ULethbridge Fall Convocation 2024 Program

FALL

OCTOBER 19, 2024

CONVOCATION SERVICES In our lobby you will find the following: •

deJourdan's by Lifetouch | Professional portrait photography

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Bookstore | ULethbridge memorabilia and graduation rings

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Graduation Flowers | Fresh flowers to congratulate your grad

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ULethbridge Alumni Association | Parchment frames and the official Fiat Lux alumni ring

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Family Room (PE261) | Live video of the ceremony

REGALIA RETURN Hoods and gowns can be returned to the Bookstore in the Students’ Union Building prior to 2 p.m. on the day of the ceremony.

PHOTO LOCATIONS If you are looking for places around campus to take photos with your graduate, family and friends, here are some scenic spots to capture the special moment: •

University of Lethbridge sign | At campus entrance; University Drive and Valley Road

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OKI sign | Located on the East Patio off University Hall

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ULeth block letters and balloons with the iconic High Level Bridge in the background | Between UHall and Science Commons

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Chief Marshal and the Mace; take a photo in front of a beautiful stained glass window alongside the Chief Marshal and our ceremonial mace | Located along the track

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“2024” Gold Balloons | Located in the Centre for Sport and Wellness Atrium next to Booster Juice

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Congratulations Balloon Arch | Located outdoors between the Centre for Sport and Wellness and Turcotte Hall

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Aperture Art Installation | Between the Students’ Union Building and the University Library

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The Bronze Pronghorn | Located inside the University Library building, next to the bus loop

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Fiat Lux | Our school motto; let there be light, located outside the University Library doors

TABLE OF CONTENTS C O N G R A T U L A T O R Y M E S S A G E S 2 HISTORY OF CONVOCATION

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O U R P R O M I S E 7 CONVOCATION CEREMONY

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A W A R D R E C I P I E N T S

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A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N

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PLEASE SCAN HERE FOR CLOSED-CAPTIONING

View this document online: go.uleth.ca/fall-convocation-2024

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On behalf of the Senate, congratulations on this important life accomplishment. You have demonstrated adaptability, determination and resilience to be here today. Celebrate your success and enjoy this moment.

Acknowledge and thank the people in your life who supported you along the way. As you reflect on your time on campus, recall the people and experiences that made your liberal arts education meaningful and special.

Wherever you land in the future, always know you have a home at the University of Lethbridge.

Terry Whitehead (Ksikkihkíni) (BA ’94), Chancellor On behalf of the University of Lethbridge Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) I would like to congratulate you on your achievements and perseverance. We recognize your hard work and dedication, and you should be proud of your professional, academic and personal accomplishments. The knowledge you have gained and imparted to others has helped to shape and strengthen your ULethbridge community.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and congratulate you on your accomplishments thus far.

Jaxon Reiter (BSc ’22), Graduate Students’ Association President On behalf of Iikaisskini Indigenous Services, we wish to extend our congratulations to the newest alumni of the University of Lethbridge!

Whether we were regularly connected or as silent supporters in your corner, we recognize the sacrifices you have made and adversity you have overcome. May your journey of lifelong learning propel you to great, new, wonderful heights of achievement in the years ahead. The world is a great place to explore so trust that you can achieve anything you set your mid to!

You have proven resilient with determination and perseverance. We wish you luck and congratulate you on behalf of all of us at Iikaisskini.

Lindi Shade (Piiinikki) (BA ’06), Jodie Flamand-Tailfeathers (Ikkinaipommowa) (BA ’14), Royal Adkin (Iksisstowaapi Kanakkaatsi) (BMgt ’18), Santanita Oka (Siipoimoststa) (BHSc ’16) & Chataya Holy Singer (Niitsiitaakii) (BFA – Indigenous Art ’23), Iikaisskini Indigenous Services

Today we celebrate your accomplishments, deep knowledge acquired and transformative experience that has prepared you to contribute to the community locally and globally in meaningful ways. I hope you will reflect on your experience with fond memories, remembering that you are, and always will be, part of the ULethbridge legacy.

Dr. Digvir Jayas (Ikkayiinnii), President and Vice-Chancellor We’ve been with you every step of the way — from your first school tour to your last assignment. We’ve seen you up at 7 a.m., stressing before a test, and we’ve helped you celebrate the end of a long day with a drink. Now you’re graduating, and the Coffee Company couldn’t be more proud to have accompanied you on this journey — as your cheering squad, your fueling station, the cup of comfort in your hand. Come back and visit often, and best of luck in your future endeavors! And, most importantly, never settle for crappy coffee.

JT and the staff at the Campus Coffee Company On behalf of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU), I am pleased to extend my sincerest congratulations to the entire graduating class of 2024 on your convocation. Graduation is a momentous occasion and a testament of your journey here at the University of Lethbridge.

Your dedication, commitment and hard work that led you to this moment is an accomplishment to be extremely proud of. May the experiences and memories you have made throughout your ULethbridge journey only lead to great accomplishments as you venture out into the world. I look forward to seeing what great things you will continue to achieve as the newest ULethbridge alumni and wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.

Maleeka Thomas, ULSU President On behalf of the Board of Governors, I congratulate you on this great achievement and welcome you to the University of Lethbridge alumni family.

The journey to graduation is a long climb to the summit so I encourage you to take a moment at the top to be proud of your success. The University has witnessed you scale up each slope with determination and persistence. We will now watch with interest as you look to the future and create your own path in the world using the knowledge and skills you have acquired.

We are proud of you!

Dean Gallimore (BA ’84), Board of Governors’ Chair

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Convocation is a day of well-deserved celebration. For students, it signifies the completion of years of hard work and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives. For families, it is a day to recognize those years of dedication and to enthusiastically embrace the pride that convocation evokes. For all of us, convocation is a time to look optimistically into the future, share in centuries-old academic traditions and, most importantly, celebrate our graduates.

For more than 50 years, University of Lethbridge graduates have been making significant contributions to Canada and the world. With convocation, the promise of our lasting impact continues. Congratulations to all at this very special time of year.

I am honoured to offer my sincerest congratulations on the completion of your credential at the University of Lethbridge. It is particularly poignant because you have done so under an unprecedented and challenging set of circumstances — during and after a global pandemic. You have shown flexibility, creativity, resilience and maturity in completing your academic journey. We are so proud of how well you have handled and navigated the many challenging situations of the past few years, and in spite of all, have still succeeded. Your bravery, perseverance and courage are a testament to the change-makers you will be as you move forward into the next phase of your life. I can’t think of a more capable and wellprepared cohort of leaders for the 21st Century. We are honoured to call you alumni of the University of Lethbridge.

