SUMMER 2012 BRANDON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI NEWS CONVOCATION 2012 RISING STAR Geordie Waddell ’10, ’12 pursues doctorate at London’s Royal College of Music GEOGRAPHY AT BU 50 Years of Teaching Excellence Shared Mornings. Protected Future.

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Send us your stories! Feature Story A close-knit and friendly place, Brandon University Rising Star (BU) has inspired a multitude of heart-warming Geordie Waddell ’10, ’12 stories. As alumni, you undoubtedly have much to tell about the relationships that you developed while at BU. Was it the meeting ground for you and your spouse, a business partner or a great friend? Perhaps you developed a lifelong mentorship with a special faculty member? If you have any suggestions or know of an 10 outstanding alumna/alumnus you believe should be featured in Alumni News, please contact the Alumni photo Eric Roberts Offi ce. Your ideas and feedback are most welcome. President’s Message 4

Alumni News is published twice a year and CONVOCATION 2012 reaches more than 13,000 alumni and friends of Honorary Doctorates 5 Brandon University worldwide. To date, thousands of alumni have supported the Brandon University Valedictorians 5 Alumni Association (BUAA) through participation Oustanding in alumni programs, affi nity products and service Achievements 6 offerings. If you do not wish to be provided with product or service offers or do not wish to receive BU Now 7 Alumni News in the future, please contact the Alumni Offi ce. Geography at BU Campaign Alumna Profi le 12 50 Years of Teaching Local Janice Odegaard ’79 Brandon University Alumni Offi ce Excellence Enthusiasm Alumnus Profi le 13 Phone: 204-727-9697 • Fax: 204-727-4674 Dr. Merv Letts ’61 Email: [email protected] Discover the successes Meet the BUILD www.alumni.brandonu.ca In Touch 14 of the Georgraphy local division chair, In Memoriams 15 Publications mail agreement #40064061 Department at BU Jared Jacobson ’03 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Faculty Updates 20 Brandon University Alumni Association Faculty Research Grants 22 270 - 18th Street Brandon, MB, Canada R7A 6A9 NSERC Undergraduate 22 Student Research Awards On the Cover Giving 23 Charles Lwanga, BN’12, with his son. 16 18 Alumni Donors Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Brandon University’s President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Deborah Poff and Dr. Michael Kim, Dean of the School of Music, congratulate Honorary Doctorate recipient, pianist Anton Kuerti (centre). Mr. Kuerti’s signifi cant contributions to classical music in Canada were acknowledged during the 101st Convocation on June 2, 2012. Photo: The Family Tree

Dear Alumni and Friends of BU, Geordie Waddell, who is off to England to pursue doctoral studies at the Royal College of Music. We are very proud of Geordie and hope you are enjoying this record-breaking summer wish him all the best in this next stage of his education. We are also busy this summer on our capital campaign. Luckily, and that you will fi nd a cool and shady place to enjoy we have a great team of volunteers to support us in this work. In I this latest issue of Alumni News. this issue you will also fi nd a feature story on Jared Jacobson, our local Brandon campaign chair. Jared is a BU grad and a very This edition is a happy celebration of our success! successful local businessman. We are very lucky to have him as a We welcomed two new honorary doctoral candidates who leader on our team. received their diplomas, adding to our list of distinguished Happy Summer. We hope to see many of you at Homecoming Alumni. During Convocation, world renowned pianist Anton this fall. Please mark the dates, October 10 to 14, 2012. Kuerti and life-long leader in mental health and psychiatric nursing, Annette Osted both received honorary doctorates Warm regards, recognizing their signifi cant contribution to their fi elds. As well, we celebrate a number of award winners and valedictorians. Both days, the weather cooperated and graduates and their families were able to celebrate their special moment with pictures taken on memorable sites on campus. Deborah C. Poff, PhD We also have a feature story on one of our recent graduates, President and Vice-Chancellor

