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VOLUME 10
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ISSUE SIX
Welcoming Shirley
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BY BOB COONEY
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
South African co-op term has lasting effect
Karren takes over key role for Horns basketball
Discovering identity during Native Awareness Week
Olympic theme evokes lifelong memories
The U of L Legend is published monthly during the academic year by the communications unit within University Advancement. Submissions, comments and story ideas are always welcome. The Legend reserves the right to refuse any submitted advertisement. The Legend can be found online at www.uleth.ca/unews/ legend. Next content deadline is Mar. 4, 2011. A DV E R T I S I N G For ad rates or other information, contact: legend@uleth.ca CREDITS Editor: Trevor Kenney Designer: Stephenie Karsten CO N T R I B U TO R S: Amanda Berg, Diane Britton, Bob Cooney, Jane Edmundson, Abby Groenenboom, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Stacy Seguin and Katherine Wasiak
University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 www.ulethbridge.ca
hancellor-elect Shirley McClellan wants everyone to know that she is more than aware of the distance from her farm in New Brigden, Alta. to Lethbridge. Her family made the more than 400 km drive regularly while her daughter Tami (BEd ’89) attended the U of L. She also has four hockeyplaying grandchildren who travel to Lethbridge and southern Alberta on a regular basis. Indeed, the former politician, rural advocate and veteran community volunteer has been on the road as much as some long distance truck drivers. Since leaving the Government of Alberta in 2007, after a 20-year career as a member of the Alberta Legislature, McClellan has matched her interests in farming and education with a long tradition of community service, most recently as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the University of Alberta’s Rural Economy/ALES Faculty Office and The School of Business.
“I am looking forward to participating in as many activities as possible to help tell the U of L story.”
SHIRLEY MCCLELLAN
“I am very honoured to be selected to serve as the U of L’s Chancellor,” says McClellan, who was elected by the University of Lethbridge Senate on Feb. 5. “I’ve had a strong affinity for the U of L which dates back to my days not only as a parent of a U of L student, but in the continuing education field, where we worked with the University and the college in the early days of Campus Alberta to develop credit programming for rural communities.” McClellan says that over the years, she has followed the development of the U of L’s water research programming with a lot of interest. “I was Minister of Agriculture twice, and in my area of the province, water and irrigation issues are critical to the success of the agriculture industry. The U of L is a real leader in that area, and many more. I am looking forward to participating in as many activities as possible to help tell the U of L story.” McClellan has been involved in bringing advanced education to rural areas, serving on the board of directors for the Alberta Association of Continuing Education and the Canadian Association for Continuing Education. She also served as co-ordinator of the Big Country Further Education Council for 12 years, among other volunteer roles.
Dr. Shirley McClellan received an honorary degree from the U of L at the Spring 2010 convocation ceremony.
G E T T H E FA C T S • McClellan served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Drumheller-Stettler constituency from 1987 to 2007. During that time she had a number of diverse portfolios, including finance minister. She also served as deputy premier. • McClellan is a member of the Olds College Board of Governors, and is active in the governance of Horse Racing Alberta. • McClellan now farms near New Brigden, Alta., with her family, which includes husband Lloyd, son Mick and daughter Tami (BEd 89) who, with her spouse Jeff, have four children ages 10 to 14. • Several community organizations have named facilities in McClellan’s honour, in particular Olds College, which unveiled the Shirley McClellan Riding arena in 2009. The town of Oyen also dedicated their aquatic centre to her. • In 2010, McClellan received an honorary degree from the U of L.
“I’ve also been involved in the development of the Prairie Baseball Academy, which serves students at both the U of L and Lethbridge College,” says McClellan. “A lot of young people who had academic talent as well as baseball skills had to go to the United States, and this model has really shown what they can do. I really like that they develop the whole student, not just the sports aspect. It’s exciting to see more of these academies develop in such places as Vauxhall and Oyen.” She adds that as a proponent of Campus Alberta, she was aware that the U of L has always shown strength in the area of developing strategic liaisons with other institutions. “I really want that process of collaboration to continue in as many ways as possible,” says McClellan. U of L president Mike Mahon says McClellan’s smalltown roots will be a great benefit to the University. Students come from all over the country to attend the U of L, and many of them are from smaller communities, so it is helpful to have a Chancellor that relates to their circumstance. “Shirley appreciates the challenges they face and the interests they have,” says Mahon. “We are fortunate to have her on our team.”
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
OPENMike
University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what’s happening in the University community
When the U of L Senate elected Shirley McClellan as our next chancellor, it spoke to the vision we have for the University moving forward as an emerging comprehensive institution that engages its students and community. Over the years, the role of a university chancellor has undergone a significant transition. Today’s chancellors are strategically selected by universities to represent their specific ideals and directions. Shirley McClellan, by this way of thinking, is an ideal fit for the University of Lethbridge. Looking back at Shirley’s
career as a leader, I am struck by the fact that at every turn, her focus was rooted in community values and initiatives. A leader at the local, provincial and national levels, she is a natural when it comes to engaging groups of individuals, and this is reflected in the impact she has had on so many communities, both large and small, throughout her career. Our retiring chancellor, Richard Davidson, did a terrific job at connecting the University of Lethbridge to the community and I see Shirley taking up that charge seamlessly. The evolution of the chancellor’s role has been gradual.
While it is still honorific, especially when it comes to convocation and events of a ceremonial nature, it has become so much more. Our chancellor is our window into the community and provides another form of leadership for the University. We are very fortunate to have found a person like Shirley to represent the University’s interests because she knows and understands the U of L experience, and is able to tell our story on a number of levels. As the parent of an alumna, she has been the mother of a U of L student. As a person with smalltown roots, she has
CAMPUS Jeff Davidson (Economics) was named teacher of the year by the Prairie Baseball Academy (PBA) at the PBA’s 2011 Athletic & Educational Awards banquet. The PBA is a post-secondary baseball program that plays out of Lethbridge’s Lloyd Nolan Yard complex. Its athletes attend school at both the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College. Juliet Graham (Art Gallery) assumes the role of gallery registrar on Mar. 1. She has been working on gallery conservation contracts for the past two years. Jeffrey Coffman (MA ’10, Political Science sessional instructor) was elected to Lethbridge City Council following a special by-election on Feb. 1. Coffman joins a group of University alumni on council, including mayor Rajko Dodic (BASc ’78), and aldermanic members Jeff Carlson (BFA ’92), Liz Iwaskiw (BASc ’77), Joe Mauro (BASc ’83) and Bridget (Pastoor) Mearns (BA ’95). Dr. Anne Dymond (Art) presented “Gender Counts in Contemporary Art” in the Women Scholars Speaker Series
in January. Despite the contemporary art world’s reputation for being cutting-edge and alternative, Dymond’s analysis of the gender of contemporary artist’s solo exhibitions in Canada reveals that certain art institutions still fall far short of achieving gender parity. Dr. David Clearwater’s (New Media) essay, Zap the Iraqoids: War, Video Games and Perception Management, is included in the anthology, Iraq War Cultures, edited by Cynthia Fuchs and Joe Lockard, and published by Peter Lang Publishing. In addition, his essay, Living in a Militarized Culture: War, Games and the Experience of U.S. Empire, was included in a special edition of TOPIA: Canadian Journal of Cultural Studies. The double-issue (vol. 23-24, 2010) is titled, Cultures of Militarization, and is published by Wilfrid Laurier University Press and Cape Breton University Press. University of Lethbridge staff and faculty contributed more than $14,000 to the United Way through the annual Cash Calendar campaign and a payroll deduction program. The search is on for a Chair for
the ability to speak to those with rural backgrounds, but at the same time, having worked the halls of legislature, she can open doors to the province’s key decision makers. As Alberta’s true provincial University, with campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton, she is uniquely suited to represent our needs in any setting. Shirley will be a strong advocate for this University because she has a genuine affinity for the U of L and can see the vision we have established for the future. Her strength as an experienced leader that champions community engagement
can only serve the U of L well as it continues to establish itself as a destination university for the brightest minds in the province and beyond. I want to congratulate the U of L Senate for its worthy selection and I look forward to working with Shirley in the years to come. Finally, I want to invite everyone to the Feb. 16 Strategic Plan Luncheon in the Atrium. This will be a great opportunity to discuss the strategic directions we have been working towards, and to further clarify our priorities as we forge ahead.
