SE P T E M B E R 2013
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VO LU M E 13
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ISSUE ONE
Community focussed
the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Cooper eager to explore opportunities in dean’s role
Millman ready to build off of rookie success
Vasey explores the study of same-sex sexuality
Adamson looks to further engage alumni
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: Stephenie Karsten CO N T R I B U TO R S: Amanda Berg, Bob Cooney, Jane Edmundson, Alesha Farfus-Shukaliak, Erica Lind, Jesse Malinsky, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Leslie Ohene-Adjei, Stacy Seguin, Katherine Wasiak, Lori Weber and Jamie Woodford
University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 www.ulethbridge.ca
Dr. Judith Kulig and the Rural Wildfire Study Group offer key recommendations for community rebuilding after disaster.
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ecently published research from University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences researcher Dr. Judith Kulig and the Rural Wildfire Study Group suggests that communities affected by significant traumatic events invest in recovery efforts that focus on the community as a whole, and not just those who experienced losses as a result of the event. Kulig has spent considerable time researching rural health issues and community resiliency, particularly in communities that have experienced wildfire events. In a paper just published in the Journal of Community Psychology, Kulig and co-authors Dr. Ivan Townshend (geography, University of Lethbridge), Dr. Dana Edge (nursing, Queen’s University), Dr. William Reimer (sociology, Concordia University) and Dr. Nancy Lightfoot (rural and northern health, Laurentian University) suggest that a community’s ability to recover from a wildfire event is impacted by many factors, but that it is imperative that all members of the community receive timely access to recovery services,
whether or not they were evacuated during the event or experienced a tangible loss. “While our study reflects the experiences of those in a wildfire event, the results are relatable to similar traumatic community events, such as the recent flooding in High River and the urban communities in Calgary,” says Kulig. The Rural Wildfire Study Group conducted a series of qualitative interviews with community members who experienced wildfire events in Barriere, B.C. (2003) and LaRonge, Sask. (1999) to answer the question, “Does the severity level of wildfires based on loss make a difference to the experience of individual and community impacts?” The results of those interviews suggest that residents in both communities, whether or not they experienced loss, were significantly impacted by the event. Further, in order to facilitate the social rebuilding of these communities, it was important that community resources be made available to all members of the community to mitigate lingering negative effects of the event.
“There is an expectation that those who were evacuated from the community or who experienced the loss of physical property as a result of the event are in need of and will receive community support and resources,” says Kulig. “But our research shows that there is often a long-term emotional impact felt throughout the community and that these resources must be available on a much wider scale to help the community heal.” In the end, tragic events have the capability of bringing communities together in a cohesive and supportive manner. Through continued gathering of information about the varying responses of community residents who have experienced traumatic community events, Kulig and her group hope to better understand the impact and duration of the effects and determine appropriate disaster recovery protocols. Additional information about Kulig’s research, and recommendations for community rebuilding after a disaster, can be found at the following website: www.ruralwildfire.ca
LEGEND RUN COMES TO AN END, FOCUS MOVES ONLINE This marks the 119th issue of the Legend newspaper. It also marks the last. From its debut on Oct. 4, 2001 to present day, the Legend has been the internal news and information vehicle for the University community. Its mandate has always been to engage and inform the campus community by celebrating faculty, staff and student success and by highlighting all that our campus has to offer. As we strive to meet the changing needs of our community, communication tools have evolved, and we are incorporating these tools into the way in which we tell our story. A digital signage network was
introduced to campus five years ago, social media has blossomed into one of the most utilized information networks on campus, and we have streamlined the presentation of many of our messages into our UWeekly newsletter, effectively eliminating the proliferation of e-mails that used to clutter up our inboxes. That evolution now continues as we move from a printed product to the delivery of all our messages, stories, event promotions and kudos to the digital world. Recently, a new Experts Database was unveiled, raising the profile of our esteemed researchers, and now a revamped and enhanced UNews product is ready to
be released. In the near future, a new Notice Board product will be revealed while campus research will get a further boost with the introduction of a new research-themed website that will celebrate the groundbreaking work that is being done throughout campus. All the features you’ve come to expect with the Legend will still exist, only they will be presented in a more timely and efficient manner through these new digital assets. As well, with new products come new possibilities, such as the ability to display many more video and audio clips. CONTINUED ON PG. 9
the Legend
SE P T E M B E R 2013
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
OPENMike
University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what’s happening in the University community
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he Fall 2013 Semester is upon us and it promises to be another terrific academic year at the University of Lethbridge. Welcome to all faculty and staff who are new to our campus, and welcome back to those who are returning from their summer breaks. There are many reasons to be excited as a new academic year begins to unfold, as it is always wonderful to see fresh new faces at the U of L. The University continues to attract remarkable faculty and staff and this past summer saw the arrival of a number of exceptional people to our family. I urge you to take some time
to introduce yourself to any of our new faculty and staff members and extend to them the hospitality and spirit of collaboration for which we are so renowned. The fall always brings such a sense of optimism with it, and this fall is no exception, especially given what has taken place over the summer months. The University has once again seen great change in its physical campus structure with a major renovation of the food service spaces in University Hall and the Library Building. Just over a week ago, the U of L also opened its newest residence structure to students, adding 259 beds to residence capacity. The new quad area north of Markin Hall was
completed, adding another green space to the campus layout, and later this fall, the renovated patio area in front of the Students’ Union Building will open. Even the major flood event of the summer brought with it a silver lining, as the University community rallied to assist the library as it dealt with, and overcame, a potentially disastrous situation. All the while, the University still found a way to open its doors to more than 400 High River residents affected by the tragic flood of their town – and we did so with a professionalism and community spirit that was recognized over and over by our displaced guests. Each of the summer projects,
whether it was a renovation or addition, was initiated to enhance the student experience and to further engage the University community. Mt. Blakiston House, in particular, was born out of a specific identified student need. More residence space was deemed a strategic priority in terms of attracting new students to campus and subsequently retaining those students through graduation. As we continue to grow as a destination university, it is imperative that we meet the needs of those who make the U of L their academic choice. Students are already taking notice. This fall, the University
expects to meet its fall registration targets as we welcome more than 1,100 first-year high school graduates, an increase of 11 per cent over last year, and that is a very telling number. Registrations from the Calgary area are up nearly 35 per cent, while Lethbridge high school students are also increasingly making the decision to begin their post-secondary careers at the U of L. Thank you to all of our faculty and staff who have been hard at work preparing for the fall semester. I look forward to seeing you on campus and joining you in welcoming our new and returning students to the University of Lethbridge.
Sean Guist (BFA ’07, MFA ’12) is working at Intrepid Theatre in Victoria as the marketing & development coordinator. Intrepid Theatre produces three annual theatre festivals, including The Victoria Fringe. He is also a freelance director.
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Drama for Sage Theatre’s production of Polygraph.
to recapture the spirit and aesthetic of 19th century American dime museums to invoke wonder in the viewer and to combine art, artifacts and oddities to provoke questions about the boundary between education and amusement.
published an article entitled Talking to Each Other at the Margins: The 2012 Women Playwrights International Conference and FemFest 2012 in alt.theatre: Cultural Diversity and the Stage. She presented another paper, Three Women’s Festivals, Many Voices: Groundswell, FemFest, and The Riveter Series, at the annual conference of the Canadian Association for Theatre Research (CATR) at the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Victoria in June. That paper will be published in Theatre Research in Canada next year.
classes and workshops for U of L opera/voice students.
