TheLegend_0903_November2009 by University of Lethbridge

NOVEMBER 2009

VOLUME 9

ISSUE THREE

Balancing work and play

the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Return to Salamanca proves to be humbling

Richardson and Horns gun for third straight CIS crown

Adam Marchesin simulates testing on the kinesiology lab’s scissor lift as Angelica Doucette, on the computer, and Craig Pellerin assist.

By TREVOR KENNEY

Spencer blazes trail for new PhD program

Alumnus has great influence in shaping art culture

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 www.uleth.ca/unews/ legend. Next content deadline is Nov. 20, 2009. 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 Contrib u tors: Abby Allen, Amanda Berg, Diane Britton, Bob Cooney, Asheley Cowie Jane Edmundson, Nicole Eva, Jana McFarland, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Glenda Moulton, Stacy Seguin, Katherine Wasiak and Bernie Wirzba

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

e’ve played with toys since we were kids, so it’s hardly surprising that with the toys available in the University’s kinesiology labs, students are lining up for independent study opportunities that allow them to keep playing. The play, of course, is research-oriented, but it involves some of the most interesting gadgets on campus. The results are engaged students who often turn undergraduate degrees into graduate work that produces groundbreaking discoveries in everything from sports psychology and biomechanics to the creation of neuroprosthetic devices. “The independent study program is an opportunity for students to apply the foundational knowledge they’ve learned through their theoretical courses,” says Dr. Lesley Brown, kinesiology professor. “For example, it’s a chance to apply the biomechanical principles they learn about in a classroom setting, or take the research design knowledge they’ve gained in a statistics class and use it to design a research experiment.” The ability to step out of a traditional classroom and use theoretical skills in a real-world setting enthuses fourth-year student Jeff Newman. “In class you have that structure, which is good, but here you’re still learning but in a way that’s unique to you and interests you,” Newman says. “In that case, I find it a lot more rewarding when you finish. I’ve put a lot more effort into my independent study just because it’s something a little closer to my heart.” A lifelong baseball player who played with the Prairie

Baseball Academy program, Newman is studying pitch tracking in elite athletes. Using specially designed ASL mobile eyeglasses, he is able to determine the point at which an athlete disengages their eye from an approaching ball and looks elsewhere. He expects to find tracking distance changes between various pitches (fastball, curveball) and then apply that knowledge to coaching techniques. Laura Hagstrom is in her final semester of kinesiology after starting a degree in biochemistry. She found an interest in the physiology aspect of kinesiology and decided to pursue the topic in the independent study program. “The cool thing with my project is that I’m part of Dr. (Jennifer) Copeland’s research team,” says Hagstrom. Studying hormone levels in elite female athletes, specifically ultra marathon runners, Hagstrom is measuring the effect endurance exercises have on the production of the hormone DHEA. “I was able to choose what I wanted to do within the topic and was able to be involved with the actual physical testing,” she says, having participated in the testing of athletes who participated in the Lost Soul Ultra marathon in September. “I’d never done that aspect before so to be part of that data collection and be out there on race day was really interesting.” The University of Lethbridge prides itself in being able to involve undergraduate students in faculty research programs, and as Brown says, the independent study course offerings are a testament to that claim. continued on pg. 2

Fall numbers hit record high By BOB COONEY There are a few hundred more students buying pizza, renting apartments and contributing to the Lethbridge economy thanks to an increase in attendance at the University of Lethbridge. With all final enrolment numbers confirmed, the student tally rests at 8,243 students, a 3.5 per cent increase (or 284 students) over last year’s 7,959 headcount. This sets another record attendance standard which, for U of L officials, is both a milestone to be celebrated and a future challenge. “There is no question that we find an increase in the number of people who return to school when the economy is tough,” says U of L’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. Andy Hakin.

“Recruiters and student support personnel have done a tremendous job of attracting new students.” Dr. ANDY HAKIN

“We believe that number for us, is small compared to the number of students who have chosen to transfer to the U of L, who have entered degree programs straight out of high school, or who are joining our School of Graduate Studies as either master’s or doctoral candidates to work with our worldclass researchers. U of L recruiters and student support personnel have done a tremendous job of attracting new students and making the U of L a comfortable and satisfying experience.” continued on pg. 3

the Legend

NOVEMBER 2009

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

the billboard

University of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what’s happening in the University community

I am constantly impressed by how much activity we have here on campus, generated both from within and from external sources interested in what we are doing. This was readily apparent this past month with a number of high profile events that thrust the U of L into the spotlight and touched on a variety of our hallmarks. Fall Convocation was an outstanding affair and once again showcased our many exceptional graduates. The event was enhanced greatly by the inclusion of our honorary degree recipients, Paul Brandt and Son Soubert. Their commitment to humanitarian efforts provided an inspirational backdrop for the new graduating class and served as a great starting point as they embark on their professional

careers. The link between the University and the professional world has never been stronger, and that is evidenced by the many partnerships the U of L has cultivated with its business partners. Recently we welcomed the Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta to campus as they announced a major donation to fund the CGA Faculty Fellowship in Accounting and support the operating costs of the new Markin Hall Finance Trading Floor. Prior to that, the Faculty of Management received accreditation from the Canadian Management Accountants Society, effectively earning a stamp of approval from the very society to which many of their students will gravitate upon graduation. I spoke personally with one of our

students recently who cited this accreditation as a major factor in his appreciation of the program, as it gave him the opportunity to bypass the CMA Entrance Examination upon graduation. He also credited management professor Bruce Thurston for his real-world approach in the classroom. With the many co-op work arrangements we have throughout our faculties and a constant eye on the changing needs of the professional world, our programs continue to graduate competent, confident students who are able to hit the ground running in their chosen careers. In addition to business interests on campus, we have hosted a number of governmental representatives in recent weeks. Deputy Premier of the Northwest Territories, Michael

continued from pg. 1

Using a scissor lift and balance board connected to a datacollecting computer, he too gets to play with the lab’s toys as part of his research methodology. That’s what also drew neuroscience student Jenni Karl

other,” says Karl, who was able to study neuroprosthetic devices and how a device implanted in the brain to record motor signals could be applied to help patients with spinal cord injury or amputation.

independent study works “For us it’s also been incredible in terms of recruiting graduate students,” says Brown. “All the students who have come through my lab, even my PhD student, started with independent study courses within our department.” Cody Kempster (BSc ’08) is currently pursuing a master’s degree after having come through an independent study program while finishing off his undergraduate degree. He was given the opportunity to research movement in subjects with Parkinson’s disease, exploring how walking with music affected their gait and whether the music being meaningful to them had any further effect. “That’s what sparked my interest and after that I just moved into the lab and started my master’s studies. My research now is based on fear of falling and the attentional contributions related to maintaining balance,” he says. “For me, this kind of research has me working with people, and it’s specific to them. It’s very personal work, and I like the time I get to spend with the research participants, who are mainly seniors from the community.”

Miltenberger (BASc ’75), visited the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building, as did Alberta Minister of Environment, Rob Renner, and deputy minister Jim Ellis. As well, Alberta Health Minister Ron Liepert toured the new Markin Hall building. It is extremely important that we maintain a positive working relationship with the various levels of government as it helps both our interests in shaping the future of our province. We enjoyed a very interesting Board of Governors meeting this past month as we set up shop in the University’s new daycare facility. It is a beautiful building in a picturesque setting and a real testament to the spirit of co-operation that exists on campus. I want to give a huge

CAMPUS

kudos

Denton Fredrickson (Art) is part of an exhibition entitled ‘sciencefictionsciencefair’ at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa, Ont., alongside Brian McKenna and Robyn Moody. On display from Nov. 6 to Jan. 3, the exhibition also includes a collaboration with Glen MacKinnon (Art). ‘sciencefictionsciencefair’ will also travel to the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound, Ont., and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery.

Kinesiology student Jeff Newman tests the ASL mobile eyeglasses.