kudos
next year’s campaign. Anyone interested can contact Barb Erler at barb.erler@uleth.ca Tyson Ford (Pre-Engineering student) of Chinook, Alta. and Gianfranco Terrazzano (Economics student) of Coquitlam, B.C. were both named to the Prairie Baseball Academy’s 2011 All-Academic Team. Kris McLaughlin (BFA ’03) was recently named Developer of the Year. He works work for The Vacuum, which is owned by fellow alumnus Nate Smith (BFA ’02). The Community Campaign of the Year (NFB Test Tube with David Suzuki), was also developed by The Vacuum, which is headquartered in Nelson, B.C. Dr. Susan McDaniel (Sociology), director of the Prentice Institute and Prentice Research Chair in global population & economy, was elected to the executive of the Royal Society of Canada, Academy II. McDaniel will serve as the secretary to the academy. Dr. Janet Youngdahl (Music) presented a concert and lecture at, Alive by Her Own
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Hand: Women Composers As Performers of Their Work, a fest-conference at Brandeis University (Boston) in February. In January, Youngdahl presented a paper at the National Meeting of the MLA (Modern Language Association) in Los Angeles. Trudi Mason, Dr. Thomas Staples and Nick Sullivan (Music) performed with the U of L Faculty Brass Quintet at a Lethbridge Symphony Chamber Series concert in January. Dr. Olga Kovalchuk (Biological Sciences) was named a 2011 Woman of Distinction by YWCA Lethbridge and District. Nominated in the Community Leader category, Kovalchuk will be honoured at the Mar. 18 Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the Lethbridge Lodge. Former U of L Senate member, Cheryl Dick, will also be honoured in the Community Commitment classification. Dick is the chief executive officer for Economic Development Lethbridge. Dr. Rolf Boon (Music) is the guest composer and lecturer at the Canadian National Conservatory of Music (CNCM) Con-
ference, July 18-20 in Toronto. He’ll perform his works for piano published by the CNCM and conduct workshops in composition for senior students and teachers. Boon also has one of his compositions on the Tonus Vivus – Society for New Music CD, Cult Figures: Electroacoustic Music from Canada, which has been chosen by Naxos America as one of the best CDs of 2010. J-P Christopher Jackson’s (professor emeritus) composition, Badlands, was performed at the Lethbridge Symphony’s 50th anniversary concert in February. Nicholas Hanson (Drama) and Jeremy Mason (BFA ’05) co-authored, Marooned with Munsch, which premiered at New West Theatre. Joseph Anderson’s (BFA ’00) work was part of an exhibition entitled, Wonderment, at Saskatoon’s Mendel Gallery.
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
GLOBAL connections
UNDERSTANDING TEACHING THROUGH OPEN MINDS
Experience yields new perspective
Dr. Kas Mazurek accepts the notion that students can enhance their understanding of the teaching profession through global experiences.
Dr. Kas Mazurek believes that understanding the profession of teaching begins by understanding, and accepting, the education systems of other nations. A researcher with a special interest in comparative studies in the Faculty of Education, Mazurek emphasizes that, as an educator, there is a responsibility to be open to broader concepts. He is adamant that we should never rely solely on the “knowledge and experience that local researchers, practitioners and education systems possess and generate.”
“Professional knowledge is out there to be reinvented.”
DR. KAS MAZUREK
Instead, Mazurek argues that we need to draw on the best practices from the widest pool of information. “Professional knowledge is out there to be reinvented, in terms of successes and mistakes,” says Mazurek. He adds that training teachers to compete in a global economy means, “ensuring that they have an understanding of how educational objectives and practices work with other cultural components within a given society.”
Technology has, of course, made it convenient for us to draw from a much broader knowledge base and better understand all educational systems. But in order for future educators to fully understand what is required of them in professional practice, there is no substitute for global experience. Students in the Faculty of Education have the opportunity to take part in practicum placements in Africa, Europe, Australia and throughout North America. The possibilities for teaching internships in international settings are essentially limitless and with technology improving our ability to communicate between schools and faculties of education throughout the world, it enables faculty supervisors to provide quality support to students without necessarily visiting that location. For Mazurek, refining knowledge and continual experimentation are fundamental and ongoing aspects of teacher education and practice. He’s pleased to see that so many U of L education alumni have such an acute understanding of the value they have to offer the world, and similarly the value a global experience can offer them, through international professional practica.
Alumnus Michael Sit never expected three months in South Africa to affect him so deeply.
BY NATASHA EVDOKIMOFF
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he world of finance isn’t typically considered to be a humanitarian field. When it comes to dollars and cents, things tend to be cut and dried – particularly in corporate circles where the bottom line reigns supreme. So when Michael Sit (BMgt ’10), a finance major with a minor in social responsibility, decided to embark on an international co-op in South Africa, he was more or less expecting to broaden his understanding of the profession, and to earn some valuable work experience. As it happened, Sit got so much more. After arriving in September 2010, Sit went to work straight away for two not-for-profit organizations in Capetown. The first was an agency called Wola Nani, which provides developmental services and support to women and children afflicted with HIV and AIDS. The second was a social investment company by the name of Tembeka, which works to promote development in impoverished South African communities by providing loans at reasonable interest rates. Given his area of expertise, Sit’s work was mostly behind the scenes, handling the various financial dealings for both organizations. Even so, the exposure he did have to the organizations’ public side affected Sit in ways he never expected. “When I started the jobs in
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Capetown, I had certain educational and professional goals that I wanted to accomplish,” says Sit. “I did manage to achieve those, but the route getting there was much different than I anticipated. I’d only previously worked in the corporate sector, and never outside North America, so working for non-profit organizations in South Africa was a huge change.” Having studied social responsibility in the classroom, experiencing its application in a real corporate setting proved to be enlightening on both a professional and personal level. “I really enjoyed working for both organizations,” says Sit. “I look at everything I do very differently now. To do that sort of work for people who really need the assistance – it put my heart at peace.” Sit spent just three months in South Africa and the learning curve was steep. The cultural differences he experienced, such as being exposed to extreme poverty and blatant racism, were a startling wake-up call. “The social climate in South Africa today is very much what it would have been like in the United States in the 1960s,” says Sit. “The lingering effects of Apartheid have an enormous impact on the mentality of the black population. These people were treated as second-class citizens for generations, and getting above that takes time.” Sit says that a large por-
tion of the population in South Africa is still marginalized and very poor. Despite their hardships, he describes the people as open and welcoming. “I met so many brave and amazing people,” says Sit. “Most everyone was very kind and accepting, regardless of how difficult their situation was. Nobody ever judged me by the colour of my skin, or by where I came from. They accepted me for who I am because that’s all they’ve ever wanted for themselves.” Sit remembers telling people about his trip to South Africa, and the generally negative feedback he received. Friends and family were often quite opinionated about his choice of destination, and it weighed on his expectations. The preconceptions Sit developed about the country quickly dissipated when he got there. He was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and great diversity of the South African landscape, but more than anything, he was overcome by the kindness and hospitality of the people. It’s something he’ll take with him the rest of his life. “I went from feeling cautious wherever I went to feeling right at home very quickly,” says Sit. “The people I ran into were all more than willing to help me find my way around and feel comfortable. I was there to help the people of South Africa, and they ended up helping me.”
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A place to call their own Assistant coach Deb Marek, left, head coach Chandy Kaip, middle, and captain Kathryn Manson, right, are excited about the new dressing room facilities being constructed.
