UNews - Tennant

Tennant named Chair of new Alberta agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members of the management board include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tennant, Johnson on Venture Top 50 list

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:31:57 +0000

A former ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge president and a U of L alumnus who parlayed his geography studies into a satellite imaging company with worldwide influence are among Alberta Venture Magazine's 50 Most Influential People in the province for 2012.

The annual collection of people from all walks of life provides a snapshot of the province's business, government, arts, culture, education and entrepreneurial communities.

President Emeritus Dr. Howard Tennant led the U of L from 1987 to 2001 and since his retirement has remained a member of the Faculty of Management – balancing his academic work with service to a number of regional, provincial and national boards and organizations.

In 2011, Tennant co-chaired the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel, a committee charged with making recommendations to create a world-class environmental monitoring system for the province.

U of L alumnus and CEO of BlackBridge Geomatics, Ryan Johnson (BSc 98, MSc 00, Geography) has taken his interest in imaging literally out of this world. While in school, Johnson founded a company that has since grown to worldwide influence as a leading provider of optical satellite imaging. Through the acquisition of a German company, Blackbridge is now the world's fourth largest private owner of space-based satellites.

As well as partnering with the U of L on imaging education and equipment use, Blackbridge is investing in technology to support high-tech startups at tecconnect, a new facility in Lethbridge that will serve as an incubator for companies in the information and communications technology sector.

The people's President

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:04:03 +0000

He readily admits he was not ready for the job of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge president 10 years ago and even jokes that he might not be ready for it today. Such is the self-effacing manner in which Bill Cade has guided the U of L for the past decade, a 10-year period of unprecedented growth and achievement for the institution.

"I think you grow into jobs and anybody who thinks they are ready for any complex job probably doesn't know the job yet," says Cade, who will conclude his 10-year tenure as president at the end of June.

"I remember saying at the outset, "I'm joining your team, you're not joining my team." And to join the team, you've got to know the team. I don't care if it's football, baseball or a team of 800. I spent a fair amount of time getting to know people and learning things about them so I'd understand the role they played here."

That's something Cade never let lapse throughout his 10 years on campus. Considered by many to be the most personable "boss" they'd ever worked for, Cade embodies the personal, supportive environment the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ trumpets as one of its tenets.

"Right from when Bill came to the U of L, he was one of us," says Joan Zimmer, a Telecom assistant with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Info Tech team. "He didn't walk around with his nose in the air looking for subservience as so many do. He showed that he was in the trenches with us working for the good of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

Cade's ability to bring the U of L community together is universally lauded.

"Bill has an amazing capacity to see the strengths in people, to nurture those strengths and to challenge individuals to grow," says Senate and Board of Governors member Janice Varzari. "He is very appreciative of others' efforts and is very quick to acknowledge them. His capable and creative leadership has contributed very significantly to the excellence in the education of students at the U of L and the growth of programs."

What amazing growth there has been. Over the course of the last 10 years, the U of L has seen the rise of facilities such as the Library Information Network Centre, the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (both initiated under prior president Dr. Howard Tennant), the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building, Turcotte Hall, the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness and most recently, the Community Sports Stadium. Throw in a new residence complex, a daycare facility, the Parkway Service Complex and soon-to-be-opened Markin Hall and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has made building openings seem like an annual event. Cade has been at the forefront of these initiatives, introducing the new U of L campus to the world.

"I think one of Bill's great strengths has been his ability to promote the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Senate member Wendy Fox. "He is a true advocate and champion for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

Lethbridge West MLA Greg Weadick agrees.

"He is the greatest cheerleader the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has ever seen – it must be the Texan in him," says Weadick. "Under his watch, the U of L has become a stronger community partner and a source of immense pride for all southern Albertans. It would be impossible to list all of Bill's accomplishments but for me, his most enduring legacy will be the passion and joy that was always contagious whenever I spoke with him."

Cade doesn't like to discuss legacies, saying he'll leave that to somebody else to write. He does however, take great pride in how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has evolved during his watch.

"When I first came here, academically I thought we were in pretty good shape, especially when it came to undergraduate programming," says Cade. "I still believe we're in good shape there but we've been able to add so much more, including many outstanding graduate programs.
"The research side of our mandate has also grown tremendously and is as high a quality as you could find."

He'll officially leave the position of president June 30, but anticipates returning in the fall to see the opening of Markin Hall, one of the most difficult, but now, satisfying projects undertaken during his tenure.

"Markin Hall had been wished for, for years," says Cade. "It had been at the top of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's priority list for 10 years and we'd gotten nowhere with it. We clearly had to get the Faculty of Management moved out of its location, but to make it happen, we knew we had to construct the building with other academic groups."

