TheLegend_0902_October2009

OCTOBER 2009

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VOLUME 9

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ISSUE TWO

Bidding farewell to an icon

the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

University rests easy with new Security boss O’Keeffe

Charlene Janes introduces the International Cafe

Hall returns to boost Pronghorn pride

Dawna Coslovi, the daughter of Dr. Yosh Senda, gives the eulogy during her father’s memorial service, Sept. 19 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. A large audience paid tribute to the man generally regarded as the most influential practitioner of judo in the country. For more on the Dr. Yoshio and Florence Senda Scholarship Fund, see Pg. 4.

weeks looks at taking research to new heights

GR AD UATE S TU DIE S By TREVOR KENNEY A Ste r l i ng Celebrating 25Pa s t, A G o lde n Fut ure

years of Grad Studies

The U of L Legend is published monthly during the academic year by the communications unit within University Advancement. Submissions, comments and story ideas are always welcome. The Legend reserves the right to refuse any submitted advertisement. The Legend can be found online at www.uleth.ca/unews/ legend. Next content deadline is Oct. 23, 2009.

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 Chester Contrib u tors: Abby Allen, Amanda Berg, Diane Britton, Bob Cooney, Jane Edmundson, Jana McFarland, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Glenda Moulton, Stacy Seguin, Katherine Wasiak and Bernie Wirzba

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

Dr. Daniel J. Weeks knows he’s inherited a very good situation as the new vice-president (research) for the University of Lethbridge.

He also understands that, as far as the University has progressed as a research institution, only the surface has been scratched.

“The University has established a worldrenowned reputation in specific areas such as neuroscience, epigenetics and water research and I’m committed to trying to reach out to all parts of the University with respect to research,” says Weeks. “We have yet to really showcase our people in health sciences, the arts, social sciences and the humanities and their time is now and it’s my job to do that.”

Weeks comes to the U of L after more than a decade at Simon Fraser University, where he was professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, and operator of the Psychomotor Behaviour Laboratory located on the Burnaby campus.

He looks at the U of L as an incredible opportunity.

“Part of the lure for me has to do with the fact that my own strengths, with a background in psychology, kinesiology and

get T H E FA C T S • A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., he earned his undergraduate degree at Windsor University, a master’s at McMaster University, his PhD from Auburn University and did his post-doctoral work at Purdue University.

• An avid sailor, Weeks owns a sailboat that he takes out on the waters of the Georgia Strait. He just welcomed his dog, a sheltie, to Alberta after friends were able to bring her out from the west coast.

• New to the workings of post-secondary education in Alberta, he says he’s amazed at the interaction between the provincial government and the U of L. “There is a great interplay between government and higher education. Everything here is an Alberta strategy, whereas in other jurisdictions it’s more a university strategy. Here, it’s how does the University’s priorities fit into where the province wants to go?” to some degree neuroscience, seem to match up well with the current strengths here,” he says. continued on pg. 2

Retirement plan utilized

By BOB COONEY As the University of Lethbridge moves through its budget cycle, U of L administrators say they are moving forward with alternate budget planning and the implementation of a voluntary retirement program, among other ideas, to save money over the next two fiscal years.

“We are still waiting for a response from the government on the level of funding we hope to receive,” says Karen Clearwater, associate vice-president, financial planning.

“We have been told at this time to expect only our base funding with no increases for the next two years, and that is what we have been planning for.

This leaves us with approximately $147 million per year to operate the University, but also an estimated $5 million in shortfalls in 2010-2011, and an additional $6 million in 20112012. Although the government’s Budget 2009 calls for no increases in post-secondary funding, there is still a gap in the provincial budget that needs to be dealt with. A meeting has been called with all post-secondary institution presidents and board chairs in Edmonton on Oct. 6. We hope to know more after this meeting.”

“We began planning for a deficit budget since the spring, and are still in the preliminary stages of the budget which will be approved by the Board of Governors in March 2010,” Clearwater adds. continued on pg. 3

the Legend

OCTOBER 2009

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

the billboard

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

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his past spring, the University held a town hall meeting for staff and faculty to address issues surrounding the economic downturn and an expected shortfall in the provincial operating grant.

At that time, much of what we talked about was based on speculation and an expectation that the provincial funding grant increases for the years 2010 and 2011 would come in at zero per cent.

As you read this Billboard, senior administration has just returned from a meeting in Edmonton with Education Minister, Hon. Dave Hancock. He invited the board of governor

Chairs and presidents from the province’s post-secondary institutions to discuss the state of the provincial budget and what the allocations will be to the postsecondary system.

Now that we have this information, I invite everyone to attend the Friday, Oct. 9, Town Hall Meeting so that we may discuss the University’s financial situation further. The feedback from the previous town hall was generally positive and some very good ideas were generated as a result. I expect Friday’s town hall will be just as beneficial.

The University just recently unveiled a Voluntary Retirement Program as one measure aimed at alleviating some of the financial

stress on our operating budget. It is hard to say what impact this initiative will have but it has already received a number of inquiries.

The nature of our organization, as with any educational institution, is that salaries make up the majority of the operating budget and all avenues are being explored to best handle the expected shortfall in provincial funding.

The University celebrated a major event last month with the grand opening of the new Community Sports Stadium. The festivities were spectacular by any measure. I’m still thrilled by the Friday night football games featuring four of our local high school programs. I have no rooting interest in any of these teams and yet I

team approach will advance research interests continued from pg. 1 “What sold me completely on this place is when I came for an interview and met the senior administration team. They are fantastic and truly operate with a team mentality. My impression is they aren’t so much worried about their own individual accomplishments as they are concerned about the University of Lethbridge doing well, and that told me I could get something accomplished here.”

“There’s a balance between trying to stay small but thinking big.”

Dr. Daniel J. Weeks

His successes at Simon Fraser, where he guided a research portfolio that grew 10-fold during his tenure, mirror the groundbreaking growth that his predecessor, Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick, achieved at the U of L. Now, Weeks will strive to build on that foundation.

“These are big shoes to fill, Dennis has done a phenomenal job,” Weeks says. “I think he did what was so necessary at the time, carving out niche areas of strength, for which Lethbridge now is both a national and inter-

was swept up in the emotion of the evening. The traffic, the people, the spirit of the stadium was truly alive. Our own Pronghorn teams then carried that momentum over into Saturday, making it a very memorable weekend.

Another good news story this month is the realization of our largest enrolment figure to date.

At 8,248 students, we are well ahead of last year’s Fall Semester numbers, which is a testament to the hard work of many University departments. At one point, projected enrolment saw us at a 17 per cent decline from the previous year, but as is the nature of the U of L, a concentrated interdepartmental effort tackled the challenge and produced wonder-

CAMPUS

kudos

Dr. Noella Piquette-Tomei (Education) is one of 400 participants worldwide who will attend the Global Conference on Inclusive Education, Oct. 21-23 in Salamanca, Spain.

She, along with her colleagues, will be writing the position paper for the United Nations over the three-day event. PiquetteTomei is one of only three Canadians attending.

Dr. Daniel J. Weeks is excited about the opportunities at the U of L.

national player.

“We’re at a point in our development where there’s enough expertise distributed across campus that I don’t need to get out in front of these initiatives, rather I need to facilitate the fantastic people who have been hired.”

While post-secondary education across the country struggles with the reality of difficult economic times, Weeks says the U of L is uniquely prepared for such challenges and will not pull back to protect its assets.

Furthermore, well-designed growth is sustainable through any economic difficulty.

“Lethbridge has been very mindful and very careful in its growth, and it has been solid growth,” says Weeks. “The

economy is tough, but I think we’re going to come out the other side of this a better institution.”