BY KALI MCKAY
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athryn Manson doesn’t enjoy 5:15 a.m. wake-up calls, but the 21-year-old U of L student diligently sets her alarm for that exact time three days a week. As the captain of the Pronghorns women’s hockey team, she drags herself out of bed well before the sun comes up and makes her way to Nicholas Sheran Arena for morning practice. “Practice doesn’t start until 6:15 a.m. but most of us are up much earlier than that because it takes so long to dress for hockey,” explains Manson. “Once we’re on the ice, our practices are really fast paced – probably to keep us awake.” Manson jokes about her alertness that early in the morning, but it’s clear she feels at home on the ice. Unfortunately, off the ice is a different story. Although established in 1997, the Pronghorns women’s hockey program has never had a dedicated dressing room. Tangibly speaking, this means players have to haul equipment in and out for every practice
and game; on a deeper level, the lack of a space to call their own makes these Pronghorns feel like a visiting team in their own rink. “It’s unheard of in the CIS these days for a women’s team to not have their own space,” says Chandy Kaip, now in her third season as the Horns’ head coach. “These girls are here every morning at 5:30 a.m. and have to lug their bags in. Then, afterwards, they have to dry their stuff out at home, whether that’s a dorm room or a basement or a freezing cold garage.” Thankfully, all that is about to change. In 2010, the City of Lethbridge announced renovation plans for the arena that include the addition of a dressing room for the women’s hockey team. A grant from the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund has allowed for the finishing touches to be added. The addition of private showers and washrooms, as well as an athletic training space and a coaching office will make this a truly personal and private space for these student athletes. “The impact of this
gift will be immediate,” says Deb Marek, assistant coach of the Horns and manager of facilities and services for Sport and Recreation Services here on campus. “Our players are already excited and we anticipate a surge in pride when the project is completed. This new space makes our women’s program more professional and appealing in the eyes of our current and even potential players. It’s going to be a great recruiting tool.” Manson, who’s been dragging equipment in and out of the rink for the last four years, is looking forward to her own stall in a dressing room full of Pronghorns pride. “People don’t realize how huge it is for us to have our own dressing room,” says Manson, speaking on behalf of her team. “It’s going to make our lives so much simpler – it will certainly make getting up at 5:15 a.m. that much easier.” Finally, the women’s hockey team will be home.
G E T T H E FA C T S • Daryl (Doc) Seaman, who passed away in 2009, has been described as a hero, icon, pioneer, philanthropist, visionary and legend. He was an original owner of the Calgary Flames and was instrumental in bringing the team to Calgary in 1980. • Manson broke her arm during the team’s trip to Europe after colliding with another player at a game in Germany. She’s been in a cast for 6 weeks and has missed 10 games. • In addition to the new dressing room, Nicholas Sheran Arena is also adding dressing rooms for minor hockey and Lethbridge Sports Council office spaces. • The enhancements supported by the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund include: two large whiteboards, a workbench for prepping sticks, a small fridge, a projector or large TV, a washer and dryer and a stereo.
“Being in the classroom, I see the pressures students face. Relieving some of their financial stress by offering scholarships and bursaries allows them to focus on their studies.” Cheryl Meheden, Faculty of Management
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
PLAYRIGHT AND STRIKING PROSE WINNERS NAMED For the second year in a row, James Wade, a BFA multidisciplinary major, has taken first place in the University’s PlayRight Prize competition. The $5,000 in prize money allotted to the PlayRight Prize and Striking Prose competitions is one of the highest awards in the country, with $1,500 going to each first place winner, and $750 and $250 being handed out to the second and third place finishers respectively. Wade’s winning PlayRight entry this year is True Believers. Meanwhile, the top prize in the Striking Prose short story category went to, Wreck on the Highway, by David Bryant. Bryant, who just completed his BA/BEd degree, took the top prize in 2009 and placed third in the 2010 event. Both first place entries will be read in a public performance on Thursday, Mar. 31 at 7 p.m. in the David Spinks Theatre. Aislinn MacCulloch took second place in the Striking Prose competition with, Getting Martha Home, while Camille Fairbanks’, Sacrament, took the third prize. In the PlayRight competition, Camille Pavlenko took second place for, Permission, and Shelly Eli’s, Praying for the Man, placed third. Generously supported by U of L alumnus Terry Whitehead, the competition encourages excellence and development in student writing. Wade’s play, True Believers, is set in the studio of comic book artists and explores the dangerous intersections between art and politics, especially when personal relationships are on the line. The PlayRight Prize jury found that the combination of insightful human emotions and imaginative theatrical concepts provided True Believers with all the ingredients for a compelling stage event. Bryant’s short story, Wreck on the Highway, was called a brilliant and gutwrenching account of the emotional fallout experienced by a volunteer fireman’s attendance at a fatal traffic accident. The Striking Prose jury found Bryant’s writing sophisticated and quite publishable, commenting that he makes the external world and the internal landscape of his story utterly believable. The juries in both categories had numerous positive things to say about the winning entries. Of MacCulloch’s writing, they commented that it showed originality and an ability to project a narrative voice that holds the reader’s attention. Her story, Getting Martha Home, is a poignantly comic story about a struggling native woman’s friendship with a bemused librarian who tries to help improve her lot in life. Jurors felt that Fairbanks told a moving story in a convincing manner. Her entry, Sacrament, is a story of memory and mortality, contrasting the idealization of death (and life) with an almost savage realism from the consciousness of the dying protagonist. Pavlenko’s play, Permission, was touted for its quirky sense of humour and a cast of eccentric characters, which offered a clever commentary on the insecurities and anxieties of relationships. Jurors found that Eli’s, Praying for a Man, introduces a pair of vibrant characters, who capture audience interest with their outrageously funny and endlessly passionate observations about life on the reserve.
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athletics AT T H E U
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
the Legend
Karren takes on recruitment portfolio BY TREVOR KENNEY
T
he recipe for Brad Karren’s success was always pretty simple - work the phones harder than anyone else and reap the rewards down the road. Karren built a powerhouse women’s basketball program at Lethbridge College by being the best recruiter in western Canada, bar none. When he made the move to the University of Lethbridge as an assistant to Pronghorns men’s head coach Dave Adams this past fall, it only seemed natural that Karren would assume some of the recruiting responsibilities for the Horns program. Recently, the Horns made it official, naming Karren the Pronghorns Basketball Operations Manager. “We are looking at this as our first step in introducing and recruiting great southern Alberta basketball players to the University of Lethbridge, and Pronghorns Basketball,” says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services. “Basketball is the fastest growing sport in Canada West, and many schools are already utilizing the services of paid Operations Managers/Assistant Coaches to assist with recruiting. As the league continues to grow, we need to compete at the same level as the other schools for the top recruits.” Karren will continue as an assistant to Adams but will lead recruiting efforts for both the men’s and women’s programs. “I’m excited, it’s something I’ve done for a long time and had some success at, so hopefully I can help out and bring some strong players into Horns bas-
STEACY ON RECORD RUN BY TREVOR KENNEY If you didn’t hear Heather Steacy’s name last year, it wasn’t because the Pronghorns track and field star suddenly fell back to the pack and wasn’t the dominating force we’ve learned to expect. Instead, Steacy was just bolstering herself for a record assault that is now in full bloom. The two-time CIS gold medal champion in weight throw (indoor) stepped away from the CIS stage last year, focusing instead on training for the hammer throw and the summer outdoor season. While it took her out of competition for nearly a full calendar year, Steacy has returned to the indoor scene with a vengeance. At the Feb. 5 Bison Classic at the University of Manitoba, Steacy became the first woman in CIS history to break the 20-metre barrier,
ketball,” says Karren. Another major focus of Karren’s role will be to co-ordinate all the Horns’ youth basketball programs, reaching out into the southern Alberta community with a consistent message and focus. “It’s a really important part of this position,” says Karren. “What we’re trying to do is build a better base of interest in Pronghorns Athletics, and if we can get out there in the community and run our programs well, it should generate that interest. If we can start getting kids interested in basketball and the Pronghorns at a little younger age, hopefully we can get back to where these kids all want to be Horns athletes.” His natural ties with
doing so twice as she easily won the gold medal. “Technically, I’m a lot more consistent now,” says the 22-year-old Steacy. “I felt before that I was always disappointed with the distances. I wasn’t disappointed with the end result and the wins, but nothing ever felt consistent with how I was throwing. Now I feel like I’m in a much better place. It really comes with experience, repetition and knowing your body and how it moves.” That consistency is evident in her results. Two weeks before the Bison Classic, Steacy set a new personal best mark with a throw of 19.24 metres at the Golden Bear Classic. In Winnipeg she bettered that mark on all four of her qualifying throws and topped the 20-metre barrier with throws of 20.16m and 20.28m (a new Alberta provincial record). To put her dominance into context, the silver-medal winning throw was 13.99m. “It was hard to step away last
G E T T H E FA C T S • Karren spent 11 seasons at Lethbridge College, guiding the Kodiaks women’s program to three provincial titles and one national championship (2003-04). • He compiled a 182-46 conference record while coaching the Kodiaks. He was named ACAC South Coach of the Year on five occasions and was the 2008-09 CCAA National Coach of the Year. • Karren is a native of Magrath, Alta. and continues to live in the southern Alberta community.
