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V O L U M E 12
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ISSUE THREE
Judging its own reward
the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Research funding continues its growth Dr. Roy Golsteyn is the chief judge for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which the University of lethbridge will be hosting May 11-18, 2013. A total of 400 judges are required for the massive event.
Brodrick looks to give students a full campus experience
Costa living his dream by going to school in Canada
Merchant uses U of L education as springboard to success 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 issuu.com/ulethbridge. 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: Angelsea Saby CO N T R I B U TO R S: Anne Baxter, Amanda Berg, Bob Cooney, Sandra Cowan, Jane Edmundson, Abby Groenenboom, Erica Lind, Jesse Malinsky, Jana McFarland, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Leslie Ohene-Adjei, Mike Perry, Stacy Seguin, Katherine Wasiak and Jamie Woodford
University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 www.ulethbridge.ca
BY TREVOR KENNEY
H
aving seen the spark ignited in a young scientist’s eyes, Dr. Roy Golsteyn is eager to stoke the fires of ingenuity once again. As the chief judge for the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), to be held at the University of Lethbridge May 11-18, 2013, he’ll get that opportunity, and it’s one he’d like to share. “I’m a huge believer in science fairs,” says Golsteyn (BSc ’84), an associate professor of biology and the director of the Cancer Cell Laboratory at the U of L. He participated in science fairs as a kid, but never competed beyond the local level. Now, as a judge whose own children have competed nationally, he sees the true value of encouraging scientific discovery in our youth. “You see it, there’s a real sense of excitement in these kids,” says Golsteyn. “Some are just starting to dabble in science, some have already acquired a lot of knowledge; they like it, they like the freedom of it and they revel in the challenge. “Having judged science fairs for the last four years, I always walk away happily impressed, because there are some smart kids out there and we get an opportunity to not only meet them but to also encourage them to continue to pursue science.” The CWSF is a massive undertaking, featuring 400 of the top science projects in the country and involving more than 1,100 students (Grades 7 to 12), chaperones, judges, sponsors and delegates. There are more than 400 judges alone who are needed to officiate the proceedings and as Chief Judge, one of Golsteyn’s main duties is to recruit the best group of judges he can find. “We are attracting the best science students from across the country, so we want to match those students with the best judges we have in southern Alberta,” says Golsteyn. “Fortunately for us, southern Alberta is pretty scientist dense.” Golsteyn cites the valuable resources available at the U of L, Lethbridge College, the Canada Research Centre, the Regional Hospital and major industry such as Pratt & Whitney, which has a very strong engineering component to its
operation. “We know there are many qualified judges in southern Alberta, it’s more an issue of people being able to find time to take part,” he says. To that end, judging is limited to just one day, and even half-day participation can be considered. A pre-competition orientation evening is also involved and judges are encouraged to stay through the evening of competition to ensure all major prizes are awarded accordingly. The value of having a captive audience of Canada’s brightest young scientific minds on the University campus for a full week cannot be understated. “The finalists truly do come from all over Canada, and there’s this ripple affect associated with that,” says Golsteyn. “It’s not just that there are two or three students from every region, what you’ll see is that individual schools all across the country will follow their students for the week. So for that week, an entire school will be talking about the University of Lethbridge, whether that’s in Nunavut or Victoria.” There are three qualification levels for judges, including those with master’s degrees or greater in sciences, those with professional diplomas such as engineering or veterinary medicine, and those with professional diplomas and experience in a science and technologyrelated field. Scientists with French language skills are also especially welcomed. The U of L is uniquely suited to host a Canada-Wide Science Fair because of its already inherent science outreach programs. “That’s one of the reasons for my commitment to doing this,” says Golsteyn. “It is so aligned with what we already do at the University and what so many scientists are trying to do across the country. Here’s an opportunity to share our expertise and to influence the next generation of young scientists.” He’s seen, first-hand, how beneficial it is to students. His children (Quentin, 15, and Charlène, 12) have participated in science fairs and attended CWSF in Charlottetown, PEI last year. His daughter Audrey, 10, also has a distinct interest in microbiology and is likely on the
same path. “Sometimes science isolates students at that age. There are things that are cool and things that are less cool and sometimes science falls into that less cool category,” says Golsteyn. “One of the goals of the science fair is to give these kids a week dedicated to science, and the opportunity to share it with people their own age who are just like them, just as thrilled about science as they are.” Those interested in joining Golsteyn on the judging committee can contact him at roy.golsteyn@ youthscience.ca. He promises it will be a rewarding experience. “I’m really excited about the possibilities this week provides for the U of L,” he says. “It’s a lot of work to do this right but in the end, it’s so valuable to everyone involved, it’s definitely worth it.”
G E T T H E FA C T S • Student finalists for the
Canada-Wide Science Fair are winners of their regional or provincial science fairs
• Approximately 400 projects
from 500 youth finalists from across 100 national regions will be attending the Canada-Wide Science Fair
• Up to $1,000,000 in scholar-
ships and prizes are available to participants
• U of L Arts & Science faculty have confirmation from Dean Dr. Chris Nicol that serving as judges for CWSF qualifies as part of their community service component
• Golsteyn, as chief judge, has
relief for one of the two courses he was scheduled to teach this semester. His research activities continue however, “It just gets pushed a little later into the night,” he says
the Legend
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
OPENMike University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what’s happening in the University community
These are heady times for the University of Lethbridge as we celebrate a number of very positive results from national ranking agencies. The good news began with Research Infosource naming the U of L its Research University of the Year 2012 (undergraduate category), was followed by our strong showing in the annual Globe and Mail Report Card and concluded with the University’s highest ever ranking by Maclean’s Magazine, a third overall standing in the primarily undergraduate classification. We are always pleased to do well from a rankings perspective and we should celebrate these results enthusiastically because they affirm many of the positive aspects of our institution, the comprehensive manner in which
we are evolving and the commitment we continue to have to enhancing the student experience. While it is important to receive such external validation, we must remember that these ranking instruments do not define us and cannot play a role in setting the priorities of the University of Lethbridge. It is essential that we accept these rankings for what they are, a snapshot of the activities we are engaged in, and that we continue to focus on the priorities and aspirations set out in our Strategic Plan. As part of the Strategic Planning exercise that we are just now engaged in, November is a very important month in terms of the consultation aspect of that process.
CAMPUS The Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies (CACS) has created the Cynthia Chambers Thesis Award, given to an outstanding master’s thesis in curriculum studies in Canada. The honour was bestowed upon Dr. Chambers (Education) in recognition of her life writing as a form of inquiry and Indigenous Studies research around Aboriginal literacy of place that has inspired curriculum scholars and educators across Canada. Rolf Boon’s (Music) Wind Shadows for flute and electronic sound field was selected to be part of the Canadian Mix for the 60x60 Vox Novus project, which is comprised of 60 composers, musicians and sound artists from Canada. The work was presented on radio in Chicago on Oct. 6 and will be broadcast in Montreal, Halifax and Los Angeles sometime between Nov. 2012 and Feb. 2013. Dr. John Usher and Dr. Rossitsa Yalamova (Management) attended a summer school of the CEEL Program in Adaptive Economics, hosted by the
Our current Strategic Plan is very strong in that it describes our principles as a university very well and sets a number of solid directives. As we move through the new Strategic Planning cycle, our current plan will serve as a solid foundation from which we will build. Just as Dr. Andy Hakin challenged the University community in his Fiat Lux address to reexamine liberal education, what it means to us now and what it could be in the future, we must do the same in terms of the Strategic Plan and its directives. We will not stray from the principles set out in our current plan, rather we will think about core issues such as internationalization, liberal education and our First Nations, Métis and Inuit programming and how we can
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University of Trento and the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. The school’s course included curriculum that closely followed principles put forth by Nobel Prize on Economics winners Alvin Roth and Lloyd Shapley. Dr. Josh Davies (Music) has been busy during his first couple of months on campus. He performed with the Kamloops Symphony in Kamloops, B.C., then auditioned and won the position as Principal Trumpet for their 2012-2013 season. He recently performed Mahler’s 6th Symphony as guest Principal Trumpet in the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra in Monterrey, Mexico. He also performed and presented a master class at the Nuevo Leon International Brass Symposium at the Monterrey Conservatory of Music. Heather Steacy (Pronghorns track and field) and her brother Jim Steacy (BASc ’09) were among a group of 182 people who received Diamond Jubilee Medals from Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The medals are given to those who have made significant contribu-
evolve these directives for the next 45 years of the institution. I encourage you to take advantage of the upcoming consultation sessions (Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Nov. 27, 1 to 3 p.m.; Dec. 5, 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Students’ Union Ballrooms) so that you can provide your thoughts and help set the future direction of your university. On a personal note, I want to highlight the annual Movember campaign and its goal to raise awareness and support for male mental health and the fight against prostate cancer. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer this past summer and have just recently undergone surgery to treat the cancer. My hope is for a speedy recovery, and I plan to be back on campus in a few weeks, as I am eager to
continue the momentum our University has gained over the recent months. I want to be open about this challenge I face because I know that there are many more people in our lives who are facing similar health challenges. It’s important that we can feel free to talk about the difficulties we face and draw on the strength of our University community. I thank those who have already wished me well in this journey and I urge everyone to think of your co-workers, your friends and family, and to continue to foster that atmosphere of openness, support and acceptance that makes our community so unique and such a pleasure to be a part of.
