OCTOBER 2010
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VOLUME 10
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ISSUE TWO
Finding the right equation
the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Horns men’s hockey team flies south
New scholarship program brings diversity to campus
Alumnus takes unique road to convocation
U of L studies ignite passion for archaeology
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 Nov. 5, 2010. A DV E R T I S I N G For ad rates or other information, contact: legend@uleth.ca CREDITS Editor: Trevor Kenney Designer: Stephenie Karsten CO N T R I B U TO R S: Amanda Berg, Diane Britton, Bob Cooney, Jana de Waal, Jane Edmundson, Abby Groenenboom, Erica Lind, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Stacy Seguin, Katherine Wasiak and Richard Westlund
University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 www.ulethbridge.ca
Photo by ROB OLSON
Dr. Paul Hayes brings his lab to the cornfield.
BY BOB COONEY University of Lethbridge researcher Dr. Paul Hayes recruits students to work in his lab the way a mentor researcher first found him: by looking, listening and asking. The chemistry equivalent of a
hockey scout, Hayes says he looks for students with promise in different areas, and invites them to meet with him to talk about their research or academic progress and future plans. This idea is not new to Hayes, who was on the road to dentistry when a researcher spoke with him.
CONTINUED ON PG. 3
Ashley LePage, front, and Jenn Shuster helped organize the Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week.
TAKING A STAND AGAINST BULLYING BY JANA DEWAAL
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he ever increasing use of cyber technology among children is rapidly leading to a transformation in the traditional forms of bullying, with cyberbullying becoming more prevalent among today’s youth. To increase the awareness of cyber bullying and bullying amongst students, teachers and the general public, the third annual University of Lethbridge Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week was held Oct. 4-6. Organized by the Education Undergraduate Society, the event is the only student-organized antibullying campaign in Alberta. The emerging issue of cyberbullying was added to the campaign’s itinerary this year. “We feel there’s a real need to inform teachers and student teachers about how to react towards bullying in the classroom and how to support students who are being bullied,” says Jenn Shuster, EUS president. Shuster and Ashley Lepage, the EUS vice-president external, have both been involved in the previous anti-bullying campaigns. They note that bullying is prevalent in schools, regardless of the age of children. It is therefore important for teachers understand the seriousness of the issue and how to recognize it at its earliest stages.
“At Mount Allison University, I was approached by one of my professors, Dr. Steve Westcott, who told me he’d been following my progress, and wanted me to work in his lab,” recalls Hayes.
New to the scene is cyberbullying, which Shuster characterizes as intentional hostile behaviour inflicted on others through the use of communication technology. She points out that cyberbullying is much harder to control than traditional forms of bullying. “There’s a greater level of anonymity associated with cyberbullying,” says Shuster. “That makes it especially difficult to pinpoint where the problem originates.” One of the unique aspects of cyberbullying is that it does not always happen at school. It is at school, however, where the bully and the bullied often confront one another, highlighting the need of schools to develop policies and curriculums that deal with cyberbullying. “It’s imperative that teachers educate their students against all types of bullying,” says Shuster. “We hope that through this campaign, we’re able to provide teachers with techniques and resources to do so.” This year the event consisted of four free lecture sessions featuring grad student Chelcie Zimmer (The Experience and Psychological Impact of School Violence), ATA speaker Cynthia Malner-Charest (Cyberbullying and E-liability),
ATA speaker Mark Yurik (Tips and Strategies for Preventing and Dealing with Bullying) and Dr. Robin Bright, Dr. Mary Dyck and Constable Tom Gross (Teaching in the 21st Century: Online Citizenship for Ourselves and Our Students). Bright, a professor in the Faculty of Education, uses the term “cyber citizenship” when she discusses respectable behaviour online. “The rules that apply to faceto-face interactions must also be the basis of cyber interactions,” she says. “This should apply to texting, e-mail, instant messaging, blogs, personal websites and chat rooms.” She adds that it is crucial children be introduced to the concept of cyber citizenship as early as possible, considering that cell phones and the internet are being used at such young ages. The EUS raised money in support of bullying.org by selling bracelets at the lectures. A non-profit organization located in Cochrane, bullying.org, is dedicated to increasing the awareness of bullying and to preventing, resolving and eliminating bullying in society through antibullying workshops and courses. The original research documents by Bright and Dyck regarding online communication and social development of rural adolescents in Alberta can be found at www. cybertalk.ca. Those who would like to know more about the campaign against bullying can visit the website www.bullying.org.
the Legend
OCTOBER 2010
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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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n the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to vacuum floors, pilot a street sweeper, get lost in a corn maze and assist in the delivery of a baby. Add in an engaging panel discussion about the future of Canadian universities and a fun run through campus and it gives you a sense of the breadth of experience you can gain at a liberal arts university such as the U of L. The first few months of my tenure as President have been fascinating. I have spent a lot of time trying to experience as much as I could here at the University, introducing myself to you and in turn, gaining an appreciation for the work you do on a daily basis. At times it has
CAMPUS
felt like an introduction, and at others it has been an initiation. I appreciate the time you have taken to help me gain an understanding of the inner workings of the University, and the patience you have exhibited in teaching me some of the finer points of life at the U of L. The caretaking staff was especially kind in their review of my vacuuming skills, while the crew in grounds was surprisingly confident in my ability to handle a street sweeper. Physical plant took me into the bowels of the building and gave me an education on what really keeps this university running, and Ancillary Services taught me about foods, beds and books, while the people in Health Sci-
kudos
Dr. Leslie Dawn (Art) lectured on Oct. 5 about Emily Carr and the Group of Seven’s Accusations she was “painting against the nation” as part of Southern Alberta Art Gallery’s (SAAG) Articulations III: Scandals, Scoundrels, Capers, and Cons. Leanne Elias (New Media) is the lead artist on SAAG’s Welcome to My World project, which runs until Dec. 5. Chai Duncan (Art Technician) and Glen MacKinnon (Art) were artist mentors to the students who created videos during the workshop. Dr. Janet Youngdahl (Music) presented The Origins of the Art of Musical Notation to a history course of Dr. Friedemann Sallis at the University of Calgary recently. The presentation was video-linked to the U of L. Billy McCarroll (Art Professor Emeritus), Glenn MacKinnon (Art) and Denton Fredrickson (Art) make up one of the six collaborative teams whose work was part of SAAG’s On Your Marks exhibition. Dagmar Dahle (Art) and Amanda Espezel (MFA art student) made up another team. Dr. Ed Jurkowski (Music) will present his paper entitled, Interthematic Formal Fusion as Structural Design in Sibelius’s Op. 67 Sonatinas for Piano, at the Fifth
International Jean Sibelius Conference, at Oxford University, England. Dr. Rolf Boon’s (Music) composition Waves (2007) was selected for inclusion in the New Works Calgary concert season. The Rubbing Stone Ensemble will perform Waves in their Apr. 21, 2011 concert of works for percussion and ensemble with guest virtuoso percussionist Aiyun Huang. Michael Campbell (Art) is part of a group exhibition entitled, Nouveau Frankenstein, showing at the Trianon Gallery until Nov. 12. Dagmar Dahle’s (Art) prose piece, Painting John Brown Painting, is featured in the recent issue of Ars Medica: A Journal of Medicine, the Arts and Humanities, published by the University of Toronto Press. Col Cseke (BFA ’07) was part of the collective that shared a Betty Mitchell Award for Best New Play. The Betty Mitchell Awards are Calgary’s celebration of professional theatre.
ences trusted me with the virtual delivery of a baby in their new Nursing Skills Lab. My participation in the Arts & Science panel discussion on challenges facing Canadian universities was a very lively and thought-provoking exercise, as was the Team Jeopardy Challenge hosted by the Faculty of Management. The Faculty of Fine Arts gave me the opportunity to flex my acting chops in a drama class and try my hand at sculpting, while the Faculty of Education presented me with a host of student experiences and Human Resources led me into the heart of a corn maze. I also learned so much about how our library is changing to be a student focused learning centre
and met many of our Pronghorn athletes at a breakfast for champions. All of these experiences have been framed by my many opportunities to interact with our students, from SU breakfasts and Fresh Fest festivities to FNMI barbecues. When you add in all the informal meetings I have had with units in the Registrar’s Office, Financial Services, CRDC and the International Centre for Students, I have gained a real understanding of the deep commitment people on campus have for the work they do across a wide spectrum of disciplines. As I approach my Installation address, I am enthusiastic in
taking this new-found knowledge of the University and moving from a phase of transition into one of action. That includes action committed to a learning environment centrally focused on a student-first attitude; action that is dedicated to building a comprehensive university across disciplines ranging from the social sciences to the sciences, humanities and fine arts; action dedicated to creating a personfirst university environment for staff and faculty; and action dedicated to social responsibility and community engagement. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming Convocation and Installation events and furthering the discussion of our University’s future.