4 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University CONVOCATION 2012 Honorary Doctorates During Brandon University’s 101st Convocation, Valedictorians two outstanding Canadians were acknowledged for their contributions. Jennifer Shead, BMus/BEd(AD)’12 Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jennifer of Beethoven’s music, moved to Brandon to pursue her studies in Mr. Kuerti has appeared Music Education after high school. During her with many of the world’s time at BU, she performed as a member of the top orchestras. Born in National Youth Band of Canada in 2010, worked Austria, he grew up in the as a Student Ambassador for Recruitment United States and has and Retention, and served as President of the lived in Canada since 1965. Brandon University Student Music Educators With more than 25 discs to Association for two consecutive years. She has his credit, Mr. Kuerti has received many scholarships throughout her displayed his individuality degree program and was accepted into the Flute and musicianship in Masterclass program at the Orford Arts Centre in recordings of all the Orford, Quebec this summer. She hopes to teach Anton Kuerti Beethoven Concertos and instrumental music in the public school system in An Offi cer of the Order Sonatas, the Brahms and Manitoba in the fall. of Canada, Mr. Kuerti Schumann Concertos, and has received numerous the Schubert Sonatas. An awards during his long avid chamber musician, career. These include the he has collaborated Kelsey Grindey, BA’10, BEd(AD)’12 Schumann Prize of the with other remarkable Kelsey was raised in a small rural town just Schumann Gesellschaft instrumentalists, the likes outside of Winnipeg. By Grade 4, she had decided and the Governor of Yo-Yo Ma and the Tokyo to become a teacher. After completing high school General’s Performing Arts String Quartet. Also, he is at Warren Collegiate, she was determined to Award for Lifetime Artistic the founder of the much achieve her goal and continued on to BU to pursue Achievement. Acclaimed lauded Festival of the post secondary education. During summer breaks, for his performances Sound. Kelsey moved back home to work with Aboriginal youth in Winnipeg’s inner city. She is very proud of her First Nations heritage and her next step as Annette a teacher is to educate people about her culture. Thorimbert Osted Kelsey currently resides in Winnipeg and is A dedicated looking forward to starting her career as a Senior psychiatric nurse, Years teacher. Ms. Osted also held the position of Executive Director/Registrar of the College of Natasha VanDamme, BSc’12 Registered Psychiatric Born and raised on the family farm near Baldur, Nurses of Manitoba Natasha received the Governor General’s Bronze (CRPNM) for more Medal when she graduated from Baldur School than 30 years. In that in 2008. That fall, she began her studies at BU. role, she was involved her insights benefi ted She has now garnered a Bachelor of Science in the process that the groups to which she (4-Year), with a major in Chemistry and a double transformed the College contributed. As well, minor in Mathematics and Zoology. While at BU, from an association she has shared her Natasha served several terms as a lab assistant to a regulatory body. expertise nationally and for the Chemistry department and held the A dedicated volunteer internationally. Though position of Academic Residence Advisor. In her throughout her career, retired, she remains a third year, she received the Chemical Institute of Ms. Osted has gravitated busy volunteer, especially Canada Silver Medal and is currently working on to organizations that with the Manitoba a National Sciences and Engineering Research help those affl icted by Schizophrenia Society Council grant with Dr. Lemaire. Natasha is a mental illness. Some and the not-for-profi t considering either pursuing graduate studies or of her efforts focused social service agency applying to the Faculty of Education in the future. on fundraising, while Age and Opportunity.

