W I N T E R 20 17 LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE AT 60 LOOKING INSIDE THE LCSA OFFICE THE EVOLUTION OF THE CAMPUS
{ A PU B L ICAT ION OF LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE }
12 28 32
Editor’s message
The year 1957 was a year of change,
innovation, ambition and action. John Diefenbaker was named Prime Minister following the Progressive Conservatives’ defeat of the Liberals, the U.S. and Canada created the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), Lester B. Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize and Elvis Presley made five Canadian appearances – the only live performances he gave outside of the United States. That same year, ultrasound scanning was pioneered in Scotland, the USSR launched Sputnik 1 and inaugurated the Space Age and Space Race, American Bandstand debuted on television in the United States, the Tropicana Hotel opened in Las Vegas and the first Frisbee (initially called the Pluto Platter) was thrown. Nineteen fifty-seven was also the peak of the baby boom, and saw the births of Rick Hansen, Donny Osmond, Sid Vicious, Gloria Estefan, Shannon Tweed, Spike Lee, Katie Couric, Daniel Day-Lewis, Mike Bossy, Bret Hart, two famous Carolines – one a princess of Monaco and one the daughter of the future president, John F. Kennedy – as well as nearly half a million Canadians. One other important event happened in 1957. Lethbridge College opened its doors, becoming Canada’s first publicly-funded community college. Sixty years later, the college is proud to be celebrating its six decades in style, including in the pages of this magazine. All three issues of Wider Horizons this year will be recognizing the anniversary in different ways. In this issue, we look at Lethbridge College as a place – and highlight 60 favourite spots on campus suggested to us by students, staff, alumni and friends of the college.
2 4 26
President in action Campus in season From our kitchens
{ VO L . 1 0 | I S S U E 2 | W I N T E R 2 0 17 }
Wider Horizons is Lethbridge College’s community magazine, celebrating the successes and stories of its students, employees and alumni by promoting them throughout the community. This publication aims to educate its readers, engage stakeholders and recognize donors through compelling stories and images.
One of those favourite spots is Kodiak House, which is featured on pages 4 and 5 in a glowing morning photo captured by Rod Leland, a Marketing and Communications colleague, on his cell phone camera on the way in to work. And don’t miss checking out some other favourite campus spaces, including the LCSA office, the gardens at the south end of campus where Bhutanese senior citizens gardened all summer and the second phase of the new trades and technologies building with its wood, windows and amazing light. We’d love to hear about and see your favourite Lethbridge College places and encourage you to email us at WHMagazine@lethbridgecollege.ca or share your story on our social media using the hashtag #LC1957. Help us celebrate our 60th by taking part in the festivities! And as always, thanks for reading Wider Horizons. The magazine started 10 years ago as part of the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations, and it is now distributed to more than 39,000 people three times each year. About half of our readers are alumni, and the other half receive the magazine with Lethbridge’s city magazine, Lethbridge Living – and we are grateful to all of you who read the stories, enjoy the photos, write in with your updates and story ideas, and pass the issue along to your friends and families. Thanks for reading and for celebrating Lethbridge College’s 60th with us! Cheers,
Lisa Kozleski Editor
28 Office intrigue 30 Q&A 38 Where are they now?
45 46 51
We thank you for picking up this copy and we hope you enjoy the read. If you would like to suggest a story or find out more about our magazine, contact us.
In addition to free distribution to our regional community, Wider Horizons is also mailed to all Lethbridge College alumni. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected to the college by emailing alumni@lethbridgecollege.ca or by updating their contact information at the Alumni Relations website:
Wider Horizons c/o The Advancement Office 3000 College Drive South Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6 WHMagazine@lethbridgecollege.ca
It’s a family affair News and notes Lethbridge College legacies
lethbridgecollege.ca/alumni
GOING WITH T H E
F LOW
26 Chocolate raspberry pavlova: An update on this classic, 50s-era recipe to link the Culinary program’s past and future.
Publisher: Michel Béchard Editor-in-chief: Gwen Wirth Editor: Lisa Kozleski Design: Dana Woodward Cover photo: Gregory Thiessen Photographers: Rod Leland, Rob Olson, Gregory Thiessen Contributors: Mark Campbell, Belinda Crowson, Jeremy Franchuk, Megan Shapka
Dr. Willemijn Appels, Lethbridge College’s first Mueller Applied Research Chair in Irrigation Science, is undertaking a new research program to help farmers who rely on irrigation to develop even more efficient and productive farms. Beyond the (literal) dirty work, Dr. Appels said the key to her research success depends on working with farmers and the irrigation industry to ensure her data can be applied in a practical way.
6
30
52
Q&A: Lethbridge College alumni-turnedinstructors discuss the Multimedia program, which celebrates its 20th this year.
Grads on our grounds: College grads put their hands-on learning to the test as skilled tradespeople working on the new trades and tech facility.
Lethbridge College staff contributors: Brent Bates, Leeanne Conrad, Jamin Heller, Paul Kingsmith, Ron Ostepchuk, Jonathan Ruzek, Shawn Salberg, Kasha Thurston Proofreaders: Brenda Brandley, Joanne Briggs, Cathie Carlson, Mary Ann Sorge, Linda Sprinkle
To share this issue with others or access even more content, visit us at widerhorizons.ca. 1
President in action
Lethbridge College President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns and Board of Governors Chair Randy Jespersen (Business Administration 1973) led the Hon. Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education, on a tour through the new trades and technologies facility on Sept. 15. This visit was part of the minister’s scheduled trips to post-secondary institutions across Alberta to increase his understanding of colleges and universities within the province. Earlier in the day, Schmidt and his colleagues met separately with executive members of the student and faculty associations.
2
| WINTER 2017
As they made their way through the second phase of the new building, which is expected to open in 2017, they were joined by (back row from left to right): executive director of Human Resources Coreen Roth (Business Administration 1985); the minister’s press secretary Mike McKinnon (Communication Arts 2010); board and External Relations coordinator Dianne Marcellus-Kerr (Secretarial Science 1980) and David William, executive director of Campus Alberta. Photo by Rod Leland
3
Campus in season
The first snow of the season glistens in the morning light and blankets Kodiak House, the most recent residence added to the Lethbridge College campus. The residence opened in 2010 and is home to students from around the province and around the world. The five-story, 109-room, environmentally-innovative space increased on-campus housing by 25 per cent.
4
| WINTER 2017
Some of the “green� features include solar energy for water heating, prevailing west winds for ventilation, rainwater collection for irrigation and sunshine for natural lighting. This sustainable design results in a significant cost savings for the college, including half the power bill of a standard air-conditioned building and 40 per cent reduction in water consumption. Photo by Rod Leland
5
GOING WITH T H E
F LOW Lethbridge College researcher uses 2 1s t c e n t u r y t e c h n i q u e s t o s t u d y efficient water use in the field of precision irrigation
F
“ or more than a century, water drawn from southern Alberta’s rivers has been the lifeblood of the region’s farms and economy. Now, Dr. Willemijn Appels, Lethbridge College’s first Mueller Applied Research Chair in Irrigation Science, is undertaking research and work to help farmers who rely on irrigation develop even more efficient and productive farms. “What I’m doing is developing a research program to study and improve water use management on the farm level and at the watershed level to prevent waste,” said Dr. Appels, who joined the college in March. “My hope is that my research results in tools farmers can use to improve their water use efficiency so they are better prepared for the future.” It would be difficult to overstate the importance of irrigation for southern Alberta farmers and producers. The region is home to approximately 525,000 hectares of irrigated land in the 13 irrigation districts. Two-thirds of all irrigated land in Canada is here in Alberta; more than 70 per cent of that is in the Lethbridge region alone. Overall, irrigation adds an estimated 56,000 jobs and approximately $3.6 billion a year to the provincial GDP and accounts for 20 per cent of the agriculture in Alberta. 6
| WINTER 2017
Dr. Willemijn Appels, the college’s first Mueller Applied Research Chair in Irrigation Science, is developing a research program to study and improve water use management.
“ M y h op e is t h at my r e s e ar c h r e s u lt s in t ools f ar m e r s c a n u s e t o im p r ove t h e ir w at e r u s e e f f ic ie n cy s o t h e y ar e b e t t er p r e p ar e d fo r t h e f u t u r e .� { Dr. Willemijn Appels }
7
Dr. Appels’ applied research fulfills the vision of the Muellers, who were great supporters of education and who passed that passion on to their more than 25 nieces and nephews.
“They wanted their gift to be meaningful and they wanted it to go towards education. To see the addition of the applied research chair and to see an entire program developed around their contribution makes our family ver y proud.” { Michael Mueller }
“Every single acre we have is irrigated,” said Lloyd Vossebelt (Agriculture Sciences 2011), production manager for Chin Coulee Spud Farms, a family-run specialty crop operation east of Lethbridge. “Without irrigation we can’t grow potatoes, we can’t grow dry beans and we can’t grow canola. If you take that away, the farm just doesn’t exist.” The current agricultural landscape of the region is in part a product of geography. Unlike other irrigation-dependent areas, southern Alberta’s irrigation water is pulled from a network of rivers and lakes that are part of the massive watershed of the South Saskatchewan River Basin, which stretches from the Rockies to The Pas in Manitoba. This network, along with a long, warm and sunny growing season and good quality soils has helped make the region the 8
| WINTER 2017
agricultural powerhouse it is. Dr. Appels is working to ensure it remains both strong and efficient. Dr. Appels says her research is focused on how spatial patterns in soil properties such as texture, chemistry and depth affect water infiltration and runoff in fields, patterns that can determine irrigation success. Developing new and practical ways of observing and understanding these patterns will help improve precision irrigation methods. “There are a lot of theoretical questions out there that matter to day-to-day practitioners,” said Dr. Appels. “By creating research projects that are relevant to farmers, I can tackle those questions, and we can generate knowledge that has a practical application.”