Amornthep Jaidee’s (BFA ’10) hosted his installation A Room at the End of the World at H Project Space in Bangkok, Thailand in July and August. The Offices of the Vice-President Research and Research and Innovation Services welcome Gilian Laird as the new grants facilitator (Natural Sciences). Laird has a BSc from Queen’s University and an MSc from the University of Toronto, both in biology. Before moving to Lethbridge, Laird worked at the Canada Foundation for Innovation in Ottawa, and prior to that at the University of Calgary. Feel free to stop by her office (B624) to introduce yourself. She may also be reached at ext. 2101 or at gillian.laird@uleth.ca Geneviève Paré (BFA ’11) won the Betty Mitchell Award for
Jamie Dunsdon (BFA ’06) has been hired as the artistic associate and apprentice artistic director by the Grand Theatre in London, Ont. Dunsdon is taking a leave of absence from teaching for the U of L (Calgary campus) and Calgary’s Verb Theatre, where she is co-artistic director. Joshua Reuben (BFA ’04) composed the music for the feature film Common Chord. Glenda Bonifacio (Women and Gender Studies) delivered two international lectures in July as part of the 40th (Ruby) Founding Anniversary Celebrations of the University of the Philippines in Tacloban College. She presented Gender and Migration, as well as Pinay and Transnational identities. Jane Edmundson’s (BFA ’06; MA Multidisciplinary candidate) thesis exhibition Dr. Soane’s Odditorium of Wonders, opens Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in the University Main Gallery. The Odditorium strives
Anne-Laure Djaballah (MFA candidate) had an exhibition entitled Non-Places at the Muse Gallery in Toronto in June. Dr. Ed Wasiak’s (Music Education) book, Teaching Instrumental Music in Canadian Schools, was recently published by Oxford University Press. Dr. Arlan Schultz’s (Music) composition, Quartet, Opus 10 for 2 clarinets, viola and violoncello, has been included in a special collection of the New York Public Library devoted to compositions that received BMI (Broadcast Music Industry) awards from the BMI Foundation in New York. The collection features only composers who received this important award. Dr. Shelley Scott (Associate Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts) has
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Peter Visentin (Music) and Gongbing Shan (Kinesiology & Physical Education) edited Applications in Arts Biomechanics. It can be preordered on Amazon and will be released in October 2013. Dr. Blaine Hendsbee (Music) has been recognized with an award of $10,000 from the Southern Alberta Opera Development Foundation (Calgary Opera) to develop operatic productions and bring established operatic artists to Lethbridge to present master-
Deric Olsen’s (New Media) feature film Common Chord premieres Sept. 27 at the Calgary International Film Festival. Peggy Mezei (Music, Music Conservatory) has been awarded the Joan Waterfield Award for her work in advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge, presented by the Allied Arts Council. Dr. Andrew Stewart (Music) received a Mentors in Creative Research Grant to support a student-driven research/creation project by Shaun Bellamy (Digital Audio Arts major), who is exploring ways to expand instrumental performance practices of the alto saxophone. Denton Fredrickson (Art) received a Mentors in Creative Research Grant to support a student-driven research/creation by art major Andrew Martin, who is exploring the possibilities of combining digital fabrication techniques with traditional methods and materials.
SE P T E M B E R 2013
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Cooper enthused about opportunity BY TREVOR KENNEY
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he Prairies beckoned and Dr. Craig Cooper answered the call. The new dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Lethbridge has studied and worked throughout the country, with experiences at the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Winnipeg and Nipissing University in Ontario. Given the chance to return to the Prairies, however, was too good an opportunity for Cooper to pass up. “Part of my reasoning was to return to the West and specifically the Prairies,” says Cooper, who began his five-year appointment on July 1. Born and raised in Oshawa, Ont., he moved with his parents to the Northwest Territories as a 16-year-old, finishing his high school education there before beginning his post-secondary education at the U of A. “The major reason I looked at this position though was the University and its really strong reputation, specifically its very strong record of research,” he adds. “The thing I really like about the U of L is that it seems to still have a commitment to excellence in teaching and for me, I’ve always liked that balance.” A strong proponent of liberal education, Cooper comes to a university that, on first glance, shares many similarities with Nipissing, where he spent the last five years as the Dean of Arts & Sciences. “The difference is that I think this faculty and the University itself is much more mature, whereby Nipissing is a very young university,” he says. “I think the U of L has made great strides in the area of research, particularly on the science side, and with a much larger faculty, I think it’s a very exciting and innovative place to be.” Cooper’s own research is around Athenian law and he has a major project in the works that examines the architecture and archaeological aspects of Athenian law as well as the dynamics of an Athenian citizen as they would move through the court system.
KOLB EARNS CAFA AWARD Dr. Bryan Kolb (neuroscience) has been chosen to receive the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA) Distinguished Academic Award for 2013. Kolb is the sixth U of L researcher to be honoured
G E T T H E FA C T S • Cooper’s appointment as Dean runs from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2018 • Cooper is a member of the American Philological Association, the Association of Ancient Historians and the Classical Association of Canada • He received the 2007 Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self Governance • An avid squash player and cyclist, he also plans to get back in the water with his kayak while living in southern Alberta • His son, Chris, will remain in North Bay to finish his schooling at Nipissing University, while his daughter, Alyssa, and her husband are teachers in Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
Dr. Craig Cooper has built his research career around the study of Athenian law.
He has always enjoyed teaching and admits it is difficult to step back from teaching to work in an administrative role. “I’ve been fortunate that when I was associate dean, I taught, and when I was Dean at Nipissing I was also able to teach a couple courses. I enjoy teaching very much and maybe I’ll have an opportunity here,” he says. “You go into this career never thinking you’re going to be a dean. Certain things happen along the way, you find you are good at dealing with people and
administrative activities and so you move into that role. Then, partly you think, I could keep complaining down in the ranks or I could try and do something about it.” Cooper is keenly aware of the task that awaits him. He takes over at a time when the University is facing difficult budgetary decisions, is wrestling with its own interpretation of liberal education and is aggressively contending with student retention issues. “Retention will be a major focus over the next few years and
I think some work needs to be done on the front of liberal education, and I have some ideas on that I think we’ll try to explore,” says Cooper. One such idea is the establishment of a cohort system whereby students take a number of courses together as a cohort, all around a central theme. “The courses they take would all be disciplinary, so it wouldn’t affect their aspirations of going into a particular discipline, and the courses are tailored to whatever theme their cohort is associated with. Maybe
by the organization since 2007. CAFA is the provincial organization representing academic staff associations at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, the University of Lethbridge and Athabasca University. The CAFA Distinguished Academic Awards are designed to recognize academic staff members at Alberta universi-
ties who, through their research and/or other scholarly, creative or professional activities, have made outstanding contributions to the wider community beyond the university. Kolb has been described as a “founding father of behavioural neuroscience,” combining neuroscience and psychology to examine the important interplay between experiences, neuron
changes and behaviour. His research focuses on how neurons in the cerebral cortex change in response to experiences, drugs, hormones and injury, and how these changes influence behaviour. His work has fuelled new treatments to help victims of stroke, Alzheimer’s, drug abuse and head injury. Kolb was the first to demonstrate how new brain cells grow to restore
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it’s a way to kind of revitalize that liberal education concept.” What Cooper plans on doing over the first few months of his tenure is listening. “I do like to consult widely and I do seek advice from people readily, particularly when you come into a new institution,” he says. “I also like to empower people to do things. Once we’ve decided on a direction, I trust people and try and give them the support they need to work toward our goals.” Right now, he’ll work on settling into the community, awaiting the arrival of his wife (who remains in North Bay, Ont. trying to sell their house) and his mother. “I like the size of the community. Lethbridge offers pretty much everything you want, large enough in that regard but small enough where you can get to know people,” he says. “I think there are opportunities for myself to really get engaged with the community through participation on local boards and so forth and I think that is important.”
cerebral function and that psychomotor stimulants produce permanent changes in neuronal structure. Kolb is also an Adjunct Professor at both the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia. He obtained his PhD at Pennsylvania State University and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
the Legend
SE P T E M B E R 2013
Join the SOS community
REMEMBER THE PEOPLE FACTOR
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Dr. Tom Johnston cautions against flood mitigation processes that don’t factor in how people engage with the environment.
