What's up at U of R?

The University of Regina is pleased to announce that Dr. William F. Ready, Q.C., has been elected by acclamation to serve a second term as Chancellor from July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2013. Dr. Ready was first elected in 2007 as the University of Regina's seventh Chancellor.

"Dr. Ready is a longstanding and dedicated supporter of the University of Regina and we are fortunate to have someone of his experience and commitment in such an important position," says University of Regina President Vianne Timmons. "He has always placed a high value on education, and I know that this commitment to our students, faculty and staff will continue in his second term as Chancellor."

Dr. Ready retired from the practice of law in Regina after nearly 50 years in 1998, at which time his law firm was known as McDougall Ready.  For eleven years, he was a trustee serving on the Regina Public School Board of Education, as Vice-Chairman for two years and as Chairman for two years. Many years later, the Board of Education named W. F. Ready School in his honour.

Dr. Ready was also a long-time member of the Board of Royfund Mutual Funds, now known as RBC Funds. He was a member of the Saskatchewan Leadership Team raising funds for the University of Regina in the Vision 20/20 Campaign, and is a member of the Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission.

The University Chancellor's ceremonial duties include chairing the Convocation ceremonies in the spring and fall. The Chancellor also chairs the University of Regina Senate responsible for the academic welfare of the institution.  He is a voting member of the Board of Governors and most Board standing committees. In addition, the Chancellor is a key representative of the University in the community. The position is elected by members of the University of Regina Convocation and is a three-year term, which can be renewed once.

Results of the 2010 University of Regina Senate election of its district members for the terms of July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2013 were declared as elected by acclamation:

• Patrick Maze will serve his second term in District 2 which includes Weyburn, Yorkton and Hudson Bay. He currently resides in Pilot Butte.  Maze has also been elected to the Board of Governors by the University of Regina Senate serving until June 30, 2013.

• Marsha Barteski-Hoberg will serve her second term in District 7 which includes Melfort, Wynyard and Davidson. She currently resides in Wynyard.

• Audrey Neilson will serve her first term in District 8 which includes Dundurn and Delisle. She currently resides in Martensville.

• Robert Krismer will serve his first term in District 9 which includes North Battleford and Prince Albert. He currently resides in North Battleford.

The University of Regina is pleased to announce three new members to its Board of Governors, as well as extensions of terms for other members, following its meeting on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

Stuart Pollon has been appointed to the Board of Governors by the Province of Saskatchewan.  His term runs until April 14, 2013. Pollon is a partner with KPMG LLP.  He is a chartered accountant responsible for the coordination of audit, accounting, tax and business advisory services to a broad range of clients. He has significant experience in financial reporting and attestation, as well as the development and implementation of policies and procedures. He has experience in the provision of legislative compliance, tax and regulatory reporting, corporate finance transactions and special advisory projects. He is also an active board member on several volunteer and professional boards.

Patrick Maze has been elected to the Board of Governors by the University of Regina Senate. His term runs until June 30, 2013. Maze holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the University of Regina. He was recently elected to serve a second three-year term on the University of Regina Senate, representing District 2. Maze is currently the president of the Regina Public School Teachers' Association and is an executive member of the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation.

Luigi Benedicenti has been elected as the faculty representative to the Board of Governors. His term will run until June 30, 2013. Benedicenti is a professor and associate dean in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Regina. Benedicenti received his Laurea in Electrical Engineering and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Genoa, Italy. Benedicenti's current research is in three areas: software agents, software metrics, and new media technology.

"I look forward to working with our newest members of the Board of Governors," says University of Regina President Dr. Vianne Timmons. "They are a wonderful complement to our existing Board members, and their expertise, diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives will serve the University of Regina and its community well in the coming years."

Susan Barber Q.C., has been re-appointed chair of the Board of Governors for a second term through to July 31, 2011. Barber is a partner with McDougall Gauley LLP of Regina. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Regina and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan. She is a public representative appointed by the Province of Saskatchewan.

Paul McLellan was appointed vice-chair of the Board of Governors through to July 31, 2011. Serving his first term on the Board of Governors, McLellan is a Regina businessman who graduated with a Bachelor of Administration degree from the University of Regina in 1981, and a Master of Business Administration in 2009. He is president of Sun Electric (1975) Ltd., CEO and president of Mancon Holding Ltd., and CEO and general manager of Alliance Energy Ltd.

Kyle Addison, president of the University of Regina Students' Union, has been re-appointed for a second term, which runs until April 30, 2011.

Continuing on the Board of Governors are ex-officio members Dr. William F. Ready, Chancellor (acclaimed for a second term) and Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor; Ben Grebinski, elected by the University of Regina Senate; and Brenda Barootes and Lee Elliott appointed by the Province of Saskatchewan.

 

A faculty member at the University of Regina has released a national study comparing the performance records of a select number of health regions from across the country. The indicators examined are quality of care, patient access and patient satisfaction rates.

The research was conducted by Dr. Wallace Lockhart, a faculty member in accounting in the Paul J. Hill School of Business at the U of R. "The purpose of the research is to identify best practices and performances in health care in Canada," says Lockhart.

In the area of quality, the survey looks at ten measurements, including hysterectomy readmission rates and in-hospital hip fractures. In the area of access, there are six measurements, including waiting periods for people with fractured hips and knee replacement rates. In the area of patient satisfaction, there are three measurements, including physician care and hospital care.

"What surprised me about the findings is that, although there are significant differences between regions in any one measure, their aggregate scores are relatively close. This suggests to me that best practices in healthcare are not concentrated in any one location, and that healthcare organizations can learn from each other by identifying strongest performers in each key area," says Lockhart.

In all, 45 health regions across Canada were compared - 30 Group One regions, representing health regions with populations of 200,000 or more, and 15 Group Two regions, representing health regions with fewer than 200,000 people. The data comes from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Canadian Community Health Survey.

In Group One, Moncton, New Brunswick, had the highest overall ranking followed by Regina-Qu'Appelle in Saskatchewan, and South Vancouver Island, which includes Victoria, in British Columbia.

In Group Two, the Palliser Health Region in Medicine Hat, Alberta, was ranked number one, followed by North Vancouver Island, including Campbell River, in B.C. and North Shore, which includes West Vancouver, B.C.

To download a PDF report card with detailed performance measurements of all 45 health regions, please go to http://www.uregina.ca/admin/faculty/Lockhart/download.html.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Wallace Lockhart
Assistant Professor (Accounting)
Paul J. Hill School of Business
University of Regina 306-337-2394 (office) or 306-550-1494 (cell)
Wallace.Lockhart@uregina.ca

 

The Canadian Plains Research Center (CPRC) at the University of Regina has once again partnered with the Regina Leader-Post in support of the CanWest Raise-A-Reader campaign. The partnership is entering its fourth year and has raised over $35,000.

This year, partial proceeds of One Family's War: The Wartime Letters of Clarence Bourassa (1940-1944), published by CPRC, will help to raise funds for Raise-A-Reader 2010.  One Family's War: The Wartime Letters of Clarence Bourassa (1940-1944) is a deeply moving true story brought to life through four years of powerfully personal letters written by Clarence Bourassa and compiled for this book by his son, Rollie Bourassa.

In 2009, partial proceeds from the sale of the book, Paper Cows & More Saskatchewan Crime Stories by Barb Pacholik and Jana Pruden, published by CPRC, have helped fund the campaign.

"Raise-A-Reader is an important campaign promoting literacy," says Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina.  "I am proud that the Canadian Plains Research Center at the University of Regina continues to partner with CanWest to support this important cause."