525,000 H ECTARES
OF IRRIGATED LAND IN THE 13 IRRIGATION DISTRICTS
TWO -TH IRDS OF ALL IRRIGATED LAND IN C A N A DA IS IN A L B ERTA
56,000 $3.6 b JOBS ADDED
A YEAR TO THE PROVINCIAL GDP
9
Dr. Appels says these questions also include how to manage the impacts of climate change, which is predicted to lead to longer growing seasons and warmer annual surface temperatures that could have a significant impact on farmers and agricultural production in the area. “Soil is a dynamic system that’s very vulnerable to disturbances and, as the water input changes if glaciers shrink and the Rockies see more rainfall but less snowfall, we need to think about how we can do more with less water,” said Dr. Appels. Edith Olson, interim Dean of Lethbridge College’s Centre for Applied Arts and Sciences, added: “By performing irrigation studies on farmers’ cropped land, Dr. Appels will contribute knowledge of practical application to producers. The data she collects will help prepare southern Alberta agriculture for the challenges of climate change, and hence benefit the economy and social network of the region. This aligns perfectly with the mission of Lethbridge College.” Hailing from the Netherlands, Dr. Appels completed her MSc and PhD degrees in hydrology and soil physics at Wageningen University. She joined the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan for a post-doctoral fellowship focusing on hydrological processes in reclamation landscapes in the oil sands region. In her 10 months at the college, Dr. Appels has already been busy getting her hands dirty in the field, using sophisticated sensors and computer models to monitor soil dynamics and give insight into how water behaves in the soil under certain conditions. “Half of my work is out in the field looking for evidence of ponding or drought conditions, inspecting equipment and taking samples to analyze soil moisture,” she said. “The other half is behind the computer interpreting that data, doing modelling and mapping and running ‘what if’ scenarios.” Beyond the (literal) dirty work, Dr. Appels said the key to her research success depends on working with farmers and the irrigation industry to ensure her data can be applied in a practical way. “The challenge of an applied research project will be how to bridge the gap between the science and the end user,” she said. “[The science] has to move things forward. In the past there’s been some skepticism about techniques that have been developed to improve irrigation because they require taking some risks. By generating actual numbers, I hope we can take away some of that skepticism and show [farmers] that if you change a certain aspect of your operation, you can see benefits to your practice or your yield.” 10
| WINTER 2017
“Half of my work is out in the field looking for evidence of ponding or drought conditions, inspecting equipment and taking samples to analyze soil moisture.” Chin Coulee Spud Farms’ Lloyd Vossebelt embodies the shifting mindset of farmers looking for every advantage in an industry where everything from changing weather to government agricultural policy can have a significant impact on an operation. Vossebelt received a Plant and Soil Science diploma from Lethbridge College in 2011 and supplemented that with a university degree in 2013 before bringing his skills to the family farm where he manages irrigation, fertility and crop planning for an operation that produces more than 20,000 tons of potatoes and uses more than a billion litres of water (most of which is absorbed by the water-hungry tubers) every year. “Farmers are innovative and we’re always trying to find ways to make things work better or a little more efficiently as long as it fits the operation because what works for us might not work for our neighbours,” said Vossebelt. “Irrigation techniques haven’t changed much over the past 50 years, but we are getting a lot better at being able to monitor where we’re sitting in terms of how much water is in the soil and what the crop actually needs, and hopefully [Dr. Appels’] research can help with that.” The Mueller Applied Research Chair in Irrigation Science is a new position made possible by a 2014 donation of $3.1 million from Lloyd and Dorothy Mueller and supplemented by $1.9 million in funding from the college to create the Mueller Irrigation Science program. “Having a fully-funded research chair will help us build capacity in a specialty field we know from our own research the industry in this region needs,” said Gina Funicelli, Dean of Lethbridge College’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation. “We hope the success of [Dr. Appels] and the great work she’s doing will be a great model for us to emulate in other areas of strength at the college.” Story by Jeremy Franchuk | Photos by Gregory Thiessen
“ T he other ha l f i s behind the co mput e r in terpreti ng t ha t da t a , do ing mode l l i ng a nd mappi ng an d r unni ng ‘ what if ’ sc ena r i o s.” { Dr. Willemijn Appels }
11
Lethbridge College at 60
Sixty spectacular, sentimental and significant spots on campus
12
| WINTER 2017
We all have them – favourite places where we live, work and study. They might not be the best known or have the most famous views and vistas, but they have meaning to us. They are the spots we think of when someone mentions a place – and Lethbridge College is brimming with them. { Lethbridge College at 60 }
In preparation for the college’s 60
anniversary, Wider Horizons asked students, alumni and staff to let us know the places on campus that meant the most to them. We know creating a definitive list of the 60 best Lethbridge College places is an impossible task, so consider this article as a start, and let us know the places that say “Lethbridge College” to you. Share your story on social media using the hashtag #lc1957, or send us an email at WHMagazine@lethbridgecollege.ca. And so without further delay, starting with the first building constructed on campus and moving through time and space, Wider Horizons is proud to present our (very unscientific and completely, unabashedly enthusiastically-gathered) list of the 60 best Lethbridge College places. th
Stories by Lisa Kozleski | Photos by Rod Leland, Gregory Thiessen, Rob Olson, college archives and submitted
13
Lethbridge College at 60
{ Andrews Building 1962 }
1
1
The courtroom
This classroom, which lies at the end of the winding walk through the Andrews’ wing, contains a realistic looking courtroom complete with wood panelled walls, a leather-lined judge’s bench, a witness stand, a well-worn Bible and leather-lined tables and podiums for the prosecutor and defence. For students in the college’s Criminal Justice program, this is the setting of one of their most memorable learning experiences: the scenario-based training that gives students a sense of what real-world policing is like. The classroom, which is furnished with discarded furnishings from a Calgary courthouse, allows students to experience the roles of lawyer, accused, witness and police officer.
2 The pin collection from police
departments in the Andrews wing
3 The Garden Court restaurant
(and view)
4 The food court and the great
people who work there
5 The FNMI student lounge One of the ways the college connects to its proud Blackfoot culture is by providing a space in the heart of campus for students from all backgrounds to come together to socialize, study and find support in their student life. { Cousins Building 1967 }
6 The Hubbard Collection 7 The Fish Bowl 8 Underground tunnels
14
| WINTER 2017
2
3
4
5
The Hubbard Collection The Hubbard Collection, located on the first floor of the Cousins Building, contains one of Canada’s largest collections of full-body taxidermy mammals, and wildlife biologist and instructor Shane Roersma is one of the best people on campus to show you around. The collection of more than 100 specimens – grizzly, cougar, bison, bobcat, pronghorn, mountain goat, deer, wolf, black bear, badger, silver fox, lynx, several birds of prey and more – was a gift from the family of Alf Hubbard to the college in 2007. The unique collection is available for public viewing and also can be experienced online at lcvirtualwildlife.ca.
6
7
9
8 { Paterson Building 1970 }
9 Watching daycare kids playing from the office windows 10 The Bookstore
10
The Lethbridge College Bookstore ordered more than 32,000 textbooks for students and scanned 81,840 items through its registers last year. In addition, in that same period, the bookstore sold 7,722 pieces of clothing and 17,663 snacks and treats to students, staff, visitors and friends of the college.
15
Lethbridge College at 60
{ The D.A. Electric Barn 1975 }
11 Everything
about the Barn
The D.A. Electric Barn was originally known as the Round-Up Room and was one of the first buildings constructed for part of a planned destination dude ranch located in the south end of Lethbridge. While the dude ranch never materialized, the Round-Up Room was an active social space in the city. Newspaper accounts list the Round-Up Room as the site of Lethbridge’s first rock-and-roll concert, where more than 2,000 people clapped, whistled and danced on June 23, 1956, as “Bill Haley and His Comets” played “Rock Around the Clock” and other favourites. The building was also used for roller skating in the 1950s and 1960s. It was later converted into a much-loved student and staff hangout, and it is currently home to students in the electrical and wind turbine programs and their equipment while the new trades and technologies facility is under construction.
11
{ Cullen 1977 }
12 The view from the Cullen residences { Trades 1981 }
13 Criminal Justice labs
12
14 The carpentry classrooms in the trades building are some of the
best smelling places on campus { Technologies 1983 }
15 Third floor of the tech wing
13
14
– a favourite of Chelsey Voeller and Aaron Haugen
15
“Up here there are big tall windows in every room providing a heartwarming view of the rest of campus and into the coulees. That’s not all! Not only do you get a scenic view, but it’s the Technology Wing! There are loads of high-end computers with limitless design and editing software, virtual reality headsets, a green screen studio, the CRLC The Kodiak Radio room, the Endeavour lab and it’s where a lot of the tech-people hang out including the A/V guys and the Educational Enhancement Team. Plus, the creative minds on the third floor always have friendly faces and are happy to share their space and knowledge. ” { Chelsey Voeller, Multimedia Production 2011 }
16
| WINTER 2017
16
17
18
16 All of the glass on the Technologies building 17 The hands-on labs (SPHERE, etc) { Centre Core 1985 }
18 The Den
“Those old, well-worn leather couches are perfect for a coffee and to put your feet up – and the tables are great for sharing lunches with colleagues.” { Rika Snip }
19 Walking under the flags in Centre Core
Students, staff and visitors to campus can see these flags fluttering in Centre Core, representing the incredibly diverse backgrounds of Lethbridge College students. Students from 39 countries around the world are enrolled in classes at the college this year.
17
Lethbridge College at 60
The Miner in Centre Core The statue, which was created by Cornelius Martens in recognition of the city of Lethbridge’s 1985 centennial, keeps watch over Centre Core and the thousands of students, staff and visitors who pass it daily during the school year. The plaque at the base of the sculpture tells a little of his story: “Few things are more representative of southern Alberta than a coal miner. The coal industry established the city of Lethbridge and led to the introduction of Lethbridge College. Coal mining and Lethbridge College have been linked since 1957 when the college opened and began training people for academic and technical careers. One can imagine that if the college had been here in 1885, the first mine employees might have been trained at Lethbridge College.”
20 21 The Boardroom
21 18
| WINTER 2017
22 Games in the Cave
22
23 Talking in the Tim’s line 24 Buchanan Library
23
24
25 The Scholarships and Awards desk “It was a huge overwhelming moment as I learned that I won the Meszaros International Scholarship. So the first place I went to when I arrived at the college was the Student Awards office of Linda Sprinkle. Linda made me feel very welcomed and did support me throughout my four semesters. Together we met with Steve Meszaros and talked about my future dreams and plans to stay here in Canada. I am very grateful to have met Linda, her colleagues and Lesley Wood. The money I won made it way easier for me to finance my international student loans and the people I met because of that scholarship were so enriching for my life!” { Aurora Eggert }
25
26 The Learning Café “Perhaps I’m a bit biased (since it’s been my ‘place’ at the college for the last 27+ years), but the Learning Café is truly one of my favourite spots on campus. Its beautiful wide-open spaces, bright natural light, and spectacular mountain views make it an excellent place to be, and the beauty of the physical space gets even better when students and staff from all walks of life fill the space with their energy and enthusiasm for learning! I love seeing people learning and growing alongside one another each and every day.” { Lynda Duval, Engineering Design and Drafting 1986 }
26
27 The front office desk of the LCSA office “Fav spot on campus is @LC_SA office front reception desk. So many great times leaning on it bugging Angela!” { Dillon Hargreaves, Business Administration 2013 }
28 The windows of the Buchanan Library
“ I e njoy mar ki n g in fron t o f a window. I fou n d a sweet (a nd co mfort ab le) s p ot i n t h e Buchan an Lib rar y wi th a coule e vi ew! It wi l l b e eve n be tter on c e th e n ew t ra de s a n d tec h n ologi es fa cility is c omp l et e.” { Martina Emard, Communication Arts - Print Journalism 1993 }
27
28 19
Lethbridge College at 60
29
30
31
32
29 The Health Centre – just the place to go when you need to feel better 30 The nice people in Testing Services { Val Matteotti Gymnasium and PE Building 1990 }
31 Bear at the entrance of the PE Building 32 Sunshine coming in windows of the fitness studio on the second floor 33 A FULL Val Matteotti Gymnasium for a Kodiaks game 34 Panoramic view from top of Val Matteotti Gymnasium looking south
33
20
| WINTER 2017
34
35
36
37
38
{ 30th Avenue Residences 2001 }
35 The Residence Activity Centre and its great fireplace { Instructional Building 2002 }
36 Walking by the vines on the Instructional Building (IB) 37 IB (glass) 38 IB Commons/hangout for Bus Admin students
39
{ Kodiak House 2010 }
39 Panoramic view from top of Kodiak House lounge { First phase of new trades and technologies building 2015 }
40 The heavy equipment area with the shiny machines
and the Big Ass fans
40
41 The main electrical room in the new trades and technologies facility* “Just noticed the call for people’s favourite places on campus – one of mine is the main electrical room in the new building. The view is awesome and looks out to the coulee. Perfect spot to take a quiet break and enjoy the prairie view….if only I could get there without the help of Francis Rankin!” { Lesley Wood } *Read more about the grads who work in this room on p. 52
41 21
Lethbridge College at 60
42 { Second phase of new trades and technologies building 2017 }
42 All the great wood used in the new building 43 Sunny entrance of new building/building under construction
43
{ College grounds }
44 Owls outside of Cousins
4
45 Tennis courts – and the wildlife that comes out to watch
44
46 The front entrance 47 The water fountain at the entrance 48 The new soccer fields 49 The wind turbine training tower
45
50 The grass part of the courtyard between the two Andrews wings
—outside of the cafeteria patio. That’s where the bunnies are.