season because I knew I wouldn’t be competing for almost an entire year,” says Steacy. “From summer of 2009 until last summer, was a long time between competitions. In terms of training, it made so much sense. With hammer throw you need loads of volume, thousands of throws to get anything set, so it was definitely worth it.” The ultimate goal for the music major is to take her hammer throw prowess to the Olympic stage. Still a youngster for her sport, she is right on track for an Olympic appearance. “I’m hoping to go to London in 2012, but I’m more looking forward to competing at the Rio Olympics in 2016,” she says. “I would really like to go to London to get that experience under my belt and get a chance to see what it’s like so I can know what to expect if I get to go to Rio.” In the meantime, she’s branching out academically at the U of L, taking a variety of language classes to enhance her musical skills. She feels the
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Brad Karren, centre, along with Horns men’s basketball head coach Dave Adams, address the team. Karren will lead recruiting efforts for both the men’s and women’s programs as part of his new duties.
Lethbridge College will also be utilized. The Horns and Kodiaks have worked hard in recent years to establish a relationship where select players can begin their postsecondary careers at the college level before moving on to the University. It benefits both the athlete and the student. “There are some kids who could play CIS basketball right out of high school but there are only so many spots available,” explains Karren. “So does it help a kid to sit the bench and not play at the CIS level where they could be playing significant minutes and developing their games at the college level?
“And academically speaking, it’s a little easier step to go to college first, and that speeds the transition to the university level once they get here.” Slavin sees Karren’s acquisition as an ideal fit for the vision of the Horns program going forward. “Brad provides us with a unique set of qualifications, having been involved at a high level with both the men’s and women’s games,” she says. “We are very excited to have Brad joining the Pronghorns basketball program in this role.”
Pronghorns’ thrower Heather Steacy is off to a record-setting start to the Canada West track season.
knowledge of language will come in handy as she continues to take her talents to meets around the world. This spring, after competing at the Canada West and CIS championship meets, she’ll represent Canada at the World University Games in Shenzhen,
China. In August, she hopes to be throwing hammer at the World Track and Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea. The Canada West Track Championships are Feb. 25-26 in Winnipeg.
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Opening a dialogue of respect
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
LOOK FOR NEW VERSION OF LIBQUAL SURVEY BY TREVOR KENNEY
SHOW RESPECT GET RESPECT
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by the Gender and Diversity Caucus of ULFA BY TREVOR KENNEY
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he University of Lethbridge Faculty Association’s Gender and Diversity Caucus is looking to initiate a conversation about diversity and respect – and it wants everyone’s voice to be heard. The inaugural event, a week titled, Show Respect, Get Respect at Your U, will be held at the U of L from Mar. 7-11 as the caucus looks to get the campus thinking about how we interact with one another, in classrooms, meeting rooms and as we walk down the hallways. “One of the things we’ve seen in the last 10 years is incredible growth here at the University,” says Dr. Hester Jiskoot, Chair of the Gender and Diversity Caucus. “It’s also grown in terms of diversity, and we thought this was a positive way to talk about that diversity. We want the conversation to focus not on tolerating one another but rather on respecting each other.” The U of L campus is fertile ground for academic debate, and such debates often result in academic discovery. However, when the debate is held in an atmosphere of disrespect, nobody benefits. “Universities are places for academic freedom, but with that freedom comes a responsibility of making choices and accepting diversity of opinion,” says Jiskoot. “You don’t necessarily have to agree with someone exactly, but you still have to respect the other person’s opinion, traditions, culture and lifestyle, just as much as you would your own.” She explains that although there have been
cases of discrimination/disrespect on campus, they are not interested in highlighting these specific instances, but rather want to address a “general feeling” among faculty members about issues of disrespect in U of L classrooms and meeting rooms. To stem such behaviour, Jiskoot says we need only look at our own Strategic Plan for guidance.
“Everybody should feel welcome and respected for being in the classroom.” DR. CARLY ADAMS
“We want people to see this more as an opportunity to enrich their own lives through diversity. Our Strategic Plan speaks to promoting and enhancing diversity and to presenting students with a welcoming environment,” she says. “Everybody should feel welcome and respected for being in the classroom, both students and professors.” Dr. Carly Adams is also on the caucus, and she has seen students intimidated in the classroom, something that undermines their educational experience and what she is trying to accomplish as a professor. “It’s constantly a challenge, especially in senior level classes, to make sure there’s an atmosphere where everyone’s voice is respected,” says Adams. While respect in the classroom is not a new
concept, the initiative of establishing a week that celebrates respect and diversity through a series of events is unique. The caucus does not know what to expect from the week, but more than anything hopes it can open up a dialogue. The group would also like to make it a recurring event that will grow in future years and include activities and events organized by undergraduate and graduate student organizations and clubs. “We’re really trying to raise awareness about all of these issues,” says Adams. “We want students talking to students about how classrooms could be more diverse and more respectful places, and at the same time we want colleagues talking to one another about these issues as well.” The Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) is on board with a Friday, Mar. 11 Talking About Teaching session that will address the topic of respectful teaching and respectful learning. Other events include the Monday, Mar. 7 Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group film screening and a Wednesday, Mar. 9 webinar workshop. “We’re hoping that by the end of the week, people are willing and open to talk about making this a much more diverse and respectable place to be, whether it’s inside or outside the classroom,” says Adams. As Jiskoot adds, it all starts with initiating the conversation. “I think the main goal
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G E T T H E FA C T S • The CAETL Talking About Teaching seminar features panelists Dr. Suzanne Lenon (Women’s Studies), Andrea Glover (Library/FNTP), Dr. Bruce MacKay (Liberal Education) and Dr. Sameer Deshpande (Management). The session is Friday, Mar. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. in AH100. • The LPIRG film screening of, The Experimental Eskimo, is Monday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m., Galileo’s Lounge (in the Student Union Building). • The Wednesday, Mar. 9 webinar is titled, Diversity, Inclusivity, Civility, and runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in L1168. • Gender and Diversity Caucus members include: Dr. Pamela Adams (Education), Dr. Carly Adams (Kinesiology and Physical Education), Ardis Anderson (Philosophy), Dr. Yale Belanger (Native American Studies), Don Gill (Art), Andrea Glover (Library), Dr. Hester Jiskoot (Geography), Dr. Rob Sutherland (Neuroscience), Dr. Janet Youngdahl (Music). is mutual respect, understanding and gaining an awareness,” she says. “Even if people don’t actually go to any of the activities, at least if they start talking about it, that’s a beginning.”
