TheLegend_0906_February2010

FEBRUARY 2010

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VOLUME 9

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ISSUE SIX

Policing the Games

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g e t T H E FA CT S • Takahashi is in Vancouver from Jan. 31 to Mar. 1 and has just two days off over the 30 days he’ll work.

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

• His work with CCES saw him test athletes at the recently held World Junior Hockey Championships in Saskatoon.

Honouring the 1999-00 Horns basketball team

• In addition to running three local clinics (two in Lethbridge, one in Taber), Takahashi also works with athletes at the newly formed Alberta Sport Development Centre. Former U of L athletics manager Travis Grindle is the executive director of the ASDC’s Southwest office.

Dr. Hillary Rodrigues enlightens through research

• Takahashi and his wife have four children aged 10, 13, 18 and 20. On leaving them for a month to work at the Olympics, he says, “My wife understands and my kids think it’s pretty cool, and I expect it will be an amazing experience.”

Linda Many Guns brings vivid colour to the past

If you’re an Olympic athlete, Tim Takahashi could show up on your doorstep, specimen bottles in hand, at any moment.

Alumnus Dan Buchanan a teacher from the start

By TREVOR KENNEY

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lympic athletes are on a constant quest to achieve higher, faster, stronger results. University of Lethbridge alumnus Tim Takahashi (BA ’94) helps to make sure they do so fairly.

Takahashi, a U of L kinesiology sessional intructor and clinic director of Dynamic Rehab, will serve as a doping control officer at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics this month. He is one of 200 persons working under the auspices of VANOC (Vancouver Olympic Committee) and WADA

(World Anti-Doping Agency) charged with policing the games.

While Takahashi is passionate about his role of rooting out those who try and use performance-enhancing drugs to gain a competitive edge, he admits that enforcement isn’t the ideal way to rid sport of cheaters.

“I believe that policing and enforcement of the anti-doping policy is not the way to stop them,” says Takahashi. “We understand that there’s no possible way we can catch everyone. Really, our attitude is we’re letting people know we’re here, there’s a functioning pro-

gram, there are checks and if you’re caught, there are consequences. I think the real answer is education – it’s educating the athletes.”

Takahashi initially held the dream of making it to the Olympic Games through his work as an athletic therapist. After graduating from the U of L he completed a master’s degree at the University of Calgary and, following a year of work, opened the first of three Dynamic Rehab clinics. continued on pg. 5

Olympic moment University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management student James Zanoni, right, accepts the Olympic flame in advance of running his leg in the Olympic Torch Run. The torch made its way through southern Alberta the weekend of Jan. 16-17. Alumni Chantelle Dubois Nishiyama (BA ‘98) and Ken Rogers (BEd/BMus ‘86) also carried the torch.

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FEBRUARY 2010

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

the billboard

University of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what’s happening in the University community

There are times when we all take aspects of our lives for granted, and we don’t necessarily appreciate the fortunate circumstance we have of living in a prosperous country such as Canada. When we then see the devastation of a tragedy like the Haitian earthquake, it quickly brings into focus just how lucky we are.

Last week’s gathering in the Atrium in support of the Haitian people was a scene we’ve replicated far too many times here at the University. Whether it is in response to the shootings at Virginia Tech University or the terrible tsunami in Thailand, we’ve come together as a community to support our fellow humans.

The outpouring of support for our Haitian brothers and sisters has been heartwarming but hardly unexpected. We here at the University have always shown a great measure of compassion, and I feel it comes from the global nature of our campus community.

We have a number of groups on campus that make such positive contributions to society, and it is especially evident during times of tragedy. From the International Students’ Association who manned a donation table for the Red Cross, to the Rotaract Club and its campaign to collect money for shelter boxes, to Steve Ferzacca’s health science students and their Partners in Health program that has a

CAMPUS Nick Wade (Art) has been invited to show and speak about his work, The Ruin 2005, at a conference dedicated to Eve Sedgwick. Called Spanking and Poetry at the Graduate Centre, CUNY NY on Feb. 25, part of the conference is dedicated to innovative uses of language in many disciplines, including visual art.

Mary Kavanagh (Art) and Michael Campbell (Art) both had work purchased by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts in its recent round of new acquisitions. Kavanagh’s work, Tarnish: Silver Drawings (2005), is a process piece resulting in a large textile. Campbell’s work, Tranquility Base (2006), is a video/audio/sculptural installation.

The winners for the annual student writing competition, Plays and Prose, supported by U of L alumnus Terry Whitehead, were announced recently.

James Wade captured the Play Right Prize for his play Muse Control. Marian Godfrey won first prize in the prose competition for Takeoff, while second prize went to Henry Heavy Shield for The Art of Fasting.

The third prize was awarded to Dave Bryant for Out of Sight

permanent presence in Haiti, our faculty, staff and students consistently give to those less fortunate and in need.

I look forward to celebrating that international spirit at the Feb. 10 International Dinner. Always a highlight of the spring, the International Dinner features wonderful cuisine from all corners of the globe.

This year’s guest speaker, Kim Phuc, promises to be especially poignant. Known as “The girl in the picture” Phuc is an advocate for children affected by war and terror. Her message of compassion and understanding is always relevant and should make for an excellent evening.

As we approach spring, the word ‘transition’ is being used

kudos

on Barstool Row. This is the second consecutive year that Heavy Shield has earned a prize for his writing.

Mary-Anne McTrowe (Art) was asked by recent Art Now speaker Brian Goeltzenleuchter, to create work to be featured on his Contraposto Home Decor website for Winter 2010, based on items in his product line. She chose to knit cozies for three of the candles offered for sale on the site: Roman Ruins, The Kiss, and Totem (www.cphomedecor.com/ featured).

Daniel Wong (Art Gallery) and Mary-Anne McTrowe (Art), as The Cedar Tavern Singers AKA Les Phonorealistes, travel to San Diego in March to participate in a group exhibition entitled Family Matters at Sushi Center for Urban Arts, which runs from Mar. 4 to Apr. 24. In addition to their installation, they are also presenting a musical performance.

Tido Janssen (Music) was recently elected president of the Alberta String Association (ASA). The ASA is a non-profit, charitable organization that supports and develops programs serving a network of string professionals, string students,

and string-interested parties that advocate quality string playing and string education in Alberta.

Dr. Shelley Scott’s (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) book, Nightwood Theatre, A Woman’s Work is Always Done, has just been published by Athabasca University Press.

Lisa Doolittle (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) was named Ms. November (Dance Historian of the Month) in Dance Collection Danse, the national dance archive and publishing organization based in Toronto.

Denton Fredrickson (Art) and John Granzow (Psychology – grad assistant) have their collaboration, Instruments of Removal, appearing in the first issues of the new online publication Boulder Pavement (www. boulderpavement.ca/wordpress/ instruments-of-removal).

Deanna Oye (Music) performed on a concert of international musicians at the Hospitalkirche in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany. She and violinist Jasmine Lin (Chicago Chamber Players) performed Edvard Grieg’s 3rd Sonata for Violin and Piano in December.

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often in the President’s office. It’s a process I feel very good about and one I expect will go very smoothly as we introduce Dr. Mike Mahon to the University and its partners.

This week both Mike and his wife Maureen are here in Lethbridge to take part in a number of events. Mike attended his first President’s Executive meeting, accompanied VicePresident Finance and Administration Nancy Walker, VicePresident Advancement Chris Horbachewski, and me to Rotary Club, participated in the annual Donor Gala celebration and took part in a number of other social gatherings. Richard Westlund, our government relations director, also arranged a host of cour-

tesy calls for Mike as he spoke with key representatives from the local, provincial and federal governments.

