"bill"Board

One final BillBoard

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:35:51 -0600

One of the first opportunities I had to communicate to the University community came in the fall of 2001 when I penned the first ever Billboard in a brand new University publication, the Legend. As I prepare to leave my position as President of the U of L, I am pleased to have the opportunity to write one final Billboard, a fitting bookend to my time here at the University.

There have been a lot of ‘lasts’ taking place over the past month and one of the more significant occasions was participating in my final convocation ceremony. I have found always that convocation is an excellent reaffirmation of what we do, day-in and day-out, here at the University.

Each ceremony is unique and one highlight this spring was seeing our first graduate of Ceremony 2 receive her degree. Alix Blackshaw was a very involved student on campus and worked diligently with the University’s Rotaract Club. She, along with Kristina Larkin and Eva Gorny, were recently profiled in the Lethbridge Herald and embody the ideals we embrace here at the University. It is very satisfying to see our students take their role in life seriously, that they don’t concentrate just on their books but they take what they’ve learned in the classroom and share their lessons outside with those less fortunate.

As many of you know, I do not wear hats, and especially convocation hats. For the past 10 years I had avoided wearing my official convocation hat during ceremonies, but Chancellor Richard Davidson made a point of noting that I was not “appropriately” attired during the final ceremony – I ultimately relented.

I want to thank George McIntosh in Facilities for mentioning that I had never had the opportunity to touch the University Mace. I was surprised and pleased to have Chief Marshal John Poulsen hand it to me as Elsa and I walked out in our final procession.

I also want to thank the Senate for bestowing upon Elsa the Senate Volunteer Award. Her contributions to the University over the last 10 years have been invaluable, and I could not have done any of this had it not been for her love and support.

Another significant event was the annual Paul Lewis Lunch. This is one of my favourite gatherings as it brings retirees back to campus and really drives home the community spirit we’ve fostered here at the U of L. This year we were thrilled to showcase Markin Hall to many of our former employees.

The official opening of Markin Hall this fall is one I’m looking forward to attending. While the date has not been finalized, if it can be co-ordinated before our trip to Mozambique in October, I will not let it open without me.

The many farewell wishes both Elsa and I have received have been fantastic. The goodbye events have been very warm, very gratifying, embarrassing, awkward at times, but more than anything, a lot of fun.

It has been a wonderful ride – I’ve said that many times and I’ll go on saying that. I can’t imagine a more satisfying time in my life in terms of the people, the things we worked on, and the recognition the U of L has received.

Wherever our travels and careers take us in the future, we will always be Pronghorns and members of the U of L community.

Campus is a better place because of people such as Jane O'Dea

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:47:45 -0600

As I approach the final weeks of my tenure as President of the University of Lethbridge, it’s hard not to reflect on my 10 years here in southern Alberta and more specifically, on the many remarkable people I have met over that time.

Dr. Jane O’Dea is one of those people and it is both ironic and fitting that we would begin our positions on the same day, 10 years ago, and will now be leaving these positions on the same day at the end of June.

As the new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Jane had already been at the University for 10 years when she began her role. I was coming in from the outside and was fortunate to have Jane, among others, as a valuable resource to help learn about the U of L community.

Jane was very generous in her time to me early on, and I remember fondly accompanying her on my first visit to the Blood Reserve and Red Crow Community College. That was just the beginning of the Niitsitapi Teacher Education program, one that she supported, built and encouraged her colleagues to work on diligently.

Congratulations Madam Dean on all that you were able to accomplish during your term, and I know we will continue to see great things from you in the future.

The spring is a time for congratulations as we honour the many people who make the U of L such an exceptional place to work and study. Dr. Leah Fowler, this year’s Distinguished Teacher, is to be commended for her wonderful work in the Faculty of Education, as is
Dr. Dave Morris, the Ingrid Speaker Medal recipient.

Dr. Fowler will be honoured at Spring Convocation while Dr. Morris will be recognized at the fall event.

I also want to make particular mention of the President’s Award winners, Cal Toth from the Curriculum Re-Development Centre, Kim Fowler from Housing Services and the Major Building Construction Team from Facilities. This team is led by Brian Sullivan and includes Bill Hudgins, Jason Baranec, John Federkeil, Will Tietz, Dan Sullivan, Jim Vanderzee, Rick Baceda and Al Mueller. I am satisfied especially that these awards have recognized such a distinguished group over the years.

