Mike Mahon Farewell Publication - 2023

Celebrating

6TH PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE 2010 - 2023

Officially installed in 2010, Dr. Mahon led the development of Destination 2022, the University of Lethbridge Strategic Plan, charting an ambitious path forward. Much of the work centred around construction of what is now Science Commons. Opened in 2019, the building is widely recognized as Canada’s most advanced facility for science education and research and has transformed our campus and the southern Alberta landscape.

Dr. Mahon has been instrumental in establishing successful partnerships to advance the reputation and reach of our university. The naming of the Dhillon School of Business and the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation are two significant examples, along with his commitment to enhancing the University’s relationship with Indigenous communities. An honorary member of the Kainai Chieftainship of the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta, his Blackfoot name is Iipisowaahsiiyi (Morning Star).

In addition, Dr. Mahon has held several standing provincial and national commitments related to postsecondary education, including time spent as the Chair of the Council of Post-Secondary Presidents of Alberta and Chair of the Board of Directors for Universities Canada. He has served on a number of boards including U SPORTS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport), Alberta Economic Development Authority, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Coaching Association of Canada.

Table of Contents:

3 5 13 18

The Journey is the Destination {Just a few} Institutional Highlights

Fond Memories and Farewells

Mahon Family Student Athlete Award

As the sixth president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon has helped establish the University of Lethbridge as one of the country’s leading academic and research-intensive universities.

The Journey is the Destination

As the turbo prop airplane descended towards the Lethbridge Regional Airport in the Fall of 2009, Dr. Mike Mahon was struck by the landscape unfolding beneath him — its unique contours and openness laid out in stark contrast to the urban centres of which he’d grown accustomed.

As first impressions go, this one would prove to last — perhaps because it foretold what was to come for Mahon, an opportunity he never knew existed until it was presented to him on a broad, beckoning canvas.

“I remember that first flight into Lethbridge to meet with the search committee and just seeing the landscape was so interesting for me,” says Mahon, the University of Lethbridge’s sixth president and vice-chancellor, as he reflects on a 13-year career in the role he will soon be concluding. “When the search consultants called to see if I’d be interested in exploring the presidency at the University of Lethbridge, it was honestly something I hadn’t thought of. After going through that first interview and the discussions we had, I got more and more excited about the potential of this place and the opportunity.”

The opportunity Mahon recognized would manifest itself over the years in the launch of the Destination 2022 Strategic Plan, a historic capital campaign, new buildings, programs and partnerships, along with a renewed commitment to the liberal education ideals that serve as the foundation of the ULethbridge experience. The University grew under Mahon’s leadership in multiple ways, and while Mahon couldn’t predict just how the University would evolve over his tenure, he recognized early the capacity for growth was here — and he saw it through the people he met in those early days.

“I think what stood out for me was the real enthusiasm and commitment to the essence of the University — which was a university dedicated to the student experience and dedicated to liberal education. There was a passion that I heard in people’s voices,” he says. “I wanted to come to a place where the community saw a future of growth, evolution and innovation — and that’s what I saw here.”

The most obvious testament to the University’s expansion over Mahon’s tenure is the realization of Science Commons. Its sheer magnitude, at 38,500 square metres, has literally changed the way people

see ULethbridge. What it represents however, is even greater than its physical profile.

The initial discussions about Science Commons took place during Mahon’s first month on campus and it would take years of advocacy before funding was secured to begin its construction. It took a concerted effort by groups within ULethbridge along with valued stakeholders from the broader community. When the doors opened in Fall 2019, ULethbridge celebrated the arrival of Canada’s most advanced facility for science education and research. It also celebrated the relationships that made it happen.

“Science Commons symbolizes a number of things. Obviously, it highlights the importance of new infrastructure for the sciences that we needed, but it also symbolizes our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, our commitment to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work and our commitment to the community,” says Mahon. “We have one of the few science buildings in North America that has a laboratory dedicated to K to 12 students, and on any given day, you can find groups of young kids learning about science and finding a university campus is a fun place to be.”

It is that theme of relationship building that permeates many of Mahon’s memories and marks the realization of so many ULethbridge pride points. From establishing southern Alberta’s most popular Family Day freefor-all, Play Day, to committing to a comprehensive Indigenization strategy — cultivating relationships has been at the heart of it all.

