JANUARY 2009
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
JANUARY 2009
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ISSUE FIVE the| Legend
VOLUME 8
Strategic Plan is all about U
the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Serving up scholarships at Hiroba
China beckons for Pronghorn hockey duo
Dr. Cheryl Misak on her experience at the U of L
The bFG is a giant of a production
The U of L Legend is published monthly during the academic year by the communications unit within University advancement. Submissions, comments and story ideas are always welcome. The Legend reserves the right to refuse any submitted advertisement. The Legend can be found online at www.uleth.ca/legend. Next content deadline is February 5, 2009. A DV E R T I S I N G For ad rates or other information, contact: legend@uleth.ca CREDITS Editor: Trevor kenney designer: Stephenie Chester Co N T R I b U To R S: diane Britton, Bob Cooney, Jane Edmundson, Lynette LaCroix, Jana McFarland, Glenda Moulton, Brianne Rohovie, Stacy Seguin, katherine Wasiak and Bernie Wirzba
CRDC video producer Craig brouwer, left, captures the scene as director of communications, Tanya Jacobson-Gundlock, interviews Dr. Sarah boon (seated), an assistant professor in the geography department. Todd Doucette, foreground, manages another camera. As the University readies to launch its 2009-2013 Strategic Plan, various members of the U of L community are being asked their impressions of the new plan and how they can play a part in implementing its strategies.
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he University of Lethbridge is By TREVOR KENNEy charting a course for the next five years. The of map — the he University Lethbridge 2009-2013 StrategicaPlan. is charting course for the After months of consultation, next five years. The map — the draft ofStrategic the planPlan. is comthefinal 2009-2013 plete After and will be released to the months of consultation, University community at aiscampus the final draft of the plan comevent, Feb.will 12. To that end to thethe coplete and be released chairs of thecommunity planning committee, University at a campus Dr. Andy Hakin event, Feb. 12. To(Vice-President that end the coAcademic andplanning Provost)committee, and Nancy chairs of the Walker (Vice-President Finance and Dr. Andy Hakin (Vice-President Administration), are excited see Academic and Provost) and to Nancy the extensive creative process come Walker (Vice-President Finance and toAdministration), a head. are excited to see the extensive creative process come to a head.
“We’ve worked hard to build a “We’ve worked document thata the hard to build University document comthat the munity cancomget University behind.” munity can get behind.” andy hakin
andy hakIn
andy hakIn “We’re somewhat relieved,” says Hakin. “We’ve been through 18 “We’re somewhat relieved,” months of planning and now we’re says Hakin. “We’ve been through 18 ready to hit the road. We’ve worked months of planning and now we’re hard to build a document that the ready to hit the road. We’ve worked University community can get behard to build a document that the hind and support.” University community can get beWalker describes the creation hind and support.” of the strategic plan as consultaWalker describes the creation tive. The committee looked to get of the strategic plan as consultative. everyone in the University commuThey looked to get everyone in the nity involved in the drafting process, University community involved in thereby creating strategic priorities the drafting process, thereby creatthat resonated throughout the ing strategic priorities that resoU of L. nated throughout the U of L. “Every individual in the institu“Every individual in the institution should be able to see him or tion should be able to see him or
• The Strategic Plan will be released officially at a launch event, Feb. 12 at 12 p.m. in the Atrium • The Strategic Plan is available for view online at www. uleth.ca/strategicplan • The Strategic Plan website will feature a video introduction from U of L President Dr. Bill Cade, along with planning committee co-chairs Dr. Andy Hakin and Nancy Walker herself in in the the plan,” plan,” she she says. says. “Every “Every herself employee, faculty and staff, as well employee, faculty and staff, as well as every student and alumni, we as every student and alumni, we hope that that they they see see something something in in hope there where they can contribute to there where they can contribute to the priorities of the institution.” the priorities of the institution.” Strategic planning planning exercises exercises Strategic often get a bad rap. While they are are often get a bad rap. While they necessary to establish a shared focus necessary to establish a shared focus on the the University’s University’s goals, goals, plans plans often on often get shelved shortly after their get shelved shortly after their rerelease. This plan has been sculpted lease. This plan has been sculpted in a manner belies temptaainmanner thatthat belies thatthat temptation. tion.“I think our job really is to think jobisreally is front to make“Isure theour plan kept in make sure the plan is kept in front of people and doesn’t get put in the of people and doesn’t get put in the drawer,” Hakin says. drawer,” Hakin says. “What we’ve created here is we’vetracks created is not a“What set of train buthere a broad not a set of train tracks but a broad road that the community will set roaddirections that the community willthe set the for. We’ve put the directions for. We’ve put the framework in place but we expect framework in place but we the community to bring theexpect ideas up the community to bring and move us forward.” the ideas up and move us forward.”
For all the latest University news and For all the latest University and information, check out our news new website: www.ulethbridge.ca/unews information, check out our new website: www.ulethbridge.ca/unews
LaUnCh EVEnT | FREE bbQ
University of Lethbridge 4401 University drive Lethbridge, aB T1k 3M4 www.ulethbridge.ca
are the PLAN
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G E T T H E FA C T S
Walker explains explains that that great great care care Walker was taken taken to to develop develop aa plan plan that that is is was not rigid rigid and and binding binding but but instead instead not adapts to to changing changing circumstance circumstance as as adapts challenges and and opportunities opportunities prespresent challenges overover time. ent time. “We see see this this as as aa flowing flowing docudocu“We ment,” she she says. says. “It “It isn’t isn’t static static by by any any ment,” means, we we will will continue continue to to revise revise it it means, and work work on on it. it. We’ve We’ve left left it it general general and enough so so that that when when new new opportuopportuenough nities and and new new ideas ideas pop pop up, up, we we can can nities take advantage advantage of of that.” that.” take A total total of of 26 26 people people from from all all A walks of of the the University University contributed served on the walks committee that drove to the development of the the developstrategic ment There of the were strategic There plan. alsoplan. a number were alsoHalls a number Town Halls of Town whereofthe broader where the broader University comUniversity community was given munity was givenforthe opportunity the opportunity input into the for inputAt into process. At the end process. thethe end of the day, that is of thewill day,keep that the is what the what planwill alivekeep as the plan alive as the University looks to University looks to move forward as forward as a unified instituamove unified institution. tion.“I think if people, in 2013, look think in 2013, look back“Iand say if‘I people, was a part of that back and say ‘Ishape was athe partdirection of that of plan, I helped plan, I helped shape direction the University, thosethe were some ofof the ideas University, those wereupon,’ some I’d of my that were acted myvery ideaspleased,” that were acted upon,’ I’d be says Hakin. be very pleased,” says Hakin. Walker echoes that sentiment, Walker adding it’s allechoes aboutthat pridesentiment, in what is adding it’s all about pride in what is the University of Lethbridge experithe University of Lethbridge experience. ence.“To me, what I want to hear “Toisme, whatstudents I want tosay hear in in 2013 having they 2013 proud is having students say they were to have attended the were proud have attended the who U ofare L. U of L.toHaving employees, Having employees, who are they’re dedidedicated to the U of L, say cated to U of L, say they’re proud tothe be an employee of theproud Unito be anofemployee of the University versity Lethbridge.” of Lethbridge.”
Come join us on February 12 at noon in the atrium to celebrate the launch of our 2009-2013 Strategic Plan, because U are the PLan.
