The Legend, December 2011

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V O L U M E 11

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ISSUE FOUR

A paperless solution

the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Dr. Jon Doan sees the U of L community as a supportive team Graduate Students’ Association President Paul Walz and the rest of the U of L’s Board of Governors has adapted well to the iPAD changeover. The paperless approach is expected to save both money and resources.

Horns men’s soccer makes an impact in Nepal

Getting into the mind of Dr. Aaron Gruber

Alumnus Paul Campeau is a new breed of accountant

The U of L Legend is published monthly during the academic year by the communications unit within University Advancement. Submissions, comments and story ideas are always welcome. The Legend reserves the right to refuse any submitted advertisement. The Legend can be found online at issuu.com/ulethbridge.

A DV E R T I S I N G For ad rates or other information, contact: legend@uleth.ca CREDITS Editor: Trevor Kenney Designer: Stephenie Karsten CO N T R I B U TO R S: Amanda Berg, Bob Cooney, Kyle Dodgson, Jane Edmundson, Nicole Eva-Rice, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Rob Olson, Stacy Seguin, Jaime Vedres, Katherine Wasiak, Lori Weber and Richard Westlund

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

BY BOB COONEY

I

magine a tower of completely full binders more than 34 feet tall, or a large stack of photocopy paper packages greater than 19 feet tall.

That’s a lot of paper (from a lot of trees), and the approximate amount of printed material required in a typical year to support the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors in their decision-making processes.

“We are incorporating sustainability and a more efficient use of resources into our operating model.”

JODIE BLACK

In mid-November, however, the Board literally stopped the presses on printing hard copies of their materials (other than a set or two for document retention and archival purposes), and has migrated to an iPad-based paperless system.

LAPADAT NAMED FIRST VP STUDENTS The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Dr. Judith C. Lapadat as the institution’s first associate vice-president (students).

Lapadat is currently a professor in the School of Education, College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the Chair of the UNBC Northwest Regional Campus, based in Terrace, B.C. The associate vice-president (students) is a new position within the University administrative system, and reflects the University’s commitment to student success and

“We are incorporating sustainability and a more efficient use of resources into our operating model, just as other areas of campus are doing,” says Jodie Black, the Board secretariat and person responsible for managing the Board’s information flow.

“We conducted a complete analysis of our past practices, future needs, efficiency and cost effectiveness. The decision to go paperless was an obvious and sensible choice.”

Black says that in addition to cost savings, the flexibility and quick process of information sharing with the new iPADs is becoming very handy.

“There is less paper to manage, we have less paper to worry about shipping, and I can easily get information in front of people very quickly,” she says. “As an example, we were able to deliver a 40-page, last-minute agenda item immediately to our Board shared drive, versus printing off copies for everyone.”

Board information packages are now available on a shared drive rather than printed, mailed and/or couriered. Over time, the previous folders and binders full of information used by most Board members would get cumbersome, while the iPad continues to take up the same amount of space, regardless of how much information it stores.

Black says the cost of the transi-

tion is being amortized over two years.

“The price of the initial iPad purchases will be recouped due to cost savings in printing and distribution.”

The big switch happened last month, and for the Board’s first paperless meeting, members of the Information Technology team were on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly.

“Our IT group has been extremely helpful with the process, the transition and for the occasional challenges we’ve encountered,” says Black. “We are also tracking how this works over time, so that other units on campus can take advantage of going paperless if they choose to do so.”

Currently, Athabasca University uses a paperless system for their board of governors, and Black says that other institutions are watching the U of L’s progress with interest as they research their own options.

“I am also willing to meet with any other business unit or group on campus looking to go paperless,” says Black. “We’re looking to lead by example, and also to have what the Board does to support sustainability be a part of our regular business practices.”

Those interested can contact Black at Jodie.black@uleth.ca to set up a time to talk.

enhancing the student experience.

Lapadat will oversee the Registrar’s Office and Student Services and will work closely with the Office of the Vice-President (Academic).

“We are very pleased to have Dr. Lapadat join our team,” says Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L’s vice-president (academic) and provost. “She has a broad range of skills and experiences in teaching, research, course and program development as well as a keen understanding of the student services environment and student experience, which we expect will greatly assist the U of L as we reinforce our own student-centred processes.”

Lapadat holds a PhD from Simon Fraser University (Education; Instructional Psychology, 1992) a

master’s degree from The University of British Columbia (Audiology and Speech Sciences, 1983) and a bachelor of arts degree from the University of British Columbia (Linguistics, 1979).

Prior to her career as an academic researcher, teacher and administrator, Lapadat worked as a speech pathologist in public and private practice in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

She is the author or co-author of three books and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and, as an artist, has had her award-winning work exhibited throughout northern British Columbia.

As she transitions from her UNBC position, it is expected she will be on campus during the spring 2012 semester.

the Legend

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

OPENMike University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what’s happening in the University community One of the pride points I refer to when speaking about the University of Lethbridge is the student-centred environment we are constantly striving to create. In recent weeks, I’ve seen a number of examples where that commitment to engaging our students rings true, and it is through the work of our faculty and staff that these opportunities for our students are created.

I look at the recent and ongoing success of the University’s iGEM team that once again defied the odds and managed a top-four placing at the iGEM Regionals and a Sweet Sixteen placing at the World Jamboree.

Dr. HJ Wieden and professor Will Smith, who essentially volunteered their time to give these

undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research at a graduate level and compete internationally with their results, supported their efforts.

I look to the continued success of our Pronghorns women’s rugby team and the commitment of head coach Neil Langevin, manager Toby Boulet, and assistant coaches Rob Kossuth, JJ Ondrus and Norm McDougall.

All but one are full-time teachers in addition to their duties at the U of L, and have worked to create an atmosphere of excellence unsurpassed in the Canada West conference. Rob is one of our very own professors who similarly has dedicated himself to the team as a volunteer.

Just recently I attended

the Academic All-Canadian luncheon where 42 of our student-athletes were recognized as having achieved an 80 per cent or higher average in their studies. They deserve a great deal of credit for having been able to balance their athletic and academic schedules, but what cannot be overlooked is the huge role their coaches and professors play in creating an environment that is conducive to their success in the classroom.

Having been around athletes my entire life, I understand the rigours of their athletic responsibilities. I also recognize the accommodations their coaches make so that they can still devote time to their studies, and the willingness of our

CAMPUS The Bookstore’s Christmas Tree of Knowledge sold for $2,800 at the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation’s annual fundraising gala, which raised more than $70,000 overall. The tree held more than $5,500 in gifts, books, U of L sports and recreation passes, theatre tickets, climbing wall passes and merchandise. It was purchased and donated back three times before being sold to Kim Balog.

Leslie Robison-Greene (Drama) with assistance from Teresa Heyburn (Costume Shop Manager) presented at the Galt Museum in November for the Lethbridge Historical Society, exploring how costume designers and technicians work together to interpret and recreate lavish period costumes for the stage and screen.

Dr. Helen Kelley (Management) has been appointed to a three-year term as assistant dean of the School of Graduate Studies, effective Jan. 1, 2012. Kelley is a tenured associate professor of information systems, and her current research program focuses on E-health and wellness. Since 2006, Kelley has served as the director of the Master of Science in Management program.

Andrew Stewart (Music) presented and performed in Edmonton at The Sea of Sound Festival 2011. He presented Maintaining Agency and Performance in a master class for the Interactives Research Group at the University of Alberta. He then performed WITH WINDS on the New Electroacoustic Performances from Alberta concert in the Catalyst Theatre.

Anna Kovalchuk (Arts & Science student) is among the national winners of the CIBC Education Awards after she led the U of L Cure 4 Sure team’s participation in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for the Cure Post-Secondary Challenge. Kovalchuk raised the second largest amount of money nationally for the online challenge and was one of 10 national winners to receive a $10,000 scholarship.

Nicholas Hanson (Drama) recently returned from the American Society for Theatre Research conference in Montreal, where he shared his research demonstrating how economic trends have affected professional Theatre for Young Audiences activities in North America.

Hanson also presented a paper at the International Theatre

faculty to work with our athletes’ practice and travel schedules.

