Coulee Clean Up program.

• Go for a walk

According to a study by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Washington, people who took a brisk outdoor walk for 20 minutes a day showed better moods, higher self-esteem and an improved sense of well-being. Just 15 minutes outside will give you your Vitamin D fix for the day. Vitamin D is linked to boosting moods, creating healthy bones and helps ward off osteoporosis, LDL (or bad) cholesterol and heart disease. Given that February is heart month, it's a great time to start improving heart health!

Suzanne McIntosh is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge coordinator of wellness programs

Finding a way to keep the winter blahs at bay

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:47:51 +0000

It's February, and I am finding it hard to keep the winter blahs away. The next few months are my least favorite because it seems like we have had winter (especially this year!) forever, and we are still too far away from spring to be thinking about golf or gardening.

So how can we keep the winter blahs at bay? Some suggestions:

• Plan a winter getaway

• Register for a class or try something new

• See a play or a musical performance

The U of L Faculty of Fine Arts has plenty of offerings in the next couple of months. Check their schedule at: www.uleth.ca/finearts/events

• Register for an upcoming run

• Go for a walk

Suzanne McIntosh is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge coordinator of wellness programs

WINTER WALK DAY

February 10th is Winter Walk day here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and in Lethbridge. The Wellness Committee will have a table set up over the lunch hour, at the south doors of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

We encourage you to sign up so the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ can register the number of walkers participating that day. This can be a start for your training for the Bee Heart Smart contest coming up in only a few short months! Last year there were 82 registered walkers – let's see if we can beat this.

NAOSH WEEK

The U of L Risk and Safety Services and Wellness departments have been involved in the Southern AB NAOSH (North American Occupational Safety and Health) week for the past few years and the U of L has historically been a proud supporter of events for this week. The focus for NAOSH week will again be the Steps for Life walk to take place on May 1. All proceeds from the walk support the Threads of Life organization (www.threadsoflife.ca/threads), a national, registered charitable organization dedicated to supporting families along their journey of healing who have suffered from a workplace fatality, life-altering illness or occupational disease. The organization helps these families protect future generations of Canadian workers.

In 2009, the Southern AB NAOSH Committee raised $7043.67 that was donated to Threads of Life. This year, the committee is hoping to raise $10,000. The U of L is putting the challenge out to departments around campus to enter a team for the Steps of Life walk by registering at: http://stepsforlife.ca/Communities/Lethbridge.htm

The walk is a 5km walk around Henderson Lake. The registration fee of $100 per team (of 10 people) includes a barbecue, t-shirts, water bottles and draw prizes. Children are welcome and are free to enter. Visit Suzanne McIntosh in SU020E for a registration package.

Life Balance Fair celebrates wellness

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:18:07 +0000

Canada's Healthy Workplace Month is scheduled from Oct. 5 to Nov. 1. The 2009 theme is: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Work. Feeling Great About Life!

As individuals and employees, we face a never-ending cycle of stress, which is seen as commonplace in our society. The Wellness Committee at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is using this opportunity to increase employees' awareness of the importance of workplace health to personal and organizational performance.

The Life Balance Fair, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, has been created by the Wellness Committee to help employees find that balance in their personal and professional lives. It is not an either/or proposition, rather, a how much proposition.

The event has a large number of exhibitors – to celebrate all aspects of the theme – mind, body and work. Information on how to keep a healthy mind for you or your family; representatives from the Alzheimer's Society; what to do in case of emergency; and how to enhance your financial situation, are just a few of the topics exhibitors will address.

As well, representatives for treatment and therapy providers, including physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage, acupuncture, sleep and health information will all be available.

The Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society, the Campus Community Garden and Lethbridge Recreation and Leisure Services will also be present as we recognize these activities provide some balance to individuals' lives.

Creating and maintaining a healthy workplace will feature exhibits from U of L Risk and Safety Services, and benefits departments, the kinesiology department, WCB, and St. John's Ambulance.

There will also be ongoing demos of dancing, yoga and other fitness activities throughout the afternoon. And if you've never had the opportunity to try out the gym, there are free tours of the fitness centre.

Everything is designed to be interactive and there will be draw prizes for those who complete a Life Balance Fair passport. Prizes include a Wii Fit Sports Resort game. Open to all staff and faculty, a light lunch will also be available during the fair.

If you have questions contact Suzanne McIntosh, coordinator, wellness programs, at 403-332-5217.

October is Breast Health Awareness Month – remember to see Suzanne to get your card for the 'Health Challenge – Put Yourself First' contest. Every woman who has a mammogram (or pap test) before Oct. 26, 2009, will be entered in a draw for a $100 gift certificate to the Keg.

Healthy workplace the goal of Wellness Committee

trevor.kenney — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:40:32 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mobilizes to inform campus community

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:27:55 +0000

Be FLUless Not Clueless! Influenza A H1N1 is no joke!