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JANUARY 2009
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
THE BILLboard
University of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what’s happening in the University community
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new semester is upon us new uponaus oncesemester again andis after once again and after a rejuvenating Christmas rejuvenating Christmas break, I look forward to an break, I look forward to an exciting spring at the University exciting spring at the University of Lethbridge. Welcome to all of Lethbridge. Welcome to all new students and welcome back new students and welcome continuing students and allback of continuing the staff andstudents faculty. and all of the staff faculty. I willand open this month’s colI will open this month’s umn by congratulating Dr. Andy column by congratulating Andy Hakin (Vice-President Academic Hakin (Vice-President Academic and Provost) and Nancy Walker and Provost) andFinance Nancy and Walker (Vice-President (Vice-President Finance and Administration), co-chairs of the Administration), co-chairs of the planning committee that created planning committee that created our 2009-2013 Strategic Plan. I our 2009-2013 Plan. also commend Strategic all members of This project has long been in the the committee and those who works andinput under their provided into theguidance, process. aThis dynamic and comprehensive project has long been in the plan has been created. works and under their guidance, The process we underwent a dynamic and comprehensive
plan has been created. to produce this strategic plan is The process we underwent extremely important. It was to produce this strategic plana is lengthy process and itItinvolved extremely important. was a talking to a lot of people about lengthy process and it involved the University; finding out talking to a lot of people about whatUniversity; people think aboutout their the finding University, our University. I what people think about their think that kind of conversation University, our University. I is a good every five think thatthing kindto ofhave conversation years. You find out what people is a good thing to have every five are thinking, what’s important years. You find out what people to people and what’s from there you are are thinking, important able to put those thoughts andare to people and from there you goals into a readable format that able to put those thoughts and has realistic objectives. goals into a readable format that This document is a plan for has realistic objectives. the future. The Strategic Plan This document is a plan is essentially a job description for the future. The Strategic for allisofessentially those whoa work at the Plan job descripuniversity now and in the years tion for all of those who work ahead. Much of it is focused at the university now and in on creating a better, even more the years ahead. Much of it is
focused on creating a better, exciting environment for stueven more exciting environment dents — that’s what we’re for students — that’s whatabout we’re anyway — and— anand even about anyway anbetter even working environment for our better working environment employees. for our employees, teachers and We want people to be part researchers. of the plan and that goes We want people to beback partto the whole process of creating of the plan and that goes backthe to plan. The process to the whole process is ofintended creating the draw The people into the planningto plan. process is intended effort, rather than coming out draw people into the planning with a plan and saying here it is, effort, rather than coming out find your place in it. with a plan and saying here it is, happy find I’m yourvery place in it.with what the strategic planning commitI’m very happy with what tee has done. They have created a the strategic planning commitdocument that veryhave much reads a tee has done. They created like a constitution. Administradocument that very much reads tion awill be helpful Administrawith the inilike constitution. tial implementation of the tion will be helpful with theplan, inibut the real implementation tial implementation of the plan, willthe takereal place in the grassroots but implementation
COOPER TO TELL wORLDCOM FRAUD STORY By TREVOR KENNEy Cynthia Cooper brought a corporate giant to its knees and now she’s filling seats by telling her story. Known internationally as the WorldCom whistleblower, Cooper and her team of internal auditors launched a 2002 investigation that uncovered $3.8 billion in fraud — the largest corporate fraud in history at that time. The journey she took in first finding the fraud, and then getting it out in the open is part of Cooper’s Jan. 29 presentation (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) in the Students’ Union A & B ballrooms. “It’s an absolutely fascinating story about how she and her team became aware of the issue and the effort she had to go through to get anybody to pay attention,” U of L Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Carla Carnaghan says. “She initially couldn’t get the board of directors to pay attention, couldn’t get more senior people in the hierarchy to pay attention and several people tried to tell her to stop looking. She really had to fight to bring this to light.” Carnaghan has seen Cooper speak in the past and says her story and its presentation is riveting. “I think this appeals to anybody who’s interested in ethics, who’s interested in corporate-social responsibility or the issue of how one person can make a difference,” Car-
naghan says. “I think she’s just a fantastic example of someone who worked hard to make a difference and worked hard to correct a wrong that she saw.” It was 2002 when WorldCom, an American telecommu-
g e t t H e FA C t S • Cooper currently serves as the Chairperson of the Louisiana State University Center for Internal Auditing Advisory Board and the Mississippi State University Executive Advisory Board • A mother of two, Cooper was featured as one of 25 influential working mothers in the November 2004 issue of Working Mother • Ebbers, the WorldCom cofounder and CEO, was born in Edmonton. He is currently serving a 25-year prison term for his role in the fraud and conspiracy • WorldCom is now identified as MCI, Inc. Formerly known as LDDS and then LDDS WorldCom, it merged with MCI to form MCI WorldCom and then just WorldCom prior to filing for bankruptcy protection in 2002. It emerged from bankruptcy as MCI, Inc. and was purchased by Verizon Communications in 2006
nications behemoth was caught painting a false picture of financial growth and profitability to prop up the price of its stock. Cooper and her team of internal auditors brought the fraud (the company’s total assets had been inflated by an approximate $11 billion) to light, resulting in a host of firings and resignations, the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the eventual conviction of WorldCom co-founder and chief executive officer Bernard Ebbers on fraud and conspiracy charges. As Cooper speaks today, the world’s financial picture is grim and business ethics are a key topic of conversation. “There may well be other people who have to do similar things and step forward,” Carnaghan says. “What she did took a lot of courage, and I think it’s a wonderful human interest story.” Cooper, along with fellow corporate whistleblowers Sherron Watkins (Enron) and Coleen Rowley (FBI), was named one of Time’s 2002 Persons of the Year. “I’ve definitely encouraged all my students in accounting theory to go to this presentation,” Carnaghan says. “I’ve mentioned it to all the faculty too because I just think it’s an absolutely fascinating story.” Tickets for the Cynthia Cooper event, part of the CMA Alberta Leadership and Innovation Speaker Series, are free and available at the Career Resources Centre (B610).
will take place in the grassroots of the the faculty, faculty, the the staff staff and and the the of students. students. As the the spring spring semester semester As begins, it’s nice to see the 1st 1st begins, it’s nice to see the Choice Savings Centre gym back Choice Savings Centre gym back in full operational status. I comin full operational status. I commend the the Sport Sport and and Recreation Recreation mend Services staff for their diligence Services staff for their diligence in working around the closure in working around the closure of the South gym for the fall of the South gym for the fall semester. semester. Another opening opening of of note note on on Another campus is the new Disabilities campus is the new Disabilities Resource Centre. Centre. Now Now located located in in Resource B760, the centre may have moved B760, the centre may have moved only down down the the hall hall but but the the only change in location is significant. change in location is significant. Students will will be be served served much much Students better by the centre’s new space better by the centre’s new space as it provides greatly improved as it provides greatly improved access and and will will allow allow Christine Christine access Johnson and her talented staff to to Johnson and her talented staff
CAMPUS
fully serve their clientele. fullyWe’ve serve their comeclientele. to expect a We’ve come to expect lineup of outstanding guesta leclineup of outstanding guest lecturers here at the University and turers here at the University and the spring semester opens with the spring semester opens with a fascinating speaker in Cynthia a fascinating speakerasin Cynthia Cooper. Renowned the whisCooper. Renowned as the whistle blower on WorldCom, the tle blower on WorldCom, the world’s greatest corporate fraud world’s greatest corporate fraud at the time, Cooper’s Jan. 29 preat the time, Cooper’s Jan. 29 presentation is especially relevant in sentation is especially relevant in today’s economic climate. today’s economic climate. It promises to be an exIt promises to be anand I cellent spring semester excellent spring semester andout I encourage everyone to come encourage everyone to come out to the Atrium on Feb. 12 and to the Atrium on Feb.of12 and celebrate the launch our new celebrate the launch of our new Strategic Plan. It is your UniverStrategic Plan. It is your University and this plan will help you sity and plan Let’s will help you shape thethis future. celebrate shape the future. Let’s celebrate the U together. the U together.
kudos
Dr. Francois Billaut (Kinesiology/Phys. Ed) received a Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Award valued at $35,000 to support a variety of research initiatives. Among other projects, Billaut studies how the human body — in particular the brain — responds to muscle fatigue during highlyintense exercise situations, such as those found in elite team sports. He also studies the muscle fatigue differences between men and women. Greg Bolso (New Media student) is off to complete his internship with the Canadian Space Agency. This is the second time that a new media student has been selected for this prestigious internship opportunity. Pronghorns men’s hockey goaltender Scott Bowles (Environmental Science student) was named Canada West Hockey – Husky WHL Graduate of the Month for November, 2008. The former Prince George Cougar played all nine of the Prong-
horns’ games in November, compiling a 6-3-0 record with a 2.70 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage and one shutout. Bowles finished the month with six consecutive victories as the Pronghorns moved into the national rankings with a 10-6-0 record. It is the 10th time in the 18-year history of the award that a member of the Pronghorns has been honoured. Pronghorns track athlete Jim Steacy (Kinesiology student) improved two places in the Beijing Summer Olympics after two competitors were disqualified for doping offences. Steacy, who was competing in his first Olympic Games this past summer, qualified for the hammer throw final and originally placed 12th overall with a best throw of 75.72 metres. The Canadian Interuniversity Sport and senior national men’s champion was upgraded to 10th position in December after both the silver- and bronze-medal winning throwers, each of Belarus, were disqualified.