So much of what we are doing today at the U of L is about trying to enhance the student environment, about creating an atmosphere of engagement that not only has students wanting to come to the University, but wanting to stay and participate in a vibrant campus and community life. And that can only come through the energy, enthusiasm and goodwill of our faculty and staff.

The recent sod turning for the construction of Aperture Park Phase 3, our latest student residence space, was very symbolic of the University’s commitment to continually enhancing the student environment. We

have long known that a student immersed in the campus culture is much more likely to find success, so we must do all we can to offer those opportunities to our student body.

The role our faculty and staff play in creating a studentcentred environment is critical. I see the time and energy you put into that responsibility, both as a part of your regular jobs and in the many ways you go above and beyond your duties and that should be celebrated.

We can all take pride in the success of our students, knowing that the atmosphere we create for them is the foundation for those achievements.

Maureen and I wish you all the best this holiday season.

kudos

for Young Audiences Network conference in Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmo, Sweden, where he also served as the Canadian representative in various capacities.

Brett Clifton (Arts & Science student) has been awarded The Historical Society of Alberta’s $1,000 award for the best student essay of 2011. From Bridges to the Ridge deals with Lethbridge soldiers who fought and died at Vimy Ridge in World War I. The author examines the careers of two officers and 17 men from the Lethbridge area who came from all walks of life, but in 1917 died together.

Adam Mason (Music) recently adjudicated at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the premier percussion event in the world, in Indianapolis, IN. He judged the University Level Small Percussion Ensemble and Solo Multiple Percussion competitions, as well as participated in international committee meetings. In October, Mason conducted world drumming clinics and research at Brigham Young UniversityHawaii for the new Polynesian Ensemble in the U of L Global Drums.

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Dr. Ed Jurkowski (Music) has been awarded a three-year SSHRC Aid to Scholarly Journal grant in the amount of $60,330.

Jurkowski is the English editor of the bilingual peer-reviewed journal Intersections, the scholarly publication of the Canadian University Music Society.

Jurkowski is also presenting his paper Koevat Auki!: The Ears Open! Society and its role in late twentieth-century Finnish musical culture at the annual meeting of the American Musicological Society in San Francisco.

The Certified Management Accountants (CMA) of Alberta honoured Dr. M. Gordon Hunter (Management), as the CMA Distinguished Scholar. “I am very honoured to be named the first-ever CMA Alberta Distinguished Scholar,” says Hunter.

“I look forward to working with the CMA Alberta office to promote the CMA brand through academic initiatives.”

Taras Polataiko (Art) has just exhibited his paintings at the 12th Toronto International Art Fair in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk (Biological Sciences) was selected as the frontrunner in the public

sector category of Women of Influence magazine’s annual Top 25 women of Influence edition.

The national publication (www. womenofinfluence.ca) showcases 25 influential women in five sectors, among them business, health services, non-governmental organizations, professional services and the public sector Dr. Arlan Schultz (Music) has been elected vice-president of the Edmonton-based Tonus Vivus Society for New Music.

This non-profit, concert-producing organization is one of the largest promoters of New Music in the west.

Dana Cooley (New Media) presented her paper Forgotten Futures of Film: where “the future nests so eloquently at The Impact of Technological Innovations on the Historiography and Theory of Cinema conference in Montréal in November.

Emma Parkinson (BMus ’08) recently won the $2,500 Prix Jeune Espoir Lyrique Canadien 2011 of the prestigious Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques international vocal competition in Montreal. Over Christmas, she is off on a seven-city tour of China with the Montreal Symphony.

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the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

U of L buildings achieve LEED status

BY TREVOR KENNEY

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he University of Lethbridge is taking a leadership approach in southern Alberta, setting a LEED standard in the design and construction of its new campus buildings.

Beginning with the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness and continuing with the construction of the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB) and Markin Hall, the U of L is showing that it takes its role in sustainability and environmental responsibility seriously.

“Each building was designed to meet LEED certification, an internationally recognized standard used to judge the environmental performance of buildings,” says Brian Sullivan, director, Project Management Office, Facilities. “Beginning with the 1st Choice Savings Centre, we felt it was essential to incorporate specific design elements that would decrease the building’s environmental imprint and enhance its sustainability. As we continued along with the construction of the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building and then Markin Hall, we worked to

further improve upon on these techniques.”

LEED refers to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design and uses 70 criteria to gauge the ability of a project to meet rigorous environmental standards established by the Canada Green Building Council in five major categories. They include sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

Each project must apply for LEED status and, after being judged, is rated on a point scale.

Both the 1st Choice Savings Centre and AWESB have been granted LEED Silver status and Sullivan expects that Markin Hall will receive the same rating.

“It takes a major commitment to design and construct a building that will stand up to the rigours of the LEED criteria,” says Sullivan. “The fact that we’ve now achieved LEED Silver status on two buildings, with one more in the works speaks to the University’s desire to push sustainability principles forward.

That also shows in non-LEED certified projects where we are still using LEED standards to drive design.”

Following is a look at some of the environmental features incorporated into each building.

1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness • A clerestory window system

that brings daylight into the gymnasium to supplement the lighting system • A low profile project, part

The Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building joins the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness as a LEED Silver project. Its sustainable features are setting a standard in southern Alberta construction.

of the building is buried in the ground, maximizing the natural insulating characteristics of the earth to reduce utility demand on building systems and reduce the exposure of the building envelope to the elements • Washrooms and showers throughout the building use dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, controlled flow shower heads and electronic faucets • Approximately 60 per cent of the building’s electricity is purchased from local wind power sources • The benches in the locker facilities were recycled from the original gymnasium bleacher seats • The maple flooring in the gymnasium was recycled from

UNITED WAY A KEY PART OF COMMUNITY The month of December is noted as a time of giving and recognizing the challenges of people in need. Supporting the United Way is one such way to make a difference.

This year, the University of Lethbridge’s United Way campaign is taking on a different look. A new website (www. uleth.ca/unitedway) speaks to the benefit of the community organization and how its impact is felt by virtually everyone in southern Alberta.

Clark Ferguson, the University’s chief information officer, has taken up the charge as campaign Chair, and he’s eager to share his reasons for supporting the United Way. “As a relative newcomer to the city, I’ve been looking for opportunities to connect with

Clark Ferguson is the University’s 2011 United Way campaign Chair.

people in the community and share my skills and experience,” says Ferguson. “I am so impressed with the United Way’s impact and I think it’s important to understand just how far they reach into the community and how valuable it is we support the agencies and programs they provide.”

The United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta supports a total of 21

different agencies and 25 programs, things that impact our families, friends, neighbours and co-workers. From the Big Brothers Big Sisters to Boys & Girls Clubs, the Canadian Red Cross and the St. John’s Ambulance, the United Way is an essential element of a supportive community.

“Their Give, Volunteer, Act slogan speaks to the United Way mission and allows the oppor-

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the original gymnasium • Construction included the use of recycled concrete, giving the building 20 per cent recycled content

Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building • A Living Wall of plants that

act as a natural filter and aid in cleansing the air • An outdoor pond that forms part of a stormwater management strategy, collecting water and circulating it through the westerly wetland, thereby reducing erosion and sedimentation problems in the Oldman River • Roof water following rainstorms and winter melting is collected and stored in a cistern and recycled into the local irrigation

tunity for everyone to support the campaign in their own way,” says Ferguson.

He urges University staff and faculty to either give a small donation through a regular payroll deduction plan, volunteer their time to any one of the many programs and services provided by the United Way, or to act and become a catalyst for positive change in the community.

“I’m particularly impressed by our students’ contributions.

JDC West, a student group that competes annually in a business case competition, raises money every year through its Chillin’ 4 Charity event. This year the group raised a record $20,000.

That’s a substantial injection of funds. In addition, they donate their time to a variety of local charities. We are definitely proud of their commitment.”

Ferguson says the United Way in some manner has influenced us all.