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 5 CONVOCATION 2012

he started taking judo lessons. In 2009, he received his shodan Outstanding Achievements (or fi rst degree black belt) and he recently received his National C Referee certifi cation. He currently runs the Brandon Judokan randon University was pleased to recognize the Club, which practices in the Brandon University gym. Patrick also volunteers at the Evans Theatre on campus, showing art-house following individuals at this year’s June Convocation fi lms, indie cinema, documentaries, and Canadian movies. B ceremonies for outstanding achievement and excellence in their professions or community service. Brandon University Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award Distinguished Teacher Award Recipients Rochelle Rands, BEd’98, MEd’08: Rochelle grew up in MacGregor, Man., graduating from Dolores Hardy, BEd’88, GradDip’05, MEd’10: high school in 1994. After completing a BEd Born in Rossburn, Man., and raised in Mississauga, from Brandon University in 1998, she moved Ont., Dolores spent her fi rst year teaching in to Portage la Prairie for her fi rst teaching Alexander, Man., followed by 21 years at King position at Yellowquill School, where she was George School in Brandon. Her love of children employed for ten years. During this time, she and her own nurturing personality began with her completed a Post Baccalaureate Certifi cate in Education and three sons: Dean, Stephan and Bruce. It was their a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Education at the University of love and support that enabled Dolores to motivate her students to Manitoba. In 2008, she completed the Master in Special Education always try their best and to be proud of their every accomplishment. at BU and became the Assistant Superintendent/Student Services Birgit Lavallee: Raised in Winnipeg, Man., Birgit Coordinator for the Pine Creek School Division. In 2009, she graduated from the University of Manitoba in transitioned back to Portage la Prairie, where she is in her third 1994. She taught for 10 years in Roblin, Man., year as the Administrator of Student Services. Rochelle says: and was actively involved in the after-school “As an educator, it is my goal to enhance the quality of education drama program as well as the student council and enrich the lives of all students. It is my strong belief that all and various sports teams. After several moves students need to feel accepted, valued, and safe in order to learn. and two children, she is now teaching History To teach is to touch a life forever.” and English in Rossburn Collegiate. Birgit is currently involved with the student council and thoroughly enjoys her time spent with the Brandon University Alumni Association’s students, both as a teacher and as an advisor. Nothing is more motivating to her than helping young people become socially aware Excellence in Teaching Award and active within their school and their communities. Dr. Wendy McCallum, BMus’92, BEd(AD)’94: Sherryl Maglione: Born and raised in Alberta, Wendy holds a BMus and a BEd degree from BU Sherryl attended Red Deer College and the and completed a Master of Music in Instrumental University of Lethbridge and graduated with Conducting at the University of North Dakota. her BA/BEd in 1996. Miss Mags, as she is often She received her Doctor of Musical Arts from the called, is currently working on her MEd at BU University of North Texas, where she served as with a focus on indigenizing the high school a Doctoral Conducting Associate and Teaching English Language Arts curriculum. She is from Fellow in the Wind Studies Department. As a faculty member the Saddle Lake First Nation and has always taught in First at Brandon University, she conducts the Symphonic Band and Nations schools. She has been teaching for 15 years, and in the teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting courses as well past fi ve, her focus has been senior English Language Arts at the as instrumental music methods. Committed to excellence in public Sioux Valley High School, located in the former Fleming School, school music education, Dr. McCallum taught band and general in Brandon. Her interests include travelling, reading, shopping, elementary music before graduate school. She is well respected for and being a dedicated fan of the Sioux Valley Eagles high school her knowledge and conducting skills and has been invited to conduct basketball team. junior high and high school regional, provincial and state honour bands, has presented at provincial music education conferences, and has worked as a solo and ensemble adjudicator and clinician Board of Governors Community Service Award for concert and jazz ensembles in Canada and the United States. A Patrick Johanneson, BSc’94: For most of his regular contributor to the publication and recording series Teaching life, Patrick, who was born and raised in Ste. Music Through Performance in Band and Teaching Music Through Rose du Lac, Man., has been fascinated by Performance in Beginning Band, Dr. McCallum is the Past-President science fi ction. Now, he writes science fi ction of the Manitoba Band Association and is the current President of the and fantasy, and has been published in On Spec, Canadian Band Association. She is presently working as lead writer Tesseracts 14, and Daily Science Fiction. In 1997, of the Manitoba Grade 9 to 12 music curriculum.

6 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University BUNOW View the latest news and events at www.brandonu.ca In Their Honour More than 200 people attended the 2012 Graduation Powwow to recognize Passing It Forward the academic accomplishments of the 13 Aboriginal and Métis students This spring, during a fundraising event, students in the Faculty of Education who graduated during the June 1 and 2 Convocation ceremonies. gathered donations of children’s books. “As prospective teachers, we value literacy both in the classroom and in the home,” said new BEd (AD) graduate, Marlana Clayton. “We wished to share our love of literature with children in Brandon and felt that donating these books to Westman Immigrant Services would be a wonderful way to do so.”

L-R: Shalane Geertsema, Jill Penman, Marlana Clayton, Amanda Berry, Stephanie Frieze

Welcoming the Next Generation During the week of May 14, the Chemistry Department hosted more than All Heart 250 elementary and high school students from Brandon and the region. Dr. Mark Berry and several of his colleagues demonstrated various The BU Bachelor of Nursing Class of 2012 acknowledged the faculty experiments for the younger visitors as well as guided them through that prepared them for their careers by making a donation of $1,000 to activities like converting proteins into putty and pennies into “silver.” the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation’s A Sense of Home The older students performed university-level, curriculum-appropriate Campaign for the Murray House cancer treatment residence. experiments. This opportunity will be offered again in May 2013.

continued .