He likes where the University is in its development, still young and small enough to react quickly to changing circumstance but on the verge of something much broader.

“I think we’re right on an interesting tipping point. We probably grew and got to the place we are by being more of a nimble, handshake kind of place. We’re at the point now where we need the kinds of policies and practices that allow us to move into that larger university role, because we’re right there,” Weeks says.

“There’s a balance between trying to stay small but thinking big.”

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ful results.

Congratulations to Dr. Reg Bibby, recently honoured by the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA) with the CAFA Distinguished Academic Award for 2009. One of our most recognized faculty members due to his groundbreaking and oft-cited research interests, this honour is well deserved.

I am looking forward to celebrating another graduating class at the Fall 2009 Convocation later this month. With Son Soubert and Paul Brandt here to receive honorary degrees, as well as the return of our first Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Cheryl Misak, as the Alumna of the Year, it promises to be a prominent event.

Ron Chambers’ (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) play Marg Szkaluba (Pissy’s Wife) is presented by New West Theatre until Oct. 10. Several fine arts alumni and staff are involved in the production, including actor Erica Hunt, BFA (Dramatic Arts); director Lindsey ZessFunk, BFA (Dramatic Arts); set designer Ian McFarlane, BFA (Multidisciplinary); and sound designer Kelly Roberts (Theatre & Dramatic Arts staff).

Gerard Gibbs (Conservatory of Music) General/Executive Director of the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod, received the Innovation Award at the 2009 Rozsa Arts Management Awards in conjunction with Alberta Arts Days.

Don Gill’s (Art) exhibition The New Flâneurs: Contemporary Urban Practice and the Picturesque is at the Art

Gallery of Alberta until Dec. 13. This exhibition in the RBC New Works Gallery is inspired by street cultures like parkour, graffiti and skateboarding, and relates them to contemporary art and historical work from the AGA’s permanent collection.

Mary-Anne McTrowe (Art) has two exhibitions going on this fall, Crocheting the Database at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Oct. 9 through Nov. 22, and Decorate and Protect at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Nov. 28 through Jan. 17, 2010. While in Victoria for the opening of her exhibition, McTrowe is speaking at Camosun College as part of their visiting artist lecture series.

Dr. Arlan Schultz (Music) did a summer residency at the Center for Research in Computing and the Arts at UC San Diego in La Jolla, California.

Schultz was engaged in research at CRCA’s large-speaker array audio spatialization lab where he designed and tested computer algorithms that spatialize (in 6 to 9 channels) live or recorded audio and interact with live performers in real-time.

OCTOBER 2009

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the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

GR ADUATE STUDIES A Ster ling Past, A G olden Fu t u re

In good hands with O’Keeffe

Celebrating an anniversary It’s been 25 years since the debut of graduate studies at the University of Lethbridge and while the programming has expanded to touch all areas of campus, the basic tenets of graduate education have remained the same.

As the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) celebrates its silver anniversary with the slogan, A Sterling Past, A Golden Future, it offers the opportunity to delve into the school’s beginnings and see how they are reflected in an unfolding future.

A total of 12 students were admitted into the University’s first-ever grad studies program, offered in 1984 through the Faculty of Education.

Paul Hawryluk and Irwin Warkenten were the first two graduates from the SGS. They were promised a program focused on professional development, the foundations of education and research. With elective courses designed to allow students to customize their programs to suit individual goals and interests, flexibility was a major draw.

“I taught for 15 years before going back to school, and the program really validated my experiences and my own expertise,” Hawryluk says. “I never intended to go on to do a PhD, but I did, directly as a result of the great experience I had at the U of L.” Warkenten looked to the SGS as an opportunity to invigorate his career.

“The grad program gave me the tools to take my career to another level,” he says. “The courses energized me. They re-instilled my belief in teaching.

If I hadn’t taken the program, I’m not sure I would have stayed in the profession.”

It is 25 years later and the SGS has stuck to its roots, striving to maintain a very interactive educational experience.

“We are a school on a personal scale: whatever program you choose, we offer close interaction between faculty and graduate students,” says Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske. “We recruit faculty and students from around the world, enhancing learning experiences through cultural diversity and intellectual breadth.”

That is what drew Mandy Espezel to the U of L. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Espezel is among the first class of students pursuing the new Master of Fine Arts degree.

“The Faculty of Fine Arts is staffed with excellent professors, there are fantastic facilities and technical support, and there is an extremely active and well supported contemporary art community here,” she says. “Having these resources for my professional development is wonderful.”

Acacia Doktorchik is studying in the new Master of Music program and sees the addition of grad studies in the Faculty of Fine Arts as a benefit to both students and the University as a whole.

“This is just another opportunity where people can come and study with some of the best musicians in Canada,” she says. “There are many opportunities for performance here, and at the same time the academics are still very important. This is an aspect that I really like because it will give me the performance experience I need as well as the academic knowledge behind it.”

The School of Graduate Studies continues to evolve but always with a keen eye to its beginnings.

town hall meeting, oct. 9 continued from pg. 1 “In the last Legend story (June 2009) I indicated that we had a three-stage plan.

That plan involved a re-examination of our current budget, a move to find cost savings through University-wide initiatives like the Voluntary Retirement Program, not filling all vacated positions and finally, after thorough review, we would move to reduce the budget shortfall by asking units to reduce their budgets through reductions to positions, programs or nonessential services.”

Clearwater says she and other officials are meeting regularly with senior administrators, deans and directors to further

discuss options. Meetings have been held with the AUPE and ULFA executives to make them aware of the budget situation.

In the interim, Clearwater says the U of L has introduced some operational changes and a voluntary retirement program for employees or faculty members with more than 20 years of continuous service.

“There are an estimated 200 individuals who potentially meet the eligibility requirements of this initiative,” Clearwater says.

“I can’t impress enough on people that we’re making a real effort to find ways to operate the University in a manner that doesn’t affect our students, and allows as many people as possible to retain their jobs.”

John O’Keeffe, fresh out of the British military, is making Canada his permanent home.

By TREVOR KENNEY

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or many of us, the only interaction we have with the University of Lethbridge security force is on the wrong end of a parking violation, when in fact Security and Parking is so much more. For John O’Keeffe, who has seen action in some of the world’s most troubled regions, the ability to handle this political landmine comes from experience with the real thing.

“It’s too bad that a lot of the good things we do get forgotten when we hand out a parking citation,” O’Keeffe, the University of Lethbridge’s new director of Security and Parking, says with a laugh.

“I would like to keep reminding people we are a community-based service, that’s my big goal, for us not to be seen as just a parking service.”

O’Keeffe comes to the University fresh out of the British military, where he served for 23 years. Stationed at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield the last four years, he retired from active service to seek a permanent home in Canada.

He assumes the role left

by Randy Joseph, and while heading up a military police detachment might not seem parallel to running a university security office, O’Keeffe says the two organizations are strikingly similar.

“There are many parts of this job and the university life that are very similar to military life,” he explains. “Here, we are in a hierarchical structure

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get T H E FA C T S • O’Keeffe’s wife Amanda is a paralegal and they own a twoyear old German shepherd, Ben. • He has been commuting to the U of L daily from Medicine Hat. • O’Keeffe was born in Sheffield, a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Sheffield gained its reputation for its steel production in the 19th century.

• Stationed at CFB Suffield, O’Keeffe’s military police looked over a base considered the largest in the Commonwealth at 2,962 square kilometers.

• O’Keeffe on staying in Canada upon retiring from the military, “If I was to tie it up into one thing it would be the quality of life. I think everybody has opportunity within Canada and that’s the biggest plus for me.”

with someone at the top who is the boss and there are different organizations below, all with their own responsibilities. The military is very much the same.

