New Trail Autumn 2008 by University of Alberta Alumni

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features On the cover: We’ve got the whole world in our hands. Photo: iStockphoto

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Overs Down Under An Australian cricket coach pitches his winning ways

A Cut Above A surgeon takes his life-saving skills on the road

The Cornerstone Caper A prank that makes the Keystone Cops look competent

SUB-Head Remembering back when SUB was just a heady idea

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Seven years in Japan — a story of cultural acclimatization

Alumni Association Recognition Awards This year’s outstanding alumni

No Brainer A Belgian doesn’t waffle when it comes to studying abroad

Little House on the Prairie A couple leaves behind a legacy of international significance

Mad About You The incredible true story of an unknown killer

LA Story In conversation with an “Actress” and a “Producer”

Marathon Woman An ageless grad keeps running for her life

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Your Letters Our readers write to us

Bear Country Goings-on around the U of A

16 Landmarks Accolades, honours and other milestones

63 Bookmarks University pages to be proud of

ISSN: 0824-8125 Copyright 2005 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40112326 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Office of Alumni Affairs, University of Alberta, Main Floor, Enterprise Square, 10230 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 4P6

64 Evergreen Alumni association participation

64 Alumni Events Our alma mater branches out

65 Class Notes Keeping classmates up-to-date

74 In Memoriam Bidding farewell to friends

76 Tuck Shop Taking a page out of the past

HERE’S HOW TO REACH US ... E-mail your comments, questions, address updates, and class notes to alumni@ualberta.ca. Join the Alumni Association’s online community at www.ualberta.ca/alumni. Call the New Trail reader response line at (780) 492-1702. To advertise in New Trail contact Bonnie Lopushinsky at (780) 417-3464 or bl5@ualberta.ca New Trail, the University of Alberta Alumni Association magazine, is published quarterly (circulation: 125,000). The views and opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the University or the Alumni Association. All material Copyright ©. New Trail cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

S TAY I N T O U C H On the Move? To keep receiving New Trail wherever you go call (780) 492-3471 or 1-866-492-7516 (toll-free in North America) or e-mail your address change to alumrec@ualberta.ca. Autumn 2008

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Centenary Celebration Hong Kong The University of Alberta is proud of its international reputation and our alumni from all over the world who represent us as ambassadors. In celebration of our centenary, and in recognition of our approximately 4,000 alumni from east and southeast Asia, the U of A will be holding a special international Centenary Celebration on November 1, 2008 in Hong Kong, including a special graduation ceremony. All alumni, and especially our alumni from east and southeast Asia are welcome to attend. We encourage those who attended the 1998 Hong Kong convocation to join us again. Register by September 30, 2008 and receive a complimentary keepsake gown, hood and cap to wear at the special graduation ceremony. Limited tickets are available. Register early to avoid disappointment. t t t

Refurbished guest rooms Modern kitchenettes Plasma TV in every room

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:

www.registrar.ualberta.ca/hongkong

Early football at the U of A.

ere we are more than two-thirds of the way through our celebration of a century in the pursuit of excellence and fast approaching the signature event of the centenary: Homecoming 2008. Along with the last issue of New Trail you received a 24-page Homecoming magazine listing all the Homecoming events, as well as a registration form to sign up for the ones you want to attend. I hope you took advantage of both these items and not only found the events you want to participate in but also signed up for them. Two of the events I most eagerly anticipate are the annual Alumni Recognition Awards and the Gala Dinner. This year these events promise to be even more special with grads from all over Canada and around the world participating. In fact, as of this writing, with registration still open for the Gala Dinner, we’ve already processed an increase of over 250 percent in the number of people who have confirmed their attendance. When you consider that this event normally attracts around 800 people, well, I think we’re in for a good crowd. But do also keep in mind that, if you want to attend, space is limited and you should book as soon as possible... especially since the legendary Ian Tyson will be performing during the event. The Alumni Recognition Awards — the honourees are in this issue — also promise to be a hot ticket, as always. Once again, with more people in town and much more to celebrate, I expect there will be a capacity crowd so I urge all of you who want to be on hand for this special evening to call now and reserve your free ticket because seats are limited and once the theatre is full we’ll have to close registration for this event. I look forward to seeing you at either of these events during Homecoming 2008, or perhaps at the one that’s closest to my heart... the Golden Bears Football and Pre-Game Party.

Jim Hole, ’79 BSc(Ag) Alumni Association President Chair Centenary Committee (Golden Bears football, offensive tackle, 1975–79)

ne hundred years ago, when the University of Alberta first opened its doors, the term “globalization” didn’t exist. Communication and travel across vast distances was difficult and time-consuming. No one would have imagined that we would have instantaneous access to world events, or that foods from every continent would be so readily available that it would become a challenge to eat locally. Yet, from the beginning, the faculty and students of the University of Alberta had a broad, global view. Professors provided competitive, world-class education. Students worked hard, were encouraged to apply for honours, such as Rhodes Scholarships, and won them—and this within only a dozen years of the U of A’s founding. A U of A degree created opportunities of all kinds, and over the last century, many alumni have become global citizens long before the concept of “globalization” was common parlance. Now U of A alumni can be found in virtually every country around the world, employed in activities that range from banking in Dubai, to leading universities in Korea, to providing humanitarian relief to child soldiers in the Sudan. In this issue of New Trail, we follow the stories of alumni currently working in Japan, Australia, the U.S. and Africa—an inspiring, but very small, sampling of U of A alumni working and living abroad. If you work outside of Canada and have a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you. In this era of globalization, when international experience and cross-cultural awareness is increasingly vital to our students’ future success, the U of A is actively fostering ties to universities all over the world, developing multiple options for student exchanges, work experiences, and research partnerships. Students, themselves, are creating volunteer opportunities in Africa and South America through organizations like Engineers Without Borders and International House. At the same time, we’re bringing the world to our campus through an increase in our international student admissions and through the establishment of teaching and research centres focused on regions of the world such as China, Ukraine, Austria, the Middle East, and Africa. As the U of A enters its second century, we aspire to be not only a great university but also a global university and — as this issue shows is possible — to be at the forefront of learning and discovery for the benefit of the world community.

Indira V. Samarasekera, O.C. Centenary Honorary Co-Chair President and Vice-Chancellor Autumn 2008

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Director Susan Peirce, ’70 BA Supervising Editor Rick Pilger Editor Kim Green Contributing Editor Jodeen Litwin, ’90 BSc Art Director Lisa Hall, ’89 BA Advisory Board Deb Hammacher Ruth Kelly, ’78 BA John Mahon, ’76 BMus, ’83 MBA Douglas Olsen, ’86 BSc, ’88 MBA, ’92 PhD OFFICE OF ALUMNI A F FA I R S

Executive Director Susan Peirce, ’70 BA Associate Director/Manager, Alumni Education Programs Rick Pilger Associate Director/Manager, Alumni Branches Gina Wheatcroft, ’94 BEd Executive Project Manager Coleen Graham, ’88 BSc(HEc), ’93 MEd Finance and HR Administrator Jacquie Reinprecht Coordinator, Alumni Branches Andrea Dunnigan, ’03 BCom Assistants, Alumni Branches Cristine Myhre Riyaz Sharan Coordinator, Alumni Chapters John Perrino, ’93 BA(RecAdmin) Assistant, Alumni Chapters Vi Warkentin Communications Manager Kim Green Communications Associate Shelagh Kubish, ’85 BA Assistant to the Director Diane Tougas Assistant, Alumni Education Angela Tom, ’03 BA Coordinator, Graphic Communications Lisa Hall, ’89 BA Coordinator, Electronic Communication Services Debbie Yee, ’92 BA Coordinator, Alumni Recognition Jodeen Litwin, ’90 BSc Assistant, Alumni Recognition Ishani Weera, ’04 BA Coordinator, Research & Marketing Tracy Salmon, ’91 BA, ’96 MSc Assistant, Alumni Services Ann Miles Receptionist Donna Bell Coordinator, Alumni Special Events Colleen Elliott, ’94 BEd Assistant, Alumni Special Events Ashley Hunka, ’05 BA Coordinator, Students & Young Alumni Chloe Chalmers, ’00 BA Coordinator, Homecoming Volunteers & Class Giving Erin Hasenbank, ’07 BSc(HEc) HOW TO CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS

Write to us at: University of Alberta, Main Floor, Enterprise Square, 10230 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 4P6 Phone: toll-free in Canada and the U.S.A. at 1-800-661-2593 or in Edmonton at 492-3224 Fax: (780) 492-1568

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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ALUMNI COUNCIL 2008–2009

Executive Committee President Jim Hole, ’79 BSc(Ag) Past-President / Vice-President Nominating & Bylaws Heike Juergens, ’72 BA, ’79 MEd, ’87 PhD Vice-President: Awards Deni Lorieau, ’73 BA Vice-President: Centenary Jim Hole, ’79 BSc (Ag) Vice-President: Scholarships Stacey Denham Gibson, ’95 BA(Aug), ’98 LLB Board of Governors Representatives Dick Wilson, ’74 BA, ’75 LLB Bill Cheung, ’86 LLB Vice-President: Student Life Anand Pandarinath, ’93 BSc(For), ’00 MBA, ’00 MFor Senate Representatives Kerry Day, ’80 LLB Judy Zender, ’67 BA Vice-President: Volunteer Engagement Stephen Leppard, ’86 BEd, ’92 MEd, ’03 EDD Secretary Jennifer Rees, ’80 BSc (PT) Faculty Representatives Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences Anand Pandarinath, ’93 BSc(For), ’00 MBA, ’00 MFor Arts Colleen Judge, ’87 BA, ’90 MA, ’99 PhD Augustana Stacey Denham Gibson, ’95 BA(Aug), ’98 LLB Business Jane Halford, ’95 BCom Dentistry Cornell Lee, ’01 BSc, ’03 DDS Education Don Fleming, ’76 BEd Engineering Jim Funk, ’78 BCom, ’86 BSc(Eng) Graduate Studies Marlene Keanie, ’86 BEd, ’01 MEd, ’07 EdD Law Bryan Kickham, ’71 BA, ’74 LLB Medicine Larry Jewell, ’63 BA, ’68 MD Native Studies Heather Taylor, ‘97 BA (NS) Nursing Carol Duggan, ’59 Dip(Nu) Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Rose Anne Lawton, ’73 BSc(Pharm) Physical Education and Recreation Hugh Hoyles, ’66 BPE Public Health Grant Frame, ’87 BSc, ’93 MHSA Rehabilitation Medicine Anne Lopushinsky, ’79 BSc(SPA) Campus Saint-Jean Deni Lorieau, ’73 BA Science Mark Polet, ’77 BSc Members at Large Terry Freeman, ’82 BCom Brent McDonough, ’77 BSc, ’79 BEd Ex Officio Executive Director Susan Peirce, ’70 BA Graduate Students’ Association Ben Whynot Students’ Union Janelle Morin Academic Dr Frank Robinson U of A Vice-President (External Relations) Sandra Conn Honorary President Indira Samarasekera

A Different View

The “Tooth” Be Known Your last two editions have both been super. The centenary photo edition was grand, as were the biographies of the outstanding alumni. Many thanks for these. The other memorable New Trail was one a few years ago with an article on the discoveries and inventions by U of A scholars. For the record, one small correction: The class referred to as medical students on page 21 of the Winter 200708 issue is actually the second class of dentistry students to graduate from U of A. Left to right I think they are: W. H. “Bill” Derksen, ’31 DDS, W. E. “Bill” Janzen, ’31 DDS, G. H. “Harry” Forbes, ’31 DDS, Ole Kvale, J. B. “John” Derksen, R. C. “Bob” McQuillan, ’31 DDS and Stan C. Hodgson, ’31 DDS. Even then the U of A was “international”—one of these men was from Norway, one from Ireland, two from Manitoba, one from Saskatchewan, one from Michigan, and one from Quebec. My father, one of the grads, told me that was a real cadaver. He may have been funning, but dentistry students did have to take anatomy and physiology. Clearly, though, the scene the photo depicts “was certainly not standard medical practice at the time.” Sandra Lynne Janzen, ’65 BEd, ’79 MA Wetaskiwin, AB

Editor’s note: We can find no record of Ole Kvale or J.B. Derksen having graduated from the U of A.

I read with interest the glowing reports of the dean of women in the Spring ’08 issue of New Trail, but feel I must add a bit of perspective. Miss Simpson was my homeroom and English teacher at Strathcona High School (now referred to as “Old Scona”) in the 1940s. Any of us — and there were many — who were from the “other side of the tracks” were not on her radar screen at all. At the end of my grade 12 year I doubt that she even knew my name, despite the fact that I was an honour student. The women who went on to university in the 1940s were, by and large, from a privileged class — either financially or supportively — and these are the ones with whom Miss Simpson identified. Simpson deserves credit for her contribution to the lives of female students who attended the U of A during her tenure there. However, Miss Simpson, in my opinion, also had at least one blemish on her character; she was an elitist, and we shouldn’t lose sight of that fact. M. Stefanick, ’70 BA, ’71, Dip(Ed), ’72 BEd Edmonton, AB

Correction Thank you for publishing the article in the Spring 2008 issue of New Trail about Reg Lister (pg. 6). My sister and I (Reg’s daughters) are pleased that you are keeping his memory alive. You mention in the article that he retired in 1949. He actually retired in May 1960, and died June 18, 1960. Kay Davidson, ’41 BSc(HEc) Joyce McNair, ’48 BSc(HEc) Vancouver, BC

Extended Family Thank you for an interesting Spring ’08 issue of New Trail. Memories came flooding back as names and stories came to mind. Matthew Halton, ’29 BA, ’56 LLD (Honorary), was a classmate of my uncle, Neil

Fawcett, back in the 1920s. We listened with great interest as Matthew reported the news during the 1940s from the war zones. This is a year of celebration for the U of A, and all Albertans. I have counted the number of my extended family

who have attended this revered institution. There have been over 30, from the 1920s to this current year. The fourth generation of young people are now in attendance. Margaret Jones, ’54 Dip(Nu) Ponoka, AB

In the Winter 2007/2008 special pictorial issue of New Trail we published a picture (pg. 70) of a group of women who made up the Pembina House Committee. These women were an “international” mix. Muriel Solomon was one of them and she sent along her ...

Memories of Pembina Hall In 1971 it had been five years since my family left Pakistan to make a new home in Canada. And here I was entering into a beautifully old, ivy-covered structure called Pembina Hall at the University of Alberta. At that time, it was a residence for female graduate students, many of them international students. I was allowed to stay there because I was a firstyear medical student — supposedly serious and studious. However, it didn’t take me long to join the House Committee and begin organizing our first party. The House Committee consisted of a president, vice-president and a rep from each wing of Pembina. Jean Cooley, ’77 PhD, (front, centre in picture) from Nova Scotia was our president, and I (to Jean’s right) was the vice-president. The wing reps, among other duties, were supposed to monitor the movement of men entering the building, who were only permitted to visit in one of the two parlours near the entrance. But, every so often, you would spy one surreptitiously leaving a bedroom. Pembina, for me, was an experience of growing up and expanding — meeting women from all over the world. I marvelled at the

colourful cloths the Nigerian women wrapped around their heads into turbans reaching almost two feet high. Come winter, we saw ourselves teaching these sunny beauties how to wrap themselves in hats, scarves and layered clothing. Ursula, from Jamaica, gave us big warm hugs when we were homesick; Teresa, from Montreal, told me proverbs she had learned from her Polish parents. Mireille, from New York, told me of her Armenian Heritage. She died two years ago of pancreatic cancer. We had stayed in touch through the years and I was able to help, in some small measure, because I am now a doctor — practising family medicine in Calgary. Mireille’s family recently sent me a book of hers published posthumously. I plan to bring it to the U of A centenary celebrations this fall so other Pembinites who knew her may see it. These are just some of the many girls from the U of A I still am in touch with and remember. But, I often wonder, where are the other girls? Will I see them this year at Homecoming? I hope so, as they have a place in my heart. These are the girls who influenced and impressed me so deeply. The girls of Pembina. Muriel Solomon, ’73 BSc, ’75 MD Calgary, AB

Cheers! I’ve been enjoying your publication for some time now, especially the historical connections dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. I’m a brewmaster at Amber’s Brewing Company in Edmonton’s lovely Old Strathcona area, where we are make delicious beer in a 60year-old building with box windows and huge Douglas Fir ceiling trusses. The owner of Amber’s Brewing is long-time Edmontonian, Jim Gibbon, ’85 BSc ,’87 BA, ’06 MBA. I just read about Gerry Rasmussen and Gary Delainey, ’84 BCom, in your latest issue and wanted to share our connection. We resurrected their Bub Slug comic for our Bub’s Lunch Pail Ale here at Amber’s. Our website (www.ambersbrewing.com) also contains a lot of Alberta’s early brewing history, which we are bringing to light in order to promote beer appreciation and the microbrew industry. We have stepped away from the accepted beer styles we have grown up with and are producing unique beers to give people another option. Feel free to stop by for a sample and some great history. Joe Parrell, ’02 BSc Edmonton, AB

By George Thanks for including my “written” icon of St. George and the Dragon in the spring issue of New Trail (pg. 43). If anyone is interested in icons and iconography, or if someone is interested in receiving a print of the icon of St. George, they can contact me at s.clegglazzary@shaw.ca. Sheila Clegg, ’94 BA Edmonton, AB Editor’s Note: The original banner, lost since the ’80s, has been found. Look for a story on it, and other “finds,” in the next issue. Autumn 2008

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Centennial Memories Our mother, Elizabeth “Bessie” Bowser (nee Thomson), ’28 BCom, was born in 1908. To honour her on the 100th anniversary of her birth, and the same anniversary for the University of Alberta, we are making a donation to the School of Business in her memory.

Following graduation, Bessie worked in the Registrar’s Office until marrying our father, W. Earl Bowser, ’30 BSc(Ag),’ 32 MA. For the next 60 years, Bessie never lived far from the University and was involved with the University in many ways, and saw countless

changes to the campus and the institution. In 1996 she moved to Calgary to be closer to her family and died in 2001 at the age of 93. Arlene McKay (Bowser), ’55 BSc(HEc) Robert E. Bowser, ’61 BSc(Eng) Calgary, AB

LOMBO, SRI LANKA UNIVERSITY OF CO logy Department of Pharmaco ine dic Faculty of Me Colombo, SRI LANKA February 11, 2008 Trail Kim Green, The Editor, New 10230 Jasper Avenue e, uar Sq 1st Floor, Enterprise DA Edmonton AB T6J 4P6 CANA t the University Dear Sir, New Trail as it announced tha the of e issu 08 20 07/ 20 Winter –1988, and I was delighted to receive the duate student between 1984 Medicine. gra s wa I . nce ste exi of r yea 0 tment of of Alberta is celebrating 10 Division of Cardiology, Depar the to ed ach att s wa I . 88 completed my PhD in 19 from my personal t, I wish to state that I found ts. Firs . nts poi f brie two ke ma I am writing this note to in its dealings with studen and University was quite fair experience that the Faculty i are contributing in different a can be proud that its alumn tes who have done postert Alb of y rsit ive Un the t tha The other point is We have a few gradua I am writing from Sri Lanka. contributing in the local scene. One of them ways in the global village. now are iversity of Alberta and alumnus from one of the graduate studies in the Un cally we are proud that an ipro Rec We . ulty Fac a of an sident and Vice Chancellor. is functioning as the De V. Samarasekera is your Pre ira Ind sor fes Pro , ies rsit Sri Lankan Unive h to strength. have truly gone global. going to grow from strengt is a ert Alb of y rsit ive Un the d that a a bright future. I have no doubt in my min wish the University of Albert to ty uni ort opp this e tak Let me

Dr. R. L. Jayakody rsity of Colombo Faculty of Medicine, Unive 8 bo lom Kynsey Road, Co SRI LANKA lombo, Sri Lanka rmacology, University of Co Pha of sor fes Pro the is ter P.S. the wri The letter above perhaps best illustrates the true “global” reach of the U of A and why we are doing an “international” issue of the magazine. It comes from an alumnus in Sri Lanka, Raveendra Jayakody, who mentions that he is not alone among U of A grads who have chosen to contribute “to the local scene” that he is part of. Raveendra also mentions that a graduate “from one of the Sir Lankan universities, Indira V. Samarasekera,” is now president of the University of Alberta and also mentions that the U of A has “truly gone global.” Yes, we have.

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A Keeper The Spring ’08 issue is a treasure trove, and a “keeper.” It brought back memories longago buried: having the first dance at the Wauneita Formal with Maimie Simpson, meeting Matthew Halton after the War (for a Canadian, akin to meeting Edward R. Murrow). I hope my friend Harold Morrison, ’50 BSc(Eng), will not be offended if I dip into my family history to correct a fact in his Letter to the Editor (pg. 7). Professor William Muir Edwards was married to Evelyn Douglas. Henrietta Muir Edwards, one of the “Famous Five,” was his mother, the wife of Dr. Oliver Cromwell Edwards, whose family donated the Edwards Indian Collection to the U of A. Jim Edwards, PC, ’62 BA, ’06 LLD (Honorary) Edmonton, AB Editor’s Note: Jim Edwards has a long list of accomplishments of his own that include establishing Edmonton’s first FM-stereo station (CFRN) in 1964. As a former Member of Parliament for Edmonton Southwest, Edwards chaired five key Commons committees and had a hand in rewriting Canada’s cultural policy, including new broadcasting and copyright laws. In addition, he was a candidate for the leadership of the PC party (which, had he won, would have made him prime minister) in 1993, and served as president of the Treasury Board. From 2002-2006, Edwards served as the chair of the U of A Board of Governors and was instrumental in bringing President Indira Samarasekera to the U of A. He is currently hosting The Prime Ministers

A High Note Conversation Series, produced by the Office of the President as part of the U of A centenary activities and will next be in conversation with John Turner in October. As for Oliver and Henrietta Edwards, both are buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery — one of Edmonton’s nicest cemeteries — where the graves of many other historical figures can be found. The cemetery is located at 5420 106 Street.

Centennial Comments The Spring ’08 edition of New Trail has just arrived and I am amazed at the production and the people you choose to profile. I was so pleased to read the comments about our beloved professor Rube Sandin. It is thus with hesitation I make a few suggestions and comments. Ray Lemieux, I felt, deserved more. He was nominated by some for a Nobel prize, which to me is a measure of his outstanding work. This being the centennial I thought something about Dr. Henry Marshall Tory and his top professors might have been in order. One notorious activity you omitted was the 1932 freshmen year when we had the last of the crazy hazings. Keep up the good work. Elvins Y. Spencer, ’36 BSc, ’38, MSc London, ON Editor’s Note: Lemieux is profiled online as we decided to feature some of the U of A’s lesser-known luminaries in the limited space available to us in the magazine. Henry Tory Marshall is not an alumnus and thus is not eligible for inclusion in a story about “outstanding alumni,” and we wrote about the famous hazing incident in the Winter ’07–’08 issue.

Congratulations on your 100 years U of A celebrations and on all the wonderful and talented alumni stories in the last issue (Spring ’08). I noticed a story on the Mixed Chorus and thought I’d mention that during the summer session of 1947 I was taking a music theory course when Richard Eaton came to take over the music program. He auditioned a large group of students to select a smaller group to sing in the All Saints Cathedral in Edmonton. I sang contralto and Eaton told me that I had an unusually large range of singing, over two octaves. The Richard Eaton Singers have sung for over half a century now in Edmonton. Anna Miller, ’72 BEd, ’76 Dipl(Ed) Camrose, AB

The Fraser Institute? I am writing to compliment you on the most recent issues of New Trail. They are the best that I have received since my graduation in 1949. I would like in some manner to add the name of Robert Stewart Fraser, ’44 BSc,’ 46 MD,’ 50 MSc, to the list of outstanding alumni. His name was not mentioned in your journal, nor was it mentioned in all the coverage that was given to the recent opening of the Mazankowski Heart Centre. Dr. Fraser was the beginning of cardiology at the University of Alberta. Dr. Fraser entered general practice in Richmond, BC, in 1946 before returning to the U of A to get his master’s degree. His interest then turned to cardiology as he trained toward a fellowship in the discipline in Minneapolis before again returning to Edmonton with the skills and knowledge required to perform cardiac catheterizations, and became the instigator of cardiology in Western Canada as we know it today. The first catheterization

Editor’s Note: The Richard Eaton Singers, Edmonton’s premier symphonic choir, has played a leading role in Edmonton’s cultural scene for over five decades. Founded in 1951 by Richard S. Eaton (pictured), first chair of the Department of Music at the University of Alberta, the choir was originally named the University Singers. In its early years, the choir drew its membership largely from the University community, including alumni of the U of A Mixed Chorus. The choir presents its own season of concerts each year in addition to performing with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and others. It is a versatile group, capable of performing a diversity of music including classics from such maestros as Handel, Beethoven, and Brahms, to traditional folk songs, spirituals, Christmas pops and a variety of Broadway musical pieces.

at the University Hospital was done in 1954. Dr. Fraser went on to be the director of cardiology, professor of medicine, head of the Department of Medicine and dean of medicine. Mr. Mazankowski is certainly a capable and wonderful man, but the cardiac centre should have been named the “Fraser Institute.” Neil F. Duncan, ’47 BSc, ’49 MD Edmonton. AB

We “Otta” Know Better In your Spring ’08 edition of New Trail you describe the founding of the University Mixed Chorus. The student you mention should be Ottmar Cypris, ’38 BA, ’41 MA, ’41 BDiv, not Ottaman Cypress. Cypris graduated from St. Stephen’s College as a United Church minister and served in ministry in Alberta for eight years before heading to Union Seminary in New York for more graduate work. St. Stephen’s, which as Alberta College South was the first building on campus, is currently celebrating 100 years as a

theological school, though its roots go to the founding of Alberta College in 1903. Gayle Simonson Edmonton, AB

A Good Fit It was great to see an issue focusing on sports excellence in New Trail magazine (Autumn ’07). Congratulations on the great work done. Thanks! Sze Sze Hon, ’91 BPE Hong Kong, China

Thanks x 2 Really enjoy the New Trail magazine. Proud to be a U of A alumnus. John Walter Witham, ’87 BSc Entwistle, AB

Thank you for sending the Spring ’08 issue of New Trail. It was an excellent read. Al Jina, ’84 BCom, ’84 LLB. Vancouver, BC We would like to hear your comments about the magazine. Send us your letters via postal mail or e-mail to the address on page 1. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.

Autumn 2008

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Comforts Club Carving by Ellen Schoeck, ’72 BA, ’77 MA his is a story about a simple wooden plaque with a history almost as old as the University of Alberta. Only 15-centimetres square, the mahogany plaque was carved by an unknown U of A student fighting overseas during the First World War. It hung in the Arts Building library until the Rutherford Library opened in 1950, at which time the Arts library was converted into classrooms and someone— we shall probably never know who — wrapped the plaque in cheesecloth and put it on a shelf at the Department of Museums and Collection Services (MACS). There it remained for over 50 years until 2001 when I took a year’s leave from my job at the U of A to write I Was There: A Century of Alumni Stories About the University of Alberta, 1906-2006. I wanted first-hand accounts from alumni about what life was like on campus from 1908 on. The problem with the period between 1908 and 1925 was that very few people from those early years were still alive to tell the tale. And then I read a footnote in Walter Johns’ History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969 that said in the late 1960s a woman named Ruth Bowen had interviewed some of our first professors and students. My heart raced. The next morning I found myself transfixed by the file full of the transcripts from the interviews done by Ruth Bowen, ’31 BA. When I discovered the transcripts in the U of A Archives, I knew I had found a prime source for the first part of my book. A little sleuthing uncovered the fact that, 30 years after she graduated, Bowen was a professional writer and editor. Many alumni will remember her as editor of the Edmonton Journal’s women’s page. Others may recall she was the daughter of Alberta’s longest-

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serving lieutenant governor, John C. Bowen, ’39 LLD (Honorary) — who was the only lieutenant governor in Alberta’s history to exercise his right to prevent the passage of bills in the legislature. One of the bills he refused to sign would have limited freedom of the press. Bowen conducted a dozen interviews with such former students as Agnes Wilson, ’12 BA, and Ethel Anderson, ’12 BA, as well as some early professors such as John MacEachran, ’33 LLD (Honorary), and Cecil Burgess, ’58 LLD (Honorary). For some reason, Bowen’s material was not included in Johns’ book. The last entry in the Bowen file was a memoir written by Helen MacLeod (Montgomery), ’14 BA, and Hector MacLeod, ’16 MA. (The day after his convocation MacLeod left Alberta to lead U of A troops into battle overseas, leaving behind his fiancée, Helen Montgomery. A U of A engineering graduate, he was later chair of electrical engineering at UBC, where there is a building named after him.) At the end of the Montgomery entry was one loose sheet of paper and on it was written her story about the First World War plaque. Montgomery wrote about a day when a thank-you note arrived for the Comforts Club, the campus group that was sending care packages to our troops overseas. Along with the note came an exquisitely carved wooden plaque signed on the back by 20 U of A student soldiers. Montgomery described the plaque in great detail and wrote that for many years it had hung in the library of the Arts Building. Then came her closing sentence that sent chills down my spine: “I hope the University still has it.” continued on page 10

An unknown U of A student carved this plaque in the trenches of the First World War as a thank-you note to the campus Comforts Club, which regularly sent care packages to the boys overseas. Consisting of two kinds of mahogany, the wood for the plaque came from the ruins of the bombed-out White Château, headquarters of General Haig, who commanded the British Expeditionary Troops from 1915 until the end of the war. On the front of the plaque is a stylized sunflower that was an early regimental crest of the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry. Encircling the sunflower are the names and dates of the battles U of A students fought in. When the carving was finished, 20 U of A students signed it, including A. Hutchinson.

