The Legend May 2013

M AY 2013

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V O L U M E 12

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ISSUE NINE

Helping our rivers flow

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Patton thankful for SOS support

Distinguished Teacher Award to Kharaghani

Alumnus looks to bring an end to bullying

Chambers earns Ingrid Speaker Medal

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.

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University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 www.ulethbridge.ca

he crisp, clear Alberta rivers we’ve all grown accustomed to cannot be taken for granted. Rather, as our province continues to grow and demands for water increase, an understanding of how best to keep those waters healthy, is imperative.

A critical study by the University of Lethbridge’s Water Institute for Sustainable Environments (WISE) could shape how the province manages these water sources is doing just that.

Given a $1 million funding boost by Alberta Innovates – Energy and Environment Solutions recently, the proposed $2.5 million project is titled Functional Flows.

Scheduled to take place over the next three years, Functional Flows is headed by principal researcher Dr. Stewart Rood of the University’s Department of Biological Sciences.

The study will attempt to answer the question of how much water needs to be left in our rivers to sustain healthy aquatic and riparian ecosystems, all the while developing strategies to provide sufficient water to support growing human populations and industrial expansion.

“It is critical for the environmental health of our aquatic ecosystems that we understand the ecological impacts from river damming and water diversions,” says Rood. “Further, we need to create and implement strategies for environmental flow regimes that will ensure that our rivers continue to sustain high water quality, as well as the fish and floodplain forests that we value.”

Alberta’s rivers deliver mountain snow-melt and rainfall to the drier regions of the prairie and parkland zones, where most Albertans live and work. Water is trapped by dams and reservoirs and diverted off-stream for agricultural irrigation, municipal and domestic use and industrial purposes. As the human population grows and industrial expansion continues, the demand for Alberta’s surface water will progressively increase.

Rood and his team support the notion of working rivers, whereby river regulation and water withdrawal continues, but in a strategic manner that both sustains environ-

Dr. Stewart Rood and his student research team undertake a critical study that could shape the future of provincial water management policies.

mental health and supports socioeconomic uses. Rood contends that deliberately artificial flow patterns can optimize water for environmental survival during low flow years, and capitalize on the opportunities provided in high flow years to rejuvenate the fish and floodplain forest ecosystems.

“One of the significant challenges identified in Alberta’s Water for Life strategy is meeting the needs of healthy aquatic ecosystems. The work being undertaken by Dr. Rood and his team provides a scientific and evidence-based approach to improving environmental performance, even in Alberta’s highly allocated river systems,” says David Hill, director of Centres and Institutes and Research Advocacy at the University of Lethbridge. “This approach allows stakeholders and water managers to directly participate in building and improving environmental resilience through specific water management opportunities. The understanding gained through this research will be a critical component in ongoing integrated watershed management decision-making.”

The research activities associated with Functional Flows involve substantial student training, contributing towards the next generation of environmental scientists and natural resource managers for Alberta and Canada. The research projects bring together biologists, geographers and

other natural and social scientists affiliated with WISE, working in collaboration with other academic and government researchers.

“The U of L has a long history of research collaboration with the community. This is particularly the case in Dr. Rood’s research.

This program brings together the research team, with government operators and regulators and stakeholders of the community, ensuring that the science and research findings can be implemented to deliver improved environmental performance measures,” says Hill. “This project will contribute to Alberta being recognized not just for its forward looking water strategy – but for ongoing and improved watershed management operations.”

Balancing environmental sensibilities with the future economic prosperity of the province was a driver of the Functional Flows project, which received an initial $250,000 contribution from ConocoPhillips Canada (CPC).

“We see this as an opportunity to engage the research expertise at the University of Lethbridge in a manner that will benefit everyone from students and faculty members involved in the research, to industry, agriculture, municipalities, Aboriginal communities and end users of Alberta’s water resources,” says Lloyd Visser, CPC VP, Environment and Sustainable Development.

ORAL HISTORY CONTRIBUTIONS SOUGHT BY GALLERY The late artist Nicholas de Grandmaison is a cultural icon of southern Alberta. He is well known for his portraits of politicians, families and unknown subjects.

During a previous exhibition of his work at the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery, there was a great deal of interest in discussing stories of the artist and of his Aboriginal subjects. The gallery is subsequently undertaking a project that invites individuals visiting the exhibit to share their unique experiences with the artist or the subjects of his paintings. The project will be publicized during the exhibition of paintings donated by BMO Finan-

cial Group at the U of L Art Gallery May 2 to June 27.

As an itinerant painter, de Grandmaison often stayed with ranchers, farmers and Aboriginal families for several days at a time while he painted them. His unique lifestyle, character and attitude have left a plethora of interesting experiences that augment the context of his paintings.

The University of Lethbridge Art Gallery and the University Archives are partnering to gather the stories and provide research access to them. This oral history project is intended to give greater context to de Grandmaison as a

person and an artist and to give greater background to the body of his work in the University collection. As well, it will add to the rich research resource already housed on campus with the artworks, personal papers and photographs, and sound recordings produced with the artist and some of his Aboriginal sitters for portraits.

Once the stories are gathered, access will be provided through the University of Lethbridge Archives website and in person study in the Archives as well as future touring exhibitions of de Grandmaison’s work.

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

OPENMike

University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what’s happening in the University community

There is no denying that the last few months have been very challenging for the province’s post-secondary sector, and I recognize that this is a difficult time for the University of Lethbridge.

I want to thank all those who have contributed to the ongoing budget discussions and brought your valued perspectives into the conversation. From the General Faculties Council and the Strategic Planning Committee to the Budget Advisory Committee and Dean’s Council to the many individual students, staff and faculty who have taken part in the process, your contribu-

Third-year neuroscience student Dipankar Goyal was honoured by Volunteer Lethbridge as one of the 2013 Leaders of Tomorrow. Goyal, president of the Canadian Cancer Society Student’s Club, organized the U of L Relay for Life in addition to fundraising events for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and participation with the U of L Rotaract Club.

Joseph Odland (student) was named the 2012 Senior Male Athlete of the Year at the 2013 Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards ceremony. Odland won the All Around gold medal in his class at the 2012 Canadian Gymnastics Championships.

The University of Lethbridge Art Gallery was asked to contribute to the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) exhibit 100 Masters: Only in Canada. The gallery contributed the Andy Warhol work Mao. The exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of WAG and appears May 11 to Aug. 18.

tions will help us move forward effectively as we continue to work together.

As difficult a time as this is, we can never forget that we are an educational institution and as such, we have the great pleasure of being able to graduate a large number of students each spring and fall. As Spring 2013 Convocation approaches, let us take the time to celebrate all the terrific things we do daily at the University in support of the young people we educate at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The challenge that lies before us is substantial and in no way do I want to minimize its

impact on the University community, but it is in times such as these that we must take pride in the incredible value the University of Lethbridge brings to the city of Lethbridge, the province of Alberta and beyond. We will not be deterred in continuing to graduate these amazing young people, and we will continue to perform outstanding research that benefits society. This will continue today, tomorrow and many years from now as we remain committed to growing as a comprehensive research university.

All of this is possible because of the people who

Steven Firth (student) is continuing his Kilt-Up 4 Cancer fundraising throughout the summer months as he looks to promote awareness of male cancers and to raise funds for cancerfocussed organizations.

People can contribute to the cause by visiting www.kiltup4cancer.com.

Dr. Rossitsa Yalamova (Management) was the featured presenter at the Canadian Association for the Club of Rome (CACOR) dinner event in Ottawa, Ont. at the end of April. Yalamova presented Governance of the Commons in a Complex Socio-Economic System.

Kelly Williams-Whitt (Management) was awarded a Teaching Fellowship from the University of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Management. Williams-Whitt will be working with faculty on the development of distributed learning methods to enhance the teaching of students.

Presented by

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contribute to the University of Lethbridge. Do not forget the contributions you make to the University and take pride in the fact that regardless of the challenges that confront us, we will always look forward and we will continue to build the U of L and its impact on society.