(BSc ’08)to the kinesiology lab. Karl, who is currently pursuing a neuroscience master’s degree, benefited from the collaboration between professor Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06), kinesiology, and her supervisor Dr. Ian Whishaw, neuroscience. “The compatibility of the courses offered in kinesiology and other departments is great, they work really well with each

“I was interested in the brain but also motor control Through my independent study I was able to bridge that gap between departments.” It’s a program that has struck a chord with its students and produced real results, both in terms of building up undergraduate research and retaining graduate level students.

amount of credit to VicePresident (Finance and Administration) Nancy Walker for seeing this project through to its completion. She was responsible chiefly for bringing members of administration around to the view that we should work with our partners to bring daycare to campus once again, and it is highly symbolic to have completed this project. Hearty congratulations to the Pronghorns women’s rugby team, who pounded their way through the Canada West championship tournament to capture their fourth straight conference title. I anticipate another celebration in the offing as the Horns head to Vancouver to try and claim their third consecutive CIS championship. You have made the University proud – good luck and Go Horns!

Former University of Lethbridge Pronghorns thrower Jim Steacy (BASc ’09) has been named as an award finalist for the Athletics Canada Field Athlete of the Year category as well as the Best University Athlete of the Year classification. Athletics Canada will announce award winners Nov. 14 in Vancouver. Chai Duncan (Art Technician) and collaborator Leila Armstrong have an exhibition entitled 12 Point Buck in the Southern Alberta Art Gallery’s storefront gallery until Nov. 22.

Git ’er Done by Corinne Thiessen Hepher (BFA, New Media ’08) appeared at the Southern Alberta Film Festival. This 10-minute documentary explores what it means to be a “Redneck” and offers new insight into an old stereotype. Ron Chambers’s (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) first film, Apocalyptic Hero, was selected for presentation at the Southern Alberta Film Festival. Apocalyptic Hero looks at a young boy’s life after his grandmother dies. He sets out to ensure his own survival as well as a girl he has chosen to save when the apocalypse comes. Blaine Hendsbee (Music) sings the role of Sellem (the auctioneer) in Igor Stravinsky’s neoclassical operatic masterpiece, The Rake’s Progress, presented by Pacific Opera Victoria in the Royal Theatre, Victoria. Performances are Nov. 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21.

NOVEMBER 2009

the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Inclusive education a measure of quality By TREVOR KENNEY

r. Noella PiquetteTomei has filled out countless report cards over her years as an educator, but it’s safe to say she’s never handed out grades on a worldwide scale. That’s just the opportunity she and 500-plus colleagues had recently at the Return to Salamanca: Global Inclusion Conference. Invited as one of only a handful of Canadians, PiquetteTomei and her brethren were in Spain to review the Salamanca Accord, an understanding signed by all members of the United Nations that pledged to further inclusive education, providing all children the opportunity to learn. “The point of this conference was to basically look at it as a report card, 15 years later, and ask where we are,” PiquetteTomei says. The results, while encouraging at the administrative level, are less than satisfactory at ground level, where millions of children worldwide still do not have access to education, and especially those with disabilities. “The desire, the intent to improve education for students is there, especially at the grassroots level,” she says. “There just isn’t the necessary financial support from governments because there are so many things that

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growth of graduate studies part of success Hakin adds the future holds many student recruitment challenges. “We don’t stop here. We are working on ways to tell the U of L story to people outside Alberta, and outside Canada. We’ve developed specialized programs in areas such as public health and the fine arts that are attracting people from coast to coast. The word is spreading and, as we continue to evolve into a comprehensive academic and research university, we fully expect our master’s and doctoral programming to grow as well.” Indeed, the big recruitment success story this year is enrolment in the School of Graduate Studies, which experienced a dramatic 33 per cent increase over last year (347 in 2008 vs. 519 in 2009, or 172 additional students). Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske, the Dean of Graduate Studies, says the increased enrolment reflects a

get T H E FA C T S • Piquette-Tomei has been at the U of L for six years and is currently on sabbatical. • As a result of the Salamanca conference, she has been asked to contribute to a case study book that will be used across Canada by pre-service teachers and community workers for strategies when facing various disabilities. • A total of 56 countries were represented in Salamanca with presenters from the United Nations, UNESCO, UNICEF, Canadian Human Rights Commissioner, The World Bank, OCED and the Minister for Education: Spain. • A total of 77 million children worldwide are currently out of school; 25 million of them have a disability. • More than 85 per cent of students worldwide with special needs do not have access to school, health services or even basic sanitation. they are trying to do simultaneously.” The topic of inclusion has been at the forefront of Piquette-

new direction prescribed in the U of L’s strategic plan of continuing to grow a comprehensive university. “We are seeing master’s and doctoral degree candidates come to Lethbridge from literally around the world,” Fiske says. “They are attracted by our researchers, who are working in every type of research area imaginable, from anthropology to zoology. Our research environment offers them a lot of personal attention, freedom and the chance to teach and build their skills in many different ways.” Additionally, Fiske says that a big benefit to U of L undergraduates looking to continue their education is they can see their futures as graduate studies candidates quickly, and close to home. “With the quality and diversity of researchers and professors here who supervise master’s and doctoral candidates, we have an increasing number of U of L undergrads who choose to follow through with their graduate education here, rather than having to leave the community. We are committed to building the knowledge-based economy that the province of Alberta aspires to and deserves.”

Tomei’s teaching career virtually since day one. The Alberta native and University of Calgary graduate taught special education for 11 years in the Calgary Catholic school system. She came to the U of L because she was so impressed with the Faculty of Education’s undergraduate program and saw a niche where she could educate students on the importance of incorporating special needs students into the mainstream. “We don’t separate individuals once they are out of this artificial school environment, so why are we doing it in schools?” she asks. “Why are we not allowing students with and without various special needs to intermingle and learn from each other and about each other? For me, personally, this conference was a real motivator to continue pushing that thesis.” She admits the Salamanca experience was eye opening and while her focus here is on inclusion strategies for special needs students, the fact that basic education is unattainable in many countries is disappointing. “We have a lot of complaints here in Canada about accountability, about funding, about support, but the humbling part really hit me when I heard teachers, administrators and community support workers from around the world talking about all the issues they face,” she says.

Dr. Noella Piquette-Tomei found the Return to Salamanca conference to be both humbling and inspiring.

“In this day and age when we know that education is the only way to access everything we talk about related to freedom, it’s really disturbing.” It has reinvigorated her desire to continue to push

Canadian educators. “The quality of education should be measured by the quality of education that we provide for our most vulnerable populations,” she says.

The first group of people to occupy the newly-completed U of L Daycare was not a herd of small children, but the U of L Board of Governors, which held its October meeting in the large, bright common room of the new facility. The board regularly meets in different locations to gain an appreciation for the U of L’s many different buildings and spaces, both on campus and off. The $2 million daycare building will be officially occupied by more than 50 children beginning in January 2010 and is only awaiting furnishings and finishing touches.

look out for career fair The Faculty of Health Sciences is hosting its third-annual Career Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 4 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. Health Sciences Career Fair 2009 is a health-focused career event, however, all students, staff and faculty of the University of Lethbridge as well as the

Lethbridge community and surrounding areas are welcome to attend this free event. There will be health organizations and community agencies from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in attendance to talk to students and provide valuable information about employment in their areas. Students are encouraged to come and meet the exhibitors and discuss potential employment opportunities after graduation. Career Fair Exhibitors: Alberta School of Radiation

Therapy; College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta; College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta; Extendicare (Canada) Inc.; Incredibly Comfortable Uniforms; Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society; St. Michael’s Health Centre; Thorpe Recovery Centre; Cypress Health Region; Heartland Health Region; Prairie North Health Region; Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region; Saskatoon Health Region; Sun Country Health Region; Manitoba Nurses Recruitment & Retention.

the Legend

NOVEMBER 2009

connections Global

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Education a priority to Pahulje family

EAP instructors Robbyn Hoffe and Brenda MacKinnon.

