UNews - Yosh Senda

Summer sport camps bring an infusion of youth to campus

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:34:29 +0000

A youth movement is once again coming to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus – one Frank Huss welcomes with open arms.

Huss, the youth and intramurals supervisor for Sport and Recreation Services, oversees an influx of up to 800 children through the annual summer sport camp program. Offering everything from fencing, rock climbing and basketball to specialized leadership camps, the program not only keeps ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge sports facilities humming through the summer months, it often introduces the southern Alberta community to the U of L.

"It's a good avenue for us, as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, to really connect with the community," says Huss. "We cater mainly to young, elementary-aged students and it's never too early to expose them to everything we have here on campus. You never know what that could turn into down the road."

The most popular camps annually include rock climbing and multi activity, and while they will remain as staples, along with the sport camps that are linked to the U of L's athletic programs (hockey, basketball and soccer), Huss and his staff evaluate their offerings each year and make subtle changes. Three new camps being offered this summer include fencing, seven's rugby and tennis. As well, judo is back in the fold as Ben Kwan, a disciple of the late Dr. Yosh Senda, looks to follow in the great sensei's footsteps.

"We try to add new things every year. We're limited to space with what we can do so we often experiment within our multi activity camps to see how things go," says Huss. "We did that with both rugby and tennis, running them as a component of the multi activity before making each a full-fledged camp."

Adding rugby is a natural, with the U of L boasting the three-time national championship women's program as a coaching resource, while the addition of tennis includes a partnership with the Lethbridge Tennis Club. What surprises Huss is the popularity of fencing, which has seen a second camp added to satisfy demand.

Some of the more traditional camps have lagged a little in registration numbers, specifically hockey, as there tends to be increased competition throughout the region for young players. Huss stresses the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ hockey camps have their own niche, designed more for the six to 10-year-old less experienced players. As well, the U of L utilizes its women's hockey program to offer a unique camp opportunity for nine to 12-year old girls.

With the opening of the new Community Sports Stadium, the prospect of adding more summer camps is a distinct possibility.

"With the addition of the new field, it opens things up to where we can consider doing a football camp, as well as track and field components," says Huss.

For information on Sport and Recreation Services summer camps, call 403-329-2706 or visit www.uleth.ca/sportrec

A Year In Review

trevor.kenney — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:05:40 +0000

Pronghorn Women Are National Rugby Champions

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby team captured the program's first Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championship in November 2007.

The Horns beat the host Western Mustangs 15-10 in the title game, giving Pronghorn Athletics its first national championship since the men's hockey team captured the 1994 CIAU title. The women's rugby team had previously won a silver medal at the 2003 tournament and a bronze at the 2006 event.

Award Winners

Dr. Stewart Rood, a U of L professor of biological sciences and Board of Governors Research Chair in Environmental Science, was a 2008 recipient of the Killam Research Fellowship – one of Canada's most distinguished research awards.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ judo coach Yosh Senda (LLD '89) was invested into the Order of Canada in April for his longtime commitment to the sport of judo.

The Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program awarded U of L political scientist Dr. Chris Kukucha the 2007 Fulbright Scholarship.

The Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations presented Lisa Doolittle (Theatre and Dramatic Arts) and Emily Luce (New Media) with the organization's 2007 Distinguished Academic Award and Distinguished Academic Early Career Award, respectively.

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.

A tribute to Dr. Senda

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:23:26 +0000

On Sept. 9, 2009, the U of L community was saddened by the loss of a valued member of its family, Dr. Yosh Senda (LLB '89). His life stands as a testament to the difference one person can make.

Dr. Senda is especially remembered as a passionate supporter of judo. With a ninth degree black belt, he was the highest-ranking judo black belt in Canada and is credited for the strong tradition of judo in Lethbridge and at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. He represented the sport at every level and gained international recognition for his successful teaching methods.

His many students will recall the quiet, humble approach to the sport taken by this soft-spoken giant of Canadian judo. Dr. Senda's attitude to the sport, and to life generally, is best described by his own 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 accomplishments, Dr. Senda was awarded the Order of Canada in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to the development and expansion of judo in Canada for more than five decades.
His many years of instruction and his long list of personal achievements have touched people across Canada and have established many friendships. Dr. Senda's memory lives on in those who were influenced by his teachings and continue his philosophy in their own ways.