This is the launch of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's awareness and preparedness plan to students and staff. Various departments across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ have been working diligently, collaboratively and collectively over the last few months in response to the potential spread of H1N1. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's position is that it is better to be proactive than to wait for something to happen and subsequently be reactive.

Senior administration is in full support of the H1N1 plan and has invested in the acquisition of hand sanitizer units that are presently being installed in many of the common areas across campus. The health and well-being of students and staff is of paramount importance and hopefully with the provision of hand sanitizing stations, education and continual communication, this will assist in minimizing the impact of H1N1 should it resurface as anticipated during the fall and winter months.

You have probably noted some hand sanitizers on stands that have sprung up over campus recently. In addition to this, there are approximately 300 wall mount units that the Facilities department is working hard to install.

The Health Centre, Internal Audit, Wellness and Risk and Safety Services have jointly promoted the placement of desktop hand sanitizer pumps at many of the reception desks across campus. Students in residence and the resident assistants are receiving a complimentary hand pocket sanitizer to promote the message that "healthy hands" is one way to prevent the spread of infection. There will also be complimentary pocket size bottles available at new student orientation.

Education and awareness is hugely important in the H1N1 preparedness plan and Lori Weber, manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre, and Suzanne McIntosh, coordinator of Wellness, are busy with students and staff conducting H1N1 awareness and preparedness sessions. Risk and Safety Services is also assisting in this initiative in the student internship and practicum orientations. We are working as a team and getting the word out to all, including the deans, faculty, students and staff.

The H1N1 Communication plan will incorporate messaging through all available communication mediums such as UNews, the U of L home page, posters and pamphlets, digital signage, Notice Board announcements, Twitter and e-mail. Both Information Technology and Communications have been instrumental in the implementation of this plan and a dedicated website has been launched which can be viewed at the following link: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/health_centre/h1n1/. This site will be updated regularly.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's medical crisis committee will be meeting regularly to address our response to H1N1 to ensure continuity and consistency in our proactive approach to this pandemic situation that has the potential to adversely affect our community.

In addition to this, Anne Baxter of Risk and Safety Services is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's representative for the post-secondary pandemic liaison group that Alberta Health Services (AHS), Alberta Health and Wellness and Advanced Education and Technology (co-chair) have established.

This committee's purpose is to assist institutions with pandemic planning and ensure that consistent communication, policies and procedures are developed across the publicly funded post-secondary system.

Ripples in history - bringing hope through clean water

trevor.kenney — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:55:55 +0000

Kevin Rumsey (BSc '00) vividly remembers one of the first times he met with a group of elders and other survivors in an Afghan community ravaged by decades of war and extreme poverty. He was sitting on a dusty floor in a mud hut, sipping tea with the group and attempting to explain what he was there to do: provide clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene solutions for their weary, war-torn town. It was the reaction of those in the gathering that stands out most in Rumsey's memory.

"It was an overwhelming wave of gratitude," Rumsey recalls. "The smiles and sheer joy on all of the people's faces, hands over their hearts, genuine handshakes and sincere thanks – what a privilege to do this kind of work and receive that sort of reaction for it. It was a humbling experience."

Kevin Rumsey (BSc '00) brings hope and tides of change to war-torn Afghanistan.

Rumsey, who recently concluded his service in Afghanistan, began his time there in November 2008 under the auspices of ACF (Action Against Hunger/Action Contre la Faim) International – a humanitarian organization founded in France in 1979. Active in more than 35 countries worldwide, ACF provides emergency aid and long-term solutions to populations suffering from malnutrition and food security, as well as lack of clean water, sanitation and access to public health. Rumsey first heard about ACF while working toward a master's degree in Peacebuilding at Royal Roads ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, but had an inclination toward this line of work much earlier. When the opportunity to work for ACF arose, Rumsey essentially leapt at it.

"I would have gone anywhere. It just happened to be Afghanistan," he says. "ACF gave me the offer and 24 hours to accept or reject it. After a couple of hours of soul-searching, and discussions with family and friends, I accepted."

While in Afghanistan, Rumsey traversed the country, venturing into remote, desolate and often volatile areas to make strides in providing legions of people with some very basic, yet essential services. While the posting wasn't Rumsey's first experience with humanitarian efforts (he previously volunteered on water projects in both east India and Kenya with Rotary International, and worked in post-tsunami Indonesia as an environmental specialist with a private consultation company), it was the first time he had worked in the throws and fallout of a country at war. The dangers didn't deter him. In fact, the risks are part of what attracted him to the job.

"I was drawn to the humanity of instability for some reason," Rumsey says. "The impact for me was knowing that I was living in the moment and making a difference to people in need."

As the coordinator for water, sanitation and hygiene for ACF in Afghanistan, Rumsey was in charge of six projects that will ultimately impact the lives of approximately 170,000 Afghan people. Heading up a 40-member national staff, Rumsey also oversaw the development of funding proposals for new water projects and represented ACF at strategic coordination meetings with various governments and international organizations, including UNICEF.