university benefits from international culture

he University of Lethbridge is extremely fortunate in that international students come from all over the world to study in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, typically to meet the English Language requirement for studies at the University. Students are assessed upon arrival and must advance through up to three levels of competency (Intermediate, High Intermediate and Advanced), taking classes in grammar, communication, reading and writing at each stage. The purpose of the EAP program, run through the International Centre for Students, is to prepare students linguistically and culturally for success in their academic pursuits at the University of Lethbridge. Brenda MacKinnon, along with Robbyn Hoffe, instructs in the EAP program and ironically, both hail from the Maritimes. They have been with the program for nearly nine and seven years respectively. “We try to encourage more authentic learning,” says Hoffe. “Aside from being very academic, we still try and make the program interesting and relevant by giving them assignments and activities that will help them integrate into university life.” Although these types of authentic and relevant tasks are woven into all courses, those involving integration within the University community fit most naturally in the communications courses. It is here that the focus is on creating and delivering academic presentations, engaging in and facilitating discussions and debates, as well as listening to and taking notes from

lectures. One of the communication tasks is to observe a university class and present a report about that experience. It might sound like a simple task but it forces a student to contact a professor for permission to sit in on a class, observe a completely foreign educational environment, and then prepare and present a summary, all in a new language. “It’s really quite interesting to hear the international students’ perspectives on what they see happening in the Canadian classroom,” says MacKinnon. “It spurs them on to ask more questions and is really a good opportunity for them to understand what they will be experiencing.” Another communication assignment involves sending students to the Atrium during the University’s annual Clubs Week. The goal there is to get international students interacting with their peers as they seek out information about the various campus clubs. Some use the exercise as an opportunity to test their language skills while others seize the chance to join clubs and immerse themselves deeper into Canadian culture. Other assignments include having students attend relevant lectures and workshops on campus to help them not only adjust to university life but also to engage in an authentic listening and notetaking experience. An international student’s success is a success for the entire University community and only adds to the campus culture. “International students are such a rich resource for our campus,” says MacKinnon, bringing diverse perspectives right to our doorstep.”

Danica Pahulje, centre, is flanked by her four children. The family continues to support the University through the Pahulje endowment, a tradition that began in 1989.

By KALI MCKAY

he late Ludvik Pahulje Sr. (LLD ’03) grew up in the rural village of Rakitnica, Slovenia. His personal experience with war and its hardships in the 1940s prompted him to escape. He immigrated to Canada with only a handful of personal belongings, and the hope of new and better opportunities. Ludvik Sr. eventually settled in Lethbridge and, together with his wife Danica, raised four children: Dani, Majda, Ludvik and Bernadette. Neither parent had any formal education but both knew they wanted more for their children. “Education is important,” emphasizes Danica. “We didn’t have that opportunity growing

up, and that’s why it was so important to offer that experience to our family.” Believing books to be the foundation of any educational experience, Ludvik Sr. and Danica encouraged their children to use the public library and made regular visits part of the family’s routine. For this reason, giving to the library seemed like a natural choice for Mr. Pahulje Sr., who began supporting the University Library in 1989. “The library is the hub of a university,” says Ludvik. “My parents always thought that, and as students we told them that. I think a really good library at a university is a reflection of the university as a whole.” The Pahuljes continued giving to the library, and in 1997 the Pahulje Endowment was

formally established. This fund supports the ongoing acquisition of reading and resource materials. “The library has such a broad application; it helps the students but it also helps the faculty,” says Ludvik. “Everyone benefits from the library.” Although Ludvik Sr. passed away in June, his family plans to maintain the endowment. The continued support of the Pahulje family demonstrates a commitment to education and truly reflects the legacy left by Ludvik Sr. “We’re not doing this just because of my father and mother,” explains Ludvik. “It’s also our wish. My sisters and I feel that this is a worthwhile cause and that’s why we continue to donate.”

This is your U calling. U of L student callers are phoning Faculty of Management graduates to ask for their support. The Call Centre, a pilot project launched this month, is laying the groundwork for future calling programs that will benefit all faculties and schools. For more information or to donate please visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving.

NOVEMBER 2009

athletics AT T H E U

the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Looking to go out on top

Pronghorns rugby lock Amanda Richardson and her teammates are gunning for a third consecutive CIS national title.

g et T H E FA C T S By TREVOR KENNEY

manda Richardson doesn’t mind doing the grunt work, whether it’s on the rugby pitch or in study hall. This month, the fruits of her on-field labours could produce a third consecutive national championship. In the spring, her classroom diligence will serve as the starting point to a professional career. “It’s bittersweet,” Richardson says of wrapping up both her Pronghorns rugby career and her U of L education. “I’ve learned so many life skills from rugby and being on this team in particular. It’ll be tough not going to school and not looking forward to rugby season.” The 22-year-old Olds, Alta., native has come a long way since beginning at the U of L five years ago. At that time she was a kinesiology student in a rugby program that had yet to estab-

• Richardson, at six-foot-one, plays the lock position, which is typically reserved for tall, athletic players. She was given the position in high school and excelled. • Richardson was recruited to the U of L by Horns’ manager Toby Boulet, who is also a native of Olds, Alta. • Richardson has two older sisters (one working and one currently attending University of Victoria) and a younger brother (currently attending Olds College). • Richardson equates this year’s Pronghorn team to the one she debuted on in terms of recruited, young talent. The difference is the strong veteran presence this unit has to complement the incoming talent.

lish an identity. Since then, her growth has mirrored that of the program, with both taking flight. “I started in kinesiology, but I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do while I was here. After a year, I just didn’t see a career path for me out of it,” Richardson says, prompting her switch to the Faculty of Management and the pursuit of a degree in accounting. “My dad owns a business so there’s a management influence in my family, and I decided to pursue that.” An Academic All-Canadian during her lone year in kinesiology, she has since qualified for All-Canadian status on two more occasions. Along the way, she has played on provincial rugby teams, been named a Canada West all-star for five straight seasons and was a CIS Tournament all-star the past three national tournaments, all

Created in 1984 in Quebec City, the program offers holiday revelers the opportunity to be driven home in their own vehicles, free of charge. It has become a holiday tradition, both for the volunteers who work the program and the many people in southern Alberta who use its services. By TREVOR KENNEY It’s the 15th season for Operation Red Nose at the University of Lethbridge and the demand for their services continues to be on the upswing. That’s good news for Pronghorn Athletics, who both administers and then reaps the benefits of the annual designated driving program.

“All of the money we get in from tips goes directly back to our teams and there are a number of different ways they use that money,” says Sandy Slavin, executive director, Sport and Recreation Services. “Whether it’s going on a training camp, supplementing their meal allowances, used for an exhibition tournament or getting extra gear for their players, it’s all very beneficial.”

With that recognition level comes logistical challenges, such as finding enough volunteers for especially heavy traffic weekends. One of those weekends is the final Friday before Christmas when many Pronghorn athletes have left for Christmas break. “That was always a date we struggled with to get volunteers,” says Slavin. “A couple years ago the

the while celebrating consecutive national championships and setting the stage for a run at a career-capping third straight title. “It’s nerve-wracking knowing that it’s our last year and how badly we want to win one more time,” she says, referring to a senior group of five players who have been with each other from day one. “During the Canada West championship we talked about it potentially being our last game and that was pretty scary.” Being the best team in the country and having established the Horns as a rugby power is gratifying, but it also invites pressure and places a target on their backs. “We got a feel for it last year, but I don’t think everyone believed we should have been in the CIS final, so there wasn’t as much pressure,” she says. “Now, everyone will be gunning for us, but I think that will just make us more prepared for what we’re

suggestion was brought forward to come to the University and try and fill a night with as many volunteers from faculty, staff and students. We encouraged as many of the different staff units on campus to come and help us out and had such a good response, we’ve stayed with it.” Now dubbed ‘University Night’, it has turned into a popular community-building activity. “It certainly does build a community atmosphere and interestingly enough, that’s the same feedback we get on all the regular nights when Pronghorn athletes are working,” says Slavin. “Red Nose is one of the ways in which we develop that Pronghorn Athletics community.”

going to face.” Being ready for the future is a Richardson hallmark. She spent the summer working in the University’s Financial Planning office to gain valuable experience for her pending job search. Now, she has essentially put her ambitions to play rugby at the national level on hold as she readies for the next phase of her life. “I tried out for the senior national team two years ago and wasn’t selected. Then last year I got an invite to try again and didn’t attend,” Richardson says. “I’m not sure if I want to take that path anymore. There are other things in my life, like my career planning, that are taking precedence.” With another national title to win, five classes on the go and a pending graduation, Richardson again seems to have it all under control – whether it’s on the field or off.

