UNews - Charlottetown

Judging its own reward

trevor.kenney — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:46:13 +0000

Having seen the spark ignited in a young scientist's eyes, Dr. Roy Golsteyn is eager to stoke the fires of ingenuity once again. As the chief judge for the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), to be held at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge May 11-18, 2013, he'll get that opportunity, and it's one he'd like to share.

"I'm a huge believer in science fairs," says Golsteyn (BSc '84), an associate professor of biology and the director of the Cancer Cell Laboratory at the U of L.

He participated in science fairs as a kid, but never competed beyond the local level. Now, as a judge whose own children have competed nationally, he sees the true value of encouraging scientific discovery in our youth.

"You see it, there's a real sense of excitement in these kids," says Golsteyn. "Some are just starting to dabble in science, some have already acquired a lot of knowledge; they like it, they like the freedom of it and they revel in the challenge.

"Having judged science fairs for the last four years, I always walk away happily impressed, because there are some smart kids out there and we get an opportunity to not only meet them but to also encourage them to continue to pursue science."

Dr. Roy Golsteyn is the chief judge for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of lethbridge will be hosting May 11-18, 2013. A total of 400 judges are required for the massive event.

The CWSF is a massive undertaking, featuring 400 of the top science projects in the country and involving more than 1,100 students (Grades 7 to 12), chaperones, judges, sponsors and delegates. There are more than 400 judges alone who are needed to officiate the proceedings and as Chief Judge, one of Golsteyn's main duties is to recruit the best group of judges he can find.

"We are attracting the best science students from across the country, so we want to match those students with the best judges we have in southern Alberta," says Golsteyn. "Fortunately for us, southern Alberta is pretty scientist dense."

Golsteyn cites the valuable resources available at the U of L, Lethbridge College, the Canada Research Centre, the Regional Hospital and major industry such as Pratt & Whitney, which has a very strong engineering component to its operation.

"We know there are many qualified judges in southern Alberta, it's more an issue of people being able to find time to take part," he says.

To that end, judging is limited to just one day, and even half-day participation can be considered. A pre-competition orientation evening is also involved and judges are encouraged to stay through the evening of competition to ensure all major prizes are awarded accordingly.

The value of having a captive audience of Canada's brightest young scientific minds on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ campus for a full week cannot be understated.

"The finalists truly do come from all over Canada, and there's this ripple affect associated with that," says Golsteyn. "It's not just that there are two or three students from every region, what you'll see is that individual schools all across the country will follow their students for the week. So for that week, an entire school will be talking about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, whether that's in Nunavut or Victoria."

There are three qualification levels for judges, including those with master's degrees or greater in sciences, those with professional diplomas such as engineering or veterinary medicine, and those with professional diplomas and experience in a science and technology-related field. Scientists with French language skills are also especially welcomed.

The U of L is uniquely suited to host a Canada-Wide Science Fair because of its already inherent science outreach programs.

"That's one of the reasons for my commitment to doing this," says Golsteyn. "It is so aligned with what we already do at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and what so many scientists are trying to do across the country. Here's an opportunity to share our expertise and to influence the next generation of young scientists."

He's seen, first-hand, how beneficial it is to students. His children (Quentin, 15, and Charlène, 12) have participated in science fairs and attended CWSF in Charlottetown, PEI last year. His daughter Audrey, 10, also has a distinct interest in microbiology and is likely on the same path.

"Sometimes science isolates students at that age. There are things that are cool and things that are less cool and sometimes science falls into that less cool category," says Golsteyn. "One of the goals of the science fair is to give these kids a week dedicated to science, and the opportunity to share it with people their own age who are just like them, just as thrilled about science as they are."

Those interested in joining Golsteyn on the judging committee can contact him at roy.golsteyn@youthscience.ca. He promises it will be a rewarding experience.

"I'm really excited about the possibilities this week provides for the U of L," he says. "It's a lot of work to do this right but in the end, it's so valuable to everyone involved, it's definitely worth it."