I urge you to attend the May 30-31 convocation ceremonies and watch our students cross the stage to receive their degrees.

You have all played a role in their successes and thereby have helped to make an impact on society. These are our future accountants, musicians, chemists, nurses, teachers, psycholo-

gists, artists and so much more.

We, as an institution, help create something that society tremendously appreciates, bright young minds eager to make contributions to our world.

We are all dealing with difficult challenges at this time, but remember to recognize that as our graduates cross the stage, their whole lives lay in front of them – a future for which we have helped them prepare.

In the end, that is what the University of Lethbridge is all about and it’s something we will continue to do, regardless the obstacles we face.

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

2013 President’s Award recipients Each year, the University of Lethbridge presents the President’s Award for Service Excellence Award recognizing exceptional service to the U of L and members of the University community. This year, the award is given to one AUPE staff member, one APO/Exempt Support Staff member and one team.

Described as the “best-kept secret at the University of Lethbridge,” Barbara Hodgson has been the administrative support for the Department of Political Science and now fulfills that role for the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

In her administrative support roles, Hodgson makes sure all the parts of a university department work together smoothly, and innovates to make things work better. Taking a genuine pride in her work, she strives for perfection, and has done so at the U of L for over 30 years.

Hodgson takes initiative to learn new skills and

AUPE RECIPIENT

Barbara Hodgson

APO RECIPIENT

Barbara Williams

Described as a “wonderful colleague and supervisor,” Barbara Williams works hard to provide exemplary service to all the students who come to Counselling Services, inspiring and encouraging her colleagues to do the same.

Williams is completely dedicated to meeting the needs of students. Her focus is always on ensuring that students have access to the supports they need to be successful. She is committed to ensuring that all Counselling Services programming is accessible and targeted to areas of need. Under her leadership and encouragement, Counselling Services goes beyond individual counselling sessions to offer services that

TEAM RECIPIENT

Printing Services

address the total well-being of students.

In the Counselling Services office, Williams has been dedicated to building and nurturing a strong and committed team. She has worked hard to select and retain diversely skilled professionals and to facilitate the teamwork required to serve the student population. A compassionate supervisor, she offers her staff opportunities for growth and supports their initiatives. She is also known as an extremely positive person who brings out the best in others.

Before Counselling Services, Williams spent many years in Recruitment & Student Life, where she played a significant part in growing

The tireless efforts, commitment and expertise of the Printing Services team – Greg Martin, Tyler Hayward, Fiona Randle, Kim Selk, Judy Westcott, Murielle Guitard, Diane Layng and Jeanette Leusink – results in superb customer service and beautifully printed products.

The Printing Services team makes extra effort to help its customers meet their printing needs and deadlines. Whether by phone, e-mail, or inperson, the team guides its customers through the printing and copying process, helping resolve any issues or challenges. Even when faced with difficult, time-sensitive jobs, the team’s response is “we’ll

Pictured (back row L to R) are: Diane Layng, Judy Westcott, Kim Selk and Tyler Hayward; (front row L to R): Greg Martin, Murielle Guitard, Fiona Randle and Jeanette Leusink.

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improve the operation of the department. She has developed new ways to efficiently organize information and make it easily available to those who need it. For example, she learned basic HTML and web development software to maintain departmental web pages. To aid in the completion of Professional Activities Reports, Hodgson created a collection of records of the department’s teaching activities, broken down by course, year and instructor, which was invaluable to faculty members for completing these reports. In all her work she demonstrates excellent know-how, experience and

sheer hard work, combined with an ability to connect with people.

Supportive beyond the call of duty, Hodgson strives to treat all she works with as individuals. She often attends undergraduate thesis presentations, helping and reassuring first-time presenters.

Always friendly and courteous, she admires, respects, and cares for people, and helps to make the university a better place for those who work and study here.

With skill, dedication, and care, Barbara Hodgson has given exemplary service to faculty and students. the student population. When prospective students inquired about the U of L, Williams would ensure that everyone was well prepared to show off the strengths of the University.

Among the initiatives she developed for recruitment was the Student for a Day program, which allows prospective students to come to the U of L campus for one day to tour the facilities and attend lectures in their areas of interest. This successful program is still running today.

The University of Lethbridge is proud to recognize Barbara Williams for her enthusiasm, dedication and passionate support of student success.

take care of it, and call you when it’s ready.”

The group has never been late in delivering on a job, and is often done in advance of a deadline. The Printing Services team is tightly co-ordinated, working under intense deadlines with confidence and care.

The team consistently strives to offer an expanding array of products and services. In a world of changing technology, Printing Services does an outstanding job of keeping the U of L at the forefront.

Its ongoing goal is to produce the best finished product at the most affordable cost.

On top of being an excellent service provider, the Printing Services team

makes the effort to educate its customers in the field of printing. The team takes the time to discuss the file type, file quality, colour separations, paper type and weight, adding a “bleed” to a document, and so forth. They make the effort to advise on issues such as matching the needed paper quality and weight to the length of use of the publication. The team at Printing Services is always there to answer questions and guides its customers through the process.

Renowned for exceptional craft and friendly, high quality service, the staff of Printing Services excels in supporting the needs of campus.

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Patton thankful for support

Karissa Patton has made the most of her scholarship opportunities.

BY ERICA LIND

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hen Karissa Patton crosses the stage at convocation this spring, she will do so knowing faculty and staff at the University of Lethbridge have supported her.

Originally from Calgary, Patton came to the U of L in 2009 with the intention of majoring in history and later entering the education program. After taking three applied studies conducting archival research, Patton changed paths.

“I loved the hands-on

research and I realized history was my passion,” recalls Patton. “I wanted to continue doing research.”

Over the course of her history degree, Patton has worked with both the U of L Archives and Galt Museum & Archives.

She has researched numerous local stories and events, written biographies to accompany oral histories, created a museum display at the Galt Museum and recently defended her honours thesis.

Patton’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She has received two Board of Governors’ Scholarships, the Stu-

dents’ Union Scholarship and the Chinook Summer Research Award. “These scholarships have meant so much to me. It is so encouraging to have that kind of recognition,” she says.

Patton has a unique perspective on student awards after working at the U of L Call Centre, where students connect with alumni to help raise financial support for the University.

“At the call centre, I learned that without donors, students like me wouldn’t have a lot of the resources we depend on – including scholarships,” she explains.

Among those donors are U of L faculty and staff.

Through the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign, faculty and staff have the opportunity to contribute to scholarships and bursaries for students.

As a history major, Patton is particularly proud of the fact the history department has 100 per cent participation in SOS. “It really makes me feel as though my professors genuinely value both the history discipline and my education,” she emphasizes.

As Patton wraps up her undergraduate degree and prepares to begin her graduate studies at the U of L this fall, she hopes faculty and staff will continue to help students succeed through SOS. “I am so proud of what I accomplished during my time as an undergraduate at the U of L. I am so grateful for the scholarships and the generous donors who helped make it all possible,” she says.

For more information on SOS or to make your gift today, please visit www.uleth.ca/ giving.

Celebrate convocation with a gift to students In just a few weeks, the campus community will join the 2013 graduates in celebrating their achievements at Spring 2013 Convocation. As our new graduates prepare to embark on the next phase of their lives, they will leave campus remembering the support they received from faculty and staff during their time at the U of L. Will you mark the occasion by making a gift to SOS? Please visit www.uleth.ca/giving to make your gift today.

Dr. Hadi Kharaghani is a master of motivating students to reach their true potential.

KHARAGHANI RECOGNIZED WITH DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD Combining dedication, wit and an unparalleled mathematical knowledge, Dr. Hadi Kharaghani helps students at every level of ability, pushing them to reach their potential.

Kharaghani, a professor in the Department of Mathematics who has shaped the lives of many aspiring scientists and engineers, is the 2013 Distinguished Teaching Award recipient.