51 TRX bar
46 22
| WINTER 2017
“The fountain when the water is running. I love having lunch sitting on the ledge, listening to the water.� { Rika Snip }
47 48
49
50
51
23
Lethbridge College at 60
Bhutanese garden/LCSA collaboration On the south end of campus, with an inspiring view of the coulees on one side and the gently sloping roof of the new trades and technologies facility on the other, lies the Lethbridge College Students’ Association Community Garden. For the last three years, the garden has been tended by some of the 70 or so volunteers involved with the Lethbridge Bhutanese Seniors group. This past fall, volunteers came to the annual Harvest Celebration to work the prairie soil and harvest hundreds of pounds of potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and more, most of which they then donated to local food banks, including the LCSA Food Bank. “They were farmers in Bhutan,” interpreter Gita Mishra said as Mon Maya Khati spoke. “The energy is there to enjoy the farming. They received a lot of donations from different agencies when they first came to Lethbridge and they wanted to give back.” Lethbridge is home to the largest Bhutanese community in Canada, numbering more than 1,300.
52
53 WIllow trees
53
24
| WINTER 2017
54 Fall colors
54
55 Back courtyard
55
56 Proximity to coulees
56
57 The tipi in front of the college for NSO and FNMI Days 58 The shale path “I walk on my lunch hour on the shale path that runs from the old residences atop the coulee behind the new trades building. It is so beautiful.” { Donna Linn, Computer Information Technology 1999 }
59 The obstacle course
3
57
“Over the last few years, I’ve developed a passion for obstacle course racing, so my favourite place on campus is the police training obstacle course behind the college. What better way to train for an obstacle course race than on an actual obstacle course? The fact that it’s outdoors with beautiful coulee and mountain views makes it that much better.” { Cam Reimer }
60 The coulee trail
58
“The coulee trail is the best place by far. It is peaceful, beautiful and the best way to stretch my legs and incorporate a little exercise into my workday.” { Jennifer Davis }
59
60
25
From our kitchens
{ Original recipe by Nigella Lawson; adapted by Chef Heng Ng }
Chocolate raspberry In celebration of Lethbridge College’s 60th anniversary, Wider Horizons asked the chefs to find recipes that link the Culinary program’s past and future, as well as ones that are easy to make and delicious to eat.
In this issue, Chef Heng (Commercial Cooking 1993,
Professional Cooking 1994) has taken the pavlova – a dessert that has been part of the Culinary and Chef Apprentice curriculum from the start – and updated it with chocolate and balsamic vinegar in a recipe first introduced by Nigella Lawson. The crisp and chewy chocolate meringue, dotted with chocolate bits, is light and airy, and made all the more 26
| WINTER 2017
succulent when topped with some whipping cream and fresh fruit. It is an easy, gluten-free recipe that can be made year round, using whatever fruit is in season. This meringue-based dessert is named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova and is believed to have been created in her honour either during or after one of her tours to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. It is frequently served during celebratory and holiday meals – and so is the perfect way to kick off the college’s 60th anniversary celebrations. To sample some of the delicious creations from student chefs at Lethbridge College, book a table in the Garden Court Dining Room, by calling 403.320.3230. To see a video of this recipe being prepared by Chef Heng Ng, go to widerhorizons.ca.
Recipe excerpted from Simply Nigella by Nigella Lawson. Copyright © 2015 Nigella Lawson. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.
pavlova Ingredients FOR THE CHOCOLATE MERINGUE BASE 6 ............................................................................................large egg whites 300 grams .............................................................................................. sugar 3 tablespoons ............................................................. cocoa powder (sieved) 1 teaspoon ......................................... balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar) 50 grams ...................................................... dark chocolate (finely chopped) FOR THE TOPPING 500 millilitres ........................................................................whipping cream 500 grams .................................... raspberries or other berries or fresh fruit 3 tablespoons .............................................dark chocolate (coarsely grated)
Method 1. 2.
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350ºF and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Beat the egg whites until satiny peaks form, and then beat in the sugar a spoonful at a time until the meringue is stiff and shiny.
3. Sprinkle the cocoa and vinegar into the egg whites, and then the chopped chocolate. Then gently fold everything until the cocoa is thoroughly mixed in. 4. Mound on to a baking sheet eight to 10 small, fat circles, smoothing the sides and top. 5. Place in the oven, then immediately turn the temperature down to 150°C/ 300ºF and cook for about 35 minutes. The meringues should look crisp around the edges and on the sides and be dry on top, but when you prod the centre you should feel the soft, marshmallow-like centre beneath your fingers. 6. Turn off the oven and open the door slightly, and let the chocolate meringues cool completely. 7. When you’re ready to serve, place the discs on dessert plates or a serving tray. 8. Whisk the cream until it is thick but still soft and pile it on top of the meringue. Then scatter over the raspberries. 9. Coarsely grate the chocolate so that you get curls, and sprinkle it gently over the top, letting some fall on the plate’s rim. 10. Serves eight to 10. Bon appetite! Photo by Gregory Thiessen
27
Office intrigue Current executive members Storm Liversuch and Cameron Dewey work with LCSA manager Jorden Ager to gain valuable experience in leadership.
Mailbox to communicate with members of student clubs organized by LCSA.
Footprints direct student traffic to the health and dental office, the main service desk and Campus Recreation registration.
Jeeves, the LCSA butler, is always willing to give a hand. Student TJ Ratzloff checks his email while waiting in the office.
{ Office Intrigue } The Lethbridge College Students’ Association office As long as there has been a Lethbridge College, there has
been an organization to support and advocate for its students. Today’s Lethbridge College Students’ Association is an independent body that is built and operated on the principles of offering support, advocacy and leadership to the entire student 28
| WINTER 2017
body. The office provides front-line services and assistance to students in a wide range of areas; put another way, they help students get active, get involved, get heard and get down. Leading the effort is LCSA President Sharyn Moore, a secondsemester Criminal Justice – Policing student. She works with
Tanner Marcer and Angela Fretts help facilitate services and programs.
Visit Ley Bodie, student benefit coordinator, for info on the health and dental plan.
LCSA collage, which showcases the variety of social events hosted by the LCSA.
JP Gentile, who values engaging with students and the council, is often found with a Neil Diamond coffee mug in his hand.
eight other members of the student council, as well as with the full-time staff, including JP Gentile, the Campus Recreation coordinator and a 1996 Recreation Management graduate. In every way – whether by organizing clubs, scheduling intramural sporting events, voicing student concerns locally and provincially,
Sharyn Moore is proud to advocate on behalf of the students at Lethbridge College.
or hosting social events – the LCSA office and the people who work there are the very heart of Lethbridge College. For more information about the LCSA, go to mylcsa.com, email lcsa@lethbridgecollege.ca or call 403.320.3373. Story by Lisa Kozleski | Photo by Rob Olson
29
Q&A Q&A
{ with Multimedia Production instructors } They call themselves the four generations of Lethbridge College Multimedia Production. Each was once a student in the program and, proving that you can go home again, each has returned as an instructor, to help guide the next generation. Deb Hadley (’96) teaches in the Digital Communications and Media program as well as a Multimedia class. She is joined there by Mike McCready (’99), Tanya Weder (’03) and Chelsey Voeller (’11). The instructors took their schooling at different times, but all agree that the program perfectly prepared them to enter a field that is constantly changing. Technology affects all facets of life, but in a program that depends on it, the change is even more pronounced. Tools used one year can quickly be outdated just a couple of years later. However, a shared commitment to learning, and their similar starts at the college, keep this team tightly-knit as Multimedia Production prepares for its next 20 years. The group took time to talk to Wider Horizons about their experiences.
Wider Horizons: As students, why did you want to get involved in Multimedia Production? Deb Hadley: I had done a couple of degrees before and I always loved the technology side of everything that I did. I saw an ad for this program and I went “oh, that looks awesome!” I was part of the very first class. WH: How did you end up coming back to the program as instructors?
Mike McCready: I’m like the prodigal son. I left and worked, then I came back here and worked in the Advancement office, then I left again, and finally I came back to teach. I love Lethbridge and the college so much that I kept coming back. I think I’m here to stay. 30
| WINTER 2017
Chelsey Voeller: When I think about growing up, I was always trying to teach people. I always wanted to teach my younger brothers, so coming here and teaching was right where I needed to be. WH: This program is so dependent on technology, how do you even begin to explain the changes you’ve seen over 20 years?
Tanya Weder: Before I started the program in 2001, I personally didn’t even have an email account. How crazy it that? It wasn’t that common of a thing yet, really. Now I have five different accounts for different types of projects to keep myself organized. DH: It’s just mind-boggling. I mean, our hard drives were 80 gigabytes or something and we said , “that’s crazy, we’re never going to use that.” And now, we’re up to terabytes of storage. The best part of this program is that technology always changes.
Four Lethbridge College Multimedia instructors (above from left) Chelsey Voeller, Mike McCready and Deb Hadley, as well as Tanya Weder (top right) are also grads of the program where they teach.
MM: When I was first in the program, I was researching Flash because it was a new thing. And now, I’ve seen the rise and fall of Flash over my career. It’s pretty much dead now. So, it’s the ability to adapt and keep learning that keeps it interesting.