HAYES’ TEAM APPROACH PROVES SUCCESSFUL CONTINUED FROM PG. 1
The flattering offer led to a steady job and a dramatic change in direction for Hayes, who turned his attention toward inorganic chemistry. After graduation he moved to the University of Calgary for his doctoral degree and then to the University of California, Berkeley for a postdoctoral appointment – environments completely different from his tiny hometown of Shubenacadie, N.S. Hayes, who has been at the U of L for four years, continues to develop his thriving independent research program
which aims, among other things, to make catalysts that convert a chemical found in corn and beets into a biodegradable, environmentally friendly ‘plastic-like’ material called polylactide. Thus far he has been extremely successful, having attracted more than $1.4M in funding from provincial and national agencies and published numerous articles in top tier journals. In addition, the young researcher has earned province-wide accolades, including the prestigious Alberta Ingenuity New Faculty Award. Most recently, Hayes accepted a Distinguished Academic Early Career Award
from the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations for his ongoing accomplishments and future research potential. “I was thrilled to receive the award, since it comes from my peers and colleagues, and it will affect my group and research in a positive way,” says Hayes. “People like to be part of a winning team, and I am always looking for the right people. Maybe there’s another wannabe dentist out there who doesn’t yet know how exciting it can be to make new molecules. For more on Dr. Paul Hayes’ research, check out the next issue of SAM magazine.
mike mahon PRESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION OF
Dr. Mike Mahon
The University of Lethbridge invites you to the Installation of Dr. Mike Mahon as the sixth President and Vice-Chancellor.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Aaron Barr (BFA ’02) was a character surfacer for the recently released 3D movie, Legend of the Guardians. Among numerous other projects, he has worked on two other movies – The Ant Bully and The Wild. He currently works as a surface/modeler at Image Engine Design Inc. in Vancouver.
Presidential Installation Ceremony 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness Seating: 1 p.m. | Ceremony: 2 p.m. You are invited to attend the Installation Tea following the Ceremony.
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OCTOBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
mental health Investing in
A total of five current University of Lethbridge students, under the leadership of faculty supervisors Dr. Bryan Kolb, Dr. Robert MacDonald and Dr. Gerlinde Metz, have been named as successful applicants for the Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions (formerly AHFMR) Hotchkiss Brain Institute Provincial Program on Perinatal Determinants of Brain and Mental Health 2010-2011 Traineeships. Just 11 traineeships were approved by Alberta Innovates this year and the U of L managed to garner five of those 11 positions. As well, alumnus Dr. Simon Spanswick (MSc ’05), currently working on post-doctoral studies at the University of Calgary, was awarded another traineeship. Following are brief descriptions of the successful applicants and their proposed research initiatives. ROBIN KEELEY (DR. ROBERT MCDONALD) Chronic THC Administration During Puberty and its Effect on Behaviour and Brain Morphology in Adulthood Keeley is starting her second year as a doctoral candidate at the University of Lethbridge where her thesis will address the effect of chronic recreational drug use during puberty on adult male and female rat behaviour and brain morphology.
Focusing on THC, the active component of marijuana, Keeley intends to evaluate gender-specific differences in adult cognition, and brain morphology and electrophysiology in two rat strains following pubertal THC exposure. She will also look at the priming effect of THC as a “gateway drug” whereby increased exposure may induce individuals to develop a propensity towards consuming more rewarding and harmful recreational drugs such as amphetamine.
DR. RICHELLE MYCHASIUK (DR. BRYAN KOLB) The Effect of Cumulative Experience on Brain Plasticity In a continuation of the work presented in her doctoral thesis, Mychasiuk will investigate the hypothesis that early experiences alter experience-dependent plasticity later in life. She will conduct anatomical studies and investigate gene methylation and gene expression in brains of rats that have been exposed as pups to a variety of early experiences such as manipulated play partners and play-time, separation stress, or complex environments, followed by nicotine exposure and sensitization, complex housing, or elevated platform stress as juveniles and adults. By focusing on studies of cumulative experiences, Mychasiuk’s work will contribute to a better
understanding of how brain development is affected, and continues to be affected, by early experiences.
DR. FARSHAD NEMATI (DR. BRYAN KOLB) Neuroplasticity in Adolescence Nemati (PhD ’08) will continue his studies on neural plasticity that were initially funded under the 2009-2010 AI-HS/HBI Program. In his previous work, Nemati discovered differential neural reorganization and behavioural recovery in adult rats that had received brain injuries at different times in the lifespan. He will now look at the effect of long-term vs. short-term administration of nicotine alone or in combination with complex housing as an experience in rat subjects at two different ages. His results will provide insight into the neural, cognitive and behavioural responses of adults who experience drug addiction as adolescents. DR. FABIOLA ZUCCHI (DR. GERLINDE METZ) Brain MicroRNA (miR) Expression in Response to Prenatal Stress Zucchi has been successful in obtaining a second year of funding as a post-doctoral fellow from the AI-HS/HBI Program. Zucchi achieved several milestones in her first year of funding towards determining the effects of prenatal
and adult stress on brain gene and miR expression, as well as the ability to recover from stroke. She plans to continue the studies of adverse experience on miR expression and gene regulation by exploring molecular correlates of stress at the epigenetic, genetic and behavioural levels. Another objective of her work is to evaluate possible intervention strategies such as massage therapy in reducing the impact of prenatal stress and improving motor recovery after stroke. MUHAMMAD ARIF (DR. BRYAN KOLB) Developmental Factors Related to Drug Addiction Arif has been awarded funding for a second time under the AI-HS/HBI Program. He previously determined that pre- and postnatal tactile stimulation during development reduced amphetamine-induced behavioural sensitization and, hence, may play a protective role against drug addiction. Building upon the discovery that tactile stimulation has a positive influence on cognitive and social behaviours, he plans to investigate structural plasticity associated with experience (e.g. tactile stimulation) and drugs in modulating brain regions (e.g. reward circuit) with the aim of developing new treatment strategies and public policies to ameliorate drug addiction.
U OF L’S CANDO PARTNERSHIP NETS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP Faculty of Management student Shermayn Menicoche is one of three people to receive a $3,000 NIEFF scholarship (National Indigenous Economic Education Foundation), from the charitable arm of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO). Menicoche is originally from Fort Simpson, NWT, and transferred to the U of L from Aurora College in Fort Smith. CANDO is an aboriginal-controlled, communitybased group that builds partnerships with educational institutions, aboriginal leaders and senior corporate and government representatives. The U of L is now one of nine post-secondary institutions accredited by CANDO to deliver courses that help economic development officers working in First Nations communities obtain an Aboriginal Economic Developer Certificate in addition to their U of L programming.