Kharaghani puts considerable time and effort into his teaching, striving to give each student the personal attention he or she needs to excel, even in classes of more than 200 students. He prepares thoroughly for his lectures, and endeavours to ensure his material is easy to follow. Integrating technology with his lectures, Kharaghani is dedicated to giving students the best learning experience he can.

And for those who occasionally cannot make it to the lectures, he posts his captured lectures online.

No matter the level of student, Kharaghani gives them opportunities to become more involved with their class. For those who are most challenged to understand the material, he provides a forum where students can help each other with class material or homework.

Kharaghani is an active participant in the forum, making sure all posted materials are correct and follow the rules of the open forum. The online chat sessions that he has created and managed have proven to be the most convenient and useful way of helping students. Often he stays online for several hours the night before a homework assignment is due to help students understand the material.

Easily adapting his teaching style to classes at different levels Kharagani’s homework assignments are carefully crafted so that mathematically weaker students can do well, while academically strong students are still engaged. These assignments include challenge problems for bonus marks, and he sometimes posts additional problems that require students to do further research.

For higher-level mathematics courses, Kharaghani challenges the mathematically gifted students to learn beyond the required materials and motivates them to achieve a higher level of mathematics. His goal is to engage students in the classroom and ensure that they understand the material thoroughly. Insisting on the principle that “mathematics is learnt by thinking and practising,” he provides a learning environment that challenges students to think and practise as much as possible.

Many professors are available to students during normal school hours, but Kharaghani spends many hours on evenings and weekends helping students.

Every week he also hosts an in-person help session, where he books a classroom and assists as many students as possible, one-on-one. For those who cannot make it to these sessions, he conducts a weekly online class.

Kharaghani is dedicated to giving students as many opportunities as possible to learn mathematics and offers undergraduate research positions in summer.

An exemplary teacher who strives to make mathematics accessible to all, Kharaghani is a worthy recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Teaching Award.

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

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Medoruma ready for his international debut G E T T H E FA C T S • Medoruma has played for the Lethbridge Football Club in recent summers • He had two goals and four assists for the Horns in 2012 • Lethbridge product and University of Alberta defender Niko Saler, who Medoruma played with in youth soccer, is also on the Canadian squad • Medoruma will document his trip on Twitter under the handle @taylorgang_89 • Kazan is known as the Sports Capital of Russia and in addition to hosting the 2013 Summer Universiade, will also host the 2015 World Aquatics Championships and the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Senior midfielder Matt Medoruma will be wearing Canadian colours this summer as he represents the country at the 2013 Summer Universiade.

BY TREVOR KENNEY

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att Medoruma isn’t one to have good fortune handed to him – he understands he’s had to work to gain his rewards.

It was a lesson he taught himself early in his university career, and now, after five years with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s soccer team, his reward has arrived.

Medoruma, an accounting major in the Faculty of Management, will represent Canada at the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia July 6-17. It will be the first time the 24-year-old midfielder has ever played at a national or international level.

“Honestly, I would never have thought I’d be in this position,” says Medoruma. “I’m definitely honoured to be here and excited for the experience.”

RAVE PROJECT VIRTUALLY READY For new and prospective learners and their families, one of the best ways to gain an appreciation for what sets the University of Lethbridge apart from other post-secondary institutions is to visit the campus in person. The University’s relatively small size, accessibility and quality are readily apparent to anyone who has spent even a day here, but visiting the campus

He essentially walked on to the U of L pitch in fall 2007, having talked to head coach Randy Bardock (who will also be on the Canadian squad as an assistant coach) about continuing to play soccer beyond the youth level.

A Catholic Central High School graduate, Medoruma earned a spot with the Horns but after a year of Canada West soccer, stepped away from school.

“I don’t think I was ready for university,” he says bluntly.

“I came in and I wasn’t focused with my education and my grades weren’t as good as I wanted them to be. So, I decided to take some time off and refocus.”

Medoruma travelled to Australia, reassessed his major (finance, at the time) and returned in fall 2009 in a better frame of mind.

“I knew that once I took that break, when I came back it was for the right reasons,” he says.

“I wanted to play soccer and I was excited about school again. I definitely needed that, and once I came back I was refreshed and ready to go to school.”

Taking the term studentathlete seriously, Medoruma took the discipline and diligence he uses so well on the field and applied it to his academics.

“It is a challenge to balance your academic life with the time it takes to be an athlete and that was one of the reasons I struggled in my first year,” he says. “I couldn’t really find that balance, so it was a struggle. It took me a while to find out I needed to put a lot of work into my education and that had to come first. Once I figured it out that I needed to put the time in, then I was fine.”

He is five courses shy of completing his degree, after which he will decide if he wants to pursue an accounting designation. Of course, now that he’s

representing Canada on the international stage, opportunities to continue playing soccer may also present themselves.

“It might open some doors, we’ll see what happens when I get out there,” he says. “Before I went out for this tryout (Universiade selection camp), I figured it was the last real soccer I would try and play. I’ll always keep playing but not to this kind of competitive level. Now that I’ve made this team, it’s up in the air. If some opportunities come from this, then I’d definitely look into it.”

Medoruma’s strength as a midfielder is his ability to create offensive opportunities for his teammates. He distributes the ball well and fits seamlessly with other players, likely one of the reasons he impressed at camp.

He credits Bardock and the Horns program for helping bring his game to this level.

“The program has been great for me, it’s helped me so much in terms of my development. I wouldn’t have this opportunity if not for how it has helped my game over the last five years,” he says.

The Canadian team will have very little preparation time before the Universiade event.

Their only training sessions will come in Russia, along with a pair of exhibition contests right before the tourney’s start.

Medoruma has no worries though, he’s just anticipating the first time he’ll pull the Canadian jersey over his head.

“It’ll be amazing, something I’d never imagine would happen,” he says. “To be able to represent the country, I’ll be so honoured to put that jersey on.”

isn’t always an affordable option for learners from other provinces and countries. Language barriers can also make the process of selecting a university difficult for prospective international learners and their families.

In response to this challenge, the University of Lethbridge has produced an innovative multilingual online virtual campus environment that will allow anyone with web access and a free copy of Google Earth to experience the Lethbridge campus in a way that

mirrors an actual campus visit.

Visitors to the RAVE (Reaching Audiences through Virtual Entryways) virtual campus site will be provided several options for exploring the University, its services and facilities.

“Instead of finding out about a club you would have liked to participate in when you might be in your final year, new students have the opportunity to know it all before they even arrive on campus,” says Jeff Bingley, a RAVE production member and videographer. “It has the potential

to really streamline your University experience.”

Navigating the RAVE world can be accomplished through 3D virtual campus tours, whereby visitors can get a look at the University’s facilities and services, all described in a number of different languages.

Users can also access the RAVE web environment through traditional hyperlinks on the University’s website. Each link on the RAVE web page will take you to specific locations – such as department offices, the Students’

Union Building – in the virtual U of L environment. Another click on that office will connect the viewer to a relevant YouTube video describing the resources that the office provides.

The third method of navigating RAVE is as an unguided explorer of the 3D buildings and their contextual information links.

In summer 2013, the U of L will release the first stage of the 3D RAVE virtual campus environment.

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alumni

2013 Alumni Honour Society inductees Introduced in celebration of the University’s 35th anniversary in 2002, the Alumni Honour Society recognizes the achievement of successful alumni within the global community. The alumni inducted into this prestigious group have served as role models to our students and the broader University community through success in their vocation, outstanding community service or superior accomplishment in their avocation.

Sarah Amies (BA ’88)

A vigorous and compassionate human rights advocate, Sarah Amies has more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit and education sectors. Since becoming the program director of Lethbridge Family Services – Immigrant Services in 2001, Amies has had a positive impact on new immigrants in the Lethbridge community. Under her leadership, Lethbridge Family Services has grown in programming and services, and expanded its resources. She has worked closely with many volunteer boards, such as the Alberta Association of Immigrant Services Agencies, the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination, Family Violence and Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Committee and Social Housing in Action. The YWCA recognized her in 2012.