The University of Lethbridge Library is rapidly becoming a victim of its own success – and library staff and administration wouldn’t have it any other way. Since initiating the first LibQual+ Survey in 2005, the library responded with a number of changes that were positively reflected in the subsequent 2008 survey. It’s now 2011 and another survey is ready to be undertaken, meaning the review process begins once again. Professional librarian, Leona Jacobs, says it will be enlightening to see if the upward trend they experienced in 2008 will continue. “With a sample size of two surveys to date, the data says we’re doing OK, we’re holding in some areas and we’re also improving on some things,” says Jacobs. “More importantly, we’ve been able to create an even greater expectation level in many areas. This is a good indicator because it shows we’re headed in the right direction but it also puts it on us to rise to the challenge.” The LibQual+ Survey is a web-based questionnaire distributed to faculty members, graduate students and a random sampling of undergraduate students registered in courses at the University of Lethbridge. A tool used worldwide, it is considered a key method in evaluating the perceived quality of library services offered to the University community. “We try to get to three things from this, the users’ minimum expectation of service, their desired level of library service and finally their perceived level of library service,” says Jacobs. In looking back at the data acquired in 2008, users raised their expectation level significantly from 2005, and Jacobs expects the trend to continue when this year’s survey is returned. That’s just fine with her because it speaks to the library’s ability to respond to concerns and take on initiatives that meet its users’ needs. “It’s a way of tuning into whether we are meeting the expectations of our users,” she says. “It will be interesting to see how we are doing relative to our two previous surveys. I like doing a bit of trend analysis to see how we are tracking.” The survey is comprehensive, asking 22 core questions as well as an additional five questions that the library can localize. How they score is assessed on a scale of 1-9. Jacobs urges those selected to take part (an invitation will be sent out Feb. 28 and the survey closes Mar. 18) to participate. As with any survey process, the more data acquired, the more accurate the picture is of the library users’ overall mood. One thing they have learned over the past two surveys is how important it is that the library works closely with faculty members. “It’s something that seems obvious but became even more apparent after going through this process, especially in terms of collections,” says Jacobs. “We really have to keep faculty engaged on the collection front, and then other doors open for us. Students take their lead from faculty in terms of resources, and if we can work through them, we’ll continue to meet the needs of our students.” For more information on the LibQual+ process or to take a look at past survey results and subsequent initiatives, visit the library website at www.uleth.ca/ lib/libQUAL/2011
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Resilience celebrates a culture’s identity BY TREVOR KENNEY
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yths and stereotypes have a way of seeping into our perceptions of Aboriginal Peoples, their culture and their background. The University’s Native Awareness Week, Feb. 28 to Mar. 4, looks to break those beliefs and present a wellrounded view of aboriginal culture and society. For Linda Many Guns, a professor in the department of Native American Studies, the best way to present a true glimpse of Aboriginal society is to celebrate the strength and spirit of its people. Her fashion show, The Resilience of Blackfoot Identity in Clothing, looks to do just that. “I personally like to blow up myths about Aboriginal people,” says Many Guns. “One of the opportunities we have during Native Awareness Week is the chance to demonstrate outside of classroom discussions, what it is to be Aboriginal. It’s not just about reserves and issues it’s about people, a way of life and a quality of life. The issues are always centred on poverty and that impoverished image. This week we have the opportunity, through this fashion show, to demonstrate a way of life that has quality, colour, skill and integrity.” The resilience of the Blackfoot women’s pride in their identity is captured in the clothing they created and is the central theme of the show, featuring dresses created from three distinct eras of Aboriginal history. The pre-contact era is from the early 1800s, followed by the post-reservation era, from 1870 through the early 1900s, to today’s modern era. Contemporary designers Carol Mason, Beverly Hungry Wolf and Gerri Many Fingers will all participate in the show, but it’s the appearance of Pauline Dempsey’s collection that sets this gathering apart. “I’ve seen the pieces she has in her closet but I’ve never actually seen them out on display, and they really are to die for,” says Many Guns. “What we’ll be seeing will be spectacular. It’s an amazing collection of pieces and the fact that they are not going to be shown again makes this quite an honour that their final appearance will be here.” Dempsey is the daughter of Canadian Senator James Gladstone and the wife of noted author Hugh Dempsey. Her collection has been shown all over the world and her husband Hugh is recognized for his scholarly contributions at the Glenbow Museum. Many Guns says the event will highlight a people that, despite facing hardship, maintained an active and vibrant culture. It’s that spirit of resil-
G E T T H E FA C T S • The Resilience fashion show is on Tuesday, Mar. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the UHall Atrium. • Noted Canadian historian/ author Hugh Dempsey will lead the student discussions throughout the show. • Contemporary designer, Gerri Many Fingers, teaches on the Blood Reserve. She’ll be bringing a Grade 12 class of students to campus to experience Native Awareness Week. “It’s a great opportunity for them to come into the University environment, see other Aboriginal people studying here and that it is a welcoming place for them,” says Many Guns. • Visiting students and designers will be taking a tour of the University Theatre, as well as its wardrobe and costume-making department. • The U of L Women’s Centre is also providing volunteers for the show and Morrison Hershfield Engineering Ltd., along with their Aboriginal company, Sikon, is the presenting sponsor. • An Indian Taco feast with mint tea and berries will follow the show. ience that keeps their culture alive today. “During the post-reservation period of time, the Aboriginal people were sequestered on reserves and not allowed off,” says Many Guns. “So they were taking this incredible dressmaking skill and using anything
they could get their hands on, and turning out these absolutely beautiful works of art.” Using scraps of recycled fabric, tin cans, beads extracted from lamps and so on, they found a way to express their identity. It’s that identity that is constantly under attack today, and one of the reasons Many Guns introduced the fashion show as a teaching tool to her Native American Health class. “Identity is a core element in Aboriginal cultural revival,” says Many Guns. “When that identity is missing, it’s often an underlying factor that contributes to some of the problems that are so prevalent in our communities. These are identity issues and this exercise shows pride in that identity.” Her students will run the show itself. They have been entrusted to research the history of the dresses on display, will co-ordinate the models and announce and describe the collections as they are being presented. “I really wanted to be involved to learn more about Native American culture,” says Kaley Woodman, one of the student researchers who will also be an announcer at the show. “This is a new and innovative way to express one aspect of what defines their culture.” Student Michelle Leafloor adds that by steering away from issues, and instead presenting Aboriginal culture through its people, bridges of understanding can be constructed. “This fashion show is a display of the uniqueness, beauty, art and design of Native American people, and it’s something to be very proud of,” she says. “Maybe an event like this can create a deeper understanding for the campus as a whole and a greater sense of belonging for the Native Americans who may be struggling to find their place in today’s society.”
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This magnificent Bodmer-period style dress is more than 200 years old. It is just one of the pieces to be displayed at the Resilience of Blackfoot Identity in Clothing fashion show, to be held Mar. 1.
Native Awareness Week Schedule of Events | Feb. 28 to Mar. 4 MONDAY, FEB. 28 OPENING CEREMONIES Atrium 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blessings with Pete Standing Alone Rod & Laverne First Rider; Presentations, Drummers and Dancers | (Master of Ceremonies, Travis Plaited Hair)
TUESDAY, MAR. 1 Atrium, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Faculty of Arts and Science/NAS Department Fashion Show and historic and contemporary dress exhibit – The Resilience Of Blackfoot Identity in Clothing (Linda Many Guns)
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 2 University Recital Hall (W570) Noon to 1 p.m. Faculty of Fine Arts (Art Now) – Dean Drever Markin Hall, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Faculty of Management Open House & Blackfoot Naming Ceremony of FNG and International Area with Presentations and Refreshments Markin Hall, 1 to 3 p.m. Faculty of Health Sciences – Making Medicine: Create your own medicine bag
THURSDAY, MAR. 3 UHall Atrium, 10 a.m. to noon Faculty of Education – Holy Spirit supporting FNMI Learners Project/ St. Mary’s Dance Troupe UHall Atrium 1 to 3 p.m. First Nations Transition Program – Bannock and Berry Soup SU Ballrooms, 4 to 10 p.m. Native American Students’ Association – Out of the Box!! Café Jam, A traditional and contemporary fusion of rhythms
FRIDAY, MAR. 4 University Recital Hall (W570), Noon to 1 p.m. Faculty of Fine Arts (Art Now) – Jackson Two Bears
FNMI ALUMNI CHAPTER – FILM FESTIVAL U of L Theatre (W500), Reception at 5:30 p.m., films begin at 6:30 p.m. Circle of the Sun, Standing Alone, The Last Roundup by Narcisse Blood, featuring Pete Standing Alone (premiere). Discussion to follow.
