The Legend October 2011

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ISSUE TWO

Mapping out a plan

the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Take a look at what you can do with co-op Campus planner and architect Spencer Court understands the affinity people have for the U of L campus.

Ashley Steacy has her eyes set on Olympics

The U of L’s first Master of Music graduate

Sustainability priority gets a push from SU

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, Erica Lind, Glenda Martens, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Rob Olson, Brad Pace, 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

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reater than 150 people recently discovered that long-term campus planning is more than drawing the shape of a building on a site plan or figuring out where to put a parking lot. By participating in a series of input sessions that will help guide the next few decades of development on campus, students, staff, faculty members and community representatives got the chance to learn how involved the process is, and how strongly people feel about the future of the campus landscape. “The consulting team and I felt there was a real collaborative spirit of engagement among all the participants,” says Spencer Court, the U of L’s campus planner and architect. “Our campus is something people feel strongly about, and these sessions pointed out the fact that each of us contributes in our own way – directly or indirectly – to improving student experiences.” Court says that participants as well as facilitators commented on the energy level in each session, which took place over three days in mid-September. “People came away reporting to have had a very positive and engaging experience at the sessions. Students particularly expressed gratitude for being consulted,” he says. The campus planning design team is a collaborative arrangement between three separate firms. Moriyama + Teshima Architects and Planners lead the master planning effort and are supported by the Calgary architecture firm Gibbs Gage Architects and Educational Consulting Services Corp., which led the on-site workshops. Coincidentally, Raymond Moriyama and eventual partner Ted Teshima, the men behind Moriyama + Teshima, grew up in Raymond and Taber respectively. “Our team is led by the founder’s son, Jason Moriyama,

who remembers spending time in southern Alberta as a youth visiting his grandparents,” says Court. Developing a master plan for any institution is like holding up a mirror and assessing both successes and weaknesses. “This process considered our legacy, our present circumstances and affirms the direction we take in the future,” says Court. “A master plan is also a unifying framework that we would use to capitalize on our landscape setting and enhance our sense of place. That, in turn, enriches the student experience and creates a vibrant and talked-about destination.” Court says the process is expected to take about a year. “The early stage we are in involves a lot of discovery, consultation and consensus building in connection with the various institutional mandates, such as the Strategic Plan and other planning documents. We are already three months into the formal process of interviews and research. The initial conceptual planning work is expected sometime in February 2012.” Open houses and presentations are also planned for 2012, in addition to less formal feedback mechanisms and an evolving website. “With the help of the Students’ Union, we will be connecting with students through more convenient public ‘white board forums’ in the next few weeks,” says Court. “At locations all across campus, questions from the planning sessions will be modified and put forward in engaging ways so that students, and people who might not have had the opportunity to attend the sessions in September, can comment. A campus master plan website is also being developed to document the master plan process. That site will also have a mechanism for feedback.”

DISCUSSION WAS LIVELY Do members of the U of L community have opinions about what future development on campus looks like? They certainly do. Following are a few highlights from the recent Campus Master Planning discussions. • There is a significant need for social spaces of various types that are configurable, scaled to purpose and less formal. These spaces could punctuate campus and be appropriated by student, faculty and staff to facilitate learning and contribute to a gathering place at the University. The plan will recognize this area as one that supports a better student experience and improves education delivery out of the classroom or lab. • In focusing on research and graduate programs, the institution should not lose sight of its roots in liberal education, and should carry out designs that further enrich this academic experience for students. Doing so maintains our institution as truly comprehensive. • University Hall is an icon in a truly unique landscape setting that should be celebrated, enhanced and leveraged. Appropriately identified programming that continues to serve a liberal education model of undergraduate study should be conceptualized in an effort to re-envision the embodied potential within University Hall. • The campus community is not mixing as well as we did in one large building. Safe pedestrian movement is currently not carried through, as students, faculty and staff often compete with automobiles in a vast area of parking. • There is no intuitive, well-planned welcoming front entrance, only a ceremonial one that is disconnected from the adjacent city landscape. • Students value the opportunity to be consulted. Leeanne Mundle was the lucky winner of an iPad2, offered as a random draw prize to encourage student participation.


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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

OPENMike

University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what’s happening in the University community

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want to thank everyone who attended my inaugural Fiat Lux Address last week and all those who have taken the time to either watch or read the address online. I found the entire exercise to be very beneficial and was pleased to see representation from all corners of campus in the audience. The discussion that followed the address was frank and open and many thought-provoking points were introduced that will lead to further discussion down the road. I am sincere in saying that events such as these are a priority for me in maintaining an atmosphere of transparency and connectedness between the Office of the President and the University community. To that end, I alluded to the creation of monthly open office times and first-come, firstserve Lunch with the President dates. In the next month, I will

be holding an Open Office on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. in A762. The first Lunch with the President is Thursday, Oct. 6 from noon to 1 p.m. in A760. The lunches are open to the first 10 people who RSVP to presidentsoffice@uleth.ca. Ensuing dates for November and December events will be displayed on campus digital signage and on UNews. I also made mention of hosting departmental events with Maureen at our home, and we intend to do this on a monthly basis as well. I see these gatherings as an informal opportunity for me to learn about what is happening throughout campus and to glean any insight or feedback from the people who are hard at work everyday, helping to give our students the best university experience possible and to build on our aspirations as a comprehensive university. It’s also a great chance

for me to continue meeting everyone and further the process of putting faces to names. Looking back at the discussion following the Fiat Lux Address, I took away a number of perspectives that we will incorporate into our thinking and planning going forward, but two themes in particular seemed to resonate with the crowd. The ideas of establishing the U of L as a true destination university, and the creation of a support framework that embraces the Blackfoot and other First Nations, Métis and Inuit people are unique ideas but linked at the same time. In many ways we are already a destination university, with some 70 per cent of our student population coming from outside the Lethbridge area. In the future, I see us establishing the University as a place where people choose to be, regardless of where they live. We know going

CAMPUS Denton Fredrickson’s (Art) and Catherine Ross’s (Art Technician) collaborative installation was recently unveiled on the east side of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG). The work, entitled Aeolian Aviary, is the latest addition to the City of Lethbridge’s Public Art Collection and was selected by a jury from more than 40 submissions from across Canada and beyond. The work combines the acoustic resonance of 16 air and string instruments with the dynamic emergence of 67 cast aluminum birds. They also have their exhibition Between Material and Imagination showing at SAAG until Nov. 13. Dale Ketcheson (Music) recently released his first CD, Heart Strings, which includes a work by Music Professor Emeritus Dean Blair. Ian Burleigh (Music) and Leanne Elias (New Media) are creating course projects involving sound production and editing as part of the exhibition Nikkei Tapestry: Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta for the Virtual Museum of Canada.

forward that to achieve status as a true destination university, we must look at the issue of accessibility and how it will mesh with this goal, we must look at how many student residences we have versus need and we must continue to enhance our student support services. Many of you are working toward this now and it is an aspiration that builds off strengths we already possess. We must continue to work toward maintaining and improving our student-centred approach. In that sense, so too does our commitment to building a campus wide framework for recruiting and supporting Blackfoot and other First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. We want to build on our past initiatives to create an environment whereby First Nations from across North America see the U of L as their destination, that we are particularly welcoming and attractive to them, with

kudos

an environment of support that will lead them to be successful students. We also want ALL of our students to learn about the unique First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures to help contribute to the inclusiveness of our campus community. Finally, since the Fiat Lux Address, the Vice-Presidents and I met with the University Budget Committee to reiterate the importance of being intentional in our strategies and how this will affect our ability to progress as a comprehensive university and continue our commitment to the undergraduate experience. There are certainly challenges ahead but we are in a good place as a university to make important choices that will create our preferred future. Once again, thank you for your interest in the Fiat Lux Address and I look forward to speaking with as many people as possible in the future months.

Responses to Environmental Shocks. Mary Kavanagh (Art) was the featured artist in the winter 2011 issue of Grain: the journal of eclectic writing. Photographs used in this issue were made by Kavanagh during a 2010 Artist Residency at the Center for Land Use Interpretation in Wendover, UT.

Pictured, back row (L to R): Terrance Myers (Biology), team creative advisor Dr. A. William Smith (Fine Arts, New Media), Dustin Smith (Biochemistry), Fan Mo (Wieden Lab supervisor), Ryan Pederson (Neuroscience), Katherine Gzyl (Biochemistry), Jenna Friedt (MSc candidate, Biochemistry), Dipankar Goyal (Neuroscience), Isaac Ward (Neuroscience), Sutherland Dube (Neuroscience), Ben Vuong (Biochemistry), Adam Smith (Brent Selinger Lab supervisor), Nathan Dawson (Neuroscience). Front row (L to R): Team academic and research advisor Dr. HJ Wieden (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Boris Lam (Biology), Justin Vigar (Biochemistry) and Harland Brandon (Biochemistry).