“I think it’s important to recognize the value the United Way provides to this community

system • The building employs a heat recovery system in the exhaust air system to reclaim some of the heat that is being exhausted from the building, using it to preheat the incoming supply air • The building was constructed with a white, highly reflective, energy star rated roof (as were the 1st Choice Savings Centre and Markin Hall) designed to reflect the heat of the sun’s rays and reduce the heat island effect, something that is detrimental to animal habitat, wildlife and animal migration • Created primarily out of steel, a material with a high content of recycled materials, the building consists of 21 per cent recycled content

G E T T H E FA C T S • In the past year, the

United Way handed out Baby Bundles filled with nutritional food and safety products to 1,468 new and expecting parents

• In the past year, a total of 519 women and children received shelter from a violent spouse

• In the past year, 88 youth in need of a role model were matched with a mentor

• In the past year, 5,135

pieces of medical equipment were loaned out to 3,145 individuals and to give back; even if it is in a small way, every donation adds up to powerful change.”

the Legend

D E C E M B E R 2 0 11

Everyone plays their part

Dr. Jon Doan sees the U of L community as a team, supporting students in a variety of ways.

BY KALI MCKAY

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hen Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06) moved to Lethbridge in 2002 to pursue his PhD in neuroscience at the U of L, he never imagined he’d found a permanent home. Now, 10 years later, he’s so much a part of the U of L community he can’t imagine being anywhere else.

“I came here because of the neuroscience department,” explains Doan, who is originally from St. Thomas, Ont. “The PhD program was new at the time and I was excited about the research opportunities presented by a multi-disciplinary approach.”

What started in his PhD program has evolved into a rewarding career.

Combining his interest in neuroscience and kinesiology, Doan’s research centres on

movement and has practical implications in areas ranging from Parkinson’s Disease research to occupational health and safety.

“As a student here, I developed effective relationships and worked on really interesting research questions,” says Doan, who accepted a faculty position at the U of L in 2005 in order to further pursue these opportunities. “I have a strong network of patients, caregivers and colleagues here, and I can see my work being applied in meaningful ways.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Doan teaches classes in the department of kinesiology and physical education and he continues to expand his research program. He is also an active member of the campus community.

“I have really benefitted from the opportunities to get involved on campus,” says

Thank you to the 246 U of L faculty and staff who have donated to Supporting Our Students 2011.

Please join them by making a contribution this year.

Gifts received or post-marked on or before December 31 are eligible for a 2011 tax receipt.

Doan. “There are so many ways to meet people and be part of a community here that if you’re willing to get involved, you can do just about anything.”

Doan’s engagement started when he was a student but he argues that his university experience didn’t end there.

“I loved being a student and still enjoy being on campus and getting involved in campus life,” says Doan, who is a proud supporter of Pronghorn Athletics. “I think it’s important for people like me who have enjoyed and continue to enjoy their involvement with the University to find simple but meaningful ways to help others enjoy it too. That’s why I give to Supporting Our Students.”

Maybe it’s his background in kinesiology, but Doan likens the U of L community to a team and argues everyone is a key player.

“We all have a responsibility to support other members of the team,” explains Doan, who shows his team spirit by contributing to SOS, the annual internal campaign to raise money for student awards.

“I enjoyed my time here as a student and continue to enjoy my association with the U of L. I want to help other people to come out and get involved.”

Doan sees the impact of his support extending beyond the University.

“The SOS campaign is an opportunity for me and my family to contribute to the broader community,” says Doan. “By supporting students now, we’re helping them become better citizens later.”

Put students first and donate today.

www.uleth.ca/giving/ SupportingOurStudents

For more information on Supporting Our Students, or to make a donation today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving or call 403-329-2582.

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

MATH TEAMS CONQUER PROBLEMS

BY BOB COONEY At some point in elementary, high school or university, everyone has faced text-based mathematics problems that seem deceptively simple, but actually require a lot of thought to work through.

You’re given facts and numbers in a story format, and you have to arrive at an accurate conclusion based on the information as presented.

While some people breeze through the problems, others are completely, utterly stumped.

If you’ve ever stared at a page of these problems and wondered – “Who thinks these things up?” – you only have to look to Dr. Howard Cheng (mathematics and computer science) for the answer.

Cheng has been creating, and helping students solve, these simple but deviously complex problems for the past eight years as a volunteer, coach and lead faculty member of the

and I am proud of them.”

Cheng and the team train for the competition for months beforehand. Beginning next term, a specifically designed course (CPSC3200) will begin – created to make the most of the ACM/ICPC format as a handson educational experience for the students.

Cheng knows well the stress that the contest places on the students. He competed in 1997 and 1998 while a student at the University of Alberta, and made it to the world finals. He has created problems for regional and international competitions, and continues to be involved in the ACM/ICPC organization as a judge and mentor to other teams.

So, what does it take to be able to solve a typical ACM/ ICPC contest question? Cheng has selected some problems from the recent competition for the Legend’s readers. Try these yourself and see how you do. As with the student challenge, you have about an hour.

Members of the U of L’s ACM/ICPC teams (Back row L to R): Colton English, Rio Lowry. Sitting (L to R): Christopher Thomas, Keilan Scholten, Christopher Martin, Darcy Best, Fei Wang, Dr. Howard Cheng. Missing: Hugh Ramp, Ian Stewart, Mark Hunter, Kim Wikkerink, Cody McArthur, James Ward.

U of L teams that compete in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC).

His work, combined with the students’ dedication and interest, is paying off.

Four, three-person teams of students recently competed in the ACM/ICPC regional programming contest, which involved universities and colleges across North America. The teams are made up of primarily undergraduate and masters-level students who cross disciplines in mathematics, computer science and physics.

The U of L group placed third overall in the competition, and two U of L teams finished in the top half of the 51-team roster. While an excellent result, it regrettably left them out of the running for the international competition, which takes place in May 2012 in Warsaw, Poland.

“I learn a lot from this experience as well,” says Cheng. “The students did a great job this year

1. EMPTY THE PILL BOTTLE: Each day, you wish

to take half a pill from a bottle.

If you happen to take a whole pill, you take half of the pill and put the remaining half back in the bottle. How many ways can you empty a bottle with 30 whole pills initially?

2. APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP: You are given the

dates of your immigration application, start of residence, landing date, as well as the date of all your trips outside of Canada. When can you apply for Canadian citizenship (using official rules)?

Cheng has posted the complete problem statements on his website (www.cs.uleth. ca/~cheng/contest/probs.html) You are welcome to send your answers to Cheng at howard.cheng@uleth.ca to see how you’ve done. A winner, if there is one, will be announced in a future edition of UWeekly.

athletics AT T H E U

the Legend

Reaching out to those in need

ARRIVE ALIVE Children from a community in Nepal proudly display their Pronghorns men’s soccer gear.

BY TREVOR KENNEY

I

t may seem like a small gesture but University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s soccer players have discovered that it can make a world of difference – they need only look at the smiles.

An innocent act of recognizing need has turned into an annual program of giving for the club, resulting in Horns soccer gear making its way around the world.

“Three years ago, one of our players, Cal Campbell, was going to do volunteer work in Thailand,” says men’s head coach Randy Bardock. “He made some comments about the underprivileged areas he visited and how they had none of some of the most basic things we take for granted. So we got the guys together and packed up a bunch of gear that either didn’t fit, or we had no use for anymore, and sent it off to Thailand.”

It wasn’t long before they received photos from these communities of children proudly wearing their Horns paraphernalia, broad smiles adorning their faces in appreciation.

“We’ve just kind of carried that on since then,” says Bardock.

HORNS SHOW ACADEMIC SIDE

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total of 42 University of Lethbridge Pronghorns achieved Academic AllCanadian status in 2010-11, a remarkable 20 per cent of the school’s total athletes and an increase of 12 from the previous year.

Every academic year, Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) honours its student athletes who excel in both the academic and athletic arenas. Those who maintain an 80 per cent average in their studies are honoured as Academic All-Canadians. This is an outstanding accomplishment considering the amount of time student-athletes commit to training and competing.

Routinely, Pronghorn Athletics possesses an above average number of Academic All-Canadians recipients in the CIS, and this year was no different with more than 20 per

Former Pronghorn player Mike O’Brien (BSc ’10) was the next to take the Horns’ message abroad, traveling to Arusha, Tanzania for two months where he volunteered at a local hospital. This past summer, team trainer Dave Hall took shirts, shorts, cleats, runners and a variety of other soccer-related items to Nepal.