Sylvia Campbell (BEd ’79)

Through her many years as an educator and mentor, Sylvia Campbell has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to environmental issues and human rights. She has served on numerous committees and boards, including the Lethbridge branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Southern Alberta Group for Environment and the Lethbridge Network for Peace. Campbell was a longtime member of the Raging Grannies, a group through which she worked to raise awareness of social justice issues related to peace, the environment, gender, human rights, world equality, Canadian unity and social programs.

In 2003, she was recognized by the YWCA.

Frank Gnandt (BA ’74)

Michelle Hogue (MEd ’04)

Frank Gnandt has been an exceptional educator in Lethbridge School District No. 51 for more than 30 years and has instilled a passion for the arts in many students. Gnandt, currently the choir director for Chinook High School in Lethbridge, is recognized by his peers as an accomplished adjudicator, instructor and conductor.

His influence and passion for music have spread to students and audiences locally, provincially, nationally and abroad.

Gnandt has been a guest conductor and performed at numerous prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and at the Vatican.

Gnandt is a recipient of both the Governor General’s Award for Community Service and the ATA Teacher of Excellence Award.

An assistant professor and co-ordinator of the First Nations Transition Program at the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Michelle Hogue has helped ensure the success of many students at university, particularly in science-related programs. Hogue’s research blends required curricular and institutional demands with narrative and arts practices that, with holistic knowledge, have the potential to change science education for Aboriginal learners. In addition to her research, Hogue develops new and innovative teaching practices with high school students, educators and administrators on the Blackfoot (Kainai) Reserve in southern Alberta. Hogue has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships, including most recently the Canadian Education Association Pat Clifford Award.

Douglas McArthur (Mgt Certificate ’90)

Diane Randell (BN ’91)

Douglas McArthur is well known for his enthusiastic support of the University of Lethbridge and particularly the U of L Alumni Association (ULAA). An investment advisor by profession, McArthur served as ULAA president from 2003 to 2005. His leadership played a key role in advancing the ULAA, strengthening its affinity with alumni and establishing a foundation that the association has continued to build upon. McArthur remains an active member of the ULAA and is currently serving on the U of L Board of Governors.

McArthur has invested in his community by volunteering his time with organizations such as Rotary, Crime Stoppers and the Lethbridge Symphony Association.

Throughout her career, Diane Randell has worked diligently to make a difference in her community. Since beginning her career in nursing in the 1970s, Randell’s care and compassion for others has expanded from individual patients to entire communities. Currently the manager of the community and social development group at the City of Lethbridge, Randell’s work addresses large-scale issues such as social policy, homelessness, poverty and racism.

Randell is a founding member of the Abreast of Bridge Dragon Boat Team, a founding board member and past Chair of the Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival and a member of the U of L Senate. She has been recognized by Rotary International, the YWCA and is a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

INSPIRED BY TRAGEDY, ALUMNUS LAUNCHES PROVINCE-WIDE ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN

BY TREVOR KENNEY

Alumnus Manwar Khan is intent on putting a stop to violence.

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On what was otherwise a regular December afternoon this past year, University of Lethbridge alumnus Manwar Khan (BSc ’07) witnessed a brutal event that changed his life forever.

But rather than try and put that day behind him and move on, he’s using his experience as the impetus for change.

Khan, a 37-year-old father of two-year-old twins, was on the Edmonton LRT when one passenger attacked another just a few metres away and began a ruthless beating. Shocked by

the savagery of the assault and the daunting task of stopping it, Khan appealed to other passengers for assistance, but no one came forward.

Although Khan desperately tried to stop the attack, one man died and the other now sits in a jail cell, awaiting trial on seconddegree murder charges. Khan, with the images of that day still fresh in his mind, has launched a provincial-wide anti-bullying initiative in an effort to raise awareness of bullying and empower bystanders.

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the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Dr. Ute Wieden-Kothe

Dr. Ute Wieden-Kothe joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge in 2006 after completing her PhD in biochemistry at the University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany. Her research focuses on RNA (ribonucleic acid), an important molecule in life that resembles our genetic information, DNA. Wieden-Kothe is particularly interested in understanding the complex functions of RNA in the cell which go far beyond encoding information. In particular, she investigates the formation of the cellular protein factories that are composed of RNAs and proteins. Wieden-Kothe is a member of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), and every second year organizes the RiboWest Conference, which attracts hundreds of RNA researchers from across Canada. Her research is funded

by NSERC, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions and CFI. Together with enthusiastic colleagues in the sciences and a number of science graduate and undergraduate students, Wieden-Kothe established the Let’s Talk Science program in 2010 and now serves as the program’s faculty supervisor.

What first piqued your interest in your research discipline?

In biochemistry, we are investigating the molecular basis of life. In high school, I was absolutely stunned when I learned that we understand perfectly how glucose is broken down in our bodies to provide

RAVE OFFERS 3D FUNCTIONALITY CONTINUED FROM PG. 5 “RAVE uses a combination of advanced video game and Google Earth technologies to produce highly-detailed, interactive 3D environments,” says professor James Graham of the Faculty of Fine Arts Department of New Media, RAVE’s lead designer and production manager.

“These feature architecturally accurate campus building models using the University’s CAD drawings, interactive video components, photographs, audio, web-interactivity and preprogrammed animated camera sequences.”

us with energy. I was deeply impressed that we can follow the fate of each atom of glucose until it is converted to water and carbon dioxide while ATP, the cell’s fuel, is formed. It is amazing that science allows us to comprehend the world around us on such a detailed level.

The idea fascinates me that by precisely understanding cellular processes, we might ultimately be able to address diseases at their roots, i.e. at their molecular causes, instead of “fixing” the symptoms of a disease.

processes are often complex, we need year-round thorough discussions of all aspects of the question under study. The daily interaction with my students is thus the most important aspect of my research. I stop by the lab every couple hours to look at data, and every day I am sitting down with at least one student to have in-depth discussions.

These conversations with my students are inspiring, creative, thorough and incredibly rewarding.

I am grateful every day to have a fabulous group of students in my research lab ranging from undergraduate to master’s and PhD graduate students.

How is your research applicable in the “real world”?

My research group studies the early steps of forming large machines in the cell, called ribosomes, which ultimately produce all proteins. Interestingly, ribosomes are composed of both proteins and RNAs which are intricately intertwined. By unravelling the assembly of RNAs and proteins, we want to obtain a better understanding of the formation of protein factories. Conducting this basic research is important for the real world in two aspects.

First, these protein factories are essential for rapidly growing cancer cells. Understanding how they are built will ultimately help to inhibit this process in cancer cells and allow us to find novel targets for cancer therapy.

At the same time, it is our goal to identify the molecular cause of genetic diseases affecting formation of these protein factories.

Second, we are learning how to construct novel molecular machines from RNA and pro-

The release of RAVE this summer will focus initially on student and administrative services and clubs for new learners who will be arriving at the U of L. “The Students’ Union partnership has been critical in delivering the learner interest components, and the Faculty of Fine Arts partnership has provided RAVE with a secure production lab and equipment,” says Graham.

The RAVE project grew out of collaboration between Mike Spiteri (IT), Graham and Heather Mirau (director, Integrated Planning). RAVE is a Recruitment and Retention Project with one-time seed funding from the U of L Strategic Enrolment Management Committee.

Dr. Ute Wieden-Kothe, right, champions the notion of science outreach.

teins with unlimited functions and applications in nanobiotechnology, including nanomedicine.

What is the greatest honour you have received in your career?

I have received a couple of nice awards, such as the Minerva Mentoring Award and the CIHR Synapse Mentorship Award; however, celebrating students’ successes together and seeing a student mature and grow is the greatest honour I can receive.