“The University’s relationship with the Blackfoot community goes all the way back to our first official president, Dr. Sam Smith (LLD ’90), who asked Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04) who was an undergraduate student at the time, what could the University do to be more inclusive,” says Mahon. “In my early days, I sat down with Leroy and asked him the same kind of question — how can we do better and what can we do to support the Indigenous community to ensure they see this as their home.”

In 2011, long before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Calls to Action, ULethbridge articulated its plan to better support Indigenization on campus through the work of Little Bear, Roy Weasel Fat and Dr. Jane O’Dea. The Mastercard Foundation

gift and birth of the EleV program, designed to tackles education barriers for Indigenous youth and support economic opportunities, followed. In recent years, Charles Weaselhead became ULethbridge’s first chancellor of Indigenous descent, Little Bear was appointed Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations, the Iikaisskini Gathering Centre was relocated to the heart of campus and record numbers of Indigenous students have graduated.

Mahon, who was gifted the Blackfoot name Iipisowaahsiiyi (Morning Star) when he was inducted into the Kainai Chieftainship in 2012, recently participated in an Iniskim Transfer Ceremony where he was given a sacred buffalo stone by Elder Francis First Charger.

president but because there are great people on this campus who all have this vision for the evolution of the University,” he says. “I’m excited that Dr. Digvir Jayas will be the next president. There are so many opportunities we are on the cusp of beginning and he’s coming to a university that is going to continue to grow and evolve.”

“On behalf of Maureen and I, and our family, thank you for being so welcoming to us.

This community has been so important to us in terms of the friendships we’ve developed and the experiences we’ve had. We owe you a debt of thanks.”

- Dr. Mike Mahon

“It was a very personal ceremony and a moment to celebrate all the things we’ve done together with the Indigenous community to ensure we continue to see the University as a vehicle to support truth and reconciliation,” says Mahon. “I was quite humbled when I received that buffalo stone and along with being inducted into the Kainai Chieftainship. Those are moments that will stay with me the rest of my life.”

In reflecting on his tenure, Mahon credits the support he received in helping the University thrive and how it will keep ULethbridge in good stead moving forward.

“From the outset, the things we accomplished happened because of the collective, not because I was

When asked to sum up his experience at the University of Lethbridge, he never hesitated.

“Community is the word I would use to describe the University. We are a community of students, a community of scholars and more broadly, a community of people dedicated to higher education and maintaining access to higher education,” says Mahon. “Our university wouldn’t exist if not for the community that came together and rallied around this idea of having a university in Lethbridge. For me, community says a lot about who we are as an institution.”

That community will be on Mahon’s mind as he concludes his time as president and vice-chancellor, grateful for how he and his family were welcomed in 2010 and made to feel so comfortable in the 13 years since.

“On behalf of Maureen and I, and our family, thank you for being so welcoming to us. This community has been so important to us in terms of the friendships we’ve developed and the experiences we’ve had. We owe you a debt of thanks.”

Maureen and Mike Mahon 2010 Presidential Announcement

{Just a few} Institutional Highlights

“There are great people on this campus who have a vision for the evolution of the University. The things we have accomplished are because of the collective.”

- Dr. Mike Mahon

2010

• On October 15, 2010, Dr. Mike Mahon is officially installed as the sixth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge.

• Official opening of Markin Hall, the new home for the Faculties of Health Sciences and Management.

2010 5

SPRING 2011

• Dr. Jim Coutts (LLD ’12) donates his homestead property and a significant portion of his art collection to ULethbridge. The Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage is launched.

• More than 700 students at the ULethbridge Calgary campus start their term at Bow Valley College’s newly renovated downtown North Campus.

• Dr. Shirley McClellan is installed as ULethbridge’s 12th chancellor.

2012

• ULethbridge is named Canada’s Research University of the Year (undergraduate category), by RE$EARCH Infosource.

• Planning for the Destination Project begins with the support of the Government of Alberta, which pledges an initial $2.8 million to the project.

• With a renewed commitment to liberal education, ULethbridge reimagines what the institutional hallmark means in the future.

• ULethbridge celebrates 45 years of bright minds and ideas during this anniversary year. The Fiat Lux Ring is introduced.