JUDGES NEEDED Canada-Wide Science Fair May 11-18, 2013
tions to their communities and country, or whose achievements abroad have brought credit to Canada. Gail Hanrahan (Drama) is directing Second Change, First Love at Lunchbox Theatre in Calgary, which features the work of four U of L Grads. Adam Beauchesne (BFA ’09) plays Jason, Julia Wasilewski (BA ’05, BFA ’07) designed the set and costumes, and Joshua Hellawell (BFA ’12) designed the sound. The Lethbridge Festival Society and the Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society awarded Ramona Big Head with (Education) one of four Blackfoot Artist 2012 awards for her many years of artist practice and service in southern Alberta. Daniel Wong (BFA ’03) and Mary-Anne McTrowe (BFA ’98; U of L Art Technician), as The Cedar Tavern Singers AKA Les Phonoréalistes, just created a music video of the song they wrote and performed to commemorate the Carleton University Art Gallery’s 20th Anniversary.
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More than 400 qualified judges are needed to volunteer their expertise, experience and time to interview finalists and evaluate their projects at the Canada-Wide Science Fair May 11-18, 2013. If you have a background in science or engineering and would like to be a judge, please contact Chief Judge Dr. Roy Golsteyn (BSc ’84) at roy.golsteyn@youthscience.ca. If you’re not a scientist, but would like to be involved, consider volunteering at the event. For more information on how you can help, email admin@satclethbridge.ca or visit http://cwsf.youthscience.ca/form/volunteer-registration.
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southern alberta technology council
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Research dollars continue to flow BY BOB COONEY
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he business of research at the University of Lethbridge keeps growing and, like any other business, needs people and resources to keep the wheels of innovation turning. Recent rankings which place the U of L’s research efforts at the top and near to the top of influential listings of Canadian research universities, show and tell the U of L’s research achievements based on numbers. But there are more than numbers to this success – there are people who, through very diverse projects, demonstrate the unique ways in which the U of L is, as described by the editors at Maclean’s magazine, “… Alberta’s rising research star.” Recent funding announcements by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canada Research Chair program have brought to the U of L new or renewed funding in excess of $2.4 million. Many of the funding awards are eligible for matching funds, or can be used to lever additional resources which further advance the U of L’s research agenda. As more research funding is confirmed, other U of L researchers will be profiled.
Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk
Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk, a researcher at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience who studies the development of avian brains, will use his Canada Foundation for Innovation funding to purchase a sophisticated slide scanner, microscope and related equipment which will allow his research team to create what are known as virtual slides. ($131,000) From these virtual slides, he will be able to perform a myriad of measurements and analyses to better understand how the brain is organized and how brain damage arising from exposure to environmental toxins occurs in various bird species. In addition to these direct research uses, Iwaniuk has amassed the largest collection of bird brains in the world, which at present includes over 500 specimens representing more than 150 different species from North America, Australia, Africa, Australia and Europe. One of his aims over the next several years will be to digitize this entire brain collection and make it available to researchers, educators and students worldwide. By creating a virtual museum within which anyone will be able to look at virtual slides and photos of entire brains, researchers from around the world can more readily collaborate and provide
Dr. Paul Hayes is part of a team of U of L researchers to receive significant funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
information to educators and the general public on how the brain has evolved among birds.
Dr. Louise Barrett
Dr. Louise Barrett studies the social processes and behaviour of people and primates. Her research will determine how social functioning can be improved by examining connections between social environment and the development of interpersonal skills. Barrett, a Canada Research Chair in Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour, is aiming to discover how the actions of others help shape our social worlds – and therefore our psychology. She’s doing so by studying the social behaviour and cognition of both humans and our primate cousins in Canada and South Africa. ($1.4 million/seven years) Primates are known for their intense sociability, which is thought to have shaped the ways in which we think about the world. Research in this field has usually considered that social information is processed solely inside the head. However, Barrett is emphasizing how physical
or bodily engagement with the world – and with other individuals – can and should be recognized as part of our psychology. In that respect, cognitive processes can be considered as both visible and social, and not just invisible and private. In addition, Barrett is studying how various types of ‘social niches’ help shape psychology from infancy to adulthood, and how language and culture influence generate differences between humans and primates. By challenging long-held beliefs about the way primates think and socialize, Barrett’s work is paving the way for new forms of psychology that could improve people’s social experiences by increasing the understanding of the social skills they need in a complex society.
Dr. Stacey Wetmore
Dr. Stacey Wetmore, Canada Research Chair in Computational Chemistry was recently renewed as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair ($500,000/five years). Wetmore uses computers to explore the reactions between
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DNA and various harmful chemicals in order to understand how DNA gets damaged. And in order to clarify how nature affects repairs, she studies how enzymes in our body repair our DNA by chemically removing the damaged sections of DNA. Computers help Wetmore examine molecules that are difficult or impossible to learn about using traditional experiments. For example, it is difficult to study some molecules experimentally because they live for such a short time; using computers, however, speeds up the process so she can investigate their properties thoroughly. Computer simulations are the tool of choice that not only allow Wetmore to study molecules quickly and cheaply but also allow her to study chemically modified DNA pieces that have applications as drugs or tools for biotechnology.
Drs. Paul Hazendonk, Michael Gerken and Paul Hayes
The trio of chemistry researchers has received substantial funding from the
Canada Foundation for Innovation ($400,000) to purchase a significantly more powerful NMR system, which will allow the researchers – who envision collaboration with researchers working on wide-ranging projects from the oil and gas, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries – to more accurately measure the structure of various solid and liquid compounds down to the atomic level of accuracy. Their research – and the current NMR facility, which is also in the process of receiving a significant upgrade – is already attracting worldwide attention. With the addition of the new equipment, they expect to expand their programs, ability to work with graduate and undergraduate students, and enhance their relationships with a wide variety of collaborators. The facility is expected to take about a year to fully commission.
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Brodrick remains engaged
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hen Steve Brodrick (BMgt ’09) thinks back on his time as a student at the University of Lethbridge, a myriad of memories emerge – resident student activities, volunteering as a mentor for new students, taking part in the first-ever Fresh Fest – just to name a few. “I sat on the General Assembly for the Students’ Union and was president of the Organization of Residence Students. I lived in residence the whole time I was a student and had a great experience,” says Brodrick, who is grateful for the opportunities he had to engage with the broader U of L community. He recognizes that many of those opportunities would not have been available had it not been for the financial support offered through scholarships and bursaries. “As a student, receiving scholarships meant that I could work less and get involved on campus more,” says Brodrick, who credits his time at the U of L as a formative period in his life. The sense of belonging he felt at the U of L was only enhanced when he learned about the number of faculty and staff who support student awards through the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign. “I would be in administrators’ offices and see SOS stickers on the wall. When I walked around campus, I saw people that taught and mentored me on SOS banners. That kind of leadership made a big impression on me,” says Brodrick. “Knowing that the people around me cared about my student experience meant a lot. It really stuck with me.”