The 2011 iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machines) team took home first-place honours in a recent Alberta-based synthetic biology competition in Edmonton. The team, headed by Dr. HJ Wieden (Chemistry & Biochemistry), is now off to a North and South America-

wide challenge in Indianapolis, Ind. in early October. At that competition, the group hopes to qualify for the international iGEM contest, held each November in Boston, Mass. Faculty of Management professors Dr. Y.J. Bao (Cal-

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gary campus), Dr. Brad Olson (Lethbridge) and Dr. Wenlong Yuan (Calgary) were recently awarded research funding through the Community of Research Excellence Development Opportunities (CREDO) program. This funding will support a project entitled, Organizational

Taras Polataiko (Art) had two exhibitions in Toronto this summer. His paintings were at The Power Plant (July through September) in the context of the international touring exhibition Rearview Mirror: New Art from Central and Eastern Europe. He also had a solo exhibition at Barbara Edwards Contemporary (July thorough August). Michael Campbell (Art) has his exhibition Field Recordings of Icebergs Melting at the Esplanade Art Gallery in Medicine Hat until Oct. 23. Andy Davies’ (BFA/BEd ’09) installation Traveller’s Return was just unveiled in Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay, Ont.


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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Co-op interns show off creative side BY BRAD PACE

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hile Statistics Canada reported a 17 per cent unemployment rate for 15-24 year-old students this past summer, Faculty of Arts and Science co-op students told a different story, as they were all too happy to flash evidence of their impressive co-op work term experiences. Students submitted work related pictures for the second year of the Co-operative Education and Internship Programs’ photo contest. Arts and science co-op students are voting for this year’s winner out of three finalists. Gavin McAtee, a third-year kinesiology and psychology major, clearly had a lot of fun on his work term at Camp Warwa, west of Edmonton. “This photo encompasses my entire experience as a summer camp counsellor/outdoor school co-ordinator. Not only did I have the opportunity to work with a variety of different age groups, I also had a blast while doing it,” says McAtee. He says that the work term has clarified his career aspirations. “As the result of my co-op experience, it has finally become clear that I wish to use my university education to pursue a career that provides athletic development programs for youth.” Evan Vandervalk, entering his third year in biological sciences, used pictures to compare old and new ways of tracking grizzly bears. “My job this summer was to set up, bait and re-visit what are called ‘hair snag sites’,” says Vandervalk. “A bait pile, made up of sticks, moss, and rotten cow’s blood serves to draw bears into the corral, over the single strand of wire, on which they snag their fur.” The data collected was used to estimate the grizzly population in the area near Hinton, Alta. “My supervisor is hoping that these sorts of sites will function as a cheaper and less invasive way to monitor grizzly populations as compared to the collaring

EFAP MEANS MORE HELP FOR FAMILIES BY TREVOR KENNEY It’s got a new name, a new provider and a new list of available services, but the focus of the University’s assistance program remains the same – to enhance the wellness of U of L staff and faculty.

and trapping typically done in the past, which causes stress to the animal and costs more money,” says Vandervalk. Other students have focused on the natural beauty of their work settings, including 2011 contest finalist, Lucas Pittman. A fourth-year environmental science student, Pittman did a co-op work term with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and is pictured walking in the direction of Chief Mountain and Waterton Lakes National Park. “That’s me using my handmade yoke to carry out bags of weeds, which we manually removed from the Shoderee Ranch Property,” says Pittman. Lorin Doerksen’s breathtaking photo in Nunavut was a part of last year’s contest. He completed a 16-month co-op work term with Environment Canada before graduating with a Bachelor of Science with Co-operative Education last June. He now works for a small environmental consulting company in the upstream oil and gas industry. “The experiences gained during the internship have proven useful, not only in getting my resumé noticed, but also in improving my ability to adapt to a new company and new responsibilities,” says Doerksen. Despite appearances to the contrary, Doerksen explains his photo was actually a late night scene taken at 1 a.m. one July morning. “One evening I caught a ride out along the bay to a fishing spot. Each summer, by about July, the bay ice breaks up and Arctic Char move in to feed,” says Doerksen. “Seals also follow the Char into the bay. Inuit families make use of the 24-hour sunlight to fish late into the night.” As a student intern, Doerksen was part of the Contaminated Sites Expert Support Group covering the Prairie and Northern Region. “Contaminated sites include old mines (gold, uranium and silver), tailings ponds, Distant Early Warning (DEW) line sites in the arctic, and various other contamination sites all over the southern parts of our region.”

Now dubbed the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), the service is available through Human Solutions, an off-campus company that specializes in providing employee assistance and work-health solutions. It means greater access to a broader scope of assistance mechanisms while maintaining the personal and confidential nature that staff and faculty have grown to trust. “It gives all employees access to help on a 24-hour basis, which is something we never had before,” says Barb Thomsen,

Jasminn Berteotti, Applied Studies and Co-operative Education co-ordinator for the Faculty of Arts and Science, explains why the photo contest was started. “We wanted to give our co-op students a creative venue for sharing amazing work term experiences with each other,” she says. “We were looking for a ‘Wow! Look what I did,’ kind of message, and I think it worked. Our students get to do and see remarkable things, and this is the perfect way to showcase it.”

Above, An Inuit family jigging for Arctic Char and seals on the broken ice near Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Photo by Lorin Doerksen Below, traditional methods of tracking grizzly bears are contrasted with new strategies. Photos submitted by Evan Vandervalk

Above, co-op student Gavin McAtee alongside a stormtrooper in “The battle between good and evil.” Photo by Cole D. Schneider

co-ordinator of pension and benefits. “Whether it be online, through a telephone call or a face-to-face session, our employees will always be able to access help if they need it.” Initially, Human Solutions was looked at as a complementary service to be added to that already provided by Michele Guenter, the U of L’s in-house counsellor. When she accepted a position in B.C., following her husband to the west coast, Human Solutions was brought in as the sole provider. “There was no intent for

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Michele not to be here,” says Thomsen. “We were planning on adding this to Michele’s services because her workload was so high as it was, it was difficult for people to get in to see her.” By contracting to Human Solutions, the EFAP offers access to a wider variety of counselling solutions, far more than one person was able to supply in the past. “There are any number of counsellors available on any different topic,” says Suzanne McIntosh, the University’s wellness co-ordinator. “It’s not just stress

or mental health issues that we’re talking about. Employees can discuss issues such as financial health, pre-retirement planning and even have access to a series of online parenting sessions.” For staff and faculty who travel out of country, Human Solutions offers an international phone number that can be dialed collect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff, faculty and their families are eligible to receive 12 sessions per participant in each benefit year. CONTINUED ON PG. 4


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Recognizing a need

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

LINKING PAST TO PRESENT

Galt School of Nursing Alumni enjoyed their day on campus.

Staff member Sharon Lawson is thankful she had support while pursuing her educational goals.

BY ERICA LIND

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rom student to staff member, Sharon Lawson (BEd ’88) is no stranger to the University of Lethbridge. With a first-hand understanding of the U of L student experience, she has been supporting students since her first day on the job. Lawson graduated from the U of L with a Bachelor of Education degree. After a few years of working in several different fields, she returned to the University in 2009 as an administrative assistant in the Faculty of Health Sciences. What Lawson enjoys most about her job are the people she works with. “We have fantastic faculty and staff,” she says. “I enjoy the team atmosphere here. Everyone works together and shows appreciation for each other.”

SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE CONTINUED FROM PG. 3 As Thomsen and McIntosh roll out the new service, they are using the opportunity to encourage staff and faculty to look at counselling in a new light. “You almost have to take the word counselling out of the whole mix,” says Thomsen, who sees it more as another support mechanism. “Really, you’re just going to go talk with someone. If you look at it that way, it’s just a case of somebody helping you or assisting you to look at an issue in different ways.”