The new Faculty of Health Sciences proved to be the right fit, and Cade still has the letter from the provincial government authorizing its $50 million contribution.

"That was a very challenging project to work on and to be able to come back in the fall and open that building will be wonderful."

With a new Strategic Plan in place, Cade is confident the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is on secure footing as it moves forward. He sees his time as president as a continuation of the legacy established before him and one that will endure after he leaves.

"The great success of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge did not just happen," says Cade. "A group of visionaries persisted, overcame obstacles and founded the U of L. Many people followed and worked many years to grow and nurture our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.
"Today, we have one of the finest universities in Canada. The future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is very bright. I am confident the next four decades will be even more successful for the U of L."

RSVP deadline for Fitzpatrick dinner

trevor.kenney — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:30:51 +0000

The RSVP deadline for Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick's Appreciation & Recognition Dinner is fast approaching as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge celebrates 10 years of unprecedented growth in research.

Fitzpatrick is leaving the position of Vice-President, Research, after a decade of leadership that saw the U of L move from a position of afterthought as a research institution to one of foremost authority. To honour Fitzpatrick, a Friday, June 5 Appreciation & Recognition Dinner has been organized. The RSVP deadline to attend this dinner is Friday, May 29.

Tickets for the dinner are priced at $40 each. To attend, RSVP to Bette-Jo Kulak at 403-329-2200 or e-mail to b.kulak@uleth.ca

The following is a personal letter from Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick on the occasion of his leaving the position of Vice-President (Research) after 10 years

When I was hired 10 years ago, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was not on Alberta's research map. At provincial research and advanced education meetings, the talk was of Alberta's two research universities. When the U of L applied to join the Alberta Science and Technology Foundation we had to seek approval of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary because of a non-compete clause in the membership agreement. Times have changed. The notion that there are two research-intensive universities has been put to rest.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's commitment to scholarship provided the foundation for change. Research is at the heart of a university, not just an activity for the faculty but also an integral aspect of the student learning experience. Curiosity driven and problem-based learning is important and should be incorporated in the curriculum as soon as possible. Undergraduate level research is an important teaching tool. This prepares students for employment and feeds our graduate programs. As measured by the awarding of some of Canada's most prestigious scholarships, the Julie Payette NSERC Research Scholarship and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, our student research programs are very successful. The hallmarks of research program success – grants, research chairs, fellowships and other honours – are too numerous to list. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has become a comprehensive university.

Timing is everything. The creation of the Canada Research Chairs program and the Canada Foundation for Innovation presented unprecedented opportunities. We accessed funds from other federal agencies, including Western Economic Diversification, to build the most important element of any research program – the human capital and supporting research infrastructure.

The Government of Alberta – through programs managed by Advanced Education and Technology – complemented this federal support and much more. The Government of Alberta funded our first two research buildings; the Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neurosciences and the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. These investments changed the very nature of the institution.

People are important. Success within the research portfolio stemmed senior leadership and commitment to scholarship. The support of Presidents Bill Cade and Howard Tennant; Vice-Presidents Andrew Hakin, Nancy Walker and Chris Horbachewski; and Deans Christopher Nicol and Jo-Anne Fiske are gratefully acknowledged. The contributions of two good friends, Vice-President Seamus O'Shea and Board of Governors Research Chair Bryan Kolb, were significant. No one works alone.

The Office of Research Services family made the events of the last decade possible. Heartfelt thanks to Marg McKeen, Jane Allan, Penny D'Agnone, Penny Pickles, Eric Kokko, Morgan Guo, Pejman Ghanipour and Robin Schafthuizen. The contributions of my friend Christine Picken were significant.

A decade has flown by and it is time to take my leave. It has been my honour and my privilege to serve as Vice-President Research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick

Culture of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has changed in recent years

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:53:56 +0000

The following is a personal letter from Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick on the occasion of his leaving the position of Vice-President (Research) after 10 years

A decade has flown by and it is time to take my leave. It has been my honour and my privilege to serve as Vice-President Research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick

Stepping aside not easy; but it is the right time

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:36:20 +0000

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

As most of you know, I announced in March that I would be stepping aside as President of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ when my current term expires at the end of June 2010. This was not an easy decision and one that Elsa and I gave much consideration.

I absolutely enjoyed my time here and if there's ever an example of leaving when you want more, this is that situation. This is a very good place to be President and while I love the job, I know that change will be good for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and for us.

My term, however, is far from being over and I'm excited about my final year as President. I will follow closely the process of finding a successor and when that person is identified, work to make the transition as smooth as possible. Dr. Howard Tennant was especially generous in helping with my introduction to the position. His approach was that if I wanted advice, he would give it to me. He would not push advice on me unless I would go to him and ask, and my intention will be to offer that same support.