GET THE FACTS

· Student finalists for the Canada-Wide Science Fair are winners of their regional or provincial science fairs

· Approximately 400 projects from 500 youth finalists from across 100 national regions will be attending the Canada-Wide Science Fair

· Up to $1,000,000 in scholarships and prizes are available to participants

· U of L Arts & Science faculty have confirmation from Dean Dr. Chris Nicol that serving as judges for CWSF qualifies as part of their community service component

· Golsteyn, as chief judge, has relief for one of the two courses he was scheduled to teach this semester. His research activities continue however, "It just gets pushed a little later into the night," he says

McAleenan enthused about opportunity

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:04:25 +0000

Erin McAleenan has no problem admitting she has a competitive side that sometimes gets the better of her. It's a feisty edge she's ready and willing to bring to the Pronghorns women's basketball program as its new voice and leader.

McAleenan was tabbed as the 10th coach in the program's history in April, taking over a team searching for some bite and subsequent success.

"I played the point and I was very competitive," says McAleenan, a point guard for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Acadia Axewomen from 1999 to 2003. She comes to the Horns off a three-year stint as assistant coach with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas.

"I wasn't afraid to be physical to the point that the game allowed. I played in the women's league in Edmonton while I coached there . . . my competitive edge maybe takes over sometimes," she laughs.

New Horns women's basketball head coach Erin McAleenan is ready to get to work.

A Sussex, New Brunswick native, McAleenan is getting her first crack at being a head coach at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) level. Her pedigree is impressive, including a wealth of provincial and national team coaching experience. Currently, she is in her second year as head coach of Alberta's U17 provincial team, and later this month she'll spend two weeks as an apprentice coach/manager with the Canadian National Women's Team as it prepares for the London 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament.

Her penchant for coaching stems from her father, a high school teacher and coach, who she describes as turning Sussex into a basketball town when they moved to the area in the 1970s. McAleenan began coaching as a Grade 8 student when she would help out at summer basketball camps for kids.

"When I went to university, I wanted to be a physiotherapist, probably because I had suffered a lot of injuries and was really interested in that line of work," she says. "Over time I realized that I really preferred working with kids. I ran all the summer camps at Acadia while I played there and when I was graduating (with a BSc) I knew I wanted to get into education."

She worked at a private school as an associate faculty member while she pursued her education degree at Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, coaching high school boys and girls and earning provincial team experience within the Ontario Basketball Association. After working as the lead assistant coach for the Ontario U17 provincial team, she met Alberta coach Scott Edwards at 2008 Nationals tournament in Charlottetown, and he encouraged her to move out west for the assistant's position at ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta.

"While I loved teaching and working with high school kids, I think both my competitive side and my personal experience of playing CIS led me to want to try and make a difference with athletes at this age level," she says.

She comes to the Horns with her eyes wide open, understanding she's entering a basketball hotbed with deep community roots. Gaining the trust of that community will be central to her success.

"I don't think it's going to be easy but I think I'm the right person for the job," she says. "I'm definitely a people person, I want to go out into the community and develop those relationships. It's not going to happen overnight and like any relationship it'll take time for people to get to know me and to trust me and support the program I'm leading."

Her approach is grassroots.

"I want to connect with people, get involved with the high school and junior programs and expand our summer camp options," says McAleenan. "The more I can get out in the community and give back, the more people will get to know me so that we can create those relationships."

The Pronghorn program has the capability to lead basketball development in southern Alberta and McAleenan says her players can benefit from taking on that responsibility.

"I want to be able to give my student athletes opportunities to develop their leadership skills in the community and to do their part in being better role models, especially for younger females, whether that is through basketball specifically or other things I think we could get involved in," she says.

It all lends to creating an environment for success, both as students and as student-athletes.

"I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with these young student-athletes and I value the role we have in their development," says McAleenan.

GET THE FACTS

· McAleenan considers herself a defense-first coach whose teams score off transition opportunities and good shot selection

· She was an assistant coach with the Canadian Developmental National Team at the 2011 Pan Am Games

· Adopted, McAleenan has a brother who played basketball at Bishop's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and is currently living in Ottawa, as well as three half-brothers and two half-sisters, all living in New Brunswick

· McAleenan had never met U of L President Mike Mahon while they were both at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, but she did teach his son Seann a physical activity course at U of A and his other son, Brennan, was a physical therapist for the men's basketball program in her first year with the women's team

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

Significant And Mentionable

trevor.kenney — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:45:27 +0000

Allied Arts Council honours the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge took centre stage at the 2009 Mayor's Luncheon for Business and the Arts on Sept. 10 when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was honoured as the winner of a 2009 Allied Arts Council (AAC) Award for Excellence as the local service organization that has significantly enhanced the arts in the community of Lethbridge.