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 7 BU NOW

Sharing Their Work Hot Topics for Everyone Treading the Boards The Brandon University Science Students in the drama program The 2012 Senior Colloquium presentations ranged in scope—from Shilling Seminar Series kicked off the new at Brandon University gave with Exploitation: Advertising as Refl ected in a Capitalist Patriarchy to Using year with a visit from Dr. Jaelyn several performances of Miss an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for the Development of High Resolution Digital Eberle, the Curator of Fossil Witherspoon, written by award- Elevation Models for Localized Areas to The Production of Malefi cia: Vertebrates at the University of winning playwright Christopher Magic and Sorcery in the High Middle Ages. The day-long event celebrated Colorado. She gave a lecture Durang, on the Evans Theatre stage. its third edition and featured work produced by senior students in Arts entitled Mammalian diversity in the Professor James Forsythe directed and Science programs. early Eocene Arctic rain forests. this show that delves into the trials Topics presented by other experts and tribulations of a young woman, Guest From Afar during the series included the nicknamed “Miss Witherspoon,” stability of nanomaterials, marine in the afterlife. The annual drama In late February, world-acclaimed Icelandic composer Kjartan Ólafsson fossils found in Manitoba and the offering usually takes place the fi rst was on the BU campus for the annual New Music Festival (BUNMF). Great East Japan earthquake of weekend in March. A native of Reykjavik, Ólafsson is an Icelandic musicologist, an academic 2011. These lectures were free noted for creating the composing software CALMUS, and an authority and open to the public. For fall L-R: Taylor Sukut, Meagan Miller, on artifi cial intelligence in classical music composition. The focus of the presentations, please visit the Sarah Hallikas, Tara Vincent, Brittany 2012 edition of the festival was “Music Gates of the Arctic.” events section at brandonu.ca. Phillips, Chris Cook During the three-day event, Ólafsson delivered lectures and heard the world premiere performances of two of his works in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. The BU New Music Ensemble performed his chamber orchestra work Ocean, while the artistic director of the BUNMF, pianist Megumi Masaki and her School of Music colleague, clarinettist Catherine Wood performed the work Ólafsson wrote for them entitled In the Darkness of the Light. Kjartan Ólafsson Dr. Jaelyn Eberle

Drew Caldwell, MLA; Dr. Scott Grills, V.P. Academic & Provost; Dr. Bill Ashton, RDI Director

Financial Support from MAFRI The Rural Development Institute (RDI) has received $545,000 from BU’s Opera Ensemble Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI). The renewed

photo David Playfair fi ve-year fi nancial support from the province will help sustain BU-based, RDI-driven research efforts. This commitment from the province will allow Dr. Ashton and his colleagues to develop long-range plans for the Giving It a Fun Twist Institute along with maintaining research activities. This year’s Brandon University Opera Ensemble presented Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, with a 1920’s fl air. Under the co-direction of For Engineering Hopefuls School of Music Assistant Professor David Playfair and Sessional Instructor Gordon Portman, the student ensemble presented a new adaptation Brandon University science graduates will now have a new option of Mozart’s famous comic opera. This was the Opera Ensemble’s third for further education, thanks to a recently signed memorandum of full-length production. Previous incarnations of the ensemble performed understanding. Offi cials from the University of Minnesota School of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte in 2008 and Britten’s Albert Herring in 2010. The Engineering and BU have formalized an agreement, which will introduce ensemble’s productions offer the only operatic performances in Brandon. an articulated degree program between the two institutions.