We’re making sure Mike has the opportunity to meet people in a social, casual and informal basis as he becomes accustomed to the U of L in advance of July 1, when he assumes the Presidency.

He’ll officially be installed Oct. 15 and preside over his first convocation ceremony on Oct. 16.

Finally, I have heard through numerous channels that Michael Nolan is coming to town this spring. Nolan is someone who I knew many years ago, and I can’t wait to see him once again.

FEBRUARY 2010

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the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Rasmussen recognized for aquatic research

By BOB COONEY

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hether we like it or not, Canada’s waters are under increasing pressure to support greater economic activity. Be it the energy sector, agriculture, mining or urbanization, our aquatic ecosystems face an uncertain future.

University of Lethbridge biological sciences professor Dr. Joe Rasmussen is a key component in helping people understand the adverse effects that economic activity can have on our waters. One of the country’s most recognized water researchers, his peers recently recognized him when a Canadian professional organization of limnologists (aquatic ecosystem researchers who study lakes and rivers) awarded Rasmussen its highest honour.

Rasmussen, a Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Ecosystems, received the Frank H. Rigler Memorial Award at the joint annual meetings of the Society of Canadian Limnologists and the Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research, which took place in Winnipeg, Man., in early January.

The award recognizes and honours major achievements in the field of limnology by Canadians or those working in Canada. Emphasis in selection is given to established aquatic scientists whose work is recognized for its influence and importance.

Rasmussen teaches ecology, aquatic ecosystems and aquatic biology. He has served on a wide range of advisory panels across Canada dealing with water management issues ranging from in-stream flow to water quality criteria, and has done groundbreaking research

U of l works to educate new cabinet ministers by richard westlund We are only a month into the new year, but there have already been some significant changes to both the provincial and federal political landscapes. These changes will pave the way for a renewed effort by the University of Lethbridge to continue a dialogue with the government about our strengths and challenges.

Speaking provincially, two former-government MLAs crossed the floor and a cabinet shuffle occurred that included some interesting changes. The

Dr. Joe Rasmussen has been at the forefront of aquatic ecosystem research for years. The Frank H. Rigler Memorial Award recognizes his significant contributions in the field of limnology.

in a number of key areas relating to the management of water and aquatic resources.

Canada’s waters are a valuable resource and as pressure is

exerted upon them economically, the role of the aquatic researcher becomes more essential.

“There is also the issue of

‘regulated rivers,’ which include both reservoirs and their downstream tailwaters. They are and will be an increasing part of the limnological landscape,” says

most notable changes included Edmonton-based MLA Gene Zwozdesky becoming minister of health, while Calgary MLA Ron Liepert moved to energy. Former Sustainable Resource Development Minister, Ted Morton, became minister of finance and enterprise. The University will spend time during the coming months educating all new ministers about the impact the U of L makes in their respective areas in terms of teaching and research.

Doug Horner remained minister of advanced education and technology, but was also named Deputy Premier. This certainly speaks to the influence Horner has at the cabinet table.

There were a few other changes that have the potential to change the political landscape for southern Alberta. Former Minister of Agriculture, George Groeneveld, was moved from cabinet

(his riding is situated just south of Calgary) leaving minister Rob Renner of Medicine Hat the sole minister south of Calgary. Groeneveld visited our campus three or four times during his tenure as minister and always expressed a willingness to understand the positions of the University.

The U of L, as it has done in the past, will make efforts to build relationships with all relevant ministers through meetings and tours of campus.

While the Lethbridge-area is without a minister, the four government members that are geographically close to the U of L have been handed duties above that of a private member.

Lethbridge-West MLA Greg Weadick, for example, has been named parliamentary assistant to the minister of advanced education and technology. The U of L will certainly count on

Weadick to help advance University messaging to his colleagues in government.

Other local appointments include Cardston-Taber-Warner MLA Broyce Jacobs becoming the parliamentary assistant to the minister of agriculture and rural development, LivingstoneMacleod MLA Evan Berger remaining in his role as parliamentary assistant to the minister of sustainable resource development and Little-Bow MLA Barry McFarland being named as a member of the treasury board.

A small cabinet shuffle also occurred at the federal level this month, but the biggest news, as far as the U of L is concerned, is the announcement that Lethbridge MP Rick Casson will not seek another term in office.

Casson, a former employee of the U of L, helped move along many files for the University. He

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Rasmussen.

“Most recently, the research that my laboratory has been in engaged in crosses over from limnology to fisheries research, a process I am encouraging more researchers in both of these disciplines to do. For example, we are examining the scientific criteria used to assess fish habitats under the Fisheries Act, which has become a prominent component of environmental regulation in Canada following the Supreme Court decision on the Oldman River dam during the 1990s.”

He says being recognized by his peers is humbling.

“The Rigler award means a great deal to me both personally and professionally. Personally, it is gratifying because so many colleagues and former students from all over Canada belong to the society, and to be honoured by friends with whom I have worked with throughout my career brings back many wonderful memories,” says Rasmussen. “It is also very gratifying to receive an award that has been given to many excellent scientists over the years, and to have my name associated with that of professor Rigler, who had such a profound impact on limnology and aquatic science in general.”

The award also reaps benefits for the University and could result in an influx of funding and research opportunities.

“I have already been contacted by a number of people who would like to come to Lethbridge and work in my laboratory,” Rasmussen says.

“The prestige associated with this award, and others like it, can also make it somewhat easier to obtain grants and other types of funding for research, and this helps keep the wheels turning.”

knocked on doors to advance initiatives and was never hesitant to pick up the phone to ask about how a government policy might impact our institution. His work on our behalf was impressive. He will be certainly missed on the federal scene and will leave big shoes to fill.

Building relationships with elected and non-elected government members is important in ensuring effective communication between the U of L and decision-makers in Edmonton and Ottawa. Senior administration at the U of L has already begun to engage and re-engage government members to ensure productive working relationships are forged.

Richard Westlund is the University’s director of government relations

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FEBRUARY 2010

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Volunteer effort makes a success of Red Nose campaign

By KALI MCKAY

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he holidays remained a time for celebration, thanks, at least in part, to Operation Red Nose (ORN), a national program run in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge that ensures partygoers and their vehicles get home safely.

Lethbridge is one of only three communities in Alberta that offers the program and donations go to support the Pronghorn Booster Club. This year, ORN provided 894 safe rides home and is happy to report that donations are up.

“We’re estimating that we’ve probably brought in just over $40,000 in funding this year,” says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services. “That includes in-car donations, contributions from local organizations booking the service for their holiday parties and sponsorship dollars.”

Lethbridge has truly embraced the program and in addition to using the service, many organizations support the operations of the program.

“There are a number of organizations that have been very good to us from the beginning,” explains Slavin of a program that just concluded its 15th year. “Gas King, Tim Hortons, the Regent and the City of Lethbridge have always helped provide what we need. In addition, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is our provincial sponsor and they provide the insurance, without which we wouldn’t be able to operate and support the basic organizing costs of the program.”

This type of support enables more than 500 volunteers to do what they need to do: get people home safely. However, in talking to Dr. Jon Doan and Robin Hopkins, two longtime Red Nose volunteers, there’s more to it than that.

When you call for assistance from Operation Red Nose, you just never know who could show up at your door. Even Luxie has been known to help party goers get home safely.

“Red Nose is a great opportunity for student athletes to give back.”