The CPRC is the longest-serving research institute at the University of Regina, with a broad mandate to improve understanding and appreciation of the Canadian Plains region, its people, and its resources. In recent years, many books published by the CPRC Press have been honoured with Saskatchewan Book Awards for Publishing, including Building for the Future: A Photo Journal of Saskatchewan's Legislative Building and the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan, the largest publishing project in Saskatchewan history.

 

More than 1,700 students will graduate at the University of Regina's 36th Annual Spring Convocation June 9, 10 and 11, 2010, at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, beginning at 2:00 p.m. daily.

Thirteen awards will be presented to outstanding students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated a commitment to community service.

The University of Regina President's Medal is awarded at each convocation to a student receiving a first degree who has shown academic excellence as well as major leadership in and commitment to extra-curricular activities while a student. The recipient is Cori Lea Saas, who grew up in Moose Jaw and completed high school in Loreburn. She was accepted into the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, but was unable to attend due to a chronic illness. Ten years later, she entered the University of Regina to pursue her dream of teaching. Her special areas of interest are inclusive education, outdoor education and technology in the classroom. Saas is teaching in Rouleau. She will also be awarded the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Prize, which goes to a distinguished member of the graduating class in the Faculty of Education who does not hold another degree.

The recipient of the Governor General's Academic Gold Medal, which recognizes the most outstanding academic performance of a graduate student, is Chrystene Renée Ells. She convocated in October 2009 (with a grade point average of over 90 per cent) with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interdisciplinary Studies in media production, theatre, and visual arts.  Her MFA project was a 90-minute, feature film titled Sisu: The Death of Tom Sukanen, the story of a Finnish ship builder living and dying in Saskatchewan in the early 20th century.

The Governor General's Academic Silver Medal is awarded to the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a bachelor's degree program. The recipient is Jeanette Rhoda Peters. She is graduating with two credentials: a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree majoring in linguistics (High Honours) minoring in anthropology and French, and a Certificat en française langue seconde. Peters plans to pursue graduate studies in the near future.

Additional student award winners who have demonstrated high academic achievement and a deep commitment to their community are:

Blair Marc Stengler - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan Gold Medal in Engineering

Chelsea Darla Dreger - Leon Goldman Scholarship

Anne Carol McLeod - James M. Minifie Award

Deborah Jean Skoczylas - W.A. Riddell Award in Fine Arts

Shirley Dale Hill - S.E. Steward Award in Arts

Jerrod Manford Smith - University Medal

Lucas Daniel Askew - University Prize in Kinesiology and Health Studies

Marc Andrew Beal - University Prize in Science

Stacey Marie McGillis  - University Prize in Social Work

For more information about these awards and their recipients, please view the document accompanying this news release under the "News Releases" section of http://www.uregina.ca/

To view a live webcast of the ceremonies at 2:00 p.m. on June 9, 10 and 11 please visit www.uregina. ca/convocation/webcasts.

Details of Spring Convocation student award winners:

University of Regina President's Medal

The University of Regina President's Medal is awarded at each convocation to a student receiving a first degree who has shown academic excellence as well as major leadership in and commitment to extra-curricular activities. The recipient this spring is Cori Lea Saas.

Saas grew up in Moose Jaw and moved to rural Saskatchewan to complete her Grade 11 and 12. Upon graduation from Loreburn High School, she was accepted into the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, however, before she could begin her studies, chronic illness intervened. Ten years later, Saas returned to finally pursue her dream of teaching. In addition to her regular class load, she has attended 13 extra workshops to extend her repertoire of teaching skills, particularly in the areas of inclusive education, outdoor education and technology in the classroom.

Her passion for inclusive education resulted in her being hired as a research assistant to prepare a Literature Review regarding "How Saskatchewan Schools Build Communities." She subsequently spent time observing a high school alternate education classroom designed around the Martin Brokenleg's Circle of Courage model and, as a result, filmed and produced a video that was ultimately part of a submission that won a national award for the teacher of that program. While still a student at the university, Saas was hired as a special tutor for an elementary at-risk student.

Her love for outdoor education has prompted her involvement as a member of the Board of Directors for the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Center. For three consecutive years, she has volunteered as a guest presenter at Wings over Wascana Outdoor Education Workshop for elementary students. Saas integrated her outdoor education geo-caching skills into a Visual Art/Identity Unit as part of her pre-internship experience at John Chisolm Alternate High School in Moose Jaw. Her students created a geo-cache of their art projects and continue to track their projects on line (via travel bugs) as their projects travel around the world.

Her enthusiasm for technology in the classroom was ignited when, as part of a university class, she taught a mini-unit about endangered animals to Grade 6 students in the United States by means of Skyping, blogging and voice threads. Imagine the excitement of students in North Carolina as they watched the imprinting of a burrowing owl in Saskatchewan. As part of her internship at Prince Arthur School in Moose Jaw, she paired her Grade 8 class with a University of Regina education class such that the education students became blogging partners with the Grade Eight students.

Saas graduated in December 2009 and has been using her enthusiasm for inclusive education, outdoor education and technology in the classroom as part of her current term high school position at Rouleau School. Her biggest source of pride is her 13-year-old daughter, Jessy Lee, and her ultimate goal is to obtain a regular teaching position in middle years or high school alternate education.

She will also be awarded the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Prize, which goes to a distinguished member of the graduating class in the Faculty of Education who does not hold another degree.

Governor General's Academic Gold Medal

The recipient of the Governor General's Academic Gold Medal is Chrystene Renée Ells. This award  recognizes the most outstanding academic performance of a student of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. The decision of the Adjudication Committee was based on quality of the thesis/exhibition, external examiner's report, quality of the defense, course work, publications and presentations deriving directly from the research done for the thesis/exhibition, and on awards achieved.

Ells convocated in October 2009 with a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in media production, theatre, and visual arts.  According to Dr. Pauline Minevich, graduate co-ordinator and associate dean (Graduate Studies and Research) for the Faculty of Fine Arts, Ells' skills as a writer, artist, director and editor are at an extraordinarily high level.  She goes on to say that it is rare to have a student excel in so many areas and in such a wide range of disciplines, particularly with a grade point average of over 90 per cent.

Co-supervisors Gerald Saul (media production and studies), Mary Blackstone (theatre) and Leesa Streifler (visual arts) stated that Ells' performance as a graduate student in Interdisciplinary Studies was exceptional. Streifler says that her MFA project, a 90-minute feature film titled Sisu: The Death of Tom Sukanen, was highly ambitious, inspired, and original in its telling of the story of Tom Sukanen, a Finnish ship builder living and dying in Saskatchewan in the early 20th century. During her project Ells formed relationships with members of Tom Sukanen's family in Saskatchewan and the United States, and with the Finnish community who invited her to Finland to be the keynote speaker at a film conference, which afforded her opportunity to film in authentic Finnish locations.

External examiner, professor Richard Hancox, a senior faculty member at Concordia University's Department of Film, described Ells' MFA as a very special project. He went on to say that "the candidate has not only written a feature-length film script and substantial support paper - which would normally be enough in itself - but has directed and edited an entire feature film based on the script. In addition, the film's credits reveal a notable engagement with local talent and southern Saskatchewan cultural industries."

Streifler said that "Since graduating, Ells' film was given an Official Selection screening at the Montreal World Film Festival, and has been screened eight times across Canada." During her studies and since, Ells has delivered 10 guest lectures, two as keynote speaker. Her work has received extensive media coverage and rave reviews from CBC Radio and Television, Global News, Degrees Magazine, and several others. Ells is establishing herself as a teacher and was hired by the University of Regina's Centre for Continuing Education to teach a new course in graphic novels this past winter.