It always fills me with joy when I observe how a student, who didn’t quite know where he or she wanted to go, finds a passion and goal in research, science outreach or in teaching. Like-

wise, I am incredibly proud to help students push their boundaries, take on challenges and achieve more than they ever thought possible. I am at the university because of and for the students, and I am very happy when I can make a difference for these young people.

How important are students to your research endeavours?

Students are at the heart of my research program. Biochemistry is a highly collaborative and laboratory-intensive field where many sophisticated experiments have to be performed. This requires a team approach. Also as biochemical

This wide campus view is the starting point for your virtual tour.

A team of eight new media learners (including six undergraduates, one co-op and one master’s student) worked on the project. The Department of New

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Media also loaned computer and camera equipment, while use of the RAVE lab is by loan from the Faculty of Fine Arts Dean’s Office. Close to 90 per cent of

If you had unlimited funds, which areas of research would you invest?

First of all, I would support all areas of basic research to allow all of us to follow our imagination, to be curious and creative and to explore new ideas. The chances are very good that this basic knowledge will be useful in the long term. So many of our current technologies are based on such research in the past where nobody could envision today’s applications.

Second, I would support all areas of science outreach to bridge the gap between research and the general public, in particular the next generation.

We need to give children and youth the tools to expand their horizons, to better understand the world, to be confident to ask questions and to search for answers.

the RAVE project costs are paid to the production team, allowing learners to offset educational expenses and continue with their studies.

“This student, faculty and staff collaboration drives the project,” says Mirau. “James is masterful at building in the latest technical applications with a solid focus of growing an online community for the recruitment and retention of our learners.”

RAVE has also been designed and constructed using a layered approach, allowing it to grow organically and logically moving forward. This gives the project the ability to serve multiple functions, such as showcasing our faculty research to interested audiences.

the Legend

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Noted scholar Chambers earns Ingrid Speaker Medal

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rofessor of Education Dr. Cynthia Chambers is a leading figure in Canadian curriculum and literacy studies, and the enduring influence of her research has extended locally and around the world.

A scholar of curriculum and literacy education and curriculum theory, Chambers is the 2013 recipient of the Ingrid Speaker Medal for Distinguished Research, Scholarship or Performance.

Participating in several communities of practice and well known in curriculum studies, literacy studies and narrative/life-writing methodologies, her research interests include: indigenous literacies and languages; narrative, autobiography, personal essay and memoir as forms of inquiry for educators; interpretive inquiry; cultural, social and political difference and its effect; and the teaching life. Her work in Canadian curriculum studies is a research landmark in new thought, policy and pedagogy.

Chambers’s research promotes positive educational change for the greater good of communities. She balances research and theory with a pragmatic knowledge of schools and society to impact literacy and curriculum development. Chambers has conducted research with and for marginalized populations, including indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Alberta. Her collaboration with the Northwest Territories Literacy Council, for example, played an important role in redefining literacy practices in northern communities.

She has written many benchmark texts, including works that address First Nations, Métis and Inuit research on traditional and indigenous literacies. She has also worked with local elders, teachers and community members on repatriating significant Blackfoot sites. For this and her research on literacy, land and place, she was honoured with a Blackfoot name and a

Dr. Cynthia Chambers has written a number of benchmark texts that address First Nations, Métis and Inuit research.

lifetime designation of Eminent Scholar in Kainai Studies with Red Crow College.

In 2001, she and four colleagues established the Literacy Research Centre at the U of L. This centre aims to study literacy and the implications of literacy for education and society. It houses five principal researchers who work with teachers, school counsellors, school administra-

tors and graduate students. The centre continues to develop a network of scholars, practitioners, students and community participants studying and practising literacy and pedagogy.

In Alberta, Canada and internationally, Chambers has a long-standing reputation as an excellent researcher and author, an inspiring speaker and exceptional educator. She has

ANTI-BULLYING CONTINUED FROM PG. 6

Senate Volunteer Award winners (L to R): Jochen Bocksnick, Deb Marek, Cheryl Meheden and Nancy Walker.

SUMMER GAMES WORK EARNS GROUP VOLUNTEER AWARD Thanks to the dedicated volunteer work of these four individuals, for four days in July 2012, more than 2,600 athletes came to Lethbridge to compete in the 2012 Alberta Summer Games.

The Senate of the University of Lethbridge is proud to recognize their service with the 2013 University of Lethbridge Volunteer Award.

Nancy Walker, Deb Marek, Cheryl Meheden and Jochen Bocksnick sat on the Board of Directors for the games as well as managing their own specific portfolios. They began preparation for the games more than two years before the event, and each played an important role

in organizing the games. The games were a success due to the contributions of these individuals, as well as hundreds of other volunteers, many of whom included University employees and students.

Nancy Walker was the director of administration for the games, responsible for managing the budget and brokering all contracts and legal agreements. Walker is currently the U of L’s vice-president (finance and administration), and has extensive community volunteer experience.

As director of facilities, Deb Marek ensured that the sports and activities of the games had a venue. She also supervised all signage, portable facilities and warehousing. At the U of L, Marek is a manager in Sport and Recreation Services, and has been the assistant coach to the women’s hockey team.

Cheryl Meheden’s responsibilities as director of protocol included managing opening ceremonies, official receptions,

hospitality, games attire, medals, participant entertainment and the torch relay. Meheden is currently an instructor at the University of Lethbridge, in the Faculty of Management, and at Lethbridge College.

Guided by the Alberta Summer Games’ mission to provide the best possible experience for all involved, director of sport Jochen Bocksnick ensured that the games offered the best venues and sport chairs. Bocksnick is an instructor in kinesiology and physical education at the U of L. The 2012 Alberta Summer Games were a huge success, with over 2,600 athletes participating in 15 sports over the four days, watched by over 7,000 spectators. All four of these volunteers committed hundreds of hours to make this success happen, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment.

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“Since that day, I have been haunted by that incident,” he says from his Edmonton office where he works as an IT professional for Alberta Human Services.

“Even when I go to bed, I think about this. When I’m in the LRT I think about it. What if I could go back to that day, what could I try differently? I can either sit here and hope that this will pass, or I can stand up and help other people by raising awareness among them to speak up against bullying. I want bullying to be stopped – period.”

Khan’s first anti-bullying rally was held in Edmonton on Apr. 27, with a second event to be staged in Calgary on May 11.

He plans to bring his message “home” to Lethbridge in June.

“I want to encourage people to stand up against bullying, not just stand by,” says Khan. “I thought of my own kids that day, what if something like this was happening to them, who is going to help them? People actually have the power together, they just don’t know.”

Khan came to study at the U of L in 2001 as an international student from Bangladesh. He met his wife, Nashid Sultana (BSc ’06), on campus and looks back on his U of L experience as a springboard to the life he leads today. It also helped shape his character, something that was tested that December afternoon.

“My education at the U of L sharpened my selfawareness and moral values,” he

won the 2011 Ted T. Aoki award for Distinguished Service in Canadian Curriculum Studies Research, and the 2010 American Educational Research Association outstanding recognition award for a book on curriculum inquiry, which she co-wrote with two fellow curriculum scholars.

In 2001, the University of British Columbia selected her as a Noted Scholar at their Centre for Curriculum and Instruction. In 2012, the Cynthia Chambers Award for outstanding master’s thesis in curriculum studies was established in honour of her scholarship and inspiration to educators and researchers across Canada. These honours, and more, speak to the quality of her curriculum studies research and the high regard in which it is held.

says. “These values have guided me throughout my career and now stimulate me to organize this campaign and to stand up against bullying.”

His ties to the University still run deep, and Khan was pleased to welcome Dr. Bruce MacKay (liberal education) to the Edmonton rally as a guest speaker.

“He was not only a teacher to me, but he also provided some valuable advice whenever I was stressed out with academic life,” says Khan.

He also credited Lesley Rode (academic advising) and Dr. Shahadat Hossain as key influences on his U of L experience.