“Our deans and professors are in the officer ranks and the others are almost like the soldiers, working in the background making things happen.”

A non-commissioned soldier, O’Keeffe joined the military as a 16-year old for

what he expected would be a three-year term. It turned into a career that took him to every continent on the planet but Antarctica. His tours included highlight postings in Hong Kong, Kenya and Australia, as well as numerous stops in Europe. He also served on United Nations forces in locales such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, eventually retiring on pre-selection to the position of Regimental Sergeant Major, the highest rank for a non-commissioned soldier.

“I’ve seen my fair share of good and bad,” he says.

Reviewing the campus emergency response plan is a key priority for O’Keeffe, but just learning the unique terminology of the job, as well as introducing himself to the many units on campus has dominated his time.

“I still have to establish myself within the organization and get people to understand how I work,” he says. “The biggest thing I’ve got to do is convince people that I’m not Randy and we have our different workings.

We both strive toward the end result but we’re going to probably do it different ways.”

He admits his interview for the University posting was the first of his life and was not exactly sure how it should be approached. Walking away he felt good, and not just about his performance.

“I remember thinking it would be upsetting if I didn’t get the job but more than anything, I’d be really disappointed if I didn’t get to work with the people I’d met,” he says.

the Legend

OCTOBER 2009

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

A tribute to Dr. Senda

connections Global

Dr. Yosh Senda and his loving wife Florence.

Charlene Janes, far right, enjoys a lunch with some of her international students.

international cafe breaks barriers

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t’s amazing the effect candles on a birthday cake can have when you’re thousands of miles away from home.

Charlene Janes knows what even the smallest touches can do for a student seeking to belong in a new country. As international liaison officer for the International Centre for Students, Janes sees the challenges that international students face when studying in a foreign country. Any chance she has to stem some of the anxiety they experience, she seizes.

Out of that desire, the International Café was born in the spring of 2009.

“The idea was to provide a casual and comfortable setting for our international students that encourages them to get to know each other and develop friendships,” says Janes. “It gives them the chance to ask their advisors or any guests at the Café questions in an informal setting and hopefully breaks

down some barriers in the process.”

The International Café is held once a month (the last Friday) for the first three months of each semester. Janes books Anderson Hall (AH100) for a twohour block and students have the opportunity to mingle with their fellow international students as well as guests from the various resource units on campus.

“We do it in AH100 because it has some couches and is much more informal than a classroom setting,” says Janes.

“The first few events we’ve held, I’ve invited staff from Counselling Services, the Health Centre, Arts & Science Academic Advising and so on to try and help develop some awareness with the students of all the resources and services available to them here on campus.”

In September, the International Café was attended by students from Belize, Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, China, United Kingdom, the United States, Norway,

Malaysia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, St. Lucia, Dominica, Bahamas, Pakistan and Kenya.

The Café features birthday celebrations for those who’ve had a birthday in the previous month, while also recognizing major holidays and celebrations that have occurred in the students’ country of residence.

“We are just trying to reduce some of the loneliness they can experience by recognizing and celebrating the events they may have left behind in their home country,” says Janes. “At the same time, we hope to develop their awareness of the various resources and services available to them on campus.

“I also anticipate that such a program can enhance awareness amongst the broader University community of the many obstacles, successes, hopes and dreams of our international students. They really are an amazing group and add so much to our campus.”

This fall, the University of Lethbridge launches a new magazine, SAM, which stands for Southern Alberta Magazine.

SAM serves as a testament to the impact the U of L has on southern Alberta and shares the stories of all those who contribute to the University.

As a name, Sam was the first official president of the University of Lethbridge – W. A. S. (Sam) Smith. Smith was a founding member of the University and demonstrated an innovative spirit that is still very much a part of everything the University does today.

On Sept. 9, 2009, the U of L community was saddened by the loss of a valued member of its family, Dr. Yosh Senda (LLB ’89).

His life stands as a testament to the difference one person can make.

Dr. Senda is especially remembered as a passionate supporter of judo. With a ninth degree black belt, he was the highest-ranking judo black belt in Canada and is credited for the strong tradition of judo in Lethbridge and at the University.

He represented the sport at every level and gained international recognition for his successful teaching methods.

His many students will recall the quiet, humble approach to the sport taken by this soft-spoken giant of Canadian judo. Dr. Senda’s attitude to the sport, and to life generally, is best described by his own philosophy: “You can better yourself by always showing respect for others, and to always give it your best in whatever you do.”

In addition to a long list of awards and accomplishments, Dr. Senda was awarded the Order of Canada in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to the development and expansion of judo in Canada for more than five decades.

His many years of instruc-

tion and his long list of personal achievements have touched people across Canada and have established many friendships.

Dr. Senda’s memory lives on in those who were influenced by his teachings and continue his philosophy in their own ways.

None of this would have been possible without the support of Florence, his wife of 62 years, a fourth degree black belt, who manages the Senda household, coaches and encourages athletes, paying special attention to the younger participants.

The University is proud to maintain the Dr. Yoshio and Florence Senda Scholarship Fund, which recognizes the Sendas’ commitment to community involvement. This scholarship will be awarded for the first time this fall to Faculty of Management student Brian George.

“Dr. Yosh and Florence Senda have achieved great things and it is a tremendous honour to receive this award,” says George, who is only the first student to be touched by gifts given in Dr. Senda’s name.

For more information on this award, or other ways you can make a difference in the lives of students, visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving.

Faculty and Staff Participation

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participants

SAM replaces the former Community Report and Journal publication, which was the U of L’s alumni magazine. It will be mailed to U of L alumni and friends of the University three times annually.

In the first issue of SAM, available early October, you will find feature stories about students, faculty and outstanding alumni.

We have also retained all the most-read aspects of Journal, including notices of alumni events, and news and notes from former classmates.

We hope you enjoy the new magazine and encourage you to send your feedback to sam@uleth.ca.

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Faculty and staff donations send a strong message to the community and show that we are the first to collectively invest in our students. Please join us and demonstrate your support. Every gift – large or small – makes a difference.

For more information, or to donate, visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents

OCTOBER 2009

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athletics AT T H E U

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

the Legend

Community Stadium opening a grand affair University President Dr. Bill Cade takes part in the official coin toss that kicked off Canada West soccer action at the new U of L Community Sports Stadium.

University values draw Hall back to his roots

By TREVOR KENNEY

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uch has changed at the University of Lethbridge since Ryan Hall (BA ’00) ran the basketball court with the likes of Spencer Holt and Danny Balderson.

The concrete dungeon they called a home court is gone, replaced by the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. The small, liberal arts school once known primarily for producing teachers has grown into a comprehensive university that initiates cutting-edge research from every corner of campus.

What has stayed the same is what drew Hall back to assume the position of Pronghorn athletics manager.

“You see the changes in the facilities and how the University has grown up in so many areas, but the values have stayed the same,” says Hall, now a father of four. “It’s amazing how many people I recognize from when I was an undergraduate here and who have stayed on as staff because it is such a great atmosphere.”

A Claresholm, Alta., native, Hall spent the past four years in Greely, Colorado, earning a master’s degree in sports management and working on his PhD. Fully expecting to remain in the United States, the U of L opportunity was too good to let pass.

“Lethbridge was really the only place in Canada where we’d come back to,” he says.

Hall didn’t initially pursue

g et T H E FA C T S • Prior to coming to the U of L to study kinesiology and play basketball, Hall spent two years playing baseball at Cochise College in Arizona.