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JANUARY 2009
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Region’s elite level athletes are in good Stead The U of L’s new High Performance Manager, Shawn Stead, adds plates to a weight bar.
get the facts By TREVOR KENNEY
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hawn Stead knows a good athlete when he sees one. If things go as planned, the University of Lethbridge will get used to seeing them more and more on campus in the near future. Stead (BA ’04) is the U of L’s new High Performance Manager, Strength and Conditioning, meaning he works with the area’s best young talents in the hopes of training the next generation of national and Olympiclevel athletes. The University will be the hub of that training program. “The long-term goal is to identify and develop young athletes from a number of sporting bodies within Alberta,” Stead says. “If they are in this region, bring them in here and train them, providing them with the services they will need to have success.” A Creston, B.C., native, Stead has essentially been a Lethbridge resident for eightplus years. He finished his kinesiology degree at the University in 2004, all the while working with the Pronghorns men’s and women’s soccer programs. “We had a lot of success as far as reducing injuries and then on-field success as far as teams making playoffs that hadn’t made it before, and I believe that was part of it,” he says. Following graduation, Stead enjoyed an internship with the United States Ski Association in Park City, Utah. Over the course of his nine-month assignment
• Stead, married to wife Julie, was an all-sport athlete in high school but progressed furthest in golf and hockey, where he had a brief taste of the junior level • Crash Conditioning, his private enterprise, trains 40-plus hockey players in Lethbridge and another 100-plus in Calgary • Stead works with all disciplines, including elite level canoers like part-time U of L student Daniel Purcell, a member of Canada’s National Development Team • The majority of Stead’s clients will train in PE157, a room that is currently being developed to include field turf • The sports centre concept is already being utilized in areas such as Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary and Medicine Hat. The U of L program would work under the auspices of the Alberta Sport Development Centres, with Lethbridge as the Southwest office he was given access to the association’s world-class training centre. “You got the all-encompassing view of what an athlete needs to have success and the support staff of these national and Olympic programs,” Stead says. “Getting the chance to work and test athletes at the Olympic level was an eye opener, a really good experience.” Upon his return to Canada,
he partnered with a colleague in establishing a private sport training company, Crash Conditioning, which focuses on developing the area’s elite hockey players. His clients include the Western Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes; including individual players such as two-time World Junior gold medalist Zach Boychuk, as well as the midget AAA Y’s Men Titans, the city’s top level minor hockey team.
“The sky’s the limit and this facility has a lot of potential.”
other modalities.” The program is in its infancy, Stead having just opened his office in May of last year. As it develops, he sees the U of L becoming a centre for athletic excellence and whether that translates into more prominent young athletes becoming a part of Pronghorn Athletics remains to be seen. Either way, it raises the profile of the Univer-
sity and Sport and Recreation Services in Lethbridge and southern Alberta. “The sky’s the limit and this facility has a lot of potential,” Stead says. “We’re slowly moving in a positive direction. It’s taken some time, but it’s there and when we get over the hump, it’ll be really good.”
warm welcome
shawn stead
Stead’s techniques focus on building well-rounded athletes from early on in their development. “We teach mobility and movement mechanics,” he says. “Essentially it’s strength in movement, if you are strong in the movements that relate to your sport, you’re probably going to be a pretty proficient athlete. “If you can get athletes when they’re young, that’s the ideal situation. You want to provide them with a foundation they can develop, over time, all the characteristics of an elite athlete. That begins with mobility work and flexibility work and then as they age you can start to incorporate more strength work and
New administrative support staffer Sheri Lacey attacks a pile of files at the U of L Health Centre. Lacey came on board early in December following a stint at Lethbridge Orthotic-Prosthetic Services. An Edmonton native, she moved to Lethbridge, along with her husband Brett, 18 years ago. The two have raised three boys, Derek (13), Kyle (14) and Brad (16). Lacey is one of the many helpful staffers who greet visitors at the University’s Health Centre, all endeavouring to provide a safe and caring environment for its clientele.
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
ics offers up a new look
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Administrative support staffer Jacqueline St. Aubin is a welcoming face to visitors of the newly renovated International Centre for Students.
Visitors to the International Centre for Students will be welcomed by a host of changes this academic year, not the least of which is the new administrative support staffer, Jacqueline St. Aubin. Well-traveled, Ms. St. Aubin is the first person you’ll meet when entering the newly renovated space on Students’ Union Level 0. A former staff member at Halifax’s Dalhousie University (where she worked for the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies), Jacquie is Montreal born and educated (English Literature graduate from McGill). Along with her husband, comic artist Claude St. Aubin, she has raised two children, 29-yearold Claudine (who now lives in Vancouver) and 28-year-old Joel (a PhD student at the Uni-
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versity of Alberta). The new ICS space is much improved, offering greater accessibility to students and in the end greater service to their needs. “Moving our reception area to the front of the hallway has also improved office space for our staff,” ICS director Laurel Corbiere says. The International Centre for Students is committed to assisting international students in meeting their academic and personal goals, as well as fostering cross-cultural understanding and learning among students, staff and faculty in the University and in the surrounding community. For more information about the ICS, access their website: www.uleth.ca/ics
17th annual international dinner
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“Join us for an evening of ethnic food, music and entertainment.” Date: Thursday, Feb. 12th, 2009 Time: Cocktails at 5 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m. Location: University of Lethbridge Atrium
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Serving up scholarships
the Legend
The evening will showcase an exciting variety of ethnic entertainment, including belly dancing by Ammena Dance Company and the vocal talent of international student Cesar Aguilar.
Get your tickets early and save! • Before Feb. 6th tickets are $38 each or $275 for a table of eight. • After Feb. 6th tickets are $45 each or $320 for a table of eight. U of L Students can purchase tickets for $20 at the International Centre for Students with their Student I.D card. Tickets are available online at: www.uleth.ca/ics/dinner For more information please call 403-329-2053 or visit the website. Free parking available in the North Lot; a shuttle service to the Atrium will be provided.
Wayne and Rhonda Kwan, owners and operators of Hiroba, are serving up more than Chinese cuisine as they have established a new scholarship for international management students.
By JANA MCFARLAND
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ou might not recognize Wayne and Rhonda Kwan’s names, but it’s quite likely you’d recognize their faces, and there’s an even greater chance you’ve eaten a meal they’ve prepared. As owners and operators of both the Regent Restaurant and Hiroba, the take-out restaurant in the Students’ Union food court, the husband and wife team serve up Chinese cuisine every day of the week. As Wayne explains, it was students from the U of L who initially planted the idea to start a restaurant at the University. “In 1986, we started the Regent Restaurant in Lethbridge as a family business. Back then there were already a lot of Asian students attending the U of L. They would often visit the Regent and were always encouraging me to open up a restaurant on campus,” Wayne recalls. Those promptings led the Kwans to purchase and take over Hiroba, a restaurant that was already on campus, but at the time was struggling. It didn’t take long for the Kwans to turn Hiroba around, and today, nearly 20 years later, it is known as a popular lunch destination for faculty, staff and students alike. Through Hiroba, Wayne
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• Both Wayne and Rhonda immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong; Wayne arrived on Christmas day in 1974, and Rhonda came with her family in 1975 • Wayne and Rhonda met when Wayne was working at the Mandarin, a restaurant owned by Rhonda’s brother at the time • In the mid-’70s Wayne attended the U of L and majored in Fine Arts • Approximately 80 per cent of Hiroba’s employees are students and Rhonda have developed many lasting relationships with students who are both their customers and sometimes their employees. Watching these students work and study at the same time led the Kwans to think about how they could support students in a decidedly different way. This past fall, they established the Zhan-Wen Kwan Scholarship for students studying international management.