Now that the Michael Nolan campaign has concluded, I want to say a special thank you to Vice-President Advancement Chris Horbachewski for initiating what was the most satisfying fundraising experience with which I have ever been associated. It was a wonderful success, both in terms of money raised for student scholarships and the great amount of fun we had with the project.

I was very happy that a student, Joshua Og, won Michael Nolan, and I’ve heard that he has been putting the car to good use since he took ownership. My only advice to him, other than to enjoy the car and treat it well, was to never change its name.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Farewell Fiesta in May, where I can
express my gratitude personally to all of you for how wonderful you have made my time here at the University.

Lastly, I will be presiding over my final convocation ceremonies next month, and I urge everyone to take some time to attend one of the four ceremonies. It’s an excellent way to reaffirm why we work so hard to make the University all that it is for our students.

University affords great opportunity

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:17:03 -0600

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

I consider myself very fortunate to be in a position that affords me the opportunity to meet truly exceptional people from all walks of life. In recent weeks I have shared the company of two such people, Mike Babcock and Ron Sakamoto, who are not only accomplished in their respective fields, but who are personable, genuine and generous friends of the University of Lethbridge.

Babcock headlined the inaugural Calgary Alumni & Friends Dinner, a wonderful affair that packed the grand ballroom at The Westin. Recently crowned as an Olympic champion, Babcock turned the event into a very special evening by taking his audience into the dressing room and behind the bench of the Canadian Men’s Olympic Hockey Team. At the same time, his message of humility and being true to your roots, as he is with the strong connection he maintains to the U of L, resonated with the crowd.

If you had told me 10 years ago, when I first came on as President, that we would be able to fill a ballroom of that size, in Calgary, with our alumni, I never would have thought it was possible. We have come a long way in that time and our University is evolving to where we now have alumni who are well into their own careers and are in a position to give back to their alma mater. This is a very important bond that’s been established and events like the one in Calgary will only nurture that relationship going further.

Just recently, the University and the Faculty of Fine Arts had a sneak peek at the new digital audio arts studio, and with that came a very valuable contribution from Ron and Joyce Sakamoto. Ron had always said he’d do something significant for the University while I was still President, so this announcement was very special to me and will benefit students for years to come.

Ron is someone I’ve really enjoyed over the years. He’s been a lot of fun to be around and is a keen supporter of the U of L. In 2003, the University granted him an honorary degree and Ron regaled the convocation crowd by yodeling his acceptance speech. It remains one of the three most memorable honorary degree speeches of my time as President. It ranks with Tom Droog’s electric presentation and Chava Rosenfarb’s heartfelt address, which both took place in 2006. I still cannot listen to Chava’s speech without crying.

When I look at the lives of these three unique individuals, they are very similar in that none of them had a formal education and they all have been extremely successful while also using their talents to benefit other people.

On another note, the University continues to hum along with exciting news from every corner of campus. Congratulations to Dr. Robert James Ellis, the new Dean of the Faculty of Management. With a new Dean in place and Markin Hall readying to open, the future is very bright for this Faculty.

As well, congratulations to the people in the Alberta Water and Environmental Sciences Building. The recent announcement of federal funding to support the establishment of a Water and Environmental Sciences Hub and the University’s significant role in this project further illustrates the research excellence that exists on campus.

University has always enjoyed a unique spirit

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:59:53 -0700

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

One of the things I have always enjoyed about the University is the unique and fun way in which we accomplish very significant tasks.

The Michael Nolan campaign is a perfect example of this innovative spirit. I have enjoyed thoroughly every aspect of this exercise, from the creation of the concept to the making of the video and then last week’s launch/reveal event. The most important factor in all this is that the end result will be the establishment of a scholarship that will benefit our students.

Of course, the winner of the Michael Nolan car is also acquiring a fine automobile. I’ve heard from a number of people who really want this car, and I hope that whoever wins the raffle understands the meaning of tender loving care.