Among the other 20 signatories of the plaque were Don Edwards, father of Board Chair Emeritus James Edwards, and future Chancellor Francis Galbraith.

On September 21, 2008, at a special Homecoming Weekend event hosted by President Samarasekera that will be attended by representatives of the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry, the plaque will come home to the Arts Building, where it will remain on permanent display in Convocation Hall. If you would like to be on hand to witness the ceremony repatriating the plaque back to its rightful place of honour, visit the Homecoming website at www.ualberta.ca/alumni/centenary or call the Office of Alumni Affairs (see pg. 4).

Those fingers in my hair That sly come hither stare That strips my conscience bare It’s witchcraft “Witchcraft” — the song composed by Sy Coleman and made famous by Frank Sinatra in 1957 — is a wistful meditation on an alluring love interest. But if it had been sung in the 1400s, particularly by a woman, it would probably have led to a really bad day that might have culminated in being burned alive. What else were they to do back then with someone who was so clearly in league with the devil? And I’ve got no defense for it The heat is too intense for it What good would common sense for it do The central handbook consulted by inquisitors out for a day of witch-hunting during the 15th and 16th centuries was called the Malleus Maleficarum or Hammer of Witches. This book instructed inquisitors in what witches do, how to go about undoing what they’ve done, and how to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. It also provided a theoretical framework for their existence for those who still needed convincing that evil lurked in their midst.

Oscar Einzig Photography

’cause it’s witchcraft, wicked witchcraft And although, I know, it’s strictly taboo

Mackay (right) receiving his “Honorary Mention” for Distinguished Scholarly Edition from Modern Languages Association president Gerald Graff.

The first edition was published in 1486 followed by 26 more publications of the book. But until now the only English text available to modern scholars looking for an insight into the workings of the medieval mind was a badly translated 1928 version. Not anymore. Cambridge University Press thought it was time to update the Malleus and decided U of A history and classics professor Christopher Mackay was just the man for the job and asked for his help. Almost nine years after that call Mackay has seen all his work pay off with an “Honourable Mention” from the Modern Languages Association for best scholarly edition of the year. When you arouse the need in me My heart says yes indeed in me Proceed with what you’re leading me to The new Malleus is meticulously edited in Latin and English and is the only accurate English translation available. Writing in the 185-page introduction to the hefty two-volume tome — which covers everything from the origins of Satanism to the birth of the Inquisition — Mackay says, “What started out as a mere, though substantial, exercise in translation quickly became an expansive elucidation of a foreign world... a place where demons inhabit the area above the earth, which is fixed at the centre of the universe, and plot to ensnare humans (especially susceptible women) in their schemes and, after trapping the humans in their society, guide them in their evil-doing and have sex with them ... a place where the tenets of the Catholic Church are held to be absolutely true and it is the duty of the secular authorities to burn alive those convicted of deviating from the Church’s truth.” It’s such an ancient pitch But one I wouldn’t switch Mackay says he had no idea the undertaking would turn into such a Herculean effort. “The project,” he says, “was to write a translation, put some notes in it, and sell it to the undergraduate market. But it got way out of hand. There are no paragraph breaks or anything like that in the original. It’s solid columns of Gothic type that I had to copy out by hand, then translate. The final manuscript came in at over 2,000 pages and just proofreading it was horrendous.” Right now the new and improved Malleus has a price tag as hefty as the book itself — $285. But Cambridge does have plans to bring out a single-volume edition with a revised introduction by Mackay, so we can all get a glimpse into the mind of the medieval witchhunter without putting a curse on our wallets. ‘Cause there’s no nicer witch than you Autumn 2008

new trail

bear country

Heart of the Matter T

he first heart care institute of its ilk to operate in Western Canada has opened its doors to the public. The Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute is named after former deputy prime minister Don Mazankowski, ’93 LLD (Honorary), a long-time member of parliament who represented the Vegreville, AB, riding east of Edmonton. A heartattack survivor himself, Mazankowski says, “If there is one word that captures the essence of what this new heart institute is all about, it’s hope.” That “hope” is reflected in the fact that this world-class institution has ushered in a new level of cardiac-care excellence that will benefit patients throughout Western and Northern Canada. The $217-million, 62,000square-metre facility was built as a cooperative endeavour between the University of Alberta and the Capital Health Region. Arvind Koshal, chief of cardiovascular surgery at the institute and regional program clinical director of Capital Health cardiac sciences, says that, for him, the opening “was a huge dream come true. This was a dream for me

when I came from Ottawa in 1991.” Joining Koshal at the helm of the new facility are David Johnstone, who specializes in cardiac best practices and outcomes, and Gary Lopaschuk, a world-recognized authority on energy metabolism and control of fatty acid metabolism in the heart. The 124-bed facility is fully equipped with the most up-to-date equipment to perform the most complex procedures, including transplants and implanting artificial hearts. It also has a “hybrid” operating room to allow cardiologists and surgeons to collaborate on new non-invasive procedures using a catheter instead of open-heart surgery. And it’s also even a “green” building, equipped with everything from occupancy sensors that turn off lights in unoccupied rooms to huge heat-recovery wheels that capture heat from the air before it’s exhausted outside. “We have one of the strongest cardiac surgery and cardiology residence training programs in the country,” says Koshal, “and now we have the best facility for it.”

Among the hundreds of dignitaries who attended the official opening were Premier Ed Stelmach, who said the heart institute belongs in a city with so much heart and that “the eyes of the world will be on the research that will take place within these walls as this centre will push cardiac research and training forward and it will raise the bar on the prevention and treatment of heart disease.” Also on hand for the opening was Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who said, “Albertans and all Canadians will be getting the world’s best cardiac care right here in Edmonton. It is going to save the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.” But the last word on the new stateof-the-art facility belongs to Koshal, who points out that there’s no better heart facility in Canada and says: “I hope you don’t have a heart attack, but if you do, this is the best place to be.”

Plaque continued from page 8

never been properly accessioned. Corrigan asked if I wanted to be with him when he unwrapped it. Did I? I grabbed a student friend to witness the unwrapping and, as we hotfooted it over campus to MACS, I told her the story. After we arrived at Ring House 4, Corrigan gently laid down before us a small parcel wrapped in layers of delicate cheesecloth. No one spoke as I slowly unfolded the cloth to

reveal the plaque, just as Helen had described it, nestled within. The three of us marveled at the fine carving on the front. Then I turned the plaque over. There they were: the signatures of the 20 U of A students who had been fighting overseas at the time, as remembered by Helen MacLeod (Montgomery) and rediscovered quite by chance some 92 years after arriving in the Comforts Club mail.

I immediately wrote to the University of Alberta Archives and MACS. Did either of them have a small plaque? Two quick “no’s” came in response until MACS curator Jim Corrigan emailed me: Yes! They had a plaque that seemed to match my description, but it was wrapped up and he knew nothing about its origins because the carving had

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Autumn 2008

The Art of War J

ames Dempsey is pretty up-front about his new book: “It’s a book full of murder and intrigue and theft, and not-necessarily-nice acts of taking people’s hair and other body parts.” He’s also quick to point out that Blackfoot War Art: Pictographs of the Reservation Period, 1880–2000, is a scholarly work, not a coffee-table book, even though one reviewer seemed relieved that “it still works as a coffee table book.” A professor in the Faculty of Native Studies, Dempsey spent more than a decade researching and tracking down stories and images that fill the book, en route to earning his PhD in art history from the University of East Anglia. Many of the images illustrate not only battles, but also a way of looking at war and warfare that is unfamiliar in modern society. “Even the term war brings up difficulty in translation,” says Dempsey. “I’ve had a number of people try to translate warfare to me and the word ‘gamble’ is a more accurate translation of the Blackfoot’s view of what it means to go to war — which is a risky venture.” Plains Indians, he observes, were not out to exterminate one another or to take land from one another, although that did happen. Rather, the purpose of war “was for individuals to gain status and honour within their band or tribe.” There is a similar twist to the practice of stealing horses from enemy camps. “Different cultures have different ways of looking at activities. Horse stealing was thought of as horse raiding,” Dempsey says. Taking horses from

an enemy tribe was raiding, but taking horses from a member of your own tribe was theft. And people who came away from an enemy camp with raided horses would give them away within a few days, as a way of advertising their status. Status was also communicated through pictographs on robes and teepees. Dempsey’s book is a rich collection of imagery that recounts the battles, raids, and life stories of the Blackfoot, including modern versions, such as the robe belonging to one of Dempsey’s uncles, Blood leader Pete Standing Alone. This robe is emblazoned with images of the National Film Board logo, in recognition of Standing Alone’s participation in two NFB documentaries. The coat also shows Standing Alone’s four favourite bucking horses — as a younger man he’d been a proud rodeo rider — and it is also adorned with images of different headdresses that were presented to him. “It tells you of his exploits, as he defines them, in a modern sense,” says Dempsey. — Richard Cairney

U of A+ T

he University of Alberta recently distinguished itself by being named the best-run organization in the public sector by the Conference Board of Canada. In an awards ceremony in Toronto, the University was recognized for modelling its governance strategy after some of the bestrun organizations in the world. U of A Board of Governors chair Brian Heidecker says, “We are successful in the sense that we are experiencing a phenomenal amount of momentum around the University, that we are becoming better known and our public profile is catching up with what has been the reality of the University for a number of years. The award is the result of the process by which the whole University, the board, the senior management, came together, understanding that we needed a new vision.” Heidecker explained that, with former university President Rod Fraser, ’61 BA, ’63 MA,’05 LLD (Honorary) nearing the end of his term in 2005 and the U of A’s centenary just around the corner, the timing was perfect to catapult the University into the world spotlight. Then when Indira Samarasekera became president in 2005, Heidecker says, the board surrounded her with a wealth of experienced support and provided opportunities to listen to many different constituent groups. Out of that process and with the legwork done by senior administration came the “Dare to Discover” and “Dare to Deliver” documents. These documents express a bold vision and plan for the University’s future, anchored by the four cornerstones of talented people; learning, discovery and citizenship; connecting communities; and transformative organization and support. For its part, the Conference Board of Canada says the award was in recognition of the fact that the U of A has been “implementing leading-edge governance practices” and that its “board has reduced internal barriers, connected decisions to agreed directions, and tracked and communicated progress.” “Nothing is as complex as a university,” Heidecker says, “but if you take the time to understand the culture and utilize that culture, it gives you phenomenal power and ability to move and make great decisions and get focused. When people see successful institutions they want to be part of them. It’s the whole package.” Autumn 2008

new trail

bear country

H.O.M.E.S T he Great Lakes, which make up the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, have been given their close-up by the largest film format in the world. David Lickley, ’84 BSc, senior producer at Science North’s large-format film unit in Sudbury, ON, directed the IMAX film, Mysteries of the Great Lakes, which captures the many moods of the five lakes encompassed by more than 16,000 kilometres of shoreline — an area that 40 million people call home. As in any undertaking this sweeping — filming took place over seven months after six years of preparation—the unexpected is bound to arise. In fact, the unifying theme tying the film together was just one of the happy accidents the filmmakers stumbled upon. That theme took shape when they not only learned that giant sturgeon — one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, growing to over 130 kilograms and living for as long as

Daniel’s Boon he University of Alberta has trained the most Aboriginal physicians in Canada,” says U of A medical student Daniel McKennitt, ’06 BSc. “We don’t know yet whether this is something that can impact the health of Aboriginal people, but in a 2003 survey of 5,000 Aboriginal people, 83 percent said they thought having an Aboriginal health-care provider would help. We’re moving forward.” McKennitt is in the vanguard of that forward movement and recently he was the proud recipient of the top prize at this year’s Alberta Aboriginal Youth

“T

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Autumn 2008

200 years — were once plentiful in the Great Lakes, Above: giant but also found a sturgeon assist; right: Wisconsin David Lickley scientist, Ron Bruch, who, along with a local community, was helping mature females to spawn. Among those females was a still-productive sturgeon thought to be born in 1885. “I had no idea about any of this,” says Lickley, who produced and directed the film. “These prehistoric fish have been on Earth for 150 million years now and have experienced nearly everything that the Great Lakes have. They’re the ideal ambassadors for the lakes, and their story is both dramatic and compelling. Apparently there used to be close to two million sturgeon in the lakes before the 1800s, when people figured out that sturgeon eggs could be turned

into caviar. Since a mature sturgeon can hold 15 to 20 kilograms of eggs, by the late 1800s the lucrative caviar industry had all but wiped out the Great Lakes sturgeon, which are now down to a population of around 20,000.” Another happy accident was finding a conveniently placed rock from which to shoot some remarkable pictographs. The rock, about 30-metres off shore and under a metre and a half of water in Lake Superior’s Agawa Bay, was just wide enough and flat enough to accommodate a tripod-mounted camera to shoot an establishing shot of the Ojibwa rock paintings on a cliff face in a way that had never been done before. “These ancient paintings of animals and events are among the most

Achievement Awards ceremony. The awards recognize the work of 16 Aboriginal youth in a variety of different fields, from culture and heritage to academic, athletic, career, and personal achievements. The top prize of “senior community leader”recognizes the overall value and quality of the recipient’s work. “To be chosen for the award was quite an honour,” says McKennitt. “It means I saw some success in all these other categories. I would have been happy with any award, but to be chosen for the one that encompasses all of it — physical, mental, social, and spiritual — must mean that I’m doing something right.”

A lot of “somethings,” as it turns out. He is involved in study groups examining the impact of diabetes and HIV/AIDS on Aboriginal communities and is also developing an Aboriginal health research course. In April he received a $10,000 award (to be directed to a recognized charity of his choosing) from the Kaiser Foundation, recognizing his role in creating the Aboriginal Health Group, an Aboriginal student group whose main goal is to educate Edmonton’s Aboriginal youth about the perils of recreational smoking. (McKennitt donated the money to iHuman, an Edmonton-based charity for high-risk youth that will use the money to fund programming for an Aboriginal young mothers group.)

364 Degrees of Separation remarkable pictographs anywhere in North America and could be seen easily from our unique vantage point, allowing us to get a shot that we never expected to get,” says Lickley. At once a celebration of one of the Earth’s greatest ecosystems, Mysteries of the Great Lakes is also part travelogue, underwater adventure, rallying cry for the protection of this fragile environment, and a rare glimpse into a world of hitherto hidden natural wonders. “This is probably one of the most beautiful IMAX films that’s ever been made,” says Lickley, “— the scenery, the aerials, the scope, the scale. We took a lot of time and trouble to set up every single shot, and they’re all like postcards.” Go to mysteriesofthegreatlakes.com for more on Mysteries of the Great Lakes.

“We were asked to try to put together something, not only because as health professionals and university students we are Aboriginal role models, but also because we know best how to make something that is culturally appropriate,” McKennitt says. “We wanted to show the cultural appropriateness of tobacco use alongside the inappropriate recreational tobacco use that was never intended to be part of our culture but has seemed to become so.” As well as his other volunteer work and full-time studies in second-year medicine, McKennitt also works with young Aboriginals, helping to mentor and tutor them while encouraging them to stay off drugs and alcohol and work-

Mary Elizabeth Lacerte, ’73 (Dip)RM, recently called the Alumni Office to see if we’d be interested in receiving the booklet from the first convocation of the University of Alberta. We, of course, said yes. This event took place on October 13, 1908 — a time when the nascent University had no grads to graduate. But, as we pointed out in our Winter 2007–08 issue, “grads” were raised by inviting those who had a degree from another Canadian or British university to pay a fee of $2 to register as part of convocation; 364 people responded, all of whom have their names listed in the convocation booklet, which also includes a picture of the first class of “real” graduates who will eventually convocate from the U of A.

Also in the booklet is a page-and-a-half “History and Constitution” of the University that tells of how the U of A came into existence, and mentions that it is situated on “one of the most beautiful sites in Canada. It is a beautiful wooded park, which lends itself splendidly to an architectural scheme suitable for University purposes.” The booklet has now been passed on for safekeeping to the University Archives. And although University associate archivist Raymond Frogner says they do have a couple copies of this booklet, “We certainly don’t have so many of this rare, 100-year-old document that we aren’t delighted to take possession of another.”

ing to improve their self-esteem. “I think this is a big problem with Aboriginal youth in the country,” he says, “their self-esteem is really low.” He witnessed many of these problems in other young people while growing up (and later visiting) on the Sandy Bay Ojibwa First Nation in southern Manitoba, and was inspired to try and help others by his schoolteacher mother who is a residential school and breast cancer survivor. “Seeing how my mother dealt with the chemotherapy, but also with the traditional medicines—the sweat lodge and the pipes—that really made me think of medicine as a career,” he says. Daniel McKennitt Autumn 2008

new trail

Pot Heads W

hen Iraqi-born Abdullah Saleh handed samples of his revolutionary new ceramic water filter to people in Kenya, he was often met with confusion. “They’d look at me, like ... ‘It’s a pot,’” chuckles the U of A medical student. “‘Why are you giving me a pot?’” But the deceptively simple clay pot has the potential to make a huge difference to the health of people without access to clean drinking water. “The ceramic filter is pottery,” says Saleh, “and East Africa is all about pottery. In a lot of developing countries, if anything, pottery-making is the biggest developed infrastructure. What better technology to introduce than just a simple modification of the existing infrastructure to create a lifesaving measure?” How it works is that the wet clay is blended with a specific ratio of organic material — or temper —that burns off in the firing process, making the material

water-permeable. “So, essentially you get a porous pot that lets water through, but not bacteria,” says Saleh. Last summer, before the “pot” had been introduced and the Kenya Ceramic Project officially begun, Saleh was halfway to Kenya before he actually found out that the filter worked. The official lab tests caught up to Saleh — and the two other U of A students accompanying him — in the Middle East. “We were in Dubai when we got the results,” says Saleh. What they learned was that the tests conducted in Alberta’s Provincial Laboratory for Public Health showed that the filters cleaned 100 percent of E.coli and fecal bacteria from river water. “It was a very happy occasion,” he says, “the results were unprecedented.” They also made a believer out of U of A biology professor — and winner of the University of Alberta Cup, the U of A’s highest academic honour — Mike Belosevic. It was Belosevic who gave Saleh and three other students

Left to right: U of A medical students Tyler van Mulligen, Abraam Isaac and Abdullah Saleh.

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Autumn 2008

access to a research lab, after they’d recruited a local potter, Lorris Williams, to help create their filter. Saleh recalls that Belosevic “was very skeptical of what we were trying to do. Even so, he understands this kind of research too well. He’s also always pushing us to think about the next step, the next level, and to answer the next question, like, ‘Where are the bacteria going?’ and ‘How does the efficacy change with regular use?’ ” Saleh became interested in the topic of clean water while researching HIV transmission rates from breast milk in Ecuador, which lead to the question of why women were breastfeeding if they have HIV. It boiled down to the fact that the possible risk of HIV was less threatening than the immediate risk of dysentery. “Even if these mothers could buy formula,” he says, “they’d still have to mix it with water. Children die faster from diarrheal diseases than they will from HIV, so women take the chance of giving their child HIV over definitely giving them diarrhea.” That’s what prompted Saleh to start looking at water filtration methods. And when he came to the U of A he joined forces with fellow medical students Abraam Isaac and Tyler van Mulligen, ’05 BSc(Pharm), to come up with their unique filter system. And although the good news the trio received last year in Dubai was a welcome relief, they still had yet to face the on-the-ground reality in Kenya. Once there the team faced a multitude of challenges, from locating the right kind of clay and organic materials necessary, to building a kiln from scratch. “And we’re med students,” says Saleh. “We don’t know anything about building kilns.” But, after seven weeks, the students managed to arrange for a local sugar factory to provide all the necessary organic temper materials. “It’s a waste product from their production, completely renewable and completely free. We found sources of clay from a village of potters and now we have a preliminary workshop set up,” says Saleh, adding that UNICEF has bought into the project.

What the “butt headed” pachycephalosaurs may have looked like.

Meanwhile, Belosevic is still pushing the Kenya Ceramic Project members to examine every angle of their project. “There needs to be an educational component that goes along with the distribution of the filters themselves,” says Bilosevic. “People who use them need to know that the contaminants become concentrated in the filter over time. They need to know how to properly

Local potter Musa Omumia reviews new designs for Kenyan Ceramic Project prototypes.

dispose of materials that could become a biohazard. But I am quite impressed by the results. It worked better than I expected.” He’s also impressed with Saleh and the others behind the Kenya Ceramic Project, which became a team of 10 on the ground in Kenya this year. “They are amazing ambassadors for the U of A,” he says. “Everywhere they go, with everyone they talk to, they tell people they’re from the University of Alberta. They are remarkable group, and this is an exemplary initiative.” —Ileiren Poon (The Kenya Ceramic Project hosted a fundraising walk and run on May 11 at Foote Field, which raised $5,000 and is accepting donations through a charitable account set up through the U of A’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.) For more info on the Kenya Ceramic Project go to www.kenyanceramics.org.

Butt Heads

eing a “butt head” may have taken on a whole new meaning in the world of the teenage dinosaur. New research by U of A biologist and post-doctoral research fellow Eric Snively shows that it’s possible that a group of dome-headed herbivorous dinosaurs known as pachycephalosaurs (that translates as “thick-headed lizard”) used their thick, domed skulls to ram into each other in the manner of bighorn sheep or musk oxen that butt heads over mates, food or territory. Snively’s previous research demonstrated that the fused nasal bone in a Tyranosaurus rex’s skull and its incredibly powerful jaws gave it the potential strength to pick up a pair of 7.5 tonne Triceratops and the capacity to chomp through their bones without breaking its own teeth or damaging its skull. “All of the T. rex’s features came together to give it the strongest bite of any land animal alive now or then, with a lower jaw that could apply 200,000 newtons of force — that’s like lifting the weight of a loaded semi-trailer,” Snively says. Turning his attention to pachycephalosaurs, Snively (and Villanova U’s Andrew Cox) developed a computer simulation that calculated the forces involved when two of these creatures that lived during the Cretaceous period (65 million to 80 million years ago) butted heads at speeds of between 10 and 25 kilometres an hour. Different skull thicknesses were plugged into the program to account for the fact that these dinosaurs skulls — depending on the age and type of animal — varied from one to 20 centimetres in thickness. “We tried very hard to give the pachycephalosaurs concussions, by seeing what would happen to their domes by applying greater and greater force, and we only man-

aged it once under pretty extreme conditions,” says Snively. “With these simulations, you can tell right away if their domes and brains were surviving the impacts.” The results also showed that the younger pachycephalosaurs would probably have been better at head-butting contests, partly because radiating struts deep inside the domes compressed and rebounded when rammed, and would have helped absorb the violent blows. That radiating structure starts to fuse in older adults skulls thus lessening their ability to absorb the impact. “When they were older teenagers or young adults, that’s when they would be best at head-butting,” says Snively. “Big adults couldn’t heal as well, and struts in smaller juveniles may have been too spindly.” Luckily, these dinosaurs also had more structures for absorbing minor collisions, including distinct sliding vertebrae behind their heads that acted like a car’s shock absorbers to dampen the blow. “The highest forces we got for a large pachycephalosaurus were about 14,000 newtons, or about as much as a T. rex would exert with one of its back teeth,” says Snively. Other forces, including for the small pachycephalosaur Stegoceras, were much lower. Although the results of the study don’t prove conclusively that Cretaceous head-butting actually happened, they do show that many pachycephalosaurs could have withstood the force of such collisions with minimal damage. And now that he’s certain the dinosaurs could have been butting heads, Snively is taking to the field to try and dig up some direct fossil evidence in the form of damaged skulls to prove or disprove that pachycephalosaus packed a cranial punch. Autumn 2008

new trail

l andmarks After a lengthy consultation and review process— as well as discus-

sions with over 20 deans from North American peer institutions— it was decided to change the name of the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry, and Home Economics to the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. The word agriculture is still in the lead of the faculty’s name because, says its dean John Kennelly, ’80 PhD, “of its history and importance to this province. Environmental because, dating back to 1971, our forestry program has been very much environmentally based. Life encompasses what we do in the nutrition area and what we do in human ecology, proteomic, genomics and aging. Why the word science? It’s what we do. We’ve offered science degrees since 1919.” The newly named faculty will move to create a school of human ecology and a school of forestry. “I am delighted that our 14-year journey to select a name has finally ended,” says Kennelly. We are pleased with the level of support from the University community at this important juncture in the history of the faculty.”

Rideau Hall

U of A Press designer Alan Brownoff with the books and awards in their five-for-five sweep of the Alberta Book Publishing Awards.

Shirley Stinson, ’52 Dip(Nu), ’53 BSc(Nu), was cited as “One of Edmonton’s 100” on the occasion of the city’s centenary. Stinson’s other honours include the Jeanne Mance Award, the highest nursing award in Canada, and the Alberta Order of Excellence. Here she is seen receiving her medal naming her an officer of the Order of Canada. The Alberta government announced a $168-million boost for campus

upgrades. Funding for the development of new specialized facilities on campus includes $33.8 million to build a new home for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, providing the potential for future enrolment capacity of at least 100 additional students; and $55.4 million for developing health-related science and research facilities. Once connected by pedway to the Edmonton Clinic (scheduled to open in 2011), these facilities will help further the University’s vision to integrate health sciences and strengthen links to the Edmonton Clinic’s practical training opportunities. The funding will also support other upgrades including deep-water sewers, cooling plants, heating plant, and electrical distribution ($59 million); replacement of the HUB Mall domed roof ($9.4 million); Tory Building mechanical systems replacement ($7 million); General Services Building upgrade ($2.5 million); and Biological Sciences Building upgrade and modernization ($1.1 million). 16

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Autumn 2008

In May, the University of Alberta Press took top prize in every category of the Alberta Book Publishing Awards that it entered. The kudos that came its way were in the categories of Best Illustrated Book for Ladybugs of Alberta; Scholarly Book of the Year for Culturing Wilderness in Jasper National Park (which also won Best Book Design of the Year for designer Alan Brownoff, ’79 BFA, who also won Best Book Cover Design for Great Canadian Film Directors); Best Trade Non-Fiction Book of the Year for Hard Passage: A Mennonite Family’s Long Journey from Russia to Canada; and, finally, Paul Payson took the Lois Hole Award for Editorial Excellence for his edit of Don McPhail’s life’s work, The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. It was somewhat of a bittersweet affair as Arthur Kroeger, ’55 BA, ’04 LLD (Honorary), who wrote Hard Passage: A Mennonite Family’s Long Journey from Russia to Canada, passed away in Ottawa on the same evening the awards were being handed out. A Rhodes Scholar, Kroeger became known as the “dean of deputy ministers” after serving in that role six times in key government departments. U of A business professor Royston Greenwood will be a visiting teacher at one of the top business schools in the world — Oxford University. Greenwood, who is associate dean, research, and Telus Professor of Strategic Management at the U of A’s School of Business, will spend up to one month each year for the next three years at Oxford, working with post-doctoral students and faculty in Oxford’s Clifford Chance Centre for the Management of Professional Service Firms. Greenwood’s fields of study are dynamics of organizational change, managing professional service firms, and new business ventures.

Sam Steele’s story is the early history of Canada. He was the third officer sworn in to the newly formed North-West Mounted Police (now the RCMP). He fought the Fenian raids and participated in the Red River Expedition in 1870; he met with Sitting Bull in an effort to persuade him to return to the U.S.; and he also became commissioner of the Mounties in 1898. Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was helping to make the Klondike Gold Rush one of the most orderly of its kind in history. In July, his papers and other artifacts Robert Desmarais, U of A’s rare books librarian and HRH Prince Edward, Earl of — the Sir Samuel Steele Wessex, look over the Steele collection during the June 19 Sam Steele ceremony Collection, appraised by at Canada House in London. Christie’s London at approximately $1.8 million—were repatriated back to western Canada, more specifically, the U of A and the Glenbow Museum. Considered to be one of the most important collections in Canadian history, the Steele material had been passed down through his British descendants, who wished it to be kept intact and sold to a public institution in Canada. Glenbow, which is planning an exhibition of Steele artifacts in the fall, will acquire the military memorabilia while the U of A will hold the papers. As a special gift for its centennial anniversary, the U of A was given

U of A president Myer Horowitz, ’59 MEd, ’90 LLD (Honorary) was one of only two recipients of this year’s Canadian Teachers’ Federation Special Recognition Awards. The awards honour the valuable contributions made by teachers in promoting the teaching profession and, by extension, public education. Horowitz— currently professor emeritus of education and U of A president emeritus as well as adjunct professor of education (U of Victoria) and U of Canada West’s founding chancellor — has been a tireless advocate for educational policies that benefit the young.