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the Legend LOBBYING ACT SEES SIGNIFICANT CHANGE BY RICHARD WESTLUND At one time, the federal Lobbying Act seemed geographically removed from the University of Lethbridge. Most of the individuals the U of L was required to report its lobbying interactions with were located in Ottawa or, to a lesser extent, other major Canadian cities. With a new regulation in place that brings Members of Parliament and Senators into the rules that govern lobbyists, it is particularly important that the broader U of L community become aware of how the landscape has changed. The Lobbying Act dictates that organizations must report specific lobbying encounters when speaking with Designated Public Office Holders (DPOH). Up until last month, these individuals included cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers and their exempt staffs. The federal government has now broadened this list of individuals to include, among others, MPs, Members of the Senate or any exempt staff working in the offices of these members. The U of L is required to update its lobby registration on an ongoing basis. This registry contains general information about the institution, the grants it receives, the individuals that act in a lobbying capacity for the institution and the subject matter upon which the U of L intends to lobby the federal government. The U of L is also responsible for reporting its “oral and arranged” communication after a listed employee advocates for a benefit (whether financial or to influence policy or legislation) for the institution. These monthly communication reports must be submitted by the 15th day of the following month from when the interaction occurred. This is done through the U of L’s Government Relations Office. University faculty members have the academic freedom to speak to members of the federal government as persons with expertise. If faculty members lobby for a benefit for the University, they, and their subject matter, must be included in the U of L’s registry. However, if an employee or faculty member is advocating for the greater public good (and not a specific benefit), they are not required to register or report their interaction. At various times, individuals throughout campus are involved in projects that involve interacting with the federal government. The Government Relations Office can help to ensure you are fulfilling the legal requirements of the federal Lobbying Act. For more information on this issue, check it out online at www. ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/lobbyistlobbyiste1.nsf/eng/home Richard Westlund is the U of L’s director of government relations and can be reached at 403-332-5251 or at richard.westlund@uleth.ca
the Legend
OCTOBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Call centre creating relationship with alumni
Student callers, including Todd Bioletti and Karissa Patton, will begin calling Faculty of Arts & Science alumni later this month.
BY KALI MCKAY
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odd Bioletti has assigned himself a new title – alumni-in-training. Returning for his third round at the University of Lethbridge call centre, the second-year kinesiology student is very aware of the impact alumni have at the University. “I didn’t really know what being an alumni meant before working at the call centre – I certainly hadn’t given it any thought,” acknowledges Bioletti. “Now, I know what an alum is and I can see it’s about more than just graduating.” Bioletti picked up the phone for the first round of calls last
fall and has been dialing ever since. “We called just under 12,000 alumni last year and, for the most part, people are pretty talkative,” says Bioletti, who attributes the candour to the fact that it was students making the calls. “As students calling former students, there is an instant connection.” The work has been positive, for both his bank account and his student experience. “The call centre is a great place to work,” says Bioletti, who admits that some of the fun happens when the phones are hung up. “The extra money is helpful, and I like that my job ties me back to the University.”
“Talking to so many alumni about their experiences has made me appreciate the opportunities I have as a student.” TODD BIOLETTI
Launched as a pilot project last fall, the call centre is now part of the annual giving program at the U of L. Student
Janay Nugent (History)
callers phone alumni to tell them about what’s happening at the University, update contact information and to ask for a donation. Whether or not they make a gift, alumni have been happy to get the call. “The conversations start with me introducing myself and talking about what I’m doing here, but I usually end up learning more about the alum than they learn about me,” says Bioletti. “I’ve got some really great advice about my program and future career options.” As a result of the experience, Bioletti now understands the importance of engagement and has established his connection to the U of L very early in his academic
career. “Working at the call centre helped me to meet people and helped me understand a little more about the University than I did before,” explains Bioletti. “Talking to so many alumni about their experiences has made me appreciate the opportunities I have as a student.” The call centre will start calling Faculty of Arts and Science alumni later this month, attempting to reach almost 6,000 people. Bioletti sees this as a great way to connect with alumni. “I hope one day students are phoning to tell me about what’s happening at the U of L,” jokes Bioletti.
“Faculty and staff participation helps strengthen the U of L community. Ultimately, we all benefit from a high-achieving student body.” Join us and make a contribution to SOS 2010.
www.uleth.ca/giving/ SupportingOurStudents
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OCTOBER 2010
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athletics AT T H E U
the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Military visit highlights Horns’ weekend
The Pronghorns men’s hockey team, pictured here, at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.
JOHN GILL RUN RAISES FUNDS Pronghorn Athletics is presenting one of its busiest spectator weekends in University of Lethbridge history, Oct. 22-24. From the Canada West Women’s Rugby Championships to home opening action for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as women’s hockey and men’s and women’s soccer action, followers of the Horns have a host of viewing possibilities. There is one event however that can get people out of the stands and into the action, all the while helping to support student scholarships. The 3rd Annual John Gill Run for Student Scholarships kicks off the weekend Friday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. The scholarship run is dedicated to the memory of John Gill, a U of L alumnus, former Alumni president, and a man who exemplified community involvement, commitment, passion for learning and giving back to the community. Following his passing, the University created an annual award in his memory. The purpose behind the scholarship is to annually recognize a student that demonstrates leadership and dedication to community, much as Gill did. He believed the best way to show gratitude was to give to the community in which you live. To participate in this event, runners are urged to collect pledges then come out for the run on Oct. 22 to show their support. Pledge forms are available by e-mailing johngillrun@gmail.com.
The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s hockey team completed a recent tour of Colorado, posting a 1-1-0-1 record over three preseason games against American college competition. The tour served as a preseason tune-up for the start of the Canada West regular season schedule, which begins Friday, Oct. 15 when the Horns host
University of Calgary Dinos, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena. It also proved to be a positive team-building exercise for the Horns as they took part in a number of activities away from the rink. One of the community outreach activities the hockey team engaged in was a visit with Canadian military personnel stationed in the Denver
area with the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). The Horns were given a tour of Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, had lunch with the acting general and exchanged hockey jerseys. Members of the Canadian military later attended the Horns’ game against Air Force, a 4-3 overtime loss for the U of L.
The highlight of the trip for the Pronghorns was a 5-2 victory over University of Denver, the first time Denver had lost a pre-season game to Canadian competition since 1999. Nicholas Hotson led the way with three goals. The Horns also dropped a 5-1 decision to Colorado College.
PRONGHORN ATHLETICS CELEBRATES BUSIEST WEEKEND IN HISTORY Hosting a Canada West Championship automatically makes it a big weekend for Pronghorn Athletics but when another five teams are added to the mix, it makes for something even larger. “It is a big weekend for us,” says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services. “For the staff it will be busy but for the fans it will be fun and exciting.” Beginning Friday, Oct. 22 and concluding Sunday afternoon, Oct. 24, the U of L campus will see 14 games contested, featuring five Pronghorn teams, all highlighted by the Canada West Women’s Rugby Championship. “Because some of our seasons are so short in duration, at times it is hard to avoid these overlaps between teams,” says Slavin. “So for us to host 14 games in one three-day stretch, including a Canada West Championship, is a biggie.” In addition to the women’s rugby program seeking its
fourth consecutive Canada West title, Pronghorns men’s and women’s basketball teams are in action as they host their Canada West season openers. The Horns women’s hockey team invites University of Alberta Pandas to town for a pair of games and the men’s and women’s soccer programs each play two-game sets as they conclude their Canada West home schedules. The only Horns team not playing on home soil is the men’s hockey team, which heads to Edmonton to play University of Alberta on the road. “There is a lot of excitement in the office about it,” says Slavin. “We are fortunate we have a number of rugby alumni that have come forward and are helping us plan the Canada West banquet, as well as help out at the stadium during the games. “A number of the girls registered in our Rugby Academy are also stepping forward to
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help as ball girls for the games.”