Governor General's Academic Silver Medal

The Governor General's Academic Silver Medal is awarded to the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a bachelor's degree program. The recipient this year is Jeanette Rhoda Peters.

Peters is graduating with two credentials: a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree majoring in linguistics (High Honours) minoring in anthropology and French, and a Certificat en française langue seconde. She is an outstanding example of excellence in the liberal arts, taking a wide array of courses, always maintaining a full load, and achieving consistently high grades. She maintained an average above 90 per cent for most of her academic career and received numerous scholarships. Her Honours work focused on the kinship system in Dene Suline, a First Nations language. Peters plans to pursue graduate studies.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan Gold Medal in Engineering

Each year the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) Gold Medal is awarded to a student in engineering who has shown both leadership and academic excellence. The 2010 recipient of the APEGS Gold Medal is Blair Marc Stengler.

A graduate of Swift Current Comprehensive High School, Stengler played for two years in the Western Hockey League, and took part in many volunteer activities in these roles, including assisting with children's hockey camps, visiting the elderly, fundraising, and other community endeavours.

As an undergraduate in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, he continued to build on his commitment to athletics. He played on the University of Regina Cougars hockey team, taking on a leadership role as a senior player.

Stengler's dedication to sport was equalled by his dedication to academics. Beginning in 2006, he maintained a CIS Academic All Canadian Scholarship for achieving an average over 80 per cent. He was the recipient of numerous scholarships. He received an Academic Gold Scholarship for ranking within the top one  per cent of the faculty, received several Academic Silver Scholarships for maintaining an average over 85 per cent and was a three-time recipient of the Undergraduate Continuing Excellence Scholarship for ranking first in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. He was the recipient of the APEGS Engineering Prize for having the highest average in Petroleum Systems Engineering in semesters six and seven. He also received several scholarships related to his program of study, including the Penn West Energy Trust Scholarship, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Award, and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre Engineering Scholarship.

Stengler achieved this academic success while attending regular practice and games as a Cougar hockey player. This involved at least three hours of practice time, four days per week, plus games and travel. He was noted as a team leader on and off the ice. He demonstrated a true commitment to scholastics and was known to take time to help fellow students with their studies.

Stengler was also committed to learning as much as he could about industry and the workplace. He took summer positions with oil and gas companies, which provided him with opportunities to demonstrate his dedication and skills in a number of industry projects.

Stengler graduates with Great Distinction, and has maintained a superior grade point average throughout his academic career.

Leon Goldman Scholarship

The Leon Goldman Scholarship is awarded to the most distinguished graduate of the Faculty of Business Administration receiving a first degree. This scholarship was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Gleiberman and family to honour Mrs. Gleiberman's father, Mr. Leon Goldman, on his 75th birthday.

The recipient of the Leon Goldman Scholarship at is Chelsea Darla Dreger. She has distinguished herself as an excellent student consistently receiving exceptional grades and maintaining an average near or over 90 per cent. She has received numerous scholarships and awards in every year, and in 2009 was awarded the prestigious Futures Fund Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership, which is awarded to only 10 Canadian business students each year in recognition exemplary leadership in their academic and extra-curricular initiatives. Dreger is also the recipient of the Faculty of Business Administration Dean's Medal for the Spring 2010 Convocation.

Dreger has been an active member of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) Regina, an organization that promotes entrepreneurship in the community. This involvement has allowed her to travel and gain valuable presentation skills at National Expositions in Toronto and Calgary. Her involvement has also extended to roles with the Business Students' Society, membership on the University of Regina's team at the 2009 JDC West business competition, and involvement with the President's Leadership Program at the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy. Outside of the University of Regina, she has volunteered with Soul's Harbour soup kitchen and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dreger is receiving her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with Great Distinction and an accounting major. Her convocation grade point average is above 90 per cent. Notably, she has also completed a concurrent Bachelor of Arts degree with Great Distinction, majoring in political science with a convocation grade point average also in excess of 90 per cent.

James M. Minifie Award

The James M. Minifie Award is awarded at each Spring Convocation to the most outstanding graduate of the School of Journalism. The 2010 recipient is Anne Carol McLeod.

Coming to the School with a Bachelor of Business Administration with Distinction, McLeod demonstrated a keen interest in the creative blending of editorial and technical aspects of modern journalism.

She spent her internship semester at the Leader-Post where she put the experience of her previous degree in Business Administration to use to create stories for the business section of the newspaper.

Her talents do not just lie in the area of print journalism, but also are combined with a strong sense of the arts. She has shown proficiency and ability in photojournalism as well as the technical aspects of broadcast journalism. In her final semester she was the chief editor for a half-hour student documentary about the troubled northern community of La Loche, which will air on CBC later this summer. McLeod has been the recipient of the Canadian Women's Press Club - Saskatoon Branch Award, the Petroleum Communication Foundation Legacy Scholarship for Excellence in Communication, the Canadian Media Guild Scholarship, a University of Regina Academic Scholarship, an Academic Silver Scholarship, and is a Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

W.A. Riddell Award in Fine Arts

The W.A. Riddell Award in Fine Arts is presented annually at Spring Convocation to the most distinguished student from the Faculty of Fine Arts graduating with a first degree.

Deborah Jean Skoczylas is this year's recipient, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education degree.

Skcozcylas entered the Faculty of Fine Arts in the Fall of 2006 and was awarded two entrance scholarships, the Centennial Merit Plus Scholarship and the Violet Ewing Entrance Scholarship - Regina Musical Club. The list of scholarships she received throughout her program is lengthy, including three Academic Silver and two Academic Gold Scholarships, two Alice Mary Goodfellow Scholarships in piano, two Wascana Preceptory No. 51 Knights Templar Scholarships, the Marion Kennedy Music Scholarship and the Collete Kokesch Scholarship.

Skoczylas has shared her talent and passion with those in the community. She volunteers with Heart of the City piano program, has performed in guest piano master classes throughout her degree, has collaborated with other students in performance, and performs solos in students' recitals. She is much beloved and highly regarded by her students and colleagues in her teaching placement and is highly sought after in the professional realm.

Skoczylas, who is graduating with Distinction, is worthy of the W.A. Riddell Award in Fine Arts, the highest recognition in the faculty. Her future plans include securing a position teaching band because she loved the experience during her internship. She intends to continue learning by participating in conducting workshops and music educator seminars, and working with other teachers.

S.E. Stewart Award in Arts

The S.E. Steward Award is presented at each Spring Convocation to an outstanding student in the Faculty of Arts graduating with a first degree from the Faculty of Arts.

Shirley Dale Hill is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in psychology. With a graduating grade point average above 94 per cent, her degree is awarded with Great Distinction. Hill has earned an "A" in every course she's taken at the University of Regina. She is an advocate of life-long learning.

University Medal

The University Medal is presented annually at Spring Convocation to the most distinguished student who has achieved academic excellence in all courses completed during the previous 12 months with a minimum of 30 credit hours in two semesters.

Jerrod Manford Smith is the recipient this spring. Smith is a pursuing a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematics with a minor in biochemistry. He has completed 96 hours of his program.

University Prize in Kinesiology and Health Studies

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies is pleased to name Lucas Daniel Askew as the recipient of the University Prize in Kinesiology and Health Studies. Each convocation this prize is awarded to the most distinguished student of the graduating class in the faculty. Askew is graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology with Great Distinction, majoring in recreation and sport administration.