You, the University of Lethbridge’s newest alumni, have contributed so much to the intellectual and social vibrancy of the University during your educational journey here. You have also benefitted from an enriching ULethbridge student experience developed and nurtured by many caring people across our two campuses. When we welcomed you at New Student Orientation, we committed to standing with you throughout your studies and research, providing support to you to help you achieve your goals. You have counted on us. Today, we salute you at graduation! Congratulations on achieving your goals and graduating! We are very proud of you and your accomplishments, and we wish you well. Thank you for having chosen the University of Lethbridge as your educational home.

Please stay in touch.

Dr. Richelle Marynowski (BEd ’94), Chief Marshal, Professor, Faculty of Education

Kathleen Massey, Vice-Provost (Students)

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history of convocation In the Middle Ages, the church was responsible for higher education.

Monasteries were the centres of learning and monks were the scholars of society. By the 12th Century, secular scholars began forming communities to pursue knowledge and truth, which eventually developed into independent universities in the prominent cathedral cities of Europe, precursors of today’s universities.

As universities grew, scholars wanted to honour students who successfully completed their education as well as welcome them into the select and exclusive group of scholars. The word convocation originally referred

to gatherings of the clergy of Canterbury and York, but in 1577 Oxford University used it to describe the assembly of its graduates. Ever since, students around the world have been admitted to the order of scholars in a convocation ceremony.

Since its first convocation ceremony in 1968, the University of Lethbridge has been proud to recognize the academic achievements of our students, and honour individual achievements in various fields. A convocation ceremony represents a celebratory ‘rite of passage’ for our students — an opportunity to share academic accomplishments with their mentors, fellow graduates and loved ones.

The ceremony begins with the national anthem and reflection. Following that the main features of convocation are a speech to the graduands by the president, a speech by the honorary degree recipient or guest speaker and the conferral of degrees, diplomas and certificates by the chancellor.

THE UNIVERSITY SYMBOLS The University’s colours are blue and gold, drawing inspiration from the blue sky and bright sun so prominent on the southern Alberta landscape. The University Shield brings focus to the fiery sun with twisted Aztec rays.

The University of Lethbridge Coat of Arms was unveiled during the University’s 45th anniversary celebrations at Fall 2012 Convocation and features the blue shield and the University’s signature sun, along with our motto, Fiat Lux. This is supported by other components such as the eagle feather, Alberta wild roses, pronghorns and miner’s lamps; all signature elements of the University.

Fiat Lux, our motto, is Latin for ‘let there be light’ and refers metaphorically to the illumination that comes from research and learning. At the University, everyone has the ability to shine and we believe it’s our job to help make that happen.

The mace, carried in the academic procession by the Chief Marshal, was created by artist Corne Martens and given to the University in memory of former senator Virginia Mitchell. Dedicated at the fall convocation ceremony on October 1, 1988, the mace is cast in bronze and represents the institution’s authority to grant degrees, diplomas and certificates. Unique to the University of Lethbridge, one end features three elements: mortarboard, gavel and open book, symbolizing academia, the Board of Governors and the General Faculties Council. The other end features a globe surrounded by pronghorns, representing our mascot and the universality of knowledge.

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ACADEMIC REGALIA The academic dress of the University of Lethbridge is unique to the institution. A black gown and mortarboard are worn by undergraduate and master’s students; the credential earned is represented by colours on the borders and linings of the hoods. The bachelor’s degree, certificate and diploma hoods are black lined with blue, trimmed with a twisted gold and blue cord. Master’s hoods are black lined with blue and have an exterior border of light blue satin trimmed with a twisted gold and blue cord.

A coloured braid on the lining of the hood distinguishes the type of degree.

Students receiving combined degrees wear two braids.

The colours representing the degrees are as follows: Arts: White Science: Golden yellow Arts and Science: White and golden yellow Education: Light blue Fine Arts: Brown Music: Pink Health Sciences: Red and golden yellow Nursing: Red Therapeutic Recreation: Green Management: Light brown Doctor of Philosophy graduands wear a royal blue gown with blue velvet facings and chevrons outlined in bright gold piping, and a blue beefeater with a gold tassel. The hoods are royal blue, lined with sapphire blue satin and a bright gold chevron. The blue velvet trim is outlined in gold piping.

The stoles worn by the deans of each Faculty or School correspond generally with the colour of the braids on the lining of the undergraduate hoods of that Faculty or School. Convocation marshals wear royal blue stoles, and are selected from among the academic staff to supervise the academic procession and the presentation of graduands to the chancellor.

CHANCELLOR, PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIR REGALIA The regalia of the chancellor, president, board of governors’ chair and honorary degree recipients also feature blue and gold elements.

Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead served as chancellor of the University of Lethbridge from 2018 to 2022. He was the first Indigenous chancellor at ULethbridge and also in Alberta. In recognition of Chancellor Emeritus Weaselhead’s service and ongoing dedication to education, community and building relationships, three stoles were introduced and incorporated as part of the chancellor, president and vicechancellor and board chair regalia at the Fall 2022 Convocation ceremony.

The stoles were designed by a past alumna of the year, Jamie Medicine Crane (BEd ’05). Designed like a Blackfoot tipi with the cosmos on the top, animal beings in the centre and the earth beings at the bottom, it includes the mountains and puff balls, and the lines representing the water and sky.

The chancellor’s stole contains Chancellor Emeritus Weaselhead’s Blackfoot name.

INDIGENOUS STOLE It is custom in many Indigenous communities to honour graduates with a special remembrance of their accomplishments as they continue on to various milestones in their lives. To celebrate their achievements, all graduating Indigenous students in attendance are gifted with a convocation stole.

Designed by Iikaisskini Indigenous Services, the stoles are royal blue with white embroidery, featuring four important symbols alongside the University of Lethbridge shield: The Buffalo acknowledges Blackfoot Territory and the importance of this animal to the Blackfoot people and to the great plains.

The Eagle Feather represents our First Nations graduates.

CORDS OF DISTINCTION

The Infinity Sign represents our Métis graduates.

The Kuliq represents our Inuit graduates.

Cords of academic distinction are worn by undergraduate students whose outstanding academic achievements merit the designation. Royal blue cords signify distinction and gold cords great distinction. Combined degrees students earning distinction or great distinction for both degrees wear two sets of cords.