BY BOB COONEY
Linda Embury, left, and Lorne Williams are the Co-Chairs for this year’s Supporting Our Students campaign.
BY ERICA LIND Lorne Williams and Linda Embury give to SOS each month – and they hope you’ll join them. As Co-Chairs of the 2013/14 Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign, Williams (BMgt ’98, MEd ’07) and Embury are excited to bring the University of Lethbridge community together in support of scholarships and bursaries for students. “I feel honoured to be Co-Chair,” says Embury, assistant to the associate vicepresident (HR and Administration) Human Resources. “I want to be a role model to my colleagues. If we all give, it adds up.” The annual SOS campaign allows U of L faculty, staff and retirees the opportunity to con-
tribute to student awards. SOS participants have enabled an incredible 2,000 scholarships and bursaries to be awarded to deserving students in the past year alone. According to the Co-Chairs, the campaign has far-reaching impact. “Students are the reason we are all here. By giving to SOS, we can help students go forward and be positive forces in the external community,” says Williams, the assistant dean of northern campuses. The Co-Chairs ask that you join them in contributing at a level suitable to your circumstances and to an area on campus that holds meaning for you. “Every little bit helps. All it takes is a few dollars a month to make a difference,” explains Embury.
Williams and Embury understand the challenges faced by many members of the University community at this time, but maintain a sense of pride in the U of L and optimism for the future. “I know that times are tough as we recover from the southern Alberta flood and face budget cuts,” says Williams, “but the way that we’re getting through these challenges shows our resilience and our collaborative spirit. I believe those same qualities are at the heart of the SOS campaign. Now, more than ever, we need to put students first.” For more information on Supporting Our Students, or to make your contribution today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving/supporting-our-students.
Thank you for putting students first As students return to campus, the SOS campaign is gearing up to help them succeed. Will you celebrate the return of students by making a gift today? Watch your mailbox for a pledge form or visit uleth.ca/giving to make your 2013 contribution.
A University of Lethbridge geography researcher is suggesting that flood mitigation and future planning processes involve people in the communities most affected – to help cities and towns look ahead and reduce some of the challenges faced across the province by recent flooding. Dr. Tom Johnston, who studies the human dimensions of natural hazards, says that as much as the recently-announced Government of Alberta flood mitigation plan and measures such as an expert panel on flood issues are important and timely steps forward, the processes by which people and the environment engage is what concerns him as flood reduction planning begins. “With many thousands of people displaced over a short period of time, entire communities have been affected by flooding and the critical element to planning for the future is community engagement,” says Johnston. He adds that structural responses – constructing floodcontrol dams or physically changing or dredging parts of a river to better manage water flow – need to be matched with non-structural or policy-based responses, such as incorporating the latest and best available flood hazard information into community and land-use planning, and even prohibiting development in high-risk places. “It is extremely important that in addition to scientists and engineers that we have community involvement in any land-use planning process,” says Johnston. “This not only ensures that the challenge of flooding is minimized, but it also allows community members to be aware of, and fully involved in, the future of their community.” Johnston adds that social scientists, such as human geographers and other behavioural scientists also need to be included in the discussion because their expertise would
complement that of hydrologists and engineers. The Government of Alberta recently rolled out a Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan, which Johnston says will be helpful in increasing public awareness about flood-affected areas of the province. “A central feature of the plan is a web-based interactive map (environment.alberta. ca/01655.html) that highlights “Flood Hazard Areas” down to the local scale. The GIS-based system is operator friendly, and if you have used interactive mapping software on your smart phone or some other device, you can easily navigate this system,” Johnston says. The hazard maps will be useful for homebuyers, and should be helpful in guiding flood-proofing efforts and for land-use planning, Johnston adds, but in order for the system to achieve anything close to its full potential, two conditions must be satisfied. “First, the studies used to delineate flood hazard areas should be as current as possible. Second, local and regional authorities charged with the responsibility for land-use planning must be willing to use the system to guide their decision making, even though this could involve constraining the range of residential location choices available to citizens.” Johnston says that as of June 2013, more than 50 flood hazard studies had been completed for the provincial government. “The most recent studies in and around the communities experiencing severe flooding in June were completed after February 1996 (environment. alberta.ca/01656.html), or 17 years ago.” Given the recent flood events, future hazard zone mapping should be more consistent, Johnston says. “We are dealing with dynamic systems, many of which are under increasing pressure from a variety of human activities, so it is prudent to make sure they are done regularly.”
SE P T E M B E R 2013
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athletics AT T H E U
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
the Legend
Horns’ Millman always had U of L on his mind G E T T H E FA C T S
Peter Millman prepares to throw the shotput during the Pan American Junior Athletic Championships.