Askew graduated from Balfour Collegiate and began his academic career with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies in the Fall of 2006. Throughout his time with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, he has demonstrated excellence in his studies, and, as a result, has received numerous awards, an Academic Gold Prize, an Academic Silver Prize, the Centennial Merit Plus Scholarship, the Dr. Sandra Schmirler Scholarship, the Dr. Ernie Nicholls Scholarship in Recreation & Sport Administration, the University of Regina Continuing Excellence Scholarship, and the Sask Sport Glen Tuck Memorial Scholarship. He is graduating with a grade point average above 88 per cent.

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies is proud of and wishes to extend congratulations to this dedicated scholar and professional. His academic accomplishments will reflect well upon the University of Regina and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies.

University Prize in Science

The University Prize in Science is awarded at convocation to the most distinguished student graduating with a first degree from the Faculty of Science. Marc Andrew Beal is the recipient and is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry with Great Distinction.

Beal graduated from Winston Knoll Collegiate in June, 2006. While studying at the University of Regina, he has received many scholarships in recognition of his academic achievements, including an Academic Silver Scholarship, an Academic Gold Scholarship, the Centennial Merit Scholarship, the Luther College Faculty Scholarship, and the Wallace McConnell Memorial Scholarship.

His most recent scholarship is the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship, which is awarded to students pursuing a master's in the natural sciences or engineering.

University Prize in Social Work

The University Prize in Social Work is awarded to the most distinguished social work student achieving the highest grade point average among students graduating with a first degree in Social Work. The recipient this fall is Stacey Marie McGillis.

Born and raised in Regina, McGillis moved to Edmonton shortly after her high school graduation to study Pre-Veterinary Sciences at the University of Alberta. Throughout her time in Edmonton, she found herself becoming increasingly interested in social science electives. After two years of study there, McGillis chose to leave school and returned to Regina with hopes of discovering something that would both challenge her mind and incite her passion. In the ensuing years she worked and spent several months backpacking around Europe, which gave her an appreciation for adventure and a great respect for different cultures and different ways of life.

Shortly after returning home from Europe, McGillis read an article in the Leader-Post about a local social worker who had spent time in Africa fighting poverty and famine with several different non-government organizations. It led to her pursuing social work - a profession that she could devote her life to. She applied to the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina, and was accepted in the fall of 2007. It took only one semester for McGillis to realize that she had made the right choice and she was honoured to be part of a faculty with so many like-minded individuals who shared her passion for helping others and her desire to challenge social issues and injustices. She enjoyed the high-spirited debates about difficult topics, the constant reminders from her professors to think critically and challenge the status quo, and the experiences gained from being pushed out of her comfort zone.

Now that she has completed her degree she looks forward to practicing as a social worker and immersing herself in a career that will be difficult and challenging yet endlessly rewarding. She is currently working with disadvantaged youth and is continually inspired by their energy, their outlook and their unfailing sense of humour despite the hardships life has thrown their way. She intends to pursue a Masters degree in international social work within the next couple of years and eventually hopes to work in developing countries.

The University of Regina's Board of Governors Distinguished Service Award and four Alumni Awards will be presented at the University of Regina's 36th annual spring convocation June 9, 10, and 11, 2010, at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, beginning at 2:00 p.m. daily.

Mo Bundon will receive the Board of Governors Distinguished Service Award. It's the first time that an external candidate has received the award. Bundon served more than six years on the University of Regina's Board of Governors. The award recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the University; served the community for many years; significantly enhanced the development and/or operations of one or more of the University's areas of endeavour; and, is a nomination that is strongly supported within the University community.

Bundon was on the Board from 2003 to the spring of 2010. During that time he served as Vice-Chair and Chair. He was involved in the Building Dreams and Futures Campaign which raised $82 million, exceeding the goal of $75 million of increased student and research support, the new Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport, and support for the 2005 Canada Summer Games. He was the Executive Vice-President of the Games, and partnered with the University of Regina to host 4,500 athletes from across Canada in August 2005. He played a part in the continued physical growth of the campus including facilities that have greatly enhanced student life such as the North and South Residences, the development of the Dr. Lloyd Barber Academic Green, and the Research and Innovation Centre. Bundon is Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer for Harvard Developments Inc., A Hill Company of Regina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa and is a graduate of Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, where he is currently the Chairman of the Board of Regents. The College recognized his commitment and community involvement by awarding him the Frank Germann Alumnus of the Year Award and the prestigious Athol Murray College of Notre Dame Medal of Honour. He serves on numerous boards including Harvard Western Insurance and Urban Forest Recyclers Inc. In addition, he is the co-founder and director of One Life Makes A Difference, a charitable foundation created to assist Regina inner-city students with educational opportunities. In 2007, Bundon was honoured with the United Way of Regina President's Award and in 2009 he received the Red Cross Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Greg Marchildon is the recipient of the Alumni Award for Excellence in Research. Marchildon currently holds a Canada Research Chair position in Public Policy and Economic History and is a professor in the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. He is also a Fellow at the School of Policy Studies at Queen's University. In 2001 he was Executive Director of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada, chaired by Hon. Roy Romanow. From 1997 to 2000, he was the Saskatchewan Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Minister to the Premier and advised Cabinet on the establishment of the Fyke Commission on Medicare. From 1994 to1996 he served as the province's Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Between 1989 and 1994 he was a Professor of Canadian Studies and Economic History as well as Acting Director of the Centre of Canadian Studies at John Hopkin's University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. Marchildon has a PhD in economic history from the London School of Economics and Political Science as well as history and economic degrees from the U of R and a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He has written, edited, and co-edited extensively on subjects ranging from public policy and administration to Canadian history and Canada-US trade relations. In particular, a book that he co-authored called Canoeing the Churchill: A Practical Guide to the Historic Voyageur Highway won the 2002 Saskatchewan Book Award for Scholarly Writing. Marchildon conducts research into comparative health systems, analyzing and evaluating the Canadian Health System relative to other countries. He also studies the impact of the Great Depression on prairie provinces by conducting historical research on public policy, the environment, and the economy. Marcheldon will receive his award on Wednesday, June 9.

Rob Giberson will receive the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching. Giberson is an associate professor of marketing in the Faculty of Business Administration. As Associate Dean from 2002 to 2008, he managed the Faculty's undergraduate programs and sat on the following committees: Undergraduate Studies and Admissions Committee, Undergraduate Scholarship Committee, and Undergraduate Joint International Degree Committee as well as being the Faculty's ex-officio member on several faculty committees. Giberson has 18 years of university teaching experience at the undergraduate, MBA and executive development levels in marketing, strategy and leadership. He has taught many international courses, and has travelled with students to Brazil, China, Mexico, the Ukraine and Vietnam. He is noted as being one of the U of R's "Most Popular Professors" in Macleans February 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000 Review of Universities editions. He was awarded the U of R "Inspiring Teaching Award" in 2003. He coached the U of R that won the 2003 and 2002 Manitoba International Marketing Competition championships. He also coached the E-Strat Team which placed highest for undergraduate teams in the world in 2003 and the U of R teams that placed third in Canada in 2002 and 2001. He coached the U of R Capstone team that placed fourth in the Spring 2002 Capstone Challenge competition. He was designated Administrative Student Society "Outstanding Faculty of the Year" in 2000. Giberson did doctoral studies at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario 1992-1999, has an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1991, and a BSC (Hons.) from the University of Western Ontario in 1984. His research and scholarly consulting activities focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy in private and community-based aboriginal organizations in conjunction with the professional development of aboriginal students. Giberson will receive his award on Thursday, June 10.

