On October 17th, 2019, community members, avid scholars, students, alumni, close friends and family gathered to celebrate the kind, sincere and thoughtful professor of mathematics, Dr. Dennis Connolly. The jubilant celebration commemorated Connolly’s enthusiastic commitment to students, the University of Lethbridge and the community.
Dennis is a dedicated ambassador of the University of Lethbridge, and his passion and devotion to both his discipline and his students are effervescently distinct, displaying a joy for learning and teaching others to love to learn as well. He is a life-long mentor and someone who students can look up to during and after their time spent at the University.
It was a special night, a night filled with unabashed, tremendous joy, celebrating a man who reaches so many people and touches their hearts, making them feel deserved, welcomed and cherished during their time spent on campus and beyond.
“From marvelous performances by the U of L Opera Workshop, to delicious food and fine Australian wine to the heartfelt stories of Dr. Connolly’s personalized dedication to the student experience, the Wine & Dine: Arts & Science Scholarship Dinner was an unforgettably enjoyable celebration,” said Dr. Matthew Letts, interim dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “Dennis truly is a selfless and thoughtful individual with over fifty-two years of dedicated service to our university, and it felt only fitting that we dedicate the night to him.”
The night kicked off with a joyous operatic performance by the U of L Opera Workshop, directed by Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, who performed the finale from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, one of Dennis’ favourite operas. The backdrop of melodious music by the string trio highlighted the joy and laughter that filled the room of those who came forward to celebrate a truly remarkable man.
And although the food, wine and entertainment were spectacularly sublime, nothing compared to the sincerity of the sentiments expressed by those who came together to celebrate a truly exceptional man who touched the minds and spirits of those whom he taught and worked alongside.
Following the main course, Helen Connolly took the stage and with fond admiration for her father, spoke of his generosity, “He has a deep, deep generosity within him. It’s a generosity that many of you may have experienced firsthand, often in the form of Spudnuts delivered on a Thursday morning. Or perhaps flowers left on your desk. Or honey dropped off on the doorstep. Maybe it’s a card of appreciation for work that may have gone unnoticed or unremarked,” Helen later went on to tell the audience what the U of L has meant to her dad and her family observing that, “His arrival in Lethbridge was unexpected. But his decision to stay to work at the newly created University of Lethbridge was something that was made wholeheartedly and without regrets. Part of what makes Canada home for my dad is the U of L. For dad, the U of L means the thousands of students he’s taught over the past fifty years, many of whom are still in touch with him today. The U of L means colleagues who have become close friends whose kids I grew up with, who have become like family. The U of L also gave us the sheer enjoyment of cheering for the Pronghorns in a close game or attending the opera workshop performances. And for all of these things, we are so incredibly grateful.” Dennis Connolly had a crystalline effect on many people academically, professionally and socially, emitting warmth and approachability that few possess. It was heartwarming to be regaled with his generosity and mindfulness of others.
President and vice-chancellor Mike Mahon echoed the meaning of the event and the resonating effect that the money raised would have on students. “Dennis represents the sense of community that lives in the heart of our university. It seems especially fitting that the funds raised tonight will support a scholarship in Dennis’ name, ensuring that not just the students of the past, but also the students of the future will continue to be influenced by Dennis and his impact on our university and his whole sense of nurturing students.” This sentiment was proved entirely when fourth-year physics student and goalie for the Pronghorn women’s hockey team, Alicia Anderson, spoke of Dennis’ unwavering support of student-athletes and how his belief in her has not only helped her succeed but also inspired her to teach.
“Anyone lucky enough to have had a class with Dennis knows he is extremely passionate about teaching. He takes the time to get to know the students and ensure their success both in and out of the classroom. Having his support has inspired me to take up a new role in teaching first-year students in the physics department.” Alicia later went on to share a story of genuine warmth and geniality with those in attendance, leaving many in the audience in tears of admiration.
“In my first year of university, Dennis reached out to me and gave me a book with the NHL’s greatest goalies of all time. When I took it home and opened it, I saw that on the last page, he had glued in my headshot from the hockey program. And it was crazy to think that someone in the Lethbridge community had already supported me so much, even in my first year.” Before leaving the stage, Alicia asked Dennis to step forward, presenting him with a custom Pronghorn jersey that lit up his face. He quickly wrapped the jersey around his shoulders, wearing it proudly for the remainder of the evening, displaying that Dennis is and always will be, Pronghorn proud.
Proceeding dinner, the U of L Opera Workshop took centre stage again to perform two numbers to wrap up the festivities. The first was the beloved Puccini Aria “O Mio Babbino Caro,” sung by Alexandra Morgan, in which a daughter begs her father to let her marry the man she loves. The toe-tapping Bell Trio followed this performance from HMS Pinafore, in which a daughter decides to marry the sailor she loves, yet keeps the secret hidden from both the admiral and her father. This number was performed by singers Brianne Nielsen, Tanner Lappointe and Boden Broadhead, and accompanied by pianist Gregory Knight.
Lastly, it was Dennis himself who took to the stage to express his gratitude and appreciation of the night and those around him. As Dennis began to tear up, he concluded with a note of sober finality, expressing, “What I want to thank you for is just for coming. Honestly, I can hardly believe so many people came here tonight. This is just phenomenal. I wish my mother were here to see this. I just can’t thank you enough.” To which he received a thunderous round of applause and an immediate standing ovation that failed to cease. He later remarked, “I will never forget this night. It was the crowning glory of my 52 years with the U of L.”
The Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Lethbridge is pleased to announce that thanks to the generous support of donors and the community, the 2019 Wine & Dine Arts & Science Scholarship Dinner has raised funds to create a new student scholarship in Dr. Dennis Connolly’s name. You may donate to the scholarship fund directly by visiting us online. Choose "Dr. Dennis Connolly Scholarship Fund" in the dropdown field that asks where you would like to direct your gift. Thank you for supporting our students!