WH: Does your experience as graduates of this program give you an advantage when teaching?
DH: What’s really cool is that everybody has their interests. Mike is really into Virtual Reality, so we can participate in the cool stuff that he is doing. My role in Multimedia is writing, so we try to collaborate on the writing side, so that students can do writing for my portion for web pages that they’re creating in Chelsey or Tanya’s classes.
MM: As an alum, I have a very deep connection to the Multimedia program. It gave me a really great and long career. We want to give back and see not just the students succeed, but the program succeed, because we have an affinity to the program.
WH: How important is collaboration in your team?
TW: We all graduated from this program, but bring vastly different skills to the table. We complement and support each other nicely, which make going to work every day a complete joy.
CV: I think it creates connections with our students and graduates. I’m still talking to graduates from last year, and they’re freelancing and doing other things, but they still come for advice.
For more information about the Multimedia Production program, call 403.320.3267 or email mediadesign@lethbridgecollege.ca. To read an extended version of this interview, go to learn.lc/multimedia-qa. Story by Paul Kingsmith | Photos by Rob Olson and Gregory Thiessen
31
Lethbridge College at 60
A CAMPUS
E VO LV E S : Lethbridge’s legacy of learning grown from the ground
Story by Lisa Kozleski | Photos courtesy of Rob Olson, Rod Leland, Gregory Thiessen and Galt Museum and Archives.
B efore it was a college, it was a farm. And before it was a
farm, it was the traditional territory of the Blackfoot people, the place where for more than 10,000 years the members of the Blood Tribe (Kainai) and its confederates the Peigans and the Siksika (Blackfoot) would hunt, fish and camp. For as long as there have been residents of the western prairies, the land where Lethbridge College now sits has been a place of people coming together to live, learn and grow. It has been a constantly-evolving campus which got its start about four kilometres to the north in rented class space at a local high school and today encompasses more than a dozen buildings in the city of Lethbridge as well as two regional campuses. 32
| WINTER 2017
A number of factors contributed to the creation of Canada’s first publicly-funded community college and its beautiful south side campus, including a growing population, the prosperity of post-war southern Alberta and especially the size and wealth of the city of Lethbridge. But one of the biggest concerns was the lack of post-secondary educational opportunities in the southern part of the province. Lethbridge’s population nearly doubled between 1946 and 1956, increasing from 16,522 residents to 29,462, and many of those new additions were children. However, the closest post-secondary institution was a 225-kilometer drive away in Calgary, leaving Lethbridge at risk of losing future generations (and its eventual workforce) to the bigger cities to the north.
While the need for post-secondary education was great, it was the determination of a handful of people – including Gilbert Paterson and Kate Andrews – and Lethbridge institutions and businesses – including the Lethbridge Herald and nearly 20 local and regional school boards and divisions – to actually turn the idea of a community college into reality (their stories will be told in the Spring 2017 issue of Wider Horizons). These leaders worked with an unflagging commitment toward their goal until finally, in 1957, the provincial government approved the proposal to open Lethbridge Junior College. When it did, Canada had its first community college.
ABOVE: Dr. Kate Andrews, chair of the board, joined the Honourable A. O. Aalborg, the Minister of Education, on Oct. 1, 1962, to officially open the college’s first building. RIGHT: Gilbert Paterson has been described as the “prime mover in the formation of the Lethbridge Junior College.”
1957 The proposal for Lethbridge Junior College is apppoved
1957 Thirty-eight students enrolled that ABOVE: The University of Alberta approved the proposal to create what was then called Lethbridge Junior College early in 1957.
fall and attended classes
The establishment of the college was described as an historic decision in the Lethbridge Herald, which stated: “South Alberta has passed a milestone. The eyes of the rest of the province and of educational authorities all over Canada will be upon us as we march boldly into territory which shows tremendous promise. …[W]e suspect South Alberta does not yet fully appreciate what these people (the organizers of the college) have done for it. But the time is fast approaching when leadership must be matched by community response. If it is, the Lethbridge Junior College can look forward to a great future.” Thirty-eight students enrolled that fall and attended classes in space leased at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. To distinguish the high school students from the firstyear college students, college students were called Miss or Mister, allowed to smoke in the student lounge on campus and used a separate entrance to the school. The first faculty members were asked to teach classes at both the high school and the college. 33
Lethbridge College at 60
While the first classes got underway, the board started searching for a permanent site for the college. One of the sites considered was a property on the west bank on the Oldman River where the University of Lethbridge would eventually be built. The Lethbridge Herald advocated passionately for this site, writing “If Lethbridge is to grow as predicted it must have room to grow…Westward development would give the city a better balance. And a Lethbridge with a river running through it (instead of around it) could be an even more beautiful city than that we pride ourselves on today.” According to a 1978 history of the college written by former journalism instructor Georgia G. Fooks, these were some of the same arguments that would be used – more successfully – a decade later when the newly established University of Lethbridge was looking for a site. In the late 1950s, however, the westside proposal was abandoned and the board returned to a site that had been proposed early on but rejected as it was considered too far out. The Whitney property was 80 acres of farmland that bordered the city’s gently rolling coulees; its owner, Frank Whitney, sold the property to the city at a reasonable price, and the campus finally had a home.
The first building constructed on campus opened in 1962 and was named after founder and first board chairperson Kate Andrews. It was designed by the architectural firm Lurie and Neufeld with a budget of $500,000. Next came the technical building to house the vocation and trades courses, which opened in 1963. In 1964, a push began to open an autonomous university in southern Alberta, and with the July 1966 announcement approving the establishment of the University of Lethbridge, new questions and a bit of concern arose. How would it be organized? Would it be situated on the same campus as the college? What would happen to the college? In the end, after extensive, drawn-out debate, it was decided that the university would be built on the west side of Lethbridge, and that the college would separate its university section from its technical and vocational section.
1962 The Andrews Building is the first building opened
The Andrews building was designed by the architectural firm Lurie and Neufeld with a budget of $500,000. Jim Cousins, the college’s first dean, spoke at the opening of the new building in 1962.
34
| WINTER 2017
During those tumultuous years, the college was working to get plans approved to build a science building, which would open in 1967 and be named for W.J. “Jim” Cousins, the college’s first dean (a role which later would be called president). It was designed by the same firm who designed the Andrews Building with a budget of $2 million. When the building was approved the Herald wrote: “The sparkling progress the building represented comes as a result of the enthusiasm and hard work of the Board of the Lethbridge College. They have every right to be delighted with this reward of their confidence and vision.” The Cousins building opened in January 1967, the same month that the University of Lethbridge officially opened its doors. For the first few years, the university would operate at the same campus as the college.
1967
The Cousins Building opens
The third building constructed on campus opened in 1967. The building was named for W.J. “Jim” Cousins, the college’s first dean (a role which later would be called president).
1970 The Paterson Building opens
1975 The student facility known as the “The Barn” opens At this time in its history, the college, which changed its name to Lethbridge Community College in 1969, used the creation of a university in the city as an opportunity to refine its mission and motivations. Up to that point, the main emphasis of the college had been university transfer programs while the technical and vocational programs had been incidental. After the separation, efforts went into developing a true community college concept with an emphasis on one- and two-year career programs that were designed to meet the needs of employers and industry in the southern Alberta region. Other new additions to the campus came during the next decades, including the Paterson administrative building in 1970; the student facility known as “The Barn” in 1975; and the Cullen student residences in 1977. These residences are home to 232 students, including 136 in townhouses, 88 in two-bedroom suites and eight in family suites.
1977 The Cullen student residences open
35
Lethbridge College at 60
As the province grew and thrived, so did the college. A new Trades building opened in 1981; a technology wing was constructed in 1983; College Centre, which includes today’s heart of the college, Centre Core, opened in 1985; and the Val Matteotti Gymnasium and PE Building started operating in 1990. The next addition to campus was the 30th Avenue residences, home to 208 students, which opened in 2001. The Instructional Building followed in 2002. The college celebrated its 50th anniversary in August 2007 and marked the milestone with another name change, this time to Lethbridge College. Three years later, Kodiak House residence opened, providing accommodations to 109 students, all in single rooms.
1985 College Centre and Centre Core open
2001 The 30th Avenue student residences open
1981 The Trades building opens
1990 Val Matteotti Gymnasium
2002 A major gift from Val and Flora Matteotti made in 1989 allowed the college to complete the construction of a gymnasium, which includes three full basketball courts and seats more than 1,100.
36
| WINTER 2017
The Instructional Building opens
The newest building constructed on campus opened in 2015 and houses programs in the Crooks School of Transportation.
2007 The 50 anniversary marks the offical name change to Lethbridge College th
2010 Kodiak House opens
The newest building constructed on campus is a trades and technologies facility that anchors the south end of campus and has been built in two phases. The first phase, which opened in the fall of 2015, houses programs within the Crooks School of Transportation, including the Automotive Service Technician, Parts Technician and Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician programs. The second phase of that facility will open in 2017 and once complete, students in eight skilled trades and four technology programs will benefit from learning at what will be the largest trades and technologies training facility south of Calgary. One important aspect of the stunning, sunny new trades facility is the centre corridor that runs through it. The wide, welcoming aisle will link directly to the older trades facility, the Andrews Building, Centre Core and the Technologies Building, and, without going outside, provide passageways to the Paterson Building, the Cousins Building and the PE Building and Val Matteotti Gymnasium. After 60 years, nearly the entire campus will be connected, a top educational facility born out of the southern Alberta ground.
2015 The first phase of the new trades and technologies facility
After 60 years, nearly the entire campus will be connected, a top educational facility born out of the southern Alberta ground.
37
Where are they now?
Where are they now? ON THE MARK: with Ryan Parker
General Studies 2003
Mark Campbell (Communication Arts 1975) shares the stories of fellow Lethbridge College alumni
The entrepreneurial spirit may well have
started for current city councillor Ryan Parker when he sold corn out of the back of a truck at the tender age of eight. Ryan graduated from LCI in 1993 and because he was always looking for the next big thing and striving to gain more knowledge, he decided to take General Studies at Lethbridge College. Ryan describes the experience at the college as simply awesome. Most importantly, Ryan says it was a place that was very welcoming. “If you came to the college from another city or country, it wouldn’t take long for you to feel like you were a part of Lethbridge.” One of the most influential instructors Ryan had was the late Ronald MacDonald who taught Political Science and Canadian History. Ryan admired him greatly. “The way he taught, you couldn’t tell if he was a Conservative or a Liberal. He just encouraged you to have a conversation in class. That was really inspiring.” It was there he decided to run for student council as the Science and Tech representative. He won the seat and the experience of governance prepared him for what would happen in 1998. Ryan had been working in the restaurant business where he met businessman Clarence Arnoldussen. With Clarence’s encouragement and the support of well-known restauranteurs Ray Bonetti and Wally Schenk, Ryan decided to take a shot at city council. That year he became the youngest member of City Council. In fact, 18 years later, Ryan is still the youngest. But now he can add that he is also the longest serving councillor. With that aforementioned entrepreneurial spirit, Ryan ventured into the newspaper business starting up Parker Publishing Inc. He also launched a portable sign and billboard company. He has since sold those businesses but continues to serve the people of Lethbridge. It’s a job he treasures. “Lethbridge is 111 years old, and I’ve been fortunate to have helped shape it for nearly 19 years,” Ryan says. The college experience and his time on city council has helped Ryan evolve as a person and today, with two young kids and a new perspective on life, he looks forward to the next challenge whatever that may be. Stay tuned. To read more interviews by Mark, visit his blog at greetergrammer1.wordpress.com.