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Tidsbury helped create Olympic soundtrack BY STACY SEGUIN
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t has already been one year since we came together as a nation to watch the world’s elite athletes strive for glory at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. For many of us, the excitement of watching the world’s top athletes compete for gold will forever be linked to the inspiring theme song, “I Believe”. For Josh Tidsbury (BSc ’03), systems specialist, Creative Technology Systems with CTVglobemedia, the song represents one of the highlights of his career. Working as a score producer and engineer as well as postproduction technical lead for CTV during the games, Tidsbury played an integral part in bringing the sounds and music of the Olympics alive. Tidsbury, together with Mike Nunan, began creating the musical theme package in mid 2009, working with a composer and writer then executing the strings, brass, percussion and choir recordings before mixing and editing for the final musical score. “The entire Olympic experience was amazing, a once-in-alifetime experience to create the musical theme,” says Tidsbury, who fondly refers to his more than 1,500 CTV colleagues as “our own little team Canada”. “People have this connection between music and memory that brings them back the way nothing else does. The “I Believe” theme that the nation heard endlessly for 17 days will forever remind people of the extraordinary performances of the 2010 games. It was very humbling and inspiring to be a part of that.” Tidsbury has long been inspired by the world of music production and recording. After graduating from Calgary’s Lord Beaverbrook High School, he and his former band teachers
MODEL UN TEAM READY The University of Lethbridge Model United Nations Club takes on delegates from around the world with their largest ever delegation – 28 students – at the Harvard National Model United Nations Conference (HNMUN) in Boston, Mass. Attending as two separate teams, the group represents the Philippines and Micronesia, and has spent the past months boning up on the political and cultural challenges each country faces.
G E T T H E FA C T S • Tidsbury engineered the orchestral soundtrack for the Canadian Film, Just Buried, at Dvorak Hall, Prague, Czech Republic. • He mixed the musical score for Stake Land, an award winning film that debuted at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. • Tidsbury is a member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES), and has been the lead designer of the AES online redevelopment since 2007. • He is currently an adjunct faculty member at Toronto’s Humber College, teaching courses in audio engineering and production. received a provincial grant to build a recording studio and create the first high school recording program in Alberta. Despite his love of music and audio technology, however, Tidsbury came to the University of Lethbridge and entered the neuroscience program, intending to pursue a career in medicine. “I was taken on a tour by one of the faculty members. When I got a sense of how student-centered the University was and how many opportunities there were for undergraduates – things such as working in a lab – it was an easy sell.” Taking advantage of those opportunities, Tidsbury worked in a lab setting with Dr. Glen Prusky for three years. Tidsbury says the experience kept him grounded in the sciences and gave him a creative outlet outside of the classroom.
As well, team members participate in sub-groups which debate and discuss topics from cyber-terrorism to ethics in drug research and development and human trafficking. “Students get a first-hand experience of international relations in action,” says MUN Club president Vanessa Lodermeier, a fifth-year anthropology, sociology and political science student. Lodermeier won an Outstanding Delegate Award last year for her debate topic on Somali Pirates. “We learn skills of diplomacy, debate and compromise – all skills which transfer not only back to the classroom, but also
Josh Tidsbury was back on campus recently, speaking to students in the New Media program.
“It allowed me to have a hands-on approach to the sciences. It helped shape how I approach my day-to-day work at CTV,” he says. “I actually write a lot of software applications now to aid post-production flow, and I find myself taking a more scientific approach, studying what is right and wrong. I ask questions like, how do we make it better and how can we observe things and remove biases? Even though it isn’t necessarily a straight line from neuroscience to what I do today, it’s all interconnected.” Throughout his undergraduate studies, Tidsbury maintained a connection to music,
to the workplace,” says Lodermeier. “As well, learning the research process is very valuable for classes that require research papers.” Lodermeier adds that many students who join the club also go on to pursue graduate school or professional schools, such as law and medicine. The MUN Club Executive (left to right): Rhys Hakstol (biochemistry), Daniel Wyton (biology), Bethany Schmidt (sociology), Kailey Little (open studies), Vanessa Lodermeier (anthropology, sociology and political science).
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playing in the University’s jazz band under the direction of Dr. Ed Wasiak, and recording and mixing music on the side to help make rent. When he graduated in 2003 with a bachelor of science in neuroscience, Tidsbury realized that, despite his love of science, his true passion was with music production and recording. He spent the following year studying and working at the Banff Centre where he earned an audio associate certificate, before being accepted into the exclusive master’s of music in sound recording program at McGill University on a full scholarship. He graduated from McGill in 2007 and moved to
Toronto to begin his career at CTV. Grateful for the opportunities and encouragement he has received over the years, Tidsbury believes in giving back. “If it weren’t for the fact that everyone from my high school band director to the folks at the U of L, the Banff Centre and McGill took the time to help me out and push me ahead, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now,” says Tidsbury, who recently returned to the U of L to talk with students about his experiences. “If there is any way I can give back and bring help, inspiration, or guidance to students who are at the point I was not that long ago, then I want to wherever I can.”
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
H E A LT H
& wellness
New program tests health levels BY SUZANNE MCINTOSH
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ow is your health? Do you have any idea how healthy you really are, or do you just wait until something’s wrong? We’ve got a new program for students, staff and faculty at the U of L called, Health Check for U. Health Screening is one way to increase your knowledge and, if necessary, get some tips on how to make small changes to improve or maintain your health. The program is in two parts, with the levels detailed below: Health Check for U - Level I Fasting Cholesterol Testing It’s important to know your cholesterol numbers. The Vascular Risk Assessment group will be offering a mobile testing clinic that is available to any University department to provide a short cholesterol information session and then test cholesterol and blood glu-
cose levels. The information session takes 30 minutes, with each individual health check taking 10 minutes. For a total of 40 minutes, you can invest in your health. Health Check for U - Level II Vascular Risk Screening This very important program gives you an idea of your vascular risk. It will test your blood pressure and relate it to your weight, height and waist circumference. A fasting lipid and glucose profile will then be developed using a Cholestech machine. The data is then entered into the CV Health Manager, giving you a printout that details your 10year cardiovascular risk. The program also includes a one-on-one followup education and nutritional information session. Again, a small time commitment will yield valuable information and help you make smart health choices down the road. The actual screening takes just 15 minutes, followed
by the 30-minute follow-up session the next day. Contact wellness co-ordinator Suzanne McIntosh (suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca, wellness@ uleth.ca, 403-332-5217) to schedule a Health Check for U Level I or II session or if you would like more information. How important is it to take control of your own health? Read this excerpt from an article in the latest Building Healthy Lifestyles newsletter. February is heart month and since heart disease is the leading cause of death for Canadians, now is a good time to take a look at some facts about heart health. Most people think of heart disease as one condition. But in fact, heart disease is a group of conditions affecting the structure and functions of the heart, and has many root causes. Coronary artery disease, for example, develops when a combination of fatty materials, calcium and scar tissue (called plaque) builds
up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart (coronary arteries). The plaque buildup narrows the arteries and prevents the heart from getting enough blood. You can prevent and manage heart disease in large part by controlling the known risk factors that could lead to it. These risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, mismanaged stress, physical inactivity and being overweight. It is important to know and take control of your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, to reduce and manage stress, and to follow up with your doctor regularly and listen to their advice. For more on heart health tips and strategies, visit www.heartandstroke.ab.ca. Suzanne McIntosh is the University’s wellness coorindator
FUNDING BRINGS IN MUCH-NEEDED TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT Dr. Claudia Gonzalez (kinesiology and physical education) is interested in how the brain connects vision and motor skills, such as hand movements. Dr. René Boeré (chemistry and biochemistry) and his colleagues examine the finest details of molecules, among other projects.
