On October 15, 2010, Dr. Michael J. Mahon was officially installed as the sixth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge.
Once a week, a young Mike Mahon (pronounced Man) would catch the bus in his hometown of Winnipeg, Man., ride across the city and head to the swimming pool or gymnasium to work with people with intellectual disabilities.
The volunteer experience was part of a community-service expectation mandated by his high school, but Mahon wasn’t there simply to earn credit. Having grown up in a household that valued community engagement, the idea of volunteerism was second nature, and he took to it innately.
WHAT’S NEW? Let your classmates know what you are up to by sharing a note about your life. Share your news with us by e-mail, phone or mail.
Keys to the City
On Oct. 7, a number of notable residents of southern Alberta, including many with ties to the University of Lethbridge, received a key to the city from former Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck. Friends of the U of L included The Hon. Rick Casson (former U of L employee), Senator Joyce Fairbairn (LLD ’04), Gary Kirk (2004 Faculty of Management Scholarship Dinner honouree), U of L researcher Dr. Ian Whishaw (DSc ’08) and Rochelle Yamagishi (BASc ’71, MEd ’91).
Dr. Blair McMurren – 2010 Alumnus of the Year
What do you get when you cross a multiple scholarship winner with an Oxford graduate, Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Translation, senior analyst for the Canadian Privy Council Office, published author and an accomplished musician? You get one remarkable guy by the name of Blair McMurren (BA ’96), who just happens to be the U of L’s 2010 Alumnus of the Year.
On Sept. 24, more than 250 health sciences and management alumni and friends returned home to celebrate the opening of Markin Hall.
The evening included tours of the new state-of-the-art facility, a “U” photo booth and the chance to catch up with fellow alumni and professors. In addition, both faculties hosted dinners to honour the individuals who helped make Markin Hall possible.
HISTORIANS SCORE 100%
The University of Lethbridge History Department celebrated 100 per cent participation in Supporting Our Students for the second year in a row.
For months, Gabrielle Weasel Head has made regular visits to a Lethbridge shelter to interview its Blackfoot residents about their experiences
In the tradition of Blackfoot storytelling, Weasel Head is exploring what homelessness means to Blackfoot people. She has collected five narratives, and now faces the challenge of capturing the stories she’s heard.
“It’s hard to reproduce their stories without having my heartstrings pulled,” she says.
As a Blackfoot person herself, the U of L master’s student in Native American Studies has insights many researchers don’t.
The Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) phenomenon is pervasive in towns and cities right across North America, and it’s happening right here in our own backyard in southern Alberta
That’s why an interdisciplinary group of researchers at the University of Lethbridge has teamed up to study the NIMBY phenomenon, its impact on home renters and homebuyers in Lethbridge, and ultimately, how to combat the problem.
Dr. Paul Hayes’ work may be small in scale, but it’s attracting awards, accolades and a lot of attention
When U of L chemistry researcher Dr. Paul Hayes sees a cornfield, he looks much deeper than the rows, the stalks or even the kernels.
He envisions matter at the molecular level and sees corn as a source for biodegradable material, such as a plastic drinking cup, rather than just a common vegetable.
2008 Grey Cup champion Brett Ralph is tackling his next big challenge at the U of L
At 28 years of age, Brett Ralph is just entering his prime as a professional athlete, a fleeting window of time when the wisdom acquired through experience meshes with the athleticism of youth.
Yet, Ralph, a five-year Canadian Football League (CFL) veteran and 2008 Grey Cup champion, is not weaving his way through opposing defences looking for the end zone. Instead he is navigating the halls of the University of Lethbridge with his sights set on a new goal – a teaching degree from the Faculty of Education.
THEATRE & MUSIC
November 22
Ode to Joy
(Beethoven’s Symphony #9)
8 p.m., Southminster United Church
Lethbridge Symphony and Vox Musica with soloists Janet Youngdahl, soprano; Sandra Stringer, mezzo-soprano; Blaine Hendsbee, tenor; and George Evelyn, bass-baritone. Tickets: 403-329-7328.
November 23-27
Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind (English Translation by Jonathan Franzen)
8 p.m., University Theatre