Dr. Jon doan

Hopkins has been involved since high school when she started volunteering her time answering phones. When asked why she continues to volunteer, she doesn’t hesitate: “Besides for the fun?” laughs Hopkins. “Operation Red Nose allows people to come out one night a year and make a difference. Volunteering doesn’t necessarily require a huge time commitment – you can give back in just a few hours.”

Giving back is what ORN is all about, which is why 70 per cent of the volunteers are Pronghorn athletes.

“ORN provides a great opportunity for student athletes to give back to the community,” notes Doan, who first got involved as a grad student and continues to volunteer now that he’s faculty. “It’s also a great way for the community to see Pronghorn Athletics as something off the ice, or the field, or the court – these programs add value to the community.”

While funds raised support Pronghorn Athletics, the primary goal of ORN is to prevent drunk driving by offering a safe alternative.

“Sometimes people feel they have to make a donation, and I think it’s important that people understand that it’s a service; we’re here to get you and your car home safely,” explains Hopkins. “If you can make a donation, that’s a bonus.”

THANKS TO OUR DONORS Thank You For your support Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the University of Lethbridge ensures new opportunities to engage in creativity, inquiry and discovery. Here are some noteworthy numbers from 2009 that give a glimpse at the impact of your support:

$8.4 million raised 1,483 donors in 2009 652 first-time U of L donors in 2009 $4.5 million in funding for student awards 2,386 gifts for student awards

Thank you to everyone who donated in 2009. For more information on how you can make a difference in the lives of students, please visit: www.ulethbridge.ca/giving

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the Legend athletics AT T H E U celebrating a memorable Holt still manning the point 1999-2000 team and season

FEBRUARY 2010

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

They sold out a gym in 12 minutes. Their act played throughout western Canada for six months and concluded with a command performance in Halifax, N.S. before disbanding. Now, 10 years later, they’ll be back on centre stage at the 1st Choice Savings Centre gym.

No, it’s not a rock band reunion, although they did play a tune on almost everybody they met that season. The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 1999-2000 basketball team will be honoured at the final Horns regular season basketball games this season, Feb. 13, when the University of Calgary Dinos come to town.

The night will also feature a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation that will see the women’s basketball team raise money through the 50-50 draw as well as pink t-shirt sales and the buzzer beater halftime competition.

The 1999-2000 Horns advanced to the national semifinal game before losing a heartbreaking 80-75 decision to St. Francis Xavier. Head coach Dave Crook was prophetic in his post-game analysis.

“Right now it’s very difficult to swallow, but in 10 years they’re going to look back on all the positives,” said Crook at the time. “We didn’t win in the end, but it doesn’t take anything away from them as people. I’m just so proud of the way they represented me, the University and the community.”

Now, 10 years later, we can all celebrate their accomplishments.

g et T H E FA C T S • Holt and his wife Brittany have four children, including Isaac (8), Anne (6), Ty (3) and 18-month old Josh.

• Holt was named an AllCanadian in his final season at the U of L. • Plans call for Holt and his group to open a Five Guys restaurant in Lethbridge in April.

• He lauds the U of L for bringing in Dave Adams as head coach and Ryan Hall as athletics manager. Adams was an assistant with the 1999-2000 team and Hall a senior guard and shutdown defender. “The University reaching out to former players is great, and this is a great example of starting this tradition of involving people from the past to make the future better.”

doping-free sport the goal continued from pg. 1

The road to working an Olympics is long and heavily populated with therapists who boast years of seniority.

Takahashi looked at another route and felt he had something to offer as a doping control officer.

“I saw a lot of doping first-hand as a graduate student in the mid-90s, and I remember thinking then that I did not want to be a part of that,” he says. “I’m a strong believer in doping-free sport and not just the fact that it’s dangerous or could hurt the athlete, there’s an ethical and moral side to sport. It reflects on our attitudes toward sport and society.”

It’s a lesson he tries to impart on his children.

“I’ve got four kids and they see what I’m involved in, and I try and show them the right way to be involved in sport. We all want to excel in athletics, but there’s a way to do it in a safe and ethical way.”

Takahashi’s selection to participate in the Vancouver Games comes from his involvement with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). He applied over five years ago to work with CCES and spent the better part of two years advancing through the selection and training process before he was certified. Since then he has worked as a doping control officer for the southern Alberta region, testing athletes from a variety of sports.

His work includes both in competition and out of com-

petition testing.

“Our motto is anytime, anywhere,” he says.

Takahashi will do everything from contacting an athlete about a test to collecting samples, running initial baseline analysis tests to confirm they are good for lab use, to packing and securing the sample for shipment to WADA facilities. Following exacting protocols comes with the job.

While in Vancouver, Takahashi and the 200-person doping control team is expected to run more than 2,000 tests. Sadly, he expects there will be a number of positive results.

“We’re catching just a trickle of what’s out there, and unfortunately, I’m seeing more and more positive tests,” he says. “In a way, it is discouraging.”

Using his experience in class is one way to slowly begin the process of educating a generation about drug use in sport.

“I use a lot of examples from this work already,” he says of his Kinesiology 2350 (recognition and care of athletic injuries) class. “It’s nice to know things in theory, but when you can tie a real-world example to what you’re talking about it really drives the point home.

“This experience is a way to add to my teaching skill set. It’s a great opportunity to see world-class, elite athletes at the top of the game trying to do their best; how they get there and what methods they use or don’t use.”

Spencer Holt, in action here against the University of Alberta, is now the point man in the business world.

Photo courtesy of Lethbridge Herald

By TREVOR KENNEY

U

niversity of Lethbridge alumnus Spencer Holt (BMgt ’00) has an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, is currently pursuing a PhD and his career is flipping burgers. You might think all that education has gone to waste – hardly.

It’s just the latest avenue that Holt is pursuing, as the point man for a team franchising Five Guys Burgers and Fries, a wildly successful restaurant chain that boasts 550 American locations and now one Canadian store in Medicine Hat. “The group I’m with bought the rights to Alberta, B.C. and parts of Ontario,” says Holt. “We just opened in Medicine Hat, and it’s gone very well. Our goal is to do about 130 stores across the country, so for me it’s a great opportunity because I’m in charge of the infrastructure of hiring people, training and so on. It blends very well into my educational background.”

Holt is best known in these parts for his years manning the point guard spot on the Horns men’s basketball team. A wizard with the ball, he was a high school star at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute before playing a

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season at Lethbridge College and then moving on to the U of L. Along with Magrath product Danny Balderson, the duo formed a local nucleus around which the program was constructed.

“A big part of that was the fact that Danny and I had been friends for many years,” says Holt. “When we were both on our missions for the church, we talked quite a bit about playing together and at the U of L. We both had opportunities to go other places, but I think we had a vision of playing together in Lethbridge and winning a lot of games.”

They did just that, culminating with the 1999-2000 season when the Horns spent much of the campaign as the top-rated team in the country, won the Canada West regular season title and advanced to the national semifinal game.

“That was such a fun season,” says Holt. “I think we went 18-2, we won every tournament we entered, and more importantly, the guys on that team had been together for three or four years so, as a group, we all got along and really had a passion to work hard and win together.”

He cherishes the fact that the team had such a strong southern Alberta flavour and remembers a unique bond the program had

with the community.

“When you look back at old pictures of the stands, you see everyone you grew up with, and that’s what was so cool about it, you knew who was in the crowd and that was part of the fun,” says Holt. “That old gym only held a couple thousand people but it seemed like every night it was full and that really helps as a player, you feed off that energy and it gives you a lot of confidence.”