In total, three awards were handed out, including one to an individual, one to a service organization and one to a local business.

(Once again) Steacy duo wins

In August, U of L track and field star Heather Steacy won gold at the Canada Summer Games in Charlottetown, P.E.I. With the furthest throw of 59.92 metres, Heather dominated the hammer throw competition, winning by more than six metres.

Also this summer, Heather's brother Jim Steacy added to his international track resumé, winning the silver medal in the hammer throw at the 2009 Universiade in Belgrade, Serbia.

Jim completed his Pronghorn career as one of the most decorated track athletes in Horns history, compiling nine Canada West and nine Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) medals, including 16 gold, and was undefeated in the weight throw versus CIS competition over his career.

New Ingenuity centre boosts information technology

The first of its kind in the world, Alberta's newest Ingenuity Centre is working with entrepreneurs and researchers to use real-time geographical information to address global challenges in resource management.

The new centre, Tecterra, is one of five Alberta Ingenuity Centres for Research and Commercialization that focuses on technology and research to build more sustainable industry practices.

Built on a partnership between the provincial and federal governments, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, Tecterra will tap into the research excellence across the province, allowing resource companies to work with innovative technology companies and the research community to develop world-class solutions to industry challenges.

The more than $50 million investment includes: $21.6 million from the Alberta government, $11.6 million from the federal government, as well as a further $20 million anticipated from industry and other partners.

Among Alberta's 50 most influential people

Dr. Bruce McNaughton was named one of Alberta's 50 most influential people by Alberta Venture magazine in July.

McNaughton, one of the world's experts in neurophysiology, joined the U of L's Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) last fall as the inaugural recipient of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Polaris Award – a 10-year, $20 million research grant.

A sterling past, a golden future

This year the School of Graduate Studies celebrates 25 years. When the School first emerged, it offered a single master's degree in education. Since then, it has developed into a centre for graduate studies in the arts, health sciences, humanities, sciences and social sciences. This fall, the School implemented two new graduate degree programs in the creative arts through a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Music.

On Oct. 16, the School will celebrate this milestone with a special dinner with guest speaker Son Soubert, who is currently a member of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia and a professor at the Faculty of Archaeology of the Royal ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Phnom Penh. Soubert has worked to establish responsible politics in Cambodia and has worked extensively to help children, including the establishment of two orphanages.

Charting a new course

Dr. Daniel J. Weeks assumed the position of vice-president (research) in July, a position Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick held for the last 10 years. Weeks joins the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge after more than a decade at Simon Fraser ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, where he was a professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, and operator of the Psychomotor Behaviour Laboratory located on the Burnaby campus.

Weeks brings a well-constructed plan for research development to the U of L, with a particular interest in raising the profile of the institution through strategic partnerships and projects.

"There's a tendency for many institutions in Canada to chase available research funding. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has taken a much more thoughtful approach," says Weeks. "The initiatives the U of L has pursued are significant and will have staying power. There's true leadership here and careful consideration about the direction the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ should go – which tells me that Lethbridge is a place where big ideas can come to fruition."

To stay up-to-date on what's happening at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, visit the U of L's official online news centre at: www.ulethbridge.ca/unews

Lasting Legacy: Yosh Senda

On Sept. 9, 2009, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community mourned the loss of Dr. Yosh Senda (LLD '89), a respected leader, long-time member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community and legendary supporter of judo in Canada.

Senda is credited with establishing judo in Lethbridge. He was instrumental in developing the Lethbridge Judo Club and the U of L Judo exchange program with Japan. He remained an active coach at the Lethbridge Judo Club and served as coach and manager of the U of L Judo Club.

With a ninth degree black belt, Senda was the highest-ranking judo black belt in Canada. He instilled in his students that judo is more than just a physical exercise for the body – judo is a way of life.

His philosophy: "You can better yourself by always showing respect for others, and to always give it your best in whatever you do."

In addition to a long list of awards and achievements, Senda was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to the development and expansion of judo in Canada as a coach, mentor and role model for more than five decades.