Philip Charrier will also receive an Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching. Charrier is an Associate Professor of History and Graduate Student Advisor. He was also a Faculty Representative on the 2009 U of R's Strategic Planning Facilitation Team. He received his PhD from the University of Cambridge and is a graduate of the U of T as well. Before coming to the History Department at the U of R in 2001, he was a researcher in the School of East Asian Studies at the University of Sheffield. His research interests are: Contemporary Japanese history; processes of modernization and development in Asia; and visual culture. Charrier is a leading and innovative teacher in the Department of History.  His interest in interdisciplinarity and his commitment to a team approach to teaching has resulted in fruitful collaborations with colleagues in History as well as from other fields.  In particular, he brings his expertise in visual media to the classroom, where it enhances his courses on Asian and Urban History.  He has also played an important role in developing and teaching the "Hands-On China" program which involves students in a field trip to China. Charrier will receive his award on Thursday, June 10.

Bruce Anderson will receive the Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service. Anderson is the Director of the Centre for Management Development as well as an Instructor in Strategy and Policy with the Faculty of Business Administration. He is a Managing Partner of b-creative group, a serial entrepreneur, a senior executive on several health organizations, and a senior manager for the provincial lottery corporation and sports federation. Anderson has a Master of Business Administration from the U of R in 1995, a BCOMM (Hons.) in Sports Administration from the Laurentian University in 1982, and a Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University in 1999. He became certified as an Association Executive in 1990 and as a Management Consultant in 2009. Anderson serves on several committees including: Strategy Coach for JDC West; Member of the Studies, Scholarships and Admissions Committees; Member of the Advisory Committee for the Campus Master Plan; and a Member of the Facilitation Team for the University's Strategic Plan (2009). His community service experience includes being Past President of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce; Founding Committee Member of the Progress 2 Capital Business Planning Competition; Board Member of the Saskatchewan International Tattoo and Festival; Member of the Management Advisory Board, BoardSuite Inc.; and Mentor with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. Anderson will receive his award on Friday June 11.

Hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser, writer Alistair MacLeod and musician and actor Tom Jackson will receive honorary degrees at the University of Regina's 36th annual spring convocation June 9 - 11, 2010, at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, beginning at 2:00 p.m. daily. The honorary degrees will be conferred by University Chancellor Dr. William F. Ready, Q.C.

Hayley Wickenheiser led Team Canada to gold at the Vancouver Olympics this past winter. It was the fourth Olympic medal for Wickenheiser, who started her long athletic career in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. Wickenheiser, who was recently named number 20 on the Top 25 Toughest Athletes in the World list compiled by Sports Illustrated, was chosen for the Canadian Women's National team at age 15 and went on to lead them to six gold medals and one silver at the Women's World Hockey Championships. She also earned a silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and gold medals at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2006. In January 2003, Wickenheiser made hockey history when she became the first female hockey player to notch a point in a men's professional game with the Kirkkonummen Salamat of the Finnish second division. Wickenheiser also played in Eskilstuna, Sweden, with a men's professional division-one hockey team for the 2008-2009 season. In addition to hockey, Wickenheiser has mastered a number of sports. An elite softball player, she participated in the 2000 Summer Olympics as a member of Team Canada and worked as a softball analyst as part of CBC's coverage of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. In addition to being a world-class athlete, Wickenheiser is a community leader, mentor and an accomplished businesswoman. She gives back to the community through numerous organizations dedicated to helping young people, including KidSport, Right To Play, Dreams Take Flight, Clean Air Champions and Spread The Net. Wickenheiser has led numerous projects with the goal of raising the profile of women's hockey around the world. She is constantly working to provide mentoring opportunities for young athletes and is currently planning an international women's hockey festival for late 2010. Wickenheiser, who lives in Calgary, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Regina on Wednesday, June 9.

Alistair MacLeod has long been recognized as one of Canada's greatest short story writers, based on his two collections, Lost Salt Gift of Blood (1976) and As Birds Bring Forth the Sun (1986). His first novel, No Great Mischief (1999), won the Canadian Booksellers Association Library Award, the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, the Trillium Book Award and the Lannan Literary Award. Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, his family soon moved to Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. He received undergraduate degrees from St. Francis Xavier University before completing his master's of arts. He received his MA from the University of New Brunswick (1961) and his PhD from the University of Notre Dame (1968). He taught at the Nova Scotia Teacher's College (1961-1963); Indiana University (1966-1969); and the University of Windsor from 1969 to the present. He has served as fiction editor of the Windsor Review for 31 years. His fiction, poetry and scholarly observations have appeared in a wide variety of publications including Best American Short Stories; Best Canadian Short Stories; The New Oxford Book of Canadian Short Stories and Best Modern Short Stories. His work has received high praise from writers such as Joyce Carol Oates, David Adams Richards, Margaret Laurence, Hugh MacLennan, Robert Stone, Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro. His fiction, poetry and scholarly observations have been translated into more than 20 languages and have been the source of four film adaptations. Thirteen honorary degrees have been conferred upon MacLeod. He was recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada in April 2008. MacLeod will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Regina on Thursday, June 10.

Tom Jackson is known throughout Canada as an accomplished musician, actor and humanitarian. Jackson has recorded 14 albums, two of which have received Juno nominations. He has appeared in numerous movies and television shows, including North of 60, Shining Time Station, Star Trek and Law & Order. Born on the One Arrow reserve in Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg, Jackson's humanitarian work has helped countless people across the country. His Dreamcatcher Tour, aimed at empowering youth and promoting community awareness about the issue of youth suicide, has benefited people from approximately 170 urban and reserve locations across Canada. His commitment to ending hunger spurred campaigns such as the "Huron Carole Benefit Concert Series," the annual Christmas season "Singing for Supper Tour" and the golf and live music "Swinging for Supper Tour." He has also raised money and awareness for the Red Cross, drought-stricken prairie farmers, cattle ranchers devastated by border closures and Manitoba flood victims. His talent and commitment to helping others was recognized with an appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000. Jackson received the Queen's Jubilee medal in 2002 and Centennial Medals from Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2005. At the 2007 Juno Awards, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences bestowed Jackson with the Humanitarian Award in recognition for his positive contributions to the social landscape of Canada. That same year, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television also presented him with the Humanitarian Award at the Gemini's. Time magazine has named Jackson one of Canada's best activists. Honorary degrees have been conferred upon Jackson from the University of Alberta, Laurentian, Winnipeg, Victoria, Trent, Lakehead, Calgary and Lethbridge. He is currently the Chancellor of Trent University. Jackson will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Regina on Friday, June 11.

The University of Regina has bestowed 171 previous honorary degrees. Recipients include former Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas (1978), artist Joe Fafard (1989), hockey great Gordie Howe (1997), The Princess Royal, Princess Anne (2004), entrepreneur Frederick Hill (2005), Olympic speed skating champion Catriona LeMay Doan (2007) and journalist Craig Oliver (2009).

The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan have signed a memorandum of understanding to create the Saskatchewan Energy Innovation Alliance (SEIA), a project-driven, interdisciplinary partnership that will establish a network of partners involved in clean energy solutions to meet energy demands in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

SEIA will foster innovation in meeting Saskatchewan's current and future energy needs. It will develop strong key partnerships both within and outside of the province that will establish the necessary expertise in clean energy production.

"Addressing the need for clean and renewable energy is an important area of University of Saskatchewan research," said University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon. "Interdisciplinary teams are working on critical energy topics such as coal and biomass gasification, the energy-water interface, and land-use strategies for future energy resource development. By establishing strategic partnerships with government, industry and academic institutions, Saskatchewan can achieve national prominence as an energy centre of excellence and seize opportunities that would not otherwise be available."