Steve Brodrick made the most of his time as a U of L student.
Following the lead of U of L faculty and staff, Brodrick established the ORS Council Excellence Award while he was still a student. The scholarship emphasizes leadership, something near and dear to his heart. “I wanted to see more students get involved and take initiative towards improving our campus,” explains Brodrick, who has also since established the ORS Family Award for students raising children and a Healthy Living Bursary for students living in residence. Having been immersed in a variety of campus activities as a student, it’s no surprise that Brodrick, continues to be involved today, in his role as associate director of housing services at the U of L
“For students to have that extra push in the right direction is like running a marathon and someone handing you a water bottle at that halfway mark,” he says. “It’s just one little thing that will help them get through.” Brodrick now proudly displays his own SOS stickers – and students walking the halls as he once did will soon see his face on a banner. Brodrick is proud to be a part of the campaign and hopes he’s inspiring the next generation of U of L donors. --For more information on Supporting Our Students or to make your contribution today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving
Get your 2012 sticker Don’t forget to make your 2012 Supporting Our Students contribution before the year ends! You will receive a 2012 SOS sticker in exchange for your generosity. Please visit uleth.ca/giving to make your contribution today.
Did you know? U of L students graduate with an average debt of $26,147. You can help them finish their degrees with less debt by donating to SOS.
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Former staff member Courtney Atkinson credits the University for the professional success he enjoys today.
ATKINSON GIFT PRESENTS STAFF WITH OPPORTUNITY BY JANA MCFARLAND After finishing his master of business administration, Courtney Atkinson came to Lethbridge in 2003 to interview for a position with the University of Lethbridge. Before applying for the position, he had never even heard of the city. But, as he recalls, after accepting a job in the registrar’s office and moving across the country, it took only a short period of time for Lethbridge to feel like home. “One of the great things I quickly came to appreciate about the U of L was the sense of community. Being a Maritimer, I hold that near and dear to my heart,” says Atkinson. “To me, the University felt like a big family who gave a lot back to the community, students and ultimately our society.” After working for the U of L for six years in various managerial positions in both the registrar’s office and later human resources, Atkinson felt it was time for a change. He shifted gears and started a new personal venture in real estate. Now, four years later, Atkinson has not only found his passion, but is also a successful businessperson, something he largely credits to his education and the time he spent working for the University. “I started the most significant part of my professional career at the U of L and
spent some pretty formative years there. It was a period of time where I really had the opportunity to grow and figure out who I was and what I wanted to do,” says Atkinson. “I feel deeply indebted to the institution for what it has given me in terms of personal growth, training and professional opportunities.” As a way to express his gratitude, Atkinson made a $25,000 gift to a fund that supports professional development and training for staff, and provides start-up research funds for faculty. “My vision is to give back to the University community in a way that helps others accomplish their professional goals,” he says. In thinking about the future, Atkinson also established the U of L as the beneficiary to one of his life insurance policies. This will eventually be added to the fund and enable the U of L to further his vision when he is no longer here. “In my journey, I’ve really come to value education and how institutions of higher learning impact people’s lives,” says Atkinson. “The U of L has had such a positive impact on my life. This was an opportunity for me to say thanks to the institution and to the people who helped me get to where I am while also helping others accomplish their goals.”
athletics AT T H E U
Costa realizing academic, athletic dream over sport, something that suits him well now as a Canada West student-athlete.
BY TREVOR KENNEY
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ometimes all the recruiting efforts in the world pale in comparison to a wordof-mouth endorsement and a Google search. Such was the case for Brazilian international student Guilherme Costa, who showed up on the University of Lethbridge doorstep this past January looking first for an opportunity to study kinesiology and physical education, and secondly to play soccer. “A few years ago my brother did an international exchange through the Rotary International program and we hosted a girl from Edmonton at our house for five months,” says Costa, a 24-year-old from Sao Paulo, Brazil. “She introduced me to Canada, and I was amazed to learn about the people, the nature and everything that was here. I decided then to come to Canada; it was my dream.” He first landed in Vancouver, B.C. and spent eight months there before finding a university that suited his interests. “I heard about the kinesiology program at the University of Lethbridge and about the chance to do research. Now that I’ve been here for almost a year, I just love it,” says Costa. “I did an independent study when I earned my degree in Brazil and that’s what I want to keep doing here, and I thought that Lethbridge would be the perfect spot.” A third-year student in kinesiology, he comes from a family that values education and
“I want to stay in Canada, that’s my plan. Hopefully Canada will accept me.”
International Brazilian student Gui Costa played a key role in the success of the Horns men’s soccer team this past fall.
is extremely supportive of his goals. His father is an engineer, his mother a lawyer and his brother a doctor. “My interest of study is in sport and rehabilitation,” he says. “I want to work with metabolic disease in sports. We all know about the impact of physical activity in sport and metabolic disease, and I want to see how indoor sports like indoor soccer, volleyball and basketball have an impact on the body.” Coming from the world’s seventh largest city in population, it is obviously a huge
culture shift to arrive in a city of less than 100,000, but Costa seems at ease with the transition. “It’s a pretty calm city and I’m really enjoying that. Sao Paulo is so busy so we don’t really have time for anything, and living here is pretty relaxing,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to my parents coming here for Christmas. They’re going to spend a month with me and we plan to travel all over Canada.” Costa grew up playing soccer and even looked at trying to play professionally in Brazil, but he prioritized education
GUI COSTA
“It’s been a little bit hard, because this was my first year and I’ve had to manage my soccer, my school and work, because I have to support myself here,” he says of his job with Sodexo. He also plans to work on the Horns’ game day staff team through the winter. “I chose my classes well so that I could manage things and now that soccer season is over I plan to study and work more.” It was a banner year for the Horns men’s team, which set a new team record for total points and equaled its best ever win total. That the team still fell one win shy of qualifying for the playoffs has Costa and his teammates eager for next season. “I think we were all happy with what we did but at the same time we were frustrated because looking back, there were probably five games we should have won and didn’t, and that was the difference at the end,” says the first-year centre-midfielder. “So, we know we can do more next
G E T T H E FA C T S • Horns men’s soccer
posted a 4-5-6 record on the year and finished three points behind the University of Saskatchewan for the final Canada West playoff spot
• Costa played last summer with the Lethbridge Football Club in the Alberta Major Soccer League
• Many of the Horns will play together throughout the indoor soccer season, an opportunity to further develop their skill set for next fall
• Costa says he has no
issue with the snow and cold he encounters in Canada but he could do without Lethbridge’s winds. “It shocks me a little,” he says year and it makes us confident. I think everyone wishes next season started tomorrow.” As with soccer and Costa’s educational aspirations, this year is only a beginning. “I want to finish my undergrad degree and then start a master’s degree,” he smiles. “I want to stay in Canada, that’s my plan. Hopefully Canada will accept me.” In many ways, the country already has.
GAME DAY SHIRTS A PART OF ESTABLISHING HORNS CULTURE ON CAMPUS The challenge is on! As part of the Recruitment and Retention Project (RRP), the Enhancing Community & School Spirit (ECSS) subject matter team is challenging University departments, faculty, staff and students to wear Game Day Shirts on the day of our Pronghorn Athletics games. The ECSS team has partnered with Sport & Recreation Services to develop the initiative, and an initial order of shirts for participating departments has already taken place. ECSS team leaders, Kara Watson and Trevor Flexhaug, say the initiative is designed to foster a greater awareness and promotion of when Horns games are taking place, to engage more faculty, staff and students with Pronghorn Athletics by having them attend games and to increase the pride of wearing our University of Lethbridge branded clothing.