The 1999-2000 team will be honoured at the Feb. 13 regular season finale at the 1st Choice Savings Centre gym. Holt likes the fact that the University is reaching out to its alumni.

“It’s a great honour that they’re choosing to recognize this team,” he says. “For me, moving back to Canada now, it’s perfect timing. I’ve talked to some former players about how we need to be more involved with U of L basketball and whatever we can do to help bring it back to its southern Alberta roots.”

Now living in Calgary, Holt has made the most of his U of L education. A finance major, he has worked in the banking industry (Bank of Montreal), the oil and gas sector and for pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca (sales representative and then district manager for the State of Nevada).

Now he is embarking on a massive project with Five Guys but using the personal approach he learned in Lethbridge.

“What I’m passionate about is training people, developing a culture and helping people get better, and this is a great opportunity,” says Holt. “How do you do this on a large scale? You start with one store and replicate it 130 times.

In the end, we’ll have a company where people love to work and love who they work for.”

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FEBRUARY 2010

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Understanding religion – understanding people

Dr. Hillary Rodrigues teaches understanding and acceptance through religious studies

By ERICA LIND

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eligion affects all of us, regardless of our personal beliefs.

Lying at the core of human understanding, religion has, and in many instances, continues to both reflect and shape culture, politics and society.

The discipline of religious studies uses a variety of methodologies to try to make sense of what Dr. Hillary Rodrigues calls the “human religious response.”

Focusing his research on Hindu religion, Rodrigues strives to address the fundamental, yet elusive responses to how people answer the big questions in their lives – Why are we here? What is the purpose and meaning of life? What happens when I die?

After completing his undergraduate degree in chem-

teachers flock to campus What do Faculty of Education students and teachers do on Spring Break? They go back to school.

In February, the University of Lethbridge will host more than 2,000 education students and educators at two separate conferences, which highlight professional learning in education.

The U of L will host WestCAST (Western Canadian Association for Student Teaching), Feb. 17-20, and the Southwest Alberta Teacher’s Convention Association (SWATCA), Feb. 18-19.

Both conferences are among the largest events held on campus and provide a boost to the local and regional economy as guests migrate from outside the local area.

istry at McGill University, Rodrigues spent four years traveling in South America and Asia.

It was during this time that he discovered his real passion and decided to pursue his academic career in religious studies.

“During my travels, I became more deeply interested in world culture and philosophical questions,” explains Rodrigues. “I found religious studies to be an area where I could bring these interests together.”

Rodrigues went on to receive a master’s and PhD in religious studies from McMaster University in Hamilton before joining the University of Lethbridge in 1992.

“Tenure-track positions in religious studies are rare,” says Rodrigues. “I was pleased to hear about an opening at the University of Lethbridge because I was attracted to its relatively modest size and the

prospect that I could contribute towards the development of the religious studies program here.”

“My work enables us to understand more about the religious and cultural values of some of our fellow citizens.” dr. hillary rodrigues

In addition to teaching and developing the religious studies program, Rodrigues has been working on a comprehensive study of a Hindu goddess named Durga. According to

WestCAST is a unique conference attracting a diverse audience of teacher educators, university instructors, administrators and student teachers. Approximately 500 people are expected to attend.

In addition to over 60 professional seminars, lectures and workshops on the theme of Inspired Education, WestCAST keynote speakers include U of L neuroscientist, Dr. Robbin Gibb and educator Louise Rose, who will speak on the overall theme of the conference, Bridging Hearts and Minds.

“We are pleased to host this unique experience during which all educational stakeholders can engage in a collaborative conversation about teaching and learning,” says Dr. Pamela Adams, assistant dean field experiences, Faculty of Education. “It is important for the teachers of the future to have opportunities to share ideas with

him, an inadequate amount of research has been conducted on Durga since gods have traditionally been the focus of study rather than goddesses.

“The idea of God being imagined as female is foreign to many of us in western society,” Rodrigues explains. “When we think of goddesses we tend to think of them as part of ancient mythology. But goddesses are still widely worshipped in the Hindu tradition, and Durga is Hinduism’s Great Goddess.”

Durga’s rich and complex mythology has captivated Rodrigues, and she has become his primary research focus.

He has written a book entitled Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess in which he discusses an elaborate worship ritual that takes place each year in Durga’s honour.

Currently, he is attempting to understand the various ways in which individuals draw

peers, expert teachers and researchers and to, in turn, learn from them.”

The SWATCA Conference is an annual event produced by ATA Zone 6 and features a range of sessions that include topics such as: emerging and current issues being faced by classroom teachers, techniques for teaching history and video-conferencing.

“The SWATCA committee has put together a really productive conference, and the U of L is pleased to once again host the group here on campus,” says Bill Glaister, Curriculum Laboratory co-ordinator. “It allows us to reconnect with our alumni and be of service to the education community, as well as attend some practical sessions on curriculum changes, creative teaching ideas and educational issues relevant for today’s teachers.”

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empowerment from Durga.

Rodrigues conducts both textual and field-based research, using methodologies that stem from anthropology, sociology, and philosophy.

Although his research is focused on India, it has definite implications for Canadians.

“Since Canada is a multicultural society, my work on Durga will enable us to understand more about the religious and cultural values of some of our fellow citizens,” Rodrigues emphasizes. “Such understanding, I hope, will diminish certain forms of prejudice and enable us to live with a greater tolerance and acceptance of, or even a connection with, each other’s diversity.”

For more on Dr. Rodrigues and the Department of Religious Studies, visit http://www.uleth. ca/fas/relg

Organizers Dr. Pamela Adams, Dr. Gerald McConaghy and Bill Glaister are looking forward to both WestCAST and SWATCA.

FEBRUARY 2010

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the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Student Speakers take the challenge

By TREVOR KENNEY The discourse was lively, the questions pointed and the answers unscripted – just what you’d want out of a public debate.

The second incarnation of the now annual Student Speaker Challenge kicked off in early January as a field of eight students began quarter-final rounds en route to determining a champion in March. For participants James Falconer and Selin Bilgin, the challenge serves as an opportunity to engage in a timeless and pure form of education.

“It’s the old style, classic Greek conception of the university,” says Falconer, a fourth-year sociology major. “The stadium, the discourse, the back-and-forth dialectic, that’s what I thrive on and this is a wonderful example.”

This year’s question, “What is the value of post-secondary education to the world?” is especially relevant to students and attracted Bilgin, a first-year education student, to the competition.

“I know that there is a prize for the winner but more than anything, I wanted to do it for my personal experience,” says Bilgin. “I do want to be a teacher so I have to get used to talking in front of a bunch of people, and it’s a topic I care about and something I knew I could talk about.”

The Student Speaker Challenge is a collaboration of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA), the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG), and the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU), with support from the University of Lethbridge.

“We’ve been trying to make inroads on campus for a few years now and this idea, having a speaker challenge, works for us because it involves students and will hopefully attract some attention to what SACPA does in the city,” says spokesperson Knud Petersen.

The format is simple, pitting two speakers against one another as they present their views on a predetermined topic. Each participant is given 15 minutes to speak, after which they answer questions from both the audience and the three-person judging panel. Following both presentations, the judges vote on who prevails and advances to the next round. A $500 award goes to the eventual champion, with $300 and $100 awards handed out to the second and third place finishers respectively.

“It’s great to see off campus groups like SACPA join on campus organizations like LPIRG and the ULSU in presenting this because we all are interested in educating the public on important policy issues,” says ULSU Vice-President Academic Alex Masse. “We do it much better collaboratively than we would be able to alone.”