• The University invites the community to campus with the debut of Play Day. Over the years, this annual event has brought thousands of community members to the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness for a fun and free day of play.

Coutts Centre

2013

• ULethbridge’s downtown presence grows with the opening of the Dr. Foster James Penny Building and the Music Conservatory’s new home in Casa.

• In Calgary, ULethbridge celebrates the new location of the Calgary Campus as Bow Valley College officially opens its South Campus.

• ULethbridge is entrusted with an important part of Canadian history as BMO Financial group donates 37 original pastel portraits by renowned Canadian artist Nicholas de Grandmaison.

• A new student residence, Mt. Blakiston House, opens its doors on the south end of campus providing a new home-away-from-home for 259 students.

• The Student Success Centre opens.

• Development of the new quad, a vibrant outdoor green space outside of Markin Hall, is complete.

• The Government of Alberta pledges $200 million toward the Destination Project.

2014

• Destination 2020, ULethbridge’s 2014/19 Strategic Plan, is released. Building on its predecessor, this plan, which evolves to Destination 2022, outlines five priorities: excel as a comprehensive university; continue to enhance the student experience; promote access to quality postsecondary education; build internal community while enhancing relationships with external communities; and enhance the sustainability of the University.

• Momentum for the Destination Project –construction of a new academic building, the revitalization of University Hall and construction of a central energy plant for the University gains speed. The Destination Project moves forward with site and architecture firm selection.

- Destination 2022

“We will be Canada’s destination for all who seek a comprehensive, liberal education-based university that promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and inspires research-informed teaching and learning, creative discovery, scholarship, professional endeavour, experiential opportunities and community engagement.”

Penny Building

de Grandmaison portrait

Calgary Campus location

Mt. Blakiston House opening

Destination Project architectural rendering

2015

• The 2007, 2008 and 2009 CIS champion Pronghorn’s women’s rugby team is inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

• ULethbridge announces two new doctoral degree programs. The PhD in Population Studies in Health and the master’s and PhD in Cultural, Social and Political Thought are the first of their kind in the institution’s history and represent a significant achievement for the University.

• Dr. Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02, LLD ’21) is installed as ULethbridge’s 13th chancellor. This is the first time in the University’s history for an alumna/alumnus to serve in this role.

2017

• The University embarks on a year-long celebration in recognition of its 50th anniversary. To commemorate the golden anniversary, alumnus and songwriter John Wort Hannam (BA/BEd ‘96) debuts the ULethbridge song, Let it Shine On, and the University tartan, designed by alumna Sarah Hilliard (BA ‘10), is introduced.

• ULethbridge establishes the School of Liberal Education, led by its first dean, Dr. Shelly Wismath.

2015 2017 2016

2016

• Budget 2016 includes a $248 million investment to the Destination Project over five years. In total, the Alberta Government invests $260 million to this project.

• The community comes together for the official sod turning for the Destination Project. Construction begins. At 38,500 sq. metres, it is the largest development on the campus since the original construction of University Hall began in 1969.

• ULethbridge, in partnership with local radiologists, opens the U3T MRI Centre, a world-class research and diagnostic imaging facility, providing southern Alberta with the most powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the region.

50th Anniversary Founder’s Day

Photo by Gregory Theissen, Lethbridge College

Horns rugby team

2018

• A transformational gift of $10 million by Dr. Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon (LLD ’19), president and CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corporation, initiates the Dhillon School of Business.

• The ULethbridge Art Gallery unveils an unparalleled bequest of more than 1,000 works of art valued between $4 and $5 million from the estate of Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess (DFA ’04), and renames the main gallery space the Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery.

• The University proudly, and permanently, raises the Blackfoot Confederacy Flag.

• ULethbridge publicly launches the most ambitious campaign in its 51-year history, SHINE: The Campaign for the University of Lethbridge.

2019

• Taatsiikiipoyii Charles Weaselhead becomes the University’s 14th chancellor. This is the first time in the institution’s 52-year history that the chancellor position will be held by an Indigenous person.

• With a big bang, ULethbridge celebrates the grand opening of the $280-million Science Commons. The spectacular facility, which brings together the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Neuroscience and Physics & Astronomy and Psychology, is designed to foster transdisciplinary research by providing exceptional opportunities for collaboration and discovery.