“It’s also about having some fun and challenging departments across campus to see who can promote the Horns’ brand the best and increase attendance at the games,” says Flexhaug. The University’s Calgary and Edmonton campuses are also invited to participate. “It’s exciting to see an initiative like this take shape,” says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport & Recreation Services (SRS). “Pronghorn Athletics represents the entire University and to see widespread support like this is great for the program and will really be noticed by our student-athletes.” Robb Engen, the manager of marketing and promotion for S&RS, is a member of the ECSS team and helped direct the proposal. He says that SRS will provide campus with notice the day prior to every Horns game so that everyone will know when
Horns’ mascot Luxie is always present at Pronghorns athletic events. Luxie hopes to see more faculty and staff attend home games this winter.
to wear the shirts. Game days are also promoted on the University’s digital signage system and on the University Drive digital screen. A full Pronghorns season schedule is available at gohorns.ca.
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The impetus for the initiative comes from a School Spirit Student Survey that was conducted by the ECSS team. The survey indicated that 49 per cent of student respondents (1,017 students responded in total)
had never attended a Pronghorn game, 25 per cent indicated there was a need to create more awareness of Horns Athletics on campus and better communication of campus events, while less than 44 per cent of respondents had ever worn U of L branded clothing. This is just the initial stage of the Game Day Shirts project, with the campus departments that most interact with our students invited to participate. Watch for further promotion of Game Day Shirts (they’ll be available at the Horns Athletics Office, PE210, later this month) and upcoming staff, faculty and department opportunities to get involved. “It’s a great way for everyone to get involved in our campus community and to really add to our school spirit,” says Watson. “Let’s go Horns!”
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Arrival of snow just one challenge for Facilities BY JAMIE WOODFORD Where exactly did October go? The month flew by incredibly fast, meaning most of the major construction and renovation projects are coming to a close. I want to offer a big congratulation to Parking Manager Richard Lutwick and his team for making the City of Lethbridge’s 2012 Green List for their efforts on the Parking Redevelopment Project. This is just one example of many sustainability efforts the Department of Facilities incorporates into its projects. Last year, the University received kudos for its compost-
ing initiative, and recently, the U of L was recognized by the City of Lethbridge and placed on the 2012 Green List, thanks to the long term strategy of its parking lot re-development. Winter came to the University a little early this year. The Grounds department was ready and waiting when it heard about the snowfall warning, but even the workers were caught off guard by the huge amounts of snow that fell. To top it off, it was wet snow which meant it took more time than normal to clear it away from sidewalks and roadways (its first priority) and thwarted the department’s plan to clear the parking lot before
people arrived on campus. Grounds would like to thank everyone for their patience while it dealt with the challenging conditions. Some exciting work is happening within the campus planning and architecture department as the University Campus Master Plan is nearing completion. Look for announcements regarding the release of the final plan in December. You can also read more about the initiative in the fall issue of SAM Magazine. Those walking through the PE building might have noticed it’s a little brighter inside. That renovation project – updating the 40-year-old facade – features
REFINISHING ADDS SHEEN BY JAMIE WOODFORD A treasure has been unearthed at the University of Lethbridge, and it’s been under our feet the whole time. Some may have noticed the “new” floors throughout the PE Building and Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre. Speckled with small, colourful stones, the gemlike floors aren’t new at all, says Judy Jaeger, Caretaking Services manager, rather they’ve just been buried under 40 years of built up floor sealer finish. As part of the renovations of the PE Building this past summer, a floor refinishing project was initiated and supervised by the Facilities Project Management Office (PMO). It proved to be quite extensive. “The caretaking department had put down sealer finish month after month, year after year, and over time, so many layers built up that it became
Caretaking worker Derek Vincent puts in many hours to make the 40-yearold concrete aggregate floors in the PE building sparkle like new.
impossible for us to strip off those coats chemically,” says Jaeger, adding a chemical stripper only takes six coats of finish off per application. “It would take a very long time to get all the finish down to where the aggregate was first exposed and then we would still have to grind it down,” adds Jaeger. “We decided it made more sense to spend extra money up front on diamond discs and grind the surface down, rather than strip it with a chemical that’s not very environmentally
friendly.” With caretaking performing a more comprehensive floor refinishing with a new grinder and polish machine, it saved the PMO thousands of dollars it would have had to spend on an external contractor. Refinishing the floors is quite an undertaking. It begins with resurfacing the area, using four different grades of diamond disc pads, followed by the application of a densifier to seal, harden and dustproof the exposed concrete. Finally, the floors are auto
gorgeous solar light tubes that let in natural daylight and really enhance the area. Borehole drilling to gather geotechnical data wrapped up last month. Large, portable drilling rigs were set up across campus in order to install monitoring equipment to track coulee slopes and underground water levels. The data will be used to plan future building locations. Soil samples were also obtained and sent for laboratory testing. Other projects, such as the ventilation upgrades in the University Centre for the Arts, fire compartmentalization work in University Hall and the new Sports Medicine Clinic are un-
scrubbed and rebuffed once more before applying a stain resistant top coat, then polished with a heat pad. The process takes approximately 16 hours for every 1,000 to 1,200 square-feet. The hallway along the Max Bell Pool spectator gallery took more than three weeks to complete. “It’s a very long process,” says Jaeger. “You have to do four passes horizontally and four passes vertically, like a crisscross. It’s quite labour intensive.” In the end, the project was well worth the time and money spent, as the floors will not have to be refinished again for many years. “It’s also a green initiative because it’s a much more environmentally friendly process; it will actually give us LEED points for future buildings,” says Jaeger. “In the past we were scrubbing the floor at least four to five times a year, and refinishing it with a zinc-oxide type finish. It wasn’t as environmentally friendly as we wanted, but it was what we had to put down to hold the floor together.”
dergoing minor deficiency work, which basically means addressing any loose ends or imperfections. Facilities is already mapping out the next round of projects for the summer 2013 construction season. Look for details of those projects in the coming months. Check out www.uleth.ca/ facilities for more information about our department. Jamie Woodford is the project assistant, communications for the Department of Facilities
Now, caretakers use an eco-friendly top coat sealant that reduces the amount of potentially harmful particulate concrete dust that can be kicked up from foot traffic. “In the high traffic places like the 1st Choice Savings Centre, we won’t have to redo this for another five years, and in places with less traffic, like the Alberta Water and Environmental Sciences Building, it could be up to 20 years. That compares to us currently having to refinish floors five times per year,” says Jaeger. Most of the PE Building has been refinished, with just a few spots remaining in Turcotte Hall. Next year, caretaking will start in other areas of campus such as the University Centre for the Arts, which is almost all aggregate concrete, as well as the Students’ Union Building.
Alberta Premier Alison Redford was on campus in October, where she toured a number of facilities and spoke to faculty, staff and students alike. Here she discusses a topic with Faculty of Management Dean, Dr. Bob Ellis. Redford was given a demonstration of the capabilities of the Centre for Financial Market Research and Teaching, located in Markin Hall.
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N OV E M B E R 2 012
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
TIMELINE A VALUABLE HISTORICAL INSTRUMENT BY MIKE PERRY The University Archives is pleased to announce the launch of the new U of L historical timeline, available through the University Library (www.uleth.ca/lib) and archives home (www.uleth. ca/lib/archives) pages. The creation of the new timeline was a group effort, with a prominent role played by a couple of current students and a U of L alumnus, all currently working in the library. The project began about a year ago with new media student Marcel Jepson, who was working as a student web application developer, and I sitting down to discuss what could be developed. When we decided on what we wanted, Jepson got to work building and developing the platform. While he did most of the work on this website, he was expertly assisted by Shem Simmons and Bryson Duda. Simmons, a graduate of the new media program who is currently working as a multimedia artist in the library’s information systems department, styled and created the graphics for the timeline. Duda, a system support specialist in the library, assisted with writing the computer code that makes the timeline more interactive and searchable. While the website was being developed, second-year computer science student Krysti Bouttell-Bonnar (a student assistant in the library) helped research the University’s history for suitable content. Bouttell-Bonnar spent many hours combing through the University’s publications to find interesting highlights to add to the timeline. Thanks to these four talented people, in particular, and the University Library, in general, for their contributions to this project. The timeline is an ongoing project, so if you have any suggestions for content or improvements please contact mike.perry@uleth.ca in the University Archives. The timeline is very dynamic and allows users the ability to search the digital copies of University papers and the Meliorist from the webpage. The University Calendars from 1967 to 1995 (the most recent are already completed) have also been digitized and will be uploaded to the timeline shortly. Mike Perry is the University of Lethbridge Archivist
Dr. Claudia Gonzalez (MSc ’00, PhD ’04) is a Canada Research Chair in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Born and raised in Mexico, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico before continuing her education at the University of Lethbridge where she earned both her master’s and PhD degrees in neuroscience. She has taught and researched at the U of L since August 2009, and is funded by the University, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
What first piqued your interest in your research discipline?