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PODIUM DESIGN The convocation lecterns feature the university tartan alongside a Pendleton® blanket and eagle feather shield conceptualized by Blackfoot Elder Francis First Charger. A source of warmth and comfort, blankets serve a special role in Indigenous ceremonies. As gifts, blankets allow the recipient to forever wrap themselves in a treasured reminder of heritage, community and tradition.

Seven golden eagle feathers have been arranged in a circle to represent a shield. The number is significant and refers to the seven stars.

The golden eagle is known for its majestic qualities, soaring high above and seeing far and wide with keen eyesight.

CHANCELLOR CHARLES WEASELHEAD’S HEADDRESS We are honoured to receive a gifted headdress from Chancellor Charles Weaselhead, Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle), upon the completion of his term as the first Blackfoot Chancellor at the University of Lethbridge. This headdress is displayed in the Hall of Honour and is situated alongside the chancellor during Convocation ceremonies.

UNIVERSITY TARTAN The University of Lethbridge tartan was a 50th anniversary legacy project unveiled on Founders’ Day Weekend in January 2017. The tartan design is inspired by convocation and the grand accomplishment it signifies. Faculty colours are incorporated in the tartan and the colours come together with the bright sunburst against the dark blue field. A frame of red honours the name given to University Hall, Iniskim (Sacred Buffalo Stone).

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CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION Co-operative Education is a nationally recognized form of workintegrated learning that combines professional experience with academic studies to enrich students’ academic, intellectual, personal and professional development. The program is a partnership between students, the University and employers, combining educational theory, its practical application and real-world employment experience.

Students alternate academic terms of study with paid work terms in a professional workplace.

The Co-operative Education designation indicates at least one year of discipline-related employment experience. It shows employers that ULethbridge graduates are work ready. Graduates who have met the program requirements will receive the Co-operative Education designation on their parchments and display the badge above on their mortarboards.

INCLUSION ALBERTA Inclusion Alberta has been partnering with post-secondary institutions across the province for more than 30 years to include students with developmental disabilities to participate in regular programs of study and campus life. Students audit programs of study to pursue individualized learning goals related to regular course content, complete modified course assignments and write modified exams to demonstrate what they have learned. Students receive a certificate of recognition to acknowledge their hard work, accomplishments and commitment to their learning at the completion of their program.

TO OUR STUDENTS,

we make a promise: A promise to do our best, so they can be their best.

A promise to foster exploration, to share ideas and information, to teach but also to learn.

A promise to build the buildings, acquire the technology, cultivate the partnerships and welcome the people essential to advancing an environment that excites and ignites learning.

A promise to create an environment where professors and students are colleagues and everyone grows together, an environment that recognizes the power of every student’s dream.

And helps that dream come true.

AISSKSINIMA’TSAWA,

kitsiiksisttowatoh’ pinnaan: Nitakayika’kimaahpinnaan, kitaahkanistsi’ta’pohkookaksoyayi.

Kitakanistsiistapakkiokakihpowayi, nita’ka’paisski’pinnaan.

Nita’ka’paisdotsi’pinnaani naapioyiistsi, nita’kao’tsi’pinnaan pissata’piyi, nita’kitsstsimaahkatannaan stohkanaokakiwa.

Niyai ksimstaani ahkitsayi’sohkissi niipaitapiyisini akitakkiisoka’piwa, pookaiksi ki omahksimmiksi akitsi’tomanistohkimayawa, ksimstaani akitanistsiwa. Papao’kani akitsspommohkato’p maahkanistsissi.

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CONVOCATION CEREMONY FOR THE CONFERRAL OF DEGREES, DIPLOMAS & CERTIFICATES SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024 AT 10 A.M.

Presiding Over the Ceremony Terry Whitehead, Chancellor Conducting the Ceremony Sheila McManus, Platform Marshal Musical Prelude The University of Lethbridge Wind Orchestra Conducted by Dr. Holly De Caigny The Procession At the commencement of the procession, those assembled are asked to stand, as they are able, until invited to take their seats.

Led by Michelle Hogue, Chief Marshal Drummers: Julius & Troy Delaney Marshalls: Jenny Burke, Wendy Osborn, Tara Million, Tracy Oosterbroek, Kevin Wood & Craig Coburn

Address to the Graduands Francis First Charger, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa

Processional Music The University of Lethbridge Wind Orchestra Conducted by Dr. Holly De Caigny

Conferral of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates Terry Whitehead, Chancellor

Magpie Song Julius & Troy Delaney Declaration Terry Whitehead, Chancellor National Anthem Led by Tanner Lapointe, Faculty of Fine Arts O Canada by Calixa Lavallée Reflection Abigail Hall, Faculty of Education Honour Song Composed and gifted to the University of Lethbridge by Leroy Little Bear, in honour of its Blackfoot name, ‘Iniskim’.

The name ‘Iniskim’ was gifted to the University by Kainai elder, Bruce Wolf Child.

Alex Shade & Jeremy Dayrider Welcome and Report to Convocation This traditional address celebrates the value of education and the combined accomplishments of our graduands and the University community.

Dr. Digvir Jayas, President & Vice Chancellor

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Conferral of Honorary Degree Awarded by the Senate to individuals who cultivate human values and seek to foster intellectual growth, social development, aesthetic sensitivity, personal ethics, and the dimensions of a scholar’s personality.

Terry Whitehead, Chancellor Francis First Charger, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa Introduced by Katie Rabbit Young Pine, Senate Member Praise Song, Dr. Mike Bruisedhead

Musical Selection The University of Lethbridge Singers Conducted by Dr. Janet Youngdahl Accompanied by Isaac Risling Ad astra by Shawn Kirchner

School of Graduate Studies Doctor of Philosophy Master of Arts Master of Science Master of Counselling Master of Education Master of Fine Arts Master of Music Master of Nursing Master of Health Services Management Master of Science (Management) Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma Candidates presented by Jackie Rice, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Faculty of Arts & Science Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Arts & Science Bachelor of Science Certificate in Arts and Science Undergraduate Certificate Candidates presented by Matt Letts, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science

Dhillon School of Business Bachelor of Management Post-Bachelor Certificate Combined Post-Bachelor Certificates in Accounting Management Certificate Undergraduate Diploma Candidates presented by Kerry Godfrey, Dean of the Dhillon School of Business Faculty of Education Bachelor of Education Diploma in Education Candidates presented by David Slomp, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education Faculty of Fine Arts Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dramatic Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts - Multidisciplinary Bachelor of Fine Arts - Indigenous Art Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media Bachelor of Music Candidates presented by Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts Faculty of Health Sciences Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation Candidates presented by Jon Doan, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Combined Degrees Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media and Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media and Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Health Sciences and Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Management and Bachelor of Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts Art and Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Fine Arts Dramatic Arts and Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Fine Arts New Media and Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education Candidates presented by Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice President (Academic) Excellence in Teaching Award Dr. Marc Roussel Presented by Wayne Lippa Distinguished Alum of the Year Dr. Hendriatta Wong (BMgt ’00) Presented by Cyndi Crane, President of the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association Alumni Welcome Cyndi Crane, President of the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association Announcements Sheila McManus, Platform Marshal Dismissal Terry Whitehead, Chancellor Recession Those assembled are asked to stand, as they are able, for the recession until the chief marshal bearing the mace, followed by the platform party and the graduates, have departed.