They chose to name the scholarship in honour of Wayne’s father, who instilled in his children the importance of giving back to the community in which they live. After being matched by the Alberta Government’s Access to the Future Fund, the Kwans’ donation will result in a $60,000 endowment — something that will provide support for students for years to come. “The world is getting smaller and smaller. With more education, society will have more harmony. Education may not make you rich, but it will provide fulfillment and allow you to make wise decisions,” Wayne says. “I hope the scholarship will give students the encouragement to pursue their goals.” As long-time supporters of many worthwhile organizations throughout southern Alberta, Wayne and Rhonda have consistently demonstrated how every gift makes a difference. “It’s important to give whatever amount you can afford — regardless of the size of the gift; it all adds up,” says Wayne. In Japanese, Hiroba means huge, and although Wayne and Rhonda didn’t choose the name for the business, it seems entirely fitting for this couple whose lifestyle of generosity is resulting in lasting impacts.
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Pronghorn duo to represent Canada
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Dustin Moore and Ryan Pottruff (left to right), have earned spots on the Canada West all-star team.
g e t T H E FA C T S • Moore is sixth in Canada West scoring with 17 points in 16 games • Pottruff is tied for second in Canada West defenceman scoring with 12 points in 16 games • Canada West, Atlantic University and Ontario University conferences rotate sending players to Universiade, meaning a conference only represents Canada once every six years • University of Alberta leads all Canada West schools with seven players on the Canadian squad • Gatto’s 1997 Universiade team won bronze for Canada in Chonju, South Korea has already mapped out a career plan away from the rink.
“I had a pro experience and it wasn’t really what I wanted to do at the time,” he says of a playoff stint with the Central Hockey League’s Corpus Christi IceRays in 2007. “Right now, all I have my mind set on is getting my degree and becoming a high school gym teacher.” While he wouldn’t rule out looking at a professional opportunity following the completion of his degree, Pottruff is squarely focused on life after hockey. “You’ve got to know when it’s time to shut it down, and I’m not going to waste away in the East Coast league or somewhere else. I’m here to get my degree first,” he says. Moore, in his first year of pre-management studies, would like to see his university hockey career dovetail into a pro contract overseas. To that end, playing for Canada on the world stage could be a springboard. Coach Gatto, a member of the Pronghorns 1994-95 CIS
national championship squad, did just that when he wrapped up his university career. He played two-plus seasons of professional hockey in Britain, then another four seasons of minor pro in the United States, all of which came on the heels of his appearance in the 1997 Winter Universiade in South Korea. “For me, it was something I’d never thought of, going on a trip or holiday to Korea and I’m sure they are thinking the same way, now they get to go to China and that’s a cultural experience they otherwise never would have had,” Gatto says. “It’s also a good opportunity to open some eyes to go play in Europe when they’re done.” Canada is coming off a gold medal victory at the 2007 Universiade in Torino, Italy as a group of players from the Atlantic University Sport conference took the title. Moore likes the challenge of defending the crown. “You expect to win a championship every time you put on a Canadian jersey,” he says.
Operation Red nose beats the cold with strong numbers The weather outside was truly frightful but Operation Red Nose battled through the elements to help make the 2008 holiday season a safer one in Lethbridge. The final volunteer and ride counts are in and once again, the University of Lethbridge’s Operation Red Nose (ORN) designated driving program is a shining example of the positive impact this community initiative can provide. “I thought it was a very good year, anytime we can top 1,000 rides, it’s a really good year,” says ORN volunteer coordinator Debby Steacy. “If it wasn’t for the cold snap that hit, really from Dec. 12 on, we
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
cis ranking suits horns fine By TREVOR KENNEY
By TREVOR KENNEY yan Pottruff and Dustin Moore came to the University of Lethbridge for a quality education and to continue their hockey careers. Getting an opportunity to travel to China and represent their country — that’s just an added bonus. The Pronghorn duo will join the Canada West all-star squad that’s slated to compete in the 2009 Winter Universiade in Harbin, China, Feb. 18-28, providing another highlight in what has been a turnaround season for the men’s hockey program. “I can’t even describe how excited I am,” Moore, a right wing out of Red Deer, Alta., says. “When (coach Greg Gatto) told me, it didn’t even set in until about two days later, and I couldn’t sleep at night. The opportunity to go and put on a Canadian jersey all the way over in China is going to be an unbelievable experience.” It will be the first time either player has laced up for Canada, something that evokes a unique feeling of national pride. “I’m really looking forward to experiencing what it’s like to go play overseas,” Pottruff, a defenceman out of Woodstock, Ont., says. “It’ll be amazing to see China and feel what it’s like to put on the red maple leaf and play for your country.” The two arrived on campus just over a year ago with similar backgrounds. Each came to the Pronghorns after concluding junior hockey careers (Pottruff with London and Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League and Moore with Red Deer of the Western Hockey League) and each had a brief look at the pro game. While Moore seems more interested in taking another crack at professional hockey, Pottruff
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would probably have seen even higher numbers.” As it was, U of L volunteers, led by Pronghorn Athletics, totaled 567 and provided 1,082 rides over the holiday season. While those numbers are down marginally from a year ago (600 volunteers and 1,131 rides), Steacy attributes much of that to the brutally cold temperatures and poor driving conditions, which discouraged some volunteers from taking part. Putting the Lethbridge numbers into context with the rest of the province, it’s apparent this community puts great value on the program. Lethbridge ride totals account-
ed for a whopping 62 per cent of the entire province’s total (1,082 of 1,754 total rides), with four communities taking part this past holiday season. “I just think we’re the perfect size community for this program to succeed,” says Sandy Slavin, executive director, Sport and Recreation Services. “You look at the number of volunteers we had (567) and it’s not that much greater than Edmonton (513) and yet we had almost twice the number of rides. The size of our community allows us to do that, plus the media here has supported us so well, everybody knows what we’re all about.” While the program could
always use more volunteers, ORN only ran short on two or three nights, Slavin says. “Another 60 to 100 volunteers would be ideal, but if we’re only short on three nights, we’ve done well,” she says. What’s encouraging is that the program is beginning to feed itself. “Some of our first-time volunteers said they’d used the program before and from that experience, decided they’d like to be a part of it.” Look for Operation Red Nose in December 2009 as Pronghorn Athletics continues its campaign to help make Lethbridge roads safer.
Ironically, the cure for fixing the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns’ penchant to split every Canada West hockey series was a sweep — in which they were the losers. Prior to a Nov. 7-8 two-game set in Edmonton against the University of Alberta Golden Bears, the Pronghorns men’s hockey team had fashioned an even 4-4-0 record. In four previous series they’d won one and lost one. The Golden Bears then blew them out 4-1 and 9-1 on successive nights and suddenly, the ’Horns snapped to attention. “Getting whacked by U of A kind of opened everybody’s eyes,” Pronghorns defenceman Ryan Pottruff says. “We knew we had a good hockey team, but if we didn’t want to work hard and dedicate ourselves to systems, then we were going to get blown out of the water.”
“We’ve got a really tough second half, but the ranking gives us some confidence going in.”
