SIGNIFICANT AND MENTIONABLE
U OF L RECEIVES FUNDING FOR THREE NEW RESEARCH CHAIRS Three new research Chairs are coming to the University of Lethbridge thanks to the Government of Alberta’s Campus Alberta Innovation Program (CAIP) Chairs plan. Part of the government’s Campus Alberta collaborative initiative, this prestigious program provides an initial 16 research Chairs to Alberta’s four Comprehensive Academic and Research Intensive (CARI) institutions: University of Lethbridge, Athabasca University, University of Alberta and
the University of Calgary. “This is an excellent forward-thinking program, and we’re thrilled the government has followed through with its commitment to advancing research expertise in the province,” says Dr. Dan Weeks, the University’s vice-president (research). The program is designed to recruit new research leaders to Alberta in specific areas of study. The U of L’s three Chairs will work in the areas of: aquatic health, brain health and dementia, and terrestrial ecosystems and remote sensing.
The value of the CAIP awards will vary from approximately $300,000 to $650,000 per year for seven years, depending on the nature of the research being undertaken. Academic appointments will be made at the assistant professor, associate professor or full professor level depending on the seniority of the individual. Search committees have already been established and the University will be making the appointments soon. The four universities will work together to recruit Chair holders within a priority area who have complementary research areas. Those appointed will
then be encouraged to work with individuals in similar fields at the other Alberta universities as appropriate, possibly through cross appointments or adjunct appointments. “We pride ourselves on being a key contributor to the Campus Alberta model and its inherent collaborative nature,” says Weeks. “These Chairs enhance our ability to bring in outstanding research talent and only add to the research infrastructure across the entire province.”
PUBLIC ART BY U OF L ARTISTS UNVEILED
HORNS WIN SIXTH STRAIGHT CANADA WEST TITLE IN WOMEN’S RUGBY In October, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s rugby team won its sixth straight Canada West championship with a convincing 41-0 win over the University of Alberta Pandas at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium. Following the game, the Canada West all-stars and award winners were announced. Lethbridge’s all-stars included Brandi Van Eeuwen, Kelsey
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Willoughby, Juhee Thompson, Laura Murphy-Burke, Kayla Moleschi and Cassandra Orr. The Horns also took both major player awards in the 2011 season, with Moleschi taking home rookie-of-the-year honours while Willoughby was named the Canada West MVP. The Horns went on to represent Canada West at the CIS Women’s Rugby Championship tournament hosted by Trent University in Peterborough, Ont. Nov. 3 - 6, where they placed fourth overall.
An idea that started over a beer and was roughly drafted on a napkin, has evolved into the latest addition to the City of Lethbridge Public Art Collection. Aeolian Aviary, a collaborative installation by U of L alumni and art professor Denton Fredrickson (BFA ’01) and art studio facility manager Catherine Ross, was recently unveiled in its permanent location on the east side of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG). Fredrickson and Ross were awarded the public art commission following a competition that attracted 40 submissions from across Canada and beyond. The selection committee consisted of representatives from the Allied Arts Council, SAAG, a community member, an artist and a technical expert. “It is exactly these kinds of awards and achievements that reflect so
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well on the creative and research work of the members of the Faculty of Fine Arts,” says Dr. Desmond Rochfort, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “It also helps to highlight the excellence of our creative activities and research endeavours, and underscores why the U of L Faculty of Fine Arts is increasingly the place of choice in Alberta for those wishing to study fine arts.” Aeolian Aviary combines the acoustic resonance of 16 wind- and light-sensitive string instruments with the dynamic emergence of 67 bronze birds.