• He met his wife Terra (Dudley) while at the U of L. She played basketball for Lethbridge College. They have four children, Tevin (11), Abbie (9), Emily (6) and Brynna (23 months), with a fifth on the way.

• Hall describes University of Northern Colorado and the town of Greely as a parallel to the U of L and Lethbridge.

“The school focused on business, nursing and education, with about 10,000 students in an agricultural community of 85,000.” a career in sports management; rather he worked four years in Calgary as a rehabilitation therapist. His goal, however, was always to gravitate back to sport. It was a path he discovered through a course taught by then U of L professor Dr. Gary Bowie.

“It opened something up that I had never realized. I didn’t know programs such as sport management existed,” Hall says.

“Health care was a good experience, I learned a lot and there were some good transferable

New Pronghorn athletics manager Ryan Hall looks to further engage fans and supporters of Pronghorn teams.

skills, but it wasn’t anything I was really passionate about and wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

While completing his master’s at the University of Northern Colorado (what he calls the other UNC), Hall cut his sport management teeth in a NCAA Division 1 environment. Despite the fact UNC is a new player at the Div. 1 level, it still presented Hall the opportunity to see bigtime post-secondary athletics and the difference between the American and Canadian models is startling.

“It’s big business down there, almost to an extreme.

I think they somewhat lose sight of the student part of the student-athlete. I think they try

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but with the business approach they take, it’s all about generating revenues,” says Hall.

“We do a better job of prioritizing the fact our athletes are students, first and foremost.”

Still, he recognizes that Canadian athletics can learn from its southern neighbours, especially when it comes to engaging supporters and creating passion for their teams, whether it is the student body, alumni or community as a whole.

“I hope at some point we can get a little more of that, and often times it comes from the people who live in the community. The community gets on board and supports the University as both fans and donors,” he says.

“I also hope to create an atmosphere where we have our alumni excited about athletics and see them wearing it on their sleeves a little bit more.”

He experienced that atmosphere, having played on the 2000 Pronghorns men’s basketball team that hosted the Canada West final against University of Alberta. They were the last really significant men’s games played on campus and the series energized the entire area.

“In the end, you still have to be competitive and build momentum with winning teams, and I think that will come,” says Hall.

the Legend

OCTOBER 2009

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Campus garden reaps harvest

By TREVOR KENNEY

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ts roots may be humble but the legacy of the University of Lethbridge’s first campus garden is truly grand.

An initiative with community in mind, the garden enjoyed its first harvest this fall.

There should be many more to come.

“For a first year, I think we did really well,” Stephen McGlenn, president of the Campus Roots Garden Cooperative, says.

“We weren’t expecting an incredibly huge garden because the first year takes a lot of work and a lot of co-ordinating of volunteers. It was challenging at times but in the end, everyone felt really good about it, especially the community building aspects of what making a garden is all about.”

Located near the Parkway Service Complex, the fenced facility consisted of nine private plots (each 144 square feet) and a large communal plot. McGlenn estimates some 35 people were directly involved in renting and planting the plots but at any given time, with the involvement of family members, more than 60 people contributed to the garden’s success.

Challenges were what you’d expect from a typical garden, including the co-ordination of volunteer weeding efforts. One unique difficulty was a lack of water available to the gardeners due to construction activities on campus.

“Water conservation was a huge challenge. With the area construction, our water was turned

transition program lessens anxiety

By TREVOR KENNEY Navigating the complex world of a university library can be a daunting experience for anyone. You can up the anxiety level for first-year students, and then take it up another notch for First Nations Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students, who also face cultural challenges.

Enter the First Nations Transition Program (FNTP) and Professional Librarian Andrea Glover, who navigates the sometimes murky waters of understanding with her Library Science 0500 course.

“I just remember my sister coming home and always saying her Library Science instructor was so cool,” second-year student Sheena Tail Feathers says.

“And she was right, she is cool.

One of the things I loved about

g et T H E FA C T S • The garden featured a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, peas, beans, carrots, varieties of lettuce and selected herbs.

• The communal plot included companion plants like marigolds to attract certain predators that would aid in the control of pests.

• Student Kyle Robinson initiated the community garden project before McGlenn took over. Following his graduation in Apr. 2010, a new executive will be created.

“For me, it’s almost been the climax of my undergraduate degree. Putting something together and having something tangible that I can point to in the future and say, “We put that together,” is pretty fulfilling,” says McGlenn. off for the better part of three weeks, and it forced us how to learn to use water effectively,” says McGlenn, a fourth-year Native American Studies major.

Learning, it would turn out, proved to be a common theme throughout the summer.

“The cross-generational learning from the veteran gardeners, their experience and their love of gardening, really translated to the younger students who maybe didn’t have that knowledge but really wanted to learn,” says Mc-

Glenn. “That sharing of knowledge really got people excited about the project.”

“The sharing of knowledge really got people excited about the project.”

Stephen McGlenn

Students, staff, faculty and extended family members all had a hand in maintaining the garden and in the end, reaped benefits from its harvest. All extra produce was earmarked for local food banks.

Plans for next year’s garden include planting specific plots for different campus departments.

“We’re going to try and have a plot specifically for the daycare, one for the Native Studies Department and so on so that departments can hold events using food that they’ve grown on campus,” says McGlenn.

It doesn’t stop there, as the group submitted a proposal to the City of Lethbridge’s Plan Your City project about incorporating the community garden concept into the city plan.

“Our proposal talked about how beneficial these gardens are, not only for healthy eating, community building and active living, but also for lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable technologies.”

Receiving the CMA Canada Accreditation certificate are (l to r) Dr. Andy Hakin, vice-president, academic and provost; Dr. Murray Lindsay, FCMA and dean of the Faculty of Management, and Joy Thomas, MBA, FCMA, C.Dir., president and CEO of CMA Canada.

Management program gets stamp of approval CMA Canada accredited the Bachelor of Management (Accounting) program at the University of Lethbridge recently.

The accreditation is a stamp of approval that says the U of L has met stringent standards and offers high-quality programming that equips students with in-depth knowledge and skills in management accounting, financial account-

the class is she never as well to do right by makes it boring and I these students, and always looked forward to they help me with that going.” learning process every Glover has been time I step into the teaching the course, classroom.” required as part of the Tail Feathers’ FNTP program, since older sister Nicole its inception five years advanced through the ago, and although she program first. A initially had some worNative American ries about the concept of Studies and Kinesiolsingling out FNMI stuogy major, she’s set dents, she has seen how to graduate in this well it aids their intromonth’s Fall Convocaduction to the University tion. Sheena is taking lifestyle. the same path and is “The more I looked already off to a solid at it, this was a start. really good concept,” “I didn’t know says Glover. “You have anything about the them start together and library and didn’t then gradually move out really understand all and move on to be a part that it could do for of the greater University you,” she says. population.

“Andrea’s shown us Sheena Tail Feathers, along with her sister Nicole, “The most imporhow to use the web benefited greatly from Library Science 0500. tant thing for me is to page, how to search for make sure they are combooks, use e-reference, more successful.” fortable and while that’s pretty much anything you can The course benefits not only important for every student, do here.

Basically, I know how to the students but also the instructor. there’s a cultural gap they must research thanks to the course.”

“As a non-native instrucalso cross and if we can help Of course Glover is just the tor, I must cross the cultural gap them with that, they’ll be much facilitator in this process. Her

6

ing, financial management and taxation, strategic management, and risk management and governance.

These skills are required for mastering the advanced concepts covered in CMA Canada’s Strategic Leadership Program, leading to the prestigious CMA designation.