While she is now a staff member, Lawson has not forgotten what it’s like to be a student. She understands the challenges many students face and realizes she was lucky when she was in their shoes. “I was able to live at home and rely on the ‘Bank of Dad,’” she jokes. “I also received an entrance scholarship. Many students aren’t so lucky.” Lawson has seen the cost of education rise a great deal since she was taking classes, leading many students to depend on student loans. “Student debt is growing significantly,” she says. “Anything I can do to help students start their careers with a little bit less debt and stress is a good thing. That’s why I donate to the Supporting Our Students campaign.” Supporting Our Students (SOS) is an annual fundraising campaign aimed towards

In that manner, Human Solutions is a valuable resource, says McIntosh. “Many people don’t want to take that step to make an appointment to go and talk with someone, they might feel they are already admitting to a problem,” she says. “With this service, just having the opportunity to get more information about a topic might be enough. It doesn’t have to always end up as a counselling session and this service allows for that.” They encourage employees to talk to Human Solutions representatives at the Oct. 26 Life Balance Fair in the 1st Choice Savings Centre, or to call 1-800-663-1142 to access help.

faculty and staff on campus. The purpose of the campaign is to raise money for student awards. Since its launch in 2005, faculty and staff have generously donated more than $1 million, sending a strong message to students that the University community stands behind them. Lawson emphasizes the impact of her giving. “I find that often when giving to larger charities you don’t see the impact right away,” she says, “whereas my donation to this campaign is having a visible and immediate impact on students.” For more information on Supporting Our Students, please visit www.thisismyu. ca/giving or call University Advancement at 403-329-2582.

G E T T H E FA C T S • In addition to services provided under the former Employee Assistance Program, the new EFAP provides counselling on single parenting, aging parents, gambling, financial issues and more. • Family member appointments are available. • No records are kept at or are accessible by the University of Lethbridge. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. • For more information on the EFAP, contact Barb Thomsen at 403-329-2379.

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When the Galt School of Nursing Alumni gifted close to $150,000 in scholarship money to the University of Lethbridge nursing program, it was a case of the past meeting the present to benefit the future. “We’re very pleased to continue in the tradition established by the Galt School of Nursing and are proud to educate the next generation of nursing professionals,” says U of L president, Dr. Mike Mahon. For nearly 70 years (1910 to 1979), the Galt School of Nursing trained more than 1,100 nurses who played a key role in providing quality health care to the residents of southern Alberta. The Galt family first established a fund in 1910 that supported nursing students and helped to purchase equipment for the school of nursing. “It is remarkable that this fund has carried over for more than 100 years, from the pioneering Galt family to the present day,” says Donna Karl, RN, and a 1963 graduate of the Galt School of Nursing. Administered by the Galt Alumni Association for the past 15 years, it provided scholarships to descendants of Galt alumni, but as applications waned in recent years, the association wanted to put the money to good use. “When we realized that, due to our alumni’s aging population, we were not receiving many applications for scholarships, we knew it was time to move this money to a place where it would be utilized and the University’s nursing program was an obvious choice,” says Karl. While descendants of Galt alumni are still in the terms of reference for the rewarding of scholarships, academic merit will weigh heavily. The fund will be endowed to provide scholarships to entering or continuing Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing After Degree third- and fourth-year students. “Nursing is all about caring for people and I can see that the students today are carrying on in that tradition,” says Karl, who, along with other alumni, toured the new Simulation Health Centre with current students. “The nursing students that I met today are still all about taking care of people but are far

G E T T H E FA C T S • The U of L first established a School of Nursing in 1980. • There are 698 students currently enrolled in the nursing program, which is now offered jointly by Lethbridge College and the U of L’s Faculty of Health Sciences. • To date, more than 1,500 nurses have graduated from the U of L’s nursing program. • The Galt family built and supported the original Galt Hospital, which is now the site of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum and Archives. • The scholarship transfer agreement required a change in provincial legislation, facilitated at a government level by former nurse and healthcare provider Bridget Pastoor, MLA Lethbridge East. more educated than we were because of the facilities available to them. That lab we toured is wonderful!” Karl, who works part time at Lethbridge College in the Health Services Office, says the alumni association felt a great responsibility to administer the fund. “For years we’ve been managing that money like it was our own – there were about six of us who would gather around my kitchen table and make decisions about scholarships,” she says. “We looked after that money very well and gave it out very carefully. I’m happy that the U of L will be able to look after that from here out.” That it will live on in perpetuity and continue a century-old tradition of supporting nursing students is gratifying to Karl. “I absolutely love this profession, and am really pleased to still be working nearly 50 years after being in school,” she says. “Much has changed since 1963 – we certainly didn’t have the facilities or services today’s students have – but we can continue to ensure today’s students are supported throughout their education.”


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athletics AT T H E U

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Olympic prize in sight

connections GLOBAL

Former Pronghorn Ashley Steacy is now a veteran of the Canadian national rugby scene. Photo by Ron Leblanc

VISITING STUDENTS ADD TO MOSAIC

Visiting Malaysian students Nurul Ain Binyi Mohd Salihuddin, Mohd Kamil Bin Zukepeli and Datu Hazriel Bin Datu Atik.

BY AMANDA BERG

BY EOIN COLQUHOUN

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s one of the most decorated female rugby athletes in the brief history of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), Ashley Steacy (nee Patzer, she recently married fellow Pronghorn athlete and CIS champion, track athlete Sean Steacy) is just starting to make her mark on the world women’s rugby scene. The two-time CIS Player of the year and three-time CIS Champion has become a permanent fixture with both the Senior National full squad and Sevens teams with one goal in mind: representing Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “Thinking about the possibility of going to the Olympics is pretty surreal,” says Steacy. “It’s a very recent goal of mine and is still pretty far in the future, but I’m trying not to think too much about the end goal, and instead focus on the smaller steps leading up to it.” A relatively unknown local Lethbridge product, Steacy burst onto the university scene in the fall of 2005, being named both the Canada West and CIS rookie of the year, and serving notice to Rugby Canada that she was an athlete worth watching. She’s thankful to have been able to use CIS sport as a springboard for success.

Despite taking time off to focus on her national team commitments and to play in New Zealand, Steacy will graduate this fall with a bachelor of arts in kinesiology.

“Thinking about the possibility of going to the Olympics is pretty surreal.”

ASHLEY STEACY

“I love being in an environment that continually pushes me to be better and learn new things,” says Steacy. “Being able to compete in my sport while receiving an education has meant the world to me. I wouldn’t change or trade any part of my CIS experience.” Steacy made her national team debut on the Sevens side in February 2006 and the full squad in October 2007. The offensive dynamo had her world coming out party at the 2009 Sevens World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Steacy finished fourth in tournament scoring with a team best 38 points. In the six-game event, she scored four tries and made nine converts, the second most in the tournament.

Last fall, despite breaking her hand only eight weeks prior, she suited up for the national senior team at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. The team finished a disappointing fifth in the tournament but Steacy, as one of the youngest players on the team, is expected to be one of a handful of players that will make up the core group going forward. Starting in January 2012 the national program will be centralizing for five months, with all the carded athletes moving to Victoria, B.C. During this time they will be training together five days a week and attend four tournaments, including a newly created Canadian event. Vegas Sevens and Hong Kong Sevens are two of the other tournaments on the schedule. After five seasons in the CIS, Steacy amassed an impressive resumé that included numerous individual accolades, but her most cherished memories are the team successes she achieved with the Horns. “The CIS has given me the opportunity to learn and grow not only as an athlete but as a person as well,” says Steacy. “I’ve learned many life lessons over my 5 years here. Playing at a high level in my sport has definitely been the highlight of my university experience.”

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For Nurul, Kamil and Datu, students from University Tecknologi Mara in Malaysia, discovering all there is to do and learn this semester at the University of Lethbridge is the experience of a lifetime. In turn, for students, faculty and staff in the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts, hosting these exceptional students is not only rewarding but also provides the opportunity to learn from their exchange visitors. The exchange program, spearheaded by Theatre and Dramatic Arts Professor Emeritus, Dr. Ches Skinner, is the first of its kind for the department. “Since I retired from the U of L, I have been teaching in the Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia,” says Skinner. “UiTM has a program that enables students to go overseas to complete a three-month practicum. I encouraged Nurul, Kamil and Datu to apply and they did. I approached the U of L Fine Arts department last year to consider hosting these students and the rest, as they say, was history.” The students have been in Lethbridge since August, adjusting to their new life, moving into a new home, registering for classes and becoming acquainted with the theatre production shops where they are working. “I really had no experience on a sewing machine,” says Nurul, who is working in the Costume Shop with manager Teresa Heyburn and assistant Lynn Hopkins. “Back home, we mostly sew by hand. I have learned so many things from Teresa and Lynn. These skills are very valuable to my studies and career back home.” Kamil and Datu have been busy in the Props and Scene Shops, working on the set of the next Mainstage production, The Government Inspector, with properties master Jay Johnston, head shop carpenter David Green and scene shop assistant Arlene Curran.