The program has also seen a significant increase in bookings of Christmas parties, a sure indication that southern Albertans are buying into the program. “It helps us because we know we have some secured business,” Slavin says, admitting they may have to actually limit party bookings to 10 on any given night. “By people preregistering their parties, it gives us a better idea of how many volunteers we need for a certain night.” Operation Red Nose begins Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28, then runs each Thursday through Saturday night to Dec. 19. It then runs again on New Year’s Eve. Volunteers wishing to take part in the program can e-mail Sandy Slavin at slavin@uleth.ca or call Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

the Legend

Convocation

NOVEMBER 2009

FA L L 20 0 9

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Spencer forges new frontier as first program grad By TREVOR KENNEY

pace exploration has always been about firsts. It’s only fitting then that the University of Lethbridge’s first graduate from the Earth, Space and Physical Science PhD program worked on a groundbreaking instrument that promises the first images from the deepest parts of space. Locke Spencer (MSc ’05, PhD ’09), working with graduate supervisor Dr. David Naylor, played a key role in the development and eventual deployment of SPIRE, an instrument on the Herschel space telescope. Now, Spencer will be able to continue his work on Herschel/SPIRE, having accepted a position as a post-doctoral researcher at Cardiff University in Wales.

“I had such a great experience doing researchbased work at the U of L.” locke spencer

“I had such a great experience doing research-based work at the U of L,” says Spencer, a University of Alberta undergrad who came to Lethbridge as a master’s student and remained to complete his PhD. “Staying here and completing my PhD allowed me to continue with my project until it was launched into space.

g et T H E FA C T S • Spencer’s doctorate is the first in the world dealing with the SPIRE Fourier spectrometer, and the first in Canada on Herschel. • Spencer has been promoted as an associate scientist within the Herschel project, the only student in Canada to receive this recognition. • Spencer was the recipient of an Alberta Ingenuity Award and a NSERC PGS-D3 Scholarship in 2006. • Spencer processed 100 GB of data and generated a million lines of computer code over the course of his PhD. I now am working with actual flight data from the Herschel telescope in space, some 1.5 million km away from Earth.” Being able to work with Naylor was a huge factor in luring Spencer to the U of L to pursue his master’s degree. Once he got on campus, he quickly learned the finer points of the University experience. “The U of L is small enough to still be personal,” says Spencer, who was born in Cardston, Alta., but lived in Vauxhall, Edmonton, Bow Island, Stirling, Lethbridge and Calgary all before graduating from high school. “I am known by name by

Locke Spencer, the first graduate from the Earth, Space and Physical Science PhD program, will begin his professional career as a post-doctoral researcher at Cardiff University in Wales.

the registrar’s office, the dean, the president and so on. This is very rare at larger institutions; there really is a close-knit community on campus. “At the same time, through the international relationships the U of L has developed, I’ve been able to do field work at some of the most prestigious labs in the world.” His involvement with the SPIRE project was far from peripheral and it was that opportunity, to fully participate in a project with a world-renowned

researcher of Naylor’s calibre, that most benefited Spencer. “Professor Naylor is the lead investigator for Canada on this project,” Spencer says. “Our work was essentially buying access to the Herschel telescope for astronomers across Canada. “I was able to provide an explanation for an unanticipated instrumental effect which was discovered very late in SPIRE’s development. My work provided critical input to the instrument data processing routines within the project, and future instru-

ment development for projects just on the horizon.” At Cardiff, Spencer will continue working with Herschel/ SPIRE, as well as the European Space Agency Planck satellite. In the long term, he looks at coming back to school, as a professor. “I would like to continue researching astrophysics and instrumentation and if possible, our family would love to be based in western Canada and even Alberta,” Spencer says. That’s an application the U of L would do well to receive.

Graduate’s life changed by Bali tragedy By BOB COONEY

Deanna (Thompson) Jokisch emerged from the Bali tragedy a changed person.

Deanna (Thompson) Jokisch (BMgt ’09) traveled to the University of Lethbridge campus for the first time to attend Convocation in October. The road to her degree, which she completed at the U of L’s Calgary campus while working full time, took more than seven years and came after the former Trochu, Alta., resident traveled and worked internationally – Eastern and Western Europe, Australia, Singapore, and Bali, Indonesia were among her many destinations. In all the good Jokisch discovered on her many trips, she also encountered the bad – in particular the large-scale devastation brought about by a terrorist bomb at a Bali nightclub in 2002. In an essay Jokisch wrote for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation website, she recounted her story: “All of a sudden, there was a very loud bang. It sounded like

a crash or something very large hitting the wall outside our room. Before I could get the words “what the hell was that?” out of my mouth, the entire room shook with the second explosion, the windows blew in on us and we landed on the floor in the dark. It had to be the most terrifying moment of my entire life. Unsure of what to do or what just happened, we stayed on the floor listening for a sign of what might be going on outside. That’s when we heard a fellow guest yell, “There’s been a bomb!” A bomb? Are there going to be more? Has war broken out? How do we get out? These were all the questions that were going through my head. What were we going to do?” What she did was to stay amidst the ruined hotel and help her friends and the injured. She returned home a changed person, and embarked on a new path – this one involving university studies. “She spent hours helping the

injured, seeing things on such a huge scale, things most rescue workers here (in Canada) would never see (and hopefully never do),” said her mother, Anna Thompson. “She received awards for her efforts that night, one being a bronze medal of bravery. I think that her greatest reward was to fulfill the commitment to go on and live life as it should be, because so many young people lost their lives that night.” Jokisch currently works for Husky Energy in Calgary in their risk management department. Among other activities, she also volunteers for the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew, a charity that rescues abandoned and neglected dogs and helps adopt them out. A complete account of Jokisch’s experiences after the Bali bombing can be found on the CBC website http://www.cbc.ca/news/ viewpoint/essays/thompson_deanna030205.html.

NOVEMBER 2009

the Legend

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

high level meeting Dr. Leroy Littlebear (Native American Studies) had a rare opportunity to chat with the Dalai Lama at an event in Calgary in midOctober. Littlebear and a group of First Nations Elders met privately with the Dalai Lama to discuss First Nations issues among other topics. (Photo courtesy of the University of Calgary)

University continues to welcome government guests By RICHARD WESTLUND

he Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB) has been a popular tour for elected and non-elected government members over the past few months. Considering the magnitude of environmental challenges facing governments around the world, it should not be surprising that decision makers are taking time to learn more about the important research taking place here at the U of L. In October, Alberta’s Minister of Environment Rob Renner spent a full day at the U of L, with the AWESB serving as a primary focus. Minister Renner engaged with researchers and graduate students. The minister is acting Discover why the University of Lethbridge is

on a mandate letter from Premier Stelmach that includes implementing the renewed Water for Life strategy to “ensure the province has the quality and quantity of water needed now and into the future to support environmental, economic and social needs of Albertans”. It provides a background for Minister Renner, who is now taking the time to understand the expertise that can be found at Alberta’s universities. Renner’s visit occurred a week after his deputy minister, Jim Ellis, also toured the AWESB. Deputy Premier of the Northwest Territories Michael Miltenberger (BASc ’75) spent two days on campus near the beginning of October, while Alberta’s Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sustainable Resource Devel-

opment, Evan Berger, took the tour and spoke to researchers in September. The expertise housed in the AWESB is well known. Certainly it was the quality of research here at the University that led to the building being funded by the Alberta government in the first place. It is essential that government officials and University researchers continue to dialogue and maintain positive working relationships. There is little doubt that the discoveries and ideas shaped at the U of L are informing good public policy as well as helping governments balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. On Oct. 23, Provost Andy Hakin and I met with a number of Calgary MLAs. The message we

delivered was that the U of L plays a big part of the solution when it comes to addressing Calgary students’ access to post-secondary education. The numbers are impressive. Thirty-five percent of our total enrolment comes from Calgary, with enrolment at the U of L’s Calgary campus at an all-time high of 538 students. Not only is the U of L providing access for traditional students, whether they are right out of high school or transfer students, but the program in Calgary also offers access to students who might not otherwise be able to achieve a post-secondary education. Every Calgary MLA we spoke to in Calgary was appreciative of our efforts. The U of L needs to be focused on Calgary because the

demographics inform us that future student demand is going to come from this market. While the number of 18 to 24 year-olds is expected to drop in southern Alberta (south of Calgary) in the coming decade, this segment of the population will continue to grow in the Calgary area. More and more these Calgary students will be looking for an educational experience that is personal and of the highest quality. We believe these Calgary students will be looking at the options the U of L can provide. Therefore it is critical that the Alberta government understands the U of L is a pan-Alberta institution that educates students from all corners of the province, from across the country and indeed the world as a whole.