Platinum Gold

Former

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Green

nearly 320 hectares of prime farmland north of St. Albert, AB. The property—to be used as a new hub of agricultural research—represents the largest gift of land ever made to a Canadian university. The Bocock family of Sturgeon County sold the five quarter-sections of property to the University at a fraction of its assessed value, providing the school with an unprecedented research property close to Edmonton. “The gift,” says Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences dean John Kennelly, “will allow the Faculty to establish the St. Albert Research Station and will secure the future of agricultural and environmental research in the province for many years to come.”

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new trail

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Come celebrate 100 years! It’s the biggest U of A Reunion ever! Alumni Recognition Awards

Centenary Homecoming Gala

Thursday, September 18

Saturday, September 20

Join us as more than 35 outstanding U of A graduates receive awards, highlighting the many ways alumni contribute to their professions, their communities, and society at large. After the ceremony, meet and greet the recipients at a complimentary reception.

A spectacular evening of celebration! Salute your alma mater, hear the legendary Ian Tyson, and dance to a big band beat!

President’s Breakfast (for alumni of 1958 and earlier)

Golden Bears Football and pre-game Party

Sunday, September 21

Friday, September 19

Celebrate with family & friends while you cheer on the Bears. Enjoy a pre-game party featuring local band “The Wheat Pool,” great food and Green & Gold spirit. There’s a half-time fireworks show too! A complimentary shuttle service from campus will be available.

Witness history as an artifact carved by U of A students serving overseas during WWI is welcomed back to campus in a military ceremony. Golden Grads are invited to enjoy brunch with friends and classmates, honour fellow alumni, and hear from our dynamic president, Dr. Indira Samarasekera.

Many more events! Tours of Campus • Faculty Receptions Tuck Shop Welcome Tent • Lectures Visit www.ualberta.ca/alumni/centenary for complete details & online registration. Call (780) 492-3224 or 1-800-661-2593 to request a brochure.

Overs Down Under Who knew that the man who is arguably the winningest coach in sports history is also a grad?

“I

believe there is always a shelf life in coaching and I have reached my ‘use-by’ date,” says John Buchanan, ’88 MA, about his reason for stepping down as coach of Australia’s national cricket team after eight years at the helm where he enjoyed many successes, including having the team win its third consecutive world cup in 2007. “It’s been a memorable journey,” adds Buchanan, “one that I could not have made without my family in total support. But it’s now time to spend more time at home rather than being away some 250 nights a year.” So how did an Aussie lad — the only child of Nel and Arthur who spent most of his youth on Australia’s Gold Coast “involved with every sport I could possibly touch or my Mom and Dad could get me to and afford”— end up at the University of Alberta where he got his master’s degree in sports administration?

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Autumn 2008

“I wanted to become a lecturer in sports administration in Australia, and so a post-grad degree was essential,” Buchanan explains. “In 1986 the Aussie dollar had plummeted and so the U.S. was out. But Canada was offering approximately 83 cents to our dollar and the U of A offered a teaching scholarship and assistance with accommodation — so Judith, my wife, our then three-year-old son, Mike, and 10-month-old daughter, Lauren, headed to Edmonton’s Michener Park area.” The move wasn’t without its cultural and climatic challenges, which included such things as figuring out what kind of antifreeze to use in the car that had to be plugged in overnight in winter and hitting all the local garage sales to outfit their kids (who now number five) with much needed winter clothes and equipment.

“Minus 30 and then add the wind chill!” Buchanan remembers. “Go to the University in the dark and go home in the dark for days in a row! It was an initial shock, but one of the greatest experiences of our lives. I’ll always remember the ice skating at local open air rinks, the Thanksgivings, and tobogganing with the kids.” After his return to Australia Buchanan became a lecturer in sports administration, coaching, and sports marketing techniques at the University of Canberra before moving to Brisbane in the early 1990s to manage Aussie Sports, the Queensland arm of a national childhood sport program. But when he heard there was an opening for coach for A-Grade cricket at Queensland University — the university whose club team he once played for and where he got a degree in human movement — Buchanan threw his hat in the ring and got the job.

Right: Matthew Hayden bats during the World Cup in Barbados, West Indies, and the team celebrates a victory in Australia. Lower right: John Buchanan. Previous page: The Ashes Test Match series in Australia with captain Ricky Ponting batting and vicecaptain Adam Gilchrist as the wicket-keeper making a “stumping.”

His team had a good first year, and an even better one the following season when they won the Brisbane premiership, leaving Buchanan to think, “I can do this.” Years later Buchanan has become one of the sporting world’s winningest coaches, if not the winningest coach. Under his helm Australia cricket teams won 69 out of 91 test matches (see sidebar) and at one stage his record was 15 wins from 15 games played. His oneday game record is equally as impressive with a win rate of close to 75 percent. Just ask, say, Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky if he’d like to look back at the end of his coaching career and be able to say his team won almost eight out of every 10 games they played with him behind the bench. To achieve that kind of success, Buchanan employed a variety of coaching techniques and innovations, as well as challenging the players on an intel-

lectual, emotional and even spiritual level that sometimes baffled or even irritated those under his tutelage. For instance, he had his players engage in group work where he introduced them to the concepts of lateral thinking pioneer Edward de Bono, as well as reciting poetry to them and having them read things such as Sun Tzu’s The Art of War to illustrate key points of strategy or personal development. One can only imagine what star cricket players with a base salary of half a million dollars a season (with prize money and endorsements doubling or even tripling that) who sometimes play before crowds as large as 100,000 would make of being asked to read Sun Tzu’s 6th Century BC treatise on military tactics and strategies to help prepare them for competition. Before one test match in Perth, Australia, Buchanan employed one of de Bono’s problem-solving techniques

known as “The Six Thinking Hats” to try and come up with a solution to the conflict between the smoking and nonsmoking team members. Standing before his charges, Buchanan kept donning different coloured hats meant to represent different points of view about the smoking issue. “It was an abysmal flop,” laughs Buchanan about the exercise today. “We didn’t come up with any resolution about smoking. I think we came up with a resolution that we’d never use the six hats again. But I guess what I’ve always tried to Autumn 2008

new trail

Rules of Engagement Cricket teams are usually made up of 11 players per side who play on a roughly oval-shaped grass field in the centre of which is a 20-metre flat strip called a pitch. At each end of the pitch is a wicket consisting of three wooden stakes (“stumps”) driven vertically into the ground on top of which sit two small crosspieces (“bails”). A bowler from the fielding team overarm bowls a ball towards the wicket. The ball usually bounces once before arriving and the opposition batsman defends the wicket to make sure the bails aren’t knocked off the stumps. If the bails are knocked off or a fielder catches the batted ball before it hits the ground, the batsman is out. Runs are scored when the batsman defending the wicket from the bowler hits the ball and runs to the wicket at the other end of the pitch while another batsman waiting at that wicket (the “nonstriker”) runs in the opposite direction. Once each player completes an exchange of ends one run is scored. The most difficult thing to comprehend and deal with in cricket is the length of time it takes to play a game. Games called test matches can take five days to complete. The shortest Australian version of the game takes about three hours to play and comprises 20 overs (a set of six consecutive balls bowled in succession) for each side. Each side completes its innings before the other team begins its turn at bat. A 50over game takes about seven or eight hours to complete.

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Autumn 2008

do during my coaching career is to keep the players off balance a bit, to keep challenging them and take them away from where they’re certain.” Steve Waugh, the Australian captain when Buchanan took over the team and a Buchanan supporter, told a reporter from Australian’s Courier Mail newspaper that “there were times I shook my head and thought, ‘Where are we going here?’ ” One of those occasions was when Buchanan had the team engage in meditative sessions with cricket bats. “He had every player take a bat and a ball to training and spend 20 minutes just getting to be as one with your bat,” Waugh said. “So you’d knock the ball up on the edges; hit it on the handle; hit it on the back of the bat. That was Buck’s idea of getting to know your cricket bat better.” In his book entitled My Official Illustrated Career, non-Buchanan-fan Shane Warne — considered one of the greatest bowlers (equivalent to a pitcher in baseball) in cricket history and who went on to captain England’s Hampshire Hawks before retiring this year — wrote: “I remember Buchanan said that he was there to improve us as people first and cricketers second. I’m not sure the responsibility of a coach stretches as far as life skills.” But life skills and the game are, indeed, one and the same to Buchanan, whose current plans are to continue coaching, but in the corporate world instead of on the field. Using the same principles, knowledge and expertise he employed with his cricket teams, he’ll work with captains of industry and their teams and will also mentor other sports coaches. But unlike American motivators such as Anthony Robbins or Dr. Phil, Buchanan says, “I am a coach, not a motivational speaker. A coach provides long-term benefits and outcomes; the latter produces a quick fix. I also deal with the whole per-

son; it’s about relationships, about dealing with egos, about making yourself redundant, about vision and planning, about creating a learning environment, about team culture, teamwork, and team dynamics. In cricket I was constantly challenging the players and the team to achieve new benchmarks. With the players, it was about them as a total person first, cricketer second, and how we might be able to improve their lives, and consequently, their cricket.” Buchanan also fundamentally changed the way people look at the game and its players in Australia and elsewhere. For instance, believing that there was a better and more accurate way to analyze the game, he was the first cricket coach to use a computer to track player tendencies. He was also the first to employ an American baseball coach to assist the team with fielding technique and strategy. As for his own cricket-playing days, he was never the best of players during his years playing the game in Australia, but he was probably the best on the field in Edmonton when he played one game for a local team. He also taught the game in an Edmonton primary school for a couple of weeks and back in Australia he says, “I am endeavouring to make a limited comeback to cricket this summer so I can hopefully play at least one game with my boys.” As for the rest of Buchanan’s time in Edmonton and at the U of A, he still remembers it with affection and says, “it was one of the greatest experiences of our lives. We met people from all around the world in similar circumstances — no money, trying to get a degree of some sort, looking for a job, missing home, watching your kids grow, and interacting with a range of different cultures in the nearby park. Not to mention watching the Oilers during the Gretzky era, taking in Calgary and Banff and, of course, finally doing enough to fall over the line with a master’s degree.” —Kim Green

A Cut Above onald Lett, ’74 BSc(Med), ’76 Various causes — including a lack of A 2006 report by the World Health MD, ’84 MSc, first went to adequate health care spending, an exoOrganization (WHO) stated that Africa Africa in the early 1970s as a dus of trained doctors to richer has 24 percent of the world’s disease young medical student and spent three nations, and acute need resulting from burden, but just three percent of the months in Sudan. “Thirty-four years infectious diseases and violence — have health care workers, and accounts for later I am still working in Africa,” says created a severe shortage of doctors less than one percent of global health the adjunct professor of surgery at in Africa. Even the routine health care care spending. For instance, WHO says both McGill and UBC. provided to expectant mothers in that in Ethiopia, one of the countries Originally from Grande Prairie, AB, North America is not available to where CNIS operates, there are only Lett was interning in Cameroon when many in the developing world, leading 2,000 doctors for the entire population he came to see that, even if he worked to high levels of newborn and maternal of over 80 million, which amounts to non-stop in the hospital all day, he mortality. CNIS statistics show one three physicians for every 100,000 alone could not make a dent in the woman in every 13 dying during childpeople — compared to the 214 doctors steady stream of people pouring into birth in some countries. we have in Canada for the same number the hospital in desperate of people. The hospital in need of surgical attention. the Ethiopian city of For years after he thought Hawassa, south of the capiabout how he could help tal of Addis Ababa and address the problem of home to125,000, serves an the limited health care area populated by 15 milavailable in Africa. lion people, says Lett. In 1995 he came up That’s 50 times more peowith a partial solution. In ple than would be served by that year, Lett, along with a hospital in some place like other Canadian doctors, North Vancouver. established the Canadian In Canada we complain Network for about wait times for surgery, International Surgery but for many people in (CNIS). As the president Africa, there is no wait time and international director list simply because, without of CNIS, Lett sends a surgeon nearby, there is no Canadian surgeons to surgery available. Without seven African countries to adequate surgical care, train health care death and disability from providers in the surgical injury are pandemic. And skills and procedures they untreated injuries, from need to treat people in whatever causes, handicap their communities. They Africans in ways North also teach them how to Americans can only imagine. The goal of CNIS is to train others in the new empower low-income counskills they have acquired, tries to create an environgiving weight to the old ment where the risk of adage: “Give someone a serious injury is lessened and fish and you feed them all people have access to for a day; teach them adequate surgical care. In how to fish and you feed Ronald Lett (left) oversees some African health care providers. Lett recently found the 13 years since Lett estabthem for life.” out he was selected to receive a 2008 U of A Alumni Honour Award.

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lished CNIS, it has helped train more than 6,500 primary surgical practitioners in Africa. In addition, the organization now has 150 African specialists trained to teach CNIS programs, so their knowledge will benefit countless more practitioners. “I was brought up in East Africa,” says Ottawa-based Ronald Lett surgeon Robin Fairfull-Smith, who was named CNIS 2006 Volunteer or the Year. Fairfull-Smith recommends that any physician contemplating volunteering their services for the organization should do so as it’s a life-changing experience. “When I go back to Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda I get this déjà vu feeling,” he says. “But I’d really like to see everybody have the experience to do something like this at least once. It will change their perspective.” CNIS courses include essential surgical skills, trauma-team building, and structured operative obstetrics. The

network also teaches peace building in areas of conflict, and has introduced surgical learning centres at six universities in Ethiopia. The centres will contribute to the growing support for hospitals, health centres and clinics across Ethiopia in order to address the critical health needs of that country’s population. For his part, Ronald Lett’s devotion to making a difference in Africa arose out of a desire to make a difference in the real world. “My parents motivated me,” he says of Glen Lett, ’51 Dipl(Ed), ’53 BEd, ’62 BA, and Audrey Lett (Jorgenson). “I was taught the rule of a good camper was to leave your tenting spot in a better condition than you found it. And, on a larger scale, that you were expected to leave the world a better place than you found it.” —MaryEllen Gillan, ’73 BA, ’76 MA

CNIS is a non-governmental organization that is recognized internationally. It is now established in Uganda, Malawi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mali and Rwanda. Its patrons include Canada’s Governor General, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, and Olympic athlete Charmaine Crooks. In 2007 the Canadian International Development Agency awarded CNIS $2-million in program funding. The CIDA-CNIS agreement makes CNIS the largest surgical development organization worldwide. CNIS is also supported by the Harbinger Foundation, the Donner Canadian Foundation, the Alberta Wild Rose Foundation, Rotary clubs, and by individual private donations. Go to www.cnis.ca for more information on the network.

Inspired by the splendour of the

autumn colours

elebrate the U of A’s centenary and grow green and gold flowers this year! Gardens, flower beds, balcony containers — we want them all teeming with the colours of your alma mater!

of the river valley below campus, the University of Alberta chose green and gold for its colours. The green represents the wide stretches of prairie flanked by deep spruce forests and symbolizes hope and optimism.

Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!

Win great prizes for your green and gold flower display or veggie garden. Even if you don’t have a green thumb you can still win in our photography or floral arrangement contests. All are eligible to win the grand prize for the entry that best celebrates Growing Green & Gold!

The gold represents the golden harvest

Growing Green & Gold is proudly sponsored by MBNA Canada, provider of the University of Alberta Affinity MasterCard.

fields and symbolizes the

For more information phone 1-800-661-2593 or visit www.ualberta.ca/alumni.

light of knowledge.

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Autumn 2008

Alumni Services

How did you get my number? Your privacy and the Alumni Association Who has access to my information? Only individuals working on behalf of the University, who have signed a non-disclosure agreement, and who have a specific need to see it, have access to your personal information.

Does the Alumni Association sell its list? No, it does not. Even with our affinity service partnerships, no information is released directly to our partners. The University is at all times responsible for safeguarding your information.

What kinds of contact can I expect? The Alumni Association and the University regularly contact alumni by mail, phone and e-mail on matters we think would be of interest to our members. For example, New Trail is mailed out to all alumni, free of charge, for life. Our electronic newsletter, e-trail is e-mailed monthly. Invitations to reunions and events are also sent regularly. Other contacts could include mail, phone calls, or e-mail to select alumni about our travel, insurance and credit card programs. The University’s Student Calling Program has current students contacting alumni about news, events and fund-raising opportunities. Our office might also contact you if a former classmate would like to reconnect — again, your information is not released without your permission.

I prefer not to be phoned. I only want to receive certain kinds of mail. What do I do? Just contact us and let us know. It is our responsibility to ensure that your information is accurate and treated according to your wishes.

Why are you calling me about insurance or credit cards anyway? Without alumni participation in our Affinity Services, your Alumni Association would not be able to provide its programs and services for alumni and students. These include scholarships and awards, free online community services, alumni education programs, events from rural Alberta to cities overseas, and our annual Reunion Days. An all-volunteer Alumni Council, made up of alumni from every faculty, carefully reviews these services and also decides how the revenue is spent. But it is your participation that makes all the difference.

For more information on our affinity partners, go online to www.ualberta.ca/alumni and select ‘Benefits and Services’ or call us at 1-800-661-2593.

To read a full privacy statement, please go to www.ualberta.ca/alumni/privacy.html

To make changes to your record, please contact the records department at 1-866-492-7516. For more information, we can also be reached by phone at 1-800-661-2593 or (780) 492-3224, by fax at (780) 492-1568, via e-mail at alumni@ualberta.ca, or visit www.ualberta.ca/alumni

The Caper

uring the University of Alberta’s 90th anniversary the Autumn issue of New Trail included a list entitled “90 Things Worth Knowing about the U of A.” One of the things reported was an

account of the 1948 theft of the cornerstone of the then-under-construction Rutherford library.

For 50 years the theft (and recovery) of the cornerstone had been known only to those connected to the caper before the secret was “outed” in the magazine. Since then, different accounts of who was to blame and how the 700-pound stone was retrieved have circulated. Recently, two of the instigators contacted

New Trail to “confess” to their part in the escapade. Harvey A. Buckmaster, ’50 BSc, (below) now living in Victoria, and Paul N. Somerville, ’49 BSc, who lives in Florida, were residents at St. Stephen’s College at the time where, according to Harvey, “there was always some kind of trouble being cooked up.” Here, for the record, is their “confession” ... and, considering the length of time that has passed since their transgression, New Trail feels confident in granting immunity from prosecution to those involved.

The Prank

Life in St. Stephen’s College during the 1940s was filled with memorable events. The men who came to live there, after the nursing students moved to their own new residence in the summer of 1947, were certainly high-spirited, and someone was always plotting some wild and woolly activity. But probably nothing that occurred during our time there ever matched the sheer audacity of the events to be described forthwith. When we returned to university in the fall of 1948, the green grass space south of the Arts Building and east of the Medical Building (now Dentistry/Pharmacy) had disappeared as construction of the Rutherford Library had commenced. It was announced that the cornerstone for this building — the first new permanent building to be constructed on campus in many years—would be laid on the afternoon of November 25 by Lieutenant Governor John C. Bowen, ’39 LLD (Honorary). Alberta’s Premier, Ernest C. Manning, ’48 LLD (Honorary), would also be in attendance. Others who would be on hand to witness the ceremony included U of A President, Robert Newton, ’50 LLD (Honorary), Chancellor, Fred McNally, chairman of the Board of Governors, Harold Parlee, ’48 LLD (Honorary), head librarian, Marjorie Sherlock, ’26 BA, and numerous members of the University Senate, Board of Governors and senior administration and faculty. This announcement led to the idea among the St. Steve’s boys that it would be great fun to “steal” this cornerstone 26

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and disrupt the ceremony. Roy Berg, ’50 BSc(Ag), believes that Harvey Buckmaster was the instigator (presumably, some of the other Aggies who were involved agree with Roy on this point), but Harvey does not remember being the ringleader, only that he was involved. Paul Somerville believes that he was responsible for the idea. He claims a clear memory of experiencing a “light bulb moment” regarding the possibility of the “non-existence” of the cornerstone at the event after he had discovered the cornerstone while venturing onto the construction site while returning to St. Steve’s about dusk one evening. But there is little doubt, in Paul’s memory, at least, that Harvey Buckmaster eventually assumed a leadership role in the ensuing events.

The Culprits

The following other St. Steve’s residents were involved: agriculture students Roy and Don Berg, ’49 BSc(Ag); John Moore, ’50 BSc(Ag); Don Jantzie, ’50 BSc(Ag) and Dave Jantzie, ’51 BSc(Ag); Clarence Rhodes, ’49 BA, ’50 BSc(Ag); and Joe Gurba, ’50 BSc(Ag). To carry out this theft, we had to plan carefully, which involved clocking the times at which the night watchman passed by the construction site. We also had to obtain a wagon of some sort to transport the cornerstone. The only conveyance available was a four-wheeled milk cart from the kitchen at St. Steve’s, which (we thought) would do fine.

On November 24, the eve of the cornerstone-laying ceremony, we moved into action. Our first obstacle arose when we realized that the stone —about two feet wide by three feet long and about eight inches thick— weighed a great deal more than we’d anticipated. It took the heroic efforts of the incredibly strong John Moore, aided by the five strongest of the other conspirators, to manage to first move and then lift the stone onto the milk cart. Paul and Harvey were not very strong and could not help lift the stone so they dealt with maneuvering the cart. Whenever a car passed by or there were people on the nearby streets, the group clustered around the cart and sang reveler’s songs. Fortunately, nobody came too close.

The Getaway

The next problem that arose was that the milk cart wheels were never designed for a weight of about 700 pounds and the axles soon started to buckle as we moved onto 112 Street. It became obvious that we were not going to be able to move it over to 109 Street as we’d originally planned. Some, including John Moore, wanted to drop it into the bush off Saskatchewan Drive. But it was finally decided that it could be hidden behind St. Joseph’s College. As it turned out, we only managed to haul and drag the cornerstone as far as the circular fire escape chute located on the west wing of St. Steve’s. After much more physical effort, we managed to wrestle it off the milk cart and cover it with a tarpaulin. Then we had to cover our tracks, literally. Moving the heavy stone had left deep gouges in the grass near St. Steve’s that were very difficult to disguise. The best we could do was to trample all the snow in the vicinity so that the deep ruts made by the heavily laden milk cart didn’t stand out so much. Then we all retired for the night to try to sleep after this exciting event. There was great anticipation the next morning as we all watched from our rooms to see if anyone was looking for the stone. We had debated whether we should telephone the authorities to tell them where the cornerstone was located, but had decided against it. In the

end it turned out to be unnecessary as, much to our disappointment, the stone was found several hours before the ceremony was to proceed. (Years later, Don Jantzie told Somerville that he understood that one of the perpetrators, fearing recriminations, decided to telephone the administration and tell them where the cornerstone was hidden.)

The Aftermath

Roy Berg, who was dean of agriculture from 1983 to 1988, included his version of the cornerstone caper in a book he organized and edited for the 50th anniversary homecoming celebration for the agriculture class of 1950 called A Half Century of Accomplishment. In the years since the cornerstone heist some other interesting facts, unknown to this infamous group at the time, have come to light. Fred Bentley — another former agriculture dean — was, in 1948, a junior professor living in the string of faculty residences located to the south of St. Steve’s and known as “Rabbit Row.” He remembered that early on the morning following the larceny, Harry T. Sparby, ’33 BSc, ’39 MA, the provost, had exited his house in Rabbit Row in a great hurry, still trying to get his coat on while dashing off to the Arts Building. He later found out that Sparby was in a rush to attend a very emotional ad hoc meeting with President Newton and senior administrators, where the president was determined that the perpetrators of the prank be found and expelled. In the meantime, other University employees were out searching for the cornerstone and eventually “found” it behind St. Steve’s. The stone was returned to its rightful place and the ceremony was held on schedule. Some of us attended this ceremony and smirked at each other as we thought about what we had done the night before. Fortunately, the search for the perpetrators of this lark was dropped and no repercussions occurred. The entire episode remained known only to those involved until the issue of New Trail that revealed for the first time that “dignitaries gathered to lay the cornerstone for the Rutherford Library in 1948 were nearly forced to place a fake plywood marker to commemorate the event.” Autumn 2008

new trail

Time Served

Years later, Paul Somerville was astonished when he attended a statistics conference at the University of Wisconsin in 1967 and met Tevie Miller, ’49 BA, ’50 LLB, ’91 LLD (Honorary), who had been the president of the U of A Students’ Union in 1948. Tevie was equally astonished when Paul brought up the subject of the purloined cornerstone. Apparently, then-President Newton had contacted Miller in an effort to enlist his assistance in apprehending the culprits. Miller assured Newton that he would do what he could.

Join three influential scholars as they discuss one of today's most important issues

Towards a Sustainable Future: Three Perspectives Free!

Two distinguished University of Alberta faculty members and an Alberta alumnus who heads the largest graduate school of design in the United States will share their views on measures that must be taken to ensure a healthy future, environmentally and economically.

Panelists: John C. Bowen (right), Alberta's lieutenant governor of the time, was fortunate to actually see the 700-pound cornerstone for Rutherford Library that bears his name on the afternoon of November 25, 1948. Were it not for a milk cart that wasn't up to the job, the cornerstone might have been a no-show for the dedication ceremony.

Although Harvey Buckmaster does not remember playing a leadership role in organizing this prank — as Somerville insists he did — he has never forgotten being involved. And he also never discussed the event with anyone not involved with it until Roy Berg reminisced about the event in his book. So closely guarded was the secret that, following discussions with Paul, Harvey questioned a few of his friends who were living in St. Steve’s at the same time about what they remembered about the event. They all had assumed that a group of engineers was responsible for the prank! Harvey also remembers that after he had returned to the University of Alberta as a member of the physics department, one of the physics professors, Don Scott, told him that when the department proposed hiring him, Walter Johns, ’70 LLD (Honorary), who was the executive assistant to the president in 1948 and later the president, questioned whether the physics department knew what they were doing hiring a troublemaker. That comment, of course, always made him wonder whether Johns knew about his role in the great cornerstone caper that all those involved remember fondly, if a little fuzzily. 28

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Dr. David Schindler, the Killam Professor of Ecology at the University of Alberta, has received some of the world’s most prestigious ecological prizes, including both the Volvo Environmental Prize and the Stockholm Water Prize. Patrick Whitney, Director of the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology, advised U.S. President Bill Clinton on design matters and in 2006 was named one of the world’s top 25 individuals advancing international Chinese business. Dr. Colin Soskolne, a U of A Professor of Epidemiology, recently spent a year working with the World Health Organization producing a document promoting ecological integrity and sustainable development as cornerstones of public health.