Recessional Music The University of Lethbridge Wind Orchestra Conducted by Dr. Holly De Caigny

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RECIPIENTS OF DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Victorita Elena Ivan Neuroscience Thesis: Psychedelic effects on spatial encoding in the mouse retrosplenial cortex Ryan William Kung Theoretical and Computational Science Thesis: Insights into how the structural features of DNA adducts dictate local helical conformation and repairability: a computational study Jeremy Patterson Scott Earth, Space, and Physical Science Thesis: A double Fourier interferometer testbed for spectral imaging in the far-infrared Shannon Yvonne Vandenberg Population Studies in Health Thesis: An Analysis of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Registered Nurses Toward Climate-Driven Vector Borne Disease Nicole Anna Van Rootselaar Neuroscience Thesis: Lateralization left out: the interconnections between language, motor skills, executive function, and social skills in preschool children

MASTER OF ARTS Kwame Biney Amankwah Thesis: The effectiveness of inflation targeting since 1990: a cross-country comparative analysis Aleah Marie Renee Bastien Thesis: Access to sexual violence services for under-served communities in Southern Alberta Isaac Sarfo Quarmson Thesis: The effect of minimum wage increase on employment in Canada Andrea Lilli Roberts Thesis: Creating more diversity in Canadian theatre: from the actor’s perspective Mohammad Parsa Valipour Thesis: La función de la idea de campaña como recurso narrativo en el cine latinoamericano contemporáneo

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MASTER OF SCIENCE Taylor Adamitz Thesis: Lewis-acid behaviour of tungsten hexafluoride towards mixed ligand systems, phosphine oxides and tridentate terpyridine Mohammadreza Ardestani Thesis: A study of text summarization with graph attention networks Sreerupa Bhattacharjee Thesis: A survey of Buthe’s method for estimating prime counting functions Matthew Andrew Buchan Thesis: Development of a cryogenic far-infrared post-dispersed polarizing Fourier transform spectrometer Madison Avery Clarke Thesis: Intergroup conflict and the development of cooperation in juvenile vervet monkeys Sujeeta Dhital Thesis: Variation in crop-level water-use efficiency due to contrasting patterns of biomass partitioning among potato cultivars (Solnanum tuberosum L.) Kushaan Gupta Thesis: Neural correlates of position and action during reward-guided sequence navigation in the rat medial prefrontal cortex Nadia Patricia Chanchal Hand Thesis: Two plant extracts that cause unique aggregated phenotypes in Staphylococcus aureus and could act as an antibiotic alternative Samin Jamshidi Thesis: GNET-QG: graph networks for multi-hop question generation Muhammad Qasim Javed Thesis: Relationship between desiccation tolerance and biofilm formation in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli Oliver Karren Kienzle Thesis: Thermokarst distribution and susceptibility in Yukon: lakes, landslides and pingos Dylan Cole LaValley Thesis: Some aspects of magpie (Pica hudsonia) learning Tanner Chisson Lockwood Thesis: Isolation of novel natural products with distinct anti-mitotic activities from the Canadian plant Arnica cordifolia Hannah Inikpi Odekina Thesis: Mental Health and Well-Being of African Immigrant Women in Southern Alberta

Chinyere Ruth Ottah Thesis: Assessing pre- and post-fire biomass variations in boreal peatlands and uplands using multitemporal and multispectral lidar data Kasuni Tharushika Rankoth Palle Rankoth Gedara Thesis: Using stable isotopes to trace the flow of nitrogen and the role of denitrification in a restored prairie wetland complex receiving wastewater effluent Jinay Shirish Patel Thesis: Investigating the role of eukaryotic initiation factor 5B (eIF5B) in oral squamous cell carcinoma Chase Alan Petruska Thesis: Mental health, stress, and metabolomics in individuals with physical disabilities: the impact of a caretaker and spasticity Melissa Dawn Robdrup Thesis: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) reduces Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei) disease severity in CDC Leader chickpea (Cicer arietinum) David Reuben Robertson Thesis: The impacts of circadian disruption on hippocampal place cell activity Tristan Nicole Skretting Thesis: Impacts of mountain pine beetle outbreak and wildland fuel reduction treatments in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada Courtney Anne Stevens Thesis: Testing the delivery efficacy of a knowledge mobilization tool distributing pre-performance anxiety resources to coaches Sean Shou Tanabe Thesis: Using generative and explainable neural networks to investigate the relationship between motor cortex activity and animal behavior during skilled reach learning Naveen Kumar Vadlamudi Thesis: Cost-effective batch-based migration strategies for NewSQL-based big data systems Mark Henri Wagner Thesis: Soil acidity in southern Canadian prairie chernozemic agricultural soils David James Witten Thesis: Investigating the effects of myo-inositol phosphates on human cancer cells

RECIPIENTS OF DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES

MASTER OF EDUCATION Ryan Robert Beck Capstone Katherine Joy Bennett Counselling Psychology Project: From Red to Green: A Mixed Method Study on Perceptual and Practical Changes Related to Removing Fear-Based Punishment in Ugandan Schools Thomas Gerald Collier Capstone Nathan Riley Comstock Capstone Travis Christopher Charles Dingle Capstone Jaime Rochelle ErasmusPerley Capstone Emma Elizabeth Godin Counselling Psychology Project: Incorporating mental health support in the treatment and management of individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Counsellor and physician manuals Justin William Harper Capstone Taylor Lauren Keith Capstone Amy Lynnette Kerr Capstone Elizabeth Jill Klapp Capstone Verna Marie Mabin Capstone Emily Mariah Ouellette Counselling Psychology Thesis: The Relationship Between Stigma and Engaging in Paraphilic Behaviours that Align with Paraphilic Interests Preety Singh Capstone Barry Norman Sommer Capstone