“I chose to come to the U of L after talking to Dr. Skinner and exploring the U of L website. I plan to use the skills learned here in theatre back home in Malaysia. It’s been a great experience so far,” says Kamil. “Nurul, Kamil and Datu come from small villages and pay for their education through loans and work they do out of school,” explains Skinner. “They could never afford to travel outside their country, so consequently, the world beyond their borders is often a collage of what they pick up from films, TV and newspapers. This experience will immeasurably expand their knowledge of the world and themselves.” Meeting new friends, practicing English, discovering new skills and using new technology continues to expand the students’ experiences every day. “A university is a place where people from different cultures, beliefs, traditions and practices come together to share ideas and experiences; to get to know each other, and in doing so, contribute positively to the global community of which we are all a part,” adds Skinner. “Nowhere is that more important than in the fine arts, which celebrates our humanity through all forms of expression. In a small way, I believe this program reflects that aim and will hopefully break through the geographical obstacles and help people from different parts of the world to get to know each other.” As Nurul, Kamil and Datu’s visit concludes in November, it is hoped another handful of UiTM students will take advantage of the exchange program and join the Faculty of Fine Arts at the U of L, to discover all the opportunities found on campus and throughout the whole community. “I hope the U of L will become the preferred place for students from UiTM for many years,” says Skinner. “This program adds to their education and is exceedingly valuable for them.”


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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Championing the U of L mandate

A EUS ACTION AGAINST BULLYING Long before they get into the teaching profession, University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education students are already ahead of the curve in terms of their ability to recognize bullying, both in the classroom and in cyberspace. The Education Undergraduate Students’ Society (EUS) is launching a series of presentations and activities beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11 to help future teachers – and anyone else who is interested in this issue – learn more about the bigger picture challenges surrounding bullying. Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week runs Oct. 11-13. All the talks throughout the week are free and open to the public. They will be held in the Students’ Union Ballrooms, Level 3 of the Students’ Union building. Following is a look at the featured events. Tuesday, Oct. 11 Noon to 12:50 p.m. U of L faculty members Dr. Robin Bright & Dr. Mary Dyck present Teaching in the 21st Century: Online Citizenship Tuesday, Oct. 11 6 to 8 p.m. Bill Belsey of www.bullying. org presents Bullying: What Parents and Teachers Should Know, What Can Be Done Wednesday, Oct. 12 Noon to 12:50 p.m. Dr. Mark Yurick of the Alberta Teacher’s Association presents Preventing and Dealing With Bullying Thursday, Oct. 13 Noon to 12:50 p.m. Dr. Carmen Mombourquette presents Teachers as Role Models: How We Can Help Prevent Bullying By Our Actions

key part of most successful government relations strategies is to identify and utilize champions for your cause. For federal initiatives, the U of L has found a literal champion of its own. The Deputy Minister University Champion Program is an initiative housed in the Canada School of Public Service, and is aimed at strengthening linkages between the Government of Canada and Canadian universities. Earlier this year, the University of Lethbridge was granted membership into this program. Subsequently, Dr. James Ralston, the Comptroller General of Canada, was named as the U of L’s University Champion. Ralston received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, his Master of Arts (Economics)

from the University of Ottawa and a Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science) from Carleton University. Beginning his career with the Provincial Auditor of Alberta, he later joined a national accounting/consulting firm in Edmonton and Ottawa. He was appointed the Comptroller General of Canada after working for the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for 15 years. The role of a deputy minister champion is flexible. In speaking with my counterparts across Canada, it is clear that relationships between universities and deputy minister champions vary greatly and are unique to each institution. It is hoped that the relationship between Ralston and the University of Lethbridge will create new opportunities for our students and faculty, such as stronger co-op arrangements between the

U of L and the federal government, the facilitation of interactions that link U of L research and teaching strengths with appropriate federal departments and continuous information sharing of university and government directions and priorities. Ralston has been an eager and willing partner with the U of L from the outset of the champion program. He has already taken the time to tour the U of L and meet with a variety of folks from different parts of campus, including meetings with President Mike Mahon, Provost Andrew Hakin, the Career Resources Centre and our co-op programs office. He also toured the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building, the Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience and the U of L Art Gallery.

Now that Ralston has an understanding of the programs offered and research conducted at the U of L, he is in a better position to identify links and opportunities between the federal government and the University. Furthermore, he is in a better position to represent U of L interests and, when appropriate, facilitate and advise on effective strategies. Richard Westlund is the Director of Government Relations at the U of L. In an effort to better inform different parts of our campus and external communities about the various government relations activities that occur at the U of L, he has started a blog. Visit it at blogs. ulethbridge.ca/governmentrelations

LIBRARY ENTERS WORLD OF MULTIMEDIA

viduals of all skill levels as tools for improving the overall quality of personal and school-related projects. “There is an increasing demand for equipment and software packages to enable students to complete multimedia projects for classes,” says Allan Gergel, Library Information Systems supervisor. “The library wanted to help out, as we often get these types of requests from students, and we have the facilities and expertise available to provide this service.” The new multimedia stations are located behind the PATSS service desk just inside the entrance to the library, in the space formerly occupied by the reference section. The available equipment includes two PC computers and one iMac computer; two large Wacom drawing

tablets; one large-format Epson scanner (scans 11”x17”); and one Midi controller. The machines will be equipped with Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection, which includes Photoshop®; Illustrator®; InDesign®; Acrobat® X Pro; several Flash® programs; Dreamweaver®; Fireworks®; Contribute®; Encore; Media Encoder; and more. The iMac also features Avid Protools. There are also a number of free and open source applications installed on each machine. The applications are listed on the library website: www.uleth. ca/lib/communities/index.php/ multimedia/ in a section called “Free and Open Source Software”. This is a collection of free software that the library recommends for students who cannot afford to buy software elsewhere.

The web page also contains a number of links to free resources that may be used in students’ multimedia projects, including images, music, videos and sound effects. Links to useful tutorials are also provided, to save the user from spending countless hours of frustration. These tutorials are available in the Multimedia Creation Resources Section. And of course, the PATSS are trained on how to use the applications on the computers, and are therefore able to provide useful assistance to library patrons using the stations. Please let your students know that these stations are available – or come by the library and try them out yourself!

BY SHEM SIMMONS AND NICOLE EVA-RICE This fall, the University Library is offering multimedia services that provide students and library patrons with the resources they need in order to produce professional-quality multimedia projects. Three high-end computers equipped with production software are available in the library with trained Peer-Assisted Technology Support Students (PATSS) on hand to provide assistance with creating graphics, videos, podcasts, websites and much more. The library is providing these services for indi-

TAKING TRASH TO A NEW LEVEL It takes a lot of people to build a talking garbage can that thanks you for throwing away your trash. A total of 21 young students from schools across the city will be showing off their chatty trash receptacle in the University Hall Atrium on Friday, Oct. 7. It is the first of what organizers hope to be many Make Your Mark activities. The event kicks off at 1 p.m. To be designated a Make Your Mark project, items must be built by children with the support of a University of Lethbridge program (such as LUMACS), and produce a permanent addition to a University of Lethbridge campus or other approved location. Mathematics and Computer Science staff and faculty created

the Make Your Mark program with input from other departments and business units on campus as a way to give children an opportunity to explore several areas of study while making a positive permanent contribution to the University’s landscape. Ideas for future projects from all areas of campus are welcome, and there are already some brainstormed concepts on the Make Your Mark website. Check it out at www.cs.uleth.ca/ MakeYourMark/ for more information about the program and how to move a project forward.

Student Bailey Wilson cradles her trash-talking container. The student group that worked on the project included: Braedan Dunne, Brett Dunne, Chloe Jaster, Cole Penner, Garrett Myles, Hana Graham, Jimin Yu, Jiwon Yu, Jon Kwan, Jonah Navarro-Bellavance, Joshua Iwanchuk, Kai Siallagan, Kyra Lawson, Lisa Basil, Nick Davis, Olivia Armfelt, Renee Boutilier-McFarlane and Sarah Cassidy.

