10 minute read
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 | 9:30 A.M
CEREMONY ONE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 AT 9:30 A.M.
Conducting the Ceremony
Jennifer Copeland, Platform Marshal
Musical Prelude
The Procession
At the commencement of the procession, those assembled are asked to stand, as they are able, until invited to take their seats. Led by Michelle Hogue, Chief Marshal Piper: Tom Wilson Marshalls: Ilsa Wong, Jenny Burke, Craig Coburn, Rumi Graham, Trushar Patel, Olu Awosoga
Processional Music
Declaration
Charles Weaselhead, Chancellor
National Anthem
Led by Tanner Lapointe Faculty of Fine Arts O Canada by Calixa Lavallée
Reflection
Shannon Marie Healy, Faculty of Arts and Science
Welcome & Report to Convocation
The traditional address celebrates the value of education and the combined accomplishments of our graduands and the University community. Michael Mahon, President and Vice Chancellor
Address to the Graduates
Musical Selection
The University of Lethbridge Wind Orchestra Conducted by Brandon deGorter Toshiro Mayuzumi’s Xylophone Concertino Movement No. 3 Performed by Layton Hiebert, 2021-22 U of L Wind Orchestra concerto competition winner
Graduate Platform Procession
Graduates are invited to cross the stage and be recognized by members of our platform party.
Distinguished Alumna of the Year
Cheryl Andres
Alumni Address
Nick Gabbin, Vice-President, ULethbridge Alumni Association
Announcements
Jennifer Copeland, Platform Marshal
Dismissal
Charles Weaselhead, Chancellor
Recession
Those assembled are asked to stand, as they are able, for the recession until the chief marshal bearing the mace, followed by the platform party and the graduates, have departed.
Recessional Music
Scan this QR code to view the order for the Graduate Platform Procession.
2020 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA OF THE YEAR
CHERYL ANDRES (BN ’87)
In a career spanning more than 3 decades, Cheryl Andres has established herself as a visionary and leader in the health care sector. As the Director of Chronic Disease Management and Public & Primary Health Care with Alberta Health Services in the South Zone, Cheryl manages health programs, teams and supports for the region. Time and time again, her efforts have revolutionized the way health care is imagined and made a substantial impact on the lives of many.
She notably led the integration of chronic disease programming in southern Alberta based on her vision that many of the elements of education, support and messaging were similar across multiple chronic conditions. She took the lead in applying for an ultimately successful $2.4 million grant from Alberta Health that led to the formation of the Chronic Disease Network — a system of greater consistency, effectiveness and clarity for the community she serves. The system improved care, reduced duplication in services, enabled smoother transitions for patients throughout the network and served as a model for the rest of the province. Her evidence-informed approach to system reform positions interdisciplinary teams of healthcare providers for success and amply meets the needs of those facing chronic health conditions.
From leading the development of the South Zone Opioid and Harm Reduction Coordinated Response Team to the implementation of the South Zone Primary Care Network Community Service integration plan, Andres leads with admirable compassion and integrity. This has remained true in her recent efforts to tackle challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Working closely with provincial health officials, Andres has managed response efforts within the South Zone and actively worked to mitigate further spread of the disease. Her thoughtful leadership style is front and center when supporting teams as they test, contact trace and assuage anxieties surrounding the pandemic. Her guidance during this time of uncertainty is an invaluable asset to the region, and a testament to the impact nurses have on their communities.
Her mentorship and leadership extend far beyond her patients and colleagues. A founding member of the Lethbridge Legacy of Nursing Committee, Andres and local RNs have raised thousands of dollars in funds for ULethbridge graduate nursing scholarships over the last five years. She readily and generously pays it forward, laying a strong foundation for the discipline. As future nursing students embark on their journeys through the nursing program, Andres’ impressive legacy will undoubtedly light their way.
2020 YOUNG ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
JULIAN SPEARCHIEF-MORRIS (BA ’13)
Throughout his early career, Julian SpearChief-Morris has demonstrated the heights a sharp mind, strong work ethic and community mindset can reach. As an associate attorney, SpearChief-Morris represents businesses, tribal governments and individuals navigating complex and interconnected legal, political and policy challenges. His work has him involved in all aspects of litigation on matters ranging from corporate finance to human rights law, as well as providing strategic advice on government relations and policy issues. Most recently, his efforts have been focused on helping clients navigate the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his time as a ULethbridge student, SpearChief-Morris was a standout on the Pronghorns Men’s Basketball Team as well as an accomplished student. Upon graduation, he had demonstrated academic excellence that saw him achieve the highest cumulative GPA of his program’s graduating class, earning him the Urban and Regional Studies prize. His dedication to academics continued, and in 2015 he was accepted to Harvard Law School. In his second year at Harvard, SpearChief-Morris became the first-ever Indigenous president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, a highly selective honour society that helps low-income clients on various legal matters such as eviction defense, employment discrimination and domestic violence cases. In his time as president, SpearChiefMorris pushed the organization to redefine its mission and see itself as an engine of social change in the greater Boston area. Ultimately, SpearChief-Morris logged over 1,200 hours of pro bono work as a law student, demonstrating immense leadership in managing the bureau, representing low-income individuals in court, and attending community meetings throughout the greater Boston area. Born and raised in Lethbridge, SpearChief-Morris pursued a career in law with the hope of being able to work on behalf of his community, and others like it, to make them stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive. Now, he does just that, using his education to strengthen and support communities by advocating for important change around the globe. Additionally, SpearChief-Morris has provided mentorship to students in southern Alberta who also aspire to make a positive difference in their communities, connecting them with resources to aid them on their journeys. For SpearChief-Morris, it is important to use his voice and platform to help others as they work to build a brighter future. Already a leader in the early stages of his career, his work has set the stage for a lifetime of positive change.