2016
Dakota Van Loon College and University Preparation Dakota worked throughout the summer and fall after graduation and plans to return to the college to start prerequisites for dental hygiene.
2015
Sarah Brunschwiler Criminal Justice - Policing Sarah writes: “It has been a busy year and a half since graduating. In fall 2015, I was hired to work for Commercial Vehicle Enforcement as a transport officer. It was great coming back to a familiar place, Lethbridge College, for three months of recruit training before moving to my posting in Slave Lake. On top of that, my husband and I were married last October; we did not know I would be in recruit training when we originally picked the date, but everything worked out and we had a great day.”
Lindsay Chisan
Criminal Justice - Policing Lindsay tells the alumni office that she was hired by the Alberta Sheriffs and completed training in April 2016. She has been working at the Edmonton law courts since then. She adds: “My fiancé and I were in the Criminal Justice program together and graduated together. He currently works in corrections and we got married this July!”
“My fiancé and I were in the Criminal Justice program together and graduated
together. He currently works in corrections and we got married this July!” { Lindsay Chisan }
38
| WINTER 2017
Celebrating the successes of our alumni in their careers and throughout their lives. Alexandra Waldner Agricultural Technology – Plant and Soil Alexandra was featured in an article in Germination magazine. The article discussed the post-secondary award she received from the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada, which she will use to study agronomy at the University of Saskatchewan. She worked for three summers at the Semiarid Prairie Research Centre. After graduating from the college, she worked with Hytech Production Ltd., and now works at Seed Solutions Seed Lab.
2014
Kelly Smith General Studies Kelly is in the final year of the Addictions Counselling program at the University of Lethbridge and is fulfilling her senior internship requirements at McMan in the THRIVE department. She is also a client support worker at SASHA, a group home for people with a mental illness.
2012
Elaine Van Rootselaar Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism Elaine sent this update to the Alumni office: “Right now I’m running Elumina Productions, providing video production services to organizations in Lethbridge and southern Alberta. I started soon after my graduation. My job involves following up with potential clients, finding ways to customize video production to their needs, and then producing and delivering those videos!”
Alexandra Kulas
Business Administration – Marketing Alex is now Digital Media Manager at the West Edmonton Mall and Fantasyland Hotel. She writes: “In my new role I’m responsible for laying the digital groundwork for West Edmonton Mall, Fantasyland Hotel and bigger initiatives like tourism, sponsorship and events. I have four staff members who work
Father and son both correctional officers in Saskatchewan
Len Casavant could have retired after
25 years with Correctional Services Canada, but decided to put in some extra time. Now he is proud to have his son follow in his footsteps and work alongside him. Father and son, Len and Robbie Casavant, are both employed as correctional officers at Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. They both attended Lethbridge College’s Criminal Justice program. Len studied at Lethbridge College in the late 1980s. After leaving the college, he applied to Correctional Services Canada and was immediately offered a position at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. He’s been employed there now for 28 years. When he was hired, he was one of the first employees with a criminal justice course. These days, he says, you need some education, especially if it’s in law enforcement. Robbie completed his studies in 2012. He was employed at Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Supply of Institutional Services as a summer student, and then as a permanent employee after graduation. At first, he was interested in policing, but after working at the penitentiary decided to take the corrections route with his career. Last fall, he attended training for three months at the RCMP Depot in Regina, then started as a correctional officer in January 2016. Both father and son enjoyed their time at Lethbridge College. They feel that the education they received has greatly benefited them in their careers as correctional officers. under me and every day all day we focus on everything social. The number one goal for us is to make sure that guests of the mall are having the best time possible! The other goal is to promote the mall and bring people in by showcasing what’s happening at WEM.”
Ryan Uytdewilligen
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism Ryan has followed up his first book, which focused on significant films, with one that features farming life on the plains. According to an article in the Lethbridge Herald, Ryan has taken a “coming of age” approach to his two books, both of which he completed this year. In Tractor, which was released in the fall of 2016, Ryan chronicles the life of a young boy growing up on the family farm in the United States. Last fall’s release follows 101 Most Influential Coming of Age Movies, a 240-page paperback that’s attracted praise since it hit the bookstores in the spring of 2016. 39
Where are they now?
2010
Nicole Kemp
2011
Brent Fikowski Business Administration – Accounting Brent, who was a key player on the Kodiaks men’s volleyball team as a student, was recently awarded the title of the fourth fittest man on earth at the 2016 CrossFit Games. After graduating from Lethbridge College, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Griffith University in Australia and now works as a Financial Controller at Strawhouse, a tech marketing company in Kelowna, B.C. When not working, Brent competes in CrossFit, where he won the West Regional, finished fourth at the gruelling CrossFit Games held in California this past July and competed with Team Canada at the international event, CrossFit Invitational, in November. The CrossFit Games included a wide variety of tests to find the fittest athletes from lifting heavy barbells, ocean swimming, trail running, rope climbing, sled pulling, inverted handstand pushups and handstand walking. Photo courtesy Alive to Thrive Photography
Interior Design Technology Nicole, an interior designer at Homes by Avi in Calgary, has been selected as a 2017 National Kitchens and Baths 30 under 30 recipient. Nicole was selected from hundreds of nominations throughout North America through a rigorous selection process recognizing her as an outstanding professional in the industry under the age of 30. “It’s an honour to have one of our designers recognized on an international level for their work,” says Doug Beach, general manager of Homes by Avi. “Nicole is an incredible asset to our team. Her innovative design process allows her to create spaces that are unique to each individual client and her attention to detail is unparalleled.” Nicole will be recognized at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando on Jan. 11, 2017.
2009
Renee Frechette Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism Renee reports that she has had stints in Lethbridge, Rosetown, Bonnyville, St. Paul, and now Vegreville since her graduation. Most of her work has been in radio and there have been many highlights: “I have met and/or interviewed Miranda Lambert (I cried - don’t judge), Darius Rucker (he made fun of my audio recorder), Hunter Hayes (we compared smart phones), Dean Brody
and more. I also interviewed Tom Cochrane on the phone. He asked about me later just before a show we presented, but I was in the crowd. So close, but so far. I awkwardly shook Corb Lund’s hand. I was the 99.7 The Wolf perogie eating champ circa 2011 and am a proud dog mom who makes a mean grilled cheese sandwich.”
Jamie Moran
Business Administration – Professional Golf Management Jamie, the general manager of the Bally Haly Country Club and co-instructor of the Bally Haly Golf Academy in St. John’s, Nfld., won the 2016 TaylorMade-Adidias PGA of Atlantic Players Championship at The Links at Penn Hills in Nova Scotia in September.
Jordan Sailer
Business Administration student Jordan opened his own gym, Twisted Steel Fitness Centre, in Coaldale in 2015 and the business celebrated its first anniversary this past year. Jordan had been in the fitness industry for over a decade and finally decided he needed to share his passion with others and start his own business.
2008
Barrett Bettger September 15 : @BallyHaly
Exciting news! Our GM, Jamie Moran, has won the @TaylorMadeGolf @PGAofCanadaAtl Championships! #yyt #StJohns #GolfNL { Bally Haly }
40
| WINTER 2017
Business Administration – Accounting Barrett was recently promoted to manager at KPMG in Lethbridge. He joined the company in 2010 and specialized in the assurance department, working on owner-managed businesses, review engagements, audits for both profit and not-for-profit clients, as well as tax projects.
New baby? New job? New hometown? Tell your classmates all about it at lethbridgecollege.ca/alumni/update. Be sure to include your name, your area of study, the year you completed your program and a little bit about what you have been doing since you left Lethbridge College.
David Fehr Business Administration Like his classmate Barrett Bettger, David was also recently promoted to manager at KPMG in Lethbridge. He started his career at a Calgary-based firm and joined KPMG in January 2016. He currently specializes in enterprise and audit practices.
2007
Tyson Leavitt Business Administration – General Business student Tyson Leavitt is a former Lethbridge College student who has been bringing fairy-tale treehouses and playhouses to life since 2015 for a wide range of clients, including the daughter of NBA superstar Steph Curry. He is featured in the show Playhouse Masters which airs on TLC. His creations, which include an eight-metre tall Rapunzel castle straight out of a storybook, a whimsical Hobbit hole and an over-the-top backyard pirate ship, have been featured in print and television media across North America. For his incredible entrepreneurial success and the rapid growth of his company, the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and Business Development Office were proud to recognize Tyson as one of Lethbridge’s Top 40 Under 40.
The class that changed my life: “Mind, Body, Spirit”
During my second year of the Exercise Science
program, we did a “Mind, Body, Spirit” module, and that was a class that truly changed my life. I was amazed at the way in which I could manage my stress (and I had a lot of it) through the simplicity of my breath and through meditation, or moving meditation (yoga). I got so inspired by this module that I applied for yoga teacher training in Goa, India, and through a leap of faith and hope, I got accepted and my year following graduation from Lethbridge College, I went to India and had the most life-changing two months of my life. While I was there, I met a person who was a holistic nutritionist, so when I got back to Canada, I applied into that and I obtained a diploma in holistic nutrition. I am now working towards getting my Bachelor in Education degree to use the knowledge I obtained during my time in the Exercise Science program, yoga teacher training and holistic nutrition to help students at their most influential age, from grades seven to nine. I have been on this amazing journey, and I am certain that my two years at Lethbridge College were an amazing instigator to moving me on this path I am on now.” { Submitted by Kelsey Heitkoetter, Exercise Science 2013 }
Katrina Shade
Curtis Warkentin
Business Administration – Management Katrina has been employed with the Piikani Nation since 2007. She started working with the Peigan Rural Electrification Association to create a utility billing company. In 2012, she went to work with Piikani Resource Development Ltd. to develop a renewable energy portfolio which includes ownership of a portion of a hydroelectric plant, the refurbishment of a 900 kw wind turbine called Weather Dancer 1 and two arrays of 26 kv of solar panels and the purchase of all transmission assets located on the Piikani Nation. Piikani Resource Development Ltd. develops and manages energy projects and other economic resource development opportunities for the Piikani Nation.