Ever since I can remember, I was interested in science. I was, and still am, fascinated by animal behaviour, particularly human. In middle school, I remember spending hours simply watching people. Later on it became a habit to observe people’s actions and to wonder what led those people to act in a certain way. I decided to take psychology in university and it became clear that if I wanted to understand behaviour I had to first understand the brain. I pursued a career in neuroscience and I continue to be baffled by how the brain – a mere three pounds of mush – determines the complexity of our thoughts and actions. My research looks at multi-sensory integration like eye-hand coordination and sensory and cognitive interactions such as visuospatial abilities.
How is your research applicable in “the real world”?
I often tell my students that I do science for the love of science. My research is motivated by the big question of how the brain works to produce behaviour. In the lab we ask questions such as how does the brain compute the location, size and orientation of an object so that every morning you can pick up your cup of coffee with remarkable ease. We use cutting-edge technology that allows us to break down a hand or an eye movement into hundreds of components so that we can take a really good look at how it is executed. In addition, we look at how
these visuomotor interactions are modulated or affected by cognitive functions such as attention and spatial abilities. We are starting to conduct research in neurological populations (i.e.: stroke patients) hoping to gain some further insight into the neural mechanisms underlying visuomotor and visuospatial functions. At the end of the day we hope to understand how the brain integrates sensory, motor and cognitive information. With this knowledge we can begin to develop strategies that translate into better outcomes for patients suffering from neurological conditions.
How important are students to your research endeavours?
What is the greatest honour you have received in your career?
Two: Early education and translation. “Scientia potentia est” which commonly translates from the Latin as “knowledge is power”. So I would invest in teaching children from an early age about their brain and how to take care of it. I think that if children learned some general principles of brain function early in their life, they would be less likely to engage in activities that would endanger their brains such as drug use, or checking from behind in a hockey game.
I guess that was when I overheard one of my supervisors say: “she will do fine” when discussing my future in science. Really, as a scientist I am very proud when my work is published, cited or funded. Also, it is always a pleasure and an honour to receive inquires from students who want to know about the work that I do and whether they can volunteer or work in my lab.
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Students are the heart and soul of my research program. Students’ curiosity and excitement about learning and discovery is the best motivating force in the lab. Students don’t only carry out the experiments but they help in the design and interpretation of them. It is often in the latter that students’ contributions are invaluable; they bring a fresh and unbiased perspective to science and research.
If you had unlimited funds, which areas of research would you invest?
With respect to translation, I recently spoke to a medical doctor from a different country who told me that she goes to international conferences and brings back with her what she has learned to apply it directly into her patient population. Her story got me thinking that perhaps we don’t do enough of that. As a basic scientist I would like to see that more of our findings could be put into practice, which is ultimately where it matters most. Each month, the Legend will present 5 Questions With . . . one of our researchers. For a look at the entire catalog of 5 Questions With . . . features, check out the Office of Research and Innovation Services website at www.uleth.ca/research/ research_profiles. If you’d like to be profiled, contact Penny Pickles at pickpj@uleth.ca
OUR
alumni
Upholding the law in the land down under BY STACY SEGUIN
W
ith a finger-pointing, I’ve-got-you-now grin and an iconic light grey suit, criminal defense attorney, Ben Matlock, entertained television audiences for almost a decade with his ingenious perception and gritty determination to fight for truth. For one young boy growing up in the small town of Coronation, Alta., however, Matlock was more than mere entertainment; he was pure inspiration. “It was the courtroom drama that got me. I used to watch Matlock and think, if he can do it, I can do it. When I watched him I knew I was born to be in the courtroom,” explains solicitor, Jay Merchant (BA ’05), who was recently admitted as a member of the Australian legal profession by the Supreme Court in Queensland.
“Coming from a small town, the University was exactly what I needed.”
JAY MERCHANT
Along with his interest in law, Merchant developed a love for politics and a passion for curling that have also strongly influenced his life’s journey. “The first time I heard Preston Manning speak I was fascinated by his personal approach to politics. I became a member of the Reform Party at age 15,” says Merchant. Merchant’s love of curling was a family affair. His father played in national oilman’s competitions and his mom and older brother curled as well. Merchant spent the majority of his childhood winters at the rink, either watching the game or developing his skills. “My older brother curls on a recreational level when he has time. He boasts he can kick my butt, but I am still waiting for
LIBRARY BOASTS IMPRESSIVE E-BOOK COUNT BY SANDRA COWAN Did you know that the University Library has more than 65,000 e-books in the collection? That means there are over 65,000 books that you can access from your
him to put his money where his mouth his,” jokes Merchant, who is a player-coach with the Australian National Curling Team. With his three-fold passion, Merchant says that the move to Lethbridge to attend the University in 2000 was a perfect choice. “Coming from a small town, the University was exactly what I needed, and I wouldn’t change anything, but it was a steep learning curve for me. I was never a good writer but I had excellent professors, two in particular, Dr. Alan Siaroff and Dr. Geoffrey Hale. They had such a strict writing guide and they focused on using logical arguments and logical structure. I do a lot of writing now and without their dedication I would not have achieved what I have. It was a painful process but I am forever grateful to them,” says Merchant. “I attended Bond University in Australia for my post-graduate studies and the common theme between both institutions is that you are not just a number. I know my professors and consider them to be my mentors. There is something really special about that.” While completing his undergrad, Merchant kept busy with local politics and curling. He was a member of Rick Casson’s steering committee and curled out of the Lethbridge Curling Club. “I played juniors for Alberta and made it to provincials a number of times. I played for the U of L in 2003. We made it to the Canadian University Championships; I think we were in the top five. I also have a few banners up at the Lethbridge Curling Club,” recalls Merchant. Merchant completed his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2005. He spent one year working in a municipal internship program in Red Deer before moving to Australia to pursue a master’s of business law at Bond University, which he completed in 2007. That same year the Australian Winter Olympic Committee asked him to migrate to Australia on a distinguished talent visa, but because curling is self-funded in Australia, Mer-
chant had to return to Canada to earn enough money before he could take advantage of the AWOC proposal. He returned to Australia in 2010 to coach and play with the Australian National Team and pursue his law degree at Bond, which he completed in 2012. “I did my Postgraduate Diploma of Legal Practice, with a placement in criminal law. I loved it. I plan to go into prosecution and later become a barrister. As for curling, Lyn Gill, my partner in mixed doubles and I are heading to Fredericton, N.B. in April to compete at the world championships. I am really looking forward to that!” says Merchant. “My long-term focus is on continuing to develop the sport in Australia and to qualify teams for the 2018 Olympics.” For anyone who happens to be in Fredericton in April and wants to wish Merchant good luck, you’ll find him easily enough if you listen for his ringtone – it’s the theme from Matlock.