the right choice for you.

chinook winners NOVEMBER 7, 2009

The Recruitment and Student Life Office, with the co-operation of the University faculties and the School of Graduate Studies, is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. One lucky future student could win a $1,500 tuition credit – the equivalent of about three courses – if they apply for admission on Nov. 7. No registration is required to attend Open House 2009. The basic program consists of a tradeshow-style information booth display on the track level of the 1st Choice Centre, campus tours and information sessions with faculty and graduate studies advisors in various locations on campus. To learn more, visit: https://discover.ulethbridge.ca/events/index.do

Craig Wheaton won the first-ever Loren Hepler Gold Medal for PhD research excellence as the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry held the 3rd Annual Chinook Symposium for Chemistry and Biochemistry in early October. The symposium and associated poster prize is held to recognize undergraduate and graduate students performing original research in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Chinook Poster Prizes have been established at the undergraduate and master’s levels, but new this year was the addition of the Loren Hepler Gold Medal for PhD research excellence. Two people gave presentations about their PhD research, with Wheaton winning the gold medal and Jeffrey Fischer placing second. Judges for the annual contest included: Dr. Peter

Dibble, Gary Knox and Jared Nieboer (Richardson Nutrition) for the Chemistry prize; Dr. Steven Mosimann, Dr. James Thomas and Sandor Dudas (ADRI) for the Biochemistry prize; Dr. Rene Boere and Dr. Brent Selinger for the PhD prize. Following are the winners from the 3rd Annual Chinook Symposium for Chemistry and Biochemistry. Chemistry – Undergraduate First - Cassandra Churchill Second - Shayne Rybchinski Chemistry – Master’s First - Jennifer Przyblski Second - Kevin Johnson Biochemistry – Undergraduate First - Mackenzie Coatham Second - Michael Shields Biochemistry – Master’s First - Evelina De Laurentiis Second - Jessica Durand PhD Presentations First - Craig Wheaton Second - Jeffrey Fischer

students share millenium fund The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors recently recognized several students who received new scholarships from the Millennium Scholarship Fund. A total of 16 students shared $73,500 in new and renewed awards. The complete list of scholarship recipients is below. Alix Blackshaw, BSc, 4th yr (renewal), Courtney Cann, pre-BA/ BEd, 3rd yr (renewal), Teena Cormack, BA/BEd, 4th yr (renewal, Gina Deitz BA, 1st yr (new), Thomas Fox BSc, 3rd yr (new), Samantha Gilbert, BSc, 2nd yr (new), Chelsey Gorety, BA/BEd, 3rd yr (new), Alisha Janiga, BSc/BEd, 3rd yr (new), Carissa Johnson, pre-BFA (Art)/BEd, 1st yr (new), Jesse Johnstone, BFA (New Media), 4th yr (renewal), Randi McDonald, BA, 3rd yr (renewal), Jerrim Rushka, BFA (New Media), 1st yr (new), Bethany Schmidt, BA, 3rd yr (new), Alysha Smith, pre-BMus/BEd, 1st yr (new), Annette Vandekerkhove, BSc, 1st yr (new).

the Legend

OUR

alumni

NOVEMBER 2009

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Stebbins helped shape art culture

tor. I am very grateful for that.” After graduating in 1979 with a bachelor of fine arts with great distinction, Stebbins applied for a part-time position at the SAAG. “The Southern Alberta Art

Gallery has always had a symbiotic relationship with the University. Art students are familiar with the Gallery through their professors. I had always gone to the Gallery and been interested in their programs, so I applied for the job when the position as front desk person came up,” says Stebbins. Gradually, Stebbins’ responsibilities at the gallery increased. She helped with exhibitions, worked with artists, and curated several local historical exhibitions on her own. In 1982, she became the assistant curator. She was promoted to director/ curator in 1985. For the next 15 years, Stebbins worked in liaison with the board of directors to manage gallery resources and programs. She initiated an education program and an artist in residency program. Under her direction both budget and staff size increased and the gallery gained a reputation as one of Canada’s leading contemporary institutions. “I think our successful national reputation comes from the exhibition program. As director/curator, I chose a national program and did a lot of grant writing to the Canada Council for the Arts and other sources to bring in artists that stood out across our country,” says Stebbins. “By 1999, my job title was split because the Gallery had grown and there was just too much to do. Until my retirement in 2008, I acted as curator because that is what I love to do – working with the artists.” Although her career was unplanned, it has turned out to be an extraordinarily rich and rewarding journey for Stebbins. She has traveled extensively, attended major art events throughout Europe, Canada and the United States, worked with very talented artists and continues today to be an important part of the flourishing art community in Lethbridge.

access to digital resources is extremely important. As librarians, we are seeing an increase in questions from instructors concerning digital copyright, and unfortunately, there is often no quick and easy answer to these queries. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions: Q: Can I put a copy of an article our library has full-text access to online? A: No. You cannot download a PDF from one of our databases and post it to your Blackboard site. However, you can post the persistent URL to the site, thereby allowing students to click through directly to the article (validating with their username/password to

enter the database if they are off campus). A guide to finding the persistent links in our databases is available in the library’s how-to guides: http://www.uleth.ca/ lib/guides/research/display. asp?PageID=211. Generally, you should be able to see a ‘darius. uleth.ca’ somewhere in the URL, indicating it is being routed through our proxy server. Q: I would like to show a video in my class, but now this class is being taught online. Can I post the whole video on Blackboard? A: It depends. We need to check to see if the ‘digital rights’ have been purchased for the video, and if not, either purchase these rights or obtain permission to post the video online. Even though

By STACY SEGUIN

hen Joan Stebbins (BFA ’79), former curator for the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG), graduated from high school in the small town of Palmer, Alaska, she embarked on a post-secondary journey that, with a little help from Cupid, would alter dramatically the course of her life. “I started at the University of Alaska with plans to major in English. After one semester I left school to get married and a year later we had our first son,” recalls Stebbins. “While my husband completed his education, I stayed home with our two boys, but there was no doubt that I would one day go back to school; it was just a question of when it worked for everybody.” In 1967, Stebbins moved with her family to Lethbridge where her husband, Dr. Lucius Stebbins, would become one of the founding faculty members of the University of Lethbridge. “The University was so small then that the faculty was like a family. Everybody knew everybody. We did not have family nearby and we were in an adopted country, so it was very nice,” recalls Stebbins. By 1975, Stebbins felt the time was right for her to return to school. She enrolled in the only available night class at the University that interested her, Japanese art history. “I got hooked on art. It was wonderful. I would have done a degree in art history but there were not enough courses available at that time; I did a degree in studio art in printmaking,” says Stebbins. “Going back to school was very fulfilling for me but having a career come out of it – that was not planned. My professors brought such a rich range of experience and strength to their teaching; it happened I was well equipped for my career as a cura-

copyright not an easy read By NICOLE EVA Copyright can be confusing at the best of times; in recent years it has further been complicated by the vigorous growth of electronic publishing. While copyright for print materials is fairly straightforward, and outlined on our library help guide to copyright: http://www. uleth.ca/lib/guides/research/display.asp?PageID=98, a whole new set of complications is introduced when dealing with copyright for digital materials. As more courses go online,

Joan Stebbins

g et T H E FA C T S • Stebbins is Curator Emerita at the SAAG and continues to work on selected special projects. • She was a guest lecturer in Introductory Art at the U of L from 1985 to 1991. • Stebbins is a member of numerous professional associations, juries, and committees including the U of L Art Acquisitions Committee and the Hnatyshyn Foundation. • In 2007 Stebbins was named a member of the Order of Canada, while in 2009 she received an honorary doctor of fine arts from the U of L; earned the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist award; and was given the a Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, RCA Medal for her work on countless artist exhibition publications.