None of this would have been possible without the support of Florence, his wife of 62 years, a fourth degree black belt, who manages the Senda household, coaches and encourages athletes, paying special attention to the younger participants.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is proud to maintain the Dr. Yoshio and Florence Senda Scholarship Fund, which recognizes the Sendas' commitment to community involvement. This scholarship will be awarded for the first time this fall to Faculty of Management student Brian George.

"Dr. Yosh and Florence Senda have achieved great things and it is a tremendous honour to receive this award," says George, who is only the first student to be touched by gifts given in Dr. Senda's name.

For more information on this award, or other ways you can make a difference in the lives of students, visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community mourns passing of Senda

trevor.kenney — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:52:58 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community lost a respected leader and legendary supporter of judo Wednesday with the passing of Dr. Yosh Senda (LLD '89).

Dr. Senda passed away at age 87. He is predeceased by daughter Mae, and is survived by his wife, Florence, daughter Dawna, sons Ronald and Greg, and their immediate and extended families.

A date and time of a memorial service has not yet been confirmed.

Dr. Senda is credited for the strong tradition of judo in Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of 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 for the Lethbridge Judo Club and served as coach and manager of the U of L Judo Club.

He represented the sport of judo in many provincial, national and international capacities (including the Olympics), brought national and international recognition to Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and gained international recognition for his successful teaching methods.

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

None of this was possible without the support and efforts of Florence, a fourth degree black belt, and who provides support through managing the Senda house, coaching and encouraging the athletes, paying special attention to the younger participants.

Sendas to be honoured at Management dinner

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:08:16 +0000

If, in the first two minutes of discussing the sport of judo, the name of Dr. Yosh Senda is not uttered, then the conversation is truly lacking in depth.

Simply stated, Senda and judo are synonymous and fully complementary. To discuss one without the other does a disservice to both. For that, Senda has been recognized time and again for his invaluable contribution to the growth of the ancient, time-honoured sport. He, along with his wife Florence, will once again take centre stage next month as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Faculty of Management pays tribute to Senda at the 22nd Annual Scholarship Fundraising Dinner.

Scheduled for Friday, Mar. 13 at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel, the Faculty will recognize the contributions of Senda to the sport of judo; honouring a man who has devoted 75-plus years to the noble pursuit.

"Dr. Senda has dedicated his life to building the sport of judo in Lethbridge," says Chris Spearman in nominating Senda as an honouree. "He instills in his students that judo is more than just a physical exercise for the body – judo is a way of life. He takes pride when his students do well in competition; his only requirement is that his students try their very best and never give up hope."

Senda has represented the sport in several capacities, coaching all the way up to the Olympic level. Achieving glory and fame however, is the farthest thing from his mind. In fact it is ironic that a man so soft-spoken, so humble and dedicated to being a volunteer, would elicit so much attention.

Named to the Order of Canada in 2008, the country's highest civilian honour, Senda's list of awards and hall of fame dedications is awe inspiring. Through it all, he simply sees himself as a "judo boy", supported ably by Florence, herself a third degree black belt.

Without Senda, the sport of judo would not hold such a prominent place in the local, provincial and national sporting scene, nor would the U of L have a judo exchange program that continues today to allow judo students an opportunity to travel to Japan and return with lifelong memories.

It promises to be a special night, and one well deserved, as the Faculty of Management celebrates both Yosh and Florence Senda and their contributions to the sporting community.

For tickets to the event, contact Steve Craig, Director – Cooperative Education and Internships, at 403-329-5181.

A Year In Review

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:38:35 +0000

Pronghorn Women Are National Rugby Champions

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby team captured the program's first Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championship in November 2007.

Award Winners

Dr. Stewart Rood, a U of L professor of biological sciences and Board of Governors Research Chair in Environmental Science, was a 2008 recipient of the Killam Research Fellowship – one of Canada's most distinguished research awards.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ judo coach Yosh Senda (LLD '89) was invested into the Order of Canada in April for his longtime commitment to the sport of judo.

The Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program awarded U of L political scientist Dr. Chris Kukucha the 2007 Fulbright Scholarship.

The Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations presented Lisa Doolittle (Theatre and Dramatic Arts) and Emily Luce (New Media) with the organization's 2007 Distinguished Academic Award and Distinguished Academic Early Career Award, respectively.

UNews - Yosh Senda

Summer sport camps bring an infusion of youth to campus

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