laptop or your computer at home, on our Calgary and Edmonton campuses, on vacation, from anywhere, anytime. The e-book collection covers a wide range of subject areas, including management, education, political science, religious studies, literature, sociology, economics, history, philosophy and more. Many reference books, such as encyclopedias, handbooks and dictionaries, are also available in e-book format. The library has the
most current editions of the Oxford English Dictionary, Encyclopedia Britannica and many other specialized and general reference books available electronically. There are plenty of online alternatives to Wikipedia available from the library catalogue. In order to locate e-books, you can limit your library catalogue search to “E-book”. Some e-books allow for multiple users to view them at one time, while others only allow for a single user. If you
G E T T H E FA C T S
• Merchant received a
Dean of Law Scholarship in the Bond University Professional Legal Training program in 2012
• Merchant curled at the
Alberta Junior Provincial Curling Championships and has also participated in provincials at the men’s level in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec
• In 2008, Merchant curled with Canadian star Guy Hemmings on the World Curling Tour
• Due to a lack of curling ice in Australia, he currently trains part-time in New Zealand
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Jay Merchant, right, along with Barrister Debra Wardle, who moved his admission into the Supreme Court in Queensland.
are having trouble viewing one, it could be because someone else is using the book. Currently, the library doesn’t have the capability for users to check out an e-book from the collection and transfer it to an e-reader. The library’s e-books are provided through several different platforms, such as MyiLibrary, Ebrary or SpringerLink. Most platforms will allow you to download or print about 10 pages or a chapter at a time, and to annotate
pages, bookmark pages and save books to a bookshelf. You may need to sign up for your own free account within the platform for full functionality. There is also a link on the library’s website to the Directory of Open Access Books (look under DOAB in databases by title), which is a way to find peer-reviewed and edited open access books available electronically. Don’t hesitate to ask your librarian for more information.
L I V I N G W E L L AT T H E
U of L
Survey results help set wellness direction BY SUZANNE MCINTOSH Here is the information we have all been waiting for! Results of the Employee Health and Wellness Survey are finally available and posted online at our Wellness website (www.uleth.ca/hr/wellness). Thank you for your responses to the survey and your patience in waiting for the results – we have been analyzing, reviewing, goal setting and compiling information to share with you. The Wellness Committee online survey invited 1,258 U of L employees, of which 704 responded for a total response rate of 56 per cent. Survey experts considered this a very robust response rate. The committee worked with an independent survey company to administer the survey, ensuring confidentiality and anonym-
PEOPLE PLAN TAKING SHAPE In the last two years, the University of Lethbridge has developed both an Academic Plan and a Research Plan that, together with the University Business Plan, serve to shape and support the actions of the University Strategic Plan. But the University can only succeed through its people. Several members of the University community recently gathered to talk through the feasibility of creating a People Plan and how best to go about it. “As we begin work on the next five-year iteration of the University Strategic Plan, it appears that a bridging document speaking to the needs of faculty, support staff, APOs, senior administration and other groups is missing from our framework of support,” says Elaine Carlson, associate vice-president, Human Resources.
COMMITTEE ADDRESSES CAMPUS SAFETY CONCERNS They work under the auspices of the Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committee (JWSHSC), but to put it simply, they are your co-workers and they want more people to know about the purpose their committee serves. The JWSHSC has existed
ity for all respondents. Our goals going into the survey exercise were to: determine employees’ perceptions regarding health and wellness; identify gaps and target programming; raise awareness of current wellness activities and resources; and benchmark metrics of health and wellness indicators. Using the results, the Wellness Committee will be developing health and wellness programming and we plan to offer similar surveys every two to three years so that we are continually meeting the needs of our community. Without getting into the minutia of responses (those are available in a full online report), there are some general trends that I’d like to highlight. The top five survey responses when employees were asked what wellness meant to them
“A People Plan must align with the University’s fundamental principles of a commitment to society; creativity, inquiry and discovery; students; inspiration; and responsible action, among other attributes.” Carlson says the People Plan is intended to link all employees to the University’s chosen direction, regardless of the focus of their work. “As a growing comprehensive academic and research institution with an increasing campus footprint and several campus locations, we are concerned about losing the sense of connection and community that has been a feature, if not a hallmark, of our development since the University’s inception in 1967,” says Carlson. “By bringing this initial group together, we were able to do a lot of brainstorming and direction-setting that will move us forward, so that we can encourage all members of the U of L Community to participate in future planning sessions.”
for more than a decade, but the work they do is largely behind the scenes, something the group would like to see change. Their mandate describes a group of employer and employee representatives working together to identify and recommend solutions to health and safety problems at the work site. The University of Lethbridge is that work site, and because of its vast scope, it presents a variety of health and safety challenges. “The committee serves as a very important communication link between workers and management,” says Dan Berte, com-
were: health (63 per cent), exercise (24 per cent), happiness (22 per cent), balance (10 per cent) and well-being (8 per cent). Overall, employees believe the U of L encourages positive health and wellness practices, but that an awareness campaign should be undertaken regarding current health and wellness activities. Most employees would prefer to attend wellness activities Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays and the optimal times to attend these activities would be at lunch or in the early evening, starting at 5 p.m. Employees at the U of L do generally consider themselves to be healthy, with 81 per cent of respondents indicating so. There was a consensus that employees felt they could improve their physical activity levels, eat healthier and improve sleep habits, but noted a lack
of time, lack of energy, stress and not knowing how to begin changing habits as barriers to improving their health. Discovering stress factors played a big role in the survey, with 63 per cent of respondents saying they occasionally or often wake up feeling unrested, with work stress a major cause of their angst. It seems the campus is well aware of the Employee and Family Assistance Program (73 per cent of employees said so), and 74 per cent of respondents said that wellness programming at the University has been of benefit to them. Some of the key takeaways we learned from the survey were that there is a demand to continue with the Lunch and Learn programs, but to expand them to include both the upper and lower areas of campus, and to have the segments taped for viewing on a
Photo, left to right: The beginnings of the University’s People Plan rest with this group. Chris Hosgood, Faculty of Health Sciences; Mike Whipple, Sport & Recreation Services; Jennifer Thannhauser, Faculty of Education; Tyler Hayward, Printing Services; Elaine Carlson, Human Resources; facilitator Vic Shewchuk; Aaron Tamayose, Disabilities Resource Centre; Barry Knapp, Advancement; Diane Boyle, Information Technology; Kelly Williams-Whitt, Faculty of Management (Calgary Campus); Laurel Corbiere, President’s Office. Missing: Jennifer Mather, Faculty of Arts & Science; Kim Ordway, Financial Services. Missing is Aaron Tamayose, Disabilities Resource Centre.
mittee co-Chair and a Health and Safety Officer with Risk and Safety Services. “It’s important that the University community has a representative body that is available to them to report issues of health and safety.” Its broad representation of all campus groups is a key benefit of the JWSHSC because it allows anyone an outlet to relay a health or safety concern. “If any member of the University community feels as though they need to bring up a safety issue, they can go directly to their representative on the JWSHSC,” says committee
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co-Chair Mike Pinder, the operations co-ordinator with Sport and Recreation Services. Committee representatives can be found on the JWSHSC website at www.uleth.ca/hum/ riskandsafetyservices/jwhsc. As well, the committee’s terms of reference, handbook and minutes from meetings over the past 10 years can also be accessed. Both Berte and Pinder stress that as a community, we can help each other keep the campus a safe place to work by reporting accidents, incidents or near misses. Only then can action be taken to address hazardous or
website. We are also looking to arrange lifestyle/fitness assessments as part of the Health Check for U program and to offer monthly draw prizes (free fitness pass, massage session, dietitian session) to those employees who engage in wellness activities. Again, thank you for participating in the survey – we couldn’t have done it without you. We are looking forward to a continued and improved Wellness program here at the University of Lethbridge. More information will be available on the new wellness website and I encourage you to check it out. www.uleth.ca/hr/wellness Suzanne McIntosh is the wellness co-ordinator at the University of Lethbridge
Carlson says that with the assistance of Vic Shewchuk from VisionWorks Consulting (who is also the senior advisor, Organizational Planning and Development at the University of Alberta), the group was able to take dozens of ideas and focus them into a narrative from which a report to the president will be prepared. As of now, the group has not confirmed how it will be engaging with different groups, but expect to hear from them before Christmas. “This preliminary planning group is open to hearing ideas from everyone on campus,” says Carlson. “This group is highly motivated to provide the groundwork for the creation of a People Plan – a living document that will hopefully enhance the way we at the University feel about our workplace and our roles within it.” To learn more about this Strategic Planning process, please visit this website: www.uleth.ca/ strategic-plan/people-plan
risky situations. “We don’t resolve the situation, rather we’ll take concerns from the community, have a look at it and then make a recommendation for action,” says Pinder. “We really try to instill the message that there will be no repercussions when reporting a health and safety problem,” adds Berte. “As we all are responsible for safety on Campus, it’s important that these incidents be reported so that the University can act on them and make this a safer environment.”
