New Fashion Design and Sustainable Production program launches this fall
Lethbridge College is launching a new two-year, one of a kind Fashion Design and Sustainable Production program this fall that focuses on design, production, sustainability, business and technology to prepare students for a future in fashion. Students will receive training in sustainability research, industry appropriate technology, recognizing efficient sewing and drafting techniques, researching and analyzing trends, sample room production, logistics and sourcing. The diploma program will have four semesters of coursework, with the option of a fifth semester made up of a 200-hour intensive internship. This is the only diploma program internship of its kind in western Canada. The college’s new Fashion Design and Sustainable Production diploma program leverages the strengths of the Fashion Design and Marketing certificate program, which it replaces. Fashion graduates are making a lasting impression with their own pioneering designs and include: Ann Ramsay, a 2012 grad, who is the designer and owner of her own small business, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, called Cypress and Argon; Chelsea O’Connell, a 2009 grad who launched Saskatchewan’s Fashion Week and is directing it as it moves into the future; Caitlin Power, a 2008 grad whose Toronto Fashion Week shows receive rave reviews for their innovation and futuristic edge; and Brittney Wright, a 2006 grad who has worked at Erin Kleinberg Inc., the Toronto-based Pink Tartan, and The Coveteur, a website showcasing the closets of some of the most important figures in the fashion industry.
New Dean of Applied Research and Innovation appointed
Gina Funicelli, a performance-driven strategist who develops innovative approaches to building partnerships with industry and communities, was appointed Lethbridge College’s new Dean of Applied Research and Innovation and started working at the college in July. The Dean of Applied Research and Innovation is a new role at Lethbridge College and reinforces the institution’s commitment to serving the applied research priorities of the college and providing effective liaison support for industry and community. Funicelli had most recently worked as the Director of the Industry Liaison Office at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.
This just in: Lethbridge College unveils new communications program
In response to changes in the media profession and with the guidance of its industry advisory council, Lethbridge College has completely revamped its well-established communications program and will offer a new, two-year Digital Communications and Media diploma program for the first time this fall. Students will focus on content creation, presentation and promotion and will be trained to meet deadlines, conduct research, create compelling stories and present those stories using the most current delivery methods. After sharing a common first year, students can choose to focus on Digital Journalism or Media Production and Advertising during their second year. Digital Journalism will embrace new technologies to reach audiences. Students can expect hands-on training both behind and in front of the camera, the microphone, mobile devices and online as they create content that can be delivered in a variety of different ways. Media Production and Advertising will teach students how to take a great idea and share it effectively with the world through newspaper, magazine, television, radio and online formats.
Ground broken for second year College Home projects
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Lethbridge Region (CHBA) and Lethbridge College celebrated the start of the second year of The College Home partnership in a ground breaking ceremony in July. Along with local builders Avonlea Homes Master Builders and Stranville Living Ltd., the partners broke ground on the next two houses to be built by CHBA builder members, suppliers, and tradespeople to benefit the new trades and technologies facility at Lethbridge College. In 2013, CHBA and Lethbridge College announced a unique partnership to build two homes per year over five years with proceeds from the sales of each going toward the new trades and technologies facility at the college. The first year of the partnership was successful, raising $236,000. Both homes will be unveiled this year at the Parade of Homes, which runs Sept. 13 to 28.
Four former Lethbridge College athletes and coaches inducted into ACAC Hall of Fame
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), 50 coaches, builders and athletes were inducted into the ACAC Hall of Fame at a gala evening in Edmonton in May, including four from Lethbridge College. The Kodiaks inductees include basketball coach and athletic director Tim Tollestrup, cross country runner Kip Kangogo, basketball player Laurie Ann Hockridge and women’s basketball coach John Jasiukiewicz. During his 20 years as athletic director, Tollestrup turned the Kodiaks program into one of the ACAC’s best, winning CCAA national championships in basketball, soccer and cross country running. A native of Kenya, Kip Kangogo came to Lethbridge College in 2001 to study and enjoyed a distinguished career running cross country. Laurie Ann Hockridge was unquestionably one of the most dominant post players in ACAC women’s basketball history during her Lethbridge College playing career. She established many ACAC records during her career, including the single season shooting percentage mark which still stands today and the single season scoring record which has since been eclipsed. John Jasiukiewicz, known as Johnny J around Lethbridge and ACAC basketball circles, is as close to a coaching legend as anyone who’s ever led any team in any sport in the southern Alberta city. During his long career guiding the Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s basketball program, his teams won three ACAC titles and two CCAA National Championships. The full list of inductees can be found on the ACAC’s website.