• Millman says he still has an autograph from former Pronghorn thrower and Olympian Jim Steacy on his bedroom wall back home in Truro from his initial visit to Lethbridge in Grade 10 • Millman competes in each of the discus, hammer/ weight and shot put events but says, “I’m starting to think that maybe I have more potential in the shot put.” • Millman has a younger sister in Grade 12 who he describes as a “genius”. She also throws hammer and is looking at attending an Ivy League school in the eastern United States
BY TREVOR KENNEY
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eter Millman’s track career began with him trying to run over hurdles as fast as he could. Today, Millman could just hurl them out of the way and waltz down the track – he’s clearly found his niche. “I thought I was going to be a hurdler in Grades 6 through 8 and honestly, was really bad, and it was sort of embarrassing for my dad,” laughs Millman, whose father Paul coached track at the provincial and national level. “So I started throwing the discus in Grade 8, won provincials my second year and that’s basically where my throwing career began.” Ready to embark on his second year of studies at the University of Lethbridge, Millman is already a known commodity on the Canadian Interuniversity Sport track and field scene. That will happen when you win gold and silver medals in your first Canada West Championship
HORNS GEARING UP FOR SECOND SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST Consistently striving to push through limits to achieve exceptional results, University of Lethbridge Pronghorn athletes are grooming the traits that will help them succeed in athletics, academics and beyond. On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 (7 to 9 a.m., 1st Choice
meet and are named Canada West Rookie of the Year – and that was just the beginning. Millman, 19, spent the summer racking up personal best throws and more accolades as he claimed three medals at the Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships. The Truro, N.S. product won gold in the shot put and silver in each of the discus and hammer throw events. He was then named to Canada’s Pan American Junior Championship team and competed in Medellin, Colombia at the end of August, qualifying for the finals of the hammer throw event and improving his Pan Am ranking from 10th to seventh position. “Coming here and focusing on throwing and training with Larry Steinke, I believe opens everything up for me,” says Millman, who eyes world championship and Olympic appearances in his future. “I had opportunities to go to the United States but to me, it looked like an athlete factory down there and with Larry, it’s one-on-one focussed
training designed to get you to the next level.” The U of L didn’t have to spend a lot of time recruiting Millman, he was essentially in the family from the time he took his first training trip to Lethbridge in his Grade 10 year. “I tried to convince my parents to let me move out here in Grade 10 and just start training with Larry but that wasn’t going to happen,” he says. “I had chosen the U of L by Grade 10, it was always where I was coming.” The draw of course is head coach Steinke, leader of the national throws program and the mentor to Olympians Jim and Heather Steacy. He’s been mining talent from Truro for years, having previously brought Kate Forbes and Jonathan Doucette (now the coach at Dalhousie University) to the University. Along with Millman came Kayla Gallagher (last year’s CIS gold medallist in weight throw) and Montana Forsyth. In the fall, Millman says his dad will bring another high school
group to Lethbridge for a week of training, possibly laying the foundation for future throwing prospects attending the U of L. “The thing about Larry is that his programs are so individually based and he’s so knowledgeable about track, even outside of throws events, he knows the sport so well,” says Millman. “He understands what you need in terms of lifting, really everything within your training, he sets it up. Everybody has their own program focused on what they individually need to develop.” Millman has changed his academic focus this fall, moving away from international management and focusing on history. He admittedly struggled last year and looks to return to the strong classroom performances he put in while in high school. “I wasn’t going to force myself to study something I didn’t really want to do,” he says of the management vein he tried to follow in the shadow of father’s career (he runs an international
Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness Gymnasium), Pronghorn Athletics will welcome Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir, founders of Great Traits, to campus. It’s an opportunity for local individuals and organizations to tap into Great Traits and experience an interactive, fast-paced and inspiring session featuring two of the country’s most prominent Olympians and high performance experts at the 2013 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast (gohorns.ca/scholarshipbreakfast). “Our inaugural breakfast
last year, featuring Brian Williams, was very well received and we’re looking to build on that success this fall,” says Robb Engen, manager of Business Development, Sport and Recreation Services. “By bringing Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir to campus, this is an opportunity to give our supporters access to a very valuable resource.” Olympic gold medallist Tewksbury and Olympic champion and hall of fame coach Muir have teamed up to form Great Traits (www.thegreattraits.com), a professional devel-
opment company focused on the fundamentals of achievement, leadership and legacy. Together, they have authored a book (The Great Traits of Champions) and offer a variety of workshops and training programs to a wide range of clients. Tewksbury, a true swimming icon in the country, first came to prominence at the Barcelona Olympics, where he won gold, silver and bronze medals. He has since been inducted into three halls of fame, enjoyed an international speaking career, is a passionate human rights advocate,
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• Millman placed fifth in shot at the Pan American Junior Athletic Championships, while Horns teammate Kayla Gallagher won bronze for Canada in the hammer throw student recruitment program in Nova Scotia). “I want to take something where my interests lie and I’ve done that this year. I really like the courses I’m in this semester so I hope things go a lot better.” His competitive goals are enhanced this year as he looks to build off his rookie success as well as the summer experience he gained internationally. “Hopefully, I want to medal this year at the CIS Championships. I had such a great outdoor season with the shot, I hope it transfers to the indoor season,” he says. “After that, theoretically the NACAC Under-23 (North America Central America and Caribbean) Games are a possibility. I’m still pretty young and would have another shot at it in two years but it’d be great to make that team.”
authored three books and hosted numerous television shows. Muir is an internationally respected leader, one of Canada’s greatest coaches and an influential voice within the Canadian sport system. She was a pioneer with the national synchronized swimming team, leading Canada into two Olympic Games, and has spent more than a decade working with Own the Podium. The Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast was launched in 2012 during the University’s 45th anniversary and raises money for U of L student athletes.
SE P T E M B E R 2013
the Legend
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Mt. Blakiston House, here we come!!
The newest University of Lethbridge residence building, Mt. Blakiston House, opened its doors to students earlier this month. Identified as a priority need through the Recruitment and Retention Project, Mt. Blakiston House adds 259 beds to residence capacity. With more than 70 per cent of the University’s student population coming to Alberta’s Destination University from outside the Lethbridge area, the addition of Mt. Blakiston House is a major boon to campus. The building will also serve as a combination hotel/conference centre throughout the summer months, allowing the University of Lethbridge to accommodate even more groups and activities.
SUMMER VACATION NEVER LOOKED LIKE THIS BEFORE It may not look like summer vacation to most, but for Mark Sabo (Materials Management), Lisa Howard (Faculty of Health sciences), Daryl Niedermayer (Information Technology Services) and Brad Hagen (Faculty of Health Sciences), this trip to the snowy peaks of the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia was just that. This past August, the group participated in the inaugural summer mountaineering camp offered by the Southern Alberta Section of the Alpine Club of Canada. Their camp was perched on a rocky bench at 8,600ft., beside the spectacular commander glacier, and surrounded by 11,000-ft. peaks. The group got basic instruction on crevasse safety and rescue, snow and ice climbing, basic mountaineering and was
Gazing down upon the Lake of the Hanging Glaciers.
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able to climb several peaks during their six days of camp. The camp members were often tied together on the same climbing rope during the daytime, and had to work together to manage camp tasks during the evening – displaying the same kind of tremendous teamwork they show every day in their work at the University of Lethbridge. The local section of the Alpine Club of Canada has many U of L staff, faculty and students among its more than 130 members who enjoy a wide range of mountain activities. Those interested in joining the Southern Alberta Section of the Alpine Club of Canada can contact Hagen, the club Chair, at brad.hagen@uleth.ca.
SE P T E M B E R 2013
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
the Legend
Dr. Paul Vasey
Dr. Paul Vasey of the Department of Psychology.
Dr. Paul Vasey is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. He conducts cross-species and cross-cultural research to answer the question: If reproduction is the engine that drives evolution, why engage in nonconceptive sex? For the past decade he has done research on the development and evolution of female homosexual behavior in free-ranging Japanese monkeys at various sites in Japan. He also studies the development and evolution of male same-sex sexual attraction in humans at field sites in Samoa, Japan and Canada. Since 2003, he has worked in Samoa with members of the fa’afafine community – biological males who live “in the manner of a woman.” Vasey currently holds both a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada grant in addition to various grants from private funding agencies.
What first piqued your interest in your research discipline?
As a kid, I was always interested in nature documentaries. I remember when I was 13 or 14 watching one documentary on the evolution of iguanas and tor-
toises on the Galapagos Islands and it fascinated me. So, from a very early age, I was interested in understanding the world from an evolutionary perspective. I’m also gay, and same-sex sexuality doesn’t make a lot of sense, at least at first glance, from an evolutionary perspective. This led me to search for literature on the evolution of homosexuality. What I found was a lot of speculation but virtually no data. It seemed that everyone had an opinion on the topic, but no one wanted to do the work of hypothesis testing. So, for my doctoral research I studied female homosexual behavior in Japanese monkeys and after graduating from the Université de Montréal, I expanded this line of research by conducting fieldwork in Japan, which continues to this day with my Post-Doctoral Fellows, Drs. Jean-Baptiste Leca and Nöelle Gunst.