There are a number of excellent events on campus this month, beginning this week with the annual Native Awareness Week. I urge everyone to find a way to take part in the many events that are scheduled. We truly have a rich and vibrant aboriginal culture here in southern Alberta and it is well represented at the University through our Native American Studies Department and many areas of campus.

Later this month, the annual Brain Awareness Week, Mar. 15 to 20, showcases the exciting and groundbreaking research projects being undertaken in the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience. The Open House event on Mar. 20 is a wonderful opportunity to step inside the CCBN and get a glimpse of some amazing research being conducted by the people in neuroscience.

The U of L is continually ahead of the curve when it comes to programming and innovation. We have made a commitment through our Strategic Plan to keep looking forward and that is evident throughout our faculties. The new Digital Audio Arts program has been a huge success in just its first semester, while Health Sciences continues to prosper from its Public Health programming. In Education, the new Masters of Education in Neuroscience program is a fine example of our expanded graduate programming, while the Faculty of Management is now offering its CA Bridging Program at our Calgary and Edmonton campuses. This program will allow students with non-business degrees to obtain the necessary business and accounting prerequisites for admission to the CA School of Business.

As this publication went to press, our Pronghorns athletic teams were engaged in a number of key contests. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams were involved in the first round of Canada West playoffs while the men’s hockey team was finishing off an excellent second half to the season and trying to clinch a playoff berth.

Congratulations to all our athletes who represented the University so well throughout the year.

Haiti situation elicits campus compassion

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:10:06 -0700

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

There are times when we all take aspects of our lives for granted, and we don’t necessarily appreciate the fortunate circumstance we have of living in a prosperous country such as Canada. When we then see the devastation of a tragedy like the Haitian earthquake, it quickly brings into focus just how lucky we are.

Last week’s gathering in the Atrium in support of the Haitian people was a scene we’ve replicated far too many times here at the University. Whether it is in response to the shootings at Virginia Tech University or the terrible tsunami in Thailand, we’ve come together as a community to support our fellow humans.

The outpouring of support for our Haitian brothers and sisters has been heartwarming but hardly unexpected. We here at the University have always shown a great measure of compassion, and I feel it comes from the global nature of our campus community.

We have a number of groups on campus that make such positive contributions to society, and it is especially evident during times of tragedy. From the International Students’ Association who manned a donation table for the Red Cross, to the Rotaract Club and its campaign to collect money for shelter boxes, to Steve Ferzacca’s health science students and their Partners in Health program that has a permanent presence in Haiti, our faculty, staff and students consistently give to those less fortunate and in need.

I look forward to celebrating that international spirit at the Feb. 10 International Dinner. Always a highlight of the spring, the International Dinner features wonderful cuisine from all corners of the globe. This year’s guest speaker, Kim Phuc, promises to be especially poignant. Known as “The girl in the picture” Phuc is an advocate for children affected by war and terror. Her message of compassion and understanding is always relevant and should make for an excellent evening.

As we approach spring, the word ‘transition’ is being used often in the President’s office. It’s a process I feel very good about and one I expect will go very smoothly as we introduce
Dr. Mike Mahon to the University and its partners.

This week both Mike and his wife Maureen are here in Lethbridge to take part in a number of events. Mike attended his first President’s Executive meeting, accompanied Vice-President Finance and Administration Nancy Walker, Vice-President Advancement Chris Horbachewski, and me to Rotary Club, participated in the annual Donor Gala celebration and took part in a number of other social gatherings. Richard Westlund, our government relations director, also arranged a host of courtesy calls for Mike as he spoke with key representatives from the local, provincial and federal governments.

We’re making sure Mike has the opportunity to meet people in a social, casual and informal basis as he becomes accustomed to the U of L in advance of July 1, when he assumes the Presidency. He’ll officially be installed Oct. 15 and preside over his first convocation ceremony on Oct. 16.

Finally, I have heard through numerous channels that Michael Nolan is coming to town this spring. Nolan is someone who I knew many years ago, and I can’t wait to see him once again.

Ready for the Spring Semester

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:51:38 -0700

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

Welcome back from what I hope was a restful and rejuvenating Christmas break.