“Lesley was the one who guided me throughout my academic life at the U of L and was my academic mentor,” says Khan. “Dr. Hossain was the one who encouraged me to enroll in the co-op program to get an understanding of the professional environment. That changed my life and led to my job in government.”

In June, Khan will have the opportunity to give back to the community he still considers as his Canadian home. It is one of awareness, understanding, empathy and strength, all attributes influenced by his time at the U of L. “Bullying is not acceptable and there is no place for bullying in our society,” he says. “Violence should never be tolerated. I want to encourage people to stand up against bullying, not only for yourself but for others.”

Look for future notices on Khan’s Lethbridge event and how you can participate.

M AY 2013

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

L I V I N G W E L L AT T H E

U of L

It’s all about the label

BY SUZANNE MCINTOSH We are often told by health professionals to read nutrition labels before making our food choices. But how many of us know how to read a nutrition label and what exactly does % Daily Value mean?

The % Daily Value (% DV) that you find after each item listed on a nutrition label is a tool that can help you make healthier food choices. Located on the Nutrition Facts tables on food packages, it provides a quick overview of the nutrients in a particular food.

You can use the % DV to help you determine if a portion of food has a little or a lot of a certain nutrient. Use these numbers as a rule of thumb to

WHY AM I ALWAYS SICK?

BY LORI WEBER This is the time of year that people begin noticing the sore throats, the coughs, the colds, the lingering illness and begin to ask medical personnel WHY, WHY is this happening to me?

Well, there are lots of answers.

First, we live in a community where we are surrounded by an invisible world of micro-organisms. This community living

CELEBRATING UNIVERSITY EXCELLENCE The University held its annual Long Service Awards and Retirement Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, honouring 119 employees who have completed 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service, and 12 retiring employees.

Congratulations to the following.

Retirees Jane Allan, Karen Clearwater, Barbara Dickinson, Gayle

help you read nutrition labels.

For example, 5% DV or less is a little, while 15% DV or more is considered to be a lot. These percentages apply to all nutrients.

You can also use the % DV to help you compare different food products to make a better choice for yourself.

Nutrients you may want more of include calcium, iron, vitamins A and C and fibre.

Look for 15% DV or more for these nutrients.

You may also want to use the % DV to lessen the fat (saturated and trans fat) and sodium in your diet. Look for products with 5% DV or less of these nutrients.

For example, let’s say you are comparing two cereals in

the grocery store. Product A has a % DV for fibre of 12% per serving. Product B has a % DV for fibre of 25% for the same serving size. If fibre were a nutrient you want more of, you would want to choose Product B, since it contains a greater amount of fibre.

Keep in mind that whether or not a food will contain a little or a lot of a nutrient also depends on how much of it you eat. The Nutrition Facts table is based on a certain amount of food and to properly compare foods, you must compare like amounts. This amount is always listed at the top of the table, and if you consume twice the amount of food that is listed, you will likewise get double the amount of nutrients.

Look for the % Daily Value on the Nutrition Facts table to help you make healthier choices!

For more information on the % Daily Value and food labeling, visit: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ fn-an/label-etiquet/nutrition/cons/dv-vq/index-eng. php; www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/ label-etiquet/nutrition/cons/ fact-fiche-eng.php; www.hc-sc. gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/nutrition/index-eng.php.

Article compliments of The Alberta Healthy Living Program (403-388-6675).

As always, I look forward to any comments, suggestions or questions. Be well!

Suzanne McIntosh is the wellness co-ordinator for the University of Lethbridge

the Legend

May Wellness Sessions Bee Amazing Challenge Takeoff with Mike Mahon Wellness by Mike Mahon Wednesday, May 8 10 to 11 a.m., PE Level 2 (by the east stairwell) | Light refreshments and draw prizes Travel tips for summer in Alberta Phil Edmundson from Travel Alberta | Wednesday, May 29 Noon to 1 p.m., B650 Bee Amazing Race The annual physical activity challenge begins May and continues through June 9.

You set your pace with any activity you choose. Register as a team or individual at heartsmart.ulethbridge.ca/welcome.

can help us or harm us, depending on how often individuals and the entire community are washing their hands, covering their coughs, staying home when ill or otherwise doing things that spread disease. You can be the most careful person around but if that person standing in front of you sneezes in your face, you may get ill.

Our bodies fight back with their remarkable immune systems but we have to do our part.

Are you sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night and waking up rested, or is work, partner snoring, small kids crying, neighbourhood noise and so on keeping you

awake? Is your workload under control so that you are not working too long into the night or too tense to sleep well? Have you had a physical with your doctor and found out if your iron levels are low or another health problem is interfering with your body’s ability to fight infection?

Are you planning meals and eating healthy to get the micronutrients needed for your body’s optimal health?

Have you given thoughtful consideration to the medical issues that may assist you in fighting the colds and flu? A flu shot, sinus rinses (a natural step that people in the dry southern

Alberta climate should consider), a multivitamin a day, the Vitamin D supplement that all persons in northern climates should consider, are all good defenses against infection. Ask yourself what your body needs to stay healthy and then take conscious steps toward that goal.

I personally have always been extremely grateful to our hard-working caretaking staff.

We live in a community, and their work to clean and disinfect means that public areas are safer every day.

Are you doing your part in community cleanliness? Do you clean up after yourself? Are you

cleaning your desktop surfaces regularly? Have you had chats with colleagues about cleaning supplies and kitchen duties that lead to less illness? Do you take care to stay home when you have diarrhea so that public toilets are not affected by your illness?

What we do as individuals affects our community. Communicable diseases are around. Let us all do our part to live well in this community.

Have a healthy and safe spring!

Lori Weber is the manager of the University of Lethbridge Health Centre

Durand, Jackie Edwards, Trudy Govier, Pat Horrocks, Bill Krysak, Don MacDonald, Gordon Melvin, Brian Parkinson and Roman Przybylski

25 Years Rene Boere, Karen Clearwater, Marina Crow, Andrea Glover, Malcolm Greenshields, Chris Hosgood, Craig Loewen, Glen Montgomery, Deb Robb, Greg Rohovie, Wendy Romanchuk, Dan Sullivan, James Thomas, Judy Vogt and Debbie Westergreen

tha Lutterotti, Don MacDonald, Craig Monk, Gary Nixon, Janice Rahn, Lesley Rode, Anita Ryder, Maureen Schwartz, Alan Siaroff, John Siewert, Debby Sollway, Nicole Spence, Corinne Steele, Michelle Vedres, Paul Viminitz, Lori Weber and Bernie Williams

Huxley, Lori Kopp, Sue Kovach, Sean Legge, Hua Li, Denise Li, Cliff Lobe, Gene Lublinkhof, Theone MacLennan, Stavroula Malla, Morgan Martin, Sheila McManus, Gerlinde Metz, Peggy Mezei, Jaime Morasch, David Morris, Marni Morton, Steven Mosimann, Nellie Murray, Maria Ng, Bradley Olson, Nancy Pastoor, Richard Perlow, Ken Peters, Anna Pickering, Penny Pickles, Noella Piquette, Scott Powell, Joseph Rasmussen, Jackie Rice, Brad Robinson, Allison Roest, Susan Roth, Doug Smith, Barry Stannard, Marinus Swanepoel, Terry Tollefsrud, Linda Wever, Carol Williams, Kelly WilliamsWhitt, Patrick Wilson and Rossitsa Yalamova

Long Service Recipients 45 Years Dennis Connolly 40 Years Rosemary Howard Joyce Ito 35 Years Murielle Guitard 30 Years Bob Boudreau, Richard Butt, Dan Furgason and Stephen Wismath

20 Years Ari Bomhof, Toby Clark, Randy Dueck, Maureen Hawkins, Jeanette Leusink, Hillary Rodrigues and Glenna Westwood 15 Years Carla Buziak-Prus, Jeff Davidson, Barb Erler, Leah Fowler, Corinne Goodwin, Joey Grace, Leon Kennes, Danny Le Roy, Saman-

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10 Years Glen Baker, Lorraine Beaudin, George Bedard, ChiChi Cameron, Howard Cheng, David Clearwater, Eoin Colquhoun, Jennifer Copeland, Marci Craig, Joanne Des Roche, Sameer Deshpande, Heinz Fischer, Sharon French, Elizabeth Galway, Michel Gerken, Nicholas Hanson, John Harding, Michelle Helstein, David Hinger, Robbyn Hoffe, Alice Hontela, Renae Hougen, Steven

the Legend

M AY 2013

events

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

New ULSU executive council has big plans

CALENDAR

The new ULSU executive council (L to R): Shuna Talbot, Sean Glydon, Adam Long, Michael Kawchuk and Katie Kalmar.