2020 ALUMNI HONOUR SOCIETY INDUCTEES
The 2020 University of Lethbridge Honour Society inductees are shining examples of what it means to be ULethbridge graduates. Each of the individuals being honoured used the knowledge they gained at the University to achieve their personal and professional goals, and through these achievements has left a lasting impact on the people, organizations and communities with which they are involved.
Roxanne Dicke (BFA ’93)
Roxanne Dicke’s accomplishments include founding a theatre company (Spark Theatre), chairing the Prince Albert Arts Board and integrating arts through engagement of diverse groups. Using theatre as a medium for education, Dicke is committed to shining a spotlight on human rights, social justice and gender equality. Her work as an instructor, writer, director and actor extends towards prioritizing space for marginalized voices, including Indigenous artists and survivors of domestic violence. Her passion and commitment to youth and post-secondary drama education inspires her to expand access to arts education throughout the community. Armed with an unwavering advocacy for the positive impact of the arts, Roxanne believes that artists, youth and community members gain confidence and skills from theatre to engage in powerful creativity.
Dr. Angela Grace (BFA/BEd ’96, MEd ’03)
Dr. Angela Grace’s passion for preventing eating disorders, trauma and burnout has guided her career as a registered psychologist. Combining her love of theatre, teaching and well-being, she has advocated for youth mental health and eating disorder prevention for over 20 years. Throughout her career, Grace has explored going beyond traditional talk therapy and into holistic approaches that balance body, mind, spirit and relationships. The culmination of her work thus far may best be found in her leadership in creating Evening of Hope, a performance evening where people who have recovered from eating disorders share their stories through art, theatre and performance. She readily advocates for the value of creativity-driven healing and frequently shares her work with students and professionals worldwide.
Dr. Michael (Scott) Greer (BSc ’05, MSc ’08)
Dr. Scott Greer has spent his career on the cutting edge of global innovation. As the VP – Research and Development for Seppure Technologies, Greer guides the organization’s mission to provide more environmentally sustainable solutions to chemical separation. Spearheading product development, customer acquisition and government engagement, Greer bridges the gap between science and business, ultimately ensuring increased manufacturing capacity and quality operations. His vision plays a key role in the economic and environmental impact of Seppure and its industry partners. He also combines his love of science with teaching and has spent much of his career overseeing and mentoring biotechnology students. His boundless curiosity fuels his passion, and it is clear that Greer’s academic and professional contributions will impact the world for years to come.
Briana Koop (BA ’09)
When Briana Koop found herself seeking support for families facing infant loss, she struggled to find adequate resources. She was inspired to collaborate with other determined individuals to co-found Empty Arms Perinatal Loss Support Services, which assists families experiencing pregnancy loss and/or infant death. She frequently organizes events and engages local media to generate awareness, bring families together and raise funds. Koop combines her love of photography with her devotion to the non-profit organization by volunteering to take remembrance and memorial photographs for people facing this grief, which are often the only moments families are able to capture. Her tireless work to make a positive impact in her community has built resiliency and strength in the face of difficult loss.
Dale Leffingwell (BASc (BA) ’71)
Dale Leffingwell’s dedication to preserving histories unique to rural communities is exceptional. Retiring from a career as a youth worker, he has volunteered his time with local museums and historical societies for over a decade. As the founding president of the Milk River Historical Society, Leffingwell secured dedicated museum space, led the conservation and renovation of the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks and hosted workshops for students and community members with the Centre for Oral History and Tradition. From raising funds to rallying the community to come together, Leffingwell leads with passion and an infectious enthusiasm. This, coupled with his dedication to sharing the stories and history of the Milk River region, ensures future generations will understand the importance of protecting local history.
Perry Stein (BA ’09)
Building strong relationships is at Perry Stein’s core. As Project Planning Lead with Opportunity Lethbridge, Stein guides urban planning, economic development and infrastructure upgrade projects across the region. Keeping purpose and impact top of mind, he encourages strong community-building by fostering wellbeing, connection and inclusion. Stein is also a leader in advancing conversation around industry’s role in reconciliation, and he frequently shares his knowledge with local and global communities. He led the city’s first broad survey of Indigenous heritage, exploring topics previously overlooked by the community planning profession, including the incorporation of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and meaningful engagement of Indigenous peoples. His dedication to his work, coupled with his experience in the public sector, has set the stage for years of vital growth and change across communities.