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Convocation

the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Trailblazing master’s student has music in her soul BY STACY SEGUIN

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rowing up in rural Alberta, opera singer Acacia Doktorchik (BMus ’09 distinction, MMus ’11), always sang to the tune of a different song. While most of her friends dedicated their time to stickhandling at the hockey rink or roping calves and barrel racing in the rodeo arena, Doktorchik spent countless hours perfecting her skills on the piano and developing her singing voice. Her passion for music, which led her to become the first student to graduate with a Master of Music from the University of Lethbridge, is soul-deep. “I grew up in a very musical home, but when I thought about going into medicine after high school, I couldn’t imagine music not being a part of my life,” says Doktorchik. “My mom suggested that if I went into medicine, I could always teach voice or piano on the side if I wanted to. I thought about that for a few days, and it was just so depressing. I knew then that music would have to play a much bigger role in my life.” With the support of her parents and the encouragement of her voice teacher, Calgary Opera singer Shelley Fullerton, Doktorchik enrolled in a Bachelor of Music program in vocal performance at the University of Lethbridge in 2005. She took full advantage of the musical opportunities at the University for both her piano and vocal skills. “I thought about doing a double major in voice and piano, but with the performance criteria I just didn’t have time. I didn’t want to lose my piano skills,

MILTENBERGER HONOURED AS ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Described as a northern visionary and a protector of northern values, accomplished alumnus J. Michael Miltenberger (BA ’75) is the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s 2011 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Born in Ottawa but raised in the Northwest Territories, Miltenberger completed a bachelor of arts and science in sociology at the University of Lethbridge in 1975. Following graduation, Miltenberger returned to the Northwest Territories where he began his career in public service. He entered politics in Fort Smith, NWT, as a member of

G E T T H E FA C T S • Doktorchik has performed in five operas, including lead roles in Menotti’s The Telephone (Lucy), Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites (Constance) and Von Suppe’s Ten Belles With No Ring (Sidonia). • She performed as a soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Magnificat with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. • She is also an accomplished pianist, cellist, and Celtic and Highland Dancer. • She has trained with the Cowtown Opera Summer Academy and the Southern Alberta Vocal Academy. • Among her opportunities to sing Oh Canada, she has opened Lethbridge Bulls games.

however, so I played for a lot of auditions the first couple of years. Although I wasn’t really much of a choir person, I started singing in Vox Musica during my first year. It was so fun and so rewarding; it really changed my view of choir,” recalls Doktorchik, who later joined the Women’s Chorus and U of L Singers. “In my second year I became a member of the U of L Opera Workshop with Dr. Blaine Hendsbee. It was my first experience performing in an opera. It was

town council. He would eventually serve a two-and-a-half-year term as mayor. Miltenberger was first elected to the Territorial Assembly in 1995 and rose quickly to the Ministerial level, assuming more sophisticated portfolios and greater governmental responsibility, including the roles of Deputy Premier, Government House Leader, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Minister of Finance and Minister of Health and Social Services. His clear and thoughtprovoking approach has significantly impacted a variety of projects in areas ranging from health services to wildlife and endangered species. As Minister of Finance, Miltenberger guided the Northwest Territories through the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression with a balanced budget and no long-term debt. In his role as Minister

Acacia Doktorchik is set to convocate as the University’s first Master of Music graduate.

fantastic and I became really interested in opera. It is so dramatic and challenging and filled with emotion. It is so real in the most human way. I want to continue singing and performing it as long as I can.” Before her graduation in 2009, Hendsbee approached Doktorchik and told her about the University’s new Master of Music program, suggesting she apply. “I was going to take a year off after my undergrad and I am so glad I didn’t. I was the only person in the program that first year and the faculty were still working out exactly how it would run. They told me that they wanted me to write a thesis and I thought it was a fantastic idea. The U of L program has such a great balance between academics and performance, whereas

J. Michael Miltenberger has a long record of public service.

of Environment and Natural Resources, Miltenberger worked with First Nations governments

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most of the other programs I have heard about seem to focus on only one or the other,” says Doktorchik. “Although it was busy and stressful at times, I was able to do so much and gained so much experience. I wrote my first thesis and had at least another 20- or 30-page paper due each semester. I performed in two operas and assisted with a third, had diction classes and language classes and was given the opportunity to teach and to conduct a choir. Being the first student to graduate from the program feels really wonderful. I was so lucky to work with such high calibre musicians and faculty and it is very rewarding to know that I had a part in shaping this program.” Throughout her master’s studies, Doktorchik taught voice

and piano through both the University’s and Medicine Hat College’s Conservatories of Music. After completing her master’s requirements this fall, she moved to Medicine Hat and began teaching voice, piano and theory full-time for the conservatory. Doktorchik returns to Lethbridge Oct. 15 to convocate at the University for the second time. “I have been given the opportunity to sing Oh Canada at previous U of L convocations, but this year they have asked me to read the invocation. Looking at it now, I realize how important these words are. The invocation says everything I want to say,” says Doktorchik. “I am truly grateful for the faculty and for my parents, friends and family that have supported me on my journey.”

to establish Northern Voices, Northern Water: A Water Strategy for the NWT. This groundbreaking stewardship program outlines the philosophy guiding the Territories in all aspects of water management, including preservation and protection while working with trans-boundary agreements. Miltenberger’s impassioned approach to water stewardship helped move a regional issue to the world stage, generating enthusiasm and support for the program locally, nationally and internationally. Today, Miltenberger’s work on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories is being widely recognized, particularly in the area of water management. He is a significant figure on the international water policy stage and is one of five Canadians invited to be part of an expert panel at the Seventh Annual Rosenberg Water Policy

Forum to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina later this year. Miltenberger met his wife Geraldine when they were both U of L students. The couple has one daughter, Michaela (Craig) Johnson, who is a current U of L student, and two grandchildren, Larrisa and Jason. The Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus/a of the Year Award recognizes individuals for exceptional professional achievements, academic excellence and/or contributions to society. The University Alumni Association is proud of Miltenberger’s professional accomplishments and his role as an environmental advocate. It is with great pleasure the association recognizes J. Michael Miltenberger for his achievements by presenting him with the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.


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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

MAKING SUSTAINABILITY A PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE

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t has been identified as a strategic direction and key priority for the institution but when it comes to talking about making the University of Lethbridge more sustainable, what exactly does that mean? In an effort to promote the University’s sustainability initiatives, the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) is intent on solving that question and helping students, staff and faculty at the U of L get on board the sustainability bandwagon. Zack Moline, the Students’ Union president is a key driver of the University’s sustainability aspirations, and he speaks to first creating an awareness on campus about just what makes up the three prongs of the sustainability equation. “I think everyone gets the environmental side of it,” says Moline. “It’s about strategies to reduce your impact on the environment, limiting waste, your carbon imprint and so on. What’s not understood as well are the social and financial aspects of the equation.” Moline explains that financial sustainability is achievable on a number of levels and speaks to making financial decisions that allow for growth but in a way that does not outstrip revenues and resources. “It even speaks to students in terms of them budgeting properly, such as taking out less student loans so that they can afford their education,” says Moline. On the social side of the equation, the emphasis is on social responsibility and creating an atmosphere of support networks both internally and externally. “It speaks to creating an overall sense of a campus society that is socially responsible, so that in the wider community there is a recognition that people have a responsibility to others and their community,” says

Moline. It involves wellness initiatives in the workplace and fostering a sense that people will be given the necessary tools to excel in their roles. Each month in the Legend, we will be presenting stories about people who are living the sustainability initiative, those who are doing their part, whether big or small, to further the goal of making our campus more sustainable. We are also looking for feedback from the community because we want to know who is pushing the sustainability program forward. Is there a student, staff or faculty member who has incorporated concepts of sustainability into their everyday routine? Let us know. Moline is proud to represent a student population that is keen for this messaging and is looking for ways to make their world more sustainable. “Students are definitely welcoming to this kind of message. I think they see how important it is for our future, and I think they all have a vague sense of what sustainability means. With this initiative, we can take that knowledge a little further and help them understand what it really means, how they can be more sustainable in their daily lives and routines,” says Moline. As well, look for tips to appear on the campus digital signs about strategies to introduce sustainability to daily routines. “It’s all about education,” says Moline. “As we see resources dwindling throughout the world, it’s apparent that sustainability is going to be a key concept for us to grasp in order to succeed and grow as a society. For young adults coming to get an education, this is important to them and for the University to put a great emphasis on this, we’ll have a leg up as we go out to solve the world’s problems.”