MIKE MAHON
The two very different research teams recently received a significant amount of money from the Canada Foundation for Innovation Leaders Opportunity Fund; with matching support from the Small Equipment grant programs from the government of Alberta. Overall, the researchers will receive $547,778 and additional
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TROUBLE WITH TRANS FATS BY DIANE BRITTON Are you used to grabbing a muffin for a quick energy boost? How about munching on a donut to fill your stomach until you can get home to eat? You may be filling up on trans fats and increasing your bad cholesterol (LDL). Trans fats increase our bad cholesterol (LDL), and decrease our good cholesterol (HDL), making them the worst kind of fat for your heart health. According to Health Canada, Canadians consume about 8.4 grams of trans fats daily. That’s bad news according to the World Health Organization and the National Academy of Sciences. Trans fats are very useful in the fast-food industry because they are a very stable fat for repeated bouts of deep-frying. Trans fats are also found in processed or packaged foods because they increase product shelf life. Their abundance in our food chain makes it almost impossible to consume no trans fats. The goal is to reduce trans fat consumption. Here are some tips to decrease your trans fat intake:
BY BOB COONEY
“It cannot be understated how important a strong research program is to the health of an institution.”
the Legend
Eat less processed foods Bake your own muffins using healthy oils such as olive, canola or sunflower oil.
Enjoy fresh rather than fried Choose wraps, pitas, subs and sandwiches made with whole grain breads.
Limit fast food Pack meals and snacks from home and avoid the inherent trans fats in most fast food products.
Smart snacking Dr. Claudia Gonzalez addresses the media after the recent CFI funding anouncement.
support from the University of Lethbridge and industry partners brings that total to more than $700,000. Boeré led a group application to fund specialized imaging equipment that will be used to examine the fine details of nanomaterials ($352,008). Gonzalez will receive funding to obtain equipment that she will use to monitor, in greater detail, how the brain processes motor skill signals that control such activities as hand and eye movement ($195,770).
University of Lethbridge President Mike Mahon says that investment from the federal and provincial governments, working in partnership, are critical in ensuring that researchers have the tools they need to answer the important questions facing communities in Alberta, Canada and beyond. “It cannot be understated how important a strong research program is to the health of an institution that serves undergraduate and graduate students,” says
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Mahon. “Our student-first approach is strengthened because our students are able to interact with talented, supported researchers like Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Boeré and their colleagues.” Mahon adds that research investments are also critical in ensuring that Alberta and Canada are able to recruit and retain talented faculty and students from across the globe. CONTINUED ON PG. 10
If you want crackers, choose low fat crackers such as WASA bread, Ryvita crackers or Stone Wheat Thins. And keep nutritious snacks handy. Try eating nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, yogurt, homemade muffins, fig newtons, graham wafers and air-popped popcorn instead of doughnuts, cookies, chips, microwave popcorn or chocolate bars. Diane Britton is the University’s oncampus registered dietitian For an individual nutrition appointment, call the Health Centre (SU020) at 403-329-2484. Initial sessions are $40.
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events C A L E N D A R
Pronghorns Athletics Feb. 18-19 | Canada West Men’s Hockey | Saskatchewan vs. Horns 7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena Feb. 18-19 | Canada West Basketball | Winnipeg vs. Horns Women’s games, 6 p.m.; Men’s games 8 p.m. nightly 1st Choice Savings Centre gym
Lectures Feb. 15 | Chemistry & Biochemistry Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul Sidhu Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Solid Metal Acetylacetonates | 12:15 p.m., C640 Feb. 15 | Political Science Public Lecture: Collin May | Lawyers, the Judiciary and the Empire of Law 3 p.m., AH117 Feb. 16 | Art Now: Geoffrey James Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Feb. 16 | New Media Seminar: Pilar Alessandra | The First Draft, threehour seminar for aspiring screenwriters | 6 p.m., PE264 Feb. 17 | Prentice Brownbag Series: Dr. Trevor Harrison | Guaranteed Annual Income: The Return of an Old Idea | 1:30 p.m., Prentice Institute Boardroom, L1102
Feb. 17 | Prairie Universities Physics Seminar Series: Dr. Can-Ming Hu Spin Dynamics in Spintronic and Magnetic Materials 1:40 p.m., C640 Feb. 28 | Art Now: Spring Hurlbut Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Feb. 28 | Architecture & Design Now: Elizabeth Songer 6 p.m., C610 Mar. 2 | Art Now: Dean Drever Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Mar. 4 | Art Now: Jackson 2Bears Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Mar. 7 | Art Now: Reece Terris Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Mar. 7 | Architecture & Design Now: Reece Terris | 6 p.m., C610 Mar. 9 | Art Now: Billy McCarroll Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Mar. 11 | Art Now: Emily Falvey Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Mar. 14 | Art Now: Vince Varga Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
EQUIPMENT AIDS RESEARCH
Mar. 14 | Architecture & Design Now: Vince Varga | 6 p.m., C610 Mar. 14 | Discovery Lecture Series: Jeffrey Simpson | Improving Canada’s Poor Climate Change Record | 7 p.m., PE250 Mar. 15 | Brain Awareness Week: Dr. Bruce McNaughton | How memory works and why it sometimes doesn’t 7 p.m., Yates Memorial Centre
Performances Feb. 15-19 | Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull | A touching and often comic story of love, ambition and hopefulness | 8 p.m. nightly David Spinks Theatre Mar. 1 | Music at Noon: Musaeus String Quartet | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570) Mar. 3-5 | TheatreXtra – Title of Show | A musical comedy that chronicles its own creation from inception to opening night 8 p.m. nightly, 2 p.m. matinee on Mar. 5, David Spinks Theatre Mar. 5 | Awake My Soul and Sing: A Choral Celebration | Concert featuring Vox Musica, U of L Singers and LCI Chamber Choir | 7:30 p.m., Southminster United Church
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Mar. 8 | Music at Noon: Jamie Eckert (percussion) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570) Mar. 15 | Music at Noon: Cecilia’s Circle | Featuring Janet Youngdahl (soprano), Vivian Montgomery (harpsichord), Julie Andrijeski (baroque violin) and Ann Marie Morgan (viola da gamba) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)
Miscellaneous Feb. 15-17 | Pink Shirt Campaign Boys and Girls Club of Lethbridge Pink Shirt Day T-Shirt-Sale Students’ Union Building Feb. 15-19 | In Progress MFA Exhibition featuring Mandy Espezel, Mark Porcina and Collin Zipp Noon to 4 p.m. daily, The Penny Building (324-5th St. S.) Feb. 16 | U are the Plan Luncheon All campus luncheon celebrating our efforts in relation to the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan | Noon, UHall Atrium Mar. 1, 8, 15 | Student Speaker Challenge | What is Global Justice and How Can it be Achieved? Semifinal sessions, Mar. 1 & 8 4:30 p.m., SU300A Final session, Mar. 15 7 p.m., AH100
FAREWELL PERFORMANCE
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“The U of L is in a fortunate position. Researchers, graduate and undergraduate students from jurisdictions where funding to post-secondary sector have been drastically cut are surveying the landscape,” he says. “When they see the governments of Canada and Alberta investing in a knowledge economy – as they are today – they are compelled to consider if their research program or educational experience is better suited at a comprehensive university like the U of L.” For Boeré and his research team, the new equipment will dramatically increase their productivity simply because they will no longer have to drive to Calgary to borrow similar research tools. Gonzalez’s projects rely on the accurate measurement of fine motor co-ordination, primarily in a person’s hands while reaching for an object. While her current measurement process can pinpoint the motion in a finger
Dr. René Boeré
joint, for example, her additional equipment will also be able to show which side of the brain is working when that motion or movement is engaged. This will help to determine how dominant the right or left side of the brain is for certain functions.
Director Richard Epp bids farewell with his final directorial effort, the Seagull, showing Feb. 15-19 at 8 p.m. nightly in the David Spinks Theatre. Here, Konstantin (played by Samuel Benty) appears with his mother Irina (played by Dr. Laurin Mann, BASc ’77).