Greg Gatto
A week later the ’Horns kicked off a six-game winning streak with a home-and-home sweep of Calgary Dinos that sent the team into the Christmas break with a 10-6-0 mark and a 10th place spot (they are currently ranked 9th) in the national rankings. “They finally believed they could win two in a row,” Pronghorns head coach Greg Gatto says. “It took us forever to win those first two, and now, after we won the fourth, fifth and sixth in a row, they weren’t even excited because they just expected it.” Dustin Moore, the team’s leading scorer and sixth-rated scorer in the league, says the first sweep proved to be an eye opener for the club. “Once we got our first sweep, everybody got to see how easy Monday morning practices are,” he says. “I think we realized if you work hard on Saturday and get that sweep, it’s better for everyone.” Back in the national rankings for the first time in six years, Gatto doesn’t fear his club resting on its laurels. A tough second-half schedule just won’t allow for any loss of focus. “We’re pretty excited we’re up there but we’ve also been pretty fortunate,” Gatto says, noting the team’s four wins over Calgary were by a combined five goals. “We lose those four games and suddenly we’re 6-10, so we’re pretty realistic of where we’re at. We’ve got a really tough second half, but the ranking gives us some confidence going in, and it is nice to see some recognition when you’re doing well.”
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JANUARY 2009
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
get the facts • Harris was born and raised in Dorion, Ont., a small township of approximately 400 people, some 70 kilometres east of Thunder Bay • While studying her undergraduate degree at Western, she participated in an exchange program where she studied history in Scotland • Students or faculty may set up individual appointments with subject librarians for advanced research help. Harris can be reached at lorelei.harris@uleth.ca • Subject librarians also work as generalists, staffing the information desk and offering advice on all subject areas. “One of the big things is getting a student or researcher to think outside their subject area and think from other disciplines and when we are dealing with those disciplines every day, it really helps us do that.”
Subject librarian Lorelei Harris, left, consults with a student while working the reference desk at the University of Lethbridge Library.
Resourceful approach guides Harris By TREVOR KENNEY
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hen Lorelei Harris was given responsibility for subject areas with which she was unfamiliar, naturally she fell back on her librarian training. Utilizing the resources at hand to educate herself in these new subjects, she quickly became a resource herself — all in a day’s work at the University of Lethbridge Library. Harris, now the subject librarian for Health Sciences, Religious Studies and Shastri, practices what she preaches when it comes to research methodology. Arriving on campus in August 2007 in a term position, she was literally handed a potpourri of subject areas. Whether she had previous experience with the areas or not, Harris quickly got up to speed on such unrelated subjects as political science, economics and religious studies. “Starting as a contract
librarian, I was given whatever needed to be covered,” Harris says. “At the time I had quite a few different areas of focus and now that’s been streamlined somewhat. I’m working with Health Sciences now, and I’m still learning a lot about my subject areas.” That tapering of focus is the essence of a subject librarian. “Our role involves liaising with faculty, selecting material in a particular subject area and providing in-depth reference assistance for that subject area,” Harris says. “We also provide classroom instruction for students in our areas, teaching basic research skills or walking them through the nuances of advanced subject-specific research tools.” Subject librarians are usually assigned based on educational background or interest in a particular field. Religious studies and Shastri were brand new areas for Harris, while health
IME students into icbc finals A group of Integrated Management Experience (IME) students in the Faculty of Management has made the final round of Canada’s most prestigious business case competition. Five U of L students made it through a grueling preliminary process to win the right to compete in the finals with business students from around the world at the Queen’s University InterCollegiate Business Competition (ICBC), which takes place this month in Kingston, Ont. ICBC is Canada’s oldest and largest undergraduate
academic business case competition and attracts business students from across Canada and the world. This year, students from 33 international universities (Canada, USA, Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, and the U.K.) competed in the preliminary round, where the top six teams were chosen to compete in the finals. The U of L teams that made the finals were in the Ethics category (Chase Degenhardt and Caleb Pierce) and in Business Policy (Larissa Featherstone, Andrew Brown and Allison Mostowich).
sciences was a more natural fit. Harris has a number of friends in nursing and a boyfriend in medical school. “One of my favourite aspects of our work is going into the classes and teaching research skills,” she says. “I also really enjoy the advanced reference service, the one-on-one or small group meetings we offer, and dealing with the advanced research questions they may have. “I love working with graduate students. It’s exciting for me to get involved in their topic, and it’s fun to see the light go on when we’re able to find something they can use.” A University of Western Ontario graduate, Harris earned both her undergraduate (media studies) and master’s (library and information science) degrees on the London, Ont., campus. Her route to the library seems almost predetermined as she follows both her mother and
grandmother into the profession. Harris credits Judith Droessler, the longtime subject librarian for health sciences prior to her retirement, for easing the transition into her role. That tutelage has also helped her hit the ground running as she takes on a new challenge with the introduction of the Public Health program, which falls under the purview of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “It’s exciting to start building up a new core collection in this area,” Harris says, adding she consults with Sharon Yanicki, who was integral in establishing the public health curriculum. “From a library point of view, public health does have quite a bit of overlap with what we’ve been collecting in nursing so we do have a collection already. It’s interesting for me to try to learn where to pull out specific information with a public health focus.”
ingrid speaker
medal for distinguished research, scholarship, or performance
nominations are invited for the 2009 award The award is open to all full and part-time members of the academic staff currently employed at the University of Lethbridge
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
FEBRUARY 27, 2009
For nomination forms contact: Office of the President at 403-329-2201 or visit home.uleth.ca/ pub/awards.
Nominations are welcome from any member of the University community, including faculty, students, alumni and staff
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the Legend
JANUARY 2009
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Management Co-op leads to Suncor opportunity By LYNETTE LACROIX
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magine the opportunity to play a part in one of the largest projects in Canadian history. Imagine working on a multi-billion dollar project for a leading North American energy producer. Imagine experiencing all of this before you graduate from university. This is exactly the experience University of Lethbridge Management Co-op alumna Fiona Cai (BMgt ’08)gained through her co-op position with Suncor Energy. Cai was hired to work on Suncor’s Voyageur project, a multi-billion-dollar effort that aims to increase Suncor’s oil sands production capacity to 550,000 barrels of oil per day in the year 2012. She completed the eight-month coop work term to gain exposure to the many aspects of project management and assess if the field would be a good fit for her. As she learned, a project manager is responsible for ensuring the project’s goals and objectives are met within the given timeframe and budget restraints. Over the course of her work term, Cai learned that a project of Voyageur’s magnitude requires a number of project managers working together to make it happen. Her role in the project was that of a cost analyst. Cai was responsible for preparing estimates, completing monthend reports and coordinating with other departments in order to provide the data needed by
which her managers based their decisions. “It’s like being the eyes and ears for my managers. The information I provide to them basically tells the story of what is happening in the project,” says Cai. The co-op work term granted Cai with many insights into the challenges of the project management field as well as a look at the variety of opportunities available.
“Suncor’s involvement in the co-op program has led to the immediate hiring of students.”
Mark Tomlin
“It’s very rewarding to work on a project where everyone has a common goal and you can see how your part plays a role in the outcome and overall success of the project,” says Cai. “It is also very exciting when you reach one of the project’s milestones and you see things moving forward.” Suncor Project Controls Manager Mark Tomlin explains the co-op program is a win-win for everyone involved. “Students are treated as an equal member of the project
U of L alumnus Fiona Cai turned a management co-op experience into a career with Suncor Energy.
team,” he says. “This enables them to become engaged in the project, thus developing strong work experience and personal satisfaction. “Suncor’s involvement in the co-op program, in fact, has led to the immediate hiring of
students that have worked with us upon the completion of their studies.” Through her co-op, Cai reaffirmed project management as a career path that she intended to pursue upon graduation. In September 2008, that goal
became a reality when she was offered a full-time position with Suncor to continue working on the Voyageur project. Lynette LaCroix is a Program Advancement Officer with the Management Co-op Program
nominations
are invited for recipients of the
2009
distinguished teaching award The award is open to all full and part-time members of the academic staff who have taught during some part of the 2008/2009 academic year.
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS
FEBRUARY 6, 2009 For nomination forms contact: Office of the President at 403-329-2201 or Students’ Union Office at 403-329-2222 or visit home.uleth.ca/pub/awards.
Nominations are welcome from any member of the University community, including faculty, students, alumni and staff
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JANUARY 2009
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the Legend
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
OUR
alumni
Athletics helped shape Misak’s academic future g e t T H E FA C T S • Misak and husband, David, have two children, Alex and Sophie, and often travel together on sabbaticals to South Africa, England, Germany and New Zealand • Misak’s numerous academic awards include: U of T Student’s Administrative Council Award; Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship; Recipient of five SSHRC Grants • She has three published books and is currently writing another on American Pragmatism
Interim Vice President and Provost at the University of Toronto, Dr. Cheryl Misak, is a proud graduate of the University of Lethbridge.