Dr. Carol Williams joined the Women’s Studies Program and the Department of History at the University of Lethbridge in 2003. Today, we ask her 5 Questions about her research career. Williams is currently completing a transnational edited collection of historical essays titled Indigenous Women’s Work: from Labour to Activism. Her first monograph, Framing the West: Race, Gender and the Photographic Frontier in the Pacific Northwest, discusses women’s roles in nation building and the photographic idea circulated about ‘Indian’ life that were used to promote Euro American settlement. Framing the West was awarded the American Historical Association-Pacific Coast Branch’s Norris and Carol Hundley book prize in 2004. Her dissertation won the Lerner Scott Prize in American Women’s History from the Organization of American History.

well as policies and documents that had served to regulate or police women’s lives. While women’s history in 1982 was not an entirely new subfield in the discipline of history, the field exhibited great intellectual and methodological innovation. Moreover, as professionals, women scholars and their male allies were building networks of support while simultaneously challenging the exclusive structures of historical associations. Women’s history introduced and tested innovative and unconventional methods; mined and interpreted unusual documents and records; recovered or retrieved voices and experiences of topics, peoples and movements previously neglected or seen as less ‘history worthy’. Women’s history research, as an intellectual arm of a global movement for social change and equity, had implications beyond the narrow confines of academia.

Dr. Carol Williams, right, with former student and alumna Daisy Raphael.

What first piqued your interest in your research discipline?

I entered undergraduate studies in 1982 with a pre-existing record of wage employment as a waitress and organizational experience in community and cultural activism, and was intrigued by the political and cultural underpinnings of women’s history. Women, no matter their class, national affiliation or cultural ancestry, were clearly marginal, or entirely absent, from ‘authorized’ bodies of knowledge and from pedagogy. I enrolled in a women’s history class taught by Veronica Strong Boag, now a renowned historian of Canadian women. She encouraged the interpretation of primary sources then overlooked, including women’s diaries and correspondence, as

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How is your research applicable in the ‘real world’?

With women statistically outnumbering men as students and administrative staff in the classrooms and administrative offices of higher education, it is valuable for students to conceive intellectually and concretely how the lives and labour of their mothers, grandmothers, great-great grandmothers and ancestors contributed to the making of our world. Women actively participate in innovation, knowledge, and production; therefore, women deserve to be fully recognized and researched as subjects, as well as producers, of knowledge and things. Why would we expect women to understand the world without adequate and equal representation in the systems and bodies of knowledge shared or taught in our

classrooms and research? Male students equally need to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women. Women’s history and women’s studies ask: “why men’s production has been granted more meaningful status or privilege in education, and research?” In answering this, and other questions new consciousness is created.

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

To study as Canada’s first, and only, Canada Research Chair in the arena of Feminist and Gender Studies, a position I held at Trent University from 2008 to 2011.

How important are students to your research endeavours?

Without students the production of knowledge is meaningless. Students, moreover, may challenge faculty by innovating and challenging existing practices and knowledge. I have mentored and trained students as co-editors for a manuscript-in-progress, and have co-written publications with graduate students. My most recent book is dedicated to both undergraduate and graduate students who worked with me throughout the development and completion of the manuscript.

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

I would invest in self-determined educational initiatives of local indigenous communities, and endeavour to mentor indigenous (FNMI) students within the university more actively in order to facilitate their greater success in higher education. I would work on building respectful relationships with local First Nations communities and indigenous knowledge holders and scholars in order to potentially get to the table and form research collaborations. 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


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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

H E A LT H

& wellness

Health Check for U program kicks off BY SUZANNE MCINTOSH

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he Wellness department, along with the University Health Centre, is pleased to have a new group of fourth-year nursing students to assist us with our annual Health Check for U program. This fall, Chris Wenzel, Tammy Stern, Cara Znack and Su (Xin Yi) Su are getting geared up to assist with on-campus health screening for employees. The benefit for you is that after taking part in the free, on-site, Health Check for U program, you will be rewarded with a wealth of information regarding your health. Did you know that employees who are aware of their health risks are more likely to make healthier lifestyle changes? Take a look at the following statements and see if any of these apply to you: • I would like to find out about my overall health status • I am ready to make some small changes to improve my overall health • I would like information on my blood pressure or cholesterol levels • I have diabetes or another chronic health issue

• I tend to feel stressed • I smoke • I am having trouble sleeping at night • I have a family history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes If any of these issues relate to your health, give us a call at 403-332-5217 or send us an e-mail at wellness@uleth.ca for more information. This fall’s Health Check for U program includes the following:

Level I – Know Your Numbers

Vascular Risk Assessment will be offering a mobile clinic and will come to your department to provide customized health information sessions. This can include blood pressure, glucose, fasting cholesterol and blood glucose checks, or other customized health sessions such as miniergonomics checks and back health.

Level II – Ongoing Vascular Risk Screening

These screenings take just 15 minutes and are followed up by a 20 to 30-minute session the following day. They will look at your blood pressure, weight, height, waist

circumference, fasting cholesterol and glucose profile, and you will be provided with a printout and information on your personal 10-year cardiovascular risk. Additionally, an optional one-on-one follow-up education and free lifestyle assessment in partnership with Sport and Recreation Services ($60 value) is also available. Finally, there is an optional dietitian consultation, in partnership with Building Healthy Lifestyles. If you’ve been through the program before, feel free to come back and have a second or third screening. It’s a great way to find out if past goals have been met. We look forward to supporting your interest in creating a balanced, healthy and fulfilled lifestyle. October is Healthy Workplace Month in Canada. We are looking forward to hosting the 5th Annual Life Balance Fair for employees (students are also welcome) on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the track level of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. The theme for this year’s event is Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Work Simple Goals for Everyone.

Exhibitors at the fair include: the U of L Benefits team; Employee and Family Assistance Provider - Homewood Human Solutions, U of L Health Centre (flu shots); Step into Wellness (reflexology); Muscular Therapies (providing mini-massages); U of L Conference Services; Visit Lethbridge; and many more! Come out for a free lunch and the opportunity to see some great demonstrations exploring all aspects of a healthy and balanced life.

Mini-massages

Through the months of October and November, massage therapy students from Lethbridge College will be on campus giving free mini-massages. Sessions are still available on Oct. 20 (L1112), Oct. 27 (AH119), Nov. 17 (AH100) and Nov. 30 (L1114) from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. Contact wellness@uleth.ca to sign up or simply drop by and see if there are any drop-in slots available. As always, I look forward to any comments, suggestions or questions. Suzanne McIntosh is the Wellness Co-ordinator for the University of Lethbridge

ARE YOU MOODLE READY? Now that Moodle is here to stay on campus, you may need some pointers on how to get the most out of your Moodle experience. Moodleanswers.com is a tutorial website created to help instructors and students find their way around the Moodle learning environment. The site contains tutorials that show instructors how to add resources and activities, post grades, and even how to customize the look of Moodle pages. Each of the tutorials contain screen captures, written instructions and in some cases video demonstrations that walk you, step-by-step, through a Moodle process. The site is a great resource if you need help when a Moodle team member is not available for consultation. Students are also welcomed to come learn about Moodle on

moodleanswers.com. Tutorials for students include helping them with the log-on process, submitting assignments and even participating in forums. Instructors are encouraged to send their students to the site for a crash course in Moodling. Finally, the site offers users a way to seek help that may not be fully explained. A section entitled, Need More Answers, provides users with a friendly environment to submit a help request to the Moodle support team. This page identifies you as a user, what issues you are requesting help with, your contact information and then notifies multiple members of the Moodle support team. Your request will likely be addressed in a 24-hour period once it is submitted. Happy Moodling!

Through your work on campus, you help create an environment where students can be successful. Supporting Our Students (SOS) is another way you can show your commitment. The amount you choose to give is not as important as your participation. By coming together to support students, faculty and staff at the U of L show that this is a campus community that cares. The SOS 2011/12 campaign is now underway. Please join other U of L faculty, staff and retirees and make a gift today.