“The accreditation of the Bachelor of Management (Accounting) program at the University of Lethbridge demonstrates the University’s commitment to excellence and their ability to maintain rigorous standards set out by CMA Canada,” says Joy Thomas, MBA, FCMA, C.Dir., president and CEO of CMA Canada.

use of humour, experience teaching FNMI students and enthusiasm for her subject matter are all useful teaching tools but it’s up to the students to make the most of her lessons.

“She can get us started and give us all the information we need but it’s up to us to actually apply it,” Sheena, who came to the U of L from Lethbridge College, says. “The university life is so much different than college because here, nobody is going to tell you to go to class or to do your homework, it’s all up to you. The way I look at it, this is my opportunity to try hard and get it right the first time.”

Glover says she knows she’s made an impact when she sees her students often, meaning they are actively using the library.

Her greatest success is still in the works.

“I would absolutely love it if one of my students would get their master’s degree in Library Science one day and come back to take over my role in this program,” she says. “An FNMI librarian teaching this course would be wonderful – but not until I retire!”

OCTOBER 2009

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Convocation

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

the Legend

FA L L 20 0 9

Dr. Cheryl Jayne Misak (BA ’83) 2009 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

P

hilosopher, scholar, and administrator, Cheryl Jayne Misak, is internationally renowned for her academic excellence.

She graduated from the University of Lethbridge with great distinction in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and, in 1984, completed her master’s at Columbia University.

As the University of Lethbridge’s first Rhodes scholar, she attended the University of Oxford and completed her doctorate in 1988, before beginning her career with the University of Toronto in 1990 as a professor of philosophy. Endowed with natural leadership qualities, she has since held many administrative positions and brings a wealth of experience, expertise and wisdom to her current position as the University of Toronto’s vice-president and provost.

Misak has been interested in the philosophy of Charles Sanders Peirce since her first year at the University of Lethbridge and

has written and edited numerous articles and books that focus largely on his theory of truth.

She is internationally recognized for her thought provoking, clear and challenging philosophical arguments and has been invited to speak at institutions and conferences all over the world.

Over the last few years, Misak has also been researching medical ethics. Her papers, published in the Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chest and Critical Care, have notably impacted the profession.

Throughout her career, she has received many honours for her professional and academic accomplishments, including the Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), and was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2001).

The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association is proud to recognize Cheryl Jayne Misak as the 2009 Distinguished Alumna of the Year for her outstanding academic and professional achievements.

Dr. Cheryl Jane Misak, the 2009 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Brandt, Soubert to be granted honorary degrees

Educator, politician and humanitarian Son Soubert

Singer/songwriter Paul Brandt

Paul Brandt Award-winning singer/songwriter Paul Brandt works on behalf of several local and global humanitarian efforts.

Born in Calgary, Paul Brandt attended Mount Royal College to study nursing and worked as a pediatric nurse at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. During this time, he continued to pursue his passion for music.

Winning first prize in the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, he went on to capture the attention of Warner Brothers Records in Toronto and was later signed by the Nashville office. After the release of his debut album, Calm Before the Storm, the #5 song, “My Heart Has A History,” became the first song to chart in the U.S.

Son Soubert

by a Canadian Male Country Artist. The follow-up single “I Do” went to #1.

Over a stellar musical career, Brandt has received numerous Canadian Country Music Awards, JUNO Awards, and also the Country Music Award for Global Artist of the Year in 2005.

Using his fame as a platform to help people around the world, Brandt’s humanitarian efforts include working with World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse and, in doing so, helps to raise awareness of the various needs in developing and war-torn countries.

For his outstanding achievements in music and humanitarianism, the University of Lethbridge will honour Paul Brandt by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.

Educator, politician and humanitarian Son Soubert runs homes for underprivileged students and works to establish responsible politics in his home country of Cambodia.

Born in Phnom-Penh and educated in archaeology and classics in France, Son Soubert has a long history of involvement in the political life of his country. He became secretary general of the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front and later helped his father found the Khmer Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party. In 1993, he was elected a member of parliament and went on to be elected second vice-president of the National Assembly.

In 1998, he was elected president of the Son Sann Party, and was later

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appointed as a member of the Constitutional Council. Most recently he helped form the Human Rights Party.

Son Soubert’s commitment to people extends from the political arena to the humanitarian.

In 1994, he founded the Peaceful Children Home I. The home shelters about 120 orphan and street children.

The Peaceful Children Home II opened in 1995, and now shelters about 52 children.

To date, 32 of the children from his orphanages have gone on to obtain a university education.

The University of Lethbridge is proud to add to Son Soubert’s long list of honours by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

the Legend

OUR

alumni

OCTOBER 2009

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Fox turns love of environment into fulfilling career

By STACY SEGUIN

S

everal years ago, Paulette Fox (Naatawawaohkaakii) (MSc ’05), manager of the Environmental Protection Division for the Blood Tribe Land Management Department, was driving up Lethbridge’s west side hill with her young son. She asked him to imagine the land with no buildings or houses, only teepees and buffalo. Pondering this for a few minutes he asked, “So mom, where did the buffalo go and what are we going to do about it?”

Raised on the Blood Reserve, Fox had contemplated the same question as a child.

“I always pondered the buffalo and that continued journey made me interested in environmental issues,” says Fox. “When I graduated from high school in 1995 I enrolled at the University of Calgary. In my third year they offered an environmental science undergraduate program.

I was one of the first students to participate in that.”

In 1998, Fox put her undergraduate degree on hold to attend the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER). She earned a certificate in Environmental Protection, Assessment and Education in 2000 and moved to Lethbridge to take her last few undergraduate classes at the University of Lethbridge.

“I had always wanted to return home with my education and, not being quite finished, I got special permission to com-

g et T H E FA C T S • Husband Duane Mistaken Chief (Aiaistahkommi), son Austin ( Kiisom), daughters Jaklyn (Niiokskasiipistakii) and Dallis (Akainskii) all speak, read and write Blackfoot.

• Fox’s master’s degree examined the use of GIS to link Blackfoot environmental knowledge with ecological databases.

• Fox serves as an advisor – Tribal Government, Blood Tribe Administration. She also co-facilitates community dialogues with Dr. Little Bear and is a panel member for the Native New Student Orientation at the U of L. • Fox is a sessional instructor at Red Crow Community College and the recipient of research grants totaling more than $400,000. plete the last few courses of my U of C degree at the University of Lethbridge,” explains Fox. In 2001, she completed her bachelor of science degree in environmental science and received an NSERC scholarship to begin her master’s degree.

“Coming from a larger institution, I found the U of L campus very student friendly with the smaller class sizes, and I felt I could approach my professors,” says Fox. “My supervisors,

University of Lethbridge alumna Paulette Fox gives a presentation at a recent conference.

Dr. James Byrnes, Dr. Stefan Kienzle and Dr. Leroy Little Bear were great resources. Through Leroy, I had the opportunity to participate in dialogues with academic and spiritual leaders, not only from Native ancestry but from other ancestry as well. This was a very powerful experience for me, and one I don’t think I would have had otherwise.”

Fox was also involved in the Native American Students’ Association and spent one semester as the association president.

“It was a very good experience in terms of being grounded in some of the issues that students face. I was able to get involved in many different activities and participate in Native Awareness Week,” remembers Fox. “My experi-

ences at the University were very positive.”

She continues her association with the University through her membership in the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) chapter of the University’s Alumni Association (ULAA).

“The FNMI chapter is relatively new and I am proud to be part of its inception. This is a great step forward, bringing together graduates who have aboriginal ancestry,” says Fox. In 2005, Fox graduated with a master’s degree in environmental science and began working for the Blood Tribe. At the time, there was no formal environmental protection division so Fox developed the agency to benefit her community.