Falconer defeated Bilgin in their quarterfinal matchup but she was roundly praised for taking on such a daunting task in just her second semester of post-secondary study.

“It was definitely tough and a little scary, especially when you make a mistake,” says Bilgin. “I learned that the people here are very supportive. When I looked out I could see smiling faces, and they were paying attention to me, so that made me a lot more comfortable.

It was definitely a great experience.”

Masse says the challenge benefits everyone who takes part, including the audience.

“It’s a great learning experience. I know I learn a few things from every speaker I hear because they present arguments I hadn’t thought of before.”

The challenge continues through to the Mar. 9 final at Andy’s Place. Check the Notice Board for session dates and times.

Recreating a glorious past

By TREVOR KENNEY

O

ne dimensional, black and white photographs represent much of the aboriginal history we know. While serving adequately as depictions of an era, they hardly tell a story or set a scene.

Linda Many Guns of the University of Lethbridge’s Native American Studies (NAS) department is trying to fill in those gaps, reconstructing a rich history one bead at a time.

By crafting traditional aboriginal clothing such as dresses, war shirts and moccasins using actual trade cloth and intricate glass beads of a bygone time, she is using colour to recreate history and help it leap off the page.

“For me it’s a source of pride,” says Many Guns, who is in her second semester of teaching at the U of L. “I don’t want to see just black and white pictures of our people keeping the memory alive. By creating these items, you see the incredible colour and beauty of that time, and it’s awesome.

You get a sense of how dynamic and incredible meeting our people must have been.”

Born in southern Alberta into the Blackfoot tribe, she was registered at the Tsuu T’ina Reserve, later transferred to Siksika Nation. Now an educator completing a doctorate degree, Many Guns has worked in a variety of fields, from being a chef to a high-steel construction worker.

What has always resonated with her is the history of her people.

“I’ve always been proud of my culture and my heritage and like so many of the students I teach here, have spent a good part of my lifetime reconstructing what I know since so much of that was fragmented growing up,” she says.

“I’ve never seen myself as assimilated, I see myself as indigenous and am very proud of that.”

While working as a chef in the Banff Springs Hotel, Many Guns often visited local museums and was intrigued by the visual history of aboriginal people. She recognized that the clothes they crafted spoke volumes about the lives they lived.

“These pieces could not have been produced by a society that had no structure or no intellectual capital,” she says. “Beauty comes from its environment and you must have a peaceful environment and some sense of identity.

It spurred these questions in me about my background.”

In her quest for knowledge, Many Guns encountered all manner of persons that helped her reconstruct the past. From 90-year-old women with stashes of highly prized, traderoute beads to a society of mountain men who literally experienced life of a bygone era, she unearthed the tales and symbols of her ancestors.

As she learned to create clothing

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g et T H E FA C T S • Many Guns has a BA from St. Thomas University (Fredericton, N.B.), a master’s degree from Carleton University (Ottawa, Ont.), a law degree from University of Ottawa and will complete her doctorate from Trent University (Peterborough, Ont.) this spring.

• A mother of two, she is also a grandmother of three.

• Many Guns credits Dr. Leroy Little Bear for the support he’s shown in allowing her to “open new doors of discovery” in the NAS department.

• The beads featured in the University Library display date all the way back to the 1800s.

Examples of their value include the largest blue beads that could fetch up to 10 buffalo hides per bead in trade.

• One of Many Guns’ greatest sources of beads is a woman in Blackfoot, Idaho who has rows upon rows of cases of beads that she’ll sell in large quantities.

• Each dress that Many Guns makes takes over a year to construct. “One of the things you learn is the meaning of patience because sometimes you can’t get enough product (leather, hides, beads) to put it all together, but I think that is very similar to the way it was back then.”

(Top left) Linda Many Guns examines a traditional aboriginal beaded dress.

(Top right) These blue beads were highly prized on the trade route. (Lower) A belt crafted out of thousands of small glass beads.

in the traditional way, she gained an understanding of the trade route system, the value of the beads in aboriginal society and the symbols of the past.

“Aboriginal people were no different than any other people, they were always looking for ways to demonstrate status in a community. Having trade cloth was a demonstration of status, as were the beads,” she says. “It was truly a sign of wealth to have any number of those beads.”

She worked with an experienced group of beaders to craft her first dress, before tackling the challenge of a second by herself. Currently, she’s creating the dress she’ll wear when she receives her doctorate at Trent University in the spring.

The current display at the front entrance to the University Library depicts beads and pieces created over various eras of aboriginal history. The breathtaking colours and intricate craftsmanship create a whole new representation of history. It’s that dynamic cultural past she strives to rekindle and introduce to her students.

“I believe that this is just one small example of what the NAS department offers, not just to aboriginal students but to all people,” Many Guns says.

“We’re bringing an awareness and understanding to aboriginal people’s lives and their culture, how rich and beautiful it was, to validate the complexity of the nations. We’re here, we’re still here, still creating these items, and we don’t want the culture to die.”

the Legend

OUR

alumni

FEBRUARY 2010

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Buchanan knew early what career path lay ahead g et T H E FA C T S • Engaged, Buchanan is to be married in April.

• He was instrumental in securing several grants for Harold W. Riley School, including a $60,000 Hewlett Packard Physical Education Equipment grant from Kidsport.

• Buchanan speaks Spanish and ran his first half-marathon last year.

• He was a Kimmitt Scholarship recipient at the U of L in 2001 and was on the Dean’s honour roll at Mount Royal.

Alumnus Dan Buchanan, far right, with fiancé Kimberly Price and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

By STACY SEGUIN

I

t’s likely your first job did not spawn a career choice.

Whether it was selling lemonade, delivering papers, doing yard work, shoveling snow or repeating the phrase, “Do you want fries with that?”, most first jobs only inspire us to head in a completely different direction.

That was not the case for Daniel Buchanan (BA, BEd ’02).

“Growing up in Hanna, Alta. I had a job as a summer camp counselor in high school,” remembers Buchanan. “That helped me realize right then that I enjoyed the energy of working with kids and they seemed to relate to me also. So becoming a teacher fit me quite well.”

After high school graduation, Buchanan headed to Cal-

gary and enrolled in the pre-education program at Mount Royal College, majoring in English.

“During my second year, I attended a presentation given by the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. I heard so many amazing things about the education program, and I realized that the U of L seemed to cater to what we were already doing at Mount Royal. Most of us in the pre-education program transferred to the U of L that year,” he says.

Buchanan completed his third year of undergraduate courses at the University of Lethbridge in spring 2000 and was admitted to the Faculty of Education that fall. Thrown immediately into the refiner’s fire, Buchanan fondly remembers Dr. Frank Sovka’s technique

for preparing students to become teachers.

“It was the first week of classes and Dr. Sovka dropped this assignment bomb on us.

In between planning units, lesson plans and teaching in our practicum, we had to look at the Alberta program of studies and write a paper on the learning outcomes of our particular teaching strand. We hadn’t put in that many hours before and felt hard done by, but in the end, it was great because it was a good introduction into the busy life of a teacher,” says Buchanan.

Motivated by the professional, personable demeanor and the high expectations of his professors, Buchanan graduated with distinction in 2002 and moved back to Calgary, but not before he left his mark on the

• One of his current initiatives is a students/staff recycling project where they make wallets out of used tetra packs.

University.