“For us to host 14 games in one three-day stretch, including a Canada West Championship, is a biggie.” SANDY SLAVIN
There will be a big alumni presence all weekend, and the opportunity to showcase U of L athletics facilities, all brimming with action, is the perfect way to showcase Pronghorn Athletics to the broader community. Slavin says special ticketing prices are being offered to bring people to campus. “We are offering some
flexible ticketing packages to encourage people to get out to as many games as possible.” University of Lethbridge Alumni are also eligible to purchase a weekend pass for $10, allowing them to attend any of the Pronghorn games. These passes can be picked up at the Sport and Recreation Department. There will also be a tailgate BBQ on Sunday at the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium. “It should be a great weekend,” adds Slavin. “Our rugby team is the most successful team in the country the last three years and now they get an opportunity to showcase themselves at the new stadium in front of a hometown crowd. Everybody’s very excited about our basketball teams this year, so we expect enthusiastic crowds at the gym both nights, and the women’s hockey program continues moving forward and it’s always a great weekend when the Pandas come to town.”
the Legend
OCTOBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
GLOBAL connections
UNIVERSITY, STUDENTS PROSPER FROM ELAP PROGRAM BY ERICA LIND
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or many people, the opportunity to study in another country is the opportunity of a lifetime. It can also prove to be very expensive, and many students do not have the resources to study abroad. For one group of students from South America, a new scholarship has made this opportunity possible. Candela Yrazabal Gonzalez is a management exchange student from Argentina. She recently received the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship, allowing her to study at the University of Lethbridge for the fall semester. “I really wanted to have an experience in Canada, and the programs at the U of L really appealed to me,” explains Yrazabal Gonzalez. “There are professors and students here from all over the world, so the U of L seemed like an interesting place to be.” The ELAP provides funding for students in Latin America to come study in Canada. Launched in 2009 by the federal government, this program awards scholarships of up to $7,500 for undergraduate exchanges of four months. Scholarships are awarded primarily
Candela Yrazabal Gonzalez is making the most of her four-month study opportunity at the U of L.
based on academic standing and English skills. This semester, Rhonda Crow, the incoming exchange co-ordinator for the Faculty of Management, submitted funding applications for 12 students from Latin America to attend the U of L. All 12, including Yrazabal Gonzalez, received the full scholarship (a total of $90,000 for the University) and are currently studying at the U of L. “This program goes a long way in supporting the mandate of the International Management Program at the U of L,” says Andrea Amelinckx, the program’s director. “We aim to provide students with opportunities
to gain a greater understanding of cross-cultural management practices and an appreciation of global and cultural diversity. By sending our students abroad and by welcoming exchange students here, we enrich campus life and expose students to greater cultural diversity and encourage lasting international linkages.” For Yrazabal Gonzalez, the ELAP scholarship means the opportunity to learn in new ways that would not be possible in her home country. “There are different resources and opportunities here than in Argentina,” she says. “Being here allows me to learn from a different point of view and to
PRESIDENTIAL DELIVERY
gain cross-cultural knowledge.”
“There are different resources and opportunities here than in Argentina. Being here allows me to learn from a different point of view.”
Yrazabal Gonzalez is even taking her international study opportunity to another level by volunteering with the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge. She says the volunteer work extends her learning outside of the classroom, and allows her to learn about aboriginal culture, which is one of her research interests. Yrazabal Gonzalez and her fellow recipients of the scholarship are part of a larger group of 56 exchange students currently studying at the U of L. “Exchange students have been instrumental in the growth of the International Management Program,” says Amelinckx. “Students from the U of L continually meet students from other countries and learn about their cultures. We have a diverse range of exchange destinations, allowing our students many options for studying abroad and also bringing in students from all over the world.” Although Yrazabal Gonzalez plans to return to Argentina after her semester here, she intends to maintain a connection with Canada. She is interested in international development and hopes to work with the United Nations. She sees her experience at the U of L as helping her reach not only career goals but allowing her to grow in other ways. “I am so happy to be here and I am learning so much,” says Yrazabal Gonzalez. “I couldn’t be here without the ELAP scholarship. This scholarship has opened a big door for me.”
CANDELA YRAZABAL GONZALEZ
HONOURING HANK MARGOLIS
President Mike Mahon demonstrates considerable grace under pressure as he successfully diapers a model baby – which he also helped to deliver – in the Health Sciences Nursing Skills lab, all while being videotaped for CTV News by videographer Dave Jacobson. Mahon has been on a whirlwind tour of Faculties and administrative departments to get to know as many people as possible in his first months on the job, and employees seem to delight in making his experiences as interesting as possible.
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The University of Lethbridge is pleased to grant Dr. Hank A. Margolis an honourary degree at the Fall 2010 Convocation ceremonies, Oct. 15-16. Margolis, a professor in the Faculty of Geography and Geomatics at Laval University in Quebec, is known as a driving force for Canadian research into the carbon cycle of forests and wetlands, and has been instrumental in the development of several national and international efforts to better understand climate change. Margolis has made significant and long-term contributions to public service in Canada. The major form of this public service has been in the role of principal investigator and program leader of three national research networks in Canada.
Research conducted during these national programs has addressed important issues related to ecosystem carbon cycling and climate change. New knowledge created by these scientific activities has contributed in several important ways, including improvement in forecast models used in global weather prediction (BOREAS) and in developing policy related to controlling greenhouse gas emissions in Canada (FCRN & CCP).
OCTOBER 2010
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Convocation
the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Unassuming academic
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Alumnus Blair McMurren has excelled at every stage of his career. Alumnus Chad Befus has followed a unique path in achieving both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
BY TREVOR KENNEY
R
eality for Chad Befus (BSc ’08, MSc ’10) came from looking into the eyes of his co-workers, on a frigid Arctic work site toward the end of another 16-hour day. He needed to go to school. “In the Arctic, when you’re out there working what seems like a neverending day in minus-60 degree weather, you get that feeling you need to go do something else,” says Befus, whose indirect route to the University of Lethbridge included a work stint in the seismic trade after graduating from Calgary’s William Aberhart High School. “It was long hours and very hard work. There were guys working there, and they were very impressive people, who were 60 years old – I just didn’t want to be them at 60.” So he looked south to the U of L and, taking the advice of friends who’d said he was always “good with computers”, and threw himself into computer science with a determination steeled by his time in the workforce. “My time away from school is what told me I needed to come to university and do my bachelor’s degree,” he says. “It also drove me to work so hard to complete it.” A second work experience sent Befus back to school once more, this time to complete his master’s degree. He says he doesn’t need a third
reality check, having already been accepted into a PhD program at the University of London. The academic world is where Befus plans to stay.
G E T T H E FA C T S • Befus has an older brother currently pursuing his master’s in earth sciences at the University of Calgary. • His mother was born in Lethbridge and has a nursing degree from the U of C, while his father has a bachelor’s degree from the U of C and a law degree from University of Victoria. • Befus met his PhD supervisor after earning the right to present a paper at the International Computer Music Conference in New York. • He earned his studentship at University of London after winning one of three spots from among 80 applicants. • He describes the practical applications of his research by saying, “The idea is we can do things like search or classify music better, simply because we can get a more accurate representation of music itself at a workable level.” “I was fortunate enough to do a co-op program with Shell Canada in my fourth year and it was an excellent experience,” says Befus, who was offered a full-time job as a result. “I likely could have spent the rest of my life there as a
programmer, but I didn’t find it especially challenging. It gave me yet another perspective and drove me back into university.” The U of L hooked Befus very early in his postsecondary career.