Building on the universities' existing areas of strength, SEIA will initially focus on advancements in carbon capture and storage and in gasification, adding value to the province's coal and oil sands resources while meeting future greenhouse gas targets.

"This alliance is a natural fit with the University of Regina's commitment to research and development in environmentally sustainable energy production," said University of Regina President Vianne Timmons. "We are contributing to the education of the next generation of leaders in energy technologies and policy development."

In the near term, SEIA's areas of focus include preparation of a consolidated report on power generation options for Saskatchewan, research on the bio-refinery value-added concept (from energy crops to renewable fuels), public engagement with emphasis on  informing public debate on Saskatchewan's energy options, and First Nations engagement in energy-oriented programs.

As a key part of its long-term strategy, SEIA will build and maintain strategic collaborations with other energy consortia in Canada and internationally, and bring a strong Western voice to the development of national energy policy.

Contacts: 

Elsa Johnston                                                                         Kathryn Warden                    

University of Regina                                                               University of Saskatchewan                                   

(306) 337-3291                                                                      (306) 966-2506

elsa.johnston@uregina.ca                                                        kathryn.warden@usask.ca  

 

Todd Pugsley

Special Advisor on Energy

U of S Office of the Vice-President Research

(306) 966-4761

todd.pugsley@usask.ca

 

Business professors from across Canada will be attending Administrative Sciences Association of Canada conference in Regina from May 22 to 25, 2010. About 350 professors and doctoral candidates from 23 universities across the country will attend the conference, where they will share the results of their research in various areas of business, including finance, marketing, information systems, human resource management, entrepreneurship and women in management. The Administrative Sciences Association of Canada was formed in 1972, and this is the first time the annual conference has been held in Regina.

"We're very proud that the University of Regina is the host this year for this important national conference," says Dr. Anne Lavack, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Regina. "We're especially proud that four of our professors will be receiving the Best Paper Award in their disciplines."

The four U of R professors being honoured are Robert Anderson and Aldene Meis Mason in Entrepreneurship and Family Business; Morina Rennie in Business History; and Joe Zhang in Finance.

Distinguished speakers include Robert Philips from the University of Richmond in Virginia, who will speak about social responsibility; Judith Pringle, a professor of Organization Studies at the Auckland University of Technology in Australia, who will speak about women's experiences in organizations; and Peter Todd, the dean of the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University in Montreal, who will speak about information systems. All events will be held at the Delta Hotel in Regina.

The University of Regina will host the 34th annual International Association for Philosophy and Literature conference from May 24 to 30, 2010. The International Association for Philosophy and Literature (IAPL) brings together scholars working in disciplines concerned with the study of literary, philosophical, historical, critical and theoretical issues. About 250 people from around the world are expected to attend the conference.

"The University of Regina is very proud to be hosting this major international event," says Dr. Lynn Wells, conference co-ordinator and Associate Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Regina. "This is an excellent opportunity to show the world the University of Regina's high-quality researchers, vibrant academic community and beautiful campus."

The theme of the conference is Cultures of Differences: National/Indigenous/Historical.

The conference opening roundtable will include three University of Regina professors, Dr. Nicole Côté, a professor of French; Dr. Joyce Green, a professor of Political Science; and Dr. Garry Sherbert, a professor of English. These three panelists will investigate power relations between cultures such as tokenism in the academic context, the cultural function of literary utopias in relation to minority cultures as well as the proposition that cultures are open to the events of truth.

Keynote speakers include Maria Campbell, Dr. Alberto Perez-Gomez and Bernard Stiegler. Campbell is a playwright, author and assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan in the departments of English, Drama and Native Studies. She will be speaking on Tuesday, May 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Luther Auditorium. Perez-Gomez, an architect, chairs the History and Theory Post-Professional Programs at McGill University in Montreal. In his latest book, he examines points of convergence between ethics and poetics in architectural history and philosophy. He will be speaking on Wednesday, May 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Research and Innovation Centre Auditorium. Stiegler is a French philosopher and Director of the Department of Cultural Development at the Centre Georges-Pompidou in Paris, a public library and the largest museum of modern art in Europe. He will be speaking on Thursday, May 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Education Auditorium.

On Saturday, May 29, at the First Nations University of Canada Atrium from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. there will be a panel discussion entitled "The First Nations University Crisis: Power Meets Culture." The panelists are professors from the First Nations University of Canada:  Dr. Arzu Sardarli and Dr. Herman Michell from Science; and Dr. Margaret Cote from Indian Languages, Literatures and Linguistics Department. The moderator is Dr. Blair Stonechild from Indigenous Studies.

Last year's IAPL conference was held at Brunel University in London, England, and the previous year it was held at the University of Melbourne in Australia. The conference has been held in Canada only twice during its 33-year history: in 1991 at the University of Montreal and in 1994 at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

The University of Regina will be home to Canada's next Chiropractic Research Chair, funded primarily by the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (CCRF).  Today the CCRF announced a $500,000 gift to the U of R to establish the Chiropractic Research Chair in Neuromusculoskeletal Health to be housed in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies.

"Today, a new partnership between the University of Regina and the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation has established an extraordinary opportunity - a Chiropractic Research Chair at one of Canada's leading universities. We anticipate that this Research Chair, based in Saskatchewan, will bring tremendous contributions to improving the health of all Canadians while mitigating Canada's economic burdens of illness and disability," says CCRF Executive Vice-President, Dr. Allan Gotlib.

As of July 1, 2010, Dr. Paul Bruno, who is currently faculty at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth, England will assume the role of the Chiropractic Research Chair.

"The University of Regina has a diverse health research community which provides a natural home for the CCRF Chiropractic Research Chair in Neuromusculoskeletal Health," says University of Regina President, Dr. Vianne Timmons. "This generous support will provide the opportunity for further specialized research into the health and wellbeing of our community."

Dr. Shane Taylor, President of the Chiropractors' Association of Saskatchewan (CAS) notes that, "The CAS is proud to support the CCRF in its vision and mandate.  The work of the Research Chair will have a direct, positive effect on how to best manage common and costly musculoskeletal ailments, thereby improving health outcomes."

Dr. Bruno, who is appointed for a five-year term, will work with collaborative research clusters that are in place at the University of Regina. These include:

• The Dr. Paul Schwann Applied Health and Research Centre, a nationally accredited human performance testing facility which focuses on exercise therapy and workplace wellness as well as cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease/risk reduction programs;
• The Falls Prevention Laboratory which undertakes epidemiologic and intervention research;
• The Neuromechanical Research Centre which conducts research in the areas of biomechanics, motor control, motor learning, balance and posture, locomotion and aging, sport medicine, ergonomics, orthopaedics, and electromyography;
• The Healthy Aging Laboratory which investigates the reduced quality of life due to the negative effect aging has on strength, cardiovascular function, and functional independence; and
• The Exercise Physiology Laboratory funded in part by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

This CCRF research capacity initiative builds on the current Professorships Program that CCRF funds with its partners at other universities across Canada.

Four people have been named to the Advisory Board of the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business at the University of Regina. The Board functions in an advisory capacity to the Dean of Business Administration, and provides a link between the business community and the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business.

"The members of the board play an advisory role and outline the needs of the business community," says Dr. Anne Lavack, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. "This ensures the Kenneth Levene Graduate School is providing education that is practical in today's business world."