By STACY SEGUIN
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o attend or not to attend: that is the question — unless of course you are Interim Vice President and Provost at the University of Toronto Dr. Cheryl Misak (BA ’83). The question then, of course, becomes moot. “My mother was a school teacher and it was pretty clear that we would be attending the University of Lethbridge,” remembers Misak. “Education was very important in our home.” It was a love of athletics, however, that would indirectly change the course of Misak’s life. Born and raised in Lethbridge, Misak graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1979, and began attending the U of L with plans on becoming a lawyer. “In my first term I wanted Fridays off so I could go on the University’s ski club trips and play in tennis tournaments, so I only chose Tuesday/Thursday classes,” explains Misak. “I had one gap in my schedule and filled it with a philosophy class. I had no idea what philosophy was, but almost from the first day I realized that I really liked it.”
Dr. Michael Kubara, Misak’s first philosophy professor at the U of L, was very influential in Misak’s education. “He was great; he didn’t mince words and was suitably hard on me. It was just what I needed. When I wrote a sentence that didn’t make very much sense, he would tell me and then help me re-write it. He taught me how to write. Teaching someone how to write is teaching them how to think,” says Misak. A very dedicated student, Misak was involved in all manner of projects that went beyond the classroom. This gave her more than a valuable education that opened her thinking, but some administrative experience as well. “At that time the Albertan philosophers would get together for a conference once a year. When it was Lethbridge’s turn to host, I ended up doing a lot of administrative things that are unusual for a graduate student to do,” recalls Misak. “Without graduate students to compete with, the keen undergraduates got a lot of attention. That was wonderful.” In 1983, Misak graduated with a bachelor of arts in phi-
Misak, an avid tennis player, readies for a game in this archive photo.
losophy with great distinction. She also won the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Gold Medal. Following graduation, she moved to New York City and earned her master’s degree at Columbia University. In
her second year at Columbia, Misak became the recipient of a Rhodes scholarship, which eventually took her to Oxford University in England. “At Oxford I worked with fantastic people and met
people from all over the world. I also met my husband there,” says Misak. She and her husband, Dr. David Dyzenhaus, taught briefly at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., before moving on to the University of Toronto in 1990. Since the beginning of her career at the U of T, Misak has quickly moved up the ranks as professor of philosophy, Chair of the philosophy department, dean of the Missassauga campus of the U of T, acting vicepresident and principal of the Mississauga campus, and then deputy provost of the U of T as a whole and into her current position. Kubara is not surprised by her success. “Cheryl had all-wheel drive with low range for plowing through the roughest going. She had a naturally disarming manner of getting her way,” says Kubara. “While still at Oxford, her husband David and I predicted her destiny as a wonderful university administrator — a counter example to The Peter Principle.” It seems that Kubara and Dyzenhaus may have a future in fortune telling, because for Misak there seems to be no ceiling to her ascent.
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the Legend
H E A LT H
& wellness
JANUARY 2009
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Counselling Services offers students a safe haven By TREVOR KENNEY
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hen it comes to maintaining their physical health, people know where to turn. However, maintaining one’s mental health may present unique challenges and it is important to know what resources are available to students on campus. The University of Lethbridge, through collaboration of the Counselling Services office and the University Health Centre, has created a safe environment through which students can get the assistance they need. “This is a trusting and nurturing place where you can refocus and get some balance to your life,” Counselling Services Coordinator Barbara Williams says. “If we can reach out to folks and make them realize that everyone, at some point in their lives, hits some kind of a bump. If you are unable, for whatever reason, to find your own way around it, then this is a safe and reasonable place for them to come for some help.” The Counselling Services office is celebrating its one-year anniversary in Turcotte Hall (TH218) and Williams and her staff could not be happier with the change in location. Previously located in the Registrar’s Office, that site did not provide the privacy they so desperately need to help students feel comfortable when they are seeking assistance. Williams describes the new office as a one-flow
AN
g e t T H E FA C T S • The Counselling Services office sees more than 70 students per week, on average • Counselling Services offers a variety of outreach programs and workshops, headed by Heather Rowland. The workshops are psychoeducational and Rowland says it can be a non-threatening way for students to engage in counselling services • Counsellors Allison Roest and Mark Slomp teach a full-credit course in career development, available to all students through the Faculty of Education • To make an appointment with a counsellor, contact the Counselling Services office at 403-317-2845 environment where students can come in, be discreetly directed to a counsellor and then leave through a separate entrance — all designed to build trust and honour privacy.
“We really see counselling as an empowering experience.”
Mark Slomp
apple
them incorporate into their lives will be much more preventative.” It is a team approach they use, one that reaches beyond the counselling office to the Health Centre where psychiatrist Dr. Wayne Edwards can also be utilized. Williams’ team is well rounded and can deal with any issues that walk through the door. “We are all mental health professionals but various members of our team come with different educational backgrounds and different clinical backgrounds so they are able to bring those strengths into our unit,” she says. “That The University’s Counselling Services office is a safe haven for students in need allows us to funnel our of assistance. Counsellors Allison Roest, Barbara Williams (coordinator), Heather students to the counselRowland (standing) and Mark Slomp are some of the staff dedicated to helping lor who gives them the strongest support.” students in need. Allison Roest is The months of January trying to implement some of the one of those counseland February are typically difstrategies that worked for them lors. She’s quick to add that they ficult times for many students, in high school and discovered do not do all the work, getting Williams explains. For new they may not work for them through a problem is a shared students, the reality of their anymore.” responsibility with the student. first post-secondary term has It is important students “It’s a collaborative process, hit with the first set of grades. recognize when they need help it’s not something we’re going to Some have found it difficult to — and that’s before they hit a do to them, we’re going to work adjust to the university lifestyle crisis point. together with the student in oras the newness of the experience “You don’t have to be in der to find solutions to whatever wears off. Combine that with the crisis to come here, in fact it’s is happening,” Roest says. cold, dark days of winter and the so much better if we can have What is important to repost-Christmas lull and it can be students come to us when they member, adds fellow counsellor a tough time. are feeling a little stressed or Mark Slomp, is that asking for “This is the point where that there is something that’s not help is not a sign of weakness, they are really changing a lot balanced in their life,” says Wilrather it’s just the opposite. about themselves and their envi- liams. “It’s much better if we can “We really see counselling ronment,” she says. get them at that point because as an empowering experience,” “They’ve been out there the strategies that we can help he says.
A D AY |
By DIANE BRITTON
sweet snacks
salty snacks
Craving sugar? Chances are you’re not eating enough or have gone too long without food. Check your watch — if you’re craving sweets around a meal or snack time your body is telling you it’s hungry. Choose a healthy meal or snack. If your sweet tooth is nagging you, try foods with natural sugars — they’re sweet and loaded in nutrition.
Craving salt? Drink up — water that is. If your body is craving salt, chances are you are dehydrated and your body is craving salt to hold onto water. Women should aim for 9 cups of fluid per day; men need 13 cups fluid daily.
• Baked apple with cinnamon • Fresh, frozen or canned fruit • Chocolate milk or pudding • Yogurt
MONTHLY FOOD FOR THOUGHT TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY ALL YEAR LONG.
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soothing snacks
work with your cravings
Warm foods are often comforting and soothing. Experiment with foods that work for you. • Hot herbal tea or steamed milk • Hot cereals • Hot water — plain or with a slice of lemon • Soup — chicken noodle, cream of tomato or broth with vegetables
Choosing nutrient dense foods helps manage your mood and energy levels while also boosting your immune system. Listen to what your body is craving, then choose a small amount and balance it with protein, water or fibre to fill you up. Most importantly, stop eating when you feel moderately full, not stuffed. Try to find healthy alternatives to high calorie foods if you’re being weight conscious.