“My time away from school is what told me I needed to come to university.” CHAD BEFUS
“One of my first classes was with Dr. Yllias Chali. He has such a spark of enthusiasm for his work that all the kids in his class are just drawn in by him,” says Befus. “He is so exciting and interesting, and I give him a great deal of credit because that first class at university was so fun and so interesting, that appeal just stuck with me.” When seeking a graduate program, students are often advised to look beyond the confines of the school at which they earned their bachelor’s degree. Befus, having built a rapport with his professors, respectfully ignored that counsel. CONTINUED ON PG. 8
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Blair McMurren first earned his reputation for excellence as an undergraduate student at the University of Lethbridge. Majoring in English, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with great distinction in 1996, receiving the Faculty of Arts and Science Gold Medal (Arts) and the Governor General’s Silver Medal for highest undergraduate class standing. It would just be the start of what has become an impressive career for the born and raised Lethbridge product. McMurren is being honoured as the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at the Fall 2010 Convocation ceremony, an award that recognizes individuals for exceptional professional achievements, academic excellence and/or contributions to society. McMurren hits the mark on each occasion. Following graduation from the U of L, McMurren was elected to a Rhodes Scholarship for study in the UK at the University of Oxford. During his time at Oxford, he earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature and ultimately a Doctor of Philosophy in comparative literature, as well as a professional qualification and Master of Arts in translation from the University of Surrey at Guildford. His doctoral research examined the rhetoric and cultural politics of translation, and focused on translation as a theme and critical activity in the life and works of the Irish author James Joyce. Having a longstanding interest in public policy issues, McMurren returned to Canada in 2002 to pursue a career with the federal government. “The Canadian Privy Council Office came recruiting at Oxford, and they made a rather
compelling pitch for working in public policy,” says McMurren. “The idea of working on a variety of files, and having some influence on what would be happening in my country resonated with me.” His clear and thought-provoking approach has advanced a variety of priorities in areas ranging from cultural policy to environmental strategy. McMurren’s accomplishments as a young public servant have been recognized with honours including the Public Service Award of Excellence for Innovation (2006), for an initiative to transform public service recruiting practices, and a Deputy Minister’s Award for Inspiration (2007). A well-rounded individual, McMurren continues to cultivate his artistic abilities. He’s a dedicated trombone player, was involved with numerous university and semi-professional ensembles throughout his academic career and continues to play with community concert bands and dance bands around Ottawa. He is also a creative writer and has published poems and short fiction in Canada and the UK. Always eager to speak about his alma mater, McMurren is more than willing to serve as a mentor to future generations of U of L students. “I’d like to help U of L students find out all that’s available to them after they leave the University,” he says. “This award is a very humbling thing. I’d like to offer my experience to students that are just finding their way.” McMurren is married to Juliet, a New Zealander, naturalized Canadian and archaeologist. The couple met in Oxford and has three sons: Gabriel (7), Hugo (2) and Joseph (seven months).
the Legend
OUR
alumni
OCTOBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Joblonkay unearths his passion at the U of L BY STACY SEGUIN
A
s a teenager, Darren Joblonkay (BSc ’10) knew he wanted to be a lawyer, and you could often find him at the local courthouse, watching various trials. By the time he graduated from Catholic Central High School however, his interest in travel and history far outweighed his fascination with the law. It was during his first semester at the University of Lethbridge that Joblonkay ultimately decided he would rather unearth ancient history than make history in the courtroom. “It was really on a whim that I decided I wanted to discover and contribute to our knowledge of the human past,” says Joblonkay, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Ancient Near-Eastern Studies at the University of Toronto. “When I began attending the University of Lethbridge, I really had no idea how big the field of archaeology is, but Dr. Walter Aufrecht intrigued me with his knowledge of the ancient Near East – particularly ancient SyriaPalestine. My first year classes in the archaeology of Mesopotamia and Classical Hebrew were what really drove me to pursue SyroPalestinian archaeology.” During his U of L years, Joblonkay took full advantage of the unique opportunities the University, and its smaller, more personable nature, is able to provide to undergraduate students. “Smaller classes make for more interesting seminars,” explains Joblonkay. “Having the chance to work for your profes-
STAYING FOR GRAD WORK WAS NATURAL CONTINUED FROM PG. 7 “For me, the idea of working for some stranger, not knowing what I’d be working on or what environment I’d be in, just didn’t appeal to me,” he says. “I wanted to come back and work for one of the professors that I did know, who would challenge me and give me enough leash to be able to go out and do the tasks.” Befus’ research interest is in music information retrieval, essentially applying computers to music. As a computer scientist his work is on the systemic side of the equation, how to make computers more accurately represent music. It’s not a onediscipline problem however, and Befus says his exposure to the
G E T T H E FA C T S • Joblonkay graduated from the U of L with Great Distinction, earning a BSc in Archaeology and Geography while concentrating on Geographical Information Science. • He is the recipient of numerous scholarships totaling more than $13,000. • He is a member of the Archaeological Society of Alberta and the American School of Oriental Research. • Joblonkay’s mother, Margaret, works in the Faculty of Education as administrative support in the Graduate Studies and Research office. sors at the undergraduate level, to be a student marker, getting experience giving presentations in class, being part of a class project because there are only five students – these opportunities aren’t available to most undergraduates elsewhere. “My experiences working in a lab, working as a research assistant and getting the opportunity to take on roles with greater responsibility at the University gave me a substantial edge over those students who attended larger institutions at the bachelor level.” During the summer of 2007, Joblonkay travelled with fellow students under the direction of U of L professor, Dr. Shawn Bubel, to Tel Beth Shemesh, an archaeological site 20km west of Jerusalem. Since then, Joblonkay
artistic and psychological components have given him a more complete approach. “I know people who have gone to other universities who stick to their respective areas, and they become very good in those areas. Here you’re forced to take different disciplines as an undergraduate, things such as psychology courses, social science courses, art courses, and that’s what I find really interesting. I like to go out of my box,” he says. He credits that interdisciplinary approach for enhancing his critical thinking skills. “If you’ve got a breadth of knowledge, you can come at a solution from a direction that nobody else will,” Befus says. “Somebody coming from a background in music might approach the same problem differently than someone from computer science or psychology. The U of L has helped me see that interdisciplinary areas of
Alumnus Darren Joblonkay on a recent archaeological excursion.
has spent every summer working at archaeological digs around Israel. “I think the real “aha” moment that led to my career was attending the field school at Tel Beth Shemesh,” says Joblonkay. “It was the shear intensity of the excavation experience. Where else do you get to unearth a bronze spear point used over 3,000 years ago, to walk on a tampered or cobble floor that hasn’t been stepped on in literally millennia, to experience a sunrise as you watch a Bedouin man tending to a flock of sheep? These and many other experiences all come together and form very fond memories of what it really means to be an archaeologist.” The opportunity to con-
research are much more interesting.” It also contributed to his finding a PhD opportunity with Dr. Geraint Wiggins at Goldsmiths’ College at the University of London. “From what I’ve read of his work, his department is very connected with the other aspects of this field, you’ll see all three areas represented,” says Befus. “I have experience with that and it’s what interests me.” He admits the experience will once again take him out of his comfort zone. London is a long way from the U of L and his hometown of Calgary, and even further from his time in the Arctic. “Back then I wanted to work on cars or something like that, being a doctor seemed out of this world to me because you had to be a brain to do that,” he laughs. “I’ve never done anything quite like this. It’s going a little bit further than I’m used to, so it should be interesting.”