“A bunch of us got together and decided to form a lunch club. About three days a week we got together for lunch, relaxed and planned our weekends. We painted a lunch club mural in the tunnel and put our names on it,” says Buchanan. “The club became our circle of friends.”

Substitute teaching and taking on several short-term contracts, Buchanan worked in Calgary for three years before taking a year off to backpack throughout Europe, north Africa and Argentina.

“When I was in Argentina

I worked for about six weeks as a resource teacher. It was a real heads-up; I realized how fortunate we are here,” he says.

“When I came back to Calgary I taught at Harold W. Riley Elementary School, but I had fallen in love with the country of Argentina so I returned there to teach English for a year.”

In 2006, Buchanan returned to Riley before transferring to Simon Fraser Middle School when Riley closed in 2009.

Last year, Buchanan was awarded two prestigious teaching honours: the Alberta Education Excellence in Teaching and the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

Buchanan is well respected among his colleagues, students and the community for his dedication and commitment to students and for his innovative incorporation of new technology to improve student learning, experience and success. He is actively involved in extra-curricular activities including school recycling and digital literacy programs, and spends many personal hours cheering for his students at hockey games and other community events.

“I think it is important to take an interest in students both in and out of the classroom because it is important to them and it leads you to appreciating the whole person,” says Buchanan. “Each summer is bittersweet because you have to say goodbye to students you have a connection with. I hope that at the end of my time with my students, they are independent, they feel safe and are confident to go on to new endeavors.”

opening for the mythbusters . . .

John Eng and Wayne Lippa won’t be blowing up too much stuff at the Feb. 6 Mythbusters event, but they will be setting a few things on fire, all the while teaching the sold-out crowd about chemistry in a fun and inventive way. Together, Eng and Lippa have been promoting chemistry in the community as The Chem Guys for a decade. Their goal is to displace the general public dislike of chemistry with a message that chemistry is fun. Eng has a BSc in Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University and has been teaching chemistry at the U of L since January 1987. Lippa has a BSc/BEd degree from the U of L and has been teaching at the University since August 1997. They are available to drop in to schools with their traveling road show, and can be contacted at engj@uleth.ca.

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& wellness Finding a way to keep the winter blahs at bay FEBRUARY 2010

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By SUZANNE MCINTOSH

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the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

t’s February, and I am finding it hard to keep the winter blahs away. The next few months are my least favorite because it seems like we have had winter (especially this year!) forever, and we are still too far away from spring to be thinking about golf or gardening.

So how can we keep the winter blahs at bay? Some suggestions: • Plan a winter getaway Whether it’s a day at the ski hill, a trip to a different city (both Calgary and Medicine Hat are close enough for a day trip), or an all-out escape to a warm destination (my personal favorite), just thinking about and planning a getaway will give you something to look forward to.

• Register for a class or try something new There are lots of free or inexpensive events happening at the University or throughout the city. The Galt Museum and Lethbridge Public Library have weekly events, and Lethbridge College offers onenight cooking classes throughout the semester.

• See a play or a musical per-

H E A LT H

formance The U of L Faculty of Fine Arts has plenty of offerings in the next couple of months.

Check their schedule at: www. uleth.ca/finearts/events • Register for an upcoming run The Moonlight Run is a fun one to do because your exhilarating evening walk or run is followed up with pizza.

Proceeds of the run go to the Lethbridge Food Bank and the Lethbridge Coulee Clean Up program.

• Go for a walk According to a study by the University of Washington, people who took a brisk outdoor walk for 20 minutes a day showed better moods, higher self-esteem and an improved sense of well-being. Just 15 minutes outside will give you your Vitamin D fix for the day. Vitamin D is linked to boosting moods, creating healthy bones and helps ward off osteoporosis, LDL (or bad) cholesterol and heart disease.

Given that February is heart month, it’s a great time to start improving heart health!

Suzanne McIntosh is the University of Lethbridge coordinator of wellness programs

WINTER WALK DAY February 10th is Winter Walk day here at the University and in Lethbridge. The Wellness Committee will have a table set up over the lunch hour, at the south doors of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

We encourage you to sign up so the University can register the number of walkers participating that day. This can be a start for your training for the Bee Heart Smart contest coming up in only a few short months! Last year there were 82 registered walkers – let’s see if we can beat this.

NAOSH WEEK

The U of L Risk and Safety Services and Wellness departments have been involved in the Southern AB NAOSH (North American Occupational Safety and Health) week for the past few years and the U of L has historically been a proud supporter of events for this week. The focus for NAOSH week will again be the Steps for Life walk to take place on May 1. All proceeds from the walk support the Threads of Life organiza-

tion (www.threadsoflife.ca/ threads), a national, registered charitable organization dedicated to supporting families along their journey of healing who have suffered from a workplace fatality, life-altering illness or occupational disease.

The organization helps these families protect future generations of Canadian workers.

In 2009, the Southern AB NAOSH Committee raised $7043.67 that was donated to Threads of Life. This year, the committee is hoping to raise $10,000. The U of L is putting the challenge out to departments around campus to enter a team for the Steps of Life walk by registering at: http:// stepsforlife.ca/Communities/ Lethbridge.htm The walk is a 5km walk around Henderson Lake. The registration fee of $100 per team (of 10 people) includes a barbecue, t-shirts, water bottles and draw prizes. Children are welcome and are free to enter. Visit Suzanne McIntosh in SU020E for a registration package.

INGRID SPEAKER Medal for Distinguished Research, Scholarship, or Performance NOMINATIONS Are invited for the 2010 award The award is open to all full and parttime members of the academic staff currently employed at the University of Lethbridge.

Deadline for nominations and supporting documents: February 26, 2010 For nomination forms, contact: Office of the President: 403-329-2201, or www.uleth.ca/president-governance/ ingrid-speaker-medal.

Nominations are welcome from any member of the University community, including faculty, alumni, staff and students.

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AN

apple

A D AY

MONTHLY FOOD FOR THOUGHT TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY ALL YEAR LONG.

By Diane Britton Eat more, weigh less!

Does it sound too good to be true? You can eat more AND lose weight if you are dense – nutritionally dense that is.

Dense is good Nutrient dense foods are less processed and include more natural foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low fat milk and milk alternatives, and lean meat and meat alternatives. In fact, the less processed, the more nutrient dense a food is.

Fewer calories Research shows that people who choose foods that are nutritionally dense often take in fewer calories because they are filling up on fibre, water and protein. These three components are secret weapons when it comes to weight management. They are also getting extra nutrients to fight disease and boost their immune system.

Snacking well Since 60 per cent of our energy intake now comes from snacks instead of sit-down meals, one step towards successful weight management is to change what you snack on. Reach for nutrient dense snacks such as carrot sticks, sliced up red, green, orange or yellow peppers, snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower or celery (yes, a little bit of dip is OK – for a boost of calcium, probiotics and protein, try plain yogurt mixed with dill and a bit of salt).

Nature’s food Grab nature’s fast food – fruit: an orange, apple, pear, grapefruit, grapes, banana or blueberries. These will fill you up fast, piling on the nutrition but not the pounds. If you find you are extra hungry by mealtime, try a soy drink box, white or chocolate milk, or yogurt as a snack. You’ll find your energy levels soaring while your waistline is shrinking.

For individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-3292484. All sessions are $20 for students and University employees.