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
FASHION DRIVE A WORTHY PROJECT BY ABBY GROENENBOOM
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or the second straight year, the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) is partnering with the Education Undergraduate Society (EUS) to bring you the ULSU/EUS Fashion Drive. Gently used clothing will be collected at various locations around campus, organized and priced by volunteers and sold on Wednesday, Mar. 2 in the Students’ Union Ballroom A (SU300A). Prices for each article of clothing will range from $2 to $5. “This event was initially organized by last year’s education representative, and it was extremely successful,” says Armin Escher, current ULSU Faculty of Education representative. “I thought that it was a great idea that benefits many people, so I decided that it would be a great event to continue with this year.” Clothing collection bins will be placed around campus at the following locations: the ULSU Office (SU180), the EUS Office (TH368A), the University Hall Atrium and the Students’ Union Food Court. Collection of items began in early February and goes until the Friday, Feb. 18. The funds generated from the sale of the clothing will go towards scholarships for education students. Proceeds raised will help to assist future teachers during their internship experience and their first year in the teaching profession. “Scholarships are extremely important to education students, especially those going into their practicum,” says Escher. “Most education students are unable to work during their practicum due to time constraints, and it can make it very difficult for them financially.” The goal of this event is to raise enough money to keep this scholarship going for at least two additional years. Funding will be distributed in $500 increments to education students who qualify. At the same time, students have the opportunity to pick up some excellent clothing deals. “This event is a great chance for students who are on a budget to be able to get some new clothes for very affordable prices; $5 for a pair of jeans is a great deal,” says Escher.
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
FINE ARTS
in focus
Langager sparks A Choral Celebration BY AMANDA BERG
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t’s not often Lethbridge experiences a collaboration of our community’s strongest choirs in one concert, but on Mar. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Southminster United Church, Vox Musica, LCI Chamber Choir and the U of L Singers join together for Awake My Soul and Sing: A Choral Celebration. The concert caps off an intensive week of workshops and rehearsals with guest conductor, Dr. Graeme Langager, director of choral activities at the University of British Columbia School of Music. The weeklong workshops, co-ordinated by the Vox Musica Choral Society, provide an opportunity for the choirs to share expertise. “Our mandate is to promote choral music in southern Alberta and we believe providing opportunity for these activities outside our fixed rehearsal schedule benefits our choir, as well as the other choirs participating in the workshops,” says Carolyn Speakman, Vox Musica Choral Society president. Langager’s visit includes spending 4-5 hours with each choir during their regular rehearsals. “Dr. Langager was a student at LCI and sang with Frank Gnandt’s choir in high school,” says Speakman. “After spending several years in the United States, he’s returned to Canada
and is now part of the Canadian choral scene.” Langager received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach. He has taught throughout the United States, including stops in California, Ohio, North Carolina and Arkansas, and at the high school, college and university levels. A sought after clinician and guest conductor, he is also an active composer and arranger. Langager’s choirs have performed throughout Europe and the United States including such prestigious venues as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Stefansdom in Vienna, Notre Dame in Paris, St. Nicholas in Prague and St. Stephen’s in Budapest. “The concert promises a varied program that showcases the strengths and talents of each choir,” says Speakman. Tickets to this rare evening of choral masterpieces are available at Long and McQuade (323 – 8th St. S.) for $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are also available at the door on the night of the concert.
Dr. Graeme Langager brings his unique experience back to Canada after working extensively in the United States.
CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY OF BAROQUE An exquisite evening of music that promises to warm the soul wraps up the Faculty Artists and Friends season, Mar. 17 at 8 p.m. in the University Recital Hall. La Virtuosissima Cantatrice: Songs by Italian Baroque Women, features special guest ensemble Cecilia’s Circle, highlighting the beauty of baroque chamber music by prolific women composers. Comprised of four exceptional musicians, Dr. Vivian Montgomery (harpsichord), Dr. Julie Andrijeski (baroque violin), Ann Marie Morgan (viola da gamba) and U of L music faculty Dr. Janet Youngdahl, Cecilia’s Circle has performed its music throughout the United States and Canada. Since its inception in 1991, the group has been committed to bringing new life to the long-buried brilliance of many women composers. Cecilia’s Circle came together when the members were doing graduate studies, and has continued for the past 20 years.
Cecilia’s Circle (left to right): Dr. Julie Andrijeski, Ann Marie Morgan, Dr. Janet Youngdahl and Dr. Vivian Montgomery.
All four musicians continue to teach, and have busy independent performance careers. Montgomery, who holds numerous awards from international early keyboard competitions, and received a Solo Recitalist Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, teaches harpsichord and historical performance practice
at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Andrijeski serves on the historical performance faculties of both the Peabody Conservatory and Case Western Reserve University, while Morgan is on the Early Music Faculties of the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. A member of the U of L
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music faculty, Youngdahl is the director of the U of L Singers. The Mar. 17 concert highlights the outstanding talents of two Italian women composers, Barbara Strozzi and Isabella Leonarda. “They were both prolific, expert composers; Strozzi existed in the secular world as an unmarried woman with children, and Leonarda, a respected nun and leader of her own convent,” says Youngdahl. “Listeners will be surprised by the passion and virtuosity of the works by these composers. Although they developed in very different realms, they both managed to bring significant ardor and drama to their works.” During their week-long residency at the University, Cecilia’s Circle will also perform as part of the Music at Noon concert series, Tuesday, Mar. 15 at 12:15 pm in the University Recital Hall, present a lecture in a music history class and work with music students. Reserve tickets to La Virtuosissima Cantatrice at the U of L Box Office or by calling 403-3292616. Tickets are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 for students and seniors.
the Legend QUIRKY MUSICAL CAPS SEASON TheatreXtra premieres its first musical production in March with the uniquely dubbed, [title of show]. “It’s a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical,” says Kyle Schulte, director of [title of show], this season’s final TheatreXtra production. “This is the first time TheatreXtra has put on a musical, so we’re all thrilled to be a part of it.” Playing Mar. 3-5 in the David Spinks Theatre, there are shows nightly at 8 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Mar. 5. [title of show]’s catchy music and eccentric cast promises to leave an impression on audiences. An off-beat comedy written by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, it premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in September 2004. After running with great success Off-Broadway in 2006, [title of show] ran at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway in 2008. “I was already a fan of the show and knew the music well,” says Schulte, a third-year drama major. “When the performance rights were released, I jumped at the chance to present it here.” With 19 pieces of music, including 14 songs, putting together a musical in four weeks is a challenge that would make any director’s head spin. “This has really been a collaborative effort,” he says. “It’s a musical about students putting on a musical, and so far, this has been a great fit for our cast and crew, and works perfectly with TheatreXtra’s mandate.” The demands of directing a musical add a new element to the process. “There are two more elements in this show: choreography and music,” he adds. “It’s been so much fun to direct.” With quirky songs such as, Two Nobodies in New York, The Tony Award Song and Die, Vampire, Die!, audiences can expect a contemporary, funny night of musical theatre. “I liked that the themes of the musical were very similar to my own life,” says Schulte. “This show is relevant to students, and we know the audiences are going to love it too.” Tickets to TheatreXtra’s hilarious final production of the season are available at the U of L Box Office or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors.
(Left) Gathie Falk, Antony, 2001. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.
(Below) Gathie Falk, Rearranged Durer Rabbits in Bookcase. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Acquired in 1979.
Gathie Falk was born in Alexander, Man. in 1928. Raised Mennonite, Falk spent her childhood drawing, and attended Saturday morning art classes at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Falk trained to become an elementary teacher, and it was in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia that she began to seriously pursue painting and ceramics. In 1965, Falk started working as a fulltime artist, and quickly received critical acclaim for her charming approach to conceptual art. Her ceramic sculptures often depict carefully rendered commonplace items, including clothes, food and plants, arranged in groups of multiples or presented in humorous compositions.
In the late 1960s, Falk began experimenting with performance art. Like her paintings and sculptures, many of these performances centred around repetition and the mundane, exploring the boundary between fine art and everyday life. Falk continues to produce art and is represented in many private and public Canadian art collections. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 1997 and the Governor General’s Award in Visual Arts in 2003.
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