Performances May 11 | Spring Flair Gala U of L students host a benefit concert in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Jack Ady Cancer Centre | 5 p.m., Southminster United Church May 15-16 | Feel the Beat – Mozart’s Magnificent Journey | Enjoy 23 excerpts of the master’s music, magically woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer’s life | 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily, Southminster United Church

Miscellaneous Apr. 12 through May 31 | ULAG Exhibition – Saving the World from Boredom | Influenced by the changes in society, artists drew their inspiration from Life magazine and other aspects of popular culture and embraced unexpected materials, performances and chance | Helen Christou Gallery May 2 through June 27 | ULAG Exhibition – Recent Acquisitions Drawn from the artworks donated by BMO Financial Group, this exhibition features 28 pastel portraits that provide a range of the Aboriginal subjects painted

by Nicholas de Grandmaison | University of Lethbridge Art Gallery May 11 | Culture Vulture Saturday – A Rough Sketch | Using non-traditional drawing tools, you express a refection of yourself in a new way.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., University Hall Atrium May 30-31 | Spring Convocation Spring 2013 Convocation | Ceremonies each day at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre

BY MARIKA STEVENSON

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he time of year has come when the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) has to say goodbye to the executive council members they’ve worked with all year and welcome a new group of council members.

This year marks a significant change for the ULSU because of a new executive council structure that has been developed that includes a vice-president external position. This new position will play an active role in advocating to all levels of government, one that until now was spread out among all the executives.

Despite the challenges the ULSU will face adjusting to this new structure and lobbying the government regarding the recent post-secondary education budget cuts, the ULSU is lucky to have such qualified and compassionate

executive council members for this term.

The new president of the Students’ Union, Shuna Talbot, was previously the VP of internal affairs and is very familiar with the importance of her new role. Talbot’s platform for presidency revolves around the three pillars of the ULSU, advocacy, representation and service. More specifically, her plans as president include establishing a multi-faith prayer space on campus and strengthening the ULSU’s relationship with the Lethbridge College Students’ Association.

Taking over Talbot’s role as VP internal affairs is Adam Long, whose position has become the VP of student affairs. Over the last four years, Long has been actively involved in planning and organizing a number of events on campus, including Fresh Fest, and has also been president of the Board and Ski

Club for the last two years. His goals for his term in office are to organize a club fair to take place during the middle of the first semester and to create more of a community between clubs so that they can collaborate on future endeavours.

The new VP external position is held by Sean Glydon, who has most recently been the founder and president of the Environmental Science Club, as well as an arts and science representative. Glydon’s main responsibilities in this new role will be representing the ULSU at both the lobby organizations CASA (Canadian Alliance of Student Associations) and CAUS (Council of Alberta University Students). During his term, Glydon expects to complete the ULSU external policies, achieve regulation of non-mandatory instructional fees and realize the removal of residence property taxes.

Former arts and science

representative, Katie Kalmar, has become the new VP academic, a position she has been training for under the previous VP academic, Julia Adolf, acting as the student commissioner for the last year.

The VP academic sits on a number of different University committees and is responsible for representing students in all aspects of the University community. Kalmar plans to increase the number of academic events available to students by partnering with University departments such as counselling services, the library and the writing centre to develop more diverse academic workshops.

Last but not least is the new VP operations and finance, Michael Kawchuk.

Last year, Kawchuk sat on the ULSU’s general assembly as the management representative. As a finance major, he wants to address some of the cost issues that are not deemed ‘value added’ costs for students and reduce these.

He also wants to make the ULSU’s finances more clear for the other executives and to work on finding areas where the ULSU can save money.

The ULSU is looking forward to working with all the new executive council members and is excited for the events they will organize for students, as well as the advocacy issues they will address during their terms.

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DIGITIZATION TEAM EAGER TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS

BY LAURA RIGGS The University of Lethbridge Library has been busy over the course of 2013 adding to its growing collection of locally digitized materials (accessible from digitallibrary. uleth.ca/cdm/).

Recently released digital collections include archival items from the University Archives’ Nicholas de Grandmaison collection, the Lethbridge Public Library’s Lethbridge Landmarks city photograph compendium and items detailing the history and development of the Cardston Alberta Temple. These and other digitization projects have been undertaken by a group of librarians, systems technologists and cataloguers who together comprise the Library’s Digitization Team.

For the past several years,

the Digitization Team has been working with project partners from both on and off campus to identify and plan digital initiatives.

As a whole, projects have attempted to reflect the rich and diverse cultural and natural history of Lethbridge and its surrounding areas. Content has been selected from the University Archives, Galt Museum & Archives and local historical newspapers from southern Alberta. Materials are largely textual but also include photographs, maps, artwork and sound recordings. Digital files themselves are uploaded into the Library’s CONTENTdm digital library software, which offers users a standardized visual display, navigation and item descriptions. This software also allows these items to be easily discoverable in both the

Library’s Encore discovery tool as well as the WorldCat catalogue used by libraries around the globe.

Researchers can also discover these materials via general web search, using keywords to generate results linking to the University of Lethbridge’s Digital Library.

A digitized collection of particular significance is the University of Lethbridge Herbarium collection. This resource, completed last year in partnership with Dr. John Bain (biological sciences), is a digital repository representing over 20,000 specimens of vascular plants from southern Alberta.

Digitizing these plants and their taxonomy has significantly enhanced access to this valuable collection for botanists and students worldwide. It is also accessible to members of the

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general public with an interest in local flora, and has resulted in a subsequent request from Parks Canada scientists at Waterton Lakes National Park to also include unique specimens from their herbarium.

The Digitization Team also strives to integrate relevant features in its collections to make them more accessible to users.

For example, the latest collection to go live, the Lethbridge Landmarks city photograph collection, will be incorporating Google Fusion Tables to automatically plot the geographic locations of photographs on a Google Map based on item metadata. This means that all individual photographs in that collection will be “pinned” by address so that users can search using geographic reference points.

Committed to regularizing

digitization projects into the library’s operations, the work of the Digitization Team is moving beyond providing collection access to also offering digital preservation. The library has partnered with other academic libraries from across Western Canada to securely preserve each other’s digital content using a system known as LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe).

This will ensure that all of the University Library’s current and future digitization initiatives will be available to the University community as well as citizens of Lethbridge and the southern Alberta region for generations to come.

For more information about partnering with the University Library on local digitization initiatives, contact Digitization Team co-ordinator Rhys Stevens (rhys.stevens@uleth.ca).

in focus Summer camp fun just around the corner M AY 2013

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

FINE ARTS

All the art and drama camp instructors are back for another year of creativity and collaboration.

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ull out your paintbrushes and throw on your stage make-up: Fine Arts Summer Camps are back!

Last year’s art and drama camp instructors have signed on for another exciting year of creativity and collaboration with children aged 7-16.

Drama camp instructors, and current University of Lethbridge drama/education students, Erinn Watson and

Elyse Whittaker are excited to spend the summer creating new and exciting plays.

“I’m so excited for this summer,” says Watson, returning for her third year with the camps.

“Every week I look forward to seeing the students’ hard work presented on a working university stage, complete with costumes, lights and sound.”