The four new members are:

• Elan Ange, who serves as Chief Operating Officer of O&T Farms and its subsidiaries. From 2005 to 2008, Ange served as Corporate Controller at CanMar Grain Products. Before that, Ange spent 15 years with the O & T Group in various financial management and business development positions. The focus of her career has been agri-business, from grain, feed and intensive livestock, through processing and manufacturing, to the food market. She earned an MBA from the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business in 2008.
• Kevin Gilroy, who is Administration Manager at Sask Sport Inc., which involves overseeing the operations of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund and the Administration Centre for Sport, Culture, and Recreation. Gilroy graduated from the U of R with a Bachelor of Administration degree in 1998, played basketball for the Cougars from 1993 to 1998, and earned an MBA from the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business in 2006.
• Rick Hoffman, who is the Vice-President Finance and Venture Capital at Farm Credit Canada. He has financial and senior management experience in the agriculture sector and has been with Farm Credit Canada since 2000. He previously worked at the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and the Government of Saskatchewan.
• Peter Jackson, who is the General Manager of Mosaic Potash at Belle Plaine. Starting with the company in 1984, he has held several positions with the company. Jackson served on the Council of the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) from 2001 to 2008. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering in 1983, and he also holds an MBA degree from the University of Regina.

Other members of the advisory board are Lloyd Barber, former president of the University of Regina; Eber Hampton, professor and Executive-in-Residence in the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Regina; James Gustafson, manager of the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business; Anne Lavack, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Regina; Kenneth Levene, who provided a multi-million dollar donation for the creation of the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business at the University of Regina; John McArthur, who was dean of the Harvard Business School from 1980 to 1995, and later served as Senior Advisor to the President of The World Bank;  and Gavin Semple, President and CEO of the Brandt Group of Companies.

Canadian Football League great, George Reed will receive the 26th Annual Distinguished Canadian Award. Sponsored by the Seniors Education Centre and Seniors University Group at the Centre for Continuing Education, University of Regina, the award will be presented at the Distinguished Canadian Award Dinner at 5:30 p.m. on May 12 at the Delta Hotel, 1919 Saskatchewan Drive, Regina, SK.

Reed, who holds an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the U of R, came to Canada to play professional football with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1963. In 1976, Reed was honored by the players of the CFL as the first recipient of the Tom Pate Memorial Award. The recipient of this annual award is an individual who has shown outstanding sportsmanship, a contribution to his team, his community, and to the Players Association. At the CFL's 1983 Schenley Awards Ceremony, Reed was again honored for his contributions to the League, the Players Association and the community at large.

Reed founded the George Reed Foundation for the Handicapped in 1974. Today, the organization raises approximately $500,000 yearly to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

Sponsors of the 26th Annual Distinguished Canadian Award include the Leader Post, SaskTel Pioneers and 620 CKRM The Source.

For more information, contact the Seniors Education Centre at (306) 585-5816 or (306) 569-2225 (evening).

Canada Research Chair Dr. Christopher Yost is looking into how to make water safer. Water supplies can become contaminated through an oil spill or when waste products, including fecal pollution, enter the water system and are not properly treated, such as the case in Walkerton, ON.

Yost, a researcher and professor of microbiology at the U of R since 2003, is leading a team of researchers looking into how to minimize the impact of waste products from entering the water system.

"Safe water is all about providing human health security," says Yost. "By better identifying the sources of fecal pollution that may enter a water supply, we can do a better job of defining the level of risk. It's not just from agriculture. Every urban centre has a sewage treatment facility, and if there's a breakdown in the process, there's a risk that pathogens can get into the water supply. Whenever there is fecal pollution in a water system, everyone can point fingers at everyone else. That's why we want to find specific data on the sources of fecal pollution."

Yost was recently awarded $450,000 by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for a three-year project entitled "Indictors of fecal pollution in agricultural ecosystems: Persistence and identification of appropriate pathogen indicators." It's part of a collaborative research project that also includes the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Dalhousie University in Halifax, and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Environment and Labour, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Branch, Agri-Environment Services Branch, and the Irrigation Diversification Centre at Outlook, SK.

Yost says this research could have benefits around the globe. "Wherever we find people we find threats to water quality. There is no reason that we couldn't take these tools to other parts of the world."

"This research addresses a critically important real-world problem," says Dr. David Gauthier, Vice-President of Research at the University of Regina. "Dr. Yosts's collaborative research with various academic and government partners will foster improved approaches to reduce health risks and improve environmental safety."

The funding means employment for three graduate students at the University of Regina. But Yost says the benefits go far beyond research jobs for students.

"These graduate students will be well-trained in this inter-disciplinary project, so they will get exposure to a number of different agencies. These are the types of scientists we need to train to solve environmental problems in the future," explains Yost. "This project is an example of how the University of Regina is playing a critical role in training future environmental scientists - the people who are going to solve the emerging problems with water quality issues."

He says this research enhances the image of the U of R internationally, because people are training on state of the art equipment and facilities in the new Research and Innovation Centre. Yost says if some go on to do more research in other places, people will recognize where they came from.

 

The Department of Geography at the University of Regina will host a major conference June 1-5, 2010.

The "Prairie Summit" is expected to draw over 400 delegates from across Canada, the United States and other international locations to participate in meetings of the Canadian Association of Geographers, the Canadian Remote Sensing Society, the Canadian Cartographic Association and the Canadian Geomorphology Research Group.  This is the first time these four groups will meet together.

Research presented at the Prairie Summit will span a wide range of geographic inquiry from "Residential Segregation of Aboriginal People in Regina, Saskatchewan" to "Arctic Sea Ice Conditions during the Past Seven Years (2002-2009)" to "Mapping Census Data in The Atlas of Canada."

Two lectures, hosted at the U of R, will be open to the public. The Suzanne Mackenzie Memorial Lecture entitled "Geography That Breaks Your Heart:  Feminist Geography from/to the Peripheries" will take place at 5:00 p.m. on June 2 in the Classroom Building, room 126. Dr. Catherine Nolin will deliver the Suzanne Mackenzie Memorial Lecture. Nolin is an associate professor at the University of Northern British Columbia and studies foreign brides and marriage, migration and settlement in Northern B.C., and post-war Guatemala.

The Wiley Lecture entitled "Ethnohistorical Geography and Aboriginal Rights Litigation in Canada:  Reflections of an Expert Witness" will take place at 5:00 p.m. on June 3 in the Research and Innovation Center theatre. It will be delivered by Dr. Arthur Ray who is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on Canadian indigenous peoples.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to learn about southern Saskatchewan through a variety of field trips including an excursion to the Qu'Appelle Valley and a post-conference two-day field trip to sites in the Palliser Triangle.

For more information, visit http://uregina.ca/prairies/ or contact Randy Widdis at randy.widdis@uregina.ca (585-4242) or Joe Piwowar at Joe.Piwowar@uregina.ca (585-5273).

 

Although funding constraints affected the University of Regina in its budget deliberations this year, the University of Regina's Board of Governors has approved a balanced budget for 2010-2011.

Based on a provincial operating grant of $87.943 million, the loss of $981,000 in funding for distance education initiatives (Technology Enhanced Learning, or TEL) and the cut of half the sustaining capital grant, the overall Government of Saskatchewan grant increase is 3.3 per cent.

Within that constraint, the University has been able to increase spending in areas that focus on people. The University will continue to focus on engaging current students and attracting new students by implementing the UR Guarantee program and will provide increased funding for recruitment. The funding will also cover salaries for faculty and staff, which account for 75 per cent of the University's expenditures.

"The Board of Governors remains committed to presenting a balanced budget that serves the priority needs of students in the delivery of affordable, high quality education," says Susan Barber, Chair of the U of R Board of Governors. "The Board has balanced the needs of students with economic realities, by increasing spending in some areas that are showing growth and potential, while trimming expenses in other areas. Overall, the budget advances the aims of the University's new strategic plan, which focuses on our work, our people and our communities."

