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)

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