Culinary program chair named Canada’s Chef of the Year
The Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) inducted Lethbridge College’s Chef Doug Overes into its Honour Society and named him Chef of the Year at its annual meeting in Quebec in June. Overes is the youngest chef to be inducted into the society, which was developed to honour and recognized leadership, professional excellence, lifetime commitment and significant contributions to the culinary profession. The Chef of the Year award distinguishes Overes as the chef who best exemplifies the organization’s goals of professionalism, dedication to the craft of cooking and efforts to promote and encourage success in the industry. Overes, who graduated from the college’s Professional Cooking program in 1987, is chair of the college’s culinary program. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1992 and began teaching at the college in 1996. He has received many different kinds of awards and recognition during his career, including earning his Certified Chef de Cuisine in April 2011, being a member of the gold-medal winning Culinary Team Alberta in Luxembourg in 2002, and winning medals in Germany’s World Culinary Olympics 2004 and 2012. In addition, Overes was president of the Southern Alberta Academy of Chefs/ CCFCC Lethbridge from 2001 to 2013. Overes is only the second chef from the region to win this national award. In 2012, Chef Debbie Claus from Medicine Hat, who sits on the Lethbridge College’s culinary advisory board, became the first woman to win the Chef of the Year award.
Students, alumni and staff encouraged to give in annual blood drive this November
Last year, Lethbridge College became a Partner for Life with Canadian Blood Services. This means that in addition to hosting the blood drive every fall, the college commits to setting an annual donation pledge – a lifesaving goal for the year. In 2013 Lethbridge College donated 428 units of blood, exceeding our goal. Thanks go out to all of the students, staff, alumni and friends who helped the college reach its goal in 2013. In 2014, the college has committed to donating 430 units of blood, and volunteers are needed to donate – and to see if the alumni can ever out-donate the students in the November blood drive. To be a part of the partnership, fill out a membership registration form at www.blood.ca/joinpartnersforlife and use the ID number LETH010182. By registering just once, past and future donations will be automatically attributed to the preferred Partners for Life group, helping the Lethbridge College team achieve its goal more quickly. Then call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283) if you have any questions regarding blood donation, or to book an appointment. And remember – you’re somebody’s type.
Wider Horizons named best community college magazine in international competition
Lethbridge College’s magazine, Wider Horizons, has been named the best community college magazine in the international CASE Circle of Excellence award competition. The awards recognize outstanding work in communications, publishing and marketing at colleges, universities, independent schools and nonprofits from around the world. CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, recognized the spring and fall 2013 issues of Wider Horizons, which focused on the themes of inspiration and discovery. Named in the award are managing editor Lisa Kozleski, executive editor Carmen Toth, both of the college’s marketing and communications office, and designer Dana Woodward of Three Legged Dog Graphic Design. Also contributing to the magazine are other members of the marketing and communications staff, members of the alumni relations and development staff, freelance writers, and freelance photographer Rob Olson, who took the photos for all 2013 magazine covers.
The judges’ report stated: “It was the consensus of our judging committee that Lethbridge College’s Wider Horizons is an outstanding community college magazine that could serve as a model for others to follow. The magazine has almost flawlessly executed the perfect balance between compelling content and great design. …The magazine offers a wide range of stories and information that impacts alumni, donors, students and the community. The writing is pithy and purposeful and the photography is stunning and supports the content. The sophistication of this magazine elevates the status of the Lethbridge College and most definitely serves as a source of pride to alumni.”