Erinn and Elyse’s enthusiasm for theatre and passion for

sharing that energy with kids is immediately contagious. They’ve already been hard at work planning themes for each week including Kids in Blue (a parody of Men in Black), When I Grow Up (an exploration of career possibilities) and The Mother Goose Tales (a series of vignettes from classic Mother Goose Rhymes).

They have also come up with something new for this year – the final week of camps for 12-16 year-olds (Aug 12-16), students will have the opportunity to create their own viral video.

Art camp instructors Meagan Foreman and Michelle Sylvestre, also current art/ education students, are looking forward to another summer inspiring students through the lives of famous artists and working with a variety of art mediums. Hands-on activities get the

AWARD WINNERS RECOGNIZED

students involved in sculpture, painting, drawing and creating. Each week wraps up with a formal exhibition to present to friends and family.

Fine Arts camps at the University of Lethbridge are unique in that they take place in real art and drama settings. Drama camps take place in the David Spinks Theatre, equipped with full stages, lights, sound, costumes and more. Art camps take place in one of the art studios, equipped with all the inspiration, tools and guidance needed to inspire artists of any level.

If you have questions about camps please call 403-329-2691 or 403-329-2227. Registration is now open for University of Lethbridge weekly summer camps. Fees include all camp materials, camp t-shirt and lunch each day. Visit www.uleth. ca/sportrec to register today.

FESTIVAL TIME

As part of the Art Open Studio, the art department presented student awards that recognized excellence in art history/museum studies and art studio.

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The following earned awards: • Southern Alberta Art Gallery Award: Claire Reid

Excellence in Art History/ Museum Studies Award: Kirsten Christopherson

Faculty of Fine Arts Award: Kala Walton and Kara Henry

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Trap\door Artist Run Centre Award: William Austin

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Excellence in Digital Art Award: Evan Peacock

The Studio Painting Prize: Dylan Dobbie and Kelsey Galbraith

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Sculpture Prize: Bianca Elke and Luke Spenser

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Roloff Beny Award: Kasia Sosnowski and Neysa Hale

Each year since 2006, the Historic Lethbridge Festival has celebrated a decade in the life of the city. This year, it’s the 1960s, one of the most eventful decades of the 20th century. With events running May 3-11, the Festival presents a whole array of activities geared to the 1960s.

Jazz from the 60s comes to the Sterndale Bennett Theatre on May 7. The evening is hosted by the Lethbridge Jazz Society and features performances by Ryan Heseltine (BMus/BEd ’04, saxophone), James Oldenbur (guitar), Paul Holden (bass) and Kyle Harmon (BMus/BEd ’09, drums).

A high point of the Festival is a giant rock concert at Southminster United Church on Friday, May 10 at 8 p.m.

A complete list of activities can be found by following this link: www.uleth.ca/ finearts/departments/art/ events/2013/05/historiclethbridge-festival-activities

woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer’s life.

“The Feel the Beat concert series offers free performances year round for children, providing opportunities to hear and see classical music performed live,” says Breeanne Fuller, conservatory program co-ordinator. “Our programs are age appropriate, relatively short and always free!”

This mesmerizing concert and story performance is about 50 minutes long and is recommended for audiences age six and up. More than 3,500 seats have already been reserved, but with six performances in total, seats are still available in three performances.

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Crowsnest Pass Symphony Orchestra, Feel the Beat is com-

Award winners (L to R): Kala Walton, Derrick Hoekstra, Claire Reid, Luke Spencer, Bianca Elke, Kara Henry, Kasia Sosnowski, Brittany Strachan, William Austin, Evan Peacock, Lisa Spinelli, Kelsey Galbraith, Dylan Dobbie, David Smith, Kirsten Christopherson.

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Student’s Union Award: Derrick Hoekstra

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David Lanier Memorial Award: Lisa Spinelli

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Art History/Museum Studies Gallery Award: David Smith

THE GLORY OF MOZART Join us on a magnificent voyage as Mozart and his young son Karl come to life on stage at Southminster United Church, May 15 and 16.

Discover Mozart’s passion for composing and embark on a

Excellence in Art Studio Award: Kelsey Galbraith and Brittany Strachan

magical journey into the world of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Follow the Prince and Papageno as they try to rescue Princess Pamina from the Queen of the Night in Sarastro’s enchanted castle.

Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage includes 23 excerpts from the master’s music. Performed by musicians from the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, these excerpts are masterfully

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the Legend

CASA TO OPEN DOORS Join the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music on Tuesday, May 14 and celebrate the grand opening of Casa, its new home.

Stop by Casa (230-8 St S) anytime between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. to hear performances from conservatory faculty and to see some of the children’s ensembles conducting rehearsals.

“Tours are available throughout the day with lots of entertainment programmed in each room of the building,” says Breeanne Fuller, conservatory program co-ordinator.

May 14 is also the launch of the U of L Conservatory’s new downtown free concert series called Lunch & Listen.

This free concert starts at 12:15 p.m. in the Casa community room. You are invited for music and cake to celebrate the conservatory’s new downtown home.

Conservatory Events on May 14 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Dale Ketcheson (guitar) – Casa Atrium Brass Ensemble with Nick Sullivan (trombone) – 1st floor music rehearsal room 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

Lunch & Listen Concert Series – Casa Community Room The Horn Trio in E-flat major, Op.40 by Johannes Brahms with conservatory faculty performers: Airdrie Ignas (violin), Fiona Chisholm (French horn), and Magdalena Von Eccher (piano).

1 to 2 p.m.

John-Paul Ksiazek (piano), playing Debussy and others – Casa Community Room 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Sinfonia Allegro Orchestra performs works by Mozart and others – Casa 1st floor Music Rehearsal Room Music for voice and piano, with Jana Holesworth, Cesar Aguilar, Jason Ragan, and Joel Goodfellow (piano) – Casa 2nd floor Music Classroom 6 to 7 p.m.

Conservatory Youth Singers final rehearsal before trip to Disneyland – Casa Music Rehearsal Room

pleting its fifth successful season.

Seats are available for only the following presentations: May 15 at 12 p.m., May 15 at 6 p.m., and May 16 at 2 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved in advance by calling the U of L Conservatory of Music at 403-3292304 or by visiting www.uleth. ca/music-conservatory/mozartsmagnificent-voyage and clicking Register Online.

John Clark, The News, 1980.

From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Purchased in 1985.

Arnaud Maggs, John Clark in his studio, 1988.

From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 1989.

John Clark, Pam Reading, 1971.

From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Pam Clark, 2000.

John Clark was born in England in 1943.

He studied painting and printmaking at Hull College of Art in England until receiving a Fulbright Scholarship, which he used to study painting at Indiana University. He eventually earned his Master of Fine Arts there in 1968.

Clark then returned to Hull College of Art, this time as the Senior Lecturer of Painting.

In 1978, he moved to Canada to take a position at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, which lasted until 1983. During the 1980s Clark exhibited at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery and later came to the University of Lethbridge as a visiting artist. In 1986, he was hired permanently as associate professor of art and he remained at the University of Lethbridge until his untimely death at the age of 46 in 1989.

Rosemary J. Preuss describes Clark’s later works best in John Clark: Transformation and the Void Volume One, where she stated that, “throughout all the challenges in his mature oeuvre, art making remained for Clark an existential activity in which the search for meaning was of the essence. He resisted the literal and the illustrative in his painting, and sought a transformational art, an affirmation of being in the face of the void.”

Therefore, from this loss perhaps there is comfort in the notion that Clark’s time spent searching for meaning was achieved by the end of his life, evident through the memories of his colleagues, friends and family, as well as through his many artworks included in the U of L Art Collection.

Andrea Kremenik Museum Studies Intern, Department of Art

Clark had an antagonistic view towards “conventional newness”, as he called it in a journal entry from 1989, and as a result his paintings often explored ideas of figuration, transformation and the metaphysical.

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