New Community Sports Stadium kicks off

The spirit of the Pronghorn is legendary. It's a spirit that lives inside everyone who has ever worn our blue and gold, and it now lives within the new Community Sports Stadium – a place that fosters a healthy community and team pride.

Built on a partnership between the City of Lethbridge, the Government of Alberta and the U of L, the estimated $12 million multi-purpose, public-access facility, officially opened on Sept. 25 and 26. Equipped with an artificial field for football and soccer, a natural practice field, a synthetic 400-metre track and bleachers for 2,000 fans, the stadium will meet the sporting needs of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's athletic programs and those of southern Alberta for many years to come.

Pronghorn Athletics weekend preview

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:22:00 +0000

The Canada West conference sports schedule gets underway this weekend with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's men's and women's soccer teams taking to the pitch.

The Pronghorns women's team opens Canada West play at home at the new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium. The women host the Manitoba Bisons and Regina Cougars on Saturday and Sunday afternoons respectively, while the men head out on the road to face the Fraser Valley Cascades and Victoria Vikes. Both home games kick off at noon.

Meanwhile, the defending CIS champion women's rugby team and men's hockey team are in non-conference action as they prepare for their upcoming conference schedules.

Women's Soccer

The women's soccer team (0-0) looks to rebound after not qualifying for the post-season last year, and will have some big holes to fill with the graduation of key members from last season's club. Gone from last season are stalwart keeper Megan Lumley, offensive catalyst Kelli Sauers and a pair of defenders, Kristen Dow and Jessica Dearlove.

An area of strength for the Horns this season should be the midfield, with a solid core of returning veterans. Fifth-year senior Sam MacMillan, along with Janelle and Jaclyn Groten, expect to provide some stability up front.

A strong group from the team that qualified for the 2007 playoffs is still intact, and they'll look to rely on solid defensive play to be successful this season.

Men's Soccer

The Pronghorns men's team (0-0) heads out on the road to kick off their portion of the conference schedule with a trip to British Columbia.

The Horns return 12 players from last year's squad, but have a couple of big holes to fill on the back line with the graduation of team captain Ryan Conn and Marcus Karpati.

Michael O'Brien , a 2007 second team all-star, is expected to step up and lead the back line along with returnees Steve Brown, Brett Silbernagel and Justin Lariviere.

After a season away from the team, Matt Medoruma returns to anchor the midfield with fellow sophomores Lucas Rajcic and Cristian Lornezoni. Andrew Malcolm, who will look to add to his 10 career goals, and 2007 Horns' leading scorer Jaycee Neufeld will be counted on to generate some offence from the midfield position.

Up front, 5th year striker Greg Remjin looks to add to his team leading five goals from last season and kick-start a Pronghorn offence that scored a conference low seven total goals last season.

Saturday afternoon, the Horns face the Fraser Valley Cascades in Abbotsford, before concluding the road trip Sunday in Victoria versus the Vikes.

Women's Rugby

The women's rugby team sees its first action of the fall, traveling to Atlantic Canada for an exhibition tour that includes three games in three days.

The defending CIS champions kick off the tour on Saturday facing the St. Mary's Huskies in Halifax. Sunday will see a rematch of last year's CIS championship game as the Horns face St. Francis Xavier. Last November, the Horns downed St. FX 29-15 to win their second consecutive national title. St. FX will web stream the game live at http://www.ssncanada.ca/games/. Kick-off is set for 11 a.m. (MT).

The following day, the Horns conclude their trip with a game in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island against the UPEI Panthers.

Men's Hockey

The Men's Hockey team begins its pre-season schedule this weekend with a pair of games. Friday night the Horns travel to Calgary to face Mount Royal Cougars, followed by a game Sunday against SAIT Trojans.

Season tickets to Pronghorn events, as well as individual game tickets are available at the Sport & Recreation Services customer service desk or by calling 403-332-HORN (4676). Tickets will also be available at the door on game day.

Heather Steacy golden at Canada Games

trevor.kenney — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:06:00 +0000

What did you do on your summer vacation – probably not as much as Heather Steacy.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge track and field star added another accolade to her impressive resumé on Thursday, winning gold at the Canada Summer Games in Charlottetown, PEI.