Diane Britton is the University of Lethbridge’s On-Campus Registered Dietitian

the Legend

FEBRUARY 2010

Feb. 5 | Art Now: Francois Morelli Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Women’s Hockey Feb. 5-6 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns 7 p.m. nightly at Nicholas Sheran Arena Feb. 19 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Men’s Hockey

Feb. 8 | Reviewing Canada’s Civic Core | Ray Pennings examines trends of volunteering, philanthropy and civic participation in Canada | 4 p.m., TH201 Feb. 8 | Architecture & Design Now: Allan Collier | 6 p.m., C610 Feb. 10 | Art Now: Duncan MacDonald | Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Feb. 12-13 | Regina vs. Pronghorns 7 p.m. nightly at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Feb. 12 | Art Now: Jim Logan Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Feb. 26-27 | Saskatchewan vs.

Pronghorns | 7 p.m. nightly at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Feb. 22 | Art Now: Christine Ziedler Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Basketball Feb. 13 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns Women’s game 6 p.m.; Men’s game 8 p.m. at 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Lectures Feb. 3 | Lunch and Learn Identity Theft: Knowledge and Perevention presented by Internal Auditor Sonya von Heyking and Darren Schell, Internal Technology 12 p.m., D634

gauging the effects of peak oil

By ABBY ALLEN

P

eak Oil is the point in time when the rate of oil production reaches its highest level and begins an immutable reduction. There is wide speculation surrounding whether this event has already happened or how far into the future it can be expected to happen. Peak Oil and related issues will be the subject of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union’s (ULSU) Peak Week, Feb. 22-26.

“The thing that inspired me to focus on Peak Oil is the fact that most people don’t even know it’s an issue, even though it threatens the very core of modern civilization,” says Alex Massé, University of Lethbridge Students’ Union vice-president academic and organizer of the event.

“Oil is not only used to power our vehicles,” says Massé, “it is also used in the production of everything from plastic to

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

events C A L E N D A R Feb. 4 | Department of English & Faculty of Education Author Charles Noble reads from his selected poems and manifesto 3:30 p.m., AH100

Pronghorn Athletics

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Feb. 22 | Architecture & Design Now: Christine Ziedler | 6 p.m., C610 Feb. 24 | Women Scholars Speaker Series | Manliness and Citizenship: Conscientious Objection in Canada During the First World War Noon, Students’ Union Ballroom A Feb. 24 | Art Now: Peter White Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Mar. 1 | Architecture & Design Now: Daniel Heaton | 6 p.m., C610

food. The week will address such issues as how oil and gas depletion will affect the economy, Canadian and International politics, manufacturing, food supply and much more. It will open people’s eyes to the fact that everything we take for granted is under threat.”

“Everything we take for granted is under threat.”

Alex Massé

Massé describes how experts differ on the issue of whether humanity will be able to adapt to this changing world.

“We know that if we don’t adapt soon, oil depletion will cause the collapse of global civilization and the collapse of humanity’s capacity to sustain our population,” he says.

The ULSU has an exciting week of events to shed light on the issue of Peak Oil. There will be displays in the U of L Atrium featuring educational content and student artwork related to Peak Oil. Thomas Homer-Dixon,

Performances Feb. 2 | MBF and The Loud Love Choir | 8 p.m., The Zoo Feb. 5 | How Do I Love Thee?

Romantic music and songs presented by U of L music faculty and students | 7:30 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Feb. 8 | Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra | Glen Montgomery (Music), guest artist on piano 8 p.m., Southminster Church Feb. 9 | Music at Noon: Dr. Sandra Stringer (mezzo-soprano) and John Conlon (baritone) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Feb. 9-13 | Hair Experience the 1960s through this classical rock opera | 8 p.m. nightly, University Theatre, except Feb. 12 shows at 7 p.m. and midnight Feb. 12 | Sing, Sing, Swing Featuring the U of L Jazz Ensemble 7 p.m., Gem of the West Museum, Coaldale Feb. 23 | Music at Noon: Musaeus String Quartet with Sarah Gieck (flute) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Feb. 26-27 | Dialogue of the Carmelites | An opera about fear, faith and courage by the U of L Opera Workshop | 8 p.m. nightly, University Theatre

one of Canada’s most important academics, will deliver a keynote speech entitled Twin Peaks: Peak Oil, Climate Change and the Future of a Generation, Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. in PE250.

“Homer-Dixon’s talk is going to address how we’re facing two issues that could be catastrophic for human civilization – oil depletion and climate change,” says Massé, “and how addressing one without the other won’t solve anything.”

The Prentice Institute will also be hosting Homer-Dixon along with U of L Geography Chair James Byrne and U of L Sociology Chair Trevor Harrison in a panel discussion entitled Science, Politics, Tipping Points.

This event will take place at noon, Feb. 25 in Students’ Union Ballroom A. Other events for the week include a screening of the acclaimed documentary, A Crude Awakening, and, pending final confirmation, a lecture by acclaimed Alberta author Andrew Nikiforuk.

Once confirmed, details will be posted on the ULSU website, www.ulsu.ca.

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Feb. 28 | Abbondanza | A memorable evening of gourmet food, fine arts and fun to raise funds for student scholarships | 6 p.m., CoCo Pazzo Italian Café Mar. 2 | Music at Noon: Eve Egoyan (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570

Miscellaneous

Feb. 10 | Living Well Workshops for Students | Stressed, practical ways to integrate stress management into an already busy schedule | Noon, TH141 Feb. 12 | Men in Nursing Day Learn about opportunities for men in nursing | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., AH100 Feb. 22 | Who is Michael Nolan?

Come find out in the atrium at noon.

Feb. 2 | Student Speaker Challenge How Education Benefits the World – Quarter-final | 12:15 p.m., Galileo’s Gallery

Feb. 23 | Student Speaker Challenge | How Education Benefits the World – Semifinal | 4:30 p.m., Galileo’s Gallery

Feb. 2 | Management Career Information Evening | Featuring BMgt alumnus and career specialist Mary Thompson | 5 p.m., Students’ Union Ballroom B

Feb. 24 | Living Well Workshops for Students | How to Deal with Annoying People (And Make Sure You’re Not One), learning how to manage not so compatible people in your life | Noon, TH141

Feb. 3 | Living Well Workshops for Students | Feeling good and eating well, learning strategies to promote a healthy relationship with food Noon, TH141 Feb. 4 | Management Students’ Society Burger Burnout | Free burgers for students and guest speaker | 12 p.m., Students’ Union Ballroom B Feb. 6 | Culture Vulture Saturday Valentine’s Day prints and collage 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., University Art Gallery Feb. 6 | 5th Annual Rotaract Dinner & Silent Auction | Lethbridge Lodge

theatrextra gets gritty

By AMANDA BERG A provocative story of love, sex and a serial killer in 1990s Edmonton caps off the TheatreXtra season.

Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love by Canadian playwright Brad Fraser runs in the David Spinks Theatre from Mar. 4 to 6 at 8 p.m. nightly, with a matinee Mar. 6 at 2 p.m.

“Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love was first produced for the playRites Festival at Alberta Theatre Projects in 1989,” says director Dr. Shelley Scott. “It has become a Canadian classic, with numerous productions across Canada, as well as in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. It was also produced as a film called Love and Human Remains.”

This eerie play follows a group of young adults as they search for love and identity in an increasingly scary urban environment.

Through Feb. 26 | Snap, Crackle, Pop An exhibition highlighting Alberta artists exploring the themes, iconography, materials and visual styles of popular culture | Main Gallery and Helen Christou Gallery Feb. 27 | Everest Challenge U of L Climbing and Rotaract clubs in support of Uphill Both Ways; Education and Relief for Children in Nepal | Ascent Climbing Centre Mar. 2 | Student Speaker Challenge How Education Benefits the World – Semifinal | 4:30 p.m., Galileo’s Gallery

“These characters are looking for connection. They are trying to construct a sense of family and belonging that makes sense for them,” says Scott. “While reviews have usually focused on the graphic sexuality and language in the play, and many find it shocking, I was attracted by the warm heart at the centre of the play.”