Criminal Justice – Policing Curtis, who had been working in Regina, started working for the Morden Police Service in July 2016. According to an article on the MyToba.ca news website, the force said they were looking forward to having Curtis join their service and welcoming him, his wife Cara and son Bryce back to Morden. Curtis was born and raised in Morden and completed recruitment training at the Saskatchewan Police College in 2009. He had served as a constable with the Saskatoon Police Service from 2008-11 and the Regina Police Service from 2011-16.
41
Where are they now? We have received so many great updates from our alumni as well as more and more articles from newspaper and magazine clippings featuring Lethbridge College grads. In fact, we have more updates than we have space to print.
2006
Matthew Kennedy Correctional Studies – Applied Degree Matthew sent the Alumni office this update: “Between 2003 and 2006, I worked as a provincial Correctional Officer at Lethbridge Correctional Centre and Red Deer Remand Centre. In February 2007, I began my career in federal corrections at Bowden Institution. In October 2007, I was promoted to parole officer. Between 2010 and 2015, I specialized in Aboriginal offenders and contributed toward the creation of a nationally-recognized reintegration program for Aboriginals. In December 2013, I received the Exceptional Service Award for my efforts with Aboriginal offenders; I was nominated for this award by the Deputy Commissioner for the Prairie Region. In 2015, I returned to working with general population offenders of all ethnicities and I remain there today. Corrections Canada has offered frequent opportunities to act in management
capacities and these opportunities were available after just two years in the service. However, after several stints in a manager position, it is clear to me that my heart is in parole and I expect to remain a parole officer until the end of my career.”
2003
Ebony Verbonac Business Administration – Accounting Ebony was recently promoted to partner at KPMG in Lethbridge. She started there in 2005 and earned her CPA, CA designation in 2009. Ebony specializes in tax and is devoted to helping business owners with their business and compliance needs. She also has extensive experience in developing estate and succession plans and has shared her expertise with many organizations, including Alberta Agriculture and the Legal Education Society of Alberta. She also writes monthly articles for Alberta Beef and is a Rotarian who volunteers with several other community organizations.
Three newest LPS recruits all Lethbridge College grads
The three newest members of
the Lethbridge Police Service are all Lethbridge College graduates. Drew Kanyo earned a Criminal Justice diploma in 2006, Teran Smith completed the Welding Apprenticeship program in 2009, and Steven Stewart finished the Electrical Apprenticeship program in 2010. The officers were sworn in on Sept. 6 by the Hon. Judge Derek Redman and then underwent four weeks of experienced officer recruit training and six weeks working with a field training officer on the street. They were the first group of recruits sworn in by the LPS since 2014. The addition of the officers brings the service’s authorized strength to 172. { Photo credit to LPS (L to R), LPS Chief Robert Davis, Cst. Drew Kanyo, Cst. Teran Smith, and Cst. Steven Stewart }
42
| WINTER 2017
2000
Garfield Henderson Criminal Justice – Policing Steinbach RCMP canine unit member Const. Garfield Henderson and his dog, Enzo, were called in on Sept. 13 to search for a missing four-year-old girl who had wandered away from her home in the rural municipality of La Broquerie, Man. According to a story on CTV-Winnipeg, the canine team found the girl one kilometre from her home. According to the report, Henderson said “I cast my dog into that area and quickly located a track. And within 15 minutes, we located the girl crying in the middle of the bush.” The girl was a little wet and scared, but otherwise fine. Garfield and Enzo were transferred from British Columbia to Manitoba in April 2016.
Quentin Lambert
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology Quentin writes: “I now have 16 years in with Midwest Surveys, and have no intention of working anywhere else. It’s a great company that gives back as much as you put into it, and the great program at the college prepared me well for the technical work done by my firm.”
1997
Stephen Neis Carpentry Apprenticeship Stephen was named the new manager of Industry Programs and Standards at Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education in September. He had worked for nine years as an instructor in the college’s Carpentry
Additional alumni updates are published online at widerhorizons.ca. To submit your update, go to lethbridgecollege.ca/alumni/update or email WHMagazine@lethbridgecollege.ca.
Apprenticeship program before moving to the ministry, where he evaluates programs to approve or recommend accreditation; analyzes requests for trade and occupation designation; provides communication links between the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board, its committees and other agencies and trade organizations and more. While at the college, he also served as a member of the Lethbridge College Board of Governors.
August 21 : @tamaranel
Had a great evening @CouleeBrewCo. Lethbridge College 25yr Communication Arts Reunion @LC_Alumni #justlikeoldtimes { Tamara Nelson }
1986
1997
1994
Information Specialist – Administrative Assistant Bree checked in with the Alumni office with this update: “Shortly after graduating from the college I was temporarily employed as an administrative assistant with Flagstaff County, filling in for a maternity leave position. I was then employed as an admin with Grant Thornton LLP CAs for almost 10 years before joining the University of Alberta as a development assistant in 2008, where I continue to be employed. In the fall of 2015 I was promoted to assistant director, Development. My high school sweetheart (who also attended the college) and I married in 2000 and enjoy travelling and spending time with family and friends. My two-year program prepared me very well for a career in office administration, and to this day has served me well as I’ve advanced in my career in fund development. I’m currently enrolled part-time in the BA program at the U of A, Augustana, to complement my college education. My thanks to all my instructors, most notably Joan, Grace, and Phyllis, for providing an incredible learning experience.”
Electronic Engineering Technology Travis and his wife, Kendell, were featured in an article in the Prairie Post focused on their work coaching the JV and senior girls’ volleyball teams at Magrath High School. “My wife and I met playing volleyball here at the college and it has been a big part of our life,” Travis said in the article. “We are still playing on our community co-ed team that we joined 20 years ago. We love to pass on our knowledge of the game and see youth grow and achieve. I think that is the thrill for us.” Travis now works as an IT specialist at the college and is a former member of the Lethbridge College Board of Governors.
Bree Urkow
1995
Randy Mackay Automotive Service Technology Randy is a lead mechanic for Propak Energy in Kindersley, Sask.
Darryl “Kelly” Skauge
Travis Killian
1993
Terri Metivier
Business Administration – Marketing Terri writes: “I have great memories of first visiting my sister at Lethbridge College, then when it was my turn to attend! Still love driving past the college when we go through the city.”
1990
Miles Grove Environmental Sciences Miles was hired as a Fish and Wildlife Officer in 1991 in Canmore and worked the last 25 years in various locations and positions within the branch. He is currently superintendent of the Operations Section in Headquarters.
Business Administration – General Kelly has worked for Timber-Tech Truss since 1988 and is now a partner and C.E.O. He also served as President for the Canadian Home Builders (Lethbridge, 2000) and as President for Western Wood Truss Association (2014).
1985
Michael Sauer
Business Administration Michael tells the Alumni office that he has been building his own business ever since leaving the college.
1981
Diane Shanks Nursing The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge chose Diane as the recipient of this year’s Friend of Health Sciences Award. Shanks is described as someone with remarkable and inspirational commitment to registered nursing and nursing leadership and education. Dr. Shannon Spenceley, a U of L nursing professor, immediate past-president of the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta and a member of the award selection committee, says Shanks is a leader of unflinching integrity who isn’t afraid to put provocative ideas on the table. In 2012, Diane received one of the college’s distinguished alumni awards, the “Career Virtuoso” award. 43
Where are they now?
1979
September 22 : @drummondcreek
Rick Lewchuk
Thanks @LC_Alumni @LethCollege for the start towards the Emmy. { Rick Lewchuk }
Nominate excellent Lethbridge College alumni
Nominations are now open for outstanding alumni who will be recognized at the 2017 Honouring Excellence event. Any of the more than 30,000 college graduates, of any age and in any field, are eligible to be nominated for one of four Honouring Excellence awards, based on their work in their careers, in the community and in the college.
2017
More information can be found at lethbridgecollege.ca/alumni.
ALUMNI IN THIS ISSUE 28 19 19 28 30 19 52 25 3 30 3 12 3 16,30 8 30
44
Jordan Ager (Business Administration – Marketing 2004) Lynda Duval (Engineering Design and Drafting 1986) Martina Emard (Communication Arts - Print Journalism 1993) JP Gentile (Community Services and Therapeutic Recreation 1996) Deb Hadley (Multimedia 1997) Dillon Hargreaves (Business Administration 2013) Dale Krall (Electrical Apprentice 2007) Donna Linn (Computer Information Technology 1999) Dianne Marcellus-Kerr (Secretarial Science 1980) Mike McCready (Multimedia 1999) Mike McKinnon (Communication Arts 2010) Heng Ng (Commercial Cooking 1993, Professional Cooking 1994) Coreen Roth (Business Administration 1985) Chelsey Voeller (Multimedia 2011) Lloyd Vossebelt (Agriculture Sciences – Plant and Soil major 2011) Tanya Weder (Multimedia 2002)
| WINTER 2017
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism Rick, the senior vice-president of creative marketing with CNN in Atlanta, accepted an Emmy for CNN’s promotional work at the News and Documentary Emmy Awards held Sept. 21. The Emmy was won in the category of Best Promotional Announcement. It was for the show The Seventies, a documentary series that ran on CNN in 2016. It was the only Emmy award category recognizing marketing and promotion at that ceremony, which honours excellence in the TV news field. Lewchuk was among the team members recognized for the award-winning campaign.
1974
Barbara Thompson Journalism Barbara tells the Alumni office: “I have worked for the Western Producer since 1988, serving as the Calgary bureau for Canada’s largest agriculture newspaper.”
1966
Jean Fudra Business Administration Jean writes that she has been working fulltime for 33 years at Dr. Fabbi’s office as a manager.
In Memoriam
Allan Pard Allan Pard, a well-respected elder on the Piikani reserve, passed away in late May at the age of 64. A residential school survivor, he later attended Pincher Creek schools and played for the Lethbridge College Kodiaks, becoming one of the first indigenous student-athletes in Alberta in the process.
Are you a multi-generational Lethbridge College family? If at least three members across one or more generations attended Lethbridge College, let us know by emailing WHMagazine@lethbridgecollege.ca. We’d love to profile you in It’s a family affair.
IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR:
The Prindle Family Whether they’ve been here as students or staff, it is clear that many members of the Prindle family, as well as their extended family, have a close connection with Lethbridge College. Fourteen – yes, 14 – members of this family have spent time on campus.
From the courtroom in the Andrews wing,
to the business classrooms campus-wide to the student kitchens to the skilled trade labs and up to the boardroom, the Prindles have seen it all. Lee Prindle served many roles at Lethbridge College including faculty member, Faculty Association president, Academic Studies chairman and Board of Governors member. He was the recipient of several teaching awards: LCC Student and Faculty Association Teaching Excellence Award in 1995, Honourable Mention Award for Innovation in Teaching from ACCC in 1987 and the Teaching Excellence Award from NISOD in 1994. Lee’s wife, Lucelle Prindle, is the owner of Southern Alberta Language Assessment Services. She previously worked at Lethbridge College as a faculty member and served as president of the Faculty Association twice. She also worked as administrator for the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
The Prindle family left to right: Robert, Sean, Lucelle, Lee, Kevin, Jamie, Stewart Kambietz, Gayle and Kim.