Fashion students debut creations that benefit women and heart health
This spring, students from Lethbridge College’s Fashion Design program were invited to participate in the “Healthy Fashion, Healthy Kitchen” contest offered by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The designs ranged from the traditional to the modern and included everything in between, and after being displayed on social media and judged, were donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, which gave them out as grand prizes to its contest winners. The designs included an apron by Tayler Paquette, who said her creation was inspired by war-era pin-up girls who were on posters, encouraging women to be strong at home as their husbands were off battling in the war. Brittany Steininger said her design represented a strong, fearless woman who loves to show off her feminine side while cooking but keeping it classy. Carly Shaufele created matching mother-daughter aprons and said the design represents heart health and the bonding experience of a mother and child.
Hilgersom named new Registrar
Marko Hilgersom, a thoughtful leader with strength in cultivating collaborative partnerships, has been named Lethbridge College’s new Registrar and assumed his new role on Aug. 1. The Registrar at Lethbridge College is responsible for providing leadership and direction for a full range of services from admissions to graduation which contribute to and result in an accessible, efficient and supportive environment for the success of learners. Hilgersom had most recently served as the Chair of the School of Liberal Arts at Lethbridge College and has spent the last 14 years as a General Studies instructor collaborating with the Registrar’s Office and many different program areas. Hilgersom was born and raised in Lethbridge and earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Religious Studies from the University of Lethbridge in 1997. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Harvard University in 1999. He has taught classes ranging from World Religions to Film Studies and won the NISOD award in 2008 for outstanding teaching.
Faculty, staff win recognition and honours
Several Lethbridge College staff and faculty members are to be celebrated for their professional success these last months. They include:
• Cyndi Starzyk-Frey, a long-time casual instructor in General Studies, who was named a YWCA Woman of Distinction in April. Cyndi was recognized for her work in education and mentorship. The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognize outstanding women who live and work in southern Alberta. The awards are based on the candidate’s accomplishments, commitment and leadership.
• Nursing instructor Melanie Hamilton will have a chapter published in a book on family nursing and community health nursing. The book is titled Fundamentals: Perspective on the Art and Science of Canadian Nursing. It will be available this fall.
• Charlie Shultz, aquaponics researcher, and the work he is doing at the college have been featured in many different publications these last months, including the cover story of Greenhouse Canada magazine titled “Fish in for higher profits: Aquaponics offers dual revenue streams within an especially closed loop system.”
College a key partner in region’s bid for 2019 Canada Winter Games
If Lethbridge’s bid to host the 2019 Canada Winter Games is successful, Lethbridge College would be at the centre of activity during the 18-day competition. The event is the nation’s largest multi-sport event and would bring nearly 5,000 athletes, coaches, officials and media representatives to Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta for 18 days in February 2019. The college would be the venue for the Lethbridge games village, as well as the site for a number of sporting events. In return, a twin-ice facility, which will include one international-size sheet and one North American-size sheet, would be built on campus. The Canada Games Committee toured the two finalist cities (Lethbridge and Red Deer) in August and will announce its decision this fall.
Child and Youth Care students make a difference
This spring, Child and Youth Care students were asked to complete a project in the community and responded in creative and meaningful ways. One group raised money through bottle drives and bought personal supply items for people using the adult shelter; one group held a clothing exchange for students and had food donations supplied for the student food bank; one group organized a “sit down and make a friend” activity that ran on campus for a week using a ball pit; one group raised funds and donated $1000 towards the Woods Homes Youth Shelter; one group partnered with university students to run free Family Day activities for the city; one group ran a self-image unit for Girl’s Space at the YWCA; one group made drinking and driving presentations at two schools; and one group partnered with MADD and organized an awareness campaign on campus. Thanks to all for your contributions.
View live-stream of work on college’s new trades and technologies facility
Thanks to the efforts of the college’s Educational Enhancement, ITS, Advancement and Facilities teams, the college’s new trades and technologies construction camera is now streaming live. View the progress on the building of the trades and technologies facility webpage learn.lc/ttrip as the building rises from the coulee’s edge.