Saturday, September 20 •1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Myer Horowitz Theatre, Students’ Union Building Get your tickets early! Contact the Alumni Office at (780) 492-3224, 1-800-661-2593 (toll-free) or alumni@ualberta.ca

SUB... Head Iain T.M. Macdonald, ’64 BA, recalls the heady days of bringing the new Students’ Union Building to life

he old Students’ Union Building — now University Hall —was tiny compared to the facility that U of A students now enjoy. Then, as now, the old SUB/University Hall purports to have three floors, but really has only two-and-ahalf as the first floor — which once housed a games room with a few pool tables as well as a modest cafeteria — is partly below ground so is also partly a basement. On the second floor of the structure there used to be a large lounge and the SUB offices. The Wauneita Lounge and sundry student activity offices occupied the third floor. The Gateway newspaper office was up there, as was the Evergreen and Gold yearbook suite, the Signboard Directorate, and the Radio Society, which broadcast all the way down to the cafeteria. Also on the first floor was a smaller lounge equipped with a tiny black and white TV which, in 1963, many of us crowded around to watch live coverage following the assassination of U.S. president John F. Kennedy. Because it was small, SUB was overcrowded, but you had to be involved in student government, or partake in a few other select activities, to know that. If you weren’t... well, as one cynical friend told me, you could fire a cannon down the halls at high noon and never hit anybody. In 1962, when U of A students started planning for a new SUB — it’s hard to believe it’s been 46 years! — we wanted to have a student building that would provide something for everyone and serve as a campus hub for the ever-expanding University that was envisioned to grow from a student population of around 10,000 to over 20,000 by 1989 — in fact, there were around 30,000 by the end of the ’80s. More than 50 student volunteers made extraordinary contributions during the time that SUB went from conception to green-light stage. David

“Davy J” Jenkins, ’62 BA, ’63 LLB, who was elected president of the Students’ Union (SU) in the spring of 1962, is the hero of this little reminiscence because it was his vision of student autonomy that led to the eventual opening of a new SUB in 1967—a simple expansion project that had grown to become vastly different from anything previously contemplated. When the building was completed, Time magazine would call it “the largest and most complete student space in Canada” and refer to its conceptualizers as “campus capitalists... with the savvy of country horse traders and shrewd business sense.” Joining Davy J on the executive committee tasked with bringing a new vision of what SUB would be into existence were vicepresident Anne Kulak (Dodds), ’62 Dip(Nu), ’63 BSc(Nu); coordinator of student activities John Burns, ’63 BA; and me as secretarytreasurer. Our path was prepared by previous student union SU president Peter Hyndman, ’62 BCom, and SUB expansion campaigner Bill Samis, ’66 BCom, who got the student body to approve funds for a new building in a referendum during SU elections. Davy J kept the ball rolling and led student SUB expansion planners in the critical first year of planning. When Wes Cragg, ’63 BA, ’64 MA, succeeded Jenkins as SU president, he carried that ball through the second year of planning and led us to the U of A Board of Governors and on to the inner sanctum of then-premier Ernest C. Manning, ’48 LLD (Honorary). Wes recalls that we needed the government to guarantee the loan for the building in order to get the finances to work out. And that was no easy task. In fact, he remembers being the first president of council to meet faceto-face with the premier, the provincial treasurer, and then the whole cabinet. Getting that government support was crucial, and also saved us a percentage point on the loan interest for the building. Autumn 2008

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Part of our deal in securing a commitment for financing was that, since we students would be paying for the new building out of our own pockets (through an initial $6 addition to the activities fees each student paid), we could also plan and build it ourselves. That meant establishing our own needs and priorities, choosing our own architects and approving a suitable design, hiring our own consultants and managing all stages of the process — with the University looking over our shoulder to make sure we did not slip up, of course. After all, we were talking about a $6.5 million project. And I got to be in charge! I still have the letter dated April 4, 1963, that I received from Brian McDonald, assistant to University President Walter Johns, ’70 LLD (Honorary), saying he had studied our planning numbers and concluded “the project is economically sound.” But it had taken a lot of preparation to get to that stage. In the spring of 1962 I agreed to oversee the project and I used that summer to travel to Vancouver where I went to see the University of British Columbia’s SUB and their new Grad Student Centre. Then it was on to San Francisco where I met two very professional student union directors who were available to serve as planning consultants. Then I travelled to Cornell, where I spent several days reviewing the Association of College Unions’ planning resources. Finally I made my way to the University of Toronto to see its Hart House. All of this was done to prepare myself for an all-out organizational effort as soon as the students came back to the U of A in the fall. At that time I, with Council’s approval, began recruiting our planners. To do so I organized a public meeting, well publicized by The Gateway, at which I outlined the concept of the building and the proposed planning process. In extraordinarily short order we had a committee of about 50 student volunteers, organized into subcommittees. 30

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This page: SUB’s cast iron mural, being installed and completed; basement bowling alley; Iain Macdonald in 1963. Facing page: Information booth; enjoying the gas fireplace; and Macdonald as he looks today from his home in Fletcher’s Lake, NS.

Wes Cragg (the first of two Rhodes scholars to come from our planning committee), who was then Faculty of Arts representative on Student Council, chaired the subcommittee on cultural facilities, and doubled as our vicechair. (The most important question for that subcommittee was whether to include a theatre and, if so, with what characteristics?) Donna Fraser, ’61 BA, took on the job of committee secretary. The subcommittee on student activities was chaired by Student Council pharmacy representative Chuck Gerhart, ’64 BSc(Pharm), ’72 MBA. Education rep Pat Hunt, ’63 BEd, chaired the subcommittee on office facilities. The finance subcommittee, chaired by commerce student Don Gardner, ’64 BCom, dealt with analyzing the financial viability of the project. His main subcommittee recruit, Hugh Bessell, ’64 BCom, went on to become head of KPMG in Canada. A research subcommittee was headed by law council representative Patrick Bentley, ’61 BSc(Eng), ’64 LLB, while a subcommittee on services was chaired by engineering student Maurice “Moe” Lamothe, ’63 BSc(Eng). Arts student Leigh Haysom was a committee member at large. Jim MacLaren, ’66 BA, worked on publicity, while engineering student Jim Osenton, ’64 BSc(Eng), made himself generally indispensable putting details together that nobody else was handling. Laurel Goodridge, a master’s candidate in physics, became our liaison with the graduate students. Donald Stanley, ’40 BSc(Eng), ’88 DSc (Honorary), liaised on behalf of the AlumniAssociation. And that splendid friend of the students, Provost Aylmer A.

SUB has continually grown to meet student needs, housing everything from an art gallery to a barbershop in its over-40-year history, seeing its fair share of changes as the years go by:

• Opened in 1967, SUB was featured in Time magazine as the largest and most complete student space in Canada.

• Eight bowling lanes and six sheets of curling ice originally called the basement home.

• The cast-iron mural on the south side of the building was created by the late Jordi Bonet, an award-winning Montreal artist.

• The large fire pit and flame, created by Jonathan Wood, inspired the design of our current flame logo, depicting the mission and spirit of the Students’ Union.

Ryan, ’39 BA, ’40 MA, was our liaison with the Campus Planning Committee, in particular, and the administration in general. These were all astonishingly able people, who worked superbly well with each other, and got the job done. The research subcommittee met regularly to review progress and make policy recommendations to Students’ Council. Because I was a member of the SU executive and we had four other council members on the committee, our presentations were usually effective and our recommendations accepted. The project planning consultant we hired was Frank Noffke, from Berea, Ohio, and the architects we brought on board—after going through a highly formal rating system—were Edmontonbased Bertie Richards and Max Berretti. I was strongly influenced in presenting our case for design freedom by the argument of Yale president Kingman Brewster, then putting up numerous untraditional buildings at that institution. When asked what the common denominator was in the variety of styles he had approved, Brewster retorted that he was more concerned to have “the uncommon denominator — excellence!” And once the premier saw that we had done our homework, that we had a plan and a process, that the University was as excited as we were, and that we could actually afford to build what we wanted, he gave us his approval. For 30 months, beginning in March 1962, I served as SUB expansion chair until I had to abandon extracurricular student activities to concentrate on getting into graduate

school. After two years in grad school at the U of A, taking political theory and philosophy seminars, I went on to St. John’s College, Oxford, where — courtesy of the Canada Council — I spent most of the next three years, although I took no degree from that institution. (Andy Brook, ’65 BA, ’66 MA, who succeeded me as chair of the SU planning commission in fall 1964, also went to Oxford that same year as the second Rhodes scholar coming out of our Students’ Council of that time.) I went to Oxford to find out what Wittgenstein and philosophy were all about, thinking — hoping — to land a doctorate so I could hang around some university campus forever. Alas, it was not to be. A big part of my learning at Oxford was that I was — and still am — not cut out to be a philosopher. I make not a bad parish minister, however, as I went back to Queen’s University in 1977 and got my master of divinity and was ordained a United Church of Canada minister in 1980. Looking back at my time doing my bit to bring SUB into existence brings back memories of a wonderful committee and a great experience. I did not see Davy J again until one cold wintry night some 10 years later in the Ottawa Civic Arena, where Joe Clark, ’60 BA, ’73 MA, ’85 LLD (Honorary), was declared leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. (When Clark defeated Pierre Trudeau,’68 LLD (Honorary), in 1979, Davy J headed up his transition team.) I haven’t seen or communicated with him now for over 30 years, since that cold night in Ottawa, but I hope Davy J knows how much I still appreciate his commitment to student autonomy that made the kind of SUB we have now a lasting legacy for all students past, present and future. — Rev. Iain T.M. Macdonald Autumn 2008

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En-Gaijin Times

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Steve Johnson, ’01 BPE/BEd, left for Japan in 2002 to be an assistant language teacher with the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) program, becoming one of roughly 6,000 English-speaking people (or “gaijin,” the term the Japanese use for all foreigners) from countries around the world working throughout Japan in this role. Unlike most of the others who signed on that year, Steve’s still there.

hen I applied for a position with the JET program, I was asked where I’d like to work. Most people want to go to popular cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka — but I was happy to accept a posting in Ohda City, which is in Shimane, the most rural prefecture in Japan. [A prefecture is an administrative district somewhat analagous to a town]. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Shimane prefecture or where I would be living before coming here. So, I assumed many things about the area: it would have beautiful nature, kind and friendly people, and a rich culture. And you know what? I was right. I was very fortunate to be placed in a wonderful part of Japan and I have enjoyed my life in Ohda City so much that I’ve extended my stay into its sixth year. My job has also expanded far from its humble beginnings as an assistant language teacher working at four junior high schools in the area. Now I enjoy the challenge of pioneering English language programs at all of the 21 elementary schools in the area, teaching around 2,000 students. My job involves effectively initiating, promoting and guiding what would best be described as a personally initiated, grassroots level, fully existent—yet non-official (and therefore non-mandatory)—elementary school English program (official English language studies begin in junior high). And the best part of my job is that every day I get to have dozens—or even hundreds—of children’s eyes looking up at me in such genuine wonder and amazement that it makes what I do an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience. The Japanese have an amazing interest in foreigners, which is even stronger in the isolated countryside. My friends, colleagues, and students always have

Johnson with some of his English-language students: “My work involves a lot of play.”

endlessly intriguing questions for me about Canada. I enjoy the elementary school students’ questions the most because they’re never too shy to ask what everyone wants to know. It’s this enthusiasm and lack of hesitation that allows them to succeed in their attempts to learn English as well, and it’s another reason why I enjoy my work. I also enjoy learning more and more about Japanese culture and the language. Coming to Japan, or to any country where one cannot speak or read the language, is to become essentially functionally illiterate. It’s this state that makes my continuing attempts to understand Japanese culture a constant challenge. It is both an intriguing and tiring experience, yet it’s essential to carefully take note of the nuances of the new culture I’ve immersed myself in so that I can fully partake in the rituals of daily life. A cultural homogenization of the Japanese that took place over centuries

created their carefully and precisely prescribed behaviours. Only by paying strict attention and picking up on the subtle nuances that set the tone of the Japanese people’s expectations of social behaviour is it possible to begin to understand the inner workings of their culture. Their highly refined sense of traditional manners and politeness means they often speak in vague terms. They also use silence as a form of communication. And every day revolves around humble conduct, constant apologizing, and endless bowing. I find it mystifying to think that these behaviours are directly linked to the long shogunate period when such conduct was established and enforced by the sword-carrying samurai class. To contrast Canada to Japan is to contrast one of the most pluralistic places in the world to one of the world’s most homogeneous cultures. Working and living in this harmonized and uniform culture it is common to be

Steve Johnson (far left) with his taiko drumming group. Autumn 2008

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fascinated and frustrated, as well as amused and confused, by attitudes and behaviours that seem completely contradictory. Sure, driving on the opposite side of the road isn’t so shocking, but even the Canadian emergency number of 911 is 119 in Japan. Speaking of driving, everywhere you go there are there are signs, flags, banners, and blaring megaphones mounted on roaming vans obsessively promoting traffic safety. Yet, children are often seen not wearing seat belts and sometimes even standing up in cars. When I search to put my seat belt on when riding in the back seat of a car I am consistently told it is unnecessary and not required by law. Often a red light is as good as green, while at night the roads seem to turn into a speeding free-for-all. The Japanese also take the meaning of “service station” to a whole new level. Pulling into one ranks among the top unorthodox cultural experiences that must be seen to be believed as the gas station attendants here put on what is arguably the finest display of hard work, hustle, and intensity you’ll ever witness. Japan is also a place full of other seemingly confusing contradictions and a backwardness that is often simply comical. For instance, an incredibly healthy traditional diet rich in soy, fish and rice competes with rampant chain smoking. As well, students all over the country enjoy a nutritionally balanced hot lunch at school every day while, at the same time, it is not unusual in my rural schools to watch billowing clouds of thick cigarette smoke blowing across the school yard where students are playing. Should I begin to feel that I may be getting a handle on things here — that nothing can surprise or shock me, and maybe this cultural divide isn’t insurmountable — Japan will throw me a curve ball that takes me right back to square one. For instance, on the menu for today’s school lunch... whale meat. When I first arrived here, the weather also took some getting acclimatized to. The summers are so hot and humid you can’t believe it could 34

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“It’s delightfully common for students to go crazy when I meet them.”

ever be cold. It’s the kind of hot where it’s uncomfortable to wear anything but shorts and a T-shirt and that finds you wiping sweat from your shins. The heat is so intense you have to stand directly in front of an electric fan at all times, except when taking a minimum of three cold showers a day. And if you dare step out of the fan’s range you had better be on your way to your next cold shower — the hot water will have been turned off because only cold showers bring temporary relief from the heat. Although the winters are mild in comparison to most of Canada, it still gets cold enough to chill you right to the bone. Without central heating (even in schools) being indoors doesn’t always offer an escape from the cold. Even for just a regular winter’s day at school, I dress in multiple layers as though heading out on an expedition. On the other hand, forgetting to put something back in the fridge at home becomes forgivable as the kitchen transforms into one giant walk-in refrigerator. That being said, spring and fall’s transitional climates are so lovely that they enable you to endure the extremes of the summer and winter.

Time in Japan is very nicely and neatly ordered, defined, seasonal. It seems that every part of the year is interwoven with — and thus compartmentalized by — the natural characteristics of the season. Experiencing the four seasons in a natural setting is a real treat that has an undeniable positive effect on daily life. After a few times through each season, and partaking in the school, community and cultural events that come along with them, the seasonal ryhthm becomes more and more noticeable as well as comforting and, in the true sense of the word, enjoyable. I also find enjoyment in the fact that my work involves a lot of play, and my play is sometimes so intense it resembles work. The social and work demands put on the Japanese create a need for balance. (My students, for instance, all have a highly demanding daily sports/music practice that takes place before and after school until dark, as well as on the weekends.) This balance is often sought in the form of recreational activities pursued in a way that goes beyond the western definition of a hobby. Whatever the activity, although still enjoyable, it is

Haruo Inoue

The carefully-preserved Iwami Ginzan silver mine entrance.

approached with professional dedication and an aim of achieving a high level of proficiency. One of my “play” activities involves the martial art of shorinji kempo. Through its technical practice and fundamental philosophy, it is a discipline which aims to develop individuals physically, mentally and spiritually in order to strengthen society. Although I have a second-degree black belt in shorinji, anyone with any experience in a martial art knows that a black belt often only means that you are a dedicated pupil, and still very much a beginner. At practice, old guys show me that, although my Alberta beef-raised, Canadian lumberjack-style strength is impressive, it is both unnecessary and finite, as they throw me down with a variety of well-executed and quite painful techniques. Studying the many techniques and the ethical philosophy of shorinji is just like living in Japan: it seems that the more you know, the more you know you know very little. Another of my pastimes is taiko (Japanese drumming) and my enjoyment of this activity now rivals that of any of the sports I played in Canada. Musically, rhythmically, artistically and

The grand finale in a taiko drumming performance.

physically demanding, taiko is a unique mix of music and athletics, and I find the bonding amongst the members of my taiko team to be the closest thing I have in Japan to a Canadian hockey team. Although the locker room talk is difficult to comprehend, the camaraderie is unmistakable and comfortably familiar for me, and certainly uncommon in Japanese daily life. In recognition of the ancient Iwami Ginzan silver mine ruins in the area — which recently made a successful bid for UNESCO World Heritage status — our taiko group arranged a series of songs which make up an impressive hour-plus performance recounting the history of the mines that, between the 16th and 17 centuries, produced almost a third of the world’s silver. Our most recent encore performance of this piece was our fourth and was played in a theatre before over 1,000 people. One other play-work combo that keeps me amused — if also exhausted — is the often 40-kilometre-plus bike ride I take to work in the morning. It’s a true testament to the inspiring beauty of the countryside here that, despite not being a cyclist by nature, I find myself biking through the wind-

ing country roads to school. The amazing scenery along the way keeps my mind off of the exhaustion and, after school, I get to do the whole trip over again, except on the return route those hills I flew down in the morning aren’t so much fun anymore, although it helps that sometimes I am chased by monkeys. I visit each school in my district roughly once a month. With every appearance I make being both hyped up and rare, there is a certain celebrity status it creates. To put it simply, I am treated like a rock star. It’s delightfully common for students to go crazy when I meet them, jumping up and down while waving in a spastic motion fuelled by excitement. Students explode into applause as I enter the classroom, even the odd standing ovation. And students requesting my autograph often swarm me. Since my job is primarily one of a motivator, this magical atmosphere is quite helpful. It’s also a truly unique experience for anyone who is not a celebrity of some sort. However, fame doesn’t come without a price. Unlike my salary, my workload has swollen. I now visit 21 schools and spend a fair amount of time doing Autumn 2008

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public speaking engagements, as well as giving newspaper interviews and attending countless weekend school events. But am I complaining? No. Job satisfaction and quality of life count for a lot in my books. To put it simply, I have found a life here in Japan in which the opportunities, challenges and potential that each day presents always exceed the amount of time I have to take advantage of them. Likewise, the countless number of great people I encounter, both Japanese and foreigners from all over the world, far exceeds the time I have available to spend with them and get to know them better. At the end of each day, my only regret is that I couldn’t do more of everything I did that day. I am very happy and enjoying life here so much; however, I remain very much aware that, rather appealingly, there still remains room for enrichment and increased happiness. You never know what’s ahead and I remain optimistic and excited that even better things are on the horizon. It’s exciting to think that even if it were to all stay the same, or even repeat itself all over again, I would be nothing less than delighted. That being said, my experiences here continue to surprise me and improve in ways I never thought possible. Perhaps this experience I had the other day at school best sums up everything I have come to both know and love about the country I’m living in and the job I’m doing. A cute little second-grader appeared at the door of the teachers’ room. Her look was a mixture of extreme nervousness — as if she was about to meet someone super-famous — and an overexcitedness that could cause someone to pee their pants. After excusing herself for entering, she regained her composure, and, with budding confidence, stated the purpose of her intrusion. “I’ve come to get Steve-sensei” (my rough translation), she announces. Then she proceeds to take the four-anda-half steps (it’s a small staff room) to where I am sitting waiting for her, the “class-leader,” to come and get me, as is routine. Now standing beside me, she

Johnson puts his physical education degree to good use with a little lighthearted sumo wrestling.

says in Japanese, and in the most polite way you can imagine, “Steve-sensei, second period studies are ready to begin, please come with me to the classroom.” I have a huge smile on my face. This young pupil is in the early stages of entering an educational system that is quite remarkable in both positive and negative ways. On the one hand, her educational future will train her to have the mental endurance to cope with endless hours of structured time, massive amounts of rote learning, and unrelenting hours of extracurricular activities. It will provide her with steadfast attributes of perseverance and commitment — a fighting spirit. As a by-product, she will develop a reliance upon an educational and social system that is highly structured, regimented, group orientated, duty driven, male dominated, and demands obedience to superiors. She’s already been conscripted into an environment that creates an atmosphere highly unaccommodating to

learning a second language. But, for now, her youthful, limitless potential heavily outweighs anything that could stand in her way. This inspires me. And if the big smile on her face is any indication, then I am finding a good bit of success in helping her get a jump on her English education. It is my challenge and my opportunity to inspire, motivate, and educate this student in a way that could potentially mould her perception of not only English, but also the way she approaches any challenge in life. But it isn’t just because of her ingenuous enthusiasm and the fact that I love this job that I have a huge smile on my own face. My own smile is partly a reaction to the three big pink words written across her sweatshirt (this is one of the rare schools I visit where the students don’t wear a school uniform). In a simplistic, yet slightly confusing way, the words describe in a nutshell my experience thus far in Japan: Smile — Laugh — Look.

To read a longer version of Johnson’s adventures in Japan go to www.ualberta/newtrail. Visit www.kankou.pref.shimane.jp/e/spot/04.html to learn more about the World Heritage Site in Ohda City. Autumn 2008

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Alumni Honour Award Recognizing the significant contributions made over a number of years by University of Alberta alumni in their local communities and beyond Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh, ’84 MEd, is a scholar, teacher, and communications expert who has contributed extensively to the establishment of education policy for the Republic of Ghana. A professor in communication studies at the University of Ghana, he is also the Chief of Atwima Apemanim, a village of about 400 in the Ashanti region of Ghana, where he has advanced community projects, including a children’s library, a kindergarten, and a resource centre for teachers and nurses. Keen to inspire others to think globally, he co-teaches the Global Citizenship Field Experience (in rural Ghana) course for the University of Alberta.

Sandra Bromley, ’79 BFA, is an award-winning artist, humanitarian, and change agent whose work builds social awareness. Her Gun Sculpture, produced with Wallis Kendal, ’69 BEd, was created from deactivated firearms and was exhibited internationally at the World’s Fair in Hanover, Germany; the United Nations in New York; and in Seoul, Korea. A Canadian Consortium for Human Security Fellowship on women and post-war conflict societies led to her participation in a series of conferences on the plight of children. Her social activism reached closer to home in 1998 when she co-established the ihuman Youth Society, a non-profit crisis intervention centre dedicated to helping youth in despair.

Randy Marsden, ’89 BSc(Eng), is a recognized leader in the field of assistive technology. His company Madentec has helped more than 20,000 people suffering from paralysis, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and head injuries communicate by using adapted computers and communication devices, involving specialized equipment that detects cheek movements, blinks, sips, and puffs. His company has been recognized with numerous industrial design and technology awards, including the 2008 ASTech Societal Impact Award. His products are available worldwide, with some portions licensed by Microsoft. For his clients, the communication devices that he has created have been called “life-changing miracles.”

Barb Bromley, ’47 Dip(Nu), ’48 BSc(Nu), is a tireless volunteer and dedicated nursing professional who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the health and well-being of residents of the Northwest Territories. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Northwest Territories Registered Nursing Association, which led to her founding role with the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors. A community leader and activist, she successfully lobbied the NWT Government to have new facilities built for the elderly and for Alzheimer’s care in Yellowknife. Her contributions have been recognized with a Canada Volunteer Award, and she is a Member of the Order of Canada.

William Leslie Kent, ’31 BSc(Eng), at 101, is one of the U of A’s oldest graduates participating in Reunion Weekends and branch meetings. He enjoyed an illustrious 41-year career as a civil engineer, building major structures across Canada, beginning with the Lion’s Gate Bridge in Vancouver, and continuing with hydro plants, dams, bridges, buildings, causeways, and canals. After retirement, he worked with First Nations people in British Columbia on nine distinctly different infrastructure projects. He also volunteered in the Philippines, supervising construction of a tuna canning plant. He is an honorary member of the Gold Key Society.

R. Vance Milligan, ’78 LLB, an appointed Q.C. and senior partner with Bennett Jones LLP in Calgary, is a visionary leader and advocate for the rights of Albertans with disabilities. For more than two decades, he has served as chair of the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation, helping to advance spinal cord research and build awareness about the obligations of society to fully integrate all of its citizens. He is active in numerous community agencies and professional organizations, and his efforts have led to improvements to the Alberta building code as well as advocacy for accessible housing for seniors and Albertans with disabilities

Hugh A. Robertson, ’63 BA, ’66 LLB, is a respected legal educator and community leader who has made significant contributions to his profession both locally and abroad. The executive director of the Legal Education Society of Alberta for 23 years, he is past-president of the National and International Legal Education Associations, former chair of the Edmonton United Way, and past chancellor of St. Stephen’s College. Internationally, he has taught in China, Vietnam, and Africa and has led CIDA and UN missions in Zimbabwe and Laos. He is currently a member of the Governing Council of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. He was appointed Q.C. in 1990. Allan Scott, ’68 BSc(Eng), has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to Alberta’s business and volunteer communities. From 2002 to 2007, he served as president and CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC). Under his leadership, Hall D, the much-acclaimed venue at the Shaw Conference Centre, was constructed. Joining forces with the U of A along with the EEDC, he helped launch TEC Edmonton to support start-up companies. Since 2002, he has served as board chair of the Art Gallery of Alberta, where, as chief fundraiser, he has raised more than $88 million towards rejuvenating the gallery and arts in Edmonton.

William J. Sharun, ’72 BSc, ’74 DDS, is a highly respected dental professional and community-minded volunteer. He has worked in dentistry at the local, provincial, and national level, and was president of the Alberta Dental Association and governor of the Canadian Dental Association. Internationally, he has led teams on seven dental missions in Third World countries. He served as chair of Edmonton’s Ronald MacDonald House’s $11-million capital campaign and is president of the University of Alberta Dental Alumni Association. In recognition of his significant contributions to society and his profession, the Alberta Dental Association recently honoured him with its Award of Excellence.

Allan G.P. Shewchuk, ’84 LLB, who was appointed Q.C. in 2002, has provided countless hours to numerous legal, academic, and community organizations. A dedicated professional, he strives to ensure that the public understands the good work that lawyers do to make society a better place. His is also devoted to helping others through his teaching and guidance on finding “work-life balance.” The balance in his life comes from his family, his law practice, teaching Italian cuisine, hosting television-cooking shows, and doing humanitarian work in the Horn of Africa with his wife.

Thomas E. Siddon, ‘63 BSc(Eng), is a former professor, acoustical engineer, MP, and federal cabinet minister. While in government, he successfully negotiated Canada’s role in the U.S.-led Space Station, established the world’s first policy for sustainable management of fish habitat, and led the negotiations concluding the Nunavut Final Settlement Agreement. Since leaving public office, he has remained active as an environmental leader, lecturer, and board director of numerous organizations. He was recently honoured with the 2009 Okanagan Water Leadership Award and currently serves on the Blue Water Advisory Panel for the Royal Bank of Canada.

Alfred Earl Dennis Wardman, ’93 BMed, ’95 MD, is a compassionate physician, innovator, and indomitable spirit whose determination is not defeated by circumstances. He is the first Aboriginal person in Canada to complete specialty training in both public health and addiction medicine, and he works as a community medicine specialist while also practicing clinical medicine in a methadone maintenance clinic in downtown Vancouver. A recognized expert on Aboriginal health, he often represents First Nations people on matters pertaining to public health and addiction issues and is working towards the application of telehealth technology to connect physician services to isolated First Nations reserves in B.C.

Allan A. Warrack, ’61 BSc(Ag), a U of A professor emeritus of business has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to Canada on the political, academic, and volunteer fronts. After graduate studies at Iowa State University, he came back to his alma mater, where he taught in the agricultural economics department, was founding director of the Master of Public Management program, and served as vice-president (administration). In 1971, he entered politics and was appointed as minister of two portfolios, making him the first, and only, U of A academic to serve as an Alberta cabinet minister. He has served on many public and private boards and is a member of the National Research Council of Canada. Brian Webb, ’73 BFA, is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, artistic director, and producer whose innovative vision has contributed to the vibrancy of the arts community in Edmonton and beyond. For 30 years the Brian Webb Dance Company, which he founded, has taken a collaborative approach to re-energize contemporary dance, which has successfully produced the largest contemporary dance season west of Toronto. He also lends his talents to the wider arts community through his involvement as director and past president of the Edmonton Professional Arts Coalition, past chair of the City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence awards, and as the artistic producer of the Canada Dance Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. continued>

Alumni Honour Award continued Sandra B. Woitas, ’80 BEd, ’96 MEd, is a visionary educator who continues to push boundaries to champion top-notch programming for marginalized youth. Among her initiatives, she led the City Centre Education Project, which brought seven inner-city schools and communities together to improve learning environments and opportunities for 1,700 disadvantaged children and their families. She took this learning further during her recent secondment to Alberta Education, where, in partnership with Alberta Health Services, she built 32 school-based integrated mental health service sites across the province. A tireless advocate for public education, she is also a highly sought after public speaker on the issue of bullying.

Alumni Centenary Award for Volunteer Service Recognizes alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication, and service to the University of Alberta

Gordon E.W. Barr, ’72 BSc, ’74 BA, ’77 LLB, an appointed Q.C., has generously given of his time, talents, and energy to numerous University of Alberta initiatives and programs. A partner with the Edmonton law firm Barr Picard, he has brought his professional expertise to the University as a member and past president of both Alumni Council and the Alumni and Friends of the Faculty of Law Association, where he drafted the initial bylaws. He is a past member of the U of A Senate, and he continues to serve on the Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award Selection Committee. His enthusiasm and passion for all things U of A shine through in all the roles he has taken on involving his alma mater.

Ralph B. Young, ’73 MBA, is an accomplished business leader who uses his business talents to serve a wide range of charitable organizations. As president and CEO of Melcor Developments Limited, he has given back extensively to the community and his alma mater, serving on the University of Alberta’s Alumni Council, its School of Business Advisory Council, and its Board of Governors. In addition, he contributes significantly to countless educational, professional, and cultural boards, such as the AHFMR and the Citadel Theatre, and he was chair of the City of Edmonton 2004 Centennial and the 2004 Legacy Project of Churchill Square.