www.uleth.ca/giving/ SupportingOurStudents

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the Legend FLU STILL A VALID CAMPUS CONCERN BY LORI WEBER After all the media hype and worry about H1N1 two years ago, most people seem to be relaxing when it comes to protecting themselves against influenza or ‘flu’. But in the academic world, flu can still be a major problem. In a 13-week semester for example, taking 5-10 days off can be problematic whether you are a student or employee at the University. So, what can you do individually and what can we do as a community to prevent the spread of respiratory-based illnesses? On an individual level, handwashing remains as the number one strategy in diminishing your chances of getting ill. If you haven’t had soap and water on your hands at least three times during a typical day at the University, you haven’t washed your hands enough. When should you wash? You should break out the soap and water after sneezing or coughing, even if you have used a tissue, after toileting and definitely before touching food. If you haven’t cleaned your desk surface within the last few days, or if you are frequently touching your mouth and eyes, you are increasing your risk of illness. If you do become ill, stay home for the time you are sick. Do not come to the Health Centre when you are ill with a cough/cold/flu. Instead, call us at 403-329-2484 and ask to speak with a nurse who will assess you and assist you with getting appropriate self-care resources or guide you to get medical treatment. Also, consider getting a flu shot in order to avoid illness and missing a chunk of school or work. On a community level, please think about the people around you. If you have roommates, let them know if you are ill. Everyone in the house should greatly increase cleaning around the bathroom and kitchen areas specifically. As well, clean with a good disinfectant to protect the people around you. Think about the professors who you are facing. Sneezing spreads droplets toward them at 200 miles per hour – covering your cough with an available Kleenex or even your shirt would be appreciated. Again, staying home if you are ill protects everyone from your illness! If you are diagnosed with an illness that can be spread easily, call the Health Centre at 403-329-2484 and ask to speak with a nurse. We will assess the situation and decide upon ways to protect the University from illnesses such as mumps, chicken pox, stomach flus, etc. Flu Shots are on the way! We have flu shots beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the UHall Atrium) and Wednesday, Oct. 12 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Markin Hall Atrium). There will be more clinics to follow, including one at the Oct. 26 Life-Balance Fair in the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Lori Weber is the manager of the University of Lethbridge Health Centre


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events C A L E N D A R

Pronghorn Athletics Oct. 13 | Canada West Women’s Rugby Calgary vs. Horns | 7 p.m., Community Sports Stadium Oct. 14, 15 | Canada West Men’s Hockey UBC vs. Horns | 7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena Oct. 15 | Canada West Soccer Saskatchewan vs. Horns | Women’s game, noon; Men’s game, 2 p.m. | Community Sports Stadium Oct. 16 | Canada West Soccer | Alberta vs. Horns | Women’s game, noon; Men’s game, 2 p.m. | Community Sports Stadium Oct. 21, 22 | Canada West Women’s Hockey | Saskatchewan vs. Horns 7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena Oct. 28 | Canada West Women’s Hockey Calgary vs. Horns | 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena Oct. 29 | Canada West Men’s Hockey Calgary vs. Horns | 7 p.m., Nicholas Sheran Arena Oct. 29 | Canada West Soccer Trinity Western vs. Horns | Women’s game, noon; Men’s game, 2 p.m. Community Sports Stadium Oct. 30 | Canada West Soccer UBC vs. Horns | Women’s game, noon; Men’s game, 2 p.m. | Community Sports Stadium

Performances Oct. 4 | Music at Noon: Musaeus String Quartet | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall Oct. 11 | Music at Noon: Ensemble Resonance | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570) Oct. 15 | Faculty Artists & Friends Series Rossini Petite Messe Solenelle, featuring Janet Youngdahl (soprano), Sandra Stringer (mezzosoprano), Blaine Hendsbee (tenor), George Evelyn (bass-baritone), Carolyn Herrington (piano) and vocal majors | 8 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)

SU VOLUNTEER CORE ENGAGED BY KYLE DODGSON As the opening weeks of the Fall 2011 Semester pass, the unabashed fervour of a new semester subsides and students begin hunkering down to weather the impending storm of deadlines, exams and papers. With that in mind, the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) blazes forward with a

Oct. 18 | Music at Noon: Blaine Hendsbee (tenor); Glen Montgomery (piano) 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)

Models: How we can help prevent bullying by our actions | Noon, SU Ballroom Oct. 17 | Art Now: Joy Charbonneau Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 18-22 | The Government Inspector A classic case of mistaken identity triggers a hilarious series of events, providing a satirical examination of governments and greed 8 p.m. nightly, University Theatre

Oct. 17 | Architecture & Design Now: Joy Charbonneau | 6:15 p.m., M1040 Oct. 18 | WestGrid C2C Series Warren Hare, University of British Columbia, Okanagan | 12:30 p.m., L1116

Oct. 25 | Music at Noon: Sarah Hagen (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 18 | CAETL Graduate Student Workshop | Effective Classroom Management 12:30 p.m., L1170G

Oct. 27-29 | TheatreXtra’s Red | Raw and provocative, it is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability | 8 p.m. nightly, David Spinks Theatre. 2 p.m. matinee, Oct. 29.

Oct. 19 | WestGrid Fall Seminar Series How to Use WestGrid Resources | 12:30 p.m., L1116

Nov. 1 | Music at Noon: Jason Barron (guitar) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 21 | Art Now: Kelly Mark Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)

Lectures

Oct. 24 | Architecture & Design Now: 5468796 Architecture | 6:15 p.m., M1040

Oct. 5 | CAETL Graduate Student Workshop | Dealing Professionally with Students 12:30 p.m., L1170G

Oct. 26 | Art Now: Catherine Ross Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Oct. 28 | Art Now: Lori Blondeau Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 5 | Art Now: MFA Candidate Collin Zipp | Noon, University Recital Hall (W570)

Nov. 1 | WestGrid C2C Series Yuriy Zinchenko, University of Calgary 12:30 p.m., L1116

Oct. 7 | Art Now: Photographer Don Gill Noon, University Recital Hall (W570) Oct. 11 | EUS Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week | Dr. Robin Bright and Dr. Mary Dyck present Teaching in the 21st Century: Online Citizenship | Noon, SU Ballroom

Miscellaneous Oct. 4 | Students’ Union Referendum: UPass Town Hall | 12:15 p.m., UHall Atrium

Oct. 11 | EUS Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week | Bill Belsey presents Bullying: What Parents and Teachers Should Know, What Can Be Done | 6 p.m., SU Ballroom

Oct. 5 | Coffee’s On at the Gallery Open House thank you event | 9 to 10:30 a.m., Main Gallery

Oct. 12 | EUS Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week | Dr. Mary Yurick presents Preventing and Dealing with Bullying Noon, SU Ballroom

Oct. 5 | Volunteer Fair | Local and on-campus not-for-profit organizations looking for volunteers 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., UHall Atrium

Oct. 12 | WestGrid Fall Seminar Series Introduction to WestGrid, presented by Patrick O’Leary and Rob Simmons | 12:30 p.m., L1116

Oct. 5 | Cinema Politica: 500 Years Later A documentary that chronicles the struggle of a people emerging from enslavement 7 p.m., Galileo’s Gallery

Oct. 13 | EUS Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week | Dr. Carmen Mombourquette presents Teachers as Role

Oct. 6 | New Media Film Series: The Social Network | Hosted by Leanne Elias (New Media) | 6:30 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library

host of new initiatives. As part of its 2011-2012 Action Plan, the ULSU Executive Council recently formed a Volunteer Core led by newly hired volunteer co-ordinator, Michael Solberg. Solberg, a well-known face on campus and at countless ULSU events, brings much enthusiasm and talent to his position. The Volunteer Core is designed as a large, grassroots advocacy group that looks to spread the word across campus about the Students’ Union’s

Oct. 5 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation I Got Here! Ummmm, now what? | Noon, TH241

events, activities and services, ensuring that the student body is aware of everything available to them on campus. The Core currently maintains a list of around 150 volunteers ready to spring into action and actively encourages interested students to join and get involved with their SU. Recently, the Students’ Union General Assembly voted to send the issue of a new universal bus pass to referendum. The proposal came after 77 per cent of respondents to the

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Oct. 11 | Women Scholars Speaker Series Fall Reception | Wine and cheese event to announce speaker series lineup | 2 p.m., Andy’s Place (AH100) Oct. 12 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation Growing Through Setbacks | Noon, TH241 Oct. 12 | Students’ Union Referendum: UPass Town Hall | Noon, UHall Atrium Oct. 15 | Fall 2011 Convocation Ceremony 10 a.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre Oct. 18 | Students’ Union Referendum: UPass Town Hall | 5 p.m., UHall Atrium Oct. 19 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation Where’s Your Line? Preventing sexual violence on campus | Noon, TH241 Oct. 19 | Open Mic Night | 5:30 p.m. in the Zoo Oct. 24-26 | ULSU Referendum: UPass Online ballot Oct. 25 | Cinema Politica: Blood in the Mobile | A film that shows connection between our phones and the civil war in the Congo | 7 p.m., Galileo’s Gallery Oct. 26 | 5th Annual Life Balance Fair Over 40 businesses and organizations set up interactive displays | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre Oct. 26 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation Had a Drink (or two or three?) | Noon, TH241 Oct. 26, 27 | ULSU Garage Sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Students’ Union Atrium Oct. 28 through Jan. 2, 2012 | Outlandish Featuring the works of Faye Heavyshield in the Helen Christou Gallery Nov. 1 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation Feeling Good and Eating Well | 12:15 p.m., TH241

ULSU Year in Review survey told the ULSU to look into the UPass; indicating that students were becoming concerned with the rising costs of transportation. There are two major additions to the program since it last was sent to referendum in 2006. Firstly, there will be an opt-out option for students living outside of the service area, on practicum outside of Lethbridge, and taking distance-learning courses. Secondly, if successful, this proposal will be subject to a one-year term and would go back to a referen-

dum for permanent approval in February 2013. The one-year term will effectively serve as a trial period whereby students can become familiar with the service and determine whether they’re able to make effective use of it. Town Halls on the UPass issue will take place in the UHall Atrium on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 12:15 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct 18 at 5 p.m. The referendum vote will be held online from Oct 24 to 26.