8 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University BU NOW Future School of Some 2011-2012 Brandon University students in the spotlight: Music Students Laura Jane Brandon During a busy trip to Calgary, (4th year, Anthropology/ Dr. Poff visited the Mount Archaeology and Native Studies) Royal University (MRU) campus, where she and Dr. Deborah Poff & Dr. David Docherty Chosen among applicants from the Dr. David Docherty, MRU’s photo Fred Cheney Americas, Alaska, Hawaii and several President, signed an articulation agreement. This will offer an option to Pacifi c Islands, Laura won the Society musicians with a Performance Diploma from MRU to enter directly into a third- for American Archaeology’s Native year Bachelor of Music honours or performance degree program. American Undergraduate Scholarship in Archaeology. Also a wife and mother of three children, Laura is completing her senior thesis and once done her undergraduate degree, Licorice-stick Players Assemble she plans to pursue graduate studies and hopes to work in a museum. For a second year, Assistant Professor and clarinettist Catherine Wood invited students and professional musicians to partake in two days Cynthia Fontaine of clarinet-focused music-making. Among this year’s guests were (2nd year, Nursing) internationally acclaimed clarinettist James Campbell, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s principal clarinettist Micah Heilbrunn, and The National Aboriginal Achievement BU alumna Jana Starling, among others. The clarinet ensemble was Foundation has acknowledged second- conducted by School of Music Associate Professor Dr. Wendy McCallum. year nursing student Cynthia Fontaine’s efforts and awarded her a $1,500 bursary. The mother of fi ve children, Cynthia returned to post-secondary studies once her youngest was in school. She is originally from the Grand Rapids First Nation, but has transferred to the Sagkeeng First Nation, to which her husband belongs and which sponsors her. Dr. Wendy McCallum conducting the ensemble Jinsung Kim (3rd year, Music) This young pianist won fi rst place in the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations’ Young Artist Series/ Western Tour Competition. As well, he won the Concerto Competition in the School of Music, which led to a solo performance with the BU Orchestra, and took home three major awards from the 2012 Brandon Festival of the Arts. Jesse Plessis Dr. Di Brandt with her students and guests (Master of Music ‘12) Brandon University graduate Jesse Discovering Homegrown Talent Plessis won the 2012 Canadian Music Centre Prairie Region Emerging The students in Dr. Di Brandt’s fourth-year English course entitled Composers Competition. His work for Imagining Manitoba, produced a publicly-accessible, multimedia display orchestra, Tender is the Night was with the underlying theme of “Southwestern Manitoba: The Birthplace premiered by the Winnipeg Symphony of the Modern Canadian Novel.” They also organized a literary fi lm Orchestra, during its 2012 New Music Festival. As an additional festival related to the authors they had studied. The offerings included part of the competition’s prize, Plessis was awarded a two-week The Stone Angel and The Diviners. residency at the Banff Centre.

For complete details about these stories and others, please visit www.brandonu.ca .

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 9 FEATURE STORY

As an undergraduate student and one of “Masaki’s Rising Stars of Brandon University,” Geordie had the opportunity to travel and perform in China.

RISING STAR “From an early age, we took our kids to a wide-range of musical (experiences)—from the symphony to jazz to rock Geordie Waddell: BMus’10, MMus’12 concerts. They all have a love of music and played in bands, but Geordie has been the one to take it to the professional level,” said his father, Dr. Bruce Waddell. “So, we’re really happy and actually hile sports fans were fl ying into London pretty amazed that a guy from a little wee town like Shoal Lake in Western Manitoba can end up doing a PhD at the most famous for the 2012 Olympics, Brandon University (music) college in the world.” graduate Geordie Waddell was making his Geordie’s fi rst piano teacher was his mother, Dr. Janice Waddell, W who also taught him to play the bagpipes. Underlying his lessons way there for a longer stay—to pursue his Doctorate in was the family’s rule that all of the kids would take piano lessons Music at the world-renowned Royal College of Music. at least up to Grade 8 of the Royal Conservatory standards. In remembering his early training and performing experiences, Geordie also recalls the importance of the local festival opportunities he With both a Bachelor and a Master of Music in Performance enjoyed and the support he felt at that time. from BU in hand, the young musician is keen to embark on this “That was really formative and especially at that age, that kind newest adventure in academia. of recognition—you get to play and there’s adjudication and you “I’m really looking forward to going abroad, but it’s been an get a trophy and a few bucks—it really did mean a lot and it still incredible six years at BU. It’s a wonderful university,” he said in an does,” he said. interview in May. Later, when he entered BU, Geordie was a student of School of Originally from Shoal Lake, Waddell grew up in a busy family Music faculty member Megumi (Meg) Masaki and became one of that espouses participation in both sports and music. The four her Rising Stars—piano students who follow her philosophy, based brothers and one sister were all very active and all played at least on sports training. one instrument. Though Geordie did give sports a concerted effort, “Geordie has been one of my best students for the past six by the time he was in his teens, it became apparent that his main years at BU. He has developed tremendously both musically and extra-curricular focus would be music. In high school, Geordie academically. His success is a result of the opportunities, attention and his brothers formed a rock band, in which he played both and individualized university education he has received at BU,” keyboards and drums. said Masaki. “Geordie has strong work ethics and has taken full