The Honourable Dr. Lois E. Hole Student Spirit Award Celebrates student spirit and the many contributions students make to the betterment of the University community and beyond

Eric Fung, ’09 MD, while a student at the U of A, balanced academic excellence with an exemplary record of leadership and service — both on and off campus. Committed to student affairs and advocacy, he served as the president of the University’s Medical Students’ Association and as a western regional representative of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students, where he brought attention to the soaring costs of medical training in Canada by organizing student delegates to meet with MPs in Ottawa. A volunteer with the U of A’s SHINE Clinic, he was also a board member of the Clean Scene Network for Youth, which provides drug abuse education. A musician who played alto saxophone with the U of A’s Syncope Jazz Band, he is now completing his residency program in psychiatry at the University of Calgary.

Alumni Horizon Award Recognizing the outstanding achievements of University of Alberta alumni early in their careers Jeff DiBattista, ’95 MSc, ’00 PhD, is an emerging leader in the field of structural engineering. His work includes several Edmonton landmarks, including the National Institute for Nanotechnology, the Edmonton Clinic, and the PCL Centennial Learning Centre— the first Alberta private sector building to receive LEEDTM Gold certification. A principal with Cohos Evamy integratedesignTM, a national engineering, architecture, and interior design firm, he has worked to establish the firm’s award-winning professional development program. He also collaborates with the U of A’s undergraduate civil engineering program, co-founding and supporting the fourth-year structural design competition. An associate adjunct professor in the University’s engineering department, he is highly regarded for his mentoring leadership and tireless advocacy for higher education.

Fay Fletcher, ’84 BPE, ’94 MSc, ’04 PhD, is breaking new ground in the field of community-based, collaborative research practices. Through her work, she has built partnerships with a wide-range of community organizations, providing services to immigrant and Aboriginal communities that engage people from various cultures. She is an exemplar of universitycommunity engagement. Through collaborative partnerships, she has developed valuable teaching materials and programs, improving access to postsecondary education for Aboriginal students and has served as co-leader on three International Indigenous Summer Institutes. She held a joint appointment with the U of A’s School of Public Health and the Faculty of Extension, but recently joined Extension full-time to focus on her community-based research.

a leading expert on Law and Democracy in Canada, has published numerous scholarly articles, many of which have been cited in Supreme Court of Canada decisions. His stellar law career started when he was a student at the U of A, receiving numerous scholarships and serving as co-editor of the Alberta Law Review. Today, he is a partner with Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Calgary, where he represents multinational corporate clients in complex litigations. In 2007, he completed his doctorate in law from Columbia University, and he was named a rising star by Lexpert magazine in their annual “Top 40 Under 40” list of Canadian lawyers.

’08 PhD, serves as a role model for young Canadian researchers. Her groundbreaking work on the importance of a feminist analysis of war and conflict garnered her a prestigious, one-year post-doctoral fellowship at the Belfer Centre for International Security and the Women and Public Policy Program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government— the first Canadian to be awarded this post. Published in esteemed journals such as Security Studies, her work has been shaped by her insistence on pushing the boundaries of traditional international politics and her experience in the field, including interviews with more than 50 female soldiers. In July 2009, she started an academic position at the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

Alfred Orono Orono, ’00 BA, Mark Haroun, ’03 BA, is an

Colin C.J. Feasby, ’98 LLB,

Megan H. MacKenzie,

accomplished television writer and playwright quickly making his mark through his work and community involvement as a mentor to young writers. He began writing at 18 and launched a number of successful works at various theatre festivals in Edmonton. In 2005, his play A Giraffe in Paris debuted at the Citadel Theatre to sold-out audiences and won a Sterling Award for Best Production for Young Audiences. This 2008 recipient of the Canadian Authors Association-Book Television Emerging Writer Award is a senior story editor and writer for the CBC TV series Heartland, and he won a Rosie at the 2009 Alberta Film and Television Awards in the best screenwriter drama category.

’03 LLB, a respected lawyer, is a passionate champion for social justice. A former Ugandan child soldier during the liberation war of 1979, he was able to escape his captors while in a Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army-controlled area. He fled to Kenya and received UN protection. He was sponsored by the World University Service of Canada to study at the U of A. Driven by personal experience, he is a powerful voice for human rights and protecting rights of children. In July 2009, he was promoted to Appeals Counsel in the Appeals and Legal Advisory Division of the Office of the Prosecutor for the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. He is currently completing the LLM program at the U of A.

Alumni Award of Excellence Celebrating outstanding, recent accomplishments of University of Alberta graduates Tim Lee, ’99 BDes, was the 2008 recipient of Canada’s leading visual-art prize, the Sobey Art Award, presented annually to a contemporary Canadian artist. He was lauded for the visual and historical complexities of his work, in which he commonly uses photography and video to replicate and re-imagine seminal moments in art history and popular culture. Since 2001, his work has been exhibited and collected internationally at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, Madrid’s Reina Sofia National Museum, and Tokyo’s Mori Art Museum. He is now working in Berlin as a DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) scholar, which is a German academic exchange program.

Colin D. Oberst, ’92 BEd, made hockey history with his musical score, Canadian Gold. His Celtic-flavoured composition was selected from more than 14,500 submissions to become the new theme song for Hockey Night in Canada, the country’s longest-running TV program. This accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer for Octavo Productions has been teaching for the past 13 years, and he is currently an elementary and junior high school music and art teacher with Edmonton Catholic Schools. In addition, he has composed several school board theme songs and commercials, and he has fronted several original rock bands, being featured on local radio stations and on MuchMusic.

Tara Whitten, ‘07 BSc, a former member of Canada’s national cross-country ski team, has done a kick turn into the sport of track cycling, garnering international attention. In 2009, she won the National Time Trial Championships, the Tour of P.E.I. Stage Race, a silver at the Track World Cup in Copenhagen, and a silver at the Track Cycling World Championships in Poland. She currently holds the Canadian record in the Individual Pursuit. Off the track, she is working on her PhD in neuroscience for which she has been awarded scholarships from Alberta Ingenuity and NSERC.

Sports Wall of Fame Recognizing the contributions of alumni as athletes and builders of university sport John B. Barry, ’74 BPE, ’79 MA, is a fervent supporter of university sport. As a student he won a total of six national championships, holding places on Canada’s team at the Pan Am Games and the World Student Games. His successes continued as head coach of the Golden Bears wrestling team, where he developed numerous winning athletes and received the CIAU Wrestling Coach of the Year award in 1978. He has coached Canadian national teams at the Commonwealth Games, the Junior Pan American Games, and the Junior World Championships. For the past 25 years, he has served as director of operations and assistant dean in the U of A’s Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, leading the building of Foote Field and the Saville Sports Centre. Recently, he was the director of the U of A’s 2015 Universiade bid.

Donald MacKay Newton, ’54 BPE, ’54 Dip(Ed), has been a strong voice dedicated to the advancement of physical and health education. As a student athlete at the U of A, he starred as a point guard on the Golden Bears basketball team, winning four back-to-back Western Canada Interuniversity Athletic Union championships. The jump shot, which he learned during trips to the U.S., became his trademark skill, and one that he introduced to Alberta. He went on to teach and coach at schools in Lethbridge, Edmonton, and Calgary and at the Universities of Saskatchewan and Calgary. As an administrator, he served at the provincial level of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, as president of Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, as well as on the Canadian Commission on Education to UNESCO.

Kevin Primeau, ’77 BPE, has made outstanding contributions to the sport of ice hockey. As a player and coach of the Golden Bears hockey team, he won three national championship titles, served as team captain, and was named MVP at the national tournament level. After graduation, he played professionally in the WHA, the NHL, European-pro leagues, and was an assistant captain of the 1980 Canadian Olympic hockey team. An injury in 1983 redirected his career into coaching. He served as assistant coach of the Golden Bears, the Edmonton Oilers, and as the head coach of top European teams. The founder of Potential 100, which establishes hockey development projects, he remains dedicated to volunteering and fundraising to support amateur hockey.

Distinguished Alumni Award The Alumni Association's most prestigious award recognizing living graduates whose

Sheila Addleman Photography

truly outstanding achievements have earned them national or international prominence

F. Ann Hayes, ’61 Dip(RehabMed), ’68 MD

Lewis E. Kay, ’83 BSc

A shining example of pioneering spirit, Ann Hayes is a compassionate physician who is making a significant contribution to humanity by providing educational opportunities to vulnerable, marginalized girls in Africa.

A brilliant scientist, Lewis E. Kay is internationally recognized as being in the forefront of the development and application of NMR spectroscopic methods for the study of protein structure and dynamics.

pediatrician and pharmaceutical clinical researcher, Frances Ann Hayes has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the wellbeing of marginalized children. In 1984, while on staff as a pediatric oncologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, she volunteered in the pediatric department of Makerere University in wartorn Kampala, Uganda. She returned in 1986, and during this stay she adopted an orphaned infant girl, which cemented her bond with Ugandan children. She adoped a second daughter in Memphis three years later. In 1990, after serving as a visiting professor in pediatric oncology in Brazil, Hayes established a career in the pharmaceutical industry. From 1992 to 2002 she held various positions with Immunex Corp., eventually becoming senior vice-president for clinical research. After retiring from Immunex, Hayes re-established her commitment to children in need by establishing two organizations. The Danica Children’s Foundation, named for her two daughters, funds projects in health and education for children mainly in the Seattle area. As an expression of her continued commitment and connection with Uganda, she founded and continues to be the major supporter of Concern for the Girl Child, a non-profit agency providing educational opportunities, social support, and health care for orphaned girls in poverty stricken areas of Uganda.

ne of the world’s leading chemists, Lewis E. Kay is recognized for his cutting-edge research in biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. He has been instrumental in developing new three- and four-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance methods for obtaining pictures of complex biomolecules. This revolutionary work has led to important discoveries, helping researchers understand the underlying biological characteristics of diseases. This understanding has increased the probability of finding ways to cure or prevent diseases such as cancer. As a researcher and professor of molecular genetics, chemistry, and biochemistry at the University of Toronto, Kay has mentored numerous post-doctoral fellows and graduate students. He has published an impressive number of peer-reviewed articles, including publications in Nature and Science, and is listed in the Institute for Scientific Information’s database of top-cited researchers — making him one of the most cited chemists in the world. He has received numerous honours, including election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is a recipient of the Wilbur Cross Medal of the Yale University Graduate School, the highest honour the school bestows on its alumni; the Royal Society of Canada’s Flavelle Medal; and the Founders Medal from the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems.

Owen Egan

EMCOR Group

Distinguished Alumni Award

Frank T. MacInnis, ’68 BA, ’71 LLB

Lawrence A. Mysak, ’60 Cert(Arts), ’61 BSc

A respected business leader with a lengthy record of giving back to the community, Frank T. MacInnnis has demonstrated keen insight into global issues.

Lawrence A. Mysak is internationally acknowledged for his pioneering research and inspiring teaching as a climatologist, mathematician, and oceanographer.

rank T. MacInnis is a towering figure in the construction profession. Under his exemplary leadership, EMCOR Group has become the world’s largest specialty construction and facilities services company. It has been consistently named by Forbes magazine as one of “America’s Most Admired Companies” due to its high ethical standards and foresight of vision. MacInnis got his start in the construction industry in 1975 working with the Paris-based company Spie Batignolles SA. Projects took him around the world, giving him a global perspective and considerable experience with international markets. In 1978, he moved to the United States when he was named chair and CEO of H.C. Price Construction. In 1994, he joined JWP and under his steadfast leadership as CEO and president, more than 200 acquisitions and 30,000 employees were successfully reorganized to create EMCOR Group. Committed to giving back to the community, MacInnis sits on numerous professional and charitable boards. He has generously supported his alma mater, serving as a guest lecturer in the law faculty, sponsoring scholarships, and developing the MacInnis Centre in the U of A’s Law Centre.

champion of the environment, Lawrence A. Mysak has spent his career helping improve our understanding of natural climate variability and global change. He is internationally regarded for his work on air-ice-ocean interactions and the modeling of glacial and warm climates. His work on the Northern Seas of Canada has stimulated extensive research on the Arctic climate system. In 1967, after earning his doctorate from Harvard University, Mysak joined the faculty at the University of British Columbia. In 1986, he moved to McGill University and in 1989 was appointed Canada Steamship Lines Professor of Meteorology. He has supervised 75 graduate and post-doctoral students. Mysak has made outstanding contributions towards the development of national institutions that further science and engineering in Canada. He is the founding director of McGill’s Centre for Climate and Global Change Research, and he served as president of the Royal Society of Canada’s Academy of Science. His contributions have been recognized with more than 27 national and international honours. He is a Member of the Order of Canada, a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, and was the first Canadian to receive the Alfred Wegener Medal from the European Geosciences Union, reserved for scientists of exceptional merit.

No Brainer External funding makes for grateful U of A grad students

eert De Cock would be the first to admit his decision to study at the University of Alberta was based on the heart, not his head. “My wife is originally from Edmonton,” says the PhD candidate in political science. “When she wanted to move home to be closer to family, I followed.” De Cock moved to Edmonton in 2004 from Belgium, where he had completed undergraduate degrees in interdisciplinary studies and law, and a graduate degree in European studies. After graduating in 2001, De Cock worked for the European Parliament and a NGO in advocacy. But when his wife suggested it was time to consider a move closer to her home, he looked closely at the University of Alberta as a way of combining “my practical experience with my academic studies.” De Cock’s decision to pursue graduate studies at the U of A was one that benefited both him and the University, as he’s considered one of the institution’s rising stars in the political science department. But, like most other post-graduate students, funding their studies is often difficult and requires outside assistance. De Cock receives a $20,000 per annum stipend from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), without which, he says, pursuing his education wouldn’t be possible. “At least three quarters of all graduate students receive some sort of funding,” says Mazi Shirvani, dean of the U of A’s Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. “It is one of the top four factors in how graduate students choose a university — the department, the supervisor, and the reputation of the university are the other three. Internal scholarships are also certainly a major recruitment tool for the departments, as they try to put a funding package together for the students.”

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However, external funding is more lucrative, albeit, disproportionately allotted. “Funding for graduate studies comes from Canada’s three major research granting bodies,” says U of A Provost Carl Amrhein. “They are the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the SSHRC. The first two agencies supply funding packages that allow work on large, externally funded projects, where financial support will be much more. In the third area — social sciences and humanities — the funding is much less generous. There is minimal provincial and federal funding.” The lower level of funding in the social sciences is an ongoing challenge for both the University and students, says Amrhein. But one of the ways the U of A meets that challenge is through the Killam Research Fund, a $1.5 million annual dispersion fund that supports U of A students, faculty, and researchers in the areas of social sciences and fine arts. The University is one of six beneficiaries of the $400 million Killam Trusts, one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious endowments for scholarly activities. When the fund was announced in 2006, U of A President Indira Samarasekera heralded the largess as a means of attracting and retaining some of the world’s best students. “While the areas of medical research, science, and engineering have benefited from the support of generous and long-standing endowments, fundamental and indispensible

disciplines such as history, literature, art, music, and philosophy have struggled to sustain their critical research agenda on less than shoestring budgets,” she said. “Repeated and systematic underfunding in these areas has a destabilizing effect across the entire research environment. It’s like having a threelegged stool with one leg cut off.” For his part, De Cock says that although the funding he’s received is on the low side for this economic climate, for him, the financial support isn’t as important as the academic support. “I’m very happy with the department,” he says. “I’ve never had this kind of support and encouragement from a graduate supervisor and other people in the department.” On the other hand, $20,000 per year doesn’t cover his family’s expenses — that now includes a seven-monthold baby — so De Cock’s

Geert De Cock

wife’s income is needed to supplement his academic stipend. “I don’t see how you do this without funding,” says De Cock, who also notes how “the University does a good job of encouraging and helping you to establish external funding.” As an example, he cites information workshops by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as one of the resources he used in pursuing funding. The effort put forth by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is only one of the resources Amrhein says the University utilizes in assuring that prospective students are not only attracted to the institution, but are also introduced to the many ways that can make it economically feasible for them to study here. “The reality of the post-secondary world is that graduate students are almost as intensely recruited as faculty members,” he says. As a result, the faculty administers 2,284 awards per year, worth approximately $15.8 million for students registered in departments at the University, which is one of the ways the University strives to meet all graduate students’ financial needs during their

A Gift for Giving As a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ronald Micetich was well known at the University of Alberta. He had a reputation as having a razor-sharp brain and a burning desire to contribute to not only the University’s success, but also to build something that could stand as an example of his enthusiasm and dedication to pharmaceutical sciences. “My father loved teaching and loved helping the underdog,” says his son, Christopher. “His endowment fund, Taiho, was my father’s way of giving back to the University.” Taiho (the name of a Japanese pharmaceutical company Micetich senior was associated with) was created to provide financial support of up to $6,000 per year to support collaborative pharmaceutical or related research activities between scientists from Japanese universities and the U of A. Because so much of Micetich’s professional work focused on those collaborative efforts, upon his passing

studies and that makes attending the University that much more attractive. In many disciplines, research cannot continue without graduate students, says Shirvani. “Almost every student receives some internal funding,” he says, which means that there are a multitude

The lower level of funding in the social sciences is an ongoing challenge for both the University and students... of teacher and research assistant positions available. Unfortunately, those opportunities don’t work for all students, such as Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences PhD candidate Amy Christianson who, like De Cock, will also receive $20,000 per year for the next two years in SSHRC funding to help her complete her doctoral studies. in 2006 his family went to work creating another fund — the Dr. Ronald Micetich Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship provides an international graduate student the chance to receive funding for up to four years of graduate studies. It was a gift that his family say is representative of not just Micetich’s academic successes, but also the way he, as a teacher, mentor and researcher, touched so many lives. And the significance of such a potentially generous gift for a student is one his father would not only appreciate, but also expect, says Chris. “My father was not one that would offer a little help and then leave them to fend for themselves,” he says. “He would not only open the door and create the opportunity, but would support that student to the completion of the program. “It is our hope that anyone who hears his name learns a little about him, that they learn from him and, in some way, try to emulate him in how he viewed life, how he treated people, and how we all should conduct ourselves every day.”

“Funding is so important to me because I’m a community-based researcher,” says Christianson, who’s researching how the Peavine Metis settlement prepares for wildfires. “I have to spend so much time in the community that I can’t stay at the University and do a teachers’ or research assistant’s role.” Christianson says that, when her field work is complete in 2009, she will have spent approximately nine months in the community she’s studying, which doesn’t include the numerous and protracted initial visits to the hamlet almost 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. “Because of my funding I was able to take the time to establish relationships, and that’s critical to my work.” De Cock is also grateful for the external funding that frees him to focus on his work. “Internal scholarships often include teaching and research assistant positions,” he says,“but with the SSHRC scholarship I can concentrate solely on my research. I have another two years of guaranteed funding through SSHRC and, after that, it’s hard to know what my options will be. But right now, all my options are open.” —Cait Wills

New federal funding to assist PhD students The Vanier Scholarships were announced in February as a prestigious scholarship program geared to compete with the internationally renowned Fulbright and Rhodes Scholarships. The scholarships will support the 500 top Canadian and international doctoral students by providing $50,000 each per year for up to three years. The total investment in the first five years will be $100 million. The funding is expected to be made available during the 2008–09 federal budget year. “The Vanier Scholarships will build on Canada’s existing strengths in graduate education and help build the skilled workforce needed to face the challenges of the future,” says Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

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Little House on the Prairie A couple’s around-the-world tour leads to an international legacy

n the late ’70s, David Baine and his wife Karen, ’83 MEd, booked an around-the-world tour for $1,395 apiece. They certainly received value for the money. The trip not only changed their lives, it shaped their legacy. “We travelled to 13 countries,” recalls David. “We learned a lot about ourselves in contrast to other people.We saw an incredible amount of poverty and really wanted to get involved.” They certainly did get involved. For the remainder of his career, David devoted much of his energy and expertise to assisting people and organizations in the developing world. He and his wife have now taken steps to extend that involvement indefinitely, through a bequest to the U of A’s International House. Despite his zeal, David, an educational psychologist, at first found it difficult to line up international work. “We sent out our CVs to numerous agencies, including the U.N., and received a lukewarm response for some time,” David says. “But, in the meantime, I started studying the area. I began to teach cross-cultural psychology. It became my area of specialization.” After several years of writing papers and buttonholing people at conferences, David finally started receiving longdistance phone calls.“One of my earliest assignments was to go to Burma as one of UNESCO’s first educational consultants. Subsequent to that, I took on some work in India. It just went from there.” Before long, David was overseas for several months of each year on assignments that took him from Siberia to South Africa, and countless places in between.

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Occasionally, he literally brought his work home with him. “I’d meet students overseas who would express a desire to come to Canada to continue their studies. So we accommodated that.” The couple began to take international boarders into their south-side Edmonton home. “Over a 20-year period, we had students from India, Nepal, Africa, and other places,” says David. “That was a wonderful experi-

ence, for both them and us. Once again, we discovered so much about the similarities, and differences, between us.” Years later, when the U of A decided to open Canada’s first International House, part of a worldwide network of multicultural student residences, David worked on the design team. Committee members toured existing international houses in the U.S. to help them pull together the best possible set of features.

David and Karen Baine travelled the world before deciding that their final legacy would rest with International House.

“We wanted to have sort of ‘pods’ in which there were groups of rooms surrounding a common area that would bring students together—students from other countries in addition to students from Canada. They would be required to mingle as part of their daily lives— food preparation, eating, and that kind of thing. Also, we put together plans for programs and activities that would stimulate increased awareness, understanding, and appreciation of each other.” U of A’s International House opened its doors in the fall of 2004, welcoming 154 residents from 31 countries. With their bequest to International House, David and Karen will create a fund to recruit and assist students from lowincome countries, preferably in Africa and South America, and to support programs that foster cross-cultural awareness. Although David has been a U of A professor emeritus since 1997, retirement hasn’t slowed his pace too much. He has served as president of the U of A’s Association of Professors Emeriti, maintains an active membership in several organizations, and continues to do a bit of international consulting. Karen, a highly respected special education teacher, currently consults with Edmonton Public Schools, specializing in students who have severe learning and behavioural challenges. David has also found time to expand his other interests. Throughout his many years of travelling the world, he became increasingly attached to his camera. At first he took photos to help illustrate his lectures, but soon found that the activity had other benefits as well. “It gave me a way to interact with people, and to gain further understanding of them and myself,” he explains. As he approached retirement, he began to experiment more with his artistic side. “It has evolved into a hobby-business. It keeps me busy, and it’s certainly a major part of my retirement life.” David’s other major post-retirement hobby is somewhat less orthodox: he holds a second-degree black belt in kung fu. “About 15 years ago, I got mugged in South Africa,” he explains.

A subsequent attack in Jamaica left him feeling like he was a target. “I thought I should probably get some skills to defend myself.” Those new skills haven’t exactly transformed the mild-mannered professor into an object of fear. “It’s just a wonderful form of fitness and recreation,” David laughs. “I don’t think it has made me more aggressive. In fact, probably the opposite. I think I have honed my running skills.” Retirement has also given David a chance to step back and look toward the legacy he and his wife will leave behind. He and Karen decided to focus their efforts on changing the lives of individual students from developing countries. “In Africa, and India, and South America, and Pakistan, and Bangladesh and places like that,” he says, “where the average annual income is so incredibly low, it’s hard to accumulate sufficient wealth to even get to Canada, never mind to pay the fees, and cost of living.” In designing their bequest, they took particular inspiration from former U of A student Tuntufye Mwamwenda, ’81 PhD. Mwamwenda was a 12-yearold shepherd in rural Tanzania before he received his first schooling. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in India, and a master’s in Ontario, as well as his U of A degree. “There’s an example of a man who just had unrealized potentialities,” marvels David. “With a little bit of support and guidance, he went on to massive achievements, eventually becoming vice-chancellor of the University of Transkei in South Africa.” David adds, “If we can provide that kind of assistance to people who have those latent potentialities, we can make a real difference.” Thirty years ago David and Karen could not have predicted the impact their trip would have. But it not only changed their lives, it also inspired them to help change the lives of others for generations to come. Go to www.ualberta.ca/IHOUSE for more on International House. — Scott Rollans

How David and Karen’s Gift Works David and Karen contacted the University’s Gift Planning Unit to discuss their interest in supporting International House through their estate. The Gift Planning Unit worked with David and Karen to develop the terms of reference for their gift, and provided sample will clauses for them to bring to their lawyer to help develop proper bequest language for inclusion in their will. By contacting the University, David and Karen had the opportunity to meet face to face with a representative from the Gift Planning Unit and have their questions answered; and they were able to articulate their intent with respect to their bequest. David and Karen have accepted an invitation to become members of the Quaecumque Vera Honour Society. This donor group is composed of individuals who have included the University in their estate plans. Each spring, the University president hosts a luncheon on campus for members of this group. Including a charitable bequest in your will is an effective method of supporting the University without compromising current living standards. As one of the many ways of making a gift to the University, bequests are usually one of the largest gifts an individual can make. Charitable bequests can help reduce the tax payable by the estate, thus allowing more of the estate to be used as desired.

If it is your intention to include the University in your will, or you would like to learn more about how to do so, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Name:______________________________ Address:_____________________________ ___________________________________ Telephone:___________________________ e-mail:______________________________ Please contact us at: Development Office, Gift Planning Unit University of Alberta, Enterprise Square 3rd Floor, 10230 Jasper Ave., NW Edmonton, AB T5J 4P6 Telephone: (780) 492-0332 Toll Free: 1 (888) 799-9899 e-mail: giving@ualberta.ca Autumn 2008

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Mad About You A rag and a bone and a hank of hair may finally lay to rest a grand mystère by Hélèna Katz

t’s a 75-year-old mystery that U of A anthropology professor Owen Beattie and filmmaker, and almostgrad Carrie Gour — “sadly, despite having spent five years at the U of A, I’m not a grad yet!” — may be about to solve. As part of a Discovery Channel documentary airing this fall, Alberta’s Myth Merchant Films will have used modern forensic techniques to (it’s hoped) determine the true identity of the infamous “Mad Trapper of Rat River” who led the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on an epic manhunt across the Arctic. A man calling himself Albert Johnson arrived in Fort McPherson, north of the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories, in July 1931. Just after Christmas of that year he shot and seriously wounded a member of the RCMP who had gone to question him at the cabin he had built beside the Rat River, about 65 kilometres north of town. This was actually the second visit from the RCMP who wanted to question Johnson about tampering with other people’s traps and trapping without a license. On the first visit from constable Alfred King he had refused to speak, even though he was in the cabin. So King and Aboriginal special constable Joe Bernard went to Aklavik — located on the Peel River channel of the Mackenzie River Delta, 110 kilometres south of the Arctic Coast — to get a search warrant for the cabin and returned with constable Robert McDowell and special constable Lazarus Sittichinli.

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The remains of the man who called himself Albert Johnson after being exhumed in Aklavik.

According to a report rendered by sergeant major “Nash” Neary, the warrant officer in charge of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Radio Station in Aklavik: “On arrival, King approached the door and, with his back to the wall of the cabin, leaned over and knocked upon the door with the back of his left hand. The only reply was a shot from within which entered his chest, travelling across the body and out through his ribs on his right side.” Constable McDowell and the special constables managed to get the wounded King aboard a toboggan and pull him the 130 kilometres miles back to Aklavik where doctor Urquhart attended to his wound. “It was then discovered he had been shot with a jacketed bullet,”

Neary says in his report, “thought to be a .38 automatic, which fortunately had missed everything vital. The care and attention received, aided by his own splendid condition, enabled King to be up and around again in three weeks time.” The third trip to the cabin in the woods was taken by three Mounties, two special constables, three trappers, an Aboriginal guide and 42 dogs — they also brought along some dynamite, which they used to blow Johnson’s cabin apart. Assuming he was dead in the shattered building they approached only to be met with gunfire from the foxhole Johnson had dug under the cabin. A 15-hour standoff in -40°C weather followed before the Mounties — out of supplies, including dog food — again returned to homebase to regroup. By the time they got back to the cabin in even larger numbers, Johnson was on the run. During the ensuing 240-kilometreplus pursuit the Mad Trapper managed to elude a small army of RCMP officers, Aboriginal guides, special constables, trappers, and sled dogs, for over a month. He also killed a second Mountie, constable Edgar Millen, and seriously wounded Earl Hersey, an army officer who had joined the posse. At one point he was seemingly trapped with the only two passes through the Richardson Mountains

blocked by the Mounties. But in the dead of night and during a raging blizzard, Johnson not only managed to climb the over 2,000 metre barren, icy peaks in temperatures as low as -58°C, but he also did so without the aid of any climbing gear. He was now heading for Alaska. The story of the manhunt made headlines around the world as the exploits of the media-dubbed “Mad Trapper” were reported daily in newspapers and on the radio. The pursuit also marked the first time that police used two-way radios and an airplane to try to apprehend a fugitive — an airplane piloted by another almost–U of A–grad, Wop May, who attended the University after distinguishing himself as a flying ace during the First World War. The story of the epic chase has inspired numerous books and a Hollywood film, Death Hunt, starring Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin.