If your mood or energy level is really low, consult with your doctor. If you would like a dietitian consult in the New Year, please call the Health Centre (403-329-2484). Diane Britton, registered dietitian, is available to students and employees of the U of L for $10 per hour session fee. Physician appointments are also available at the Health Centre, SU 020. Diane Britton, On-campus Registered Dietitian
crunchy snacks Feeling frustrated or angry? Take it out on these crisp foods. They’re healthy choices and leave you feeling better. Remember to focus on the ‘crunch’ and feel your stress melt away: Raw broccoli; carrots; cauliflower; celery; crisp red, green or yellow apples; red, yellow, green or orange pepper slices.
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events C A L E N D A R
the Legend
SEPTEMBER 2008
Women’s Hockey
Jan. 26 Art Now: Gary Burns, Calgary filmmaker 12 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570
Jan. 16-17 University of Regina vs. Pronghorns Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena Jan. 23-24 University of Alberta vs. Pronghorns Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena
Jan. 29 CMA Alberta Leadership & Innovation Speaker Series WorldCom Whistle Blower, Ms. Cynthia Cooper. Cooper and her team identified the corporate fraud at WorldCom — to date the largest corporate fraud in history. | 12 p.m., Students’ Union Building, Ballrooms A & B Free tickets available at Career Resources Centre, B610
Lectures Jan. 12 Art Now: Theaterlabor – Germany 12 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570
Pronghorn Sports Lineup Basketball Jan. 16-17 University of Calgary vs. Pronghorns Nightly, Women, 6 p.m.; Men, 8:15 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Jan. 23 Trinity Western vs. Pronghorns Women, 6 p.m.; Men, 8:15 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Jan. 24 Simon Fraser vs. Pronghorns Women, 6 p.m.; Men, 8:15 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Feb. 6-7 University of Saskatchewan vs. Pronghorns Women, 6 p.m.; Men, 8:15 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym
Jan. 13 Women Scholars Speaker Series Dr. Sarah Boon presents: With a Fieldbook and a Camera: Ten Years of Research in Canada’s Cold Regions 3 p.m., AH100
With the arrival of a new year, we reflect on the previous and focus on what’s in store for the coming months. In keeping with this custom, University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) president Adam Vossepoel recalls what has been accomplished during his term to date, and what projects he is looking forward to working
Rotaract Club hosting dinner The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club will be holding its fourth annual dinner and silent auction at the Lethbridge Lodge, Saturday, Jan. 31. All proceeds from the dinner and auction will go towards Flying Doctors of Canada, an organization created by physician and University of Lethbridge alumnus Dr. Benjamin Cavilla. Flying Doctors of Canada is an organization of volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses and others who travel to developing countries to provide health care and health education.
Jan. 12-13 Body Fragments Theaterlabor presents a visionary production around the haunting paintings of Francis Bacon. | 8 p.m., David Spinks Theatre
Jan. 14 Art Now: Brian Flynn, Calgary installation artist 12 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570
Jan. 22-24 TheatreXtra presents Cursed An exploration of humanity under pressure. Written by David Gabert and directed by Kyle Collins. | Nightly, 8 p.m., David Spinks Theatre Matinee, 2 p.m. on Jan. 24
Jan. 16 Art Now: Rita McKeough, Calgary installation artist 12 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570
Jan. 24 Big Band Cabaret Enjoy a silent auction, door prizes and dancing to the Lethbridge Big Band. 8 p.m., U of L Students’ Union Building, Ballrooms A & B
Jan. 19 Art Now: Ben Reeves, Vancouver painter 12 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Jan. 23 Art Now: Dr. Leslie Dawn, art historian 12 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570
the near future. Students’ Union on in“I’m proud that our team and staff can look back at 2008 enthused about and see how the ULSU has to tap into the potential new projects started of what our organization can By BRIANNE ROHOVIE
Performances
do on campus,” says Vossepoel. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in how many students are utilizing our services; services from the test bank to the food bank to travel and conference grants.” There have also been several other significant happenings at the ULSU this year, adds Vossepoel; these include the logo redesign, the hiring of general manager Cheri Pokarney, Fresh Fest, the fee referendum and
This year, Flying Doctors of Canada is providing co-op and applied studies opportunities for pre-professional students at the University of Lethbridge to accompany them in Central America. The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club is inviting all members of the community to join them in support of this worthy cause. The reception for the dinner and auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $50 for general admission and $40 for students. Tables of eight are also available for $350. Contact the University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club at rotaract@uleth.ca for tickets or additional information.
Jan. 31 Strings of the Heart
various successful concerts and awareness events. “Soon after being elected, we sat down as a team and set very specific and realistic goals; all of our actions since then have been directed towards achieving those goals,” says Vossepoel, adding he is satisfied and impressed at what the team has accomplished. That doesn’t mean the ULSU has any intentions of slowing down in 2009. As the current political and economic situation in Canada is guaranteed to keep changing in the new year, the ULSU will continue to work with the lobby group Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA)
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Featuring string faculty from the University of Lethbridge, University of Alberta and University of Calgary as well as the Medicine Hat College Conservatory. 8 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Tickets $15 for regular admission and $10 for students/seniors and are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616). Feb. 10-14 The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) by Roald Dahl The Big Friendly Giant captures young Sophie to help thwart the plans of evil monsters. Nightly, 7 p.m. at the University Theatre Matinee, Feb. 14, 12 p.m.
Miscellaneous Jan. 9 through Mar. 13 art + people = x Selected regular visitors, faculty, staff and alumni choose works from the U of L art collection for display Helen Christou Gallery Jan. 16 through Feb. 27 Tales from the Vault Works from the U of L art collection as presented by Trap\door Main Gallery Jan. 17 Culture Vulture Saturday Make your own artist-buttons with Trap\door artist-run centre. Feb. 7 Culture Vulture Saturday Make your own artist-buttons.
to ensure that post-secondary students’ needs are not ignored. “The ULSU plays a very strong role, and has for the past two years, in the federal advocacy group,” says Vossepoel. “CASA is non-partisan, working to ensure that students’ needs are being addressed, regardless of who forms the government.” In addition, there will be an increased focus on addressing individual student issues, as well as developing effective transition programs for incoming council, adds Vossepoel. Upcoming events will include a Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll awareness week, a live concert in the Zoo and elections for
the 2009-2010 ULSU executive council and general assembly. “Election time is a particularly exciting time around campus and, more specifically, the Students’ Union,” says Vossepoel. “There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm about the organization.” For those who believe the past is an accurate indication of the future, 2009 is shaping up to be an amazing year at the ULSU. “Our goal for 2009 is to continue developing an organization that is constantly flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of the students at the University of Lethbridge,” says Vossepoel.
U of l students earn bronze at igem event A team of chemistry and biochemistry students from the University of Lethbridge rode the movements of their customdesigned baccuum bacteria to a bronze medal at the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM) in Boston, Massachusetts recently. The U of L team, one of the few made up of primarily undergraduate students, created a bacterium, called a baccuum, that was designed to move in a specific direction, consuming material from oil spills. iGEM is the premiere
undergraduate competition in synthetic biology and invited such prestigious schools as Princeton University and Peking University. Members of the University of Lethbridge iGem team included: Munima Alam, Alix Blackshaw, Selina Dobing, Andrew Field, Christa Klapko, Sebastian Machula, Nathan Phillips, Nathan Puhl, Roxanne Shank, John Thibault, Jaden Wright and Hans-Joachim Wieden. Monarch’s Calvin Christian High School accompanied the U of L team and they were the
only high school team to enter the competition. The CCS group worked on a method to make it easier to generate the biological building blocks used by all iGEM competitors. The Calvin Christian High School team consisted of: Paul VandenBroek, Elizabeth Van Essen, Peter Van Herk, Marc Slingerland, Glenda Bron and Hans-Joachim Wieden. All Alberta universities fielded teams at the iGEM event and all earned medals for their efforts.