“I think it’s important for the guys to realize how fortunate we really are here in Canada, and this is a way to drive that message home,” says Bardock. “What we consider as old or out of style, these people cherish as valuables.”

The philosophy of engaging with the community and contributing by giving back is something that the men’s program has practiced for years.

“For as long as I’ve been involved we’ve tried to give back to the community through sponsoring schools and sponsoring a family at Christmas – this was another way to make a difference,” says Bardock. “I think when the guys see the pictures come back, it really makes them more aware of just what is going on around the world.

Sometimes we get so focused on our own issues, we tend to forget that there are a lot of people in much more challeng-

cent of the program’s athletes earning accolades as Academic All-Canadians.

Of the 42 honoured athletes, the Horns women’s soccer team led the way with eight team members achieving Academic All-Canadian status. The women’s hockey team and the men’s track team also had six athletes each receive the award.

Following is the list of Pronghorn Athletes who are recognized as CIS Academic All Canadians for 2010-11.

Basketball (Women)

Becky Heninger, Arts & Science, Medicine Hat, Alta.

Kimberley Veldman, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Basketball (Men)

Julian Spear Chief Morris, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Derek Waldner, Arts & Science, De Winton, Alta.

Hockey (Women)

Megan Bach, Arts & Science, Champion, Alta.

ing situations than we face.”

As rewarding as it is for the children who receive the gifts, the program also reaps rewards back home.

“The three individuals who have done it, the feeling they had when they saw these kids getting the gear, I think it was something that made a lifechanging impression on them,” says Bardock.

O’Brien concurs, saying it had a real impact on his perspective on life.

“It really gave me a better appreciation for the opportunities we have here in Canada and the opportunity I have to go to University,” he says. “It also re-affirmed my desire to go to medical school and become a doctor.”

Bardock says that the program will continue to look for ways to push the ideal of community engagement going forward.

“If guys have opportunities to volunteer somewhere and do the same sort of thing, we’ll definitely encourage them to take advantage of those,” he says. “The experiences you gain from that are incredible, and something you won’t get from a classroom.”

Shelby Ballendine, Arts & Science, Quesnel, B.C. Jenna-Marie Durnin, Health Sciences, Wawanesa, Man. Kayla Hopkins, Health Sciences, Outlook, Sask.

Jasmin Teske, Arts & Science, Calgary, Alta.

Shauntelle Williams, Arts & Science, Sylvan Lake, Alta.

Operation Red Nose is back on the roads for its 17th year of operation, benefitting both Pronghorn Athletics and the southern Alberta community.

The Operation Red Nose holiday campaign is a unique program dedicated to the fight against impaired driving. During the Christmas holiday season, individuals who have been drinking or who do not feel fit to drive can be driven home in their own vehicle by a team of Red Nose volunteers. And while there is no fee for this service, donations to Horns Athletics are accepted.

A classic win-win initiative, more than $420,000 has been raised in support of the Pronghorns over the past 16 years while countless numbers of drivers have benefitted with a safe ride home.

Here’s how it works. Teams of volunteers, consisting of an escort driver, designated driver and navigator provide the Operation Red Nose service.

The escort driver drives the volunteers to pick up clients. The designated driver and navigator then accompany the client in the client’s vehicle with the navigator completing paperwork while the designated driver gets everyone home safely. Pronghorn Athletics supplies the majority of volunteers, with community members rounding out the volunteer force.

Brandi Van Eeuwen, Health Sciences, Duncan, Alta.

Soccer (Women)

Scott Bowles, Arts & Science, Penticton, B.C. Curtis Cooper, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Andrew Gilbert, Arts & Science, Vulcan, Alta.

Andrew Marshall, Arts & Science, Niagara Falls, Ont.

Erika Anderson, Arts & Science, Saskatoon, Sask.

Kathryn Curtis, Arts & Science, Calgary, Alta.

Cayley Fisher, Arts & Science, Edmonton, Alta Jaclyn Groten, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Janelle Groten, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Sarah Lajeunesse, Management, Lethbridge, Alta.

Sherry Latrace, Health Sciences, Brooks, Alta.

Amy Schweitzer, Health Sciences, Lethbridge, Alta.

Rugby

Soccer (Men)

Hockey (Men)

Genevieve Ahart, Arts & Science, Champion, Alta.

Marli Hadden, Arts & Science, Calgary, Alta.

Laura Murphy-Burke, Arts & Science, Surrey, B.C. Brittany Orr, Health Sciences, Fort Macleod, Alta.

5

Marcus Johnston, Arts & Science, Coalhurst, Alta.

Colin Pattison, Arts & Science, Calgary, Alta.

Tye Silbernagel, Arts & Science, Crossfield, Alta.

Swimming (Women)

Sarah Gagnon, Arts & Science,

Operation Red Nose has been well supported by community groups, businesses and individuals over the years and the program is once again seeking volunteers to take part. More volunteers are always needed, especially on New Year’s Eve. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

Sponsors are also very important in enabling the program to be offered at no cost. Lethbridge businesses have been terrific in providing their support for this valuable service.

Along with cash donations, all food and refreshments for volunteers, gas, phone service and insurance coverage is donated to the program.

Following are nights of operation for the service.

Operation Red Nose Dates of Operation in 2011 Most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in December and New Year’s Eve. (Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 10, 15, 16, 17 and 31) Hours of Operation 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Operation Red Nose Phone Number 403-320-4155 For information about volunteering, Christmas party reservations, or other Contact Pronghorn Athletics, 403-329-2681

Fort McMurray, Alta.

Lauren Smythies, Arts & Science, Ladysmith, B.C.

Swimming (Men)

David Errington, Arts & Science, Red Deer, Alta.

Logan Whyte, Arts & Science, Calgary, Alta.

Track & Field (Women)

Brittney Adams, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Emily Brown, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Track & Field (Men)

Brett Bromley, Arts & Science, Calgary, Alta.

Derek Cooney, Arts & Science, Cold Lake, Alta.

Darren Jones, Education, Drumheller, Alta.

Adam Manery, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

Kyle Murray, Fine Arts, Coaldale, Alta.

Nicholas Ontkean, Arts & Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

the Legend INCLUSIVE EDUCATION MARKS A KEY IDEOLOGICAL SHIFT Inclusive education is generally understood to be the practice of placing learners with special educational needs with non-disabled students.

“It is not meant to be about diagnosis and placement,” emphasizes the Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education.

“Rather, it refers to an education system where every child has access to what they need to succeed.

The fundamental questions are, “how do we provide adaptation to the curriculum so teachers don’t have to do it on an individual basis and how do we ensure that school boards are appropriately funded for the students they have?””

“Every teacher needs to have some understanding of how children learn.”

DAVE HANCOCK

Policy makers, educators and parents have long been wrestling with the issue of how to better deliver inclusive education. In 2007, Alberta Education conducted a review of its existing practices, leading to the creation of a proposed framework for replacing the special education system with an inclusive education system.

It was an important ideological shift because until recently, there had been little or no consensus on these matters.

“Although there has always been a strong philosophical push towards students with special educational needs spending most or all of their time with non-disabled students, implementation of this practice has varied,” explains Dr. Nancy Grigg of the Faculty of Education.

Support for inclusive education is strong on all fronts.

“Every teacher needs to have some understanding of how children learn and I’m not surprised that the U of L, a leader in teacher education, is moving in this direction,” says Hancock.

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Taking brainwork to the classroom

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ith the launch of the Inclusive Education and Neuroscience MEd program in 2010, one of former Faculty of Education dean Jane O’Dea’s long-awaited visions finally became a reality.

Dr. Bryan Kolb, a researcher in the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, says he remembers the genesis of the program well, recounting O’Dea’s desire to expose teachers to the principles of brain development.

“Jane was eager to take the knowledge that we were generating and somehow apply it to classroom practice,” says Kolb, who will be presenting as part of the Faculty of Education Lecture Series in early December.

Kolb’s talk, Moving from Brainwork to the Classroom, is Monday, Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. in Andy’s Place (AH100).

“In the past, we could only assume that kids with learning disabilities had neurological damage or dysfunction.”