How is your research applicable in “the real world?”
There is an enormous amount of pubic debate about the nature of sexual and gender diversity. Is it “natural”? Is it “normal”? Should it be socially tolerated? Should members of sexual and gender minorities have human rights that are equal to those of the heterosexual majority?
So often these discussions occur in an information vacuum that is driven by personal politics and morals but divorced from any actual evidence. I go out into the real world and collect data about many of the issues that are being debated publically. In doing so, my research generates information about phenomenon related to sexual and gender diversity and furnishes a basis upon which an evidence-based understanding of these topics can be situated.
“I’d say most students in my lab have been foundational to my research efforts. The lab could never be as productive as it is were it not for the fact that I work with an extraordinary team.” DR. PAUL VASEY
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What is the greatest honour you have received in your career?
The greatest honour I have received in my career is having internationally renowned sex researchers, whose work I hold in the highest esteem, state that they consider my body of work to be of exceptional quality and importance. I’m talking about people like J. Michael Bailey, Anne Lawrence, Alice Dreger, and Alan Dixson, among others. I don’t think there is any greater honour than having the researchers you hold in such high esteem indicate that they consider your work a significant contribution to the field.
How important are students to your research endeavours?
I’d say most students in my lab have been foundational to my research efforts. The lab could never be as productive as it is were it not for the fact that I work with an extraordinary team of undergraduate students, graduate students and Post-Doctoral Fellows. Some of my former students have gone on to become medical doctors, take up postdoctoral fellowships at hospitals, pursue further graduate work in clinical psychology programs or undertake further research at places like Cambridge University. It’s been a privilege to work with all of them.
If you had unlimited funds, which areas of research would you invest?
I would like to build a Kinsey-style Sexuality Research Institute in Canada – one that does not downplay the importance of biology in human sexuality, yet at the same time does not ignore the importance of culture. Part of my goal in building such a research institute would be to help create jobs for young sex researchers in Canada. It has been said that Canada packs a punch far above its weight internationally in terms of the number of renowned sex researchers who make this country their home. Moreover, Canada has a political and social climate that is far more amenable to sex research than most other countries. Further, Canada has the funding systems in place to support such research and it has been demonstrated time and time again that sex research attracts large amounts of funding from multiple agencies when it is done properly. For a look at the entire catalog of 5 Questions With . . . features, check out the Office of Research Services website at www.uleth.ca/research/ research_profiles. If you’d like to be featured, contact Penny Pickles at pickpj@uleth.ca.
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alumni
New ULAA president looks to further engage alumni BY STACY SEGUIN
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he new University of Lethbridge Alumni Association president understands the value of a community. “I love growth, development and opportunity. Anything I can do to make things better for my community, for the University or my neighbourhood, I try to get involved in,” explains Grant Adamson (BSc ’03), who was elected as the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s 26th president in July. “Community involvement has been an unwritten part of my family philosophy forever; that goes back to growing up on a farm. Being on a farm is not a place where you can grow or develop on your own. You need community,” says Adamson. “About 10 years back we received a farm century award. It was pretty important to our family and community, but when I graduated from high school I wanted to see who I was away from the farm. Someone suggested I would be a good teacher, so I researched and found that the University of Lethbridge had an excellent program for teachers and chose to come to Lethbridge.” Adamson, however, discovered he had no desire to teach, so in his second year he switched his studies to biology. That same year, he developed a severe case of mononucleosis and was subsequently unable to take a full course load for the next several years. It was then that he truly experienced the fellowship and support found within the University community. “I was a very strong student academically going into university, but when I found myself suffering academically due to my health, I relied on services provided by the U of L. I sought out help when I needed it and I found it all over the place,” he says. “I became involved with the Organization of Residence Stu-
G E T T H E FA C T S Grant Adamson, with his wife Rebecca, at the University’s Donor Gala
• Adamson is very proud of his family connection to the U of L – his wife Rebecca (BA/ BEd ’99, MEd ’09), sister-inlaws Janet Adamson (BA/BEd ’00), Lauren Adamson (BSc ‘ 04) and brother Lowell Adamson (BSc ’04) are all a part of the alumni family • Adamson has been a member of the University Senate since 2011 • A former member of the board of directors for the Youth Federation of Canada, Adamson also serves as a construction volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, of which his wife is the organization’s local vice-chair
dents, the Students’ Union and the curling club. My residence experience was particularly impactful because I got to be a part of governance and make a difference, which I loved. I also met my wife Rebecca (BA/BEd ’99, MEd ’09) and her friend Janet, who would later become my sister-in-law. Being involved in extra-curricular activities was very fulfilling and kept me going until I was well enough to take on full course loads.” As he began to take more advanced theoretical courses, Adamson could not imagine himself being confined to working in labs for the rest of his life. He began to wonder if it was time to take a small turn in his academic direction once again. “After exiting from the Cstairwell on 7th, I’d always turned left toward the bio-tech labs. One day, I felt drawn to the geography
An artist’s conception of the new plaza area south of the Students’ Union Building.
labs so I turned right instead! I sat there for about an hour reading the presentation boards about the projects and research going on in the department. I saw displays about things I cared about and it played to my roots. That fall, I switched my program to geography. Finally, I could look to the future and visualize what my life would look like.” Adamson graduated in 2003 and began his career in the oil industry, working in environmental sciences. After the project he was working on shut down, he spent several years pursuing an interest in real estate investment, but his agricultural heritage always beckoned. In 2007, everything came together when Adamson began working with hybrid canola seed production at Monsanto Canada Inc. It was the perfect combination of biotechnology and agriculture all in one. Three years
later, Adamson accepted a position at Dow AgroSciences where he continues to work as their lead agronomist for canola seed production in southern Alberta, the Pacific Northwest and Chile. One of his secondary duties is liaising with the University, recruiting students to work with Dow AgroSciences as summer interns and potentially as long-term employees. “The hybrid canola seed industry relies heavily on student interns in the summer, as it is extremely busy during this season,” says Adamson, who is happy to support students through his work and as a member of the ULAA. “The University is a great supplier of excellent students who have a background in, or knowledge of, agriculture, or who are willing to learn about it.” Adamson became involved with the ULAA in 2005. He
PLAZA NEARS COMPLETION
also saw significant renovation work, with a floor slab replacement, as well as mechanical and life safety upgrades, including fire alarm and sprinkler upgrades. While much progress has been made, there remains work to be completed, meaning the tunnel will be closed until further notice. New concrete will be poured throughout the plaza site followed by sand blasting to create a unique texture in the concrete. The sand blasting process is expected to continue well into the Fall 2013 Semester. Pedestrians are asked to avoid this area during sand blasting as it is not only noisy, but also creates a messy and
The final phase of work on the south plaza (Students’ Union Building) is now underway. The project began in earnest earlier this summer with the demolition and removal of old concrete. Once the concrete was removed, the underground tunnel was exposed and work to the outer tunnel began. This included the installation of new water proofing and weeping tile, new backfill, as well as new sewer, water and gas lines. The interior of the tunnel
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• The 2013 ULAA Executive consists of Adamson as president, vice-president Randy Kobbert (BMgt ’86), past president Kathy Lewis (BN ’83, MEd ’99), treasurer Jason Baker (BMgt ’02) and secretary Sharon Malec (BEd ’73)
has served as a director, treasurer and vice-president and was elected as president in July. “I got involved with the association because I missed the connection with the University. Participation with the ULAA is a great way for alumni to foster and maintain that link. As part of the executive, I have seen the association become increasingly involved in the community and take on a more formal role. My goal is to lead the maturation and formality process. With 36,480 alumni coming of age in the workforce, we are at a tipping point. I encourage alumni to reconnect and get involved. We want to hear about your stories, your successes and your adventures.”
dusty environment. The area will also see the installation of a new ramp, street lighting and some minor landscaping with more complete landscaping to take place in spring 2014. There will be no plaza access during October convocation ceremonies. Access to buildings surrounding the site will remain as it is today. Please obey all detour signage. Bus routes have not yet returned to normal. A temporary bus stop is located in front of the library’s southwest entrance. Planned completion of the project is scheduled for November 2013.