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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

FINE ARTS

in focus

the Legend

Expect anything but a Little Solemn Mass Petite Messe Solonnelle translates as Little Solemn Mass. “However, it’s not little and it’s not solemn!,” says Dr. Janet Youngdahl, Faculty Artists and Friends Series co-coordinator. “Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle is actually huge and bombastic. Written in 1863, this was Rossini’s last major composition and it contains a lot of wit and humour not found in the usual style of religious music of the time.” Audiences can hear for themselves as an ensemble of music faculty, students and alumni come together to perform Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle in the University Recital Hall, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. Written for 12 voices and piano, Youngdahl says the ensemble is performing the piece in the setting for which it was intended. “The Petite Messe Solennelle is a curious cross between opera and sacred music. It was not written to be performed in the church. The University Recital Hall is the perfect venue for this piece.” In addition to Youngdahl (soprano), Dr. Blaine Hendsbee (tenor) and Dr. Sandra Stringer (mezzo-soprano), both from the U of L’s music department are also performing. Joining them are Professor Emeritus

Dr. George Evelyn (bass-baritone), alumni Kade Hogg (tenor) and Audrina Steciw (soprano), as well as a selection of talented senior students. Audiences will also be introduced to the newest music faculty member, pianist, Dr. Carolyn Herrington. Co-coordinator Nick Sullivan emphasizes that this is a rare opportunity for audiences to see this work performed live. He adds that audiences of the Faculty Artists and Friends Series can look forward to an entire season of unique and extraordinary music. “Our programs are built on pieces not often heard. Rossini Petite Messe Solonnelle is one of those rare live performances you can’t miss. From the New Orford String Quartet on Dec. 3, to Blaine Hendsbee on Jan. 14 and Piano PIANISSIMO on Mar. 17, the series presents a lineup of unique repertoire, performed by our talented faculty and exceptional guest artists,” says Sullivan. For tickets to Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle, visit the University Box Office, Monday through Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or call 403329-2616. Individual tickets are $15 regular, $10 seniors/students.

DRAMATIC ARTS TURNS 40 September 2011 marked the 40th anniversary of the Department of Dramatic Arts at the U of L. In September 1971, Professor David Spinks arrived to teach the first semester of drama courses at the University, including creative drama and children’s theatre, and his unique and popular introductory course, Drama 1000. From the outset, the new department reflected the University’s philosophy of inclusion, openness to innovation and learning as an end in itself. Over the decades, the Department’s programs and productions have attempted to provide the best hands-on opportunities for study and practice for students and faculty alike. For audiences in the Lethbridge community, the department has offered with skill and accomplishment a remarkable range of plays and performance styles. (History provided by Richard Epp)

PROJECT CHANNEL TURNS ON Located on the 11th floor of the University Library, Project Channel is the U of L Art Gallery’s satellite space to provide access to a range of local, national, and international video art. “For decades, artists have used the low cost possibilities of video to experiment with technology, mimic popular mass media, and tell stories that are often missed by the mainstream,” explains Josephine Mills, the curator and director of the U of L Art Gallery. “The Gallery will curate selections of video art for Project Channel’s set of touch-screens. Many of the videos will also be purchased to build up a collection.” Viewers can either watch the latest selection or browse through the holdings on the three screens. Project Channel opens on Nov. 9 with a reception at 4 p.m. in the Prentice Boardroom.

INSPECTOR PROMISES FUN Funny, frantic and full of frivolity, The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol, is a hilarious classic that has had audiences rolling in the aisles since 1836. Considered one of the world’s most popular theatrical comedies, it is directed by Nicholas Hanson. The story unravels in a small rural Russian town where the local officials love to embezzle, cheat, and steal – until news of a surprise visit from a government

THEATREXTRA TAKES ON TONY AWARD WINNER It won Best Play at the 2010 Tony Awards, has captivated audiences throughout its popular run across the U.S., and now TheatreXtra is privileged to present Red by John Logan in its debut production on a Canadian university stage. Playing in the David Spinks Theatre Oct. 27 – 29 at 8 p.m. nightly with a 2 p.m. matinée Oct. 29, Red tells the story of expressionist abstract painter Mark Rothko who

inspector sends them into a panicked frenzy! A classic case of mistaken identity triggers a hilarious series of events, providing a satirical examination of governments and greed. A dynamic ensemble of talented actors showcase the depth of skill and talent found within the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts. “University students are often enthusiastic about the chance to play richly comic characters,” says Hanson. “The Government Inspector features a cast of 16 animated performers, many of

whom are in their final year and eager to showcase the techniques they have been developing through their courses. “Audiences can expect a frantically-paced piece of theatre with vibrant physical antics and clever verbal humour.” With a set designed by James McDowell and costumes by Leslie RobisonGreene, sparkling visual aspects of the production capture and complement the wit and satire of the script. “The costumes, set and props not only create the world of the play, but also

generate a number of laughs on their own. Audiences won’t be able to resist laughing at some of the absurd facial hair or decorating touches inside the main character’s house,” adds Hanson. The Government Inspector plays Oct. 18-22 at 8 p.m., nightly in the University Theatre. Tickets to The Government Inspector are $15 regular, $10 for seniors/ students, and are available at the University Box Office (open Monday to Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.), or by calling 403-329-2616.

has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art: a series of murals for New York’s Four Seasons Restaurant. Raw and provocative, Red is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting. “I wanted the opportunity to direct a TheatreXtra production before I graduated,” says Margaret Rodgers. “Going into my final year as a BA/BEd major, I was looking for a challenge. I did my research and discovered this amazing play by John Logan and

absolutely fell in love with it. However, I thought proposing it would be a longshot, since it is such a challenging production to undertake. When it was accepted as part of the TheatreXtra season, I couldn’t believe it!” Set in the 1950s, Logan’s drama revolves around the challenges and conflicts Rothko experiences while creating his murals. “The cast is comprised of only two characters, Rothko and his assistant, Ken,” Rodgers explains. “It’s a very intellectual, emotional and technically challenging play. Since it

is very character driven, it is perfectly suited for TheatreXtra.” She adds that the play speaks to all artists about the pursuit of art, not just to painters. “There is such remarkable depth to the script. It’s a privilege to be able to direct this production,” says Rodgers. Get your tickets at the University Box Office (W510), Monday – Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $11 regular, $7 seniors/students.

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images L ASTING

Lyndal Osborne is one of Canada’s most critically acclaimed and extensively exhibited artists. She was born in Newcastle, Australia, studied at the National Art School in Sydney and received her MFA from the University of Wisconsin. In 1971, Osborne moved to Edmonton where she taught at the University of Alberta for over 30 years. Osborne’s work has been shown in over 350 national and international exhibitions, including shows in Japan, Spain, India,

Poland, Egypt, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, France, Brazil and Korea. Though Osborne has become most known for her large-scale installation pieces that explore transformations in nature and environmental issues, she began her career as a printmaker. Many of the abstracted shapes present in her print works were based on small objects Osborne crafted from natural materials collected from her surroundings.

After the object was constructed, she would hide it and create the print based on her memory of the form. The resulting print works are highly abstract but retain the suggestion of organic shapes. Osborne’s artwork Endless Forms Most Beautiful is on display in the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery from Sept. 15 to Oct. 24 as part of Cereal Gen, an exhibition that explores issues relating to genetic modification in agriculture and the politics that shape our food supply system.

(TOP LEFT)

(TOP RIGHT)

From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 1994.

From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 1994.

(BOTTOM LEFT)

(BOTTOM RIGHT)

From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 1994.

From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of the artist, 1994.

Lyndal Osborne, Banksia Dream Walker, 1987.

Lyndal Osborne, Decay, 1986.

Lyndal Osborne, Jitterbug Tangle, 1990.

Lyndal Osborne, Icon, 1989.


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