“We write grants and get

funding for proposals to work on a wide range of environmental projects on the reserve. We cover forestry, rangeland health and species at risk, and work on a regular basis with the elders and different advisory committees,” explains Fox. “We are teaching our community to utilize cutting edge technology to monitor our landscape.”

While her future goals include helping other First Nations communities develop their own successful environmental programs, Fox is very proud of her staff and the work they do in the field and in their own community.

“My hope for our community is to be able to thrive as when we had the buffalo, self-sufficient and proud of our ways.”

youth science gets boost from recycle program Trust Kristy Burke (BSc ‘08) to find a way to benefit both the University of Lethbridge’s Youth Science Program and the environment.

Her idea is a recycling initiative that calls for people on campus to drop off used ink cartridges and old cell phones, which she then ships to a recycling depot. In return, the University collects payment for qualifying items and she funnels the money into the Youth Science Program.

“I stumbled across this while I was looking up ideas for fundraisers,” Burke, coordinator of youth programs for Conference and Event Services, says. “I have a degree in environmental science so I am pretty conscious of recycling and this really appealed to me.”

She signed on with Think Recycle (www.thinkrecycle.

com), a company that offers free recycling programs for schools and non-profit organizations.

The company supplies boxes, shipping labels and promotional materials (posters, letters and brochures) and it’s simply up to the school to package the items and send them off for a rebate.

“I am the only full-time staff for these programs so it’s pretty difficult to take on any labourintensive fundraising initiatives,” Burke says. “With this program, I

just have to set up the drop boxes, try and spread the word that they’re available and collect and ship the items. It essentially runs itself.”

Think Recycle partners with the Tree Canada Foundation and American Forests and has been in operation since 1995.

“There is a huge list of items they accept for a refund but they take virtually everything, including digital cameras,” Burke says. “Even if we don’t get a refund for a particular car-

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Kristy Burke, co-ordinator of youth programs, Conference and Event Services, has devised a way to help the environment and the Youth Science Program all at once.

tridge or phone, they still recycle it and it stays out of the landfill.”

Burke has set up drop boxes in both Piikani and Kainai House lobbies, as well as the Airport Lounge. She plans to add other locations around campus, including the Atrium and Students’ Union Building, and

to make the event an ongoing program.

“My hope is to make enough money to pay for our Science Club supplies on an annual basis and maybe one day co-ordinate an annual cell phone drive, as they carry a much bigger refund price than the cartridges.”

OCTOBER 2009

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

H E A LT H

& wellness

the Legend

Healthy workplace the goal of Wellness Committee

By SUZANNE MCINTOSH

C

anada’s Healthy Workplace Month is scheduled from Oct. 5 to Nov. 1. The 2009 theme is: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Work. Feeling Great About Life!

As individuals and employees, we face a never-ending cycle of stress, which is seen as commonplace in our society. The Wellness Committee at the University of Lethbridge is using this opportunity to increase employees’ awareness of the importance of workplace health to personal

AN

apple

Halloween Grinch

By Diane Britton My kids call me the Halloween Grinch. The festivities are great, but all that candy makes me ponder ways to stop Halloween from coming. Canadians spend $250 million on Halloween candy annually. Now that’s a scary amount of candy consuming.

influenza registry a valuable tool The University of Lethbridge continued in its efforts to minimize the impact of the H1N1 Influenza virus by introducing a voluntary illness registry in the last week of September.

The initiative is the H1N1 Influenza Illness Registry and exists on a dedicated web page that can be accessed from various areas of the U of L’s website. Just look for the Got Flu? icon and click to follow through to the web page.

The idea behind the registry is to assist the University in implementing the necessary actions regarding H1N1 on campus and to ensure that pro-active measures are in place to minimize the impact on University operations.

For students, staff and faculty, the registry asks that persons experiencing flu-like symptoms sign in with their unique University username and password information to indicate they are ill. For

and organizational performance.

The Life Balance Fair, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, has been created by the Wellness Committee to help employees find that balance in their personal and professional lives. It is not an either/or proposition, rather, a how much proposition.

The event has a large number of exhibitors – to celebrate all aspects of the theme – mind, body and work. Information on how to keep a healthy mind for you or your family; representatives from the Alzheimer’s

Society; what to do in case of emergency; and how to enhance your financial situation, are just a few of the topics exhibitors will address.

As well, representatives for treatment and therapy providers, including physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage, acupuncture, sleep and health information will all be available.

The Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society, the Campus Community Garden and Lethbridge Recreation and Leisure services will also be present as we recognize these activities provide some balance to indi-

A D AY |

Here are a few tips to chew on this Halloween to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it.

Love it, or leave it If you don’t love it, don’t eat it.

Halloween treats pack a frightening amount of calories so be choosy, don’t eat it unless it’s your favorite treat.

viduals’ lives.

Creating and maintaining a healthy workplace will feature exhibits from U of L Risk and Safety Services, and benefits departments, the kinesiology department, WCB, and St. John’s Ambulance.

There will also be ongoing demos of dancing, yoga and other fitness activities throughout the afternoon. And if you’ve never had the opportunity to try out the gym, there are free tours of the fitness centre.

Everything is designed to be interactive and there will be draw prizes for those who complete a

Life Balance Fair passport. Prizes include a Wii Fit Sports Resort game. Open to all staff and faculty, a light lunch will also be available during the fair.

If you have questions contact Suzanne McIntosh, coordinator, wellness programs, at 403-3325217.

October is Breast Health Awareness Month – remember to see Suzanne to get your card for the ‘Health Challenge – Put Yourself First’ contest. Every woman who has a mammogram (or pap test) before Oct. 26, 2009, will be entered in a draw for a $100 gift certificate to the Keg.

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

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hardly taste them and may reach

of the scariest ways weight can sneak

strategies you can have treats and

for more. Paying attention to food

up on us. Just say no, or limit it to one

stay on a healthy eating plan.

WHILE you’re eating it can be one

treat per day for a few days.

of the best tricks-on-treats. Simply taste, savor and enjoy the treat as you’re having it, and satisfy your

Give treats some company Add a small amount of your favorite

For an individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-329-2484. All

craving with a small amount.

Halloween treat to a meal or healthy

Skip the candy bowl

Fill up on healthy foods first to

Savor and enjoy

Many businesses put a bowl of

manage portion size of treats.

Downing Halloween treats faster than Superman can fly means you

Halloween treats on their counters.

It’s difficult to avoid treats in a

Diane Britton, On-Campus

Nibbling from the candy bowl is one

world full of them, but with a few

Registered Dietitian

students, an automatic e-mail is then dispatched to their advisors and professors indicating that they will be away from class and may miss some activities.

Staff and faculty are expected to inform their supervisors that they are ill but are still urged to use the registry. The registry does not replace the terms and conditions of the Faculty Handbook, the APO Manual, the Exempt Support Staff Manual or the AUPE Collective Agreement.

As the medical system will be under heavy usage throughout the H1N1 Influenza situation, the application of doctor’s notes for personal illness and for illness within immediate families for flu-like symptoms, as outlined on the H1N1 website, will not be required.

Any questions that people may have regarding the reporting of their personal circumstances can be addressed through their supervisor and through Human Resources.

For further updates, continue to monitor the University’s H1N1 Influenza website at: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ health_centre/h1n1.

snack instead of eating it by itself.

sessions are $20 for students and University employees.

NEW UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MASTERCARD University Alumni Relations has partnered with BMO to offer alumni, students, staff, faculty and friends a BMO U of L Alumni MasterCard.