The dawn of a new year is always an exciting time and for the University of Lethbridge, great change and great possibilities abound for 2010.

As I enter the final six months of my tenure as President, I can look back on what has been an incredible 10-year experience. I am confident in my successor, Dr. Mike Mahon, continuing the direction we have carved out for the University.

We have spent a considerable amount of time and effort refocusing the University as a comprehensive research institution, growing our campus, expanding our programs and enrolments, reaching out to the community and telling our story. I am very proud of all the people who have helped with that process and who keep the U of L ‘running’ both academically and operationally.

I am confident that Mike will come to work after July 1 to find the people and resources in place to ensure the sustainability and continued success of the University of Lethbridge – among them a solid strategic plan, community support and engaged students.

The presidential search committee has done a fine job. Elsa and I wish Mike, Maureen and their family well as they embark on this wonderful new opportunity.

The next six months will serve as a very important transitional opportunity for the University. He is coming into the University at a difficult time economically. Little has changed with respect to our University budget and there is no further information from the Government of Alberta in terms of funding. We continue to work on the assumption that there will be zero per cent change to our operating grant in both 2010-11 and 2011-12.

My goal is to help Mike transition into the role of President as easily as possible, with a full understanding of the issues facing the U of L coupled with the full support of the people he’ll be working with to keep the University moving forward.

Christmas Greetings

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:44:16 -0700

It is hard to believe our first semester has nearly passed and we are approaching already the Christmas season. I wish Christmas greetings to all students, faculty and staff at this very special time of year.

As I look around campus I am always impressed by the ethnic diversity we have here at the University of Lethbridge. We truly are a global community with students from virtually every corner of the planet. What impresses me is the manner by which U of L students embrace the international culture that surrounds them. I know this because of the many stories I hear of our students making an impact on a global level.

We have a number of students who take advantage of study tours to international destinations and many more who volunteer abroad, helping to spread the word that the University is globally conscious and responsible.

It is hardly surprising then to see U of L grads employed as part of our armed forces, representing both their country and the University in some of the world’s most troubled locations. It is wonderful to see these young men fly the University’s flag in these far-off lands and I wish upon them a safe return to Canada once their tour of duty has been completed.

Hearty congratulations to the Pronghorns women’s rugby team on their third consecutive CIS championship victory. To win a national championship is wonderful but to do it three straight years, and in such a dominant fashion, is truly remarkable. We should be very proud of these young women and all the attention they have brought to the University of Lethbridge.

In keeping with Pronghorn Athletics, it is important to remember that our athletes are students as well and that the term “student-athlete” be taken to heart. Therefore it was good to see the Pronghorns qualify 41 of their student-athletes for the Academic All-Canadian team, an increase of six students from the previous year. Special mention should be made of the women’s soccer and rugby programs, which led the way with eight Academic All-Canadians apiece.
Congratulations also to Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden and his iGEM team for their recent gold medal performance at the iGEM competition in Boston, as well as the efforts of Dr. Howard Cheng’s computer programming teams that posted the University’s best-ever results at the ACM Rocky Mountain Regional Programming Contest.

Finally, kudos to student Scott Lamb of Claresholm who managed to sink a half-court shot and win the Bill’s Bomb for Books promotion at a recent Pronghorns men’s basketball game. His prowess lightened my wallet and netted him a $500 gift certificate at the University Bookstore.

Enjoy the Christmas season, use the University’s Operation Red Nose program if you’re out enjoying some Christmas cheer and I look forward to seeing everyone renewed and refreshed in the New Year.

Billboard

trevor.kenney — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:42:57 -0700

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 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 amount of credit to Vice-President (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!

Town Hall Meeting will update budgetary process

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:16:35 -0600

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

This past spring, the University held a town hall meeting for staff and faculty to address issues surrounding the economic downturn and an expected shortfall in the provincial operating grant.

At that time, much of what we talked about was based on speculation and an expectation that the provincial funding grant increases for the years 2010 and 2011 would come in at zero per cent.

As you read this Billboard, senior administration has just returned from a meeting in Edmonton with Advanced Education Minister, Hon. Doug Horner. He invited the board of governor Chairs and presidents from the province’s post-secondary institutions to discuss the state of the provincial budget and what the allocations will be to the post-secondary system.