SE P T E M B E R 2013
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U of L
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
L I V I N G W E L L AT T H E
in the groove Back
BY SUZANNE MCINTOSH
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ell, here we go again! I don’t know where the summer has gone, but every year it seems to fly by faster and faster. We are all gearing up for another academic year, which I am sure will prove to be busier than the last. Here are some tips on making sure you are taking care of yourself when coping with busy schedules, assisting students and other assorted stresses. Engage in physical activity Now is a great time to start/ renew/continue your fitness routine. Summer seems to be the time when I slack off a bit. Although the weather is great for walking, working in my yard and golfing, I am not as diligent at attending the gym. The arrival of September and a new schedule at the Fitness Centre recharges my enthusiasm. New classes have just begun, so make sure you check out the program schedule to see what might work for you. Here are some suggestions
HEALTH CENTRE EAGER TO HELP BY LORI WEBER Welcome to a year filled with exciting challenges and opportunities! September is always a vibrant and exciting month here at the University of Lethbridge. As I think about the upcoming year, my hope for the people of this community we call the U of L, is a year filled with good health. It is my belief that as human beings, we all have basic needs of health, safety and security that underpin our lives. The University of Lethbridge has been named “Medicine Rock” in the Blackfoot tradition, and as blessings are part of the Aboriginal traditions, here is my hope for all people who make up our community. • A vitality for life • Positive/supportive relationships that build you up • Nutritious foods and a body that is able to create energy from these foods • Sleep that rejuvenates you on a daily basis
that could help you make exercise a part of your life: 10 Tips for Staying with Your Exercise Program or How to Make Exercise a Life-long Commitment (Susan LoweWylde, kinesiologist, Alberta Healthy Living Program) 1. Know why you are exercising 2. Make a specific and realistic exercise plan 3. Keep an exercise record 4. Allow for some flexibility and forgiveness 5. Choose activities that you enjoy 6. Do lots of different activities 7. Find support 8. Dress the part 9. Be prepared for lapses (not exercising as planned) 10. Look forward to your exercise session For the full article, visit www.uleth.ca/hr/wellness.
Fun activities that make physical movement a joy • Healthy stress reducers that help you cope with your life issues • A positive attitude and feeling of success in your chosen profession, school activities, hobbies, sports or personal activities • A sense of balance in your life • An emotional and even physical resiliency that allows you to cope with life’s issues • An emotional intelligence that helps you understand other people, connect with others and manage your emotions (as well as create healthy boundaries) • A way of giving back to the community in gratitude for what you do have and the help you have received Of course, if assistance is needed, the University of Lethbridge has many ways to get help. Following is a listing of some of the departments on campus that may be of assistance. Lori Weber is the manager of the Health Centre •
Manage stress effectively Learn how to meditate, use deep breathing, practice yoga, pray, spend time in nature, write in a journal, and use humour. Talk to me about setting up a short presentation (25 minutes) for your team or department on stress management techniques and coping with change and transition. Take care of your body It is the only one you have! Try to make healthy food choices This should be easier this semester on campus. Aramark, the new food service provider to the U of L has opened the majority of its new facilities, and they offer a host of healthy information online at www. liveitgood.ca. On Campus Farmer’s Market The Student Success Centre is working to bring a one-time farmer’s market to campus. This will take place Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Grove. Hope you have a chance to check it out!
Health Check for U sessions These are FREE confidential health screenings featuring individualized health planning for employees. As well, if you are registered in the Health Check for U program, you can try a fitness class for free, sign up for 50% off basic program design, or schedule a tour of the fitness facilities and meet with the fitness centre supervisor. Learn to Run for SMOKERS! Check out this 8-week program that helps people get fit, learn to run or walk a 5K race. It begins Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA. Register at www.ns.lung.ca/learntorunforsmokers/ or contact Daniel. Devoy@albertahealthservices. ca or 403-381-5183. September Wellness Sessions We have one Wellness Session this month, Personal Directives, on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. in AH116. Grant Harker from the Office of the Public Guardian will present. Bring your lunch and join us! Suzanne McIntosh is the University’s wellness coordinator
the Legend
Sagrika Mehak is representing Canada at the Miss Tourism Pageant in 2014.
STUDENT USES PLATFORM WELL Sagrika Mehak, a fourthyear international management major, doesn’t know a word of Polish, but that isn’t stopping her from spending the coming academic term in Poznan, Poland on an international exchange through the Faculty of Management. Mehak, 21, is also the Canadian representative to the worldwide Miss Tourism Pageant (www.facebook.com/ sagrika.misscanadaT) competition in Memphis, TN in 2014. Mehak has parlayed her interest in pageants into a fulltime job of sorts, and has used those experiences to add to her personal development toolkit. “I am very proud to represent Canada and Lethbridge, and draw attention to our community on a world stage,” says Mehak, adding that participating in pageants while continuing with her education has been tough, but helpful. “The platform I have chosen to pursue during my term is anti-bullying and self-esteem,” she says. “Bringing this issue forward will hopefully make a difference either for someone who is being bullied or someone who is the bully. I really want to encourage people to embrace each other’s differences.”
University of Lethbridge Health Centre
403-329-2484
University of Lethbridge Counselling Services (Students)
403-317-2845
University of Lethbridge Wellness Services (Employee Health)
403-332-5217
Employee and Family Assistance Program (counselling services for employees)
www.homewoodhumansolutions.com
Personal Security Consultants
www.uleth.ca/personalsecurity/need-help
ONLINE NEWS
Human Resources (Employees)
403-329-2274
CONTINUED FROM PG. 1
Registrar’s Office & Student Services
403-320-5700
Security office
403-329-2603 (Emergency 403-329-2345)
Risk and Safety Services
403-382-7176
Report Accidents/Incidents and Near Misses
www.uleth.ca/hum/riskandsafetyservices/cair/
Disabilities Resource Centre
403-329-2766
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Your story ideas, campus kudos and queries are always welcome (communications@ uleth.ca). It is an exciting time at the University of Lethbridge, and while the way in which we communicate continues to evolve, our values will not. We will always strive to inform our communities, both internal and external, about the integral role the U of L plays in society, celebrating its people and its successes as Alberta’s Destination University.
the Legend
SE P T E M B E R 2013
RRP finds Success I
t’s been nearly three years since the Recruitment and Retention Project team was established, and over that time a number of studentfocused initiatives have been put in motion. To date, there have been 13 projects delivered or in the process of being delivered. Responding to the needs recommended by student associations, units on campus, as well as many learner focus groups, this collaborative team has provided a rich environment of ideas to be acted upon in the pursuit of serving learners, helping create a real sense of community and support on campus that aligns with President Dr. Mike Mahon’s vision of a destination university. “The RRP team’s energy, dedication and commitment in guiding and delivering these innovative projects focused on the recruitment and retention of our students is outstanding,” says University Provost and Vice President (Academic), Dr. Andrew Hakin. As the University opens the Fall 2013 Semester, four more projects are moving forward, all examples of the co-operative effort that has been a hallmark of the RRP mission: • The introduction of an online graduate application process under the leadership of Alice Miller (Admissions) has put to rest a timely, labour-intensive paper application system and help streamline the manner in which students apply for graduate school. • Predictive Modeling, under the leadership of Mandy Moser (Institutional Analysis) for early intervention with an applicant to enrolment model, as well as a student retention model to aid Faculties and campus services to direct their future actions with greater efficiency and effectiveness, thereby increasing the likelihood of student success.