DR. NANCY GRIGG

The three-year MEd program, the first of its kind in Western Canada, is intended for practicing teachers as well as administrative and leadership professionals. After learning

EUS GROUP CELEBRATES ITS 30TH YEAR

BY TREVOR KENNEY

W

hat started as a primarily social club, the Education Undergraduate Society (EUS) is now one of the most socially responsible clubs on campus.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the EUS has evolved into a community leader for educational initiatives, reaching out to southern Alberta on a variety of platforms that connect the University to the broader community in multiple ways.

“In the last year or so, that’s something we’ve really been working on, going further with our community involvement,” says EUS president Alisha Janiga, a fifth-year education student from Crowsnest Pass.

While the EUS has been

Dr. Bryan Kolb is eager to share his neuroscience research with today’s educators.

about the latest in neuroscience research, practicing teachers will explore the direct application of this knowledge to the classroom.

“The whole premise of the program is to take the research done by the people in the CCBN and apply it to teaching practices in the classroom,” says Sue Bengry, former director of Student Services, Lethbridge School District 51. “It’s a school-based initiative.”

“Teachers need to know about the principles of brain development in order to understand the impact these processes have on behaviours,” says Kolb. “Whereas most of the body develops from a

genetic blueprint, the brain develops in response to experiences. So you are your brain.”

It’s an added body of knowledge that teachers welcome.

“Teachers are eager to learn about the newest neuroscience findings and how they might influence our instructional practices and the design of classroom environments,” says Dr. Nancy Grigg of the Faculty of Education. “In the past, we could only assume that kids with learning disabilities had neurological damage or dysfunction.”

Having a foundation in brain-based learning allows educators to adapt their teach-

ing methods to ensure the best results, essentially providing students with practical workarounds to their learning challenges. Although this particular program is geared towards experienced teachers, Kolb says that in the future, it would be useful to have all education students taking neuropsychology courses.

Translating research into practice is, of course, a complex process.

“But when educators and neuroscientists begin to work together, the gap between neuroscience research and classroom practice starts to close,” says Grigg.

active with its Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week and Bust the Backpack campaigns for the last four years, it has now involved itself with the first Word on the Street festival and local Boys and Girls Club.

“We had a presence at Word on the Street talking about our tutoring program, and we just started working with the Boys and Girls Club as a resource for them, doing some tutoring and working with the kids there,” says Janiga.

“We’re really proud to have been around as a society for 30 years. We’ve been looking back at resource binders from previous executives and all the work they’ve done in the past and it’s really inspired us to keep going and to try and expand the scope of the EUS.” Ashley Lepage is the EUS vice-president external, and was thrilled to find one of her most influential high school teachers have a history with the EUS. “Looking back at some of the photos of past executives, I found

one of my favourite teachers was a part of EUS,” she says of a high school English teacher from her hometown of Airdrie. “She was one of the main reasons I wanted to become a teacher and I never knew she was in EUS when she attended here.”

The current Bust the Backpack campaign is on a mission to fill 50 backpacks with basic school supplies for those children who cannot afford the educational necessities. It was born out of need, something that EUS members recognized when they were in schools for practicum experience.

“We distribute the backpacks in January, and that’s a time when a lot of students are running out of supplies and in need of help,” says EUS vicepresident internal, Chelsey Merkel, a Drumheller native.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the schools telling us how much their students appreciate it and how it helps them become better learners, so that kind of keeps us going.”

Janiga says that the 30th anniversary of EUS has given the executive an excuse to look back and it’s exciting to see how much the society has grown.

“It seemed to start as a social support for education students, an outlet to have some fun outside of class and over the years it’s grown to become more academic, relating more with faculty and the community,” she says.

In fact, it’s that faculty support that has been a big part of the EUS moving forward.

“They are our foundation,” says Janiga. “If we have any questions they are always there.

Both Dr. Rick Mrazek and Dr. Lorraine Beaudin sit on our executive and they help us with so much. If there is anything we need, the faculty has always been beside us with support.”

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If anyone has information from the early years of the EUS, they are urged to contact alisha.janiga@uleth.ca

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the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Focus on students

Members of the RRIP team, including (Back Row L to R): Steve Brodrick, Heather Mirau and Trevor Flexhaug. (Front Row L to R): Dan Kazakoff, Nicole Leusink, Alice Miller and Karen Clearwater.

BY TREVOR KENNEY There’s no doubt you’ve heard the buzz about a student portal or seen the campus-wide campaign about a U of L learning commons and study centre, while just recently the University broke ground on another student residence.

If there are common threads to these initiatives, it’s that they embody the student-centred ideal that is embedded within the University’s Strategic Plan; an ideal that is articulated in part by the activities of the Recruitment & Retention Integrated Planning (RRIP) team.

In 2009, in response to a dramatic shortfall in student application numbers, a University wide Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) program was formed to create a competitive advantage in recruitment by collaborating and sharing resources across campus.

“It was designed as a vehicle that would pull the faculties together to support and have a more structured approach to recruitment techniques,” says Vice-President (Academic) and Provost Dr. Andy Hakin.

Recognizing that getting students in the door was only half the solution however, Hakin began thinking about how the institution could keep its new students. RRIP was subsequently created to compliment the work of SEM and to drive student retention initiatives.

“RRIP basically looks at how we need to support our students once SEM has done its work in bringing students to the U of L,” says Hakin. “They ask the basic questions about the student experience, about how students get into the institution and what supports students use when they are here.”

Karen Clearwater, the lead on the RRIP team, brought members of the University community together from a number of different areas of the institution.

“We did not necessarily want all unit managers, we looked at those people that work directly with students on a day-to-day basis or that have been directly involved in providing services to students,” says Clearwater.

The team includes faculty members, APO’s and AUPE membership and all have been

very dedicated to the RRIP project. The team started its work with focus groups and unit presentations, as well as an environmental scan.

“We collected information from as many sources as we could,” says Clearwater.

From the information compiled, certain subject themes took on greater priority than others. It was at that point Subject Matter Teams (SMT) were established. Currently 85 faculty, staff and students are working toward the completion of priority projects. Student leaders on campus have played a critical role in these SMTs. “The whole process has taken a lot of time and we are pleased to see the results coming forward with some great initiatives,” says Clearwater.

Student retention rates have long been an issue for the University, and the RRIP initiatives have been aimed directly at improving those numbers.

“The idea is that we have to change what we are doing in respect to the student experience, with the overall goal of reducing that attrition number,” says Hakin. “But no success will be possible without maintaining the high quality of our academic programs.”

CONTINUED ON PG. 10

G E T T H E FA C T S • For more information

on the RRIP project, check out the website www.uleth. ca/recruitment-retention

• The RRIP team was established in 2010

• In addition to team

sponsors Andy Hakin and Nancy Walker and project manager Karen Clearwater, the 10-person team consists of co-ordinator Heather Mirau, Steve Brodrick, Trevor Flexhaug, Dan Kazakoff, Carma Leishman, Nicole Leusink, Heidi MacDonald, Alice Miller, Chris Roberts and Barbara Williams

Dr. Aaron Gruber received his PhD in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, writing his dissertation on computational models of working memory and its modulation by dopamine. He joined the faculty at the University of Lethbridge in 2009.

Gruber’s laboratory investigates the neural basis of attention and decision making in complex environments, with a focus on how neuromodulators such as dopamine influence neural synchronization, information encoding, and learning in cortical and subcortical brain structures. One goal of this investigation is to better understand how subtle alterations of neural dynamics, such as that associated with psychiatric illness and psychoactive drugs, can lead to distractibility and poor decision-making.

What first piqued your interest in your research discipline?

For as long as I can remember I have wondered why people often want things that they don’t need or that ultimately lead to poor outcomes. This could be a third helping of ice cream, an expensive and impractical car, or a pack of cigarettes. Where do these desires come from and why are some people better able to resist such temptation?

When I later came to appreciate that all of our thoughts and actions are a result of patterned neural activity, and that we can observe and analyze this activity, I became hooked on neuroscience. During my graduate studies, I learned about the then-recent finding that the neuromodulator dopamine is critical for imparting ‘wanting’ and is critically implicated in drug addiction as well as some psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia. Ever since, I have been intrigued by how dopamine affects neural signaling, and how this influences decision-making. The field of neuroscience is presently very exciting, as we are rapidly accelerating our understanding of how thoughts emerge from dynamical interactions of neurons. Such understanding will open doors to unprecedented advances for the treatment of thought disorders, developing brain-machine interfaces

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Dr. Aaron Gruber eyes readings from neural activity in a test subject.