Safety City is keeping its doors open thanks to assistance from University of Lethbridge nursing students.

keeping our children safe If you ever have to cross a street with this group of nursing students, they’ll tell you when you’ve done it wrong. Safety City, a local notfor profit organization that provides pedestrian and bicycle safety training to children age 6 to 12, is benefiting from a unique partnership with the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences and its third- and fourth-year nursing students. The two organizations are launching the second year of a successful partnership in which U of L students work with Safety City staff to deliver an expanded education program as part of their community health coursework. The partnership means that Safety City can serve upwards of 50,000 children per year in southern Alberta, and be able to offer new and updated programs off-site as well as at the Safety City Training Facility, located at the east end of North Parkside Drive, just outside the north gate of the Lethbridge Exhibition grounds. “The University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences and the nursing students have been instrumental in helping us keep our doors open,” says Safety City executive director Linda Besseling. Safety City has been delivering children safety

Blackboard is a password-secure site, we still need permission to stream the video. The CRDC can help with the technical aspects, but ask your subject librarian to investigate the licensing issues. Q: Can I put materials on e-reserve rather than paper copies in the library? A: A pilot project is currently underway to investigate the feasibility of offering e-reserve as a standing option for access to course readings. Please contact Rumi Graham (grahry@uleth.ca) for further information about this. Q: Are works freely available on the Internet subject to copyright? A: Much of the material on the Internet is protected by

programs to the community for the past 13 years. Over the past couple of years, Safety City experienced a cut in funding from some key donors, which resulted in a significant operational shortfall. This impacted the ability of Safety City to continue to offer the programs that are important to the children of our community and to their overall safety. “Now, we are well on our way to becoming more sustainable, and the successful partnership between Safety City and the University of Lethbridge nursing program is a great example,” says Besseling. Students said the collaboration fits perfectly with the health promotion and injury prevention component of their program. “We have been able to see a change in how the children cross the street in the short hour they are with us,” says student Tabatha Vanderwekken. “This experience has been really rewarding just knowing we are helping to prevent injuries and save lives.” The students are also working on other projects, which include revising and improving programs, as well as researching how to deliver the programs to special-needs adults. “We will present a final report to the Safety City board at the end of the semester,” Vanderwekken says. “These different opportunities have allowed us to learn many new skills that we can use for the rest of our nursing careers.”

copyright, including posts to news groups, e-mails, images, music, videos and software. You must get permission from the owner (usually the person or organization that created the material) to use this material. However, more material is being made available via the Creative Commons license, which means creators have agreed to make them freely available for certain uses (restrictions are usually stipulated clearly). As you can see, copyright is rarely straightforward! Please contact your subject librarian (http://www.uleth.ca/lib/contacts/subject-librarians.asp) for further guidance, or consult the aforementioned help guide on the library web site.

NOVEMBER 2009

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

H E A LT H

& wellness

the Legend

Vigilance, vaccination encouraged to stem flu

f there ever was a doubt that H1N1 Infleunza would impact the University of Lethbridge, that was cast aside when the Pronghorns women’s hockey team was forced to postpone a Canada West hockey series at the end of October. With a quarter of the team’s roster unable to play because they were experiencing flu-like symptoms, the Pronghorns and University of Saskatchewan athletics programs made a joint decision to postpone the Oct. 30-31 series and reschedule it to January, 2010. “I applaud the actions taken to protect the health of the

sports teams involved,” U of L Health Centre manager Lori Weber, RN, says. “As a reminder, all those involved in any sport should be taking extra vigilance with cleaning sports equipment, not sharing water bottles, mouth guards or other equipment and notifying their coach/team when they are ill.” While the Pronghorns likely could have played the series shorthanded, the decision to postpone was made as much to protect fellow teammates from becoming ill and stemming the spread of the flu. “It was very important to postpone this series to ensure

apple

One Food Group, Many Benefits By Diane Britton Getting your daily dose of milk and alternatives does more than just keep your bones healthy. Here are the many ways this one food group can benefit your health: Healthy bones and teeth Even as an adult, you recycle calcium in and out of your bones daily

that our team members and our visitors were not further exposed to the flu-like symptoms that have been spreading through the community,” says Pronghorns assistant coach Deb Marek. “We currently have six players and coach Chandy Kaip away ill, and their health and well-being is critical.” For Weber, the incidence of sickness served as an opportunity to remind the University community to continue to be vigilant in practicing established protocols to ward off the flu. “The team illness is unfortunate, but not a surprise considering that there are currently

A D AY |

so that every 10 years your body rebuilds a whole new skeleton! Weight loss | Research shows that calcium helps people lose weight. It causes fat cells to burn off stored fat and decreases your body’s ability to store fat. Blood pressure | The DASH diet (eating 8-10 servings of vegetables and fruit along with three servings from the milk and alternatives daily) helps lower blood pressure. This diet

more than 300 students, staff and faculty listed as ill on the U of L’s flu registry – about three percent of the school’s student and employee population,” she says. The registry’s numbers have been picking up steam of late, moving from just over 70 registrants to more than 300 in a span of 10 days. Weber continues to advise persons to take advantage of the free H1N1 vaccinations that are currently being offered by Alberta Health Services at various sites throughout southern Alberta. The University of Lethbridge is expected to have its

own vaccine in short order and will begin administering shots when given the go ahead from Alberta Health Services. “The fact that we have less than five per cent of our population ill is a testament to people paying heed to the warnings we have posted throughout campus,” Weber says. “But with flu so prevalent in the community, it’s impossible to keep it out of the University environment. Therefore we urge people to get vaccinated and continue to be diligent with hand washing and sanitizing to keep our levels as low as possible.”

MONTHLY FOOD FOR THOUGHT TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY ALL YEAR LONG.

should be monitored closely by your physician and can be set up for you by a dietitian. PMS | Research shows that 1200 mg of calcium daily helps ease symptoms of PMS including cramps, water retention, food cravings and mood changes. Got yogurt? Cancer prevention | CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a natural fat found in dairy products that lowers the risk of some types of cancer

Kidney stones | Research shows that a diet high in calcium reduces the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, if the source of calcium is dairy products. Calcium supplements can actually increase kidney stone risk. Probiotics | These ‘friendly bacteria’ found in yogurt may help boost your immune system and prevent some types of cancer.

added benefits of phytoestrogens to help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. For individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-329-2484. All sessions are $20 for students and University employees. Diane Britton is the on-campus registered dietitian

Menopause | Many women are switching to soy products for the

Combat sleep apnea by attending Lunch and Learn By SUZANNE MCINTOSH Do you find you are often tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious breathing problem that interrupts your sleep. This results in poor sleep quality that makes you tired during the day. Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. Another symptom can be snoring and pauses in your breathing while sleeping. This month’s Wellness Lunch and Learn is focusing on sleep apnea. Shaun Wojtowicz, owner of Chinook Respiratory Care, will be on campus Nov. 17 in TH277 to discuss symptoms, signs and treatment for sleep apnea. Make sure you come and check out this informative topic over the lunch hour. Obstructive sleep apnea means you have short pauses in your breathing when you sleep. These breathing pauses – called

apneas or apnea events – last for 10 to 30 seconds, maybe longer. People with obstructive sleep apnea can stop breathing dozens or hundreds of times each night. If it’s not treated, sleep apnea can lead to major health problems, accidents, and even early death. Thankfully, there are excellent treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea: • high blood pressure • irritability, mood swings or depression • gasping or choking during sleep • tiredness or fatigue • lack of concentration • morning headaches • memory problems/memory loss • sexual dysfunction

The Women’s Health Challenge (sponsored by Alberta Health Services Breast and Cervical Health program, Chinook Regional Hospital and Meyers Norris Penny) wrapped up at the end of October. A total of 30 women entered the challenge and have a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the Keg. Thanks to all who had pap tests and mammograms from May 27 to Oct. 26 and good luck in the prize draw! The Wellness Committee would like to thank all Life Balance Fair exhibitors, prize donors and especially participants that came out on Oct 21. Thanks also to AUPE, who donated $200 towards lunch. The Wii Sports Resort Game was won by Judy Jaeger, caretaking, and the Digital Camera (donated by Chinook Respiratory Care) was won by Chris Lastuka, Anthropology.