• ULethbridge hosts the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey championship.

Grand opening of Science Commons

Dhillon School of Business announcement

Hess Gallery

2020

• The ULethbridge community pulls together in the face of COVID-19, moving classes and operations online, and displays extraordinary efforts over the next two-plus years as the global pandemic ensues.

• Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development opens, providing work-integrated learning, experiential learning and career services opportunities. ULethbridge becomes the only post-secondary institution in Alberta where 100 per cent of students can participate in work-integrated learning experiences.

• ULethbridge achieves its highest-ever position in the annual Maclean’s University Rankings Report, placing second overall in the primarily undergraduate classification.

2021

• The Dhillon School of Business becomes the first business school in Canada to include an Indigenous course requirement as part of a student’s core business degree.

• With health and safety as the top priorities, ULethbridge welcomes students back to campus for the Fall 2021 term after nearly 18 months of largely remote class delivery.

• The Evelyn Hamilton Chair in Liberal Education is established and the Crooks Work-Integrated Learning Program in Liberal Education is announced soon after.

• SHINE: The Campaign for the University of Lethbridge comes to a close, having realized its broad goals of raising greater than $100 million and engaging more than 20,000 ULethbridge alumni. Overall, the campaign raises $103 million through the support of 11,000 unique donors, 6,500 of which are new donors to ULethbridge. The campaign not only advances the University, but all of southern Alberta.

2019 (Continued)

• A unique and innovative $15-million partnership between the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Mastercard Foundation and ULethbridge launches EleV to support and enable Indigenous youth to achieve their goals and become leaders in their communities.

Chancellor Weaselhead

2022

• ULethbridge joins a national network through the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership.

• ULethbridge joins more than 40 universities and colleges from across Canada in signing the Scarborough Charter, a commitment to eliminating anti-Black racism and advancing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education.

• ULethbridge ranks first for Medical and Science Grants (primarily undergraduate category, Maclean’s University Rankings, 2023)

• Science Commons becomes the first ULethbridge building to earn LEED Gold status for environmental standards.

• At Spring 2022 Convocation, ULethbridge celebrates the first inclusive education graduates and a record number of Indigenous students graduate. The ULethbridge alumni family grows to more than 50,000.

• It’s a record setting year for the Pronghorns swim team (Apollo Hess, Raine Arden, Chris Alexander, Parker Brown, Eric Louie, Hunter Stewardson and Emilia Hesterma) with a men’s relay gold, a new Canadian record and two provincial records, four All-Canadian awards and five total national medals, the program’s first national medals since 2005.

• The Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre opens at the heart of campus. This integral space for Indigenous students and the campus community to come together in ceremony, celebration and learning is named after Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04).

2022

2022 (Continued)

• ULethbridge welcomes the community to campus to enjoy the new (and free) Disc Golf Course.

• After two long years, the Fall 2022 term offers a true in-person experience for the entire University community.

• The ULethbridge Board of Governors pledges $10 million in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships. A distinguished group of alumni and community leaders, including Chancellor Emerita Dr. Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02, LLD ’19), Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Bernadine Boulet (BEd ’88) and Roland Labuhn (BMgt ’90), will champion this new initiative and help build a plan for it moving forward.

Apollo Hess, Horns Swimming

Convocation

2023

• The R.E.C. Room (an acronym for refresh, energize, connect) is launched in the University Centre for the Arts Atrium. This is a joint initiative funded by ULethbridge and created in consultation with the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union, Student Affairs and in collaboration with Agility, Horns Recreation and the University Library.

• The Pronghorns swim team sent its largestever contingent of swimmers to U SPORTS nationals, with 14 men’s and women’s swimmers qualifying out of the Canada West championships. The team earned three national medals, led by Chris Alexander’s gold in the men’s 50-metre backstroke.

• ULethridge becomes the first post-secondary institution to sign on as a supporter of the historic Buffalo Treaty.

2023 (Continued)

• Alumnus Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) is named the University of Lethbridge’s 15th chancellor.

2023 2023

• Dr. Mike Mahon will conclude his time as ULethbridge’s sixth president and vice-chancellor. Dr. Mahon and the late President and ViceChancellor Emeritus Dr. Howard Tennant both led the University for 13 years and are the longest to serve the institution in this role.

• Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, an internationally renowned agricultural engineering researcher, decorated professor and experienced academic leader, is chosen as the University of Lethbridge’s seventh president and vice-chancellor and will begin his first term on July 1, 2023.

R.E.C. Room

Dr. Mahon signs Buffalo Treaty

Fond Memories and Farewells

Thank you to everyone who shared messages of fond memories and farewells to outgoing President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. The following pages provide a sampling of the many tributes we received.

To read more, please visit: go.uleth.ca/MahonFarewell

Congratulations Mike on 13 years of being a great president for the University of Lethbridge. I have fond memories of working with you on the Long Service and Retirement Awards Ceremony. Bob and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours wherever they may take you and your family.

Linda Embury and Bob Orth Retiree

Thank you for the incredible investment you have made into Lethbridge through your work at the University of Lethbridge. You have brought a strong and thoughtful approach to an often challenging position. The considerable experience, composure and patience you have exhibited through these difficult times displays your character and dedication to a better future and a better Alberta. Thank you for all you have done!

Nathan Neudorf MLA, Lethbridge-East

Thank you for your steadfast leadership over the past 13 years. During the good times and the challenging moments, knowing you were leading the University instilled confidence in our future. Your collaborative and inclusive approach ensured that all stakeholders had a voice in important University matters. Our alma mater shines brighter today as a result of your dedication and service. Congratulations as you turn the page to write your next chapter!

Jason Elliott (BMgt ’95) Past President of the ULethbridge Alumni Association (2019-2022)

You have always been a strong, smiling, friendly presence on this campus. I always enjoyed working with you and felt you were a kind, genuine leader who only had the best intentions at heart. Thank you for asking me to lead the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. It was a privilege. I have truly valued working with you. I wish the best for you in your coming years.

Nicole Eva Associate University Librarian

Mike, it has been a pleasure working with you over the past 10 years, in my roles at Lethbridge College, Olds College and Red Deer Polytechnic. You have contributed greatly to my alma mater (ULethbridge) and to the Alberta post-secondary system, and it has been a privilege to watch you lead. All the best to you and Maureen as you embark on your next stage of life.

Stuart Cullum (BA/BEd ’96) Red Deer Polytechnic

Thank you, Morning Star, for your service and dedication to the University of Lethbridge. It has been a pleasure to know how committed you truly are. Good luck in your future endeavours. Iikakiimaat (Try hard), Kitakitamaatsin (See you later).

Ruby Medicine Crane (BA/BEd ’98) ULethbridge Alumna

As a professor in the Faculty of Education, I still recall being caught up in the welcome for Dr. Mahon on campus and especially the Convocation ceremony complete with a children’s choir singing SomaliCanadian artist K’naan’s song “Wavin’ Flag.” The teacher in me was inspired. So, imagine my surprise when I was invited to make a presentation to the Board of Governors as one of Dr. Mahon’s initial events on campus. It was truly an unexpected honour. What would I say to our new president and the Board? I recall providing an overview of the work of the Faculty of Education and then talking about a research project I was involved in on the topic of teens and technology, specifically text messaging — as it was called back then. The field was just emerging in 2010 and I spoke about predicting future pitfalls around screen time, privacy, bullying and self-identity. Having a good sense of humour, Mike Mahon’s response was, I recall, “OMG.” Having been an undergraduate student at this university, back when it was just UHall and the white snake, I have seen our campus mature and grow, programs broaden and people advance and flourish, but none so much as in the past 13 years. Dr. Mahon, you have truly made this campus what it is today, a welcoming, supportive and progressive place to be and to work. Thank-you for your exceptional commitment to the University of Lethbridge community and very best wishes for the future!

Dr. Robin Bright (BA ’79, BEd ’82, MEd ’88) Professor, Interim Dean Faculty of Education

Mike has been a great friend and colleague. Of our many collaborations over the past years, I am particularly grateful for Mike’s readiness to work together as we all struggled with the challenges of COVID-19. With the U of C, U of L and U of A working together, we were able to develop a common policy on vaccines that helped to navigate our campuses through the darkest moments of COVID-19 and protect the health of our communities. Many thanks, Mike. I wish you all the best as you embark on new adventures.