The man who called himself Johnson was finally killed in a shootout on the Yukon’s Eagle River on February 17, 1932, but to this day no one is certain of the Mad Trapper’s real name. The secret of his true identity was buried with him in the tiny Gwich’in community of Aklavik. This community gave Myth Merchant permission to exhume the body — after denying the same request from Yukon author Dick North 15 years earlier. Gour finally obtained permission for the exhumation following extensive consultations with the village elders and by going door to door in the community and talking to the residents about their concerns.

“In our culture you don’t disturb the dead,” Aklavik mayor Knute Hansen explains. But residents wanted to help bring closure to the family of a missing man, says Gour, who grew up in nearby Inuvik. “What made a difference for the elders,” she says, “was that this person has family somewhere that don’t know what happened to him.” “Our council now, they’re a lot younger,” said Hansen to the CBC about why the community changed its mind about the exhumation. “They took a more broader look at the reasons for doing this. I think, overriding too, was the fact that we would like to know who Albert Johnson is. We’re just as much in the dark as anybody else in the country.” Beattie was part of the forensics team that Gour and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Michael Jorgensen assembled to exhume Johnson’s body and search for clues to his identity. Other members included a DNA specialist, a pathologist, and an expert who analyzed the oxygen isotopes in the enamel of Johnson’s teeth for indications of where he was raised. It was also his teeth that proved they had exhumed the right body, as University as British Columbia forensic odontologist David Sweet used dental records made at the time of Johnson’s death to confirm they were examining the so-called Mad Trapper. However, before any examinations of the Mad Trapper’s remains could take place, first they had to locate the body. When the team arrived from Edmonton last August to exhume his remains, there was no sign of exactly where he had been buried. “We couldn’t have scripted it better if we wanted more drama,” Gour says. The casket was finally found after a village elder described the precise location. A lay minister held a brief ceremony before the exhumation (followed by another when the body was reburied). Beattie says the forensic team received “absolutely critical and wonderful support” from the community of Aklavik.

A scene from the re-creation of Johnson’s desperate dash for freedom.

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Chairs like this only come around every 100 years. Thanks to EnCana Corporation, there are two new chairs and nearly a dozen annual scholarships at the University of Alberta. EnCana Chair in Environmental Engineering EnCana Chair in Water Resource Sciences EnCana Scholars Awards Thank you, EnCana, for the transformative $7.5 million gift to the University of Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campaign 2008 made in honour of our centenary. This gift is an investment in talent and leaders of the future and in research for the public good. We are proud to work with EnCana to develop the next generation of leaders in business, energy, environment and more. Thank you, EnCana, for your commitment to the future of innovation at the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta is committed to advancing Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal to become a world leader in producing advanced energy while minimizing its environmental impact.

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“We worked side by side with many in this community during the onsite work, and the memories of the elders was absolutely critical in establishing the exact location of the grave.” The University of Alberta anthropologist also has an indelible memory of what he saw when the casket was first opened. “I was blown away by my first glimpse of his face, and the recognition of his still-preserved turned-up cowlick of hair on his forehead,” he says. “It appeared exactly as it did in the period photographs taken in the hours immediately before his burial.” Beattie oversaw the excavation and examined the remains to try to provide insight into what Johnson’s life had been like, particularly closer to his death. Johnson’s fully skeletonized body still had four preserved fingernails, and tissue and muscle mass around his thighs. A shattered leg lent credence to a story that the RCMP had jumped on the casket’s lid to break his leg so it would fit inside. At the time this story was written, many of the DNA results from the exhumed body had been compiled. “But,” says Gour, “we still do not know the true identity of the Mad Trapper and are currently in a second phase of DNA testing known as mitochondrial DNA testing, and while we have a real contender,

Yukon-based author Dick North has researched and written extensively on the Mad Trapper for more than 40 years. He’s convinced that the man buried in Aklavik is a bank robber and horse thief from North Dakota named Johnny Johnson who was born in Norway in 1898. North tracked down and told the Johnny Johnson family of his theory in the 1980s and that family has been anxious to get at the truth ever since. One of the family members, Ole Getz, told the Globe & Mail that as a child he remembers being told grand

Filmmaker Michael Jorgensen has won over 80 international and national awards for writing, producing, directing, and cinematography. Here he’s seen getting a close-up of the so-called “Mad Trapper of Rat River.”

we won’t have conclusive results for a couple of weeks yet. In any case, readers will have to watch the show to find out who Johnson really was — or, alternatively, to find out that we’ll never know and the mystery not only lives on, but deepens.” If Johnson’s true identity is determined, Gour says the documentary may also do more than solve an old mystery. “What we’re offering is some closure for

stories about his great uncle, Johnson, who had travelled in Northern Canada and made a considerable sum of money in gold prospecting and trapping — and then just disappeared. (Over $2,000 in both American and Canadian currency was found in the pockets of Johnson’s bullet-riddled corpse, as well as some gold, a pocket compass, a razor, a knife, fishhooks, nails, a dead squirrel, and a dead bird — but no identification.) A native of High Prairie, Alberta, Getz has also travelled and worked in

a family and, in a way, for Aklavik, Old Crow, and the region where he travelled,” she says. “There’s a family that will find their relation.” As mayor Hansen says, “This will close a chapter and open a new one.” (Hélèna Katz is the author of The Mad Trapper: The Incredible Tale of a Famous Canadian Manhunt.) Go to www.nwtandy.rcsigs.ca/stories/ rat_river.htm to read the full report by sergeant major “Nash” Neary.

Canada’s Arctic, and even climbed the same Richardson Mountains that the Mad Trapper scaled during his desperate attempt to escape from his pursuers. “He’s been in my mind since I was 10, that guy,” Getz said. “I’ve dreamed about what he did. I’ve read about it. He’s with me, always.” Getz isn’t the only one stepping forward with a DNA sample that could connect them with the legendary outlaw. He has been joined by at least a half-dozen other families who have lined up to hand over DNA samples to Myth Merchant Films. Autumn 2008

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L.A. Story During the recent writer’s strike LA-based scribe Edgar Lyall, ’88 BA, found time to muse on his new home over a hot dog dinner

Above: Los Angeles at dawn. Left: Osteria Mozza.

“Y

ou sure we couldn’t get reservations?” My wife and I are standing in line in the chilly February evening air, outside Osteria Mozza, currently the hottest restaurant in Los Angeles. Co-owned by Food Network star Mario Batali, and La Brea Bakery founder Nancy Silverton, it is said to be the perfect foodie destination. Attention to detail is evident throughout; from the hip, urban décor to the overly-attentive service, to the wellcrafted, adventurous menu — not that we know this from personal experience. I assure my wife it’s impossible to get a reservation. Besides, the best place to dine is at the L-shaped cheese bar, where the Bufala Mozzarella is flown in fresh from Italy, and where the seating is first-come, first-served. Again, not that I would know this from personal experience. “Have you noticed how goodlooking the homeless are here?” With us is another couple; the husband is a Producer, the wife an Actress. They have just moved to Los Angeles from New York, and, after a few months of life on the west coast and 20 minutes of standard new-to-the-city/waiting-inline small-talk, the Actress has proffered her off-the-wall observation to us

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with deadpan seriousness. Sensing the stares of the strangers around us, she concludes in hushed tones, “The homeless are failed actors,” then looks at us with the expression Charlton Heston had when he announced that Soylent Green is people. “Have you been to the Bradbury yet?” I ask. The Actress looks a little put out, and the Producer and my wife both look a little bewildered at my responding to a goofy non sequitur with one equally as odd. But in my mind, at least, this is a logical query. Not only is it one of my all-time favourite places, the Bradbury Building looks just like the sort of place where human corpses might be processed into the food known as “Soylent Green.” Built downtown in 1893, the building was commissioned by millionaire

Lewis Bradbury and was perhaps most famously featured in the film Blade Runner. Legend has it that, unhappy with the initial design, Bradbury fired well-regarded architect Sumner Hunt, then offered the job to George H. Wyman, a 32-year-old draftsman who had never before designed a building. Wyman refused the assignment at first, but changed his mind after a conversation with his brother, Mark (who, incidentally, had been dead for six years), via his wife’s Ouija board. Dead Mark advised, “Take the Bradbury building and you will be successful.” Turned out dead Mark was dead on—the Bradbury is a startling masterpiece — but it would be the only building George Wyman would ever design. From the outside, the Bradbury looks like nothing more than a typical turn-ofthe-century brownstone. However, once inside, you feel like you have entered an M.C. Escher drawing. Diffused, natural light inexplicably spills down from the ceiling, splashing the speckled tile floor, the brick walls, and the chocolate wood doors with a rich, golden sepia. It’s easy to be seduced and transformed by its medieval, yet futuristic, grace until you

The Bradbury’s exterior and M.C. Esher-esque interior, used to good effect in Blade Runner.

notice the black wrought iron staircases on every wall surrounding you, imposing their presence, suggesting that beneath the enveloping warmth lurks a cold, bureaucratic order more powerful than you can possibly imagine. While its beauty is other-worldly, the Bradbury also has a palpable, inescapable sinister edge. While paranoid may be too strong a word, there’s a wariness, a feeling of being watched by beady little eyes whose owners are up to something far too complicated (i.e., EVIL!) for the average person to comprehend. “Um… Getting back to my point?” the Actress says, about-facing us back to her theory, “The homeless are so good-looking because they’re failed actors? Am I right?” The rest of us look at her blankly. Finally, I disagree. For the most part, I say, the homeless here look like the same sad souls you find anywhere else, although I have to admit that, every once in a while there is an article in the LA Times about some formerly stunning, once-upon-atime almost-star for whom life is no longer glamorous, just achingly hard. “You think we should go somewhere else?” my wife asks. I point out that we’d have to pay six bucks each to the valet, and since we all drove in separate

cars, that’s $24 for nothing. A woman in her late 50s with disturbingly huge, artificial breasts tsk-tsks her disapproval at my stinginess. “Besides,” the Producer says helpfully, “People are even talking about Osteria Mozza in New York, and that never happens.”

...there is nothing in this town that has not been dreamt about, obsessed about, and ultimately made beautiful for the eye of its beholder... Several other former New Yorkers in line with us mumble in agreement. Since approval from New Yorkers is one of the few things that really matter to an Angeleno, we stay... for now. By the way, New Yorkers aren’t LA’s only transplants among the over-17million people who live here. Angelenos come from all over. When you think about it, the City of Angels is really a city of immigrants — it’s the exception rather than the rule to meet someone born and raised here. Of course, not

all settlers are your poor, your tired, your huddled masses. The Hollywood sign beckons another, more high-maintenance migrant — your cool, your wired, your befuddled narcissists — all who come here with one simple goal: To Be Discovered. Some are. A select few are even worshipped. But most of us dream-pilgrims eventually have to suck it up and, for what may be the first time in our lives, accept that we are nothing more than above-average at best. It’s a lesson no one comes here to learn. And the Actress’s theory fails to account for the fact that the homeless aren’t the only good-looking ones in this town: realtors, baristas, bail bondsmen, hotel heiresses… The rule of thumb is, if it’s pretty, it probably came here to be an actor. “Did I tell you I write?” the Actress says. “Mainly monologues and free verse.” I smile encouragingly, and tell her how much I love a good poem. By the way, I tell her, the best place to work on that poetry while downing a great cuppa joe, in this city awash with Starbucks, is the un-snappily named The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa. More commonly known as The Coffee Conservatory, it’s an unassuming little spot in Culver City, on Washington Autumn 2008

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hand side called “Malibu Seafood” Boulevard, across the street from Sony price of admission, no dress code, no Studios. This independent, old-school where a poster will tell you that they locks to pick. Just leaf through the real coffee house has been open since 1995, aren’t open for breakfast because estate section of Sunday’s paper, pick a but you would think it had been there they’re out catching lunch. They’re neighbourhood or two, circle the open for decades. The shop is small, with an famous for their fish and chips, but houses you like, and you’re on your old European feel; it’s dark, woody, and rest assured, everything here is fresh. way to housing nirvana. lacks both pretension and trendiness. There’s a patio out back where you The Actress pipes in, “We love our Master roaster A.J. Barish slow-roasts can watch the sun glint off the water new home. At least we will once it’s beans daily on-site. The experienced as you dine and, if you’re lucky, you re-done. It’s an awful, boxy thing staff use these beans to pour what might even glimpse a pod of steel-grey designed by Frank Lloyd somebody. may be the freshest espresso shot in dolphins arcing out of the deep blue We’re turning it into a beautiful town; this, in turn, is decorated with sea. After lunch, very carefully cross Mediterranean. It’ll be perfect.” We fancy latté art and, if you’re up to it, the highway, and hang out at the beach nod unaffected, accustomed to hearing served along with a delisuch tales. In LA, great cious pear Danish. houses come and go, The Producer promises replaced by new, overto try the coffee shop next sized, usually not-so-great time he’s in the neighbourhouses. But every so often hood, but the Actress isn’t you’ll find an unspoiled so sure, “It’s so far from gem. One Sunday, my wife the house, and I hate drivand I roamed through an ing in this city.” Which open house in Beverly steers the conversation over Hills once owned by to traffic and freeways. Orson Welles. It was wellYou might not think it, but preserved, and still had there are alternatives to much of its 1930s characfreeway gridlock in LA. ter. It was a two-storey My favourite is Mulholland Spanish, with a musty Drive, the famous winding The view north from the Pacific Coast Highway where you can pull over for lunch at basement, and a labyrinth the famous “Malibu Seafood” and dash across the road for some beachcombing. road that separates Los of dimly-lit, creepy, clausAngeles from the San trophobic hallways, which for a while. Splash around in the ocean, Fernando Valley. Rent a sporty convertled to dimly-lit, creepy, claustrophobic try your hand at surfing, comb the ible, cruise along with the top down, rooms. I can’t remember when Welles beach for seashells, or just chill out. and you’ll feel like a million bucks. The owned it, but it had to be near the Whatever you decide, it’s a perfect beginning of his career, because while views are incredible, even if there’s smog. place to spend a line-up-free afternoon. the place was of a decent size, the Do it early on a weekend morning, when “Why don’t you drive up to the refrigerator was surprisingly small. there’ll be no one on the road but you house sometime?” the Producer says. Thinking of Orson Welles gives me (and maybe a few greasy paparazzi “We got a 1,400-square-foot threean idea. “What about going to Pink’s?” staking out Britney’s home). bedroom, one-and-a-half bath for just I ask. My wife looks at me increduFor another beautiful drive, take the over a million. Thank God for the lously. “You want to go for hot dogs?” Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Upon hearing this, the woman in her market downturn.” Which brings us to Monica to Malibu. As with any drive in late 50s with the inflated chest rips real estate, another standard topic of LA, the same caveat applies — weekend open her purse and hands my wife a So-Cal conversation. As dreamers, mornings are the best time. It’s another handful of business cards from her Angelenos tend to dream big. And winding road, but this time, on the favourite divorce attorneys. Ignoring there’s no bigger dream than the dream left of you will be the Pacific Ocean, this, I point out we’ve been waiting house. But what the average visitor to and to the right will be cliffs, with outside Osteria Mozza for half an Los Angeles may not realize is that you massive, expensive, yet unstable houses hour. There are six groups ahead of us, don’t need to buy the house to live this perched atop, ready to tumble into the meaning a wait of at least another 45 dream (or at least walk through it). sea at the slightest tremble of the minutes. And Pink’s is less than a 10One enjoyable way to spend a Sunday earth’s crust. minute walk away. Logic, and hunger, As you drive to Malibu, keep on the is simply to stroll through some of the wins out. lookout for a small shack on the rightfanciest homes in the city. There’s no 58

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Pink’s is an unassuming hot dog stand that has been on the corner of Melrose and La Brea since 1939 and has been featured in everything from People and Condé Naste Traveler magazines to the New York Times and an Archie comic book. There aren’t many affordable, accessible, historical and tackily charming places like Pink’s left in town and its claim to fame is that, back in the day, Orson Welles, and fellow iconic glutton Marlon Brando were among its regulars. It is said that the allbinging, no-purging Welles would have his driver pull up and order as many chili dogs as the brilliant-but-frustrated filmmaker could consume. Legend has it that Welles’ personal best was a mind-boggling 18 in one sitting. Apparently Brando could only gulp down a girlishly demure six per visit. “The line-up is huge,” my wife says. “We’ll be waiting at least an hour.” She’s half-right. The line up is much bigger at Pink’s than it was at Osteria Mozza. But when you’ve been in business since 1939, you generally have your act down cold. Pink’s can serve up a hot dog every 30 seconds. And this night, they do just that. It takes 15 minutes to get to the front of the line and place our order. While waiting to order, the Actress calls her constitutional acupuncturist who assures her it’s okay to eat a hot dog, but she’ll have to double her kelp and açai dosages for the next two weeks. The Producer orders a Brooklyn pastrami-Swiss cheese dog, but with extra pastrami, no bun, no cheese, and no dog. The Actress takes a breath, then blurts out an order for a sauerkraut-bacon-chili-cheese-pastrami dog (with extra cheese, extra mayo, fried onions, and a side of sour cream). She waves off our stares, telling us of the nifty diet she’s on which allows her to eat as much of whatever she wants whenever she wants, providing she throws up a half hour later. As we head to the patio to dig into our spoils five minutes after placing our order, it occurs to me that this city of

The author about to savour the fine dining experience at the same place where Maron Brando and Orson Wells once chowed down, and where Welles once ate 18 hot dogs in one sitting.

glitzy immigrants is a surprisingly tolerant place where it is assumed that, for each and every self-involved one of us, everything must be just so. Be it a midcentury house, a turn-of-the-century brownstone, a sagging pair of breasts, or even a simple hot dog, there is nothing in this town that has not been dreamt about, obsessed about, and ultimately made beautiful for the eye of its beholder — only to be re-dreamt, reobsessed, and re-made by the next in

line. Still, we go on, chasing the dragon of flawlessness, hoping for that fleeting moment when, once captured, it will breathe fire over our mediocrity, give us the ounce of perfection we crave and, in so doing, legitimize our lives. (Edgar Lyall is currently writing for the Lifetime TV series Army Wives, and recently wrote for the cancelled Fox series, Reunion. He has been living and working in Los Angeles for almost 10 years.)

IF YOU GO...

The Bradbury Building: 304 S.Broadway

Osteria Mozza: 6602 Melrose Ave. (323) 297-0100 www.mozza-la.com

Pinks: 709 N. La Brea Blvd. (323) 931-4223. www.pinkshollywood.com

The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea & Cocoa: 10117 Washington Blvd. Culver City. (310) 558-0436 www.conservatorycoffeeandtea.com

To see a list of some famous LA houses you can view from the outside go to www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/ famous-houses.htm

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At home in the Talisman Centre in Calgary, Janice McCaffrey still enjoys training and competing around the world as a world-class masters athlete.

For one Panda alumna and three-time Olympian race walker, once around the world is not enough hank goodness for age categories!,” says three-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games medalist Janice McCaffrey, ’80 BA, with a smile on her face. But, heck, with or without age categories, McCaffrey is usually among the fastest in the field, regardless of the distance or the event. At 48, McCaffrey, raised in Edmonton and a member of the Pandas track and field team from 1977 to 1982, still routinely ends up on the podium. To wit, within three weeks time during the summer of 2007 she added three more medals to her already sizeable collection. First, the team she coaches and competes with, Adrenaline Rush Athletics, won the Banff-Jasper Relay. On the two following weekends she won two silver medals, one in the Vancouver Triathlon, and one in the New Balance Half Ironman Triathlon in Victoria. That Half Ironman was a fun one. Her brother, Steven Turner, ’77 BA, was also participating, besting his “little” sister’s time by about 11 minutes in the five-hour event. “He did kick my butt, so I had to eat humble pie and concede that he is the superior triathlete in the family...

“T

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Autumn 2008

for now. I suspected he might be, but the months of trash talking each other prior to getting to the start line was a lot of fun.” The siblings’ days of running together began more than three decades earlier. “Steve and I have always been competitive, and I always looked up to him,” explains the diminutive mother of two who lives in Calgary with husband Bill McCaffrey, ’81 BSc(Eng). “Our dad, who was the general manager of Northwest Drugs, unfortunately had a heart attack in his early 40s. Part of his rehabilitation was a running program. He and Steve would go for a run and I’d tag along.” The little sister had no problem keeping up. In fact, the young runner was a natural — blessed genetically with enough endurance to enable her to run with all but the fastest men. She began to hone her talent at Strathcona (Scona) Composite High School, a place with a long and storied history of winning track and field and cross-country provincial titles. When she and her teammates were told to run “once around the world” by circling the school grounds as a warm-up, McCaffrey had no way of knowing that the symbol would one day become a reality.

McCaffrey began her round-the-world inspiring,” McCaffrey says. “I decided travels like many talented Canadian aththat was my calling.” Eventually, she “Even modest athletes letes travelling across the country to comformed her own company, the Western pete in the Canada Summer Games. A Performance Centre, and began to constill must tackle few months before the 1981 Games in duct motivational and corporate workThunder Bay, she realized that a commitshops, deliver keynote speeches, and ment to attend a wedding coincided with challenges, and how they provide performance coaching. her normal running event. The only As an athlete, she explains, she never master those challenges fully understood what it was that coaches endurance event scheduled for when she could be available was the 5,000-metre found so fulfilling. Now she does. As a race walk. Encouraged by highly coach of master-aged athletes, she is is their victory.” regarded Edmonton Olympic Club coach employing her formidable educational and Roger Burrows, ’71 MA, she tackled the psychological background to help others event’s unique technical challenges and not only won a fulfill their athletic goals, providing comprehensive race bronze medal in her first attempt at the event, but she also plans and preparing them psychologically. “Even modest earned a spot on the provincial team. It was the beginning athletes still must tackle challenges,” she says, “and how of a love affair with the sport that would last a lifetime. they master those challenges is their victory.” “Janice was already very good at the middle distances In 2001, after dominating the event in Canada for over and cross country. She had the drive, the mental toughness two decades, she retired from race walking. But while her and determination,” says Burrows, who started coaching competitive walking days were over, her competitive spirit McCaffrey at Scona and was also her Pandas coach. “Add wasn’t ready to quit. McCaffrey simply shifted gears. the comparatively rare technical aptitude for race walking, She represented Canada that year as a marathoner at the Francophone Games, becoming the only athlete since 1912 and you have a powerful combination. She was also easy to compete internationally for Canada as both a runner and to coach; we just clicked, with a lot of mutual trust. She a walker, and the only woman ever to do so. often said: ‘I do everything Roger asks me to do, because I In spite of being in her 40s, she consistently ranks among know that he’ll never ask for anything I can’t do.’ ” the top 10 marathoners in the country. In 2004, McCaffrey McCaffrey quickly established herself as one of the was inducted into the University of Alberta’s Sports Wall of country’s premier race walkers, winning the Canadian Fame. Not one to sit on her laurels, she took up the triathlon championship 13 times and establishing national records that year and won a gold medal in the Sprint Triathlon event for the 10 and 20-kilometre events that still stand today. at the 2005 World Masters Games in Edmonton. This year The world beckoned... Rome, Auckland, Tokyo, Barcelona, she also represented Canada at the World Olympic Distance Stuttgart, Paris, Atlanta, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney. Triathlon Age Group Championships for the fourth year in She captured the silver medal in the Pan American Race a row. Walk Cup in 1984 and again in 1990, and was crowned “I’m still in denial,” she jokes, in reference to her chronothe Jeux de la Francophonie champion in 1994. In the logical age. “It has never been about the medals and today same year, she won bronze at the Commonwealth Games, it’s simply about the love of sport. I feel fortunate to be able held in Victoria, BC. She also went to three Pan American to do it and I still have the same competitive mentality.” Games, seven World Race Walk Cups and four World — Michael Robb, ’89 BA Athletics (track and field) Championships. “Female endurance athletes like Janice and her contemporaries sometimes had to pound on doors to be ‘allowed’ into the same distance events as men,” Burrows explains. “But, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the doors opened. As a When the Olympics opened in Beijing on August 8 there was a strong U of A (and Edmonton) presence. Four members of result, she was able to keep climbing a competitive ladder, the track team representing Canada train under coach Kevin one rung at a time. Before long, the next step up was the Tyler, director of the U of A’s Canadian Athletics Coaching Olympics, so why not climb it, too?” Janice represented Centre at Foote Field, while a fifth — 200-metre sprinter Canada at three Olympic Games—Barcelona in ’92, Atlanta Brian Barnett — works with assistant coach Quin Sekulich, in ’96, and Sydney in 2000. ’00 BPE, who also operates out of the Centre. The TylerWhile she was climbing the athletic ladder, McCaffrey coached athletes are reigning 400-metre indoor world chamearned an after-degree from the U of Calgary in Social Work, pion Tyler Christopher, 400-metre runner Carline Muir, and relay went on to complete a master’s in educational psychology runners Emanuel Parris and Pierre Brown. John Fitzgerald coaches 50-kilometre race walker, and five-time Olympian, Tim from the U of C and eventually worked for Calgary’s Berrett, ’97 PhD, who joined another two Edmonton natives Catholic School Board as a chartered psychologist. who train in the U.S. —5,000-metre specialist Megan Metcalfe Career and sport began to come together as she was and 100-metre hurdler Angela Whyte. increasingly asked to do speaking engagements. “It was

On Track

Autumn 2008

new trail

bookmarks She Laughed All the Way to the Bank

Freckles: A Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life

Cindy Skrukwa, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;88 BCom

Ardith Trudzik, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;66 BEd

Subtitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Financial Empowerment for Canadian Women,â&#x20AC;? this book weaves together a tapestry of information and inspiration designed as a femaleoriented guide to personal money management. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Money is a great enabler,â&#x20AC;? says Skrukwa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buy yourself some freedom.â&#x20AC;? Raincoast Press, www.raincoast.com Real Success Without a Real Job Ernie J. Z elinski, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;73 BSc(Eng), â&#x20AC;&#x2122;86 MBA

The title says it all as Zelinskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-help book is, as he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;designed to help you live an extraordinary lifestyle that is the envy of the corporate world. Real career success is truly enjoying what you do for a living and having the personal freedom to perform your work virtually any time you want.â&#x20AC;? Ten Speed Press, www.tenspeed.com Strength Zone: Discover Your Place of Maximum Effectiveness Dave Taylor, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;89 BSc(Eng)

In this book (also available for purchase as a PDF), Taylor shares his personal experiences, learnings and readings, which are intended to help in developing focus for individuals who want to improve, learn, and grow. Strength Zone Inc., www.strengthzone.ca

Celebrate 100 yyears earss of campus histor historyy with E Ellen llen Schoeckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Schoeckkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s I W Was as a Ther Theree and A Centur ampus M aps Centuryy of C Campus Maps

This remembrance tells the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own tale of being born and raised on a farm near Rochfort Bridge, AB, during the Great Depression. She was one of four children her mother took care of alone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; while also tending the farm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when her father joined the air force during the Second World War. Also from the same author is a sequel to Freckles called Core of My Apple where the author recounts her life beginning as a child-bride. She spent her first three married winters living in logging camps and over her 35-year teaching career she gradually gained confidence â&#x20AC;&#x153;through dealing with trusting little students.â&#x20AC;? Borealis Press, www.borealispress.com Early Voices Rudy Wiebe, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;56 BA, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60 MA, Aritha Van Herk, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;76 BA, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;78 MA, Greg Hollingshead, Carol Shields.