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tinue his academic studies with the exclusive Near and Middle Eastern Civilization Department at the University of Toronto is something for which Joblonkay is very grateful. He gives a lot of credit for his preparation and acceptance to this one-of-a-kind Canadian program to his professors at the U of L. “The professors at the U of L are amazing. They prepared me for graduate work at one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions. They are supportive, approachable, well qualified and they do a great job of teaching and incorporating their own research into their classes,” remembers Joblonkay. “There is a great combination of traditional and younger scholars who bring new ideas and theories to the University. They expected the height of academic excellence
and pushed me to achieve. Their passion for the discipline really rubbed off on me.” Joblonkay brings that passion to his work at the University of Toronto, where he works as an archaeological assistant while he continues his master’s degree. In the summer of 2011, he will be digging at Tell Tayinat in Turkey, which he hopes will lead to his dissertation. “I would like to eventually be a professor in Near Eastern Archaeology. I believe it was one of my mentors who told me once that “any archaeologist would be lying if they said they didn’t like digging up treasures”, but our discipline runs deeper than that,” he says. “We attempt to preserve and understand humanity’s cultural history. We are all captivated by what humans were able to achieve in the past.”
Joblonkay credits the U of L for igniting his interest in history.
OCTOBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
H E A LT H
Striking a BY SUZANNE MCINTOSH
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had a recent opportunity to interview new President Mike Mahon about his vision for wellness here at the University of Lethbridge. Mike inspired me with his personal and organizational vision that includes creating an environment and culture to support individuals’ own wellness needs, whether those needs are physical, psychological and/or spiritual. Mike supports enabling individuals to create balance in their lives based on their own definition of wellness. He also feels we have a wealth of opportunities to create this balance both here on campus and in our community. If you want to know more, you can see this exclusive interview at the Life Balance Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. October is Healthy Workplace Month in Canada and it’s a great time to start thinking about what wellness
balance
at work means to you, how you can assess your own wellness needs and what you can do about them. Healthy Workplace Month Get Fit at Work Stretch and Strengthen kickoff We have already had two successful ‘teaser’ sessions in September. I urge you to take advantage of this program. Jeanine Baxter, the kinesiology student who designed the program, and myself are available to come to your department to spend 20 minutes with your staff to try it out. U-Weekly Contests Watch for your U-Weekly newsletter each Monday morning and check out contests where you could win an Eat, Shrink and Be Merry cookbook, an iPOD shuffle or a Wii game. To enter, simply answer wellness questions and attend the Life Balance Fair. (Here’s a hint: look for ‘Get Fit at Work – Did U Know’ posters around campus)
GRAD STUDENTS HONOURED When the School of Graduate Studies and the Office of Research Services handed out their Research Excellence awards recently, there were no trophies, only cold hard cash to the tune of more than $700,000, which was shared by 36 student recipients of graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies awards. The investment in research funding directed toward candidates in masters and doctoral programs is critical to help grow the U of L’s research programs and its place as a comprehensive research university. “These creative and highly intelligent people are the researchers of tomorrow. They are already working on world-class projects right here in Lethbridge, and this competitive funding shows that our graduate-level candidates are very successful in obtaining scarce research dollars at a national level,” says Dr. Robert Wood, the Interim Head of the School
& wellness
of Graduate Studies. The research funding was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Alberta-based agencies Alberta Ingenuity Fund, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and the Alberta governmentfunded Ralph Steinhauer Awards of Distinction. There were also several new awards, including an Alberta Award for the Study of Human Rights and Multiculturalism won by Health Sciences master’s candidate Ruksana Rashid. As well, more than $50,000 was received from three separate funds by chemistry and biochemistry candidate Cassandra Churchill. A complete listing of all recipients can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website: www.uleth.ca/sgs
Get Fit at Work On Monday, Oct. 18, a Get Fit at Work demonstration will be held from 1 to 1:30 p.m. in PE152. This is a great opportunity to try out this workplace activity program. As well, attend the Life Balance Fair and take part in Get Fit at Work sessions that run at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the 1st Choice Savings Centre track. Life Balance Fair The annual wellness fair takes place Wednesday, Oct. 27 and includes more than 40 interactive displays, including 15 new to our fair this year. This is an opportunity to get your flu shot, test your blood pressure, try out a chair massage and get screened for oral cancer. There are also loads of prize draws. The Off Balance Team Challenge offers more chance at prizes for your employees. Prove you are the most ‘unbalanced’ team on campus by bringing the most departmental employees to the Life Balance Fair and/or to try out the Get Fit at Work demo.
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A D AY
FEAST ON ANTIOXIDANTS BY DIANE BRITTON
Workplace Walks Program – Walk Across Canada Challenge
Carotenoids These antioxidants are found in vegetables and fruits that are dark yellow, orange and red; and in dark-green leafy vegetables.
This contest is a great way to promote physical activity on campus. The contest began in early October but you can register (universityoflethbridge.workplacewalks.ca/) at any time. I hope to see you out for the many events celebrating Healthy Workplace Month. As usual, please send your comments, suggestions or feedback to suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca or wellness@uleth.ca. Suzanne McIntosh is the co-ordinator of wellness programs at the University
Why not pile your plate full of antioxidants? Antioxidants are nutrients naturally found in food that help repair damaged body cells, improve immune function, promote health and reduce the risk of some diseases. Here are some foods loaded with antioxidants to fuel your feast.
Look for recipes that include sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, red and yellow peppers, broccoli, romaine lettuce and spinach. Snack on orange fruits such as mangos, apricots and cantaloupe for breakfast, lunch or breaks. Good Old Vitamin C Helpful in forming connective tissue that holds many parts of your body together, Vitamin C also helps reduce bruising by keeping capillaries healthy and maintains healthy gums so they won’t bleed. Foods rich in vitamin C include red peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe, tomatoes and cranberries. Eat your colours! Many new antioxidants have just recently been discovered and each group of antioxidants provides colour to your vegetables and fruit.