Prize winners and donors: - Large First Aid Kit donated by Blue Cross Gwen Umeris - Shopper’s Gift Basket Shopper’s Drug Mart West - Pat Anderson - Runner’s Soul $50.00 Gift Card - Sharon Kanashiro - Tickets to Opera Goes to the Movies - U of L Fine Arts - Brittanie Graham - Tickets to Hay Fever U of L Fine Arts - MaryAnne Hellinga - Horns 10-game combo pass - U of L Sport and Rec Services - Aubrey Salloway and Chris Lastuka - One-month facility membership - U of L Sport and Rec Services - Dirk Olsen - Money Mentors one-hour

session - Amanda Berg - Mini first aid kits - Blue Cross - won by Kim Ordway, Barb Dudley, Judy Jaeger - Aluminum water bottles Blue Cross - Connie Chaplin, Betsy Greenlees - Pedometers - Blue Cross Doug Smith, Anita Salberg - Fleece blanket in a bag donated by Mercer - Louise Miller - Water bottles - donated by Mercer - won by Katherine Wasiak, Sandra Wiest, Christine Groves, Charlene Sawatsky, Diane Layng - Digital camera – donated by Chinook Respiratory Care – won by Chris Lastuka Suzanne McIntosh, Wellness Co-ordinator

events C A L E N D A R

the Legend

Nov. 20-21 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns Women’s game, 6 p.m.; Men’s game, 8 p.m. nightly, 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Lectures Nov. 4 | Art Now: Vancouver artist Isobelle Pauwels | Noon, University Recital Hall, W570

Pronghorn Athletics Men’s Hockey Nov. 13-14 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns 7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena Nov. 27-28 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns 7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena Women’s Hockey Nov. 20-21 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns 7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena Basketball Nov. 6-7 | Regina vs. Pronghorns Women’s game, 6 p.m.; Men’s game, 8 p.m. nightly, 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Nov. 13 | Trinity Western vs. Pronghorns Women’s game, 6 p.m.; Men’s game, 8 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym Nov. 14 | Fraser Valley vs. Pronghorns Women’s game, 6 p.m.; Men’s game, 8 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Nov. 5 | What I’ve Learned about being Human from Studying . . . Lecture Series | Organizations: How Collectives Shape Who We Are and What We Do | Dr. Janelle Enns Gordon, Management, U of L 7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library Nov. 6 | Art Now: Dana Claxton Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 9 | Art Now: Cameron Bailey Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 9 | Architecture & Design Now: Toronto architect Stephen Teeple 6 p.m., C610 Nov. 12 | What I’ve Learned about being Human from Studying . . . Lecture Series | Canadian and Northwest Coast Native Art: Sometimes It’s Necessary to Trespass Borders | Dr. Les Dawn, Art, U of L 7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library Nov. 16 | Architecture & Design Now: Toronto architect Ian MacDonald | 6 p.m., C610

Nov. 17 | Women Scholars Speaker Series – Deborah MacLatchy From Lab Coat to Business Suit: Perspectives on Science and Academic Administration 12 noon to 2 p.m., AH100 Nov. 18 | Aboriginal Speakers Forum – Sharon Goulet | The Power of Stories in Aboriginal Research 9:30 to 11 a.m., B716 Nov. 18 | Art Now: Tor Lukasik-Foss Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 20 | Art Now: Tricia Middleton Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 23 | Art Now: Kathryn Walter Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 23 | Architecture & Design Now: Kathryn Walter 6 p.m., C610 Nov. 25 | Art Now: Rebecca Miller Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 27 | Art Now: Montreal painter Etienne Zack | Noon, University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 30 | Architecture & Design Now: Esther Shipman 6 p.m., C610

Performances Nov. 5-7 | Positive Space by Ian McFarlane | A unique performance exploring various aspects of theatre 8 p.m. nightly, David Spinks Theatre. Matinee, 2 p.m., Nov. 7

Clothing drive a labour of love By ABBY ALLEN One of the newest members of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union General Assembly has developed a way to incorporate her love of fashion with education – in a way that could benefit a wide variety of students. Sara Ritchie, a fifth-year education student, has established an event for students to buy inexpensive clothing, all the while supporting the ULSU Food Bank and raising money for Faculty of Education student scholarships. “One of my initiatives when I was running for education representative was that I wanted to raise money for an additional student scholarship,” says Ritchie, who became a ULSU General Assembly Representative in September. “In light of the recent economic down shift and the provincial education budget cuts, there really isn’t a lot of money circulating for us to try to gather scholarship money.” Donated clothing has been collected on campus since

Oct. 26 and will continue to be compiled until Nov. 6. There are drop boxes in the 1st Choice Savings Centre, by the Security Office, in the U of L Atrium, in the Students’ Union Office, at Nicholas Sheran Community School and at St. Mary’s School. “This is not only University-based as we are reaching out to the Lethbridge community as well,” says Ritchie. “There will be clothing there for everyone, not just young adult clothing and not just women’s clothing. It really will be an event for everyone.” The clothes will be sorted for the sale, which runs Nov. 9-10 and Nov. 12-13 in SU300 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission to the sale is a non-perishable food item. Once inside, people can purchase clothing for $2 to $5 per piece. Ritchie wants to see as much money and food as possible collected. “I would like to see a minimum of $3,000 raised but if we could reach $5,000, I would be beyond happy,” she says. “Incorporating a food drive

into the event seemed like an easy way to help yet another good cause.” Post-secondary education is not always easy to obtain, especially if students struggle financially. The goal of the ULSU Food Bank, operating since 2004, has been to alleviate some of the pressure placed on students. Being able to put food on the table is one less thing students have to worry about. The food bank relies on generous donations and needs-based funding from the Quality Initiatives Program to operate. Food drives can serve as a tremendous contribution from the University community. “The ULSU Food Bank is such a readily available service to students in need because it is on campus,” says Cole Lehto, vice-president internal. “It often experiences a very high volume of users returning on an extensive needs basis. With budget cuts all over post-secondary education right now, supporting the food bank with donations and creative projects is essential to the expansion and future of the service.”

M AY 20 0 9

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Nov. 7 | Dale Ketcheson & Friends Classical guitar from U of L music professor Dale Ketcheson 8 p.m., University Recital Hall Nov. 10 | Music at Noon: Gerard Gibb (oboe), Sarah Gieck (flute), Margaret Mezei (clarinet), Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 17 | Music at Noon: Musaeus String Quartet with Jesse Plessis (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 23 | Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra | With special guests and U of L music majors Matthew Blackburn (piano) and arranger Jesse Plessis | 8 p.m., Southminster Church Nov. 24 | Music at Noon: Arthur Rowe (piano) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570 Nov. 24-28 | Festen by David Eldridge | A time of celebration is undermined by revelations that pierce and destroy the veneer of middle-class respectability Nightly, 8 p.m., University Theatre Nov. 27 | Wind and Song Featuring U of L Wind Orchestra and Vox Musica | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

Dec. 1 | Music at Noon: Dr. Brian Shaw (trumpet) | 12:15 p.m., University Recital Hall, W570

Miscellaneous Nov. 3 | Keys to Living Well – Student Workshop | The Road to Happiness – how to buffer yourself against stress and depression | 12:30 to 1:20 p.m., AH119 Nov. 6 to Jan. 8, 2010 | To Mark on Surface | Dana Claxton new video installation | U of L Main Gallery Opening reception, 4 p.m., Nov. 6 Nov. 12 to 14 | Darwin Symposium International Symposium on Darwinism Nov. 17-21 | The Monotheatrum Hamilton artist Tor Lukasik-Foss creates a performance space for a single musician | U of L Atrium Nov. 21 | Culture Vulture Saturday Luck of the Draw – Colour by Numbers | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., U of L Main Gallery Through Jan. 3, 2010 | art + people = x continues | Darcy Logan presents recent paintings | Helen Christou Gallery | Opening Reception, 4 p.m., Nov. 6

Nov. 28 | Season of Joy With the U of L Singers and Women’s Chorus | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

ketcheson and friends

Locally renowned classical guitarist and music faculty Dale Ketcheson headlines the Faculty Artist and Friends concert, Nov. 7 in the University Recital Hall at 8 p.m. Collaborating with Ketcheson are pianist Glen Montgomery, guitarist James Oldenburg, bassist Billy McCarroll and Persian drummer Mohsen Seyed Mahmoud. The group will present an eclectic mix of music ranging from Granados to John McLaughlin. Tickets are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616).