Show your pride with the new BMO University of Lethbridge Alumni MasterCard. With every purchase you make on your BMO University of Lethbridge MasterCard a portion of the total amount you spend is provided back to the University which is used to support student awards, our Alumni programming, special events and services.

Reward yourself.

Get the BMO University of Lethbridge Alumni MasterCard. Reward yourself with 1 AIR MILES®† reward mile for every $20 spent or 0.5% CashBack® and pay no annual fee1

1. Award of AIR MILES reward miles or CashBack is made for purchases charged to your account (less refunds) and is subject to the terms and conditions of your BMO MasterCard Cardholder Agreement. ® Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal. ®* MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. ®† Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Bank of Montreal

The University of Lethbridge Senate is seeking nominees for its Spring and Fall 2010 honorary degree awards, and is appealing to community groups to nominate individuals who have made a local, regional or worldwide impact on society.

To be eligible for Spring and Fall 2010 convocations, nominations must be received by Nov. 1, 2009, at the University Senate Office, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4.

9

To obtain a nomination form, contact the Senate Office at 403-329-2482.

The University of Lethbridge Senate selects recipients from nominees provided by members of the general public and the University community.

The Senate is empowered to confer honorary degrees by the Universities Act of Alberta.

Additional information is available at the Senate website: http://www. uleth.ca/sen.

events C A L E N D A R

the Legend

Oct. 23-24 | UBC vs. Pronghorns Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Oct. 26 | Architecture & Design Now: Michael Green | 6 p.m., C610

Women’s Hockey

Oct. 28 | Art Now: Cheryl L’Hirondelle | Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 16-17 | Regina vs. Pronghorns Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena Oct. 30-31 | Saskatchewan vs.

Pronghorns | Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Pronghorn Athletics Soccer Oct. 24 | Victoria vs. Pronghorns Women, 12 p.m.; Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium Oct. 25 | Fraser Valley vs.

Pronghorns | Women, 12 p.m.; Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium Oct. 31 | Trinity Western vs.

Pronghorns | Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium Nov. 1 | UBC vs. Pronghorns Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Women’s Rugby Oct. 18 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns 3 p.m. at Stadium

Oct. 30 | Art Now: Christine D’Onofrio | Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 2 | Art Now: Shawn Van Sluys Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Architecture & Design Now, 6 p.m., C610

Lectures Oct. 8 | CAETL Workshop Preparing a Lecture: A Graduate Student Workshop | 3 p.m., L950

Nov. 6 | Art Now: Dana Claxton Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 14 | Art Now: Tracey Deer Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Performances

Oct. 15 | CAETL Fall 2009 Seminar Series | Making the Supervisory Experience Successful | 12 p.m., AH100

Oct. 6 | Music at Noon: Sara Hahn (flute) & Ami Longi (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 16 | Women Scholars Speaker Series | Dr. Bonnie K. Lee presents: Couple Relationship: A Healing Nexus for Addiction | 3 p.m., AH100

Oct. 13 | Music at Noon: Dr. Terrence Dawson (piano) & Joanne Collier (soprano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 19 | Architecture & Design Now: Bo Helliwell | 6 p.m., C610

Oct. 20 | Music at Noon: Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570

Men’s Hockey

Oct. 23 | Art Now: Susanna Heller Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 15 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Oct. 26 | Art Now: Chris Moore Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 27 | Music at Noon: Dr. David Renter (saxophone) & Elinor Lawson (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570

M AY 20 0 9

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Nov. 3 | Music at Noon: Joanne Hounsell (soprano) & Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 14 | Academic Success!

Student Workshop | Writing a Research Paper – the tools for writing a solid paper | 3 p.m., AH118

Oct. 20-24 | Hay Fever by Noel Coward | A comedy about an eccentric family whose theatrical excesses torment their unsuspecting visitors | Nightly, 8 p.m., University Theatre

Through Oct. 23 | Head Shots Art Gallery exhibit featuring portraits

by Canadian and international artists, drawn from the U of L’s extensive holdings Helen Christou Gallery

Oct. 23-24 | Opera Goes to the Movies | U of L Opera Workshop performs Hollywood movie classics Nightly, 8 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Oct. 30 | Breakdance for Solo Cello Montreal’s Solid State Breakdance company performs | 8 p.m., University Theatre Nov. 5-7 | Positive Space by Ian McFarlane | A collective creation exploring various aspects of theatre Nightly, 8 p.m., David Spinks Theatre.

Matinee, 2 p.m., Nov. 7

Miscellaneous Oct. 7 | Academic Success! Student Workshop | Start off Write – writing principles for university | 3 p.m., AH118

Oct. 27 | Keys to Living Well, Workshop for Students How to Deal with Annoying People & Make Sure You’re Not One 12:30 p.m., AH119 Through Oct. 30 | Allyson Mitchell: Ladies Sasquatch | Freestanding, figurative, sculptural works by Toronto-based artist Allyson Mitchell U of L Main Gallery Nov. 3 | Keys to Living Well, Workshop for Students The Road to Happiness 12:30 p.m., AH119 Oct. 30 to Jan. 3, 2010 art + people = x continues Darcy Logan presents recent paintings | Helen Christou Gallery Reception: 4 p.m., Nov. 6

Oct. 9 | Town Hall Meeting Budgetary Issues at the U of L 1 p.m., University Theatre

Maintaining the QIP important for students

By ABBY ALLEN

E

nriching University of Lethbridge student experiences at an already vibrant and dynamic campus was the basis for the creation of the Quality Initiatives Program (QIP).

Maintaining the QIP in the face of pending budget cuts is a looming challenge.

Study lounges, Fresh Fest, academic speakers, the ULSU Food Bank and undergraduate research initiatives are just a few examples of how the QIP program continues to meet the needs of students and how important this program has become to the U of L. “Funding for student assistance and student initiatives is precisely for what the Quality Initiatives Program is designed,” says Jeremy Girard, ULSU president. “This year, the University and the ULSU are providing $600,000 towards these budget lines, which will provide many students with an amazing source of funding.”

The QIP, however, could be facing some tough times ahead, according to Girard.

With the prospect of govern-

ment funding cuts to postsecondary education, the University will be forced to make difficult budgetary decisions, putting the QIP at risk of being eradicated.

“The ULSU is striving and urgently pushing that QIP be maintained.”

Jeremy Girard

“The ULSU is striving and urgently pushing that QIP be maintained, by being an active voice in the University Budget Committee, by having regular discussion with senior administration and by lobbying the Province of Alberta to increase base operating funding,” says Girard. “QIP is an essential part of student funding at the University of Lethbridge and its inception shows long-term and high-level thinking by the Board of Governors.”

In 2005, QIP was devel-

oped as a result of negotiations between the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union Executive Council and University administration. After witnessing the successes of a similar program at the University of Calgary, both parties agreed on establishing a QIP to begin in the 2006-2007 fiscal year. Under the QIP program, University administration allocates 12 per cent of annual tuition fee increases to support the proposal-based funding system.

According to Girard, QIP has $210,000 available in scholarships, grants and bursaries, which are allocated by the University. There is also $80,000 dedicated to undergraduate research opportunities that have opened up more opportunities for students wishing to extend research into non-science areas, where in the past less funding has been available.

QIP also offers students an emergency assistance program for students who find themselves in the position of not being able to meet their basic living requirements.

“For students who find themselves in a severely tight

10

spot, with no other funding options, non-repayable emergency assistance grants are available,” says Girard, adding that the program also funds two food bank programs and a one-time distribution of monies towards disabilities funding.

“Overall, the University and the ULSU have $35,000 available per year for needsbased funding.”

Students who are interested in attending conferences or volunteering can also benefit from QIP, which has the resources to allocate $20,000 per year to this type of learning.