BY LORI WEBER
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AN
Wellness Café Vascular risk screening is the subject of this Thursday, Oct. 14 event. U of L nursing students will be on hand to provide information about the vascular risk screening program for employees. A very valuable session, it begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Markin Hall Atrium.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR FLU SHOT? Every fall, Canadians are confronted with two dilemmas – what to do with all the falling leaves and whether or not they should get the seasonal flu shot. With the H1N1 pandemic of 2009 still fresh in our minds and the sound of coughing already echoing in U of L hallways, influenza vaccine will again be made available on campus for interested students, staff and faculty. Unlike previous years, the Alberta government has provincially funded all vaccine this year, so there is no cost to anyone interested in getting the vaccine. Flu clinics will start around campus after the Thanksgiving weekend. We are currently waiting for the vaccine to become available and will announce the first on-campus vaccine clinics through the Notice Board, U-Weekly, UNews and cam-
the Legend
pus digital signage. The on-campus clinics will be held for those aged 17 to 70, except for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who must go to the public health unit for their vaccine. This particular vaccine protects against three strains of flu virus including an H1N1-like flu strain. More information on the vaccines will be forthcoming. It may be the right time to begin the discussion with your family about the need for a flu shot. Lori Weber is a registered nurse and manager of the University Health Centre
There are five main color groups to choose from: • White – Foods such as bananas, mushrooms, pears and parsnips • Yellow and Orange – Foods including carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow and orange peppers, lemons and turnips • Red – Reach for tomatoes, watermelon, raspberries, red apples and pomegranates • Blue and Purple – Foods such as blueberries, purple grapes, egg plant and purple cabbage • Green – Foods including broccoli, spinach, green cabbage, brussel sprouts and green onions Choosing antioxidant rich foods will pack your plate with nutrition power. You can now enjoy any feast knowing it is fuelled by antioxidants. For an individual nutrition appointment, call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403329-2484. Hour-long sessions are $40 for U of L students, staff and faculty. Diane Britton is the University of Lethbridge’s registered dietitian
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Pronghorn Athletics
OCTOBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
events C A L E N D A R Nov. 6, 7 p.m. | Nov. 7, 2 p.m. Nicholas Sheran Arena
Oct. 22 | Art Now: Curator Candice Hopkins | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Nov. 15 | Architecture & Design Now: Furniture designers, Brothers Dressler | 6 p.m., C610
Nov. 16 | Music at Noon: Musaeus String Quartet | 2:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)
Oct. 25 | Architecture & Design Now: Dr. Victoria Dickenson | 6 p.m., C610
Performances
Miscellaneous
Oct. 14 | President’s Choice Honouring U of L President Mike Mahon | 8 p.m., University Recital Hall
Sept. 12 to Oct. 24 Shifting Myths Helen Christou Gallery
Oct. 15 | Canada West Men’s Hockey University of Calgary vs. Horns 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena
Nov. 12-13 | Canada West Basketball | University of Saskatchewan vs. Horns | Women’s game, 6 p.m.; Men’s game, 8 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym
Oct. 16 | Canada West Women’s Hockey | University of Calgary vs. Horns, 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena
Lectures
Oct. 27 | Art Now: Curator and historian, Richard Hill | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Oct. 13 | Art Now: Writer Simon Houpt | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Oct. 29 | Art Now: Photographer Alison Rossiter | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Oct. 15 | Art Gallery Open House Behind the scenes at the Art Gallery 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Art Gallery
Oct. 14 | Responding to Sexual Violence on Campus | For faculty and staff. Pat Anderson, Counselling Services, discusses how you can respond effectively if a student discloses sexual violence to you. 3 to 4:30 p.m., AH118
Oct. 29 | Women Scholars Speaker Series | Leadership and the Strategic Plan: Nancy Walker | Noon to 2 p.m., Students’ Union Ballroom A
Oct. 19 | Music at Noon: Peter Visentin (violin) and Deanna Oye (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)
Oct. 22-23 | Canada West Basketball Trinity Western vs. Horns | Women’s game, 6 p.m.; Men’s game, 8 p.m. 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Oct. 22-23 | Canada West Women’s Hockey | University of Alberta vs. Horns, 7 p.m. nightly Nicholas Sheran Arena Oct. 22-24 | Canada West Women’s Rugby | Canada West Championship Tournament, Community Sports Stadium Oct. 23 | Canada West Soccer University of Alberta vs. Horns Women’s game, noon; Men’s game, 2 p.m., Community Sports Stadium Oct. 24 | Canada West Soccer University of Saskatchewan vs. Horns Women’s game, noon; Men’s game, 2 p.m., Community Sports Stadium Oct. 29-30 | Canada West Men’s Hockey | University of Manitoba vs. Horns, 7 p.m. nightly Nicholas Sheran Arena Nov. 6-7 | Canada West Women’s Hockey | University of British Columbia vs. Horns
Oct. 15 | Art Now: Curator Steve Loft Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Oct. 18 | Art Now: Multimedia artist Laurel Woodcock | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Oct. 18 | CAETL Graduate Student Workshop | Class Discussion and Tutorials with Dr. Harold Jansen and Dr. Janice Newberry | 2 to 4 p.m., L1102 Oct. 19 | Between Imaginary and Real Islam in Europe and France: Professor Raphael Liogier 7:30 p.m., TH201 Oct. 20 | CAETL Graduate Student Workshop | The Multicultural Classroom with Dr. Hillary Rodrigues and Dr. Dayna Daniels | 1 to 2:30 p.m., TH143
Nov. 1 | Architecture & Design Now: Winnipeg architect, Neil Minuk 6 p.m., C610 Nov. 3 | Art Now: Anne Henderson Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Nov. 3 | WestGrid Seminar: Molecular Simulations of Biomolecules using GROMACS | Gurpreet Singh, University of Calgary 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., CRDC L1126 Nov. 5 | Art Now: Alison McTaggert Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Nov. 8 | Art Now: Photographer Lynne Cohen | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Nov. 8 | Architecture & Design Now: Calgary architect, Gerald Forseth 6 p.m., C610 Nov. 15 | Art Now: Daniel Young & Christian Giroux | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)
Oct. 19-23 | Uncommon Women and Others | By Wendy Wasserstein, five women reunite to discuss where their lives have led | 8 p.m. nightly, University Theatre Oct. 26 | Music at Noon: Akiko Tominga (piano) | 12:15 p.m. University Recital Hall (W570) Oct. 28-30 | TheatreXtra The Good Egg By Michael Lewis MacLennan | 8 p.m. nightly, David Spinks Theatre, 2 p.m. matinee Oct. 30 Nov. 2 | Music at Noon: Joel Gray (trumpet); Dr. David Renter (piano); Elior Lawson (piano) | 12:15 p.m. University Recital Hall (W570) Nov. 5-6 | Opera Around the World U of L Opera Workshop presents a world tour | 8 p.m. nightly University Recital Hall Nov. 9 | Music at Noon: Dr. Magdalena Adamek (piano) | 12:15 p.m. University Recital Hall (W570)
Sept. 16 to Oct. 29 | Jamelie Hassan: At the Far Edge of Words U of L Main Gallery Oct. 13 | Jet Programme Information Session | Learn about opportunities to teach English in Japan 6 to 7 p.m., W646 Oct. 12-13 | Faculty Focus Groups Contact Nicole Leusink at nicole. leusink@uleth.ca to participate 3 to 4:30 p.m. daily Oct. 13 | Coffee with the President Stop by and welcome new President Mike Mahon | 8:30 to 10 a.m. UHall Atrium Oct. 18 | Week Without Violence Sit-In | Campus Women’s Centre 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., UHall Atrium Oct. 19 | ULSU Presents Peter Mansbridge | Changing Canadian Culture, Politics and Society |Noon 1st Choice Savings Centre Oct. 20 | Oldman Watershed Council Science Forum | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (registration 8:30 a.m.) Students’ Union Ballroom A& B Plays and Prose Writing Competition Submission deadline: Dec. 13 by 4 p.m. Submit to Rebecca Gray, W850
Planning, inter-departmental work aids Fresh Fest BY ABBY GROENENBOOM Getting students to the University of Lethbridge is one thing – helping them feel comfortable once they’re here and setting them up to succeed is of even greater importance. Fresh Fest is one initiative aimed at not only welcoming students to the U of L campus, but also introducing them to a University that cares about fostering a true student community. The 2010 edition of Fresh Fest proved to be the most successful week of welcome events thus far at the University of Lethbridge and credit can be given to the co-operative work of a number of University units. “Fresh Fest serves as a release from the stress of the first week of classes and allows our
students, both new and returning, to become better acquainted with the University experience as well as opportunities to get involved with their community,” says Taz Kassam, University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) president. “It is believed that the first six weeks of a student’s university experience
determines whether or not that student will stay at their university. By offering a week of welcome activities, such as Fresh Fest, we hope it helps in making that decision easier.” The Fresh Fest Organizing Committee, a group of nine individuals dedicated to presenting a great event, worked throughout the summer to ensure its success. The committee strived for improvements from previous years, including offering a diversity of high quality bands at the Fresh U Jamboree to entertain Freshies throughout the day. “We took money that would have been spent on a headliner and spread that out so that we’d have good music playing all day,” says Cole Lehto, Jamboree co-ordinator.
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Fresh Fest organizers also co-ordinated with New Student Orientation this year, providing a Fresh Fest mail-out to students well in advance of the event. It ensured that all Fresh Fest Packages were sold out. “A little more attention was paid to finding the right vendors for the event, making it more like a carnival,” says Lehto. A new location for Fresh U Jamboree, as well as close work with Campus Security and Risk and Safety Services, mitigated disturbances both at the event and in the broader Lethbridge community. “The new green space, beside Markin Hall, controlled the sound from Fresh U Jamboree much better, allowing for fewer disturbances in the community,” says Lehto. “It also created a cozy
festival feel to the event.” After 61 official noise complaints were filed with Lethbridge Regional Police last year, there were none following the 2010 jamboree. Fresh Fest organizers met with Director of Security Services and Parking, John O’Keeffe, as well as the Risk and Safety Services office throughout the planning process, working to ensure that noise concerns as well as problems with overindulgence would be mitigated. Fresh Fest 2010 proved to be successful on a number of fronts, producing a sold-out event that earned rave reviews from students. A dedicated organizing committee deserves credit, as do a number of University units that worked together to ensure a memorable experience.
OCTOBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
FINE ARTS
in focus
Behind the scenes at the Art Gallery
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rop by and get a glimpse of all the work that goes on behind the scenes at the U of L Art Gallery as they host an Open House, Oct. 13-16. “We invite everyone to come and see what we do to care for artworks in the collection. Gallery staff can answer your questions, you can find out about our latest conservation project and try out our new website and research database,” says Dr. Josephine Mills, director/curator. “We’ll also launch the new publication Snap, Crackle, Pop.” If you’ve ever wondered why you are not supposed to touch artwork, this is your opportunity to find out. “We’ll have stations set up with several options for looking at works, materials and images of the conservation process. It’ll give people a sense of the scope of the assessment and treatment for conservation as well as our general gallery operations,” says Mills. “It will also help people understand how the Art Gallery supports Art History/Museum Studies students.” Gallery preparator, Jane Edmundson, looks forward to showing visitors the processes used in the Gallery’s conservation project. “Many works in the col-
UNCOMMON WOMEN A SHOW OF STRENGTH BY AMANDA BERG
Restoration and conservation projects are ongoing at the U of L Art Gallery.
lection, such as watercolours, drawings and prints are done on paper,” she says. “Our job involves repairing and stabilizing the works using the most up-do-date techniques. These methods often change or evolve over time. For example, we now have a new framing procedure. Many of the works in the U of L collection are very old
es, Nov. 5-6 at 8 p.m. nightly in the University Recital Hall. “The program features compositions from four continents and 11 different countries,” says Dr. Sandra Stinger, director. “The music introduces audiences to the people, cities and cultures of various places around the globe, including Spain, Russia, Austria and China.” Opera Workshop students have been hard at work this semester, perfecting selections from Merry Widow, Carmen, Madame Butterfly and Westside Story. “We are also performing Krysta Mellon and Jason Ragan, part an exciting sample from of the U of L’s Opera Workshop. Eugene Onegin, by Tchaikovsky,” says Stringer. “Our program also presents composer’s interpretations of foreign countries, such as, Turandot, which was Puccini’s Asian-inspired interpretation of China.” With more than 25 performers, Opera Workshop One night, 11 countries and performances are grand in every 20 operas are on the menu as the sense. From the gowns and University of Lethbridge Opera tuxedos, to the choreography Workshop celebrates with Opera and tremendous vocal talents Around The World. of the students, Opera Around The Opera Workshop takes the World is a classy night of audiences on an operatic advenentertainment. ture presenting both familiar Tickets are available for $15 favourites and new classics, by regular, and $10 for seniors and composers representing a host students at the U of L Box Office of different countries. Enjoy an (403-329-2616), open Monday to evening of operatic masterpiecFriday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
OPERA EVENT A WORLDWIDE AFFAIR
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and we do our best to preserve them by integrating new conservation processes.” The new digital collection database provides students, researchers and the curious with a means to learn about all the work in the collection. “The complete art collection is now viewable online. The database has more than 13,000
catalogued works, making it one of the most impressive in Canada,” says Edmundson. Times for the Art Gallery Open House are: Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Art Gallery website at www.uleth.ca/artgallery
THE GOOD EGG TAKES AN INTERESTING TURN A donor, a baby and a twist of fate all contribute to keeping audiences guessing and laughing in The Good Egg by Canadian Michael Lewis MacLennan. Showing Oct. 28-30 in the David Spinks Theatre, The Good Egg has performances nightly at 8 p.m. and a matinee Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. Part of the TheatreXtra season, The Good Egg weaves an intriguing tale of love, trust and modern family values. “I loved the complicated relationships between the characters and how they evolve as the story progresses,” says drama major Colleen Trumble, who directs the production. “There are only three actors in the play and their interactions create a dynamic chemistry on stage. Developing that relationship in rehearsals is one of the main challenges, but one I’m prepared to meet.” The Good Egg presents
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the story of a happily married couple that wants to add to their happiness by conceiving a child. Trouble arises when they discover that conception can only be accomplished through alternate means. They soon meet Wade, who seems to be a virile answer to their prayers. However, as the trio becomes more intimate, secret feelings emerge that bring out the worst in everyone. First presented as part of the 23rd Annual Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays at Alberta Theatre Projects, The Good Egg promises to push boundaries and challenge its student-run cast and crew. Tickets, priced at $11 for regular admission and $7 for students and seniors, are on sale at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616), Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. This production includes mature themes.
The 1970s proved to be a very important time for women and the play, Uncommon Women and Others, captures this transformative era. Showing Oct. 19-23, 8 p.m. nightly at the University Theatre, Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein, examines the changing social dynamics of the age. “The play takes place during an era of tremendous change for women, but the fundamental theme of students figuring out their place in the world remains relevant and recognizable today,” says Dr. Shelley Scott, director. This often funny, reflective play transports audiences to the 1970s to share the struggles, challenges and joys of five independently uncommon women. Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Wendy Wasserstein, this compelling drama opens as the women meet at a restaurant in 1978. A flashback transports the audience back six years and shows the women while they were students at a prestigious, all-female college, forming the friendships and making the choices that shape their destinies. From the set, designed by Donal Atkinson, to the costumes, designed by U of L drama major Candace Van Osch, the production explores a time when clothes and furnishings had a distinctly original style. “The entire production is an expression of such an important time for women,” says Scott. “It captures the essence of that time, in which the women’s movement was changing women’s lives. This play explores these themes and also speaks about a comingof-age that all students go through.” “Wasserstein was often referred to as the female Neil Simon,” adds Scott. “Artistic Director, Lincoln Center Theatre, Andre Bishop, remarks that all of Wasserstein’s plays revolve around intelligent, attractive, educated, uncommon women who, while attempting to deal with their fears and disappointments, manage to define and redefine who they are.” Tickets are available at the U of L Box Office (403329-2616), Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Season Ticket Special You only have until Oct. 19 to purchase a Theatre Season Ticket and save 25% off the mainstage season.
(Left top) Illingworth Kerr, Big Hills, Willows and Aspen, Autumn, 1979
From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.
(Left second down) Ted Godwin, Elk River From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.
(Left third down) Margaret Shelton, Farm Near Dorothy, 1935
From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.
(Left bottom) Illingworth Kerr, Yellow Stacks, Blue Mountains, 1979
From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.
art + people = x Dr. Michael Mahon The University of Lethbridge Art Collection continues to grow each year through the generosity of artists and art collectors. Most recently, the University acquired a gift of over 200 artworks from Jim Coutts, a southern Alberta art collector, politician and philanthropist. Coutts is well known as a supporter of prairie artists, and many of the works comprising this gift depict plains landscapes.
Mahon grew up in Manitoba and is a long-time Alberta resident, moving to Lethbridge after spending the last decade in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. As a lifelong physical activity enthusiast and proponent, Mahon has formed strong bonds to the Canadian prairies, and is anticipating excursions into the coulees that surround our campus.
New University of Lethbridge President, Dr. Michael Mahon, was interested in selecting some works from Coutts’ gift for the art + people = x project because of his ties to Canada’s prairies.
Selected works from Jim Coutts’ gift will be displayed as part of ‘A Little History on the Prairies’, an exhibition at the University of Lethbridge Main Gallery, Jan. 14 to Feb. 25, 2011.
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