the Legend
N OV E M B E R 2 012
events C A L E N D A R
Pronghorn Athletics
(piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 9-10 | Canada West Basketball Horns host the University of Saskatchewan Women’s game at 6 p.m.; Men’s game at 8 p.m. | 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Nov. 16 | Canada West Men’s Hockey Horns host Mt. Royal University 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena Nov. 17 | Canada West Women’s Hockey Horns host Mt. Royal University 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena Nov. 23-24 | Canada West Women’s Hockey | Horns host the University of Saskatchewan | 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena Nov. 23 | Canada West Basketball Horns host University of Northern British Columbia | Women’s game at 6 p.m.; Men’s game at 8 p.m. | 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Nov. 24 | Canada West Basketball Horns host Mt. Royal University Women’s game at 6 p.m.; Men’s game at 8 p.m. | 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Nov. 30 | Canada West Women’s Hockey Horns host the University of Calgary 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena Dec. 1 | Canada West Men’s Hockey Horns host the University of Calgary 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena
Nov. 13 | Music at Noon – Musaeus String Quartet | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570) Nov. 15 | Cappella Artemisia An Italian ensemble presents recently unearthed vocal and instrumental music of the 16th and 17th century 8 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570) Nov. 16 | LSO Chamber Series II Musaeus String Quartet performs with Margaret Mezei (clarinet) | 8 p.m., Southminster United Church Nov. 20 | Music at Noon – Christine Bootland (cello) and Elinor Lawson
BY ABBY GROENENBOOM The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) believes in the power of helping others, and that the reward of doing so is greater than the task. Therein lies the philosophy
Nov. 8 | CCBN Public Talk – Liisa Galea Girl Brains versus Boy Brains: why sex and sex hormones matter for brain research 3 p.m., PE261
Nov. 20-24 | The Lion in Winter Christmas at Chinon Castle unveils the scandals of a dysfunctional dynasty 8 p.m. nightly, University Theatre
Nov. 9 | Art Now Speaker – Catherine Crowsdton and Josée Drouin-Brisebois Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 27 | Music at Noon – The Burley Crew: Ian Burleigh, reeds; and friends 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 14 | Art Now Speaker – Carl Spencer | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 27 | Classical Percussion Concert Compelling modern and classical percussion repertoire | 8 p.m., University Theatre
Nov. 15 | An Evening with Doug Saunders | Lessons from the Arrival City: The Future of Poverty, Population and Environment in the Urban Landing Pad | 7 p.m., PE250
Nov. 28 | Feel the Beat School choirs from around southern Alberta perform with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the U of L Conservatory of Music 7 p.m., Southminster United Church
Nov. 16 | Art Now Speaker – Andrea Kunard | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 30 | U of L Wind Orchestra – Prisms A rich program of beautiful melodies combined with real-time visuals painted by abstract artist and U of L student, Genevieve Ahart 8 p.m., Southminster United Church
Nov. 19 | Art Now Speaker – Brian Rustad | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Dec. 1 | U of L Jazz Ensemble A new repertoire of big band jazz tunes 8 p.m., University Theatre
Nov. 21 | Una Ridley Health sciences Lecture – Dr. Patricia Martens | Dressed for success: policy-relevant population health research | 5 p.m., Markin Hall Atrium
Nov. 19 | Architecture & Design Now Speaker – Brian Rustad | 6:15 p.m., M1040
Dec. 2 | Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors | A magical one-act opera that tells the story of a poor, crippled shepherd boy 2 and 4 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 22 | Prentice Institute Brown Bag Lecture – Pascal Ghazalian | Regional Trade Agreements for Developing Countries: An Empirical Analyses Through the Gravity Model Noon, L1102
Dec. 4 | Music at Noon – Studio Showcase | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)
Performances
VOLUNTEERING HAS ITS REWARD
Nov. 7 | Sykes Powderface Presentation The differences and unique characteristics that define self determination for Indigenous people | 2 p.m., E690
Nov. 22 | F.E.L. Priestley Lecture – Thomas King Lecture and book reading with author Thomas King | 7 p.m., PE250
Dec. 5 | Feel the Beat School choirs from around southern Alberta perform with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the U of L Conservatory of Music 7 p.m., Southminster United Church
Nov. 23 | Art Now Speaker – Thierry Delva | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Nov. 26 | Art Now Speaker – David Shaw Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Lectures
Nov. 26 | Architecture & Design Now Speaker – David Shaw | 6:15 p.m., M1040
Nov. 7 | Art Now Speaker – Glen Mackinnon | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 30 | Art Now Speaker – Emily Luce Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 7 | Occasional Brown Bag Lunch Series – Gillian Hestad | Child Saving in Lethbridge: 1900-1930 | Noon, D610
behind the Students’ Union presenting the Volunteer Fair. Scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Hall Atrium, this is the third year the SU has hosted a volunteer fair. The goal of the day is to encourage students to get out into the community and use their skill set to help others. The Students’ Union Executive Council takes the value of volunteering to heart, as evidenced by their participation in
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
operation and conflict in Richardson’s ground squirrels: why males and females differ Noon, AH100 Dec. 3 | Art Now Speaker – Eleanor King Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Miscellaneous Nov. 7 | Volunteer Fair Community organizations present student volunteer opportunities | 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., University Hall Atrium Nov. 7 | Life Balance Fair | From mini-massages to flu shots to health assessments and more, the fair brings a variety of presenters to campus for the day | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre track Nov. 7 | New Media Film Series – Adventureland | 6:30 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library Nov. 8 | Faculty, Staff Cookbook Launch A collection of recipes from U of L faculty, staff, families, friends and Chef Michael Smith is complete | Available at the University Bookstore Nov. 8 | Latin American Film Series – Juan of the Dead | Hosted by Omar Rodríguez, Department of Modern Languages 7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library Nov. 14 | 20th Annual International Dinner | A Celebration of the Human Spirit, featuring guest speaker Amanda Lindhout 6 p.m., Students’ Union Ballrooms Nov. 14-16 | Double+: A Pervasive Gaming Experience | A pervasive gaming event open to all faculty, staff and students www.doubleplusgames.com Nov. 16 | Second Annual Brick by Brick Charity Dinner and Silent Auction | In support of the Southern Alberta Self-Help Association | 6 p.m., Students’ Union Ballrooms Nov. 17 | Culture Vulture Saturday Button making with trap/door 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., University Hall Atrium Nov. 30 | Relay for Life | Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser, relayforlife.ca 7 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre track
Nov. 30 | Women Scholars Speaker Series – Dr. Gail Michener | Limits to kinship, co-
Project Paint Brush earlier this year. Project Paint Brush calls on volunteers to paint fences or houses for those who are unable to complete the task themselves. “This experience allowed us, as a team, to grow and learn from one another all while contributing to the community that so readily welcomes students,” says Armin Escher, ULSU president. “I would like to encourage all students to give a little time to volunteering.”
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The Students’ Union understands that time is a precious commodity for all students, but encourages students to find a way to devote even just a little time to this valuable activity. The reward of volunteering is not financial; rather it presents an excellent opportunity for personal growth, empowerment and self-esteem building, and a chance to realize a sense of empathy.
“Volunteering is such a great way to meet new people, to gain some valuable job experience, network, find future references and so much more,” says Escher. Some of the organizations that will be in attendance include: 5th on 5th Youth Services, Galt Museum & Archives, Girl Guides, St. John Ambulance, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers & Sisters, Lethbridge Family Immigrant Services, Arthritis Society and YWCA.