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the Legend in focus Giants present a welcome challenge for Hanson SEPTEMBER 2008
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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
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By KATHERINE WASIAK reating family theatre is nothing new for Nicolas Hanson. Creating a world of giants, however, presents a new challenge. Hanson, who teaches two courses in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) for the University of Lethbridge’s Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts, directs The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) by Roald Dahl. Adapted for the stage by David Wood, The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is scheduled to appear nightly, Feb. 10-14 in the University Theatre, at 7 p.m., with a matinee at noon on Saturday, Feb. 14. “Audiences can expect an action-packed hour at the theatre, with dynamic performances and comic antics,” promises Hanson. “Creating a world of giants has provided a playful challenge for the design and technical faculty and staff, who have been busy constructing puppets, masks and stilts for our energetic cast of student actors.” Hanson’s TYA courses see his students perform at local elementary schools on a regular basis but he wanted to provide a true theatre experience for children and this performance serves that purpose. “After five years of taking students from my TYA courses out to perform for more than 10,000 young people at local schools, I wanted to create an opportunity for children to
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experience the magic of visiting our University Theatre with its array of technical wizardry,” Hanson says. People often believe that performing for children is easy but Hanson explains that’s a fallacy. “Our actors are quickly learning that young people have sophisticated artistic tastes and that keeping hundreds of children engaged requires limitless energy, genuine sincerity and a keen ability to harness the power of juvenile imaginations,” he says with a smile. With sales of 100 million books, Roald Dahl is one of the world’s most popular authors. From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to James and the Giant Peach, Dahl’s imaginative narratives and eccentric characters charm children while engaging adults at the same time. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) has become one of Dahl’s endearing classics with its creative combination of fantasy elements, such as giants with contemporary concepts like helicopters. Despite its setting in a comic and colourful world, The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) exposes some sincere elements of our real world; namely, the way we treat people who appear physically different. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is truly family-oriented theatre that can be enjoyed by everyone aged five to 105. All audience members, regardless of age, must have a ticket, which
can be purchased from the U of L Box Office, weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 student/senior. Patrons are
‘Cursed’ explores humanity under pressure Kyle Collins and David Gabert collaborate to present Cursed, the next offering from the TheatreXtra production series. In this presentation, friends must work together to find a way to overcome an impossible life-or-death affliction affecting a close friend. Described as “An exploration of humanity under pressure”, Cursed runs nightly, Jan. 22-24 in the David Spinks Theatre at 8 p.m., along with a 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 24. Written and directed by Collins, a dramatic arts/ education major, and Gabert, a fourth-year dramatic arts major, this is their first collaboration. Collins provided the inspiration for the show and helped Gabert write the script. “This was my first involvement in the script writing process,” says Collins. “On the other hand, David has written several plays for school and community presentation by his troupe Drama Nutz Productions.” It is the first time either has co-directed a play, although
both have previously directed productions. “Co-directing is a unique challenge,” says Gabert. “You both have to make sure you know what the other is looking for and try not to step on each other’s toes. We divided the play into two distinct aspects and each of us keeps an eye on one section, in that sense we work together great. We took the pressure off each other, especially during final exams last month.” Although this is Colin’s first involvement in TheatreXtra, Gabert was the assistant director for last year’s The Horse, The Bison and The Deer. Cursed involves a cast of three, with a larger chorus of 20 people lending their vocal talents. That posed an interesting challenge for Gabert and Collins. “A group that large can be hard to manage, but the people we cast are a hard-working, dedicated bunch, which simplified the process for us,” says Collins. “This is, by far, one of the most enjoyable shows and casts I have had the pleasure of working with.” The plot follows three
friends, played by Jocelyn Haub, Corey Joyce and Mark Spracklin, who find themselves in an unlikely situation that is quickly spiraling out of control. To meet and triumph over this challenge they must come to terms with who they are, set aside their differences and work together to survive in an ever-changing and seemingly cursed world. The creators are not willing to give away too much more about the plot. “People seem to be more interested in something that is slightly mysterious,” says Collins. “Our show is meant to illicit interest by not revealing its secrets until opening night, which is part of the reason we wrote the show rather than selecting an existing script. This way the audience arrives not knowing what to expect.” Tickets for Cursed are priced at $11 for regular admission and $7 for students/seniors. They are available at the U of L Box Office or by calling 403-3292616. The show contains mature themes and content not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment. A complimentary shuttle bus will transport theatre-goers from the north parking lot to the theatre entrance.
When young Sophie is plucked from her bedroom window by a 14foot tall creature, she fears the worst. Fortunately, Sophie’s captor is the Big Friendly Giant, who needs her creativity and bravery to thwart the dastardly plans of evil monsters.
big band heats up the night Warm up a cold winter’s night by dancing to the Lethbridge Big Band at New York, New York: A Night on the Town, Saturday, Jan. 24 at the University of Lethbridge Ballroom. “We invite everyone who enjoys dancing and having a good time to join us,” says music major Sarah Viejou, one of the organizers. “Dress is formal, so this is a great time to pull out all the stops!” Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser support the annual tour undertaken by the U of L Wind Orchestra, a group of 45 student musicians under the direction of Dr. Glenn Klassen. Festivities start at 8 p.m. and include door prizes, a silent auction and great music. Tickets for New York, New York: A Night on the Town are priced at $23 each or $160 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at Note-able Music (403-380-2130) and the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616).
strings unite alberta schools Musicians from across Alberta present Strings of the Heart, as part of the U of L Faculty Artists and Friends series, on Saturday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m. in the University Recital Hall. The Department of Music’s Trio Amaranth, which consists of Peter Visentin (violin), Tido Janssen (cello) and Deanna Oye (piano), has initiated Strings of the Heart. The program of chamber music for strings and piano brings members of the Trio together in performance with violinist Guillaume Tardif (University of Alberta), violinist Edmond Agopian and cellist Beth Sandvoss (University of Calgary) and violist Michael van der Sloot (Medicine Hat College). “The concert unites some of the finest string players in Alberta in one gala concert,” says Dr. Deanna Oye. “This marks the first joint effort for these four post-secondary music schools.”
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Jeff Thomas, The Delegate Visits Indian Battle Park, 2006 Digital photograph on paper From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 2008.
images L asting
art+people=x figure in a manufactured scene in a Font: Lucida Grande, Bold manufactured place.
I’ve selected, The Delegate Visits Indian Battle Park, by Jeff Thomas. I connect with this work as a Lethbridgian, a walker in Indian Battle Park, a driver over the bridge and a resident of the Westside. The context is very familiar. I am so accustomed to it that I barely give it any thought. But Thomas’ image caught me and made me stop and consider. The colours are brighter and more intense than my eye naturally sees. The vibrancy is almost kitschy. The figure of the Delegate is almost kitschy too, like a cigar store figure. But there he is, in all his detailed and bright uprightness, set in Indian Battle Park, a manufactured
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The Park itself is a construction, a tamed and controlled stretch in the tamed river valley controlled by the dam upstream. He stands on a small built place matched to his size. Behind, in the blurry background, are the built bridges and houses of modern Lethbridge. This is not a “natural” scene at all. How much natural is there really in this valley? The Delegate also reminds me of a past when Blackfoot people lived and traveled along the river valley. He is an ironic visitor to me, a kitschy plastic idealized representative of a pre-European
past, situated to remind us that our knowledge of the real past is now only preserved in place names like Indian Battle Park and in little plastic Indian figures. Although I live here now and this is my home, there were many other people who were here long before me. I know so little about them. I wonder too about the Delegate and his relationship to Thomas. The artist is from the Onondaga First Nation of the Six Nations Confederacy in central Canada. Yet this Delegate is set in Blackfoot territory, a foreign country to Thomas. Is the artist intending to speak on behalf of Blackfoot people by sending his visitor to Indian Battle Park, near
where the Blackfoot fought with the Cree? Is the Delegate somehow standing in judgment of that past event? Or is the Delegate set there for the modern residents like me, as a representative of all First Nations peoples, and standing in judgment of my limited knowledge and understanding of the time and people who were here before me? I still ponder these questions thanks to Thomas and The Delegate Visits Indian Battle Park. Dr. D. Bruce MacKay Coordinator of Liberal Education Program
1/9/09 12:48:50 PM