Rumsey's objective may have been broad – to provide safe water, sanitation facilities and hygiene promotion to vulnerable people – but the tasks toward achieving it were specific and labour intensive. In Kabul, Rumsey and his team put in 100 hand-pump water wells, 300 pour-flush latrines and provided hygiene kits and education to 4,500 families. In Parwan province, the entourage headed up a pipeline project, rehabilitating a reservoir and installing a kiosk network to provide clean water to 7,000 families. In Samangan province, Rumsey laid the groundwork to combat cholera, an outbreak that affected 2,500 people last year.

It was exhaustive and dangerous work with the Taliban shoring up ranks and the risk of kidnapping very high. Suicide bombings were common, and men armed with AK-47s walked the streets as casually as businessmen carry briefcases in any Canadian city. Still, Rumsey felt lucky to be there.

"I met some beautiful people and made many friends," he says. "I admit I was nervous to go, but I felt prepared and excited too."

Rumsey left Afghanistan at the end of April with mixed emotions.

"I leave behind many friends and colleagues who have been very supportive. I leave behind my national staff who has worked so hard. I will miss them very much. I have been so fortunate to have had this experience."

While he acknowledges the challenges for Afghanistan are enormous, Rumsey remains hopeful for the country's future, believing wholeheartedly that a safe, sustainable water supply is the foundation for peace and development.

Wild Tales from Papokan Sculpture Park

trevor.kenney — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:43:56 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is well known for its unique natural environment. On Wednesday, it will serve as the setting for a cultural event hosted by the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre and the Galt Museum and Archives.

Interpreters from Helen Schuler Nature Centre and the Galt Museum and Archives tell "Wild Tales on Park Trails" in a different Lethbridge park every other Wednesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. until Aug. 19.

On Wednesday, July 22, the U of L's Papokan Sculpture Park is the subject site and the place to take the family for a combination of entertainment, education and exercise.

People will meet in the far west parking lot (renamed Lot E) of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, off Aperture Drive West, and learn more about the cultural and natural history that shapes one of Lethbridge's unique parks.

For further information on "Wild Tales on Park Trails", contact Becky Little, Special Projects and Volunteer Coordinator, Helen Schuler Nature Centre, at 403-320-3064.

Saint Lucia to Lethbridge proving to be a well-worn path

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:23:35 +0000

The Caribbean is a common destination spot for Canadians looking to escape the trials of winter and enjoy life in the tropics. For three cousins to come the other way however, leaving the resort island of Saint Lucia to live in Lethbridge, is hardly an ordinary occurrence.

In May, two of those cousins walked across the stage at the 1st Choice Savings Centre, earning undergraduate degrees from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as family members cheered them on.

"I could have studied in the Caribbean but it would have been very limited," says Kaisie Anius (BSc '09), the invocation reader for Spring Convocation, Ceremony II. "Caribbean culture is similar throughout the islands, so coming to a different country with a different culture, was good for opening my mind and scope. I feel like I've grown a lot."

Anius followed in the footsteps of her cousin Jeanelle James (BSc '09), who first chose the U of L by researching Canadian universities online. She came to Lethbridge in fall, 2003, while Anius made the trip the following spring.

"I was searching for schools online. I wanted to do a degree in biological sciences and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was one of the most affordable in Canada," James says.

"All my other family members went to school in the U.S. and England but I didn't want to go there and Canada was the choice."

Once here, it didn't take long for James to fit into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community and determine that this was a place she was willing to recommend to other family members. After Anius came, a third cousin enrolled and is still studying at the U of L.

"The small class size was the main thing," James says. "The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's not too big, I liked that, and Lethbridge is a good size as well."

The entire island of Saint Lucia boasts a population of just over 160,000, so it was important the family found a place that was welcoming, thereby minimizing culture shock.

"The school is smaller, and it was easy to make friends, so that was really important. I also got to know my professors really well. I had no issues at all as far as my profs being helpful and always available. I was always able to e-mail and they would get right back to me." Anius says. "But it was still tough, the wind and the winter, it was very different for us."

What aided in the transition immensely was the International Centre for Students (ICS).

"Charlene Janes (international liaison officer and winner of the 2009 President's Award for APO/exempt staff) is wonderful, she works so hard at helping us out," Anius says.

Having benefited from the ICS, Anius got involved as a volunteer to help other students. She worked as a coordinator for the open exchange program and also became active in the International Students' Association.

Already employed, Anius is now working in Calgary in a recruitment position. It, however, is just a start.

"I'm not going to stop asking questions. I want to go to graduate school but it's very expensive so I'll have to work for a while," she says. "I need time to decide where I want to go, I want to make sure that whatever degree I take after, it is exactly what I want to do because it's a big investment."

Much like the investment her family first made when they chose the U of L to begin their post-secondary studies – one that obviously paid off.

UNews - coordinator

Ferguson earns provincial honour

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