(thought-controlled devices), and developing intelligent algorithms and synthetic systems. I find this extremely interesting, and am excited to be a part of it.

How is your research applicable in “the real world”?

Understanding the neural basis of decision making and the contribution of dopamine will likely lead to the development of better treatments for the very serious consequences that result from dysfunction of this brain process, such as obesity, addiction and schizophrenia. Furthermore, this research will support the development of future technology for interfacing with intelligent devices.

What is the greatest honour you have received in your career?

I am most satisfied when others acknowledge that my lab’s work makes an impact.

For instance, this occurs when other scientists use our work to guide their experiments or interpretations. One of my greatest honours, however, was a letter from a young teenager with a mental illness who thanked me for my research, and expressed hope that such work would help lead to the development of a cure within his lifetime.

How important are students to your research endeavours?

Both undergraduate and graduate students are essential to my research in a number of ways. First, they are an integral part of data collection, which requires a great deal of technical work. Second, many good students impart a fresh perspective by questioning the foundations on which the

experiments rest. Third, the process of training students helps reveal limitations in my knowledge and requires that I maintain a big-picture view of my lab’s activities so that I can provide rationale for each experiment without predication on a large body of literature unfamiliar to students. Lastly, many students bring energy, interest, and inquisitiveness to the lab that helps preserve the wonder in our work and fosters learning and discovery among the entire lab.

If you had unlimited funds, which areas of research would you invest?

I would establish a technology development centre that would facilitate utilization of contemporary technology in electronics, nanotech, and materials science for performing neuroscience research.

Engineers could likely increase data collection by orders of magnitude by utilizing design and fabrication technology available within large electronics companies.

Increasing the amount of simultaneously recorded data will likely be an important development for discovering how networks of neurons in the brain process information, which is one of the fundamental questions in neuroscience.

Each month, the Legend will present 5 Questions With . . . one of our researchers. For a look at the entire catalog of 5 Questions With . . . features, check out the Office of Innovation and Research Services website at www.uleth. ca/research/research_profiles.

If you’d like to be profiled, contact Penny Pickles at pickpj@uleth.ca

OUR

alumni

D E C E M B E R 2 0 11

Achieving success on his own terms Alumnus Paul Campeau and his business partner Will Henderson represent a new breed of accountant.

BY STACY SEGUIN

I

t was after a long, hard summer day working with his dad on the family dairy farm that a young Paul Campeau (BMgt ’04) first pondered the values that he would live his life by.

“I grew up with a good sense that hard work is required to achieve anything in life. I worked with my father and uncle and woke up at 4:30 in the morning to milk cows and then I would go work in the fields when I wasn’t in school,” says Campeau. “I remember going into the house for dinner late one day when my dad told me that although his job wasn’t glamorous, he loved experiencing life every day, making his own decisions about what to do and how to best do it.

That definitely affected my life. I tend to do things off the beaten path. I still work hard; I just do it my own way.”

The co-owner and partner of the successful new accounting firm, Henderson Campeau Chartered Accountants LLP, also drew inspiration from his mother.

“My mom has always been supportive of everything I do,” he says. “I watched her strength and love as she raised five kids. She enjoyed a beautiful life every day. I try to have a positive outlook and enjoy each day to its fullest too.”

After high school, Campeau earned a business administration diploma from Red Deer College. Several years later, he applied to the University of Lethbridge Edmonton campus to com-

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

LIBRARY BRINGS HERBARIUM INTO COLLECTION

BY WENDY MERKLEY

plete his management degree with a focus on accounting.

“The University accepted my business diploma courses and offered the broad range of courses I was looking for. The practical, hands-on approach to teaching gave me the flexibility to be myself, express my ideas, participate in in-depth class discussions and have access to great professors, most of them industry professionals,” says Campeau. “I believe that you learn so much from experience and the University’s satellite campus had a great way of teaching that.”

“We don’t ever want to get too big for our britches that we forget to enjoy life.”

PAUL CAMPEAU

Campeau graduated in 2004 and began working on his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation while articling at Deloitte & Touche LLP in Edmonton. Two years later, with a CA designation under his belt, the lure of beautiful warm weather and a smaller firm had him jumping ship to Bermuda where he met his future wife, Carly.

“When I worked for Deloitte, I got a high level of education and experience but I always wanted to work for a smaller firm. The owners of the firm in Bermuda had a laid

G E T T H E FA C T S • He still rides his

bike – the one he had in Amsterdam – to work each day

• Campeau grew up

in a French-speaking household and is fluently bilingual

• Henderson Campeau reached its projected three-year goals in the first year and a half of operation

• Campeau’s firm is

looking at creating co-op programs to mentor students

• Henderson Campeau

(www.hendersoncampeau.com) was recently featured in the fall 2011 Spotlight magazine published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta back attitude. They expected a lot but they also trusted that I would do what needed to be done,” says Campeau.

Moving to Amsterdam with Carly in 2008, Campeau began working as a senior accountant for Align Technology. Living in the Netherlands further highlighted Campeau’s desire to enjoy every moment of his life.

“In Amsterdam, your bike is your only source of transportation. They don’t take things as seriously there

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as we do in North America.

You learn that you can live a beautiful and uncomplicated life,” says Campeau.

Spurred on by this same attitude, Campeau and his future business partner Will Henderson began laying the groundwork for an opportunity to control their own destinies; their accounting firm.

“When we were both students we joked a lot about starting our own firm. The timing was just right and everything just fell into place.

We opened the doors in February 2010,” explains Campeau.

Taking a different approach from more traditional accounting firms, Henderson Campeau is about high quality service in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The TV in the lobby and couch in the boardroom are examples of this unique approach.

Campeau and Henderson are living life and succeeding on their own terms, balancing hard work, reliability, trust and excellent service with a passion for fun and a determination to savour every moment.

“We don’t ever want to get too big for our britches that we forget to enjoy life. We want provide a high level of service for all of our clients. We want to make them comfortable and respond to their needs the same day. It is exciting to see our clients succeed, to know that you have added value to them and to the community,” says Campeau. “Walking into work with your best friend, being able to trust each other, help each other out and watch TV over coffee is great. This isn’t just a job, it is a lifestyle.”

For more than 30 years, botanists and botany students have been visiting the University of Lethbridge to study a unique collection of more than 20,000 preserved plant specimens from Waterton Lakes National Park and environs. Now, thanks to a partnership between Herbarium collection curator Dr. John Bain in the Department of Biological Sciences and the University Library, these invaluable specimens have been digitized and will soon be widely available via the Internet.

The majority of the Herbarium’s specimens date from the 1970s and 1980s.

“In 1982, former University of Lethbridge professor Job Kuijt’s A Flora of Waterton Lakes National Park was published – after which he deposited in the Herbarium all plant specimens he collected and pressed during his documentation of the flora,” says Bain. “It was this abundant and diverse flora found in Waterton Lakes National Park that was, in part, the reason for the park’s designation as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1979 and a World Heritage Site in 1995.”

Unlike other materials the library has previously digitized, pressed plants pose a slightly different challenge due to their relative fragility and the fact that the specimens must remain on-site in the Herbarium. To facilitate the digitization process, specialized equipment was purchased and located in the Herbarium. Quinn Daviduck, a summer research assistant, was hired to create high-resolution digital images for each and every plant specimen in the collection.

The next step in the process is to catalogue and describe each specimen using appropriate metadata (e.g., locational data, flowering times, ecological and distribution data) in order for the content to be more effectively searched or browsed online.

“In undertaking this project,” says Bain, “the library is ensuring that an important natural history collection housed at the University of Lethbridge will join similar collections around the world in being widely accessible.”

An official launch of the Herbarium Digital Collection will be held on Monday, Dec. 19 at the University of Lethbridge Library.

For more information, contact Associate University Librarian, Information Systems & Technical Services, Wendy Merkley at wendy.merkley@ uleth.ca.

A digitized image of Picea engelmannii.