Mary Delynn Tilleman Capstone Pragya Varma Counselling Psychology Project: Burnout in Immigrant Early Childhood Educators Helen Wangui Wandera Capstone Melissa Jill Weatherhead Capstone Carney Ann Marie ZukowskiYoung Capstone

MASTER OF FINE ARTS Mahshad Hosseini Thesis: Iranian warriors Isabel Kelly Thesis: A Cup of Tea in Infinite Futures: A Positive Look at Speculative Fates Lorne Andrew Power Thesis: No Yeah No I Know

MASTER OF NURSING Amanda Lee Goforth Project: The Development of a Mindfulness Curriculum for Nursing Education Aninder Kaur Grewal Project: Bridging The Gap: The Impact of Post Intensive Care Syndrome-Family on Intensive Care Unit Family Caregivers Emma Aislyn Christine McClure Babylyn Silvano Project: Person-Centered Care (Pcc) and Dementia Care Strategies for Staff to Address Responsive Behaviours in Clients at all Seniors Care Living Centres, Calgary

MASTER OF HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT Franklin Sebastian Beltran Medina Harini Nuwanthi De Silva Ala’a El-Saleh Damandeep Kaur Gill Magdaline Asantewaa Kissiedu Oriyomi Komolafe Ritika Nayyar Amanda Kiyoko Starchuk Syed Nafees Ul Haque Sarah Judith Wiggins

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MANAGEMENT) Edward Akumaning Thesis: Equity Market Reaction to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Sec) Corporate Disclosure: Executive Compensation Omokeshi Elegbe Tsemaye Patience Emegokwue Thesis: Witnessed Incivility: Consequences and Moderating Factors

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE Skye Elizabeth Cummins Bryson Christopher Duda Laura Lee Ferrante Jessica Nicole Hepp Hala Higgy Karen Lynn Radchenko Kirstin Marie Shanks Alexia Tamburro Sophie Victoria Wheeler

GRADUATE DIPLOMA Shane Lee Hammel Geoffrey Muriithi Maina Jarred Alexander Throsel Meyerink Angelica Christina Spark

BACHELOR OF ARTS Lindsay Carol Andersen Christopher Awolusi Tessa Lynn Bernes Robin Leeann Black Water Megan Brittany Brown With Great Distinction Ashlyn Victoria Dey Jacqueline Ernestina Eshun Gareth Tomas Evans With Distinction Rayaan Farooqi Harrison Kenneth Gardiner Taryn A Gumpinger Brooke Tamara Heggie Tyra Deeanne Hercina Nina-Karine Hohmann Alexander James Hourahine Paige Ashton Hundt Amy Rose Jackson Kade Kahlert Minaal Khan Annika Nora Louise Kordellas Hayleigh Helen Malcolm Sylvia Ajok Joseph Moum Majak Malok Jenna Brooke McMillan Haylee Rae Linsey Mitchell With Distinction Danilo Alejandro Morales Lucy Catherine Mundy Honours Thesis Montana Rayel Ortiz Brooklyn Mary-Ann Plouffe Chloe Elizabeth M Schaaf With Distinction Maggie Scott Kenneth Ian Sears Richard Shipman

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RECIPIENTS OF DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES

Melia Rose St Louis Cayden Darwin Terlson Pratiti Tripathi Charly Tulloch Georgia Inez Walkus Taylor Christian Anthony Williams Gabrielle Kelly Wilson With Great Distinction Jessica Louise Wilton

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Cypriana Olamide Abolarin Christopher John Alexander Albert Anthony Arrieta Brendan Ball Kristan Blais With Distinction Co-operative Education Kennie R Cannady John McIntyre Carter Yuanhao Chen Victoria Isabella Chitruszko Domenico Joseph D’Agnone With Great Distinction Alexis Mary DeMaere With Great Distinction Drew Dortman Oluwapelumi Toluwalope Elesin Pedro Froese Martinez Aidan Reed Gehring With Distinction Talia Alyise George Halle Rebekah Heth With Great Distinction Maxwell Scott Kempin With Great Distinction Honours Thesis Amit Khanduri Hana Daseul Kim With Great Distinction Woojae Kim Yat Sing Manson Lai Henok Lamiso Amanda Elise Liebe Co-operative Education

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Kennedy Paige Malloy Matthew Carleton Mckay Daniel Milman Kalei Myren Thu Minh Ngo Vikash Oad Cherry Park Taylor Jaden Robison Javier Gamez Seidel Co-operative Education Abeer Amjad Shaikh Carla Swanepoel Olivia Adaline Tondevold Alexander Anthony Tong Corey James Wiltse Yunze Yang Michaela Channa Zipursky

CERTIFICATE IN ARTS AND SCIENCE Terrie Louise Lugay

BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT Jennifer Adaigbe Marie Janelle Hiwatig Barit With Distinction Patricia Anne Hernandez Barrera Vinicius Belo Queiroz With Distinction Jordan Luanne Calladine Brittaney Odette Cameron With Distinction Callum Robert Campbell With Distinction Taylor Lynn Carlson-Deley With Distinction Johnella Christine Cervantes Patricia Maria Cifuentes John Robert Claydon With Distinction Harshil Dudani Peace Oyiza Emmanuel With Great Distinction

Matthew James Fisher With Distinction Devon Gaehring Christine Joy Goodstriker Jonajhen Kythe Gonzaga Gregorio With Distinction Owen Cornelius Guenter With Distinction Co-operative Education Carly Pei Xin He Co-operative Education Madelyne Noel Heller Kaitlin Nicole Ingram With Distinction Mirna Istaya Suyeon Jo Djamilatou Pazabdoum’monongo Kabore Akashdeep Kaur Ibrahim Khan Peter Kinyua Kimani Abigail Mishel Kunkel With Great Distinction Ying Sum Kwong With Great Distinction Emmanuel Joseph Landayan Tyler Don Larson My Ai Jenny Le Yohanan Lokwang K Lomuriamoe Melissa Christene Lorne Brian Todd Maki Desiree Nicole Michele McDoulton With Great Distinction Co-operative Education Matthew John Miller With Great Distinction Chelsea Morrell Hoang Anh Tram Nguyen With Distinction Benjamin James Nightingale Sara Kathleen Stacey Noble With Distinction Ashton Glenne Elisabeth Oke Daniel Pearson With Distinction