I have great confidence in our Board of Governors and the Presidential search committee as they begin the process of finding a new President. I am also secure in the knowledge that this job will attract some excellent candidates with very good experience. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is in great shape and this will be a real career opportunity for someone, as it was for me.

Many people have asked what I will do following the end of my term. I expect I will spend the first couple months back in San Antonio, Texas, decompressing and visiting with family and friends.

After that, I will turn my focus back to my crickets and the research interests that have been on the side burner for some time. I still have three years left on an NSERC grant for research and with ongoing projects in Texas, southern Africa and the Hawaiian Islands, I am looking forward to getting my hands dirty again in the field.

Of course, I'll be back at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for the opening of Markin Hall in the fall of 2010. I would not miss this opening as I think it is one of the most significant events in the history of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. I love the way the building is taking shape, how it looks from across the river and how it complements the horizon.

Eventually, I would love to be back in the classroom; that would be a real thrill. I think it would require a lot of effort on my part because much has changed over the last 10 years, but it would also be very stimulating. To have the thrill of being in the classroom with students again, I can't imagine a better way to end one's career.

Congratulations to those who were honoured at the recent Pronghorns Blue and Gold athletics banquet. I'd also like to congratulate director Brian Parkinson and the cast of Arcadia for their wonderful presentation of the Tom Stoppard classic.

A very significant groundbreaking ceremony is occurring Apr. 15, as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ begins construction of its campus daycare facility. I invite everyone to attend this important event.

In closing, good luck to all students as you write your final exams in the coming weeks.

President Cade to step aside in 2010

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:36:45 +0000

He's overseen a decade of unprecedented growth and presided over an educational transformation that has repositioned the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as a leading research and graduate studies institution. On Thursday afternoon, U of L President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bill Cade, announced he would be stepping aside at the completion of his second term, June 30, 2010.

"Elsa and I have made this decision after much consideration," says Cade, referring to his wife. "We believe that our time as the presidential couple has been the most satisfying experience of our professional lives. It has been a great honour for us to work with all of you to advance our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

Dr. Bill Cade, who announced Thursday he would be leaving the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ after the completion of his second term as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ President expires, in June 2010, is well known for his personal involvement with students, staff and faculty.

Cade was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in July 2000. Currently serving his second five-year term, he has overseen the development of many significant initiatives at the U of L, including two five-year strategic plans and the successful completion of the institution's largest capital campaign.

During his tenure, student enrolment grew by 50 per cent and today approximately 8,000 students from around the world call the U of L's campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton home. He also saw the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ evolve from a primarily undergraduate university to a leading comprehensive academic and research institution with corresponding growth in graduate programming, enrolment and external research funding (which increased by a phenomenal 610 per cent).

While the growth numbers are staggering, Cade endeavoured to keep the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ grounded in its principles. His personal style reflected well the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's roots as an institution grounded in liberal education and committed to providing its students with smaller classes and a personal learning experience.

"The best part of my job has been the people," Cade says. "The people who make up the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ are intensely proud of their ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and what they and others have contributed to it. And similarly, the people of Lethbridge are intensely proud of their ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. This sense of pride that people have in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is something that I get enormous satisfaction from."

Since his arrival in 2000, the U of L completed, initiated, constructed or planned about $200 million in capital projects and improvements. These include the Library Information Network Centre (LINC) and the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) (projects started under the leadership of former president Dr. Howard Tennant), the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, the Parkway Services Complex, the renovation and expansion of Turcotte Hall and the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building, which opened this past November.

Currently three more projects are under construction and set to open in 2009/2010, including the Regional Sports Stadium and Field Complex, a campus daycare and Markin Hall – a new home for the faculties of Management and Health Sciences.

"Throughout his presidency, Dr. Cade has proudly served as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's chief ambassador and cheerleader, and has built and strengthened community relations at local, provincial, national and international levels," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors Chair Robert Turner. "During Dr. Cade's tenure, the U of L has seen an unprecedented amount of community support in the forms of fundraising and community engagement. On behalf of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors, I would like to thank Bill and Elsa for their decade of dedication and commitment to this institution."

To view a personal letter from Dr. Cade to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, click on the following link: www.uleth.ca/notice/display.html?b=300&s=11846

UNews - Tennant

Tennant named Chair of new Alberta agency

Related Topics

Tennant, Johnson on Venture Top 50 list

Related Topics

The people's President

Related Topics

RSVP deadline for Fitzpatrick dinner

Related Topics

Culture of ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ has changed in recent years

Related Topics

Stepping aside not easy; but it is the right time

Related Topics

President Cade to step aside in 2010

Related Topics

Culture of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has changed in recent years