This book brings together some of the early prose and poetry of four of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more influential writers. All of the material was written before the authorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 20th birthdays. Illustrated by Heidi Hudspith and Amanda Patey. Juvenilia Press, www.arts.unsw.edu.au/juvenilia Bath Nights and Hockey Sticks Robert E. Miller, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;56 BEd

Steeped in the sights and sounds of the golden age of hockey, this book tells the story of a hockey-loving 12-year-old Canadian boy named Jamie and the hometown team that unites his small town of Turnball when the beloved Turnbull Tigers square off against the Edmonton Royals in the playoffs. iUniverse, Inc., www.IUniverse.com One Crow Sorrow

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I put aside the other books Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been reading to ďŹ nish reading, from cover to cover cover, r, I Was Was a There. It is superb!â&#x20AC;? Myer Horowitz President Emeritus

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This book is a treasure. The maps are fascinating, story and the stor ry of the U of A leaps off its pages.â&#x20AC;? Eric Newell Chancellor

Lisa Martin-DeMoor, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;04 BA, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;06 MA

Martin-DeMoorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut collection of poetry is both fearless and vulnerable. The poems explore grief as an extension of love, and mortality as an extension of living. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pain,â&#x20AC;? writes Martin-DeMoor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is the opened bloom of beauty.â&#x20AC;? Brindle & Glass Publishing, www.brindleglass.com Lep and the Dirty Synapse Bert Nelson, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;48 BEd

t XXX CPPLTUPSF VBMCFSUB DB t XX XX X CPPLTUPSF VBMCFSUB DB

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lepâ&#x20AC;? in the title of this book is, according to Nelson, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little helperâ&#x20AC;? who explains â&#x20AC;&#x153;almost everything.â&#x20AC;? Lep appears in all his diminutive glory before Nelson one summer afternoon as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dozing off on his patio sporting â&#x20AC;&#x153;the jolly, goodnatured smile that we associate with Santa.â&#x20AC;? After that, Nelson has weekly conversations with Lep who insists â&#x20AC;&#x153;on his God-hoodâ&#x20AC;? while Nelson tries â&#x20AC;&#x153;to figure out how the hoax was put together.â&#x20AC;? Trafford Publishing, www.trafford.com AUTUMN 2008

new trail

evergreen Calendar of Alumni Events Tartan Titan

ichael Kaye, ’88 BA— who had

one of the tartan gowns he designed inducted into the permanent collection of New York’s Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2003 — was the first to say, “Why not register a tartan for the U of A? It would be a great idea for the centenary.” Kaye had already designed a tartan gown in the city of Edmonton’s colours, and has plans to design and donate a gown to every province and territory in Canada, most of which have unique tartans. He’s also designed a tartan gown that will be unveiled at the Alumni Recognition Awards ceremony on September 18, as well as another non-tartan dress that President Indira Samarasekera will wear to the Centenary Homecoming Gala on the 20th. And now, thanks to Kaye’s suggestion, available for purchase in the U of A bookstore are tartan scarves featuring the registered colours of the U of A — green representing the

For more information about alumni events, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs by phone at 780- 492-3224 or (toll-free in North America) 1-800-661-2593 or by e-mail at alumni@ualberta.ca. You can also check the alumni events website at www.ualberta.ca/alumni/events.

AUGUST 14 Kinsella – Kinsella Research Ranch Day Trip 23 Vancouver – New Student Send-off Party – Lawn, Tennis & Badminton Club 24 Calgary – New Student Send-off Party – Delta Calgary South 27 Edmonton – Transition Breakfast for New International Students – Business Quad 29 Edmonton – Student Service Info Fair – Business Quad SEPTEMBER 1, 2 Edmonton – Alumni Association Welcome at Student Orientation 3 Edmonton – Centenary Birthday Party Bash – Business Quad 3-5 Edmonton – Week of Welcome Alumni Promotion 6 Edmonton – Medical Alumni Association Fall Social 25 New York – All Canadian Alumni Reception September 18–21 Homecoming 2008 — EDMONTON 18 Alumni Recognition Awards – Winspear Centre 18 Walter Johns Alumni Circle – Wild Rose Room, Lister Hall 19 Mixed Chorus Alumni Association Reunion 19 Campus Tours 19 Football Game & Pre-Game Party & Concert with “Wheat Pool” — Foote Field 19/20 Faculty Open Houses and Special Events 20 Lister Hall Reunion 20 Campus Tours 20 Lecture: Towards a Sustainable Future – Myer Horowitz Theatre 20 Medical Alumni Association Reunion Reception 20 Dental Hygiene Alumni Association Reunion Reception 20 Centenary Homecoming Gala, Shaw Conference Centre 21 President’s Breakfast, Shaw Conference Centre

wide stretches of prairie flanked by deep spruce forests and symbolizing hope and optimism; and gold, representing the golden harvest fields and symbolizing the light of knowledge (accented with black and white).

I Hear That Train A-Comin’...

omecoming is right around the corner (Sept.18–21), and we are pleased to announce that Edmonton Transit

System (ETS) is providing complimentary shuttle service for two of our biggest centenary events— the Homecoming Football Game (Sept. 19) and our Homecoming Gala (Sept. 20). In addition, they are offering free LRT service between Stadium and Health Sciences LRT stations during Homecoming for anyone wearing an official Homecoming name tag. “Like the U of A, ETS is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and with the shared history between ETS and the University, this partnership just made sense” says ETS market planner Jeff Stuart. “We are hoping that Edmonton area alumni will also join us for the ETS centennial festivities taking place at Churchill Square [Sept. 12 to 20].” 64

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AUTUMN 2008

OCTOBER 2 Edmonton – Alumni Book Club – Alumni Lounge 3 Edmonton – Alumni Book Club – Humanities Bldg 16 Edmonton – Walter Johns Alumni Circle – Alumni House 21 Edmonton – Dental Hygiene Alumni Association Continuing Education Event

Everyday Computing Basics for Seniors A variety of classes run September through October at the Technology Training Centre at the U of A

NOVEMBER 1 Hong Kong – Centenary Celebration 3 Lethbridge – Centenary Road Trip 4 Medicine Hat – Centenary Road Trip 5 Singapore – Alumni Event 6 Beijing – Alumni Reception 6 Edmonton – Alumni Book Club – Alumni Lounge, Foote Field 7 Edmonton – Alumni Book Club – Humanities Bldg 14 Japan – Alumni Event (TBC) 20 Edmonton – Walter Johns Alumni Circle – Alumni House 27 Lethbridge – Unique Experiences Dinner 29 Edmonton – Personal Retirement Planning – Telus Centre 30 Vancouver – Annual Holiday Alumni Brunch TBC Seoul – Alumni Event DECEMBER 4 Edmonton – Alumni Book Club – Alumni Lounge, Foote Field 5 Edmonton – Alumni Book Club – Humanities Bldg 14 Victoria – Annual Alumni Tea at the Empress TBC Hong Kong – UAAAHK Annual Family Christmas Party FEBRUARY 28 Phoenix – Annual Alumni Brunch

classnotes

’30s

’37 Dorothy Shaw, BA, of Mukilteo, WA, says, “I moved to the United States in 1948 and I shall soon celebrate my 60th anniversary here. I have taught school and really enjoyed being a bookmobile librarian. I also achieved a lifetime goal of having my book published.”

’40s

’45 Steele Brewerton, BSc, ’48 MD, of Cardston, AB, writes to say that his son, Conway Brewerton, ’73 BSc, ’77 MD, “graduated from the U of A 29 years after I graduated and that his son, my grandson, Lee J. Brewerton, ’06 MD, graduated 29 years after his father.” Steele notes this his son “is licensed to practise medicine in Canada, Virginia, Texas, Mississippi and Saudi Arabia” and that he was the doctor to the Crown Prince of Arabia.

’48 John Settle, BSc, ’52 MD, writes from Calgary to say, “I am still in a medical practice (family practitioner) for four half-days a week. I also play easy listening piano music in retirement homes for six to eight hours every month. My wife, Coby, graduated from the U of Calgary last year with her BA in music.

’49 Thomas Joseph Walsh,BA,’53

’58 Clare Drake, BEd, ’95 LLD

LLB, ’89 LLD (Honorary), will receive the Alberta Order of Excellence in October, the highest honour the province can bestow on a citizen. Over the years Thomas has devoted substantial time, energy and enthusiasm to a number of civic ventures dedicated to enhancing Calgarians’ quality of life, such as the city’s centennial celebrations, the Calgary Parks Foundation, and the Calgary Stampede. Thomas also served as an elected member of the U of A Senate from 1982 to 1988.

(Honorary), will receive the Alberta Order of Excellence in October. Clare, of Edmonton, was a Golden Bears coach for 28 years and is credited with fundamentally changing the way hockey is played today.

’50s

’50 Richard Taylor, BSc, ’52 MSc, ’91 LLD (Honorary), is the newest member of the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame. A recipient of numerous honours, including the Nobel Prize for Physics, he holds the appointment of Distinguished University Professor in the physics department at the U of A and is a professor emeritus at Stanford U.

’55 Betty G. Jones (Millard), BSc(HEc), ’08 DSc (Honorary), from Cononado, CA, received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the U of A in recognition of her outstanding contribution to science and society.

Don Taylor, BSc(Eng), ’60 MSc(Eng), is one of three laureates of the Calgary Business Hall of Fame. Don was honoured for his work as president of Engineering Air, beginning in 1966 when he built the airconditioning equipment manufacturing business into a company with annual sales of over $200 million and invested the profits from this company to spark other ventures in the energy and real estate sectors.

’60s

’60 Margaret J. Friedman, Dip(Nu), was announced by Edmonton Mayor Steven Mandell as a 2008 City of Edmonton Hall of Fame inductee for her dedication and achievement in the community service category. ’61 Charles Crawford, BA, ’64 MSc, a professor emeritus of psychology at Simon Fraser U, writes from New Westminster, BC, that, “My 70th year was one of my best. First, I was invited to China to teach what I was told was the first graduate course on evolutionary

house calls to families, John Smulski, ‘39 BSc, nursing homes, and ’42 MD, of Edmonton, extended care facilities. celebrated his 92nd Even today, he cannot birthday in February resist reading the annual and took time to reflect edition of Current Therapy on a busy and rewardand making the occasional ing life. Born in 1916 in diagnosis.While his medical a log house near practice was thriving, John Redwater, AB, John expanded the family farm, excelled in school, finbecame a certified seed ishing eight grades in farmer, and was actively six years in a one-room involved in the Redwater schoolhouse. At St. Joseph’s High School in John Smulski surrounded by his children, grandchildren, farming community. and wife, Marie. Until recently, John Edmonton, he continenjoyed playing banjo and guitar with small orchestras. ued his studies but notes, “When I graduated from Community involvement was also always important high school, I did not have an honours diploma, so I to him, including work with St. Josaphat’s Cathedral, took Latin by correspondence, working by the light of the Knights of Columbus, and the Royal Canadian a coal oil lamp on the farm.” After his hiatus on the Legion, Norwood Branch. farm, classes at the U of A brought John back to Today, John lives at St. Michael’s Lodge and Edmonton, where he lived at St. Joseph’s College. enjoys time in the family home with Marie, his wife of During his long medical career as a general prac64 years. He has two sons, two daughters, and seven titioner, John practised at the Edmonton General grandchildren. A proud graduate of the U of A, he Hospital for 50 years with medical privileges at other cherishes the memories of his time spent on campus. hospitals. As a family physician, he routinely made

psychology given in that country. About 40 MA and PhD students from the Department of Psychology at Tianjin Normal U attended my course. I also gave professional lectures on evolutionary psychology to the School of Marxism and the School of Management, as well as to the Tianjin Philosophic Society. Secondly, I completed Foundations of Evolutionary Psychology, an advanced text for those who want to learn evolutionary psychology from the ground up. Thirdly, I published several articles, chapters and commentaries during the year.” Barbara Rocchio (Gammon), Dip(Nu), ’64 BSc(Nu), ’88 MEd, was one of 100 people across the country recognized for their outstanding contributions to their professions and to Canada by the Canadian Nurses Association in honour of its centennial. Barbara also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta in 2005 and the following year was honoured with a U of A Alumni Honour Award.

’63 Philip Winkelaar, BSc,’68 MD, writes from Orleans, ON, to say he “retired from my part-time geriatric practice March 31, 2007, and from my full-time job with the Canadian Medical Protective Association on December 31, 2007. I have since embarked on a new venture, using the writing skills developed at CMPA to provide communications advice to physicians and others. All my other spare time is devoted to visiting grandchildren, travel, carpentry, and writing medical history. ’64 Leo Jacques, BCom, of Kelowna, BC, retired after 35 years of teaching business education. He was head of the College of Commerce Business Department in Kampala, Uganda, in 1971–72 (under Idi Amin). He was also treasurer of the Writers Guild of Alberta for five years, running the WGA’s Red Deer office for two years. As a horse racing historian, Leo has written 14 books including Joey: Calgary’s Horse and Other Hall of Famers and Call to the Post: Johnny Longden’s Glories and Goofs. His wife, Sue, was a financial worker at Red Deer College and earned her accounting specialist AUTUMN 2008

new trail

certificate there. Leo and Sue have two children and four grandchildren. “We live in a gated community in Kelowna and enjoy life and walking our mini-schnauzer, Minnie.”

’66 Allister J. McPherson, BSc(Ag), from Edmonton, was recently appointed to the EPCOR board of directors. Previously, Allister was executive vice-president of Canadian Western Bank and he also served as Alberta deputy provincial treasurer (finance and revenue) from 1984 to 1996.

’68 Michael Binder, MSc, ’71 PhD, from Orleans, ON, was recently appointed president of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for a five-year term. Previously, he served as the assistant deputy minister of Spectrum Information Technologies and Telecommunications at Industry Canada. Denis M. Ellard, BSc(Eng), ’75 MBA, from Calgary, has been elected to the board of directors at Canadian Utilities Limited, an ATCO Company. Denis held several senior positions at ATCO during his 35 years with the company before retiring in

Bindraban Thusu, MSc, from London, England, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding achievements and tireless efforts in bringing honour to India’s Jammu U Geology Alumni Association. Bindraban is currently honorary senior research fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom. 2003 and is still director of ATCO’s Energy Services and Technologies business group. Walentin “Val” Mirosh, BSc(Eng), ’73 LLB, from Calgary, has been named special advisor to the president and chief operating officer of the Canadian Operating Centre for NOVA Chemicals in Calgary. Val has spent 35 years working in the energy and chemical industries, both in Canada and abroad.

’69 Orville Pyrcz, BA, ’70 LLB, was recently appointed to the position of vice-president business development and general counsel for Resman Holdings Ltd. Orville is also counsel to Macleod Dixon LLP in Calgary where he practised income tax and corporate law as a partner prior to joining Resman.

’70s

’71 Helen Hays, MD, from Edmonton, will receive the Alberta Order of Excellence in October, the highest honour the province can bestow on a citizen. Helen is one of North America’s foremost experts on the treatment of the terminally ill and has promoted the development of hospice and palliative care in Canada. ’72 Heather Carlile Waldenmaier (Dyck), BFA, of Plano, Texas, writes, “My BFA equipped me for my career in psychology — it helps me understand people and makes me a better speaker. After the audition tour to Stratford and points in between, my classmate, Charlotte Blunt, ’71 BFA, welcomed me as a roommate in Toronto where, in the early ’70s, I

auditioned for and was accepted into the London, Ontario, Repertory Company. But, too late, an old boyfriend attracted me to California. I was married to him for seven years and,when we split up, I moved to Dallas. It’s been my home ever since. I ended up getting an MA in counseling psychology. You can see my journey on my website, www.heathercarlile.com. I have a private practice and a wonderful life with my husband, composer Jack Waldenmaier.

’74 Rod MacLaine, BSc(Eng) has relocated to Houston, Texas, to work for the Shaw Group as the Shaw Energy and Chemicals division senior vice president for construction where he oversees world-wide construction for the company. David Shragge, MD, has been appointed to the board of trustees for the Alberta Heritage Foundation. David is a former emergency doctor and was chief of emergency medicine and ambulatory care for Edmonton’s Misericordia Hospital and Caritas Health Group. David is currently a health care consultant and professor in the Division of Emergency Medicine at the U of A.

life as a grad student can be more than a dream, regardless of your schedule. Master of Arts in Communications and Technology Apply by December 15, 2008 for study in May 2009 For more informatin, application details, and a free brochure, call: 780.492.1538

part time study 66

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AUTUMN 2008

full time learning

www.mact.ca

Glenda Simms, BEd, ’76 MEd, ’85 PhD, ’95 LLD (Honorary), from Kingston, Jamaica, received an honorary degree from the U of Western Ontario in June. A 1994 recipient of a U of A Distinguished Alumni Award, Glenda is known for breaking new ground in the fight for gender equality and social justice in both Canada and Jamaica.

’76 Liz Ingram, MVA, was announced by Edmonton Mayor Steven Mandell as a 2008 City of Edmonton Hall of Fame inductee for her achievements in the arts and culture category. Michael Owen, Dip(Ed), ’79 MEd, was recently named the first vicepresident of research and graduate studies at the Ontario College of Art & Design. Previously, the accomplished educator, academic and administrator was the associate vicepresident of research and international development at Brock U. Don E. Sieben, BCom, ’94 (PGDip), from Edmonton, has been appointed to the Alberta Health Services Board. Robert Yaro, BEd, of Fort McMurray, AB, is returning this summer to the Tel Rehov Excavation in the Jordan

River Valley in Israel to assist in the further excavation of the beehives discovered there in 2005 and excavated in 2007. “This is the first organized honey industry that dates back to the Biblical era to be excavated in Israel,” says Robert.

’77 Jeanne Besner, BSc(Nu), ’85 MA, ’99 PhD, from Calgary, was one of 100 people across the country recognized for their outstanding contributions to their professions and to Canada by the Canadian Nurses Association in honour of its centennial. Jeanne is currently director of Calgary Health Region’s Health Systems and Workforce research unit. She has also received a 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal and was the recipient of a 2007 U of A Alumni Honour Award.

’78 David Marshall, MEd,’80 PhD, was reappointed to a second term as president of Mount Royal College in Calgary, continuing in a position he assumed in 2003. David has received numerous academic and community awards, including a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of service to university education.

’79 Brian D. Napier, BSc(Eng), of St. Albert, AB, has been appointed chief technology officer with Westcan Wireless in Alberta. In addition, he remains a marriage commissioner for the Province of Alberta.

Kent H. Davidson, ’79 BA, ’82 LLB, of the law firm Miller Thomson LLP, has been appointed Q.C. Every two years the province of Alberta bestows this designation on a select group of lawyers, declaring them “Her Majesty’s Counsel, learned in the law, for the Province of Alberta.” Also receiving his Q.C. designation was Kent R. Anderson, ’81 LLB, of the law firm Miller Thomson LLP. Salwa Tarrabain, BSc(Pharm), writes from Edmonton to say, “Can you believe 30 years ago we graduated from the U of A? I know we have all aged well and I look forward to getting together during Homecoming to tell stories and modified truths.” To this end Salwa (salwa@shaw.ca) is organizing a pre-Homecoming get-together on September 13 at Pigeon Lake, AB, for all ’78 Pharmacy grads. She encourages those who wish to attend to contact her or Karen Brown, ’78 BSc(Pharm) — nkbrown2@gmail.com — or Marg Barr, ’78 BSc(Pharm) — 5238–42 St., Ponoka, AB T4J 1C9 — for more details. Brian Vaasjo, BEd, ’81 MBA, from Edmonton, has been appointed chief operating office of Epcor Utilities Inc., and will continue to serve as executive vice president for the company, a position he has held since 1998. Brian is also president of Epcor Power L.P., Canada’s largest power income fund, and is the past chairman of the board of the United Way, Alberta Capital Region. Don Horwood, MA, was recently named the Canada West men’s basketball Coach of the Year. The selection, made by his fellow coaches, was announced at the Canada West Men’s Basketball awards ceremony. Don, in his 40th-year overall of coaching basketball (including 25 years at the U of A), took the Golden Bears team to a solid 16-6 record, good for second place in the CISU central division.

’80s

’80 Anita Molzahn (Yanitski), BSc(Nu), ’86 MA, ’89 PhD, has been named dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the U of A.

’81 Maureen Best (Clare), Cert(Nu), of Calgary, was the recipient of a 2008 Lifetime Achievement Nursing Excellence Award handed out by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta in recognition of her achievements in helping to improve the health of others. Kathryn Hannah, PhD, was recognized by the Canadian Nurses Association for her outstanding contributions to her profession and to Canada in honour of the CAN’s centennial. Kathryn is currently a nurse and senior health informatics consultant specializing in information management in health environments. Sam Si Hung Lam, BFA, wrote in to say that, “Attending the U of A has changed my life. I have travelled the world and worked for the best advertising companies for 26 years now, and am still enjoying using the skills I learned while at university. Thank you.” Evelyn Hamilton, MSc, of Victoria, BC, recently accepted the position of manager of ecology and earth sciences in the research branch of the BC Ministry of Forests and Range. She leads a team of research scientists that includes ecologists, soil scientists, watershed

Karen L. McClean, ’80 BSc, ’82 MD, has been named governor of the Manitoba/Saskatchewan chapter of the American College of Physicians, the international organization of internists. A resident of Saskatoon, Karen is assistant dean of post-graduate medical education and associate professor of medicine and pathology at the U of Saskatchewan, where she also served as program director for the internal medicine residency program. In addition, she has served as a visiting consultant to the Loloma Mission Hospital in Zambia since 1985. AUTUMN 2008

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scientists, range ecologists, silvicultural systems specialists, climatologists and carbon modellers who advise on ministry policy. Evelyn notes that she enjoys skiing, cycling, kayaking and hiking in her spare time. Last year she canoed a section of the Yukon River. She’d love to hear from U of A friends and can be reached at ehhamilton@shaw.ca. David Liverman, ’MSc, ’89 PhD, of St. John’s, NL, was recently appointed director of the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador.

’82 Brad Danyluik, BCom, of Sherwood Park, AB, has been appointed the new managing partner for Alberta for the international accounting firm of Grant Thornton.

’83 Jerri Cairns, BA, ’86 LLB, of Sherwood Park, AB, has been elected to the position of managing partner at the law firm Parlee McLaws LLP. Craig Cooper, BA, was appointed dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science at Nipissing U in Ontario for a five-year term effective July 1, 2008.

Jean Crozier, BSc, of Edmonton, recently received a bronze medal in the best non-fiction, Canada West category at the Independent Publisher Book Awards in Los Angeles for her first book, No Corner Boys Here. Altaf “Al” Jina, LLB, ’84 BCom, was recently honoured as Member of the Year by the British Columbia Care Providers Association at its annual conference in Whistler, BC. Al, who lives in Vancouver, has been reappointed by the BC minister of health to the board of examiners in optometry to assist with its transition under the Health Professions Act to becoming the College of Optometrists. Bruce Rigal, BCom, who lives in London, England, is the chief operating officer of global banking for Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest financial institution. Bruce oversees Deutsche’s international operations, which employ 8,000 people working in 37 countries.

’85 Krista Daley, LLB, was recently appointed head of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Krista is a native of Dartmouth, NS, and

Zsuzsanna Ardó, ’84 BA, had another showing of her film, Allegro Barbaro, in London, England, in May of this year. The film is a triple flashback, non-linear visual poem, with no dialogue. Zsuzsanna, who makes her home in London, has also had her books published worldwide. They include, How to Be a European,

Love Blues: Hungarian Rhapsodies, and Culture Shock! Hungary. She also wrote a play, The Hat, which premiered at Harvard. Zsuzsanna is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, the British Association of Journalists, the founding chairperson of the Hampstead Authors’ Society, and the editor of HASNotes.

currently resides in nearby Halifax. She has spent the last seven years as the senior general counsel and director of legal services with the Canadian Immigration Board. She also spent a year advising the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Geneva.

chair of the Kingston Family Health Team, which includes 14 doctors and several dozen allied health professionals and support staff. She invites medicine grads from the U of A who want to visit “out east” to contact her at rdubin@kingston.net.

Ruth Dubin, MD, ’81 PhD, returned to Kingston, ON, in 1986 and has been in family practice there ever since. She teaches in the Faculty of Medicine at Queen’s U and has developed an interest in chronic non-cancer pain, most recently spearheading the development of a local chronic pain education and exercise self-management program run out of the YMCA. Ruth is also

Catherine Carter-Snell, BSc(Nu), ’88 MA, ’07 PhD, from Calgary, was recently recognized by the Canadian Nurses Association for her outstanding contributions to her profession and to Canada. Catherine is currently the instructor and curriculum coordinator for the forensic studies and the advanced studies in critical care nursing programs at Mount Royal College in Calgary.

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Somchai Chuchat, PhD, was appointed to a four-year term as vice-president for international relations of Srinakharinwirot U, Bangkok, Thailand, in August 2007. Previously, Somchai had served as dean of the Faculty of Education at the same university from 2004 until his new appointment. Rick Vogel, BSc, from Edmonton, has been made a principal of the executive search consultant firm of Davies Park.

’86 Greta Cummings, MEd, ’03 PhD, of Edmonton, was the recipient of a 2008 Excellence in Research award handed out by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta in recognition of her achievements in helping to improve the health of others. Carolyn Ross, BSc(Nu),’ 88 MA, ’93 PhD, from St. Albert, AB, was one of 100 people recognized across the country for their outstanding contributions to their professions and to Canada by the Canadian Nurses Association in honour of its centennial. Carolyn is

currently a professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the U of A. Paula Simons, BA, a columnist with the Edmonton Journal, won her fourth citation of merit at the National Newspaper Awards in May for her writing on the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board’s scandalous handling of a controversial powerline proposal. Paula’s series of articles uncovered the fact that the AEU secretly hired private investigators to look into the lives of landowners who publicly expressed opposition to AltaLinks application to erect a 500,000-volt transmission line running from Wabamum to Calgary on their land.

’88 Cathy Giblin, BSc(Nu), from St. Albert, AB, was the recipient of a 2008 Nursing Excellence award for “administration” handed out by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta in recognition of her achievements in the nursing profession. Joanne Profetto-McGrath, MEd, ’99 PhD, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the

nursing profession and to Canada by the Canadian Nurses Association in honour of its centennial. Joanne is currently the interim dean for the Faculty of Nursing at the U of A.

’89 Doug Bristow, BCom, from Edmonton, has been appointed to the accounting and finance team of recruiters at David Aplin Recruiting where he will use his 15 years of high-level recruiting experience to specialize in contract placements of senior-level accounting and finance professionals. Nick Jaffer, BCom, of Sydney, Australia, recently established the Sydney office of Global Philanthropic, a worldwide group of strategic management professionals providing consulting services to the philanthropic sector. Previous to that Nick worked for three years as director of development for the U of Sydney. “With my global colleagues across the world, I’m looking forward to continuing to work with universities as well as schools and a diverse range of other clients in Australia and abroad to help them advance their philanthropic goals.”

Peter F. Thompson, LLB, from Barrie, ON, wrote to thank us for “including mention of my art and music in the Spring 2008 issue of New Trail. I am attaching a photo from the “Bal du Printemps” in New York City on May 14 where two of my photos were sold as part of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation Gala’s Silent Auction. From the $1,000-per-plate event and auction, a total of $865,000 was raised in one night for Parkinson’s awareness and research. I had the pleasure to exchange my CD with doctor Oliver Sacks, the author of Awakenings and Musicophilia, in return for his signing a copy of the latter book.

Stop to celebrate 100 years of public transit in Edmonton. Transit Centennial Week September 12th-20th Churchill Square

Don’t miss the festivities! Historical tours, High Level Bridge Streetcar rides, vintage vehicle, photo and rare memorabilia displays, live entertainment, children’s games, prizes and much more.

Detailed events schedule at www.takeETS.com

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’90s

BSc(Eng), who died along with four others in a plane crash.

TEC Edmonton VenturePrize award for his “branch office in a box” creation called Datagarden that allows an IT administrator to build a flexible, costeffective, virtual data centre that can span many centres around the world. Geoffrey’s win of the “Fast Growth Award” comes with $150,000 worth of cash and services.

Carmen Marshall, LLB, has been made a partner in the Calgarybased law firm Gowlings Barristers and Solicitors.

’91 Geoffrey Hayward, PhD, won a

A. Naomi Nind, BA, ’94 MA, ’99 LLB, was recently made a partner in the Calgary office of the law firm Parlee McLaws LLP. Naomi specializes in commercial litigation and business law.

David L. Sharko, BCom, ’97 LLB, of Edmonton, has been made a partner at the law firm Parlee McLaws LLP. David is a member of the firm’s Aboriginal law, litigation and commercial real estate practice groups. His civil litigation experience is

’92 Douglas Bartole, BSc(Eng), was recently named a member of the board of directors of the Toronto-based New Sage Energy Corporation. Douglas is also president and CEO of Calgary-based Vero Energy Inc., an oil and natural gas exploration and development company. Naseem Bashir, BSc(Eng), has been appointed president of Edmontonbased A.D. Williams Engineering. He replaces Reagan Williams, ’92

Green Your Meeting With Us Explore the possibilities for making your next event a greener one at The Banff Centre. s Your meeting is green at no additional cost – it’s

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The Banff Centre is a globally respected arts, cultural, and educational institution and conference centre. A catalyst for creativity, the Centre inspires artists, the mountain community, and business and community leaders from Canada and around the world.

107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Box 1020 Banff, AB, Canada T1L 1H5 Fax: 403.762.6202 Ph: 403.762.6435 Toll Free: 1.877.760.4595 E-mail: conferences@banffcentre.ca www.banffcentre.ca

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AUTUMN 2008

Rita Wong, MA, of Vancouver, received the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize for her book of poetry called forage that was published by Nightwood Editions in 2007. The award, one of the BC Book Prizes, recognizes the best collection of poetry by a resident of British Columbia.