Maddie Annette Peters With Distinction Taraneh Sadeghian Malavika Santhosh Kumar Ryan Jeffrey Senneker EunJeong Sim With Distinction Yash Prakashbhai Sindhi Salik Mohammad Syed Alril Abao Tejano Hannah Joan Thompson Thomas Trout With Great Distinction Ella Marie White Austin Mackenzie Wiebe David Kamil Wieczorek

POST-BACHELOR CERTIFICATE Meenu Gautam Mathew Tran

COMBINED POST-BACHELOR CERTIFICATES IN ACCOUNTING Adrian Deane Taclibon Balino Molly Elizabeth Brown Rafael Santos da Rosa

UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA Nishanpreet Singh

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION Tayler Mackenzie Feeney With Great Distinction Kori Theresa Sandeman With Great Distinction Georgia Elizabeth Strain With Distinction

RECIPIENTS OF DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ART Leah Noelle Evans With Great Distinction Honours Thesis Hannah Elizabeth Kvame With Distinction Jaelyn Rose Ranaghan

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS INDIGENOUS ART Savannah Mary Ann DelaneyWolf Child

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS NEW MEDIA Amy Eileen Parkinson With Distinction

BACHELOR OF MUSIC Luke Charles Allen Miranda Juergensen With Great Distinction Spencer Kindret

BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES Thandeka Sheryl Dhlodhlo Osatohanmwen Iriagbonse Edokpolo Nawal Fatima Jason Lee Funkhouser With Great Distinction Mackenzie Elise Gieg With Great Distinction Jillian Kimberley Graveland With Distinction Carson Alexander Holtby Megan Kapiniak With Great Distinction Brooke Pelley With Great Distinction

BACHELOR OF NURSING Oluwaseun Adejumoke Adeleke With Great Distinction Ailyn Briones Arevalo With Great Distinction Regan Adrianna Armstrong With Great Distinction Nonyelum Rachael Azike With Great Distinction Beata Marie Baltazar Japji Bhangu With Distinction Benjamin Donald Boehme With Great Distinction Benjamin Edward Brinkman With Great Distinction Giana Nicole Navarro Celso With Distinction Cassidy Lee Chamberlin With Great Distinction Ashley Elizabeth Crawshaw Alexis Cuaresma De Jesus With Distinction Syeda Kaneeze Fatima Charles Andrew Ganiban With Distinction Sydney Shae Herrick With Distinction Aloysius Umelo Iguegbe With Distinction Gagandeep Kaur Jaswal With Distinction Khushpreet Kaur With Distinction Marissa Sabina La Montagna With Distinction Kennedy Leigh-ann Martin With Distinction Zoe McDuffie With Distinction Graeme James Frederick McIntosh With Great Distinction Victor Ochieng Ouko With Distinction Kanisha Patel With Great Distinction Ely Rocacorba Ramos With Great Distinction

Jonathan Francisco Ruiz With Distinction Sonya Tennielle Scout Parker-Rae Sheppard Smith With Distinction Mariam Shiny Thomas Stephanie Tram Anh Vu With Great Distinction Madison Kate Woodward With Great Distinction

BACHELOR OF ARTS AND BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT Kaden Meier Londyn Mariah Strandquist

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT Brock Dustin Draper Isaac Grant Martens

BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT Ashley Noreen Pierson BHSc - With Great Distinction BMgt - With Great Distinction

Abigail Kathleen Hall BA - With Great Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction Madison Hope Ing Alexander John McEwan BEd - With Great Distinction Sadie Marie Miller BA - With Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction Sara Joyce Peters BA - With Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF EDUCATION Liam Reginald Burns BSc - With Great Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction Dora Daroczi Andrew Mark Denton BSc - With Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction Athena Lauren Heninger BSc - With Great Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction Melissa Jordan Hickle BSc - With Great Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction Honours Thesis Deshann Payton Valentine BSc - With Distinction BEd - With Distinction

BACHELOR OF ARTS AND BACHELOR OF EDUCATION Sydney Hope Allin BEd - With Great Distinction Keigan Leanne Earl BA - With Distinction BEd - With Distinction Madison Frank Susana Friesen BA - With Great Distinction BEd - With Great Distinction

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26 14

FALL 2024 CONVOCATION

HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT

NINNAISIPISTOO (OWL CHIEF), FRANCIS FIRST CHARGER DOCTOR OF LAWS, honoris causa Student Gathering Centre and

Polytechnic, the City of Lethbridge,

advises and supports students, staff

Community Futures Treaty 7,

and faculty in the Department of

Opokaa’sin Early Intervention

Indigenous Studies. His presence

Society and the First Nation Forestry

and guidance help students feel

program.

welcome and give them a safe space to grow as people and develop their curiosity, knowledge and skills.

Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Francis First Charger has been an Elder in Residence at the University of Lethbridge since 2008 and, during that time, he has made exceptional contributions to the University and its students.

A well-known and respected member of the Kainai First Nation, First Charger’s advice has been invaluable to staff, students and faculty members alike. He has worked for the Dhillon School of Business as an Elder in Residence, providing guidance and support, occasionally giving class lectures and hosting many visitors. In addition, he serves on the General Faculties Council as part of their Iniskim Education Committee and Indigenous Advisory Circle. First Charger also participates in Talking Circles at the Iikaisskini (Low Horn)

First Charger was approved for the role of Elder in the Independent Assessment Process (IAP), the

First Charger was raised following

system used to determine eligibility

Blackfoot culture and ceremonies,

for damages and quantum of

and traditional Blackfoot values

damages for abuse suffered by

have guided his life. He brought

claimants under the Residential

many skills with him when he

Schools Class Action lawsuit against

became an Elder in Residence. He

the Government of Canada and

was instrumental in initiating the

the churches that ran the schools.

process for the University to acquire

Claimants could choose if they

its ceremonial pipe, commissioning

wanted an Elder present to support

Jerry Potts from the Piikani Nation to

them through the hearing process.

handcraft the pipe.

First Charger played that role in

In addition to his knowledge of Blackfoot culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, he brought a broad base of experience in business management, administration and accounting after working at Red Crow Community College and the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project (BTAP). He was one of the key figures in coordinating the export of Timothy hay to Pacific Rim countries for BTAP. At Red Crow College, First Charger was involved in a visit to Guatemala for possible academic work. Beyond the Kainai First Nation, First Charger has lent his expertise and time to many local organizations, including Lethbridge

numerous hearings, providing spiritual ceremonies before the hearings and support throughout the hearing process. Many claimants asked First Charger to be present for their testimony, as his presence provided comfort and strength as they spoke about the atrocities they suffered and the impacts on their lives. He was also a qualified Blackfoot interpreter in many IAP hearings. First Charger was widely praised by lawyers and adjudicators involved in the IAP because he could be relied upon to provide compassionate, kind and respectful support to claimants going through this difficult process.