Now that we have this information, I invite everyone to attend the Friday, Oct. 9, Town Hall Meeting so that we may discuss the University’s financial situation further. The feedback from the previous town hall was generally positive and some very good ideas were generated as a result. I expect Friday’s town hall will be just as beneficial.

The University just recently unveiled a Voluntary Retirement Program as one measure aimed at alleviating some of the financial stress on our operating budget. It is hard to say what impact this initiative will have but it has already received a number of inquiries. The nature of our organization, as with any educational institution, is that salaries make up the majority of the operating budget and all avenues are being explored to best handle the expected shortfall in provincial funding.

The University celebrated a major event last month with the grand opening of the new Community Sports Stadium. The festivities were spectacular by any measure. I’m still thrilled by the Friday night football games featuring four of our local high school programs. I have no rooting interest in any of these teams and yet I was swept up in the emotion of the evening. The traffic, the people, the spirit of the stadium was truly alive. Our own Pronghorn teams then carried that momentum over into Saturday, making it a very memorable weekend.

Another good news story this month is the realization of our largest enrolment figure to date. At 8,248 students, we are well ahead of last year’s Fall Semester numbers, which is a testament to the hard work of many University departments. At one point, projected enrolment saw us at a 17 per cent decline from the previous year, but as is the nature of the U of L, a concentrated interdepartmental effort tackled the challenge and produced wonderful results.

Congratulations to Dr. Reg Bibby, recently honoured by the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA) with the CAFA Distinguished Academic Award for 2009. One of our most recognized faculty members due to his groundbreaking and oft-cited research interests, this honour is well deserved.

I am looking forward to celebrating another graduating class at the Fall 2009 Convocation later this month. With Son Soubert and Paul Brandt here to receive honorary degrees, as well as the return of our first Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Cheryl Misak, as the Alumna of the Year, it promises to be a prominent event.

Welcome back for the Fall 2009 Semester

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:04:47 -0600

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

Welcome to the Fall 2009 Semester and what promises to be an exciting and challenging time at the University of Lethbridge.

While the summer months allow us all to refresh and refocus for a new semester, there is nothing like the energy of a campus full of students. It is invigorating to see both old friends return as well as the influx of fresh new faces. There is a spirit within these walls that is revived with the resumption of each new semester, and it is inspiring to all of us.

I’d like to welcome personally all the new staff and faculty who have come to the University over the summer months. I trust you will find an accepting atmosphere here and will feel truly a part of our community.

It has been a busy summer on campus, most notably in the continued development of our major construction projects. Markin Hall, the future home of the Faculties of Management and Health Sciences, is that much closer to being completed in anticipation of its summer, 2010 opening. This building has already transformed the landscape of our campus and when completed, will set the stage for even further development of this corridor.

The Campus Daycare project continues to take shape and is on course to accept its first children in January 2010. What a great way to enhance our community atmosphere here at the University by providing quality care for the youngest members of our family.

The University of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium is nearly complete and already open to play. A number of events have been held on the stadium’s artificial turf surface, including soccer and rugby practices, soccer games and high school football games. It is with great pride that I can now look across the river on any given evening and see our stadium’s lights glowing in the night sky.

The stadium’s new name reflects the community aspect of this project. Built in conjunction with the City of Lethbridge and provincial government, this facility will serve as a magnificent home for our Pronghorn athletes and also as a hub for athletics in southern Alberta. I invite everyone to come out to the stadium’s grand opening event, Sept. 25-26 to celebrate the birth of a new sporting era.

As you make your way around campus this fall, you will notice the many hand sanitizing stations that have been provided by the University. The issue of Influenza A H1N1 is real and something we are taking very seriously. It is important we heed the warnings of Alberta Health Services and do all we can to protect ourselves from the spread of this virus.

Please take time to view the notices posted by the Health Centre, Human Resources and our communications team as they will keep our community apprised of all the latest information related to H1N1 and maintaining a healthy campus.

The start of a new semester is always exhilarating, and I look forward to meeting many of you as I make my way around campus this fall. The University of Lethbridge is truly an experience and I encourage you to sample all that the U of L has to offer.