Bill Flanagan

UAlberta President & Vice-Chancellor

Mike is such a collaborative leader. He always wanted us to question assumptions, and he was always there to bring out the best from all of us on the team. Congratulations, Mike, on 13 years of leadership at the University of Lethbridge. You have really put ULethbridge on the map in the time that you’ve been there, and it was wonderful to share that journey with you.

Dr. Andy Hakin President & Vice-Chancellor, St. Francis Xavier University Provost, University of Lethbridge (2007-2020)

On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I want to wish Dr. Mike Mahon all the best in his future. Having Mike at the helm for the past 13 years has led to major growth and positive reputation for the University of Lethbridge. The importance of our post-secondary amenities in our city cannot be overstated and has direct impact to the strength of Lethbridge. We thank Dr. Mahon for all of his contributions to our wonderful city.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen City of Lethbridge

President Mahon and I met when I was named Executive in Residence in the School of Business and he and I quickly discovered multiple connections. Mike was a tireless champion of innovation during his time at the U of L – the Destination Project says it all. My fondest memory was when he and I went to Edmonton to brief the Deputy Minister who was also the Minister of Advanced Education and Innovation on some of the initiatives being considered at the U of L. Minister Hancock was running late and only had a short time to spend with us but was very attentive. Only after Mike and I left the meeting did we discover that Premier Redford had just resigned and that Minister Hancock had just been named Interim Premier right before we met with him. So we basically joked that we were Kingmakers although I don’t think that administration lasted very long.

Anil Pereira (BMgt ’87) Inaugural Executive in Residence

There are not many people who can say they were president during a global pandemic, labour disruption and budget crisis. You and I both can – of course my presidency was way lower stakes than yours. Nonetheless, I would be remiss not to sincerely express how grateful I am for your leadership, support and kindness. I feel lucky that I was able to work with you during your time at ULethbridge. I value your unwavering commitment to students, your propensity for problem-solving, and above all, your kindness. Thank you for everything!

Holly Kletke President, ULethbridge Students’ Union (2021-2022)

A well-deserved retirement for a fabulous leader. I’ve always appreciated the way that Mike can make people around him feel important and valued. His humility always was evident. My favourite memory with Mike was when he met the new rugby coach, Ric Suggitt (RIP). He and Ric had competed against one another on the football field at the university level. You could feel the mutual respect that they displayed but still had a competitive sense around the meeting. It was a great reminder that Mike treats people well but as a great leader, he still has his eyes on objectives. Enjoy your retirement, Dr. Mahon!

Neil Langevin (BA/BEd ’91, MEd ’10) Executive Director, Pronghorn Athletics

I think any of us who serve in senior leadership positions hope, simply, to make a difference for the better. I can say with the greatest of confidence: Mike, you have made a profound difference for the better, and a difference that people will enjoy for generations to come.

Daniel Quan-Watson Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

It’s been a true pleasure to work with a tireless champion not just for the University itself but the broader community as a whole. I’ve always appreciated how you embraced every last-minute request and listened to every crazy idea with a keen eye on how the University could play a role or be a partner. You helped to ensure the University not just reflected its namesake community but rather was truly an integrated part of it. Thank you for your leadership. Best wishes for your next adventure.

Trevor Lewington CEO, Economic Development Lethbridge

Thank you so much for your exemplary leadership and accomplishments over your tenure at the University of Lethbridge. You have created a legacy that will benefit countless students to come in the years ahead. One of my fondest memories of you is that whenever I met you at meetings or events in the community, you were always so laid back, easy to talk with and had such a great sense of humour! You are a man of the people, and your people will miss you! I wish you every happiness as you embark on the next chapter of your life. Thank you so much for your service to our community!

Sandra Mintz CEO, Lethbridge Family Services

It was our pleasure to be some of the first people to welcome Mike and Maureen to Lethbridge. Gord’s term as board chair will remain one of the highlights of our life due in part to the deep friendship we formed with the Mahon’s. Retreats and dinners, many convocations and the highlight of a trip to Japan created memories that will last a lifetime. We wish our dear friends, Mike and Maureen, the very best in their next chapter. It has been a pleasure.