The age of the characters is the same as the actors playing them.

“They share similar concerns and interests despite the fact the play was written 20 years ago,” she says.

Another level of darkness emerges from the walls of the venue – the David Spinks Theatre.

“The theatre is a small, dark space that adds another layer of creepiness,” she says.

“The action surrounds the audience, from down on the floor to up on the catwalk.”

Tickets are priced at $11 for regular admission and $7 student/senior at the University Box Office (403-329-2616), or weekdays between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 2010

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

FINE ARTS

in focus

the Legend

Getting into character with the Hair ensemble

By AMANDA BERG

F

or the cast of Hair, staying in character does not end when the curtain falls.

Since November, this ensemble of 27 actors has lived and breathed this band of colourful hippies and the characters they portray.

Hair takes to the University Theatre stage, Feb. 9-11 and 13 at 8 p.m. nightly, and Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. and midnight.

For Jocelyn Haub and Ian McFarlane, becoming hippies is about more than just putting on a costume – it is all in the attitude.

“We had to extensively research the era and create a story for each of our characters,” says Jocelyn, who plays Sheila.

“We were required to interview people who experienced the 1960s and could give us an idea of what it was really like. The script has no information or back-story for our characters, so it was up to us to bring them to life.”

Understanding the significance of the 1960s and the lifestyles characters may have led was a team effort.

“Our dramaturge, Katherine Smith, was constantly digging up information we could use to create a more authentic experience on stage. We were even given a list containing hundreds of slang terms from the 60s as reference,”

Haub says. “It has been fun to bond over our characters.”

“The cast is by far the single best I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” adds Ian McFarlane, who plays Berger. “Our cast is made up of students and professors from across campus, not just from Fine Arts. Ife Abiola, who spends his days studying bugs in biology, plays one of the main characters, Hud. It’s been amazing to get to know and work with everyone.”

Putting together a musical of this calibre was not easy.

“There are more than 30 musical numbers to learn,” Haub says. “There are lots and lots of words to memorize and you also have to bring out your character, keep up with the choreography, and hit all the right notes!”

“It’s a refreshing view, what these people did to make a change,” says McFarlane. “They found an identity and fought for their rights the best they knew how. I believe their story has a real impact on today’s society.”

Haub says the themes of Hair still resonate.

“The message of peace, love and happiness is significant,” adds Haub. “These people didn’t want to live in the social stereotypes and were determined to find their own path. They lived their beliefs, and this musical truly captures the essence of their life.”

Workshop takes on challenge Riveting drama and shattering poignancy mark the operatic offering, The Dialogue of the Carmelites, Feb. 26-27 in the University Theatre.

“This riveting dramatic work is a huge undertaking for student singers – professionals tremble at the prospect of this opera,” says Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Opera Workshop director. “That said, I believe this year, we’re be up to the task – and the students are proving me right.”

The Dialogue of the Carmelites by Francis Poulenc plays Feb. 26-27 at 8 p.m. nightly in the University Theatre.

Set during the French Revolution, The Dialogue of the Carmelites follows an order of nuns and its newest addition, Blanche, through an epic journey of persecution and defiance as they ultimately pay the price to uphold their religious convictions.

“The depth and range of characters appeal to singers,” Hendsbee says. “The musical score is complex and the story dramatic. It’s about the struggle between religious freedom and society’s role. Most poignant is the role faith takes in an individual’s beliefs, and how far an individual will go to defend their beliefs.”

Performed in English, the

opera is a serious undertaking for any opera company.

“The music was written in the 20th century – it’s very melodic and tuneful as well as magnificently powerful and very dramatic. It’s a heavy night at the opera,” he adds.

The scope of the production provides challenges, which Hendsbee and assistant director Dr. Sandra Stringer are ready to meet.

“With 16 different scenes throughout the opera where action takes place, it was a great challenge to ensure the changes happened seamlessly,” Hendsbee explains.

A 15-piece orchestra, conducted by Glen Klassen, adds another glorious dimension to Poulenc’s recitative.

“Although the opera is about subordination and persecution of women, it’s truly an opera of women,” he adds. “Men play a supporting role in this opera. The focus is on the relationships and struggles of these nuns.”

Transformative and riveting, The Dialogue of the Carmelites transports audiences to a turbulent, dark and stark 18th century.

Tickets are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 student/senior at the University Box Office, or by calling 403-329-2616.

Back: Brett Gartley, Jocelyn Haub and Devon Brayne. Middle, Andrea Montgomery. Front: Kayleigh Book.

scholarships get a boost by coco pazzo Fine arts professors, students and a local restaurant have once again joined forces for a good cause – fine arts student scholarships.

The 9th annual Abbondànza, an evening of gourmet food, fine arts and fun fills CoCo Pazzo Italian Café on Sunday, Feb. 28, beginning at 6 p.m.

“We are pleased to participate in this exciting event,” says

Tony Rose, CoCo Pazzo coowner. “It is unlike anything else that goes on in the city.”

The festivities include a unique menu that highlights the cuisine of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy’s most northeastern region. Prepared by CoCo’s expert chef, the food combines with tasty music, works of art, and humour provided by the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Guests vote in a most unusual way for their favorite course and the evening ends with the presentation of the Abbondànza Culinary Trophy, which hangs prominently in

the restaurant for the rest of the year.

“All the funds raised go into an endowment for student scholarships in art, music drama and music,” says Doug MacArthur, Abbondànza committee chairperson. “Abbondànza is Italian for abundance and we have received an abundance of support from the community, for which we are grateful.”

Tickets are priced at $125 (include $60 income tax receipt) apiece with only a very few remaining available. To purchase tickets, contact Katherine at 403-329-2227.

Culture Vulture celebrates the heart Families, students and art enthusiasts are invited to swoop in to the U of L Art Gallery for Culture Vulture Saturday on Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This Culture Vulture Saturday is presented in conjunction with our current exhibit, Snap, Crackle, Pop,” says Jane Edmundson, preparator and curatorial assistant for the Art

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Gallery. “It also corresponds nicely with Valentine’s Day, with lots of red and pink materials – it’s going to be fun!”

Creative possibilities are endless for printmaking and collages, which are the projects for the day.

“It’s free to attend,” Edmundson says. “The Gallery provides all the supplies and

there will be refreshments and projects in the Atrium. The gallery is also open so visitors can explore the exhibition, and we’ll have staff on hand to answer all your questions.”

What a perfect way to spend a Saturday at the University Art Gallery, where admission is always free.

RIGHT

Tony Scherman, Europa’s Revenge, 2002 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 2009.

BOTTOM

Tony Scherman, Untitled (still life), 2005 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 2009.

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Tony Scherman was born in Toronto in 1950, and received a master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London, England, in 1974. He is recognized as one of Canada’s consummate artists working in the encaustic medium.

His prolific art practice has extended over three decades, during which he has exhibited broadly in Canada, the United States and Europe. Scherman’s work is held in numerous high profile public and private art collections, including Musée de l’Art Contemporain, Canada Council Art Bank, Royal College of Art (London), and California Center of the Arts (Escondido, California).

Both Europa’s Revenge and Untitled (still life) were gifted to the University of Lethbridge Art Collection by the artist in 2009.