• The business case and analysis for new housing led to the opening of Mt. Blakiston House this fall, the newest campus residence building, directly targeted at retaining learners into their second year and beyond, all the while freeing up additional rooms for first-year learners. • With the guidance of James Graham (New Media), the innovative online virtual campus environment created by the RAVE project will be introduced this fall, allowing users to virtually visit campus in a 3D environment. It allows peopl to get a look at all of the University’s facilities and services, granting users a sense of the campus community available to them. “The entire Recruitment and Retention project has been very collaborative from the beginning,” says Heather Mirau, director Integrated Planning. “The RRP team and the University community have all been fantastic, and the spirit I’ve encountered while working on these projects has been fabulous. It’s the students who benefit from this work, and that has been the goal of this project from day one.” Mirau credits the success of the Recruitment and Retention Project due to the strong support from students, faculty and staff, and senior leaders. Much change has taken place in just a few years with nine initiatives piloted (four more are in the process of being delivered), which is testament to the broad support the project has received. “I look at the Game Day Shirt project under the leadership of Trevor Flexhaug that grew out of work from the Enhancing Community & School Spirit subject matter team,” says Mirau. “The project team thought a great way to enhance Pronghorn pride on campus would be to encourage faculty, staff and students to wear Game Day Shirts on the day of Pronghorn Athletics games.
It started small and now we have a number of campus units requesting shirts so that they too can take part.” While some of the projects are focused on pride building, others are academically focused, such as the introduction of the Liberal Education 2850 course. Described as “Mapping Self, Career, Campus, Community”, the course was introduced as a pilot for the Spring 2013 semester and went over extremely well with students. Designed to help students with the transition to university life, it provides an active learning component focussing on the U of L’s student resources, including those that are imperative in supporting student success from their first semester through to graduation.
“There’s been a real emphasis on talking to our learners and finding out what supports they need to be successful.” HEATHER MIRAU
“It was very encouraging to see the positive comments students had for the LBED 2850 class,” says project team leader, Dan Kazakoff (Management). “It was evident that many students appreciated the exposure to the value of our liberal education foundation and the many support services that are at the University of Lethbridge to help them reach their goals. The key in the future will be to learn from the pilot class and expand the number of first-year students exposed to such an endeavour. A big thank you to Dr. Jan Newberry who taught the pilot class.”
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The reworking of the Writing Centre within the Academic Writing Program provides students with a wider base of support within a multi-disciplinary approach. “The greater level of support and expertise now enables writing skills and methods to be targeted to the various disciplines and needs of students,” says Dr. Cliff Lobe, coordinator of the Academic Writing Program. The academic support project led by Dr. Heidi MacDonald (History) provided further emphasis on tutoring and learning strategists. This project resulted in several professors piloting the very successful visit from campus service professionals to their classes and the establishment of the 24-hour Collaborative Learning Centre (W650). Other initiatives established through the Recruitment and Retention Project include the Learning Circles pilot project under the leadership of Dr. Craig Milner, the introduction of a Campus Information Services outlet, a campus service web page design, a services for students web page providing one online location for student support connections, and a Fun With Math program created through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science with leadership from Dr. Hadi Kharaghani. Other project proposals have received approval for delivery over the next year. “There’s been a real emphasis on talking to our learners and finding out what supports they need to be successful,” says Mirau. “We are trying to give them every opportunity to find that success. It starts with getting them engaged with our community the day they walk through the front door and then reinforcing those supports as they work their way through to graduation.” For a look at the RRP team and for more on the project, visit www.uleth.ca/ recruitment-retention.
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
COMMUNITY RALLIES TO ASSIST LIBRARY BY JESSE MALINSKY The summer of 2013 marked one of the most significant events in the University of Lethbridge Library’s history. As anyone that works in the Library Information Network Centre (LINC), University Centre for the Arts (UCA) and University Hall knows, Thursday, June 6 was the beginning of a trying time for the departments that reside in those structures. During excavation work on the south plaza outside the Students’ Union Building (SUB) a waterline was broken. Quick work staved off the initial deluge, but a temporary dam eventually broke – sending thousands of litres of water down the tunnel that connects the SUB to the LINC. The force of the built up water pushed a wave through the LINC tunnel, into the UCA and beyond. The library’s collections were largely spared due to the raised floor that supports power and communication cables on Level 9. Though collections did not receive direct water damage, humidity levels in the building rose rapidly and collections began to absorb the excess moisture in the air. Cockling, the warping and wrinkling of materials such as paper, was the result. Not only were physical collections endangered, but digital assets were also threatened. Assets such as the Blackfoot Digital Library, the Encore search engine and the Library’s website were temporarily offline. What followed over the days and weeks was a co-ordinated effort by the University’s Department of Facilities, Information Technology Services and the University Library to preserve all assets and return the facility to some level of service as soon as possible. From June 12-19, library staff co-ordinated restoration crews in the moving of more than 180,000 items of material from Level 9 to Level 10 of the facility – enabling the remediation process to begin. For its part, the library tried to normalize operations as soon as possible by providing computing and study space for patrons. Ongoing and steady restoration efforts throughout the summer months saw the return of the collections to Level 9 and access returned to patrons. “While flooding and libraries really don’t mix, there were some positive outcomes to this event – the library has been able to reconfigure floor space on Level 9 adding additional book stacks, reconfiguring the layout of electrical and data cabling and adjusting the positioning of student study spaces,” says Wendy Merkley, associate University librarian. For Dr. Chris Nicol, University librarian, the entire episode was truly a learning experience. “As Wendy mentioned, this was not an overall positive event; however, it did give me an opportunity to learn a lot more about our operations at a faster pace,” says Nicol. “I also had the opportunity to work with many dedicated library staff, as well as highly committed staff from several other areas of the University, including Facilities and Information Technology, who played a huge role in returning us to operational conditions.” The flood event was one that the University community could have gone without, but it demonstrated the solidarity of the community. Volunteers from all levels of the U of L and external partners in the library community were eager to provide assistance. The concern expressed by the community was greatly appreciated and now that the library is fully operational, the entire staff is looking forward to the fall semester.