H E A LT H

& wellness

Inserting wellness into your feast

T

his month’s Wellness article is courtesy of Vanya McGaffey of Building Healthy Lifestyles (BHL).

Building Healthy Lifestyles partners with the University of Lethbridge to provide services for a number of our health and wellness initiatives. In January, dietitian Betty Van from BHL will be providing a Lunch and Learn event, Eating to Impact Cholesterol Levels.

Festive Feasts

The holidays are a fun time to enjoy holiday foods that we don’t eat regularly. This year, try some new recipes that incorporate more fruits and vegetables.

Your guests will appreciate the healthy twist to your holiday banquet!

Try these recipes below for holiday guests: one for a hearty salad and the other for a light and easy fruity dessert.

In other wellness news, Homewood Human Solutions, the U of L’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider will be on campus on Monday, Dec. 12 to provide two one-hour sessions to supervisors and managers on services available through EFAP, how to recognize someone who needs assistance, and how to refer employees to the program. Stay tuned for more information on the location of these sessions and

how to register.

The Lung Association’s workplace quit smoking program, Smart Steps . . . towards a smoke-free life™, will be coming to campus. This exciting workplace cessation program helps employees become smoke-free within the workplace.

This four-session program is hosted at the worksite at a time convenient to our organization (preferably during work hours). Currently this program is funded by Health Canada until March 2012. Please watch for more information and contact wellness@uleth.ca or Suzanne McIntosh at 403-332-5217 if you are interested.

Warm Canadian Winter Fruit Salad

Refreshing Lentil Salad • 2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced • 2 oranges, peeled and cut into segments

• 1 tsp butter or non-hydrogenated margarine

• 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) lentils, drained and rinsed

• 1 tsp pure maple syrup

• ½ cup sliced green onions

• 1 cooking apple, such as Granny Smith, peeled and cut into 8 wedges

• ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro • 3 tbsp coarsely chopped dried cranberries

• 1 pear, peeled and cut into 8 wedges

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice • 2 tbsp canola oil

In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add maple syrup, swirling to coat pan. Add apple and pear wedges; cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning to brown lightly on all sides.

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper • ¼ tsp salt • ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, oranges, lentils, green onions, cilantro and cranberries. Drizzle with lemon juice and oil. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Top with toasted almonds.

Both recipes are from © Cook! Dietitians of Canada. 2011. Published by Robert Rose Inc.)n

MAKE SURE YOUR WINTER GETAWAY INCLUDES HEALTH PLANNING

BY LORI WEBER

A

n inherent part of being Canadian seems to be dreaming of getting away from our cold winter weather to find a nice warm spot down south. Just remember, that in addition to sunscreen, cruise wear and a new pair of flip-flops, you have to think about maintaining your health while on vacation. And if you are considering travelling at Christmas or during spring

break, your travel planning must start now!

A good place to start preparing for your trip begins at www.voyage.gc.ca, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website that gives you a lovely checklist (Before You Leave Canada) of reminders about the variety of concerns you need to address before leaving the country.

In terms of your health needs, plan to take extra copies of your prescriptions and medical certificates, and to bring extra medical supplies and even eyeglasses.

Travel immunizations are important and definitely need attention. Because health concerns are rapidly changing in some areas of the world, the

best way to get travel health and immunization information is to book an appointment with the Travel Health Nurse at the Public Health office. While there is a cost for this consultation, this person has the most current information on the immunizations needed in your specific travel area.

At your immunization appointment, the nurse will ask where you are going and, using the latest information available from Center for Disease Control or World Health Organization, may direct you to a variety of injections, vaccinations or medication. Some of these medications will be available through Public Health and the nurse may direct other medications or vaccinations to be administered by

9

your family doctor. The sooner you book your appointment the better as some vaccinations take several months to complete.

Do not show up at a physician’s appointment expecting that a family physician will know what you need for a trip to an exotic locale.

As for cost, it is expected that you build the cost of public health travel advice, some medications/immunizations, doctor’s visits and other charges into your vacation budget. You will be required to pay for all visits related to travel health (even your physician must charge YOU, not Alberta Health Care for your travel medication/immunization/health advice).

Example of costs you may encounter:

• Public Health Travel Advice

($35.00) • Medications/Immunizations from Public Health (medication and costs depend on country and current outbreaks) • Physician visit, if needed for medication that Public Health cannot provide ($50-$150) But remember, if you are travelling and getting away from minus temperatures for days of sun and sand – it will all be worth it!

Lori Weber is the manager of the University of Lethbridge Health Centre

the Legend

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

RRIP PROJECTS

CHILLIN’ 4 CHARITY

CONTINUED FROM PG. 7 Four major projects are currently in the works, all having been identified as priorities by RRIP. They include the establishment of a student portal, the move from paper to electronic applications for graduate studies, the establishment of a 24-hour study centre with a more robust tutoring and mentor service and the creation of an academic success centre which will house a number of student services.

As well, the push for more student housing came through RRIP recommendations, something that will be realized with the construction of Aperture Park Phase 3.

“That was another major piece that came forward from that group,” says Hakin. “They identified that we needed more residence spaces, and the University responded to that because we know that students who are supported in a student housing environment perform better and have a substantially improved retention rate.”

Both SEM and RRIP are seen as ongoing initiatives.

“It’s a continuous improvement vehicle,” says Hakin. “It cannot be one or two projects and we’re done, things need to keep improving in terms of how we support our students, how we interact with them and how we improve their academic experience at our University.

They came, they jumped, they froze – and filled the United Way’s coffers with more than $20,000 at the 6th annual Chillin’ 4 Charity event, which took place Nov. 24. Initiated by students on the Faculty of Management’s JDC West team, Chillin’ showcased the best, worst, and downright offbeat costumes, jumping methods and reactions to the icy cold water – all for a good cause. The funds raised support the activities of the United Way of Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta. In this photo, marketing majors Kyle Williams (Calgary), Travis Sperling (Scenic Acres, Calgary) and Jesse Zimmer (Regina) ruined some 1980s vintage business suits in their efforts to appear corporate while airborne.

events C A L E N D A R Pronghorn Athletics Jan. 6-7 | Canada West Men’s Hockey Horns host Saskatchewan | 7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena

Lectures Dec. 7 | Art Now: Eric Bridgeman Australian multi-disciplinary artist Eric Bridgeman | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)

Performances

Miscellaneous

Dec. 6 | Music at Noon: Studio Showcase | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)

Dec. 5-6 | Art Show and Sale Student works on sale from the University of Lethbridge Art Society | 10 a.m. daily, UHall Atrium

Dec. 7 | Feel the Beat: Kid’s Choir Concert School choirs from around southern Alberta perform with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the U of L Singers | 7 p.m., Southminster United Church Dec. 11 | Sing-Along Messiah Come listen to Vox Musica or join in the singing | 7:30 p.m., St. Augustine’s Church

Dec. 7 | NFB Film Series: A Drummer’s Dream The National Film Board series presents a rare and unique assembly of some of the greatest drummers in the world | 7 p.m., L1168 Dec. 8 | Counselling Services Workshop: Meditation | Come meditate and help create a lasting, positive structural change in your brain | 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., D633

Dec. 8 | Women Scholars Speaker Series: Dr. Laurie Marczak Food Webs at the Landscape Scale: How Do Spiders Change the Way Fish Grow? | Noon to 2 p.m., AH100 (Andy’s Place)

ULSU TO GET OUT THE VOTE

BY KYLE DODGSON The Alberta political scene has undergone some interesting and exciting changes over the last few months and it stands to become even more intriguing in the near future. With that in mind, the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS), in cooperation with the University of Calgary, University of Alberta

and University of Lethbridge Students’ Unions, has unveiled an ambitious campaign to rally eligible student voters to make a difference in the impending provincial election.

Collectively, the students at U of A, U of C and U of L wield a powerful voice that could force Alberta politicians to turn their heads and take notice. The Get Out The Vote (GOTV) campaign aims to generate interest and excitement in the hope that these new voters will become informed, engaged and willing to take part in the election process.

Over the coming months in the lead-up to election day, University of Lethbridge students will be asked to fill out pledge forms – promissory notes that they will exercise their right to vote. CAUS and the ULSU will then provide students with all the relevant and necessary information they’ll need to make an informed decision at the polls.