Lee’s oldest son, Kim Prindle, studied Recreation Management at the college. He married Gayle Norris, who is a nursing graduate from Lethbridge College. Their three children, Jamie, Sean and Robert, are all college alumni. Jamie Prindle attended the Criminal Justice program and works as a Canada Border Patrol Security officer. Sean Prindle graduated from Business Administration and works as a property administrator at a real estate company in Lethbridge. Robert Prindle completed the Criminal Justice diploma and is in the Justice Studies Bachelor of Applied Arts program, having completed one year so far. Jamie’s husband, Stewart Kambietz, also graduated with a Criminal Justice diploma and works for Lethbridge Police Service. Lee’s second son, Kevin Prindle, works as an agriculture supplier in Taber. He completed the Carpentry Apprenticeship at the college.
Lee’s third son, Dave Prindle, works for Honeywell as a journeyman electrician. He completed the Electronic Engineering diploma and the Electrical Apprenticeship at the college. He also worked for a few summers on grounds and painting crews at the college while he was a student. The Lethbridge College connections don’t stop there for the Prindles and their extended family. Lucelle’s brother, Damian Herle, is a Law Enforcement graduate and her brother, Jerome Herle, completed chef training at the college. Damian’s daughter, Nicole Gauthier, graduated from the Child and Youth Care program and his son, Ian Herle, graduated with a Business Administration diploma.
This family sets an informal record for most connections to the college. Wider Horizons would love to hear from other families who might be able to challenge this record – drop us a note at WHMagazine@lethbridgecollege.ca and share your story. Story by Megan Shapka | Photo submitted
45
News and notes
News and notes 60 YEARS OF LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE
Lethbridge College kicks off a celebration of its 60th anniversary Lethbridge College kicked off a 60-week celebration of its 60
th
anniversary on Nov. 1 by announcing its Possibilities are Endless campaign exceeded its goal by more than 10 per cent, raising $27.8 million in private donations for college building projects, student awards and new programming. The campaign is the largest in the college’s history and one of the largest ever undertaken in southern Alberta. “We couldn’t be prouder of every single person involved in this campaign, or more thankful to the community that supported us to not only meet, but exceed, this ambitious target,” says Lethbridge College President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns. “This was a true community effort that has already paid benefits for the college and its students, and will continue to do so well into the future.” Lethbridge College embarked on its most ambitious fundraising campaign nearly a decade ago, with the plan to raise a total of $103 million – including at least $25 million from private donations – to support the following innovative and essential college initiatives: • renewing the college’s aging trades and technologies facilities • supporting the environmentally-innovative Kodiak House residence • reimagining the college’s library and learning space • increasing access to student awards • focusing on emerging priorities in programming excellence During the course of the campaign, which went public in 2013, these five priorities have served as long-term economic drivers for the community, promoted industry partnerships and helped to develop a skilled workforce. 46
| WINTER 2017
“Our campaign co-chairs – Keith Dys and Glenn Varzari – were admittedly skeptical about our $25 million target initially,” says Joyanne Mitchell, manager, Development and Alumni Relations. “But once they committed, their positivity led a tireless effort from the entire campaign cabinet that resulted in this unprecedented level of public support for the college.” College staff, students, donors, community partners and alumni gathered in Centre Core for the anniversary kickoff and announcement, – which came with balloons spilling into the room and cake cut by the college’s longest-serving staff members. Speakers focused on the college’s proud beginning as Canada’s first publicly-funded community college in 1957 and the people and partnerships who have made the college what it is today. As the college celebrates its vision of leading and transforming education in Alberta during these 60 weeks, it will pay tribute to the visionary founders who in 1957 created Canada’s first publiclyfunded community college. During this anniversary year, the college will also celebrate its residency on traditional Blackfoot territory, its commitment to Indigenous education and its work to improve its practices to better serve First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Finally, as part of the anniversary year, the college will celebrate its role in and contributions to the community. More information on the college’s 60th anniversary can be found at lethbridgecollege.ca/60. Story by Lisa Kozleski | Photo by Gregory Thiessen
Want to keep up on all of your Lethbridge College news between issues of Wider Horizons? Check out our news and events webpage (lethbridgecollege.ca/news) for the latest stories and all of the college news you need. And don’t forget, you can read past issues of Wider Horizons at widerhorizons.ca.
DONATIONS AND SUPPORT
Deltec Power provides a spark to college with $200,000 gift
Golf tournament, sponsored by the Calgary Flames, a great success
Deltec Power and Control Systems Ltd. announced in September a The Calgary Flames signed on as the platinum sponsor of the college’s $200,000 gift to benefit skilled trades and technologies training at 33rd annual golf tournament, which was held in September. This marks Lethbridge College. A long-time industry leader, Deltec is once again the second straight year that the Flames have stepped up to the tee to showing the way, becoming the first electrical contractor to financially play a major role in the tournament. Two members of the Flames alumni, support the college’s new trades and technologies facility. famed athletic trainer Jim “Bearcat” Murray and long-time NHL forward “We see this as an investment in the current and future Dennis Polonich, golfed in this year’s event. The tournament raised a tradespeople needed in southern Alberta and throughout our total of $32,527 to support Kodiaks athletics and student awards. province,” says Al deBoer, co-owner and president of Deltec Power. “As a local, family-owned business, we are proud to be part of the Possibilities are Endless campaign as we feel it is important to assist the next wave of apprentices in learning their trade.” The third year of The College Home partnership has resulted in a The gift will lead to the creation of the Deltec Power Electrical $90,747 donation to Lethbridge College from Daytona Homes and Lab, a state-of-the-art learning environment that will be located in its trades contractors and suppliers. The College Home is a unique phase two of Lethbridge College’s trades and technologies facility. partnership between the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Electrician Apprenticeship training is one of five programs that will Lethbridge Region (CHBA) and the college. The first three years of the move into the second phase of the facility, which is scheduled to five-year program involved two CHBA builders each year working with open in August 2017. their suppliers and tradespeople to build two homes per year. Each A Lethbridge-based company, Deltec Power opened in 1994 and builder then made a donation from the proceeds from the sales toward is co-owned by three members of the deBoer family – brothers Al the new trades and technologies facility at Lethbridge College. Year and Dave, and Al’s wife, Gina. Al deBoer took part of his electrical three of the partnership featured homes built by Daytona Homes and apprenticeship training at the college, and completed his training Signature Homes. The Daytona-built home is the first of the two thirdat SAIT before the college offered the full four-year apprenticeship year houses to be sold. It was unveiled at the Parade of Homes last fall program. Dave deBoer took all of his electrician training at Lethbridge and has since been sold to a local family who received a $2,500 student College, graduating in 1991. Their company is now one of the award to Lethbridge College along with the purchase of the home. largest electrical contracting businesses in the city, employing approximately 50 journeymen and apprentice electricians, while also operating an office in Calgary. The company prides itself on providing high-quality commercial and industrial The 26th annual Clayton Allan Wine service across western Canada. Auction was an overwhelming “The new, state-of-the-art facility at the college success on Nov. 4, raising an will provide our employees with the required incredible $227,000 for college advanced technical training,” says deBoer. “Couple projects, including the new trades that with our internal, on-the-job training, and we and technologies facility. will be able to continue to turn out highly skilled tradespeople in our company.”
Daytona Homes gifts $90,747 from The College Home
47
News and notes
Groundbreaking AgBRM program receives approval
October 12 : @cjocfm
Sheep Spotted Wandering Around Lethbridge College Campus #YQL { 94.1 CJOC-FM }
CAMPUS NEWS
New student awards honour long-time Lethbridge business owner Two Lethbridge College apprenticeship students have received a unique boost to their automotive careers, thanks to new awards created in memory of a well-known local business owner. The Brian Kaltenbruner Memorial Tool Award was created by Beverly Kaltenbruner to honour the legacy of her late husband, who passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2015. Brian Kaltenbruner, the coowner of Harold’s Auto Service, completed his Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship training at Lethbridge College, winning the 1997 AMA Automotive Apprentice Award for outstanding academic achievement. The awards are presented as gift certificates to Snap-on Tools for students in the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship program. 48
| WINTER 2017
Nursing education program achieves accreditation The Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta (NESA) program, delivered collaboratively by Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, has met national standards for nursing schools and obtained accreditation by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). The NESA program has always been an approved program at the provincial level. CASN accreditation means the program has met the national standards for nursing programs across Canada. The program offers a united curriculum over four years, with students spending their first two years at Lethbridge College and their final two years at the University of Lethbridge.
College takes part in Orange Shirt Day
On Sept. 30, college employees took part in “National Orange Shirt Day: every child matters,” a campaign that recognizes the legacy of residential schools in Canada. Historically, Sept. 30 was chosen because it was the time of year in which children were taken from their homes and brought to the residential schools. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. A large number of college employees took part in the day, and gathered for a group photo.
Alberta Advanced Education has granted its approval to the college’s Agriculture Business Risk Management (AgBRM) certificate program. The program launched in the fall of 2015, and those completing the curriculum were initially awarded a credential of academic achievement from Lethbridge College. The provincial certificate approval provides a variety of benefits, including making students eligible for student loans, and enabling the college to explore transfer agreements with other post-secondary institutions.
Tour the college – without leaving your computer
Anyone can now take a look through the halls of Lethbridge College, from anywhere in the world, on any device. The college is pleased to announce that an interactive view through the campus is now available both through Google Street View and by a custom 360 virtual tour hosted on the college’s website. When the tour is launched, the viewer begins on the front steps of the college, and can then wander throughout campus, or choose locations from a drop-down menu - from the renowned Hubbard Collection to the new trades and technologies facility to the offices of the fun-loving Lethbridge College Students’ Association, there’s lots to explore. Go to lethbridgecollege.ca to check it out.
High-profile criminal profiler at Lethbridge College
The School of Justice Studies welcomed a very special guest speaker on Sept. 23. Kate Lines is a retired OPP Chief Superintendent and is Canada’s first female criminal profiler to be trained by the FBI. Her career highlights include working on the Paul Bernardo investigation. Her visit to the college included a comprehensive presentation and Q & A session with students, faculty and staff from the School of Justice Studies.
Follow us at:
Stay connected to Lethbridge College all year long by following us online.
/LethbridgeCollege @lethcollege @lethcollege
College hits 10-year high in enrolment All 11 colleges in Alberta, including Lethbridge College, announced increased enrolment for the fall 2016 semester. Lethbridge College’s first-year enrolment for 2016-17 was 2,484 students, an increase of 15 per cent over last year. The total college post-secondary level enrolment this fall was 4,492 students, an increase of more than eight per cent over last fall, and the highest enrolment in the past 10 years. The First Nations, Métis and Inuit student population also saw an 11 per cent spike in enrolment. The individual programs with the largest increases from last fall include Geomatics Engineering Technology (69 per cent increase), Conservation Enforcement Bachelor of Applied Science (33 per cent) and Business Administration (30 per cent). All four academic centres exceeded their target enrolment numbers.