“These learning experiences are encouraged by the University and the ULSU, as learning outside of class is a keystone to a liberal education,” says Girard.

Just this year, QIP funds have been granted to Fresh Fest, the four-day event that welcomes new and returning students to the University and the ULSU. Rookie Camp is supported by the ULSU, and coordinated by Recruitment and Student Life, to promote student retention and serves as another example of the benefits of QIP funding.

School of Graduate Studies Gala Celebration featuring Son Soubert Friday, Oct. 16 Students’ Union Ballroom Tickets: Regular $40, Students $25 Available at http://www.uleth.ca/ graduatestudies/celebrationtickets The University of Lethbridge is celebrating 25 years of graduate education this year and to commemorate this achievement is hosting an evening of cocktails, dinner and entertainment.

Please join us for this community celebration on the evening of Oct. 16 as we mark a sterling past and golden future.

in focus Witticism the central theme of Hay Fever M AY 20 0 9

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

FINE ARTS

the Legend

Hay Fever, a Noel Coward classic, opens the mainstage theatre production season.

By AMANDA BERG

W

itticism and sophistication mix with a dose of light-hearted comedy to kick off the first mainstage theatre production, Hay Fever.

Twists and turns abound in this Noel Coward classic, playing Oct. 20-24, nightly at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre. Directed

by Theatre and Dramatic Arts faculty, Gail Hanrahan, Hay Fever presents a perfect platform to showcase complex characters, rich costuming and spectacular sets.

“Hay Fever is a very high energy play; a clever combination of farce and comedy of manners. It represents the flamboyancy of the 1920s and reflects the debonair eccentricities of Noel Coward as a playwright,”

says Hanrahan.

At the heart of Hay Fever are the Blisses: Judith, a recently “retired” stage actress, David, a self-absorbed novelist, and their two children who live in a world where reality slides easily into fiction. The unfortunate weekend guests – a proper diplomat, shy flapper, athletic boxer, and fashionable sophisticate – are thrown into melodramatic

a new twist on the art of breakdance

scenes where their hosts profess emotions and react to situations that do not really exist.

“It’s a very funny show,” says Hanrahan. “From the set and costumes to the whirlwind plot twists – this play is full of eccentricities to amuse the audience.”

Considered by many to be cleverly constructed, slightly cynical and undeniably entertaining, Hay Fever sets the stage

for an evening of good fun.

Tickets are on sale now at the University Box Office. $15 Adult and $10 Student and Senior. Tickets for all four mainstage productions are all available with season tickets priced at $45 and student/senior season tickets at $30, a 25 per cent savings. Call the Box Office 403-329-2616 for more details.

At the Gallery

to pictures of people, from celebrities to strangers, and sometimes portraits of strangers can be more interesting to look at,” Edmundson says.

Head Shots also features a local celebrity, prominently displayed and impossible to miss: The Milk Maid.

“The Milk Maid is a retro commercial sign, rescued from obscurity and loaned by a private collector,” Edmundson adds. “She’s an authentic 1950’s advertisement, which has been displayed at the Trianon Gallery and at the Tongue ‘n Groove.”

Keep an eye out for this intriguing exhibition.

Walking through the Helen Christou Gallery you come faceto-face with unique portraiture, which is the focus of Head Shots, an exhibition on now through Oct. 23.

“Portraiture is the recurring theme of the U of L Art Collection,” says exhibition curator, Jane Edmundson. “As long as artists have been making art, portraits have continued to be relevant.”

From traditional to eccentric, the exhibit showcases a wide interpretation of faces.

“People are naturally drawn

Global Drums wows during japan tour

Breakdance for Solo Cello, the title speaks for itself.

Montreal’s Solid State Breakdance brings its mash-up of styles, music and genre to the University Theatre Oct. 30 at 8 p.m., and explores the fluidity and grace of a dance style known for its explosive urban energy.

“Artistic directors Hélene Simard and JoDee Allen have

put together a gem of a show – live cello and electronic remixes accompany five funky dancers who make you feel that urban moves and Bach’s gorgeous solo cello concertos were made for each other,” says Lisa Doolittle, Now Showing Series curator.

Lethbridge native JoDee Allen returns from Montreal with Solid State Breakdance to present this show as part of the

Now Showing Live Arts Series.

“While in Lethbridge the company is working intensively with students in the LCI dance program, teaching and creating a new choreography with selected students,” adds Doolittle.

Regular tickets are priced at $20 and student tickets are $15, available at the Box Office, 403329-2616.

11

Despite confronting typhoon winds of up to 162 kph, the U of L Global Drums Steel Band, under the direction of Adam Mason, completed a successful tour of Japan in September.

Representing Canada at PANFESTA, Japan’s National Steel Band Festival, in Yokohoma, 12 students, Adam Mason and guest artists Tracy Thorton and Alan Coyle performed to an enthusiastic dancing crowd.

“Our group enjoyed cultural visits to the ancient capitol of Kyoto and home stays with families in Towada in conjunction with the Lethbridge

Twinning Society,” says Mason.

“We took part in a traditional tea ceremony and represented our sister city of Towada with a public concert and community workshop.”

Their trip was cut short, however, on Sept. 5, when the group was forced to evacuate Japan due to Typhoon Krovanh, which put an abrupt end to PANFESTA. “Fortunately it was right after Global Drums finished their performance,” says Mason.

“Global Drums students jumped in without being asked to help festival organizers dismantle tents, which were starting to come apart in the heavy winds.”

Not even the weather could dampen the spirits of these dedicated percussionists.

RIGHT

Joyce Wieland, O Canada, 1971 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Garry N. Kennedy, 1987.

BELOW

Joyce Wieland, Young Woman’s Blues, 1964 From The University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Purchased in 1986 with funds provided by the Province of Alberta Endowment Fund.

An excerpt from a conversation between Josephine Mills (Director/Curator of the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery) and Canadian artist Allyson Mitchell (whose exhibition Ladies Sasquatch is on display in the U of L Main Gallery until Oct. 30, 2009).

JM: I am often asked if I have a favourite work in the University of Lethbridge Art Collection and, although it is hard to pin down just one, Joyce Wieland’s “Young Woman’s Blues” usually wins out as my answer. Partly it is this specific work and partly it is that Wieland was such an amazing artist. She was truly revolutionary as a female artist that refused to be easily categorized. Wieland took a strong stance as a feminist, but she also addressed so many things like U.S. imperialism, Canadian nationalism and the art/craft divide.

AM: I selected Wieland’s “O Canada” because I think that it works well with many of the themes that the Ladies Sasquatch exhibition explores. “O Canada” reconfigures femininity – the blotted lipstick used to articulate the national anthem places women (or perhaps a particular kind of woman) at the centre of the piece. This goes

against the conventions of traditional, quintessentially “Canadian” art, in which the landscape is often articulated as a rugged, active and even masculine one.

Wieland’s print contradicts this message, as does the Ladies Sasquatch exhibition.

The sasquatches reassert a feminized (albeit non-stereotypical) kind of body into the mythology of the Canadian wilderness, so that environment becomes a place for women rather than men.

JM: I think there is a wonderful connection between Wieland’s work and yours. Both of you succeed in these kinds of reconfigurations because of the humour and sense of play in your work.

The topic and the effect on people are serious, but the viewing experience is based on the audience having fun with these ideas.

AM: I love Wieland’s “O Canada” because its sense of humour allows for a sharp and intelligent political critique without being off-putting or didactic for the viewer. This subtlety makes it more persuasive. “O Canada” is a fantastic piece because it subverts and blows up the scale of the body, transforming it from personal and private to public and national.

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