FINE ARTS
in focus
Family dysfunction hits a whole new level A chill is in the air! King Henry II and his family congregate for an even chillier Christmas celebration in James Goldman’s The Lion in Winter, playing Nov. 20-24, 8 p.m. nightly on the University Theatre stage. Set in the stark hollows of Castle Chinon in 1183, the dramatic tensions between members of King Henry II’s family take centre stage in this historic play. The company includes Henry’s
quarreling and conniving sons, intent to claim the throne; his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, allowed a reprieve from her 10-year imprisonment to join the festivities; and Henry’s young mistress, Alias, who is also betrothed to his son Richard. As the party commences, the scandals of this dysfunctional dynasty explode, revealing shocking truths of betrayal, deceit and treachery. “This is a very complex
Amahl and the Night Visitors is a timeless Christmas tale.
CELEBRATING THE SEASON A classic tale of love, family and the true meaning of Christmas returns to the University Recital Hall as the Opera Workshop presents Amahl and the Night Visitors, Sunday, Dec. 2, with performances at 2 and 4 p.m. Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the heart-warming story of an impoverished crippled boy, Amahl, and his mother as they meet the Three Kings who are following a star to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. Through goodwill, sacrifice and kindness, Amahl discovers the power of miracles and the true meaning of Christmas. “This short opera is both funny and dramatic, and the music is very approachable
PRISMS LETS YOU SEE MUSIC Imagine a concert where you could see the music as it was performed. The U of L Wind Orchestra brings music to life both aurally and visually on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church. Their concert, Prisms, features a rich program of beautiful melodies combined with real-time visuals painted by abstract artist and U of L student, Genevieve Ahart. Joined onstage by the U of L Brass Choir, the U of L
and listenable – perfect for the whole family,” says Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Opera Workshop director. “Originally produced for television and composed by Gian Carlo Menotti, Amahl and the Night Visitors has become the most frequently performed one act opera of our time.” Featuring a talented cast and chorus of singers and dancers, Amahl and the Night Visitors showcases the high level of musicianship for which Opera Workshop is known. This 45-minute production immerses the audience in a fantastic land with beautiful sets and costumes. Tickets for Amahl and the Night Visitors are $15 regular and $10 for students/seniors at the U of L Box Office (403-3292616) and online at uleth.ca/ tickets (regular tickets only).
Wind Orchestra also introduces audiences to their new conductor, Wendy Freeman. “This concert features works that seem to aurally capture spectral reflections of light and colour,” says Freeman. “Artist Genevieve Ahart will create visual art pieces, visually shaping the soundscape, in tandem with the performance of musical selections by Percy Grainger, Jacques Hetu, Ron Nelson and Morten Lauridsen.” Tickets, priced at $15 regular, $10 for students, seniors/ children, are available at the U of L Box Office.
script that explores the dynamics and dysfunction of families throughout history,” says guest director Philip Adams. “It’s about power and land and the successors to that land. We, the audience, can marvel at the dexterity of the noble family.” “Despite the lies and treachery of this dysfunctional family, there is still humour,” Adams adds. “Families are funny and this script exposes that humour in very clever ways.”
With a grand set, designed by Jim Wills, and period costumes designed by Leslie Robison-Greene, the production transports audiences to a medieval era of stone, wood, leather and furs. “The production is very well crafted, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of this collaborative project,” says Adams, who won Saskatoon’s Best Director Award in 2012.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE EAGER TO DEBUT NEW REPERTOIRE
of entertaining, foot-tapping jazz. “This truly eclectic concert features many different styles, including the funky style of Herbie Hancock (Chameleon), groovy style of Charles Mingus, the Latin flavour of Arturo Sandoval, the masterful orchestration of Quincy Jones, and a cover by the band Chicago of the famous Duke Ellington song, Caravan. We’ll present old favorites and new compositions,” says Davies, a two-time Grammy nominated performer in his own right. “Enjoy a journey of the jazz greats and feel free to dance in your seats to the music!” Tickets are $15 regular, $10 for
Dr. Josh Davies, a new music faculty member, directs the U of L Jazz Ensemble as it delights audiences with its new repertoire of big band jazz and showcases one of Lethbridge’s strongest jazz groups. Playing Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre, Davies looks forward to performing a program
FACULTY ARTISTS SERIES PRESENTS CAPPELLA ARTEMISIA Touted for their originality and lauded for performing rare and original works, Cappella Artemisia treats audiences to an evening of exquisite music from the 16th and 17th centuries, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. in the University Recital Hall.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Drum up some fun with the Classical Percussion Ensemble. Featuring a program stuffed with percussive musical offerings, this popular concert kicks off a joyful Christmas season in the University Theatre, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. “We are featuring a ‘cast of thousands’, performing a fun version of The 12 Days of Christmas,” says director, Adam
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A bit of a nomad, he has served as the artistic director of Nakai Theatre in the Yukon and Mulgrave Road Theatre in Nova Scotia, and also directed productions across the country. Tickets for The Lion in Winter are available at the University Box Office (403-329-2616), Monday through Friday 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $15 regular, $10 seniors/students. Regular tickets are also available online, www.uleth.ca/tickets.
Dr. Josh Davies
students/seniors and are available at the University Box Office.
This extraordinary performance by Cappella Artemisia is the second concert in the Faculty Artists & Friends Series. Founded in Bologna, Italy in 1991 under the direction of Candace Smith, Cappella Artemisia’s ensemble consists of a unique blend of women; six vocalists with two cornetti and continuo. They have appeared at prestigious venues such as the Festival of Flanders, The Holland Festival of Early Music, Il Festival Monteverdiano di Cremona, the Osterfestival in Innsbruck, the WDR Festival der Alten Musik in Herne, the Tage Alter Musik in Regensburg, and I
Concerti al Quirinale (Rome). The program is filled with music inspired, sung or composed by women. With a focus on traditional Italian repertoire performed in convents, audiences share a glimpse of a musical world hidden from the public for centuries. Program selections include songs from 17th Century cloisters, including offerings by Sulpitia Cesis, Raphaella Aleotti, Benedetto Re, Bianca Maria Meda among many others. Individual tickets are $20 regular, $15 seniors/students and are available at the University Box Office.
Mason. “Each day of the 12 days is performed by a different U of L group in a different style, with performances by Dr. Janet Youngdahl (soprano), U of L Singers and Women’s Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, Low Brass Studio, as well as the Global Drums Steel Band and Percussion Ensemble.” He adds with a smile, “We’re also excited to welcome some special guests, all the way from the hills of West Virginia, Hezekiah Moats and the Soggy Bottom Boys! There will be plenty of funny and fun-filled moments for people of all ages.” The concert also features a hauntingly beautiful collabora-
tion of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, performed by the Global Drums Marimba Choir, U of L Singers and Women’s Chorus. Adam Mason’s tropically inspired Trini Yellowtail makes its Canadian debut during the evening as well. “We are also performing some pieces of traditional African drumming as we break in our new instruments recently acquired from Ghana,” says Mason. To experience the energy of the Classical Percussion Ensemble, get your tickets at the University Box Office (403-3292616).
images L ASTING
(LEFT) Wilf Perreault, Turn Right, 1981. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010. (BELOW) Wilf
Perreault, Disappearing Curb, 1984. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Rick and Ellen Campbell, 1999.
Wilf Perreault was born in 1947 in Albertville, Sask. While growing up in Saskatoon, he took art lessons from his neighbour, acclaimed prairie artist Ernest Lindner. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1970, he taught high school art while developing his painting practice. Since his first solo exhibition at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in 1978, Perreault’s work has been exhibited and collected across Canada and the United States. In 2003, Perreault was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Perreault is well known for his hyper-realistic depictions of back lanes and roadways, which focus on light, shadow and the minute details of mundane urban living. These painstakingly painted environments challenge traditional notions of beauty found in most picturesque landscape paintings, while also capturing a strong sense of place that makes them readily identifiable with Canada’s Prairie region.