Lethbridge College launches Career Coach at Open House The college launched an exciting new web tool at the October Open House, which is designed to help current and prospective students discover the career and college program that’s right for them. Career Coach provides students with a wide array of data on wages, employment and job postings specific to southern Alberta and beyond. It also includes information on each of Lethbridge College’s more than 50 programs and tools like a resume builder and a “Hot Jobs” section that allows students to see which careers are high paying and growing in their region. Winter Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 28.
KODIAKS NEWS
Kodiaks cross country teams win silver at provincials The Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s and men’s cross country running teams capped off a stellar season by taking home silver at the ACAC Provincial Championships in October and then finishing 5th (women) and 7th (men) at the CCAA National Championship in November. Rachel McKenzie (Nursing – Nelson, B.C.) won gold at every conference race she competed in this season, including provincials, before finishing 5th at nationals. It was the first-ever ACAC medal for McKenzie, who also moved up 10 spots at nationals this year. First-year runner Emily Spencer (Nursing – Calgary) finished third at provincials and 8th at nationals. On the men’s side, Boaz Korir (Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology – Kenya) won a silver medal at provincials and was hampered by a bad back at nationals but still crossed the finish line in 20th place. Alex Andres (Criminal Justice - Policing – Wetaskiwin, Alta.) finished provincials in a season-best fourth place
and was 14th at nationals. This is the fourth straight year that the Kodiaks women’s team has finished in the top five at nationals, while the men’s team has finished in the top ten at the CCAA championships an incredible 12 years in a row. Members of both teams received a variety of honours and awards for their outstanding performances this season. Rachel McKenzie was named the ACAC Women’s Runner of the Year as well as an ACAC All Star and CCAA All-Canadian. Emily Spencer was named the ACAC Women’s Rookie of the Year and also was named an ACAC All Star and CCAA AllCanadian. Boaz Korir and Alex Andres were both named ACAC All Stars. Congratulations to these athletes and their teammates for an outstanding cross country season, and best of luck during the indoor track season this year.
Kodiaks to host two ACAC championships in 2017
Champions will be crowned at Lethbridge College in March 2017, as the college will host the ACAC championships in both women’s basketball and indoor track – a rare occurrence being dubbed “championship weekend” at Lethbridge College. The ACAC women’s basketball championship will run from March 1 to 4 in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. It is the first time that Lethbridge College will host the ACAC women’s basketball final since 2009. This will be the college’s first time hosting the indoor track championships. The event will run on March 3 and 4 at the University of Lethbridge’s First Choice Savings Centre.
October 31 : @chrisapicken
Eating fruits of our labour @ Economics of Aquaponics workshop @LethCollege last week. Great learning, networking for all! #westcdnag #fish { Chris Picken }
49
News and notes
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Nursing poster finishes second in competition
Van Raay inducted into Agriculture Hall of Fame
SPHERE chair Sheri Wright and nursing instructor Liz Cernigoy designed a poster that earned second place honours at the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning conference in Grapevine, Texas, in June. A total of 128 posters were presented related to education, practice and research, with Wright and Cernigoy’s poster taking second place in the research category. Their poster was titled Undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing Students’ Involvement in Simulation During Specialty Nursing Practice and focused on engaging nursing students in simulation during orientation within specialty areas of nursing to help bridge the gap between theory and practice environments.
Southern Alberta philanthropist and agricultural entrepreneur Cor Van Raay was one of three prominent Albertans who was honoured by the Agriculture Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the livestock industry in early October. Officials at Lethbridge College, with support from the University of Lethbridge as well as more than 20 government, industry and community supporters, sponsored the nomination. In addition to his innovative and leading work in the agriculture industry, Van Raay has single-handedly impacted the lives of countless students as his major financial gift launched the Cor Van Raay Southern Alberta Agribusiness Program at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College in 2014.
Two members of the college’s Career and Academic Advising team recently presented at the University of Idaho’s annual Advising Symposium. Amanda Guccione and Deanna Gonnelly based their presentation, titled, “You are the peanut butter to my jelly: the integration of career and academic advising,” on the college’s ground-breaking decision to combine career and academic advising into a single entity. An unprecedented move in Alberta post-secondary institutions, the combination, which began in 2015, allows a single advisor to better assist the student life cycle, helping them make appropriate decisions on both their career and academic choices.
Academic advisors take their expertise to conference
October 30 : @jennorrie
Congrats to students from @UofLethbridge @LethCollege @MHCollege @usask that participated in the Cor Van Raay Agribusiness Case Competition { Jenn Norrie }
50
| WINTER 2017
CSRL head published in Canadian election book Dr. Faron Ellis, the head of the college’s Citizen Society Research Lab, has had a chapter published in a book titled The Canadian Election of 2015 (Dundurn, 2016). Dr. Ellis’ chapter analyzes the dynamics of the Conservatives’ election efforts within the context of the overall campaign and the Conservatives’ near-decade long record in government. It is his eighth contribution to this book series, dating back to the 1993.
Four faculty members complete triathlon Lethbridge College faculty members Jeff Hamilton, Kris Hodgson, David Orr and Murray Wiens participated in the 14th annual Fort Macleod Chiropractic Triathlon on Aug. 20. “It was a beautiful day with very little wind,” says Hodgson. “This is such a great race that is so well organized and run by incredible volunteers.” Murray and Kris completed the sprint while Jeff and David did the Olympic distance.
SPHERE chair earns international certification
Sheri Wright, the chair of the college’s Simulated Patient Health Environment for Research and Education (SPHERE), has been granted a major international accreditation. She wrote and passed the Society for Simulation in Healthcare’s (SSH) exam to earn the designation of Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. The exam only has a pass rate of 60 to 70 per cent for first time writers, but Sheri passed in just a single try. The certification will be a benefit to Sheri and everyone involved in SPHERE as the SSH says the accreditation is a formal professional recognition of specialized knowledge, skills, abilities and accomplishments in simulation education.
LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE LEGACIES
Our first 20 years The college’s 60 th anniversary this year provides an excellent prompt to look back on student life over the decades.
This installment of Lethbridge College Legacies looks at the first
20 years. It would be appropriate to call these the “junior” years because originally the institution was known as the Lethbridge Junior College. Students and staff found many clever ways to have fun during these first two decades. In February 1962, a group of students searched the grounds looking for groundhogs. We don’t know if any were found. There were also the “Ugly Days” when students were encouraged to dress as ugly as they could. Frosh Queen and College Queen contests appear to have been held each year. Winter carnivals helped to make the short days of February a little more fun for students. There were also activities for those coming back to school. The orientation week of 1969 involved a greased pig competition. The pig was provided with a 30-foot head start and then the students competed to catch him as quickly as possible. Bruce Rogers, a first year recreation leadership student from Red Deer, managed to catch the pig that year and win the prized trophy. The pig was returned to the farm following the event. But it wasn’t all just fun and games. The college students of the time had a concern for the wider world. In 1965, Jim Neufeld, president of the college student union, played the banjo and led a march of students carrying placards to protest inequality against Hutterites and Indigenous people. In 1969, college students (along with students from many other schools) participated in the Miles for Millions Walk, a fundraiser for people in developing nations. Sometimes the fun and the fundraising went hand-in-hand. In 1968 the college set up a kissing booth to help raise money for the Canadian Heart Foundation. Kisses were 25 cents each. By the 1970s, the college had changed its name and grown considerably over time and Lethbridge Community College was looking ahead to a great future. But that’s a story for another time and we’ll look into the second 20 years in the spring issue of Wider Horizons.
If you have a memory of the first 20 years of Lethbridge College’s history that you’d like to share, email WHMagazine@lethbridgecollege.ca or post your story and photos on the college’s social media channels: /LethbridgeCollege @lethcollege @lethcollege
We can’t wait to hear from you.
Story by Belinda Crowson, Galt Museum and Archives Photos courtesy Galt Museum and Archives
51
Grads on our grounds
{ with Dale Krall } Dale Krall may be an electrical engineering grad from the University of Alberta, but in his work as an associate at SMP Engineering, he finds he regularly draws on the skills he learned in Lethbridge College’s Electrical Apprenticeship program. “I learned a lot of what is actually needed to build a building during my time in the trade,” he says, “and I think that makes our designs better. The way we lay buildings out, the way we circuit them is far more realistic. Several of us at SMP are certified master electricians and it changes the way we design. We are constantly thinking of how the electrician will construct it on site, and we try to put in extra effort to help align the drawings with how it will actually be installed.” Krall, who graduated from the college in 2007, is thrilled to be working on the new trades and technologies facility at his alma mater. “The project is wonderful,” he says, “for Lethbridge and for the whole province. It’s going to be a facility where we can train skilled people – and we need skilled people to build Alberta. That doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a very impressive project for Lethbridge – but for all of Alberta too.” He adds that he’s also enjoying designing
52
| WINTER 2017
a building his former instructors will work in – “the same ones who helped me.” The aesthetics of the building matter to Krall. “It’s important that buildings are not just cubes where you go and learn skills,” he says. “I like this building because I think it is going to be an inspiring and interactive place to learn.” Story by Lisa Kozleski | Photo by Rod Leland
“The project is wonderful for Lethbridge and for the whole province. It’s going to be a facility where we can train skilled people – and we need skilled people to build Alberta.” { Dale Krall }
Dale Krall consults with site foreman and fellow alumnus Mark Crabb (Electrical Apprenticeship 2009) in the main electrical room of the new facility.
53
CULINARY WORKSHOPS PRE-EMPLOYMENT ELECTRICIAN
FIREARMS SAFETY • MOTORCYCLE TRAINING
QUICKBOOKS • WELDING
MICROSOFT OFFICE
SIGN LANGUAGE • BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROJECT MANAGEMENT • TEAM BUILDING
WORKPLACE SAFETY
SUPERVISOR TRAINING
ONLINE MARKETING
PHOTOSHOP • SOCIAL MEDIA SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ZUMBA • POWER YOGA
COUNTRYAND WESTERN DANCE
EXCEL • PUBLIC SPEAKING ADMINISTRATIVE
We’ve been here since the beginning. Corporate and Continuing Education at Lethbridge College Since Lethbridge College opened its doors in 1957, our Corporate and Continuing Education department has been helping businesses and individuals across southern Alberta reach their full potential. Today, you can choose from over 350 courses designed to train, entertain and enlighten. Whether you’re a business needing customized training programs or an individual looking to learn a new skill, we’re here to help you reach your goals.
Find out more at lethbridgecollege.ca/cce. Sign up for our newsletter at
learn.lc/ccenewsletter