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2024 EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

DR. MARC ROUSSEL PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY students are expected to complete

student, detailed written feedback

assigned readings before class so

at every opportunity and a blog

that class time can be spent working

containing useful information

together on problems.

on almost every stage of the

Roussel strongly believes in teaching

A passionate teacher, Dr. Marc Roussel works to ensure his students, regardless of their level, learn not just content but the skills they need to solve problems long after they’ve left university.

Following an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at McGill University, Roussel joined the University of Lethbridge in 1995. A theoretical chemist, he has taught courses from first year to graduate school.

To provide students with the best possible resources for success, Roussel has written three textbooks, starting with a text for his secondyear physical chemistry course.

Roussel was also an early adopter of the “flipped classroom,” where

16

student journey.

students to use modern tools

Roussel has been an excellent

alongside instruction in the chemical

mentor not only for ULethbridge

sciences. This philosophy extends

students but also for new faculty

from teaching first- and second-year

members and young people

students advanced calculator use,

participating in science fairs. He

all the way through to upper-level

was Head Judge of the Lethbridge

courses where computer-based

Regional Science Fair from 2016

problem solving is integrated

to 2020, Deputy National Judge-in-

throughout, enabling students to

Chief at the Canada-Wide Science

see how the theory learned in class

Fair from 2019 to 2023 and started

applies in the real world.

a three-year term as National Judge-

He has found little things can make

in-Chief this year.

a big difference to a struggling

Roussel has taken on several

student. Providing encouragement,

administrative positions in addition

saying yes to a reasonable request,

to his professorial duties, including

including for his time and looking for

being department Chair and

ways to make students’ lives easier

more recently, Associate Dean in

are standard operating procedures

the School of Graduate Studies,

for Roussel.

where he supports graduate

In his research lab, Roussel strives to provide mentorship that will prepare students for a variety of careers in the quantitative sciences. He uses a range of

student learning through a variety of activities, notably by organizing discussion sessions for graduate supervisors where they can learn best practices from each other.

approaches to support student

Throughout his career, Roussel has

learning, including weekly meetings

demonstrated a commitment to

with each student, whether that

improving himself as a scientist and

student is an undergraduate taking

teacher and helping his colleagues

an Independent Study or a PhD

and students do the same.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

DR. HENDRIATTA WONG (BMGT ’00)

Psychological Inc., and has led the

Edmonton Committee where she

organization to remarkable success,

worked to champion women’s rights

transforming it into a well-respected

and advise on gender-based policies.

multi-award-winning mental healthcare leader. Under her leadership, the company has seen exponential growth over the past five years despite intense competition. These achievements have earned the company repeated recognition from Canadian Business and the Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies.

Dr. Hendriatta Wong (BMgt ’00) serves as a shining example of the transformative power of opportunity and education. Her journey at the University of Lethbridge began with an undergraduate degree in business where Dr. Wong took advantage of the post-diploma Bachelor of Management program and graduated with great distinction.

She describes this experience as a “game changer,” setting the stage for an illustrious career that has significantly benefited numerous communities and society at large.

In addition to her corporate success, Dr. Wong has been an influential figure in her community and a steadfast advocate for mental health, cultural diversity and gender equality.

Her advocacy efforts included serving as chief operating officer and later board member of Bissell Centre to

Her contributions have even extended to academia, where she has held positions such as assistant dean of the Faculty of Professional and Continuing Education at Concordia University of Edmonton, associate professor of business at King’s University and long-time adjunct lecturer at the University of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business.

Dr. Wong’s dedication to service and leadership was recognized in 2020 when she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.

address poverty and homelessness,

Throughout her career, Dr. Wong

serving on the Edmonton Public

has balanced professional success

School’s Multiculturalism and

with personal achievements,

Cultural Diversity Policy Review

including raising a family and caring

Advisory Committee to enhance

for a son with autism. Her story is a

cultural diversity in education as

testament to the power of education,

well as performing as the executive

opportunity and persistent

director of Autism Edmonton and

dedication to making a difference.

Dr. Wong went on to complete her

board member of Autism Alberta to

MBA at Dalhousie University and her

deliver province-wide autism support

PhD at the University of Manchester.

and strategies. Dr. Wong was also

She is currently the COO of her

appointed by Edmonton City Council

family-owned business, Insight

to the Women’s Advocacy Voice of 17

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

CHELSEA WOOLLEY (BA/BED ’14)

won the RBC Emerging Playwright

Described by critics as frighteningly

Prize in 2019, leading to a residency

skilled and a formidable writer,

at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre.

Woolley pushes boundaries

Steadfast in her commitment to community causes, Woolley launched a multidisciplinary performing arts program for atrisk and under-housed youth in downtown Toronto, which allows them to work with professional artists and learn how to create unique musical and theatre pieces.

She has also partnered with UNICEF

Chelsea Woolley (BA/BEd ’14) is an award-winning, emerging Canadian playwright whose voice speaks on behalf of vulnerable young women and marginalized youth who confront family trauma and social inequity.

A two-time winner of the Play Right Prize competition as an undergraduate student at the University of Lethbridge, Woolley also received the Faculty of Education Gold Medal as the most distinguished graduate of her class.

Quickly establishing herself as an exceptional talent in Canadian theatre, Chelsea attended the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada’s playwriting program, a first for a ULethbridge grad, and

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through her work and does so with ambition and vision, the hallmarks of a great writer. With a mandate to experiment, inspire and connect with communities that traditional theatre leaves behind, Woolley is committed to a career in connecting others to the excellence of live performing arts through storytelling and experimentation.

Canada for the development

Woolley is an emerging storyteller

of a new play on the Charter of

in Canadian theatre, and a powerful

the Rights of the Child and is

inspiration to students and to those

currently the Head of Drama with

who aspire to follow in her path of

the Canadian Children’s Opera

playwriting. Through her path to

Company, directing several youth

a career as a professional artist,

operas a year.

Woolley is demonstrating that talent,

Attesting to her stature and reputation, Woolley premiered her most recent play, Paint Me this House of Love, in 2023 at the Tarragon Theatre, one of Canada’s most revered companies for new work, to rave reviews. A sign of continued success, Paint Me this House of Love will be receiving its USA premiere next year, while Woolley was also a featured playwright in a showcase at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

perseverance and a commitment to community can, and does, lead to artistic fulfillment and professional success.