With a furthest throw of 59.92 metres, Steacy dominated the hammer throw competition, winning by more than six metres. Quebec's Annie Larose finished second at 53.62m, while Ontario's Kristin Obrochta was third at 52.89m.

"It was a really good throw technically today for me so I'm happy for sure," Steacy, who was ranked number one heading into the competition, says. "Obviously anything can happen in a competition, but I did think I could do this."

Steacy returns to campus this fall to begin her fourth year at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. In three seasons with the Horns, the 21 year-old Lethbridge native has claimed three Canada West titles in the weight throw to go along with two CIS titles. She has also earned a CIS bronze medal.

Steacy's golden toss is another step forward in her quest to compete for Canada internationally, including a possible trip to the Olympic Summer Games. Her brothers Jim and Sean Steacy have both competed at the international level and Jim, a multiple Canadian champion in the hammer throw, represented Canada at the Olympic Summer Games in Beijing last summer.

"It has been really good to have the experience of my brothers to rely on and it is definitely encouraging to see how well they have done," Steacy says. "It is definitely motivating, especially watching Jim compete in Beijing at just 24 years old."

Gaudet serving the greater good

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:59:15 +0000

Whether it means taking on the powers that be or courageously facing a room full of "Dragons," Kevin Gaudet (BA '91), federal director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), stands strong in his convictions, a legacy of valour that runs in his family.

"My grandfather, Walthen Gaudet, was the mayor of Charlottetown. He saw public service as a noble profession and lived up to the values of truth, duty and honour. I was brought up that way by my parents," says Gaudet. "They taught me to stand up for what I believe in, and they incubated a curious mind, encouraged it and put up with it."

Gaudet spent much of his childhood moving across Canada with his family, ending up in Lethbridge for his Grade 12 year. After graduating from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute in 1986, Gaudet spent a year studying engineering at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, B.C., before deciding that was not the path for him.

"I went back to Lethbridge because my family was there. I was aware of the benefits of a liberal arts undergraduate degree so it was a rather easy decision for me to attend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. I could stay at home and get a really good quality education," explains Gaudet.

After taking an introductory philosophy course, Gaudet fell in love with the discipline and chose it as a major.

"When I told my parents, they asked me what the hell I was going to do with that, and of course I told them ,'I can do anything I want'," says Gaudet.

He was right. Studying philosophy began opening doors for him from the outset of his education. In his second year at U of L, Gaudet worked as a teacher's assistant for his philosophy professor, U of L President Emeritus Dr. John Woods. He also cut his political teeth that year by winning a seat on school council. Gaudet regards his time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in a very positive light.

"The professors were open and friendly and with the smaller size of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ you could actually get in the doors to talk to your professors so that they could prove to you just how wrong you were when you proposed ideas," laughs Gaudet. "Lethbridge has an interesting culture with its agricultural community, influx of foreign students and religious community. It provides the campus a rich diversity of experience, opportunity and thought, all in one place."

Following his graduation in 1991, Gaudet's education and career continued to grow. He spent five years as the director of opposition research for Preston Manning, graduated with an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Western Ontario in 2000, and worked for various telecommunications, banking, computer and medical technology companies, performing marketing strategy and government relations.

In 2007, Gaudet began working as the Ontario director of the CTF and became the federal director in January 2008. As director, he is responsible for looking at all policy matters relating to the federal government. The CTF advocates for lower taxes, less waste and a more accountable government. Gaudet does whatever is necessary to get that message out, whether it is planning a rally, or presenting his flat tax message on the television show Dragons' Den.

Gaudet hopes to affect positive change on the national stage and his former professor is proud of the path he's taken since his time at the U of L.

"Kevin's skills are abundantly evident in his work. His policy analyses show an impressive analytical intelligence at work; his television appearances show a cool, elegant and engaging advocate," says Woods. "Kevin Gaudet reflects great credit upon the university that trained him."

GET THE FACTS

• Born in Halifax, N.S., Gaudet has lived in eight Canadian provinces

• He studied logic at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Amsterdam (summer 1990) and is fluent in both English and French

• Gaudet took over for John Williamson as federal director of the CTF

• Volunteering as a scout leader in Toronto, he says his greatest personal accomplishment is, "A very successful marriage and three wonderful children."

UNews - Charlottetown

Judging its own reward

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Significant And Mentionable

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Heather Steacy golden at Canada Games

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