In a competitive world, the ability to think critically, innovate and solve problems is the key to success. At uLethbridge, you gain an in-depth education in your chosen field, a broader awareness of the world, and the skills to apply that knowledge. This is liberal education. With liberal education you learn HOW to think, not WHAT to think. It teaches you think critically, innovate and solve problems and encourages you to be an active community member and global citizen. For one group of uLethbridge students, the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis was the catalyst for action. A group of students, led by Elise Pundyk and Grace Wirzba, formed a uLethbridge chapter of the World University Service Canada (WUSC), WUSC ULeth, to make a positive difference in the lives of refugees. Through bake sales, bottle drives, special events and donations from businesses and community members, the club raised enough money to bring a refugee student to Lethbridge for one year; Abdullah Mouslli, a Syrian refugee living in Jordan, began his studies in Fall 2016. Since then, two additional students have joined uLethbridge. WUSC ULeth approached the Students’ Union and, in a 2017 referendum, students voted to add $2 each semester to their fees in support of refugee
students. A donor also established an endowment to provide financial support to refugee students beyond their first year. “The impact of WUSC ULeth is long term,” says Abdullah. “When you educate someone, you don’t just give them food for today, you give them food for a lifetime. Moving to Lethbridge was a huge step for me. If I had stayed in Syria, I don’t think I would have the belief in myself to do something better tomorrow. Now I can have hope.”
“The student refugee program brings together students of all backgrounds, from all areas of study, under a common purpose. It enables us to truly see how our work makes a difference.” Elise Pundyk (photo: left)
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Student Major: Art History/Museum Studies
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