2024 ALUMNI HONOUR SOCIETY RECIPIENTS

AHKOIINNIMAKI (PIPE WOMAN) STAR CROP EARED WOLF (BFA - NATIVE AMERICAN ART ’17) A visionary artist and curator from the Kainai Nation, Ahkoiinnimaki (Pipe Woman) Star Crop Eared Wolf has carved an inspiring path in the world of Indigenous art and cultural preservation.

With a deep commitment to the Niitsitapi heritage, her multidisciplinary work — including painting, sculpture and photography — explores environmental and cultural themes deeply rooted in Blackfoot traditions. Achieving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Native American Art (Art History/Museum Studies) in 2017, Crop Eared Wolf’s work has appeared in prominent galleries across North America.

Her leadership extends beyond the gallery walls, with community-based initiatives and workshops, including Traditional Blackfoot Plants workshops across Treaty 7 territory. Currently the curator at The Confluence (Fort Calgary), Crop Eared Wolf is transforming the interpretive exhibits, bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront.

Her journey is a testament to the power of art and education in fostering cultural understanding and connection.

APRIL MATISZ (BFA - ART ’09)

DESMOND (DEZ) KAMARA (BA ’10)

DR. PHILIP MCRAE (BED ’91)

April Matisz continually proves to be an exceedingly talented and dedicated artist. Her research interests are varied, as she explores the creatures and complex processes that make up the natural world, as well as the natural processes that have created us and continue to shape our lives. Matisz has established herself as a significant voice in contemporary Canadian art, connecting her education in both art and biology to engage in issues of motherhood and ecology. Through her artwork, Matisz captivates viewers with attention to detail in her creative brushwork and intricate paper collages that combine to demonstrate captivating stories of migration, evolution and survival. Matisz’s recent solo exhibition at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery is evidence of her work making a larger impact across the province. She recently finished her MFA at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and is excited to begin teaching Drawing 1 at the University of Lethbridge in Winter 2025.

Desmond (Dez) Kamara has turned his personal experiences into a powerful force for social change. His dedication to excellence was evident at the University of Lethbridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in anthropology. Born in Sierra Leone, Kamara survived 12 years of civil war and postconflict. Focused on supporting war victims, especially former child soldiers, Kamara produced a documentary to raise awareness of their experiences. His career spans nearly a decade working with the United Nations, the Special Court for Sierra Leone and various international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) in Sierra Leone, Canada and Jamaica. In 2023, Kamara returned to ULethbridge to launch his first book, reflecting his commitment to family values, education and his resilience to achieve his dreams. He recently completed a master’s in social work at the University of Windsor, specializing in mental health and community development (policy + practice).

Kamara exemplifies the values and spirit of ULethbridge, making him an exceptional representative and alumnus whose work continues to inspire globally.

Dr. Philip McRae is an esteemed thought leader and highly coveted speaker, recognized internationally for his influence on the educational landscape. His keynote addresses and presentations at prestigious events worldwide have created spaces sharing insights and advancing dialogue on critical issues shaping the future of education. Dr. McRae’s commitment to research and fostering positive change knows no boundaries. His impactful work in secondary and post-secondary institutions transcends borders and includes teaching experiences in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and in Alberta, with the Lethbridge Public School District and at Red Crow College with the Blood Tribe.

He currently holds a pivotal role in the provincial educational system, balancing positions as the executive staff officer and associate coordinator of government research at the Alberta Teachers’ Association and as an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, where he earned his PhD.

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PRONGHORN ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

CAM SLOMP (BA ’93) Cam Slomp (BA ‘93) has

the Million Dollar Round Table

leveraged his exceptional

and MAC of the Year. Beyond

leadership skills and deep

his career, Cam’s dedication

commitment to make a

to service shines through his

significant impact on his

active support of Pronghorn

community and the University

Athletics, his role on the Board

of Lethbridge. A distinguished

of Directors for the Southern

Pronghorn alumnus, Cam

Alberta Art Gallery and his

excelled as a standout on the

co-founding of the Pronghorn

Pronghorn Men’s Basketball

Citizenship Award. Cam’s

team during the late 1980s

steadfast commitment to his

and early 1990s, earning

community and the University

Canada West Second Team

of Lethbridge exemplifies

All-Star honours and remains a

the values of leadership and

proud supporter of Pronghorn

service, making him an inspiring

Athletics. His professional

representative of both.

success is equally impressive, with Cam achieving recognition as a Financial Advisor with Sun Life Canada and owner of LKA Financial Services Ltd., including accolades such as

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Congratulations and welcome to the University of Lethbridge

Alumni Association!

Convocation is one of life’s most momentous occasions. It is a time to reflect on all you have accomplished, surrounded by the family, friends and the University of Lethbridge community who have supported you on this incredible journey.

Today, as you hold your parchment in hand, you are stepping into a new chapter. You are now part of the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA), joining nearly 55,000 graduates worldwide

who are using their education to positively impact the places they live, work and play.

As the new president of the ULAA, it is both an honour and a privilege to represent this vibrant, diverse group of critical thinkers, problem solvers and inspiring leaders. It is with great excitement that I welcome you — the Class of 2024 — to our alumni community.

But let me remind you, this is just the beginning. Stay connected with

us by updating your alumni profile, following us on social media and sharing your stories. You are living proof of the transformative power of a ULethbridge education, and we cannot wait to see the many great things you will achieve.

Once again, congratulations on this remarkable milestone!

Best wishes, Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01) President, University of Lethbridge Alumni Association

Capture the moment!

Your smile reflects the hard work that went into making this moment a reality. The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association (ULAA) wants to celebrate you by offering a free photo as you cross the stage.

Visit go.uleth.ca/NewGrads to sign up for your digital download. Use the code in your alumni pin booklet to access your FREE photo courtesy of the ULAA.

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REFLECTION Let us begin this celebration of our academic achievements, The culmination of years of hard work, By considering how we have achieved success, And how we shall build on it in the future.

Let us acknowledge those who built This community of scholarship, Which has broadened our understanding and our horizons.

Let us thank our faculty, staff, families, friends, fellow students, And all who made this community of learning possible — They have taught us so much.

Let us remember that our educational journeys Which led to our degrees, diplomas and certificates, Are valuable in themselves, not just means to other ends.

Let us use all we have learned To challenge the world through the eyes of educated citizens, And make it a better place for others who follow.

Let our motto, Fiat Lux, let there be light, Remind us of the responsibility we accept to ensure that we will Make a difference and build a better society.

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