Dario Wonjin Choi, ’90 BSc(Eng), was recently promoted to the position of vice-president and general manager of the Asia-Pacific region of Tandberg Television, a company that delivers multimedia technology and digital TV solutions. Choi was previously senior sales director, responsible for overseeing the development of Tandberg Television’s sales and business opportunities in Southeast and Northeast Asia. “The Asia-Pacific region is a highly dynamic media market where Tandberg Television is enabling the introduction of digital TV and rapidly facilitating new revenue generating services such as HDTV, and on-demand, nonlinear entertainment,” writes Choi. “I am excited to be taking the helm at this pivotal time in the industry’s and the region’s history.”

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wide-ranging with extensive involvement in large loss claims. He has appeared before various levels of the Alberta and Federal Courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Jason Dyck, ‘90 ’BSc, ’95 PhD, from Sherwood Park, AB, was named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 by the executive search firm Caldwell Partners International. The honour is bestowed in recognition of visionary leadership, innovative research, and academic achievements. Also named to the list were Court Carruthers, ’93 BCom, Pernille Ironside, ’93 BCom, and Nicole Letourneau, ’94 MA, ’98 PhD, who was recently appointed the Canada Research Chair in Health Child Development at the U of New Brunswick, Nicole says, “Even when I was a child I wondered how we can make the best environment for children.” Nicole is the creator of the child health intervention and longitudinal development studies program at UNB.

Roger Wong, MD, from Vancouver, was awarded the Killam Teaching Prize in 2007 at UBC. Killam Teaching Prize-winners are selected by their faculties based on recommendations from students and colleagues. Each winner receives $5,000 from university endowment sources. In addition, Wong says that his work in the development of innovative curriculum and teaching methodologies was recognized with the Donald Richards Wilson award (also in 2007), which is given out by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to a medical educator who has demonstrated excellence in integrating the CanMEDS roles into a Royal College or other health-related training programs.

’93 Donovan Jones, BA, of Vancouver, was recently appointed president and CEO of CounterPath Corporation, a leading provider of desktop and mobile VOIP software products and solutions.

she and her husband, Richard Zamzow, ’96 BSc, “are both working in our fields of study. We have two boys, Marcus and Derek, and are just busy with life.”

Inga Niehoff (Weber), BSc(Ag), ’98 BEd, writes to say that she is living on a combination dairy and grain farm in Germany with her husband, Friedrich, and their three children ranging in age from eight to two — Dorothea, Kurt and Till. She also notes that she has a brother, Markus Weber, ’92 BSc(Ag), ’96 MBA, ’97 LLB, living in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

’96 Richard Siemens,BSc(Pharm), was installed as president of the Alberta College of Pharmacists for the 2008-09 term. Rick is the pharmacy manager at London Drugs in Lethbridge. He is also a certified diabetes educator and one of the first 15 pharmacists in Canada to be granted additional prescription authorization and one of the first 30 authorized to administer drugs by injection.

’94 Robert M. Pockar, BSc(Eng),

’98 R. Grant Bennett, MBA,

of Calgary, has been appointed president and CEO of Matrix Solutions Inc., an environment and engineering company. Robert initially joined Matrix Solutions while completing his engineering degree at the U of A before getting a master’s degree from the U of Waterloo. He has successfully managed hundreds of projects for the upstream oil and gas industry, including environmental liability assessments, soil and groundwater remediation projects, and groundwater supply feasibility and impact assessments.

recently retired from the role of Edmonton district vice-president of the Bank of Montreal and writes that the “family and I are returning to our roots in Kamloops, BC, to enjoy our next exciting life stage. Best wishes to all.”

’95 Dion J. Legge, BCom, ’00

Joelle McLaren, BCom, has been a franchise owner of California Closets in Edmonton for four years.

LLB, was recently made a partner in the Calgary office of the law firm Macleod Dixon LLP. Dion’s specialty is tax law with a primary emphasis on tax planning for corporations, trusts and partnerships. Glenda Zamzow, Dipl(DenH), ’96 BA, writes from Calgary to say that

Geta Fana Biftu, PhD, was appointed as an associate in the Calgary office of Golder Associates, a ground engineering and environmental services company with over 6,500 people employed in 150 offices located around the world.

Randy Shapiro, LLB, was recently made a partner in the Calgary office of the law firm Parlee McLaws LLP. Randy specializes in commercial real estate as well as banking and finance law.

Paul Gross, ’97 BFA, had his film, Passchendaele (which he wrote, directed, produced and stars in), selected to open the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s an epic First World War film and had a budget of $20 million. Paul, from Toronto, is best known for playing Constable Benton Fraser on TV’s Due South, a drama series he co-wrote and for which is was the executive producer. Passchendaele focuses on the experiences of Paul’s grandfather, Michael Dunne, a soldier who served in the 10th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force at the Battle of

’99 Marc Arnal, PhD, who earlier this year was inducted as an officer into the Ordre des Palmes academiques by the French ambassador to Canada, has been appointed to a second term as dean of Campus Saint-Jean at the U of A. Marc assumed his second, five-year term, July 1, 2008. During his first term he was appointed to represent western Canada on a national task force aimed at expanding relations between francophones and other groups and individuals in Canada. He is a founding member and president of La Fondation canadienne pour le dialogue des cultures and is responsible for Les rendezvous de la francophone fondation and francophone participation in the 2010 Olympics. As well, Marc chairs the advisory committee to the Minister

Passchendaele. “As a proud Canadian,” says Paul,“it has long been my ambition to bring this powerful period in our nation’s history to the world. It started many years ago, listening to stories my Grandfather told of his involvement in the conflict. He was a proud man and a proud member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The war was the formative event in his life and he believed, as do we, that our understanding of what it means to be Canadian was forged in the crucible of the Western Front.” To visit the film’s website go to paulgross.org/passch.htm. of Citizenship and Immigration Canada on immigration and minority francophone communities and serves as chair to the endowment trustees of the U of A’s David Peikoff Chair of Deafness Studies. Jennifer Cairney, BEd, writes that she is “currently teaching a special education class of students with behavior disorders with the Calgary Board of Education. I also recently took my master’s in teaching students at risk through Gonzaga U.” Kurt Locke, BCom, has been appointed a senior manager in the Calgary office for the international accounting firm Grant Thornton as an income tax specialist. Anders Quist, LLB, ’96 BSc, was recently named as the chief crown prosecutor of the Red Deer judicial district. AUTUMN 2008

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THE EDMONTON POLICE SERVICE — VICTIM SERVICES UNIT

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’00s

’00 Justin Matthews, LLB, and David Wedge, LLB, have both been made partners at the law firm Parlee McLaws LLP in Edmonton.

’01 Joel Kroeker, MA, recently returned home to Vancouver after travelling abroad as a guest musician studying water-related relief projects with the Mennonite Central Committee, a non-governmental peace and development organization. His third album, Closer to the Flame, was named outstanding pop album of the year at the Western Canadian Music Awards in 2007. Katie Clayton, LLB, has been made a partner in the Calgary law firm Fasken Martineau. Katie has a complex litigation and dispute resolution practice with a particular emphasis on product liability and corporate/commercial disputes, including breach of contract, and negligence generally.

’02 Tish Prouse, BA, is in

S. Louisa Wei, PhD, writes from Hong Kong to say, “I’ve made three documentaries, Storm Under the Sun (2007), A Piece of Heaven (2006) and Cui Jian: Rocking China (2006). After working in Japan for two years I moved to Hong Kong and have taught at City U for six years, I’ve written two film scripts and translated many others, including Curse of the Golden Flowers, King of Kungfu and Lust Caution.

’03 Emma Hooper, BA — who also has an MA from Bath Spa U in Britain and is currently pursuing musico-literary studies in that country at the U of East Anglia — is one of 14 outstanding Canadians who were recently awarded Maple Leaf Trust scholarships towards study in the United Kingdom. The Canadian Centennial Scholarships, which include the Maple Leaf Trust awards, are among the most prestigious and most sought-after scholarships for Canadians studying in

Trent Gillespie, BEd, wrote from Prince Albert, SK, to let us know that “Alison Gillespie (Webster) ’03 BSc, and I have recently celebrated the first birthday of our first child, Anisha Joelle. She was born May 2, 2007.”

’04 Benjamin Block, BCom, from Edmonton, has won Alberta’s top student entrepreneur award from Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship. He was one of two regional winners to advance to the finals in Toronto. His company, Sundial Graphics — an Edmonton-based design firm — has seen monthly sales increases of almost 200 percent since he launched the enter-

Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia, where he is searching for artifacts in Merv, an ancient city along the Silk Road that, 2,500 years ago, was a thriving metropolis. An archeologist, Tish is mixing adventure and academics while digging to understand how this city was built and functioned.

the UK. For 2008, almost 100 applications were submitted for consideration. After a rigorous selection process that consists of both written submissions and personal interviews, the scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, as well as on the ability of the recipient to represent Canada as an ambassador in the academic and artistic community within the UK.

prise three years ago. “I started Sundial part time when I was taking my business degree and we have eight employees now, including me,” says Ben. Muhammad Iqbal, BSc(Eng), has been very busy. He writes to say that he went back to Pakistan to work as a civil engineer, got married to Ajisha, and, last year, had a baby girl that they named Afiyah. “I am now back in Calgary working for Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd.”

’05 Uttandaraman Sundararaj, MA, was selected to receive the Engineers Canada 2008 Medal of Distinction in recognition of his innovative teaching methods. A professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the U of A, Uttandaraman says it’s important to foster relationships between students so they can “discuss, idea-generate, and problem-solve together.” Lyubov Zhyznomirska, MA, was recently selected to receive three prestigious research awards to assist her in the PhD candidacy in political science she’s currently

working on at the U of A. Lyubov was awarded the Council for European Studies Pre-Dissertation Fellowship; the Research Aboard Travel Grant offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies; and the Consular Ball Scholarship in International Studies, facilitated through University of Alberta International.

’06 Mark Blyth, PhD, was recently honoured at the U of A’s Celebration of Teaching and Learning. He was selected to receive the William Hardy Alexander Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Mark teaches in the U of A’s Department of Political Science and says, “it really is great to be recognized for something that you work hard at improving.” Angela Craig, BSc(Nu), was the recipient of a 2008 “Rising Star” Nursing Excellence award handed out by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta in recognition of her achievements in helping to improve the health of others.

What trail are you following? Please enclose all old address labels. J Revise my address to the one below. J I/We receive multiple copies— send one copy only to the address below. Name ________________________________________ Phone ________________________ Street ________________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________ Prov./State __________ Postal code ___________ Fax ______________________ E-mail ______________________________________________ Class Note ____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Mail to: Alumni Affairs/Main Floor/Enterprise Square/University of Alberta/ 10230 Jasper Ave/Edmonton AB T5J 4P6 The personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of Section 33(c) of the Alber ta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of alumni and development programs at the University of Alber ta. Questions concerning the collection, or disposal of this information should be directed to: Coordinator, Research and Marketing, Enterprise Square, University of Alber ta, 10230 Jasper Ave, Edmonton AB T6G 2H1, ph: 780-492-2515.

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In Memoriam The Alumni Association notes with sorrow the passing of the following graduates:

Everett Steadman Graham, BSc(Eng), of Sarnia, ON, in January 2008

Muriel Adeline Affleck Caldwell,

’55 Dave Kolasa, Dip(Ed), ’60 BEd, of Red Deer, AB, in April 2008

G.C. Ione Phipps, Dip(Nu), of

BEd, ’59 MEd, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

’22 Alethea Arabella Barnecut

Courtenay, BC, in May 2008

Richmond Ellis Olson, BA, ’51 LLB

James Francis Tod, BSc(Eng), of Salmon Arm, BC, in July 2008

Wood, BA, of Calgary, AB, in March

’47 Arie Hendrik Van Der Lee,

’51 Alvin Earl Walker, MD, of San

Marjorie Grace McLennan-Hole,

BSc(Eng), of Calgary, AB, in July 2008

Bernardino, CA, in January 2008

D. Floyd Terriff, BEd, ’48 MEd, of

Clement Walter Harke, BSc(Ag), of

Dip(Nu), of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Surrey, BC, in June 2008

Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Gordon Urch Proctor, BSc(Eng), of

Edward James Chambers, BCom,

Nanaimo, BC, in December 2007

’54 LLB, of Calgary, AB, in March 2008

Jean Elizabeth Sylvest MacDonald,

G.A. Warne, BSc(Eng), of Calgary,

BSc(Pharm), of Castlegar, BC, in June 2008

AB, in May 2008

2008

’33 Winifred Bertha New, BA, in June 2008

’34 Edmund Andrew M.M. Cairns, MD, of Lethbridge, AB

’38 Robert Edward Folinsbee, BSc, ’89 DSc (Honorary), of Dunnville, ON, in May 2008

Robert Herbert Barron, LLB, of Calgary, AB, in May 2008

’39 Alison Isobel Monahan, Dip(Nu), of Edmonton, AB, in July 2008

C. Fred Bentley, BSc(Ag), ’42 MSc, ’90 DSc (Honorary), of Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

John Frederick Walker, Dip(Pharm), of Wetaskiwin, AB, in April 2008

’40 Alma Mary Price Holbrook, BA, of West Vancouver, BC, in February 2008

Georgia May Campbell, BSc(HEc), of Edmonton, AB, in July 2008

Max William Good, BSc(Eng), of

Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

R.G. Wray, BSc, of Edmonton, AB, in

of Magrath, AB, in March 2008

Russell A. Drewniak, BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Vern Schwab, BA, ’58 LLB, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

’56 Charles Gerald D. Poland, BSc(Eng), of Calgary, AB, in January 2008

Roy M. Wadson, BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

July 2008

’48 Bertha Frances Carr Batty,

Richard Neil Keldsen, BSc(Pharm),

Gerald Seniw, DDS, of Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

of Drayton Valley, AB, in April 2008

Grace Loreen Haydu Bazley,

Sheila Isobel C. Collier, Dip(Nu),

BSc(HEc), of Parksville, BC, in February 2008

BSc, of Calgary, AB, in February 2008

John Kenneth Sturrock, BSc, of Edmonton, AB, in December 2007

’52 Dip(PHNu), of Castor, AB

Ted Lipinski, BSc(Eng), of Oakville, ON, in December 2007

W. Stanley Calder, BEd, of

Calgary, AB, in January 2008

Walter Henry Kaasa, BEd, ’93 DLitt (Honorary), of Edmonton, AB, in July 2008

Jim Dmytro Nick Shinkaruk, BEd, ’60, BA, ’86 BSc, of Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

Grant Wilcock Dominy, BSc, of

William Joseph Ewasiuk, BSc(Ag),

Robert Hugh Knowles, MSc, of

’49 Alex Patton, BSc(Eng), of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

B. Harper Thornton, BSc(Pharm), of

Victoria, BC, in January 2008

Calgary, AB, in May 2008

John P. Lyons, BCom, of Edmonton,

’41 John Hugh Younie, BSc(Ag), of

AB, in December 2007

Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

L. Stewart Meeres, BSc(Eng), of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

T. Albert Dobson, MD, of Abbotsford, BC, in January 2008

Patrick John Doyle, BSc, ’49 MD, of Vancouver, BC, in May 2008

J. Donald Matheson, BSc(Eng), of

Robert Dean Clifton, BSc(Pharm),

Leon Arkle Richardson, DDS, of

Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

of Bozeman, MT, in April 2008

Edmonton, AB, in July 2008

’52 Anna G. Rudovics Gipters, DDS,

William Francis Krebes, BSc(Eng),

of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Clifford Harley Lien, BSc(Eng), of Calgary, AB, in April 2008

Glenwood Andrew Gorius, Dip(Ed),

of Calgary, AB, in March 2008

’58 Arnold Willumsen, BSc(Eng), of Okotoks, AB, in March 2008 ’59 Henry Godfrey D. Kraus, BEd, ’64 BA, of Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

’42 Allister Clark Blackwood,

Vernon, BC, in April 2008

BSc(Ag), ’44 MSc, of Qualicum Beach, BC, in March 2008

William Edward Hawkins, BSc(Eng),

Joan Whitman Willson MacDonald,

’50 Alexander Smerek, BSc(Eng), of Calgary, AB, in May 2008

Dip(Ed), ’61 BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in July 2008

William Joseph Stephenson,

BA, of Thornhill, ON

John Windley Reynolds, BSc(Eng),

Barbara Ann Cram, BA, of Montreal, QC, in May 2008

Olive M. Lyster, Dip(Ed), ’55 BEd, of Ottawa, ON, in December 2007

’60 Jean Day, MEd, of Victoria, BC,

of Kimberley, BC, in November 2007

Nora Janet Corbett McPhail, BA, of

Dave Bert Newman, BSc, of Vancouver, BC, in February 2008

Regina Elvira Shepetys, Dip(Ed), ’69

Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

’43 John Richard McCrum, BSc, ’45

Earl McMurray Dawson, BSc(Eng),

Sulo S. Luoma, BSc(Ag), of Three

MD, of Edmonton, AB, in June 2008

of Lethbridge, AB, in April 2008

Hills, AB, in March 2008

Margaret Begg McWilliam, MD, of

Horace Thomas Bradley, BSc(Eng), of Calgary, AB, in June 2008

’54 Donald Clarence Fair, Dip(Ed),

Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

Robert Valentine Blackmore, DDS,

Josephine Michalyshyn Kolisniak,

’55 BEd, ’59 MA, of Edmonton, AB, in January 2008

of Sidney, BC, in June 2008

BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in June 2008

Donald James Fraser, BCom, of

’44 B. Rosemary Heckbert, BSc(HEc),

Lloyd J. Knowler, Dip(Ed), ’51 Dip(Ed),

Victoria, BC, in March 2008

of Bonnyville, AB, in November 2007

of Edmonton, AB, in May 2008

Marshall N. Grant, BSc(Ag), ’46 MSc,

Lois Elaine Cummings, BA, of

Douglas G. Runte, BSc, ’56, BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

of North Vancouver, BC, in April 2008

Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

John O’Connor, BSc(Ag), of

Pauline Marie Kot, BSc(Nu), of

’45 Torleif Hal Haloor Walhovd, DDS,

Lorne Paul Kroetch, BA, ’51 LLB, of

Winnipeg, AB, in February 2008

Edmonton, AB, in July 2008

of Summerland, BC, in March 2008

Wetaskiwin, AB, in March 2008

Nelda Anne Langdon Nordquist,

’63 Barbara A. Cormack,

’46 Albert Golden, BSc, of

Morris Lyons, BA, ’51 LLB, of

Penticton, BC, in February 2008

Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Dip(Nu), of Clairmont, AB, in February 2008

BSc(Pharm), of Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

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AUTUMN 2008

of Calgary, AB, in December 2007

’63 BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in June 2008

Katherine Mae Sokoluk Fedoration,

BEd, of Calgary, AB, in January 2008

Taras Kulka, BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in June 2008 BSc(Pharm) in October 2007

’61 Elisabeth Barbara Kranabetter, Dip(RM), of Cranbrook, BC

Emerson Ross Shantz, BEd, of Red Deer, AB, in March 2008

Ellen Ethel Hammermaster Majeski, Dip(Nu), ’74 BSc(Nu), of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Gayle Marlene Gilchrist James, BA, of Calgary, AB, in May 2008

Marcel Joseph H. Schayes, BEd, ’65 BSc,’73 MEd, of Edmonton, AB, in May 2008

Bernadette Jeannine Bourbonnais, BEd, of Victoria, BC, in July 2008

J. Dale Cassidy, BSc(Ag), of St. Albert, AB, in March 2008

’75 Charles Gilbert Burton, BSc(Ag), of Wainwright, AB, in April 2008

’84 Lloyd Stanley Robinson, MEd, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Dora Ward, BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in

Joanne Janet Evasiw, Dip(Nu), of Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

Geraldine Frances Kelly, BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Pieter Vandersluis, BA, of Carvel, AB

May 2008

Frank George Bishop, BSc, ’67 MSc,

Naomi Louisa Hersom, PhD, ’92 LLD

Mary Ellen Peterson Bectell, BEd,

of Calgary, AB

of Wynndel, BC, in November 2007

(Honorary), of Victoria, BC, in June 2008

Maureen McPhillamey, BCom, of

Dip(Ed), of Victoria, BC, in May 2008

Raymond A. Fedoruk, BSc(Eng), of

Whitecourt, AB, in May 2008

Soenartono Adisoemarto, BSc(Ag),

Sherwood Park, AB, in April 2008

Rose Ann M. Ziebart, BA, ’76 Dip(Ed),

’65 MSc, of Bogor, Indonesia

’70 Germaine Bohdan, BEd, of

of Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

Vancouver, BC

Charles Robert Pearson, BA, of Camrose, AB, in April, 2008

Keith Allan Iwaniuk, BSc(Spec), of

Jans Diemer, BSc, ’65 MSc, ’72

of Cardston, AB, in January 2008

Ronald Eugene Kaiser, BA, ’93 BEd,

’89 Jason Carleton White, BA, of Calgary, AB, in March 2008

Julie Marie Johnson, BA, of

’64 Jon Hannes Petursson,

Toronto, ON, in March 2008

BSc(Eng), of Trochu, AB, in February 2008

Kenneth Gordon Rogers, MEd, of Robert James McCubbin, MEd, of

Edna Elizabeth Sherk, BEd, of Nanaimo, BC, in June 2008

’91 Susan Lia Marks-McPhee,

Mary Theresa Nixon, BEd, ’66 Dip(Ed), ’72 MEd, ’75 PhD, of Victoria, BC, in May 2008

Langley, BC, in February 2008

Manfred Wilhelm Weckesser, BEd,

’92 Reagan Stuart Williams,

Ruth Brown, BEd, ’74 BA, of

of Spruce Grove, AB, in December 2007

Thomas Poole Tombs, BA, ’78 BCom,

Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

Thelma Isabelle Tait, BEd, of

BSc(Eng), of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

William Richard Devereux, BSc(Ag),

Edmonton, AB, in May 2008

Louise Pargeter, BA, of Calgary, AB

’65 Grace Elizabeth C.C.

of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, in June 2008

’77 Brenda Joan Moffitt, Dip(Nu),

Hendrickson, BEd, of Edmonton, AB,

Siu Lin Tam, BSc(Spec), ’99 MSc,

’71 Adrian William Coster, BEd, of

’84 BSc(Nu), of Edmonton, AB, in May 2008

’04 MBA, of Edmonton, AB, in December 2007

Charles William Labatiuk, BSc(Eng),

’95 Byron Lee Johnson, BA, ’01

of Edmonton, AB, in May 2008

in March 2008

’66 Carl Michael Paproski, BEd, of Edmonton, AB, in January 2008 Frederick Carmen Tippie, BA, of Kamloops, BC, in December 2007

Michelle Marie Tussman Lefebvre, BA, ’70 LLB, of Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

Robert Ernest Armit, BA, ’77 MBA, of Ottawa, ON, in February 2008

’67 Anne Marie Ruhl Lyseyko, BEd, of Delta, BC, in March 2008

Bruce Roger Martin, BA, ’72 LLB, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Gerald Ronald Polack, BA, ’72 LLB, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Islay Mary Baril Broughton, BEd, of White Rock, BC, in June 2008

Lynda Marion Morgan, BA, of Blackfalds, AB, in April 2007

’68 Helen Marie Fowler, BEd, of Sidney, BC

John Stanley Kinnaird, BEd, of Barrhead, AB, in March 2008

’69 Allen Blain McQueen, BCom, of St. Albert, AB, in May 2008 Bud Sipko, DDS, of Richmond, BC, in January 2007

Felix Marcel Baptist, BEd, ’72 Dip(Ed), of Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

Williams Lake, BC, in February 2008

Parksville, BC, in November 2007

David Alexander McCoy, BSc(Ag), ’73 MSc, in June 2008

David Allen Doty, BSc(Med), ’73

’92 PhD, of Sherwood Park, AB, in February 2008

Lillie Edith Fricker, BA, of Edmonton,

St. Albert, AB, in June 2008 BEd, of Whitecourt, AB, in April 2008

BEd, of Provost, AB

Coady Travis Hayden, BA, of Red

MD, of Victoria, BC, in June 2008

AB, in May 2008

Deer, AB, in February 2007

Emily Odynak, BEd, ’81 PhD, of Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

Lorna Jean Reimer Haraldson,

’98 Julian Karim Dabbagh, BEd, of

Dip(RM), ’85 BSc(OT), ’95 MSc, of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

’99 Harriet Winspear, LLD

Ernest Peter Tchir, BEd, of St. Albert,

Edmonton, AB, in June 2008

AB, in May 2008

Marjorie Anne Bell-McTavish, BEd of

Ethel Jean Cuthiell, BEd, of Calgary,

Cochrane, AB, in April 2008

(Honorary), of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Neil E. Middleton, MSc, of Pitt

AB, in February 2008

Paul Thomas Larivee, MEd, of

Katherine Margaret Culver,

Charlottetown, PEI, in February 2008

Meadows, BC, in June 2008

Dip(Nu), of Edmonton, AB

Stephen Douglas Mallet-Paret,

’02 Brenda Lynne Barrett, BEd, of

Kenneth Harold Martin, MA, of

Edmonton, AB, in March 2008

Cobourgh, ON, in February 2008

BSc(Pharm), ’81 MSc, of Edmonton, AB, in June 2008

Maureen Ellen Cristall, BA, of

’79 Allison Gail Broenink, BSc, of

Phoenix, AZ, in March 2008

Calgary, AB, in February 2008

Michael Joseph Burke, BEd, ’76

Boris L. Kelmer, BSc(Eng), of Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

BSc, of Edmonton, AB, in June 2008

’72 Chuck Tebby, BSc, ’74 MSc, of Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

Dale Omer Tutty, BSc(Eng), of Spruce Grove, AB, in January 2008

Helen Anne White, BSc(HEc), of Grouard, AB, in March 2008

Robert Raymond Lickacz, BSc, of Calmar, AB, in June 2008

William Andrew Tait, BEd(VocEd), of Meota, SK

’74 John Southgate Ragan,

Gerardus Johannes Beke, PhD, of

BSc(Eng), of Calgary, AB, in May 2008

Edmonton, AB, in May 2008

Ken Walter Palylyk, BEd, of

Harriet Wilma Schultz, BEd, ’72

Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

Dip(Ed), of Bruderheim, AB, in June 2008

Randall K. Roy, BCom, of Bedford, NS, in May 2008

’80 Edward Francis Carson, BEd,

’04 Arthur Kroeger, LLD (Honorary), ’55 BA(Hons), of Ottawa, ON, in May 2008

’05 Leslie Ann Lund, BEd, of Red Deer, AB, in June 2008

of Edmonton, AB, in May 2008

’06 Sara Kimberlee Scobie,

Gary Alexander McGowan, BA(Spec),

BSc(Spec), of Slave Lake, AB, in March 2008

of Edmonton, AB, in March 2008 in May 2008

*** Alumni interested in submitting remem-

Gilbert Mah, BSc, of Edmonton, AB, Lorna Elizabeth Huhlewych, BEd, of

brances about U of A graduates can

North York, ON, in April 2008

send a text file to alumni@ualberta.ca.

Murry Douglas Curran, BCom, of

Tributes are posted on the ‘In Memoriam’

Edmonton, AB, in February 2008

webpage at www.ualberta.ca/alumni.

’81 Isobel Margaret Robinson, LLD (Honorary)

Terry Michael McGregor, LLB, of Edmonton, AB, in April 2008

Wendy Elizabeth Anderson, BSc(Eng), of St. Albert, AB, in March 2008

Correction: New Trail regrets misspelling the name of Carl Michael Paproski, ’66 BSc, ’72 Dip(Ed), ’78 MEd, ’90 PhD, in the last issue. He passed away in Edmonton in January 2008. AUTUMN 2008

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tuck shop

Carnevale Creations The U of A offers its students many opportunities to have an “international” experience through studying abroad. One such program is The Cortona Project where students travel to Cortona, Italy, to take advantage of all that this unique Tuscan location has to offer. Professors teach such typical courses as Renaissance Art, Roman Civilization, and Introductory Italian. The big difference is that participants actually get to see Michelangelo’s David in person and live in Italian, instead of learning the language in a lab. Of course, while in Italy, students are going to roam... or Rome. Two such students were travelling through the Tuscan town of Foiano della Chiana during Carnevale (the Italian 76

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Mardi Gras) when they came across the giant papier mâché creations seen here. The modern Carnevale is linked to the Catholic church and celebrates the last days of feasting before the fasting of Lent begins. (The name derives from the Latin word for “meat,” a food not allowed during Lent.) Today, each Italian town and city has its own way of celebrating Carnevale. Many do it with a parade featuring floats with towering papier mâché figures on them. A heavy snowfall meant that the floats with these figures on them couldn’t be taken outside of the building where a U of A student captured these close-up details in 2005. (To learn more go to www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/arts/cortona_about.cfm)