SE P T E M B E R 2013
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
NEW MEDIA SERIES BEGINS Anyone who enjoys a good movie is sure to love the free New Media Film Series, which this year has twice the offerings. It’s the perfect opportunity to watch and talk about great films as this series presents an eclectic and enjoyable array of award winning movies from September through April. “The evenings start with an introductory lecture by a guest faculty member to discuss points of interest in the film and what to look for when we watch it. A Q & A then follows the film,” says Aaron Taylor, New Media Film Series coordinator. “We expect it to be as interesting and engaging as last year’s series.” Taylor hosts the first offering, Holy Motors, on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre. “Made in 2012, Holy Motors is a joyous, raucous tribute to film acting with Denis Lavant playing a mysterious man who is driven by limo from one strange occurrence to another,” says Taylor. “Holy Motors won the Award of the Youth at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.” Beth Gerwin (Modern Languages) will host the second movie event, Sept. 30. The Gleaner and I (2000) is a documentary about poverty, thrift and the curious place of scavenging in French culture. French New Wave pioneer, Agnès Varda, depicts the world of gleaners who collect and make use of what others have discarded. This movie won the 2002 National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Documentary. Film aficionados can look forward to more great films during the series including Sunset Boulevard (1950), Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927), The Women on the 6th Floor (2010), and We Need to Talk about Kevin (2011). Get a complete schedule for the New Media Film Series at uleth.ca/finearts/events. Admission is always free!
FACULTY SERIES A REAL TREAT With concerts that range from a spellbinding performance of Russian post-Romantic music to an internationally renowned violist and contemporary chamber music performed by Montreal’s In Extensio, the Faculty Artists and Friends Series provides one of the most diverse
Disaster, chaos and discovery V
irus plagues city, thousands quarantined, food shortages expected . . . When disaster strikes and chaos spreads, the lines of society may be redrawn, flipped upside down, or erased all together. Down From Heaven by Colleen Wagner explores the power struggles and relationships that either grow or break when the world changes for the worse. The first production in this year’s TheatreXtra’s season, Down From Heaven plays Sept. 26-28 at 8 p.m. nightly, with a 2 p.m. matinée on Sept. 28 in the David Spinks Theatre. This deeply introspective drama is sure to provoke and entice audiences. Directed by third-year BFA Dramatic arts major Erinn Watson, this is a play she envisioned being a part of since reading it during her course work.
Down From Heaven plays Sept. 26-28 in the David Spinks Theatre.
“There’s a moment in the script where two characters are talking to each other through a metal grate, and I could see it so clearly, I knew I wanted to direct it and so proposed it
for TheatreXtra’s season,” says Watson. Inspired by the SARS outbreak in 2003, Canadian playwright Colleen Wagner’s play revolves around a small fictional
family, trapped in its basement due to an international virus outbreak. Without access to information or food, beyond what their gardener-turned-secret policeman is willing to provide them, the family struggles to survive. The play has mature content. “The events that occur in the play could happen tomorrow, next week or a year from now,” muses Watson. “Disaster will strike someday and this play strikes at what I think a lot of us fear greatly: having no control over our own situation, and being forced to rely on someone we are not sure we can trust.” Tickets for TheatreXtra’s first production of the season are available at the University Box Office (open Monday to Friday 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616). Individual tickets are priced at $12 regular admission, $10 seniors/alumni and $8 students.
HUMOUR IS NO ACCIDENT WITH THIS GROUP Faculty of Fine Arts graduates are putting their education to work and bringing to campus a night of hilarious, mindbending entertainment with an edgy and creative production of Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin by Amos Altman, presented by the Accidental Humour Co. At the University Theatre from Sept. 12-14 at 8 p.m. nightly, poor Jim McCrackin’s tale of mistaken identity and mess of personal attachments sends him into a whirlwind of problems. Accidental Humour Co. is a collective of artists, actors, writers, designers and dreamers. Together, they create hilarious, exciting and innovative theatre productions, which blend liveaction antics with high-octane video projection. This year’s production is touring Calgary, Stettler, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. The core members of Accidental Humour Co., all of whom have earned a BFA Dramatic Arts at the U of L, are: Kimber-
music series in the city. “We are featuring a nice mix of faculty performers and guest artists, including a number of exciting collaborations,” says Dr. Paul Sanden, organizing committee member. “For instance, long-time Lethbridge musician and faculty member, Dale Ketcheson, is presenting an evening of music featuring several of his musical friends and collaborators from the commu-
The Accidental Humour Co. hits campus Sept. 12-14 with Happy Whackin’ Jim McCracken.
lee Stadelmann (’06), William Banfield (’06), Cliff Kelly (’07), Brent Felzien (’06), and Neil LeGrandeur (’06). Fellow Alumnus Amos Altman (BA ’04, BFA ’05) wrote the play. The company prides itself on creating completely original productions that blend live theatre and films together, which often parody different film genres.
nity on Oct. 19. On Dec. 6, music department Chair Dr. Deanna Oye performs with 2013 U of L honourary degree recipient and violist, Rivka Golani, in a special fundraising concert in support of student scholarships. Taken as a whole, the Faculty Artists and Friends Series offers audiences an incredibly diverse range of musical experiences this year. “One of the greatest strengths of this series is that it
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“This year, we decided to remount our second production, Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin, for two major reasons,” says Stadelmann, stage manager and costume designer. “First, it is our only production that only toured two cities during its first run, and secondly, the company is already hard at work on a sequel for Jim McCrackin’ for 2014.”
brings to Lethbridge a musical diversity hard to find elsewhere. While each concert is incredibly rewarding in and of itself, the entire series of five concerts offers listeners an even richer and deeper musical experience,” says Sanden. Tickets for Faculty Artists and Friends Series concerts are available at the University Box Office.
Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin played to sold-out houses at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and received a five-star rating in a review by Jen Hoyer of See Magazine. Tickets are available at the University Box Office, and are priced at $15 regular admission, $12 students. Tickets are also available online: uleth.ca/ tickets.
Concert Series • Oct 19: Dale Ketcheson & Friends • Dec. 6: Rivka Golani Scholarship Concert • Feb. 15: Peter Visentin & Friends: From Russia with Love and Despair • March 8: In Extensio: Wings, Spaces & Cadenzas
Fred’s Art Collection Favourites: (Top) John C. Forbes, Still Life with Melons, 1900. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Purchased in 1984 with funds provided by the Alberta Endowment Fund.
Fred Greene grew up in Calgary, Alta. and spent the first 20 years of his career as a conservator with organizations including the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the Centro di Conservazione Archeologica (Italy) and the Conservation Department at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary. Greene travelled extensively, working on ancient sites and with collections of cultural objects throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa and the former Soviet Union. Upon settling in Lethbridge, Greene completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Lethbridge in 1998, and began working as the administrative manager of the U of L Art Gallery the following year.
(Bottom) Ronald J. Spickett, Horses in Motion (a), 1967. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Canaccord Capital Corporation, 1995.
Greene’s focus, energy and vast conservation knowledge have increased the quality of care and management of the University’s art collection, and he was instrumental in the development of the online database that allows digital access to nearly 14,000 collection artworks. Greene is an enthusiastic ambassador for the Art Gallery and the University as a whole, and has been dedicated to supporting students’ interdisciplinary education and interaction with works of art. When Greene retires on Sept. 18, people across campus will miss his cheerful greetings in the halls, stories of exotic locales and discussions of the best eateries in Rome. Please join the staff of the Art Gallery for Coffee’s On Fred – a coffee break retirement celebration, 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18 in the University Theatre Lobby (W500). A Salute to Fred begins at 9:45 a.m.
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