The Board approved a balanced operating budget of $150.35 million.

In order to achieve the sixteenth consecutive balanced budget, there will be reductions in discretionary funding for six faculties and most administrative units. Every academic and administrative unit was asked to identify efficiencies through various methods, including not filling some vacant positions, reducing operational costs through such things as streamlining organizational structures, reviewing subscriptions, membership and association fees, and encouraging faculty to apply for more external grants. For example, sound management of utility expenses allows a reduction in the utilities budget of $135,000.

To continue to provide affordable, quality education while maintaining a balanced budget, tuition fees will increase by five per cent for most students. Total revenue from tuition and fees accounts for 30 per cent of the budget.

The U of R is a welcoming, student-focused institution that combines deep-rooted values with innovative thinking, classroom theory with real-world practice, and global ideas with regional needs. With an established reputation for excellence and innovative programs leading to bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees, the U of R aspires to be one of Canada's best comprehensive universities.

For more information please go to the University of Regina's Strategic Plan mâmawohkamâtowin: Our Work. Our People, Our Communities, at http://www.uregina.ca/home/strategic/theplan/.

 

The International Performance Assessment Centre for Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide (IPAC - C02) today announced the hiring of Dr. Carmen Dybwad as the centre's new Chief Executive Officer.

IPAC - C02 is designed to meet a public and regulatory need in the global Carbon Capture and Storage chain by providing an independent performance assessment of geological storage of carbon dioxide. Carbon capture and storage has been identified by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as one of the most promising near term technologies for the rapid reduction of global CO2 emissions.

IPAC-CO2 was established at the University of Regina in 2009 with $14 million in funding from the Government of Saskatchewan, Royal Dutch Shell and the Government of Canada.

"We are very excited to be able to recruit Dr. Dybwad who has extensive professional experience in both government and the energy sector," said Dr. David Gauthier, chairman of the not-for-profit organization's board of directors and Vice-President, Research at the University of Regina. "Her return to Saskatchewan to accept the lead at IPAC-CO2 will help move the centre forward."

Dybwad, who held increasingly senior positions during a 20-year career with the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, leaves her current position in Calgary as vice-president of the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) to join IPAC-CO2.

Prior to joining CERI in 2009, she was President of the Energy Council of Canada for two years. She also served a seven-year term on the National Energy Board.

"I'm pleased to join an organization focused on the global need to ensure that carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is deployed rapidly and safely around the world," Dybwad said.  "IPAC-CO2 will develop knowledge that contributes to a complete understanding of risk performance."

From a secretariat located at the University of Regina, IPAC-CO2 is working to establish a global network with regional centres in China, India, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe and the United States.

"IPAC-CO2's work is critical to realizing the potential of an emerging CCS value chain from an independent perspective, meeting GHG emission reduction targets set by governments and recognition of CCS as a valid international process under the Clean Development Mechanism," Dybwad said.    

Dr. Malcolm Wilson, Director of the Office and Energy and Environment at the University of Regina and a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, had been IPAC-CO2's acting CEO since it was established.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information please contact Joe Ralko at IPAC-CO2 at 306-337-8460 (office) or 306-539-9270 (cell) or at joe.ralko@ipac-co2.com.  

 

The University of Regina's Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business will hold its second annual Levene Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at noon at the Conexus Arts Centre, with keynote speaker Doug Emsley.

Emsley is chairman and president of the Agriculture Development Corporation, a farmland ownership and management company; chairman and CEO of SRG Security Resource Group Inc., a private investigation and security company; and president and founder of SabreWest Oil & Gas Ltd.  Emsley was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bank of Canada in June 2007, and he is a founding member of the Saskatchewan Oil Industry Board of Governors. Earlier in his career, he was assistant principal secretary to the Premier of Saskatchewan and chief of staff to the Saskatchewan Minister of Energy and Mines.

"This luncheon is an opportunity to recognize the outstanding leaders we have in the Saskatchewan business community," says Anne Lavack, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration.

The Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business is a centre of excellence in graduate business education within the Faculty of Business Administration. The faculty is home to more than 1,500 undergraduate students and 34 faculty members. Over 170 students are enrolled in the faculty's graduate programs.

For more information or to purchase tickets (at $33.25 each) please visit http://levene.uregina.ca/events_levene_luncheon.html.

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The Paul J. Hill School of Business is calling on alumni to form an advisory committee. The Hill Alumni Advisory Forum will be comprised of alumni in the local community who will discuss the activities, programs, and needs of the Paul J. Hill School of Business and provide advice on how the goals of the school might be accomplished.

"We are calling on our alumni who work in the field to provide us with insight into the needs of the business community and how we can best prepare our students to meet those needs," says Dean of Business, Dr. Anne Lavack. "We value the contribution our alumni can make in informing the Faculty of Business Administration on meeting the needs of business and management, in relation to undergraduate business education."

The Hill Alumni Advisory Forum will meet with the Dean of Business twice each year to discuss matters relating to the undergraduate programs of the Paul J. Hill School of Business, including future and strategic planning and choosing curriculum and programs.

The forum is open to graduates of the University of Regina who hold a Bachelor of Administration or Bachelor of Business Administration degree. The first forum will be held on Friday, April 23, at 7:15 a.m. in room 514 of the Education Building, University of Regina main campus. 

 

University of Regina engineering students with innovative projects were winners at the first annual Ingenuity Awards, which were recently handed out. The Ingenuity Awards were sponsored by SpringBoard West Innovations, with funding support from the University-Industry Liaison Office, the Communities of Tomorrow, the City of Regina and the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Prize money totaled $1,750.

More than 50 displays from 4th year students from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science were showcased at Project Day.

"This competition encourages young people to use their ingenuity to come up with practical solutions to real-world problems, and that's why we're pleased to sponsor these Awards," said Susan Gorges, CEO of SpringBoard West Innovations.

First place went to Warren Ryberg and David Shymko for their Space Heater with Remote Operation via Text Message. Using a cellular phone, a person can check the room temperature and turn a heater on or off and set a desired temperature.

Second place went to Christine Enmark and Jamie Kilkenny for their Lower Limb Stretching Assistant, which is designed as part of the physiotherapy routine of a cerebral palsy sufferer. The device supports three different lower limb stretches to increase flexibility, maintain range of motion and reduce muscle spasticity without the assistance of a partner or physical therapist.

Third place went to Kyle Morrow and John Grandy for Downhole Fluid Separation in Southeastern Saskatchewan. They examined the technical and economic feasibility of the separation of water and oil "down hole" versus the costs of this separation at the surface.

Fourth place went to Derek Mucha and Jerry (Yan) Wang for their sensor device which calculates the amount of grain in a bin, reporting very accurately the total weight and volume.

The University Industry Liaison Office (UILO) at the University of Regina is responsible for licensing intellectual property developed at the U of R. The Communities of Tomorrow (CT) assists researchers developing new solutions in the area of sustainable municipal infrastructure. The City of Regina has an agreement with the U of R and CT to act as a living lab, collaborating on actual testing of inventions that are intended to improve infrastructure, such as water, sewer and roads. The National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is a granting agency supporting research and student employment in the areas of science and engineering. SpringBoard West Innovations (SBWI) provides advisory services to innovators and entrepreneurs, assisting them in taking their inventions to the marketplace.

For more information please contact:
Susan J. Gorges, CEO
SpringBoard West Innovations
(306) 789-0535
sjgorges@springboardwest.ca