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

positive space a debut effort TheatreXtra puts a positive spin on the theatre with the Nov. 5 to 7 showing of Positive Space. “I’ve always been an actor, but this is my first time directing,” says dramatic arts major Ian McFarlane about his directorial debut. “Positive Space presents creative ways for audiences to perceive and think about theatre.” Showing 8 p.m. nightly, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 7, Positive Space invites audiences to experience theatre rather than just be spectators – to change their perceptions of what theatre is and how intriguing theatre can be. “This project has taken about a year and a half to complete,” McFarlane says. “Space was the original concept – that the theatre itself is

singers join chorus for season of joy The U of L Singers and U of L Women’s Chorus share the stage for Season of Joy on Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church. The evening

the Legend in focus Festen offers dark perspective

FINE ARTS

a character.” Positive Space is an organic and somewhat spontaneous creation on stage – a collective creation between actor, theatre and audience. “It’s been a challenge throughout the process to encourage the actors to push themselves further, to explore theatre in a new way,” he adds. “The audience is also an active participant. I feel I’m more of a facilitator, rather than an actor or director in a classical sense.” Entertaining and engaging, Positive Space takes theatre out of the box. The mandate of TheatreXtra is to challenge students and push the boundaries of classical theatre. Positive Space plans to accomplish that and redirect audience perceptions towards other theatrical possibilities. Tickets are available at the University Box Office, 403329-2616. features a rich program of choral repertoire from traditional works to familiar seasonal classics. “With this concert the U of L Singers take a different direction this year,” says Dr. Janet Youngdahl, the ensemble’s director. “Sharing this concert with another group is a good change for the choirs and showcases our wonderful choral areas

By AMANDA BERG

ecrets, scandal and slander are the themes of David Eldridge’s Festen, the next Theatre and Dramatic Arts production, playing Nov. 24 to 28, 8 p.m. nightly in the University Theatre. This dark and intriguing work shakes the skeletons in the closet of a family’s shameful past, rocking their foundation and threatening to destroy their middle-class respectability. “This is one of those plays actors starve for,” says Director Jay Whitehead. “The cast has truly embraced the challenges of this play – to go to the dark places the material takes them. We’ve spent a great deal of time preparing relationships, as there is a great deal of love among the hate

of study at the University.” The U of L Women’s Chorus is the newest addition to the choral program. “We have a great bunch of students – both music majors and non-music majors,” says Joanne Collier, director. “Women’s Chorus is the next big thing on the choral circuit. The U of L Women’s Chorus presents some of the exciting emerging reper-

“The lighting, sound and set are innovative and interesting,” says Whitehead. “The look and feel of the production very much aligns with the mood and tone of the play.” The set was designed by James McDowell, with Kelly Roberts as sound designer and Mike Takats as the lighting designer. “This is an emotional night at the theatre,” adds Whitehead. “The themes revolve around relationships that are universal. Festen exposes the big pink elephants in the room, which all families can identify with.” Audiences are warned that the subject matter is very mature, and may be unsuitable for audiences under 18 years of age. Seating is very limited, and tickets are on sale at the University Box Office.

toire for women.” Audiences can expect a robust selection of music for Season of Joy. “The U of L Singers perform Imant Raminsh’s Magnificat, an exuberant and challenging work for choir,” Youngdahl says. “We’ll also perform Regina Coreli by Mozart featuring soloists drawn from the choir.” The second part of the

concert features seasonal classics and favourites as both choirs take to the stage together. Combined or separate, these choirs are sure to delight audiences; sharing their song and the joy of the holiday season. Tickets are $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors, and are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616) or at the door on the night of the concert.

remembrance concert

In the Gallery

To Mark on Surface, 2009 (in process at Writing on Stone). Photo by Corinne Thiessen-Hepher.

History interweaves with art during the installation To Mark on Surface, by Vancouver based artist Dana Claxton. “Dana Claxton’s interpretation of landscape and aboriginal themes is very poetic,” says Josephine Mills, director and

within each of the characters.” The play begins at patriarch Helge’s 60th birthday party as family members gather to celebrate and to smooth over the cracks left by daughter Linda’s recent suicide. As Helge’s eldest son, Christian raises the first toast, and guests are rocked by revelations he is determined to expose. “The play is so confronting,” says Whitehead. “We want the audience to be right in the middle of it.” Quite literally, the audience will feel like guests at the table as seating is set on stage – an intimate and eye-opening spectacle as the plot unravels. From the revealing lighting to the stark set, the elements of the production add to the emotional character of the play.

curator of the U of L Art Gallery. “The exhibit is a commissioned work for the U of L Art Collection. It’s a multimedia installation using film, photography and sound; a display of pastel portraits of Nicolas de Grand Maison and indigenous

etchings at Writing on Stone Provincial Park.” The installation reflects the history, politics and imagery of the southern Alberta region; juxtaposed between the two styles of etching. “I have attempted to show two ways of rendering and marking on surface,” explains artist Dana Claxton. “One is in stone and nature, the other on paper. One is considered tribal and the other is considered western. Although, I don’t look at either being different from each other, to me they are both makings and renderings.” A native of Moose Jaw, Sask., and Lakota First Nations, Claxton has taught at Emily Carr University of Art and Design and has exhibited in art galleries across Canada. Currently based in British Columbia, Claxton is the visiting Chair of Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University. She is also speaking at Art Now on Nov. 6 at 12:15 p.m. in the Recital Hall. To Mark On Surface is on display in the U of L Main Art Gallery from Nov. 6 to Jan. 8, 2010. Everyone is invited to the opening reception on Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.

The University of Lethbridge and Faculty of Fine Arts debut Remembrance: Peace, Diversity and Respect on Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Southminster United Church. “The concert is dedicated to all people who have been victims of acts of violence and intolerance in our community,” says Dr. Janet Youngdahl, concert coordinator. “The message of peace and

wind and song to open The air at Southminster Church is sure to stir with music during Wind and Song, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. at the University Wind Orchestra’s first performance of the season. “Vox Musica is joining us on stage for three selections,” says Glenn Klassen, music director for Vox Musica and the University Wind Orchestra. “We are performing Dry Your Tears Afrika and Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams and a classic choral arrangement of Salvation is Created by Tschesnokoff.” With its almost 100 voices, Vox Musica choir

tolerance has a strong connection with Remembrance Day, which is why we decided to hold the event on Nov. 11.” The program features music, poetry and words by musicians and distinguished guests. “Many musicians are involved, including the U of L Singers, cellist Mark Rodgers and jazz musician David Renter,” says Youngdahl. Admission to this event is a non-perishable food donation for the Lethbridge Food Bank. consists of community singers and University students. Other selections on the program include Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliette and Gordon Jacob’s arrangement of William Byrd Suite. “William Byrd Suite, as arranged by Jacobs, is a magnificent piece going back 400 years, but recomposed for wind orchestra, transforming it into a bigger, more colourful work,” says Klassen. The Wind Orchestra is also preparing for their concert Glory and Grandeur, set for Mar. 6, 2010. Tickets for Wind and Song are available at the University Box Office (403-3292616) and at the door.

RIGHT

Daphne Odjig, Tree Climbing, 1981 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Ron Bell, 1989.

BELOW

Daphne Odjig, The Old Swimming Hole, 1981 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Ron Bell, 1989.

As an Art History/Museum studies major, I have studied numerous types of art and artists. Over the last three years, some of the most influential courses I have taken are from the Native American Studies (NAS) Department. It was in a NAS course that I was able to view significant First Nations Métis Inuit (FNMI) works from the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery Collection. With the rest of my class, I was able to view works by Alex Janvier, Norval Morriseau and Daphne Odjig. All of these artists were members of the Professional National Indian Artists Inc., a group that the media famously labelled, “the Indian Group of Seven.” Out of these three artists, the one who stood out the most, in my opinion, was Odjig, because of her graphic style and organic forms. As I further researched her and her work, I became aware of Odjig’s positive impact on the arts in Canada. Born in Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, this self-taught, half Pottawatomi, half English artist is known for painting, drawing, collage and printmaking. Odjig’s images depict stories and beliefs from her culture. In addition to creating art, Odjig has been branded as the unofficial Ambassador of First Nations Culture within Canada because of her constant promotion of FNMI art and artists throughout the country. Odjig owned and operated Odjig Prints of Canada and the Warehouse Gallery, and was a co-founder and recruiter of the Professional Indian Artists Incorporation. Morgan Wood has noted that Odjig’s goal in life has been “to keep the stories and beliefs alive and circulating for people to come and to inspire other artists to exhibit their culture-based works.” It is because of her commitment to support artists and successfully exhibit her own work that Odjig’s prints are some of my favourite works in the Gallery’s collection. Emily McCormick, Museum Studies Intern, Department of Art

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