Led by CAUS Chair and Students’ Union President Zack Moline, the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) has mobilized its volunteer core to spread the word

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Dec. 11 | University Staff and Family Christmas Skating Party | All University Faculty, staff and their families are invited | 4:15 to 7:15 p.m., Enmax Centre Through Jan. 2, 2012 | Outlandish Faye Heavyshield’s installation focusing on landscape | Helen Christou Gallery Through Jan. 5, 2012 | The Lion’s Share | Rita McKeough creates a mock restaurant U of L Main Gallery Jan. 6 – Feb. 24, 2012 | Notebook (art + people = x series) Featured works by Lethbridge artists who responded to a call to engage with the U of L Art Collection

across campus.

“The goal of the campaign is simple, get as many students out to vote as possible,” says Moline.

Student engagement is a cornerstone of the ULSU and the opportunity to provoke informed political discussion amongst the University of Lethbridge student population is one that is not taken lightly. Moline and the ULSU are optimistic that the campaign will rouse droves of student voters, both new and old, to pledge their involvement and in the end, support an exciting provincial election.

The ULSU also encourages students to become involved in the GOTV campaign and help get information to their fellow voters. Those individuals interested in helping the campaign can contact ULSU volunteer co-ordinator Mike Solberg at su.volunteer@uleth.ca.

For more information or to pledge to vote, students can visit the campaign website, www. getoutthevote.ca. They may also contact the ULSU at 403-3292222 or stop by our offices on the first floor of the Students’ Union Building (SU180).

FINE ARTS

in focus VOX MUSICA OFFERS SING ALONG

CSA internship beckons for students

N

ew Media majors Matthew Lunde and Matthew Jones are taking off to the far reaches of Montreal to do their internships with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) starting in January 2012.

The pair represents the seventh and eighth students from the University of Lethbridge’s new media program to be offered internships with the Canadian Space Agency since summer 2007.

Both students look forward to four months of hands-on work, incorporating methodology they have learned in their classes to assigned projects at the CSA. “I’ve never even been to Montreal,” says Lunde. “I look forward to using the 3D modeling skills I’ve been learning at the U of L. I know I’ll be learning a lot more while I’m there, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Jones concurs, looking specifically at the hands-on experience he’ll gain.

“It will be exciting to do practical work in a field I’m interested building a career in,” he says. “These opportunities don’t happen every day.”

ALL ABOUT ABUNDANCE For the past 11 years, Faculty of Fine Arts professors, staff, students and a local restaurant have joined forces for a good cause – fine arts student scholarships.

The 11th annual Abbondànza, an evening of gourmet food, fine arts and fun fills CoCo Pazzo Italian Café on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.

“We are pleased to participate in this exciting event,” says Tony Rose, CoCo Pazzo co-owner. “It is unlike anything else that goes on in this city!”

The festivities include a unique menu highlighting the cuisine of various regions of Italy prepared by CoCo’s expert chefs coupled with tasty music, works of art and humour provided by the Faculty of Fine Arts. Guests

Matthew Lunde, left, and Matthew Jones are the latest new media majors to earn an internship opportunity with the Canadian Space Agency.

BFA new media students may choose between doing an internship or advanced studio work during the final semester of their program.

“The CSA co-ordinates the students’ complementary skill sets to advance their ongoing space-related projects,” explains Anna Pickering, new media internship co-ordinator. “Our

get to vote in a most unusual way for their favorite course and the evening ends with the presentation of the Abbondànza Culinary Trophy, which hangs prominently in the restaurant for the rest of the year.

“Abbondànza is Italian for abundance and we have received an abundance of support from the community, for which we are grateful,” says Doug MacArthur, Abbondànza committee chairperson. “To date, 34 students have received scholarships totaling $26,000. All the donations go directly to the Abbondànza Endowment fund that will continue to support students far into the future.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $125 each and include a $60 income tax receipt.

There are very few tickets left for the event. To book yours, call Katherine Wasiak at 403-3292227.

students have the valuable opportunity to participate in complex and rewarding work.

Their first learning curve involves understanding and using a multitude of CSA acronyms. Students quickly get up to speed though, and these acronyms become part of their everyday conversation.”

Meeting new people and

and clarity with which Hanson engages with an important issue in Canadian theatre and performance. Hanson’s paper provides a well-organized examination into the rise of solo shows and the reasons for them, offering empirical data and careful consideration of the connections to storytelling, individual empow-

experiencing life beyond the U of L add to the invaluable opportunities gained from working at the CSA. “The internship provides challenging and relevant work experiences related to the students’ school studies,” adds Pickering. “And it may lead to future employment opportunities as well.”

Chef Ken Kain, left, and CoCo Pazzo co-owners Tony Rose and Rocco Suriano with the Abbondànza Culinary Trophy.

HANSON HONOURED WITH LAWRENCE PRIZE Faculty of Fine Arts professor Nicholas Hanson (Drama) was recently awarded the Robert Lawrence Prize after presenting a paper at the Canadian Association for Theatre Research conference in Fredericton.

The adjudicators’ summation said that, “The committee applauds the freshness

Experience the glory of Handel’s Messiah and sing along with the Vox Musica Choir, conducted by Glenn Klassen, on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Church.

Vox Musica encourages all fellow community vocalists and the audience to sing together in an evening of fun, light-hearted entertainment.

“This is a first for Vox Musica,” says Carolyn Speakman, president, Vox Musica Choral Society. “The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s Messiah every other year, and with this being an offyear for the symphony, we decided to present the Messiah in a different way.

“Sing-Along Messiah is aimed at singers who want to sing the Messiah, but don’t have the time or long-term commitment to rehearse. People have two choices for getting involved.

They can register to sing on stage with Vox Musica during the evening performance or can sing-along sitting in the audience.”

Talented local vocalists perform the solo sections of the Messiah, with Alan Young serving as the accompanist for the evening.

For those who want to join the choir for the event, they can register online at voxmusica.shawwebspace. ca and attend the one rehearsal on Dec. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. A $10 registration fee, which can be paid at the rehearsal, helps cover expenses and fund future choral events in Lethbridge.

“We are only performing the Christmas portion and Halleluiah Chorus,” says Speakman. “While hardly a polished performance, we do promise it will be a lot of fun.”

Tickets for audience members are available for $10 at Long & McQuade, located at 323 – 8th St. S. or by calling 403-380-2130.

erment and issues of national identity. The endeavour is also praiseworthy for the volume of research and effort that went into its preparation. Hanson’s work is significant, both in terms of how it connects to previous work on Canadian solo performance, and in its potential to influence future research on the subject.”

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Distinguished

TEACHING AWARD Deadline for Nominations:

February 1, 2012 http://www.uleth.ca/awards/ distinguished-teaching-award

images L ASTING

(TOP)

Rita McKeough, Two Urban Scroungers, 1984. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 1994.

(LEFT)

Rita McKeough, Urban Uprising, 1984. From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; P.U.L.P. print gift, 1984.

Rita McKeough was born in 1951 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She received a BFA from the University of Calgary and a MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design before settling in Calgary, where she currently teaches at the Alberta College of Art and Design.

McKeough has been a committed multi-disciplinary artist for over 30 years, and has exhibited extensively in group and solo exhibitions across Canada and internationally, including exhibitions at the Walter Phillips Gallery (Banff), Plug-In Gallery (Winnipeg), Nuit Blanche (Toronto) and the National Gallery of Canada.

In 2009, McKeough was the recipient of the Governor Gen-

eral’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, and the following year was selected for the Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

McKeough’s practice is informed by her interest in social issues, idealism and a belief in art’s ability to spur social change.

Her performances and installations – often complex, collaborative efforts – touch on issues such as

displacement, domestic abuse and ecological damage. Though her subject matter is often politically charged, McKeough opens a dialogue with the viewer through a disarming sense of humour and play.

McKeough’s Urban Scroungers multi-media piece creates an interactive environment for the viewer through sound and sculptural objects, and points to

McKeough’s concern over urban sprawl and the voracity of corporate expansion.

McKeough’s newest installation, The Lion’s Share, is on view in the University of Lethbridge Main Gallery until Jan. 5, 2012.