Gord (BSc ’80, BMgt ’82) and Elizabeth Jong (BMus ’81) Gord is a former Chair of the Board of Governors (2006-2012)

2017 Spring Convocation

Thank you for turning me into a philanthropist. Thank you for teaching me how to give back. Thank you for creating a new chapter of my life. Mike, you have changed me, my commitment to Canada, education and being a good human being. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mike, thank you for your enormous contributions to our University and our community. Your dedication and leadership resulted in several enormous accomplishments on campus, especially the building of Science Commons, and you navigated us through some difficult waters. We are a stronger institution because of you. I recall meeting you for the first time in Vancouver at a reception at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Your energy and excitement were obvious, and your enthusiasm for ULethbridge never waned over 13 years. We are all grateful to you and to Maureen for your contributions to our community and to southern Alberta as ambassadors of the University of Lethbridge. All the best as you enjoy some well-deserved rest, relaxation and grandpa time!

Congrats Mike & Maureen!

R elax and

E njoy yourself

T ry something new

I magine the possibilities

R emember to play

E xpect adventures

M ake new plans

E mbrace the freedom

N ap without guilt

T ake time just for you!

For all you’ve done and everything you’ve achieved, wishing you the time of your life! Congratulations on your University retirement. The University of Lethbridge will miss you.

Dr. Ron (LLD ’03) and Joyce Sakamoto University Supporters

It is difficult to distill Dr. Mahon’s leadership down to one memory, but I do have a few. One of my first memories: The University of Lethbridge was funded by our government to deliver an inclusive postsecondary education for students with disabilities. The joy Mike showed that day we announced the project was genuine, and gave me insight into the kind of University he wanted to lead. I do not have one memory of Mike asking for the Science Commons building — I have many! This persistence is why I was able to make the case for it. He should be enormously proud of this achievement. Finally, Mike put Indigenous education at the centre of his leadership, and he began the work toward making the relevant TRC recommendations real here in Lethbridge. The extent to which the campus has changed as a result is difficult to overstate. Much done, more to do, to be sure…but Mike keenly understood his responsibility to our community, to southern Alberta and to Canada.

Shannon Phillips MLA, Lethbridge-West

It is a privilege and an honour to send this message of congratulations to Dr. Mike Mahon on the occasion of his retirement from the role of president of the University of Lethbridge. Mike has been an innovative, thoughtful and compassionate leader in the post-secondary system across Canada and here in Alberta. He served as our Chair for two years and his commitment to collaborative inclusive leadership helped us achieve a great deal of success in our efforts to improve our system for the benefit of learners, faculty, employers and communities. Mike will be missed by all of his colleagues at the Alberta Post Secondary Network. We wish Mike and his family all the best as he enters this new phase of his life journey!

Bill Werry Executive Director, Alberta Post Secondary Network

A good leader changes the conversation, and that’s what Mike has done throughout his time here at the University.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASC (BA) ’72, DASc ’04) Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations

Dr. Bob Dhillon (LLD ’19), O.C., MBA, DCom, ICD.D Dhillon School of Business

Chillin’ 4 Charity, 2023

Horns hosts 2017 U Sports National Championship

Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) ULethbridge Chancellor

Mahon Family Student Athlete Award

To recognize and celebrate Dr. Mahon’s leadership, the University is endowing the Mahon Family Student Athlete Award.

Dr. Mahon and his wife Maureen established the award to recognize an athlete in each Pronghorn varsity sport, rewarding athletic proficiency, outstanding leadership and academic achievement amongst Pronghorn student athletes. The award reflects the Mahon family’s personal commitment to sport and wellness, and reinforces the important role athletics plays in the student experience.

Since 2016, 52 individual student athletes have benefitted from the award. We’ve set a goal of raising $150,000 to ensure the Mahon Family Student Athlete Award can be distributed to nine students each year in perpetuity. To help reach this target, the University is matching all contributions, thanks to the Board of Governors’ $10-million pledge in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships.

By recognizing Dr. Mahon with a gift to the award in his name, you are supporting the drive for student scholarships and ensuring more students have the opportunity to benefit from a ULethbridge education.

For more information, please contact External Relations at 1-866-552-2582 or email development@uleth.ca.