10 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University FEATURE STORY

advantage of the many challenges and opportunities provided.” physician/researcher Dr. Peter Hechler, on a paper published at the Through his two degree programs, Geordie gained invaluable International Symposium of Performance Science. performing experience, as he and his fellow students from This fall, as Geordie embarks on his doctorate, he will not only Associate Professor Masaki’s studio travelled, giving recitals maintain the performance component of his studies, but will also throughout Canada. carry on his MPA research. The select group also got to go as far as Italy, Mexico and China “I am especially proud that to learn and to play. “…we’re really Geordie will continue to study piano “Professor Masaki very generously, for our sake, gave us— happy and actually and continue a part of my research rural students—the opportunity to present (overseas) and to expose pretty amazed that in Music Performance Anxiety at us to the greater musical world. This was a great thing!” Geordie a guy from a little my alma mater, the Royal College of said. “It got us out of our little Manitoba bubble and showed us how Music in London,” said Masaki. things are done (elsewhere). It was incredibly eye-opening.” wee town like Shoal “I am happy to continue to contribute After his bachelor’s degree at BU, Geordie decided to stay and Lake in Western to Geordie’s studies as a member of pursue a Master of Performance. Manitoba can end his PhD research supervisory team. As his undergraduate courses had included some in up doing a PhD at He has been a valued member of the psychology, he sought to learn more about this discipline as well. BU community as a collaborative the most famous By continuing to meld his performance skills with psychology pianist, theory tutor and a great research, there arose the potential to contribute later, as a (music) college in leader for other students within doctoral student, to the relatively new Centre for Performance the world.” my studio and the School of Music. Science at the Royal College of Music. Geordie will be greatly missed “Early on, I took an interest in Meg’s approach to teaching, at BU.” so I thought I’d take some courses in psychology. It’s a great Classmates since their fi rst day in the School of Music, Geordie bridge between science and the humanities, and all the things married Christine Tollenaar, a music educator who graduated from I was learning about memory and processes could be applied to Brandon University in 2011 and taught one year in Minnedosa. She music quite directly,” Geordie said, adding that this past academic will be accompanying him to London, where she plans to continue year, he did an independent study course, with a focus on music teaching music. performance anxiety (MPA) and was a co-author, along with Masaki, his psychology professor Dr. Shannon Gadbois and

A photo of Geordie and Christine in the Lorne Watson

photo Cat Panetta Recital Hall on their wedding day last summer.

1111 ALUMNA PROFILE Making the Grade Janice Odegaard, BA’79

s the Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of Suncor in Calgary, Janice Odegaard has been enjoying the bright A future that beckoned her upon graduating from Brandon University in 1979. Looking back, the Flin Flon native had chosen to launch her post-secondary studies at BU for a variety of reasons.

“Being from a small town, I was looking company came through a law school for a university experience that would be “Being from a small friend. It seemed like a good time to make more intimate and felt that BU would offer a change and try something different,” this advantage,” she said. “It certainly did town, I was looking for a she said. “Most of my roles (at Suncor) deliver. Smaller class sizes, the opportunity university experience that have been in the legal area, particularly my to get to know professors personally, and current role as general counsel. (However), the ability to quickly make friends with would be more intimate I have also worked in a non-legal role in similar interests were all very much part of and felt that BU would our capital projects group. I believe my what I was looking for.” economics degree has been very helpful While at BU, Janice majored in offer this advantage. It in providing me with a solid foundation to Economics, with minors in Political Science certainly did deliver.” understand many aspects of our business, and Psychology. With no defi nite career including the drivers of supply and demand plans at the outset of her university studies, for global commodities. As both an in-house she decided to take a general approach to high school—headed to Prince Albert, lawyer and business executive, a solid help defi ne what was truly of interest. in Saskatchewan, where he had been commercial skill set and a sophisticated “I really found economics fascinating transferred. After a two-year studying understanding of business drivers is a and relevant, so the choice of a major was hiatus, she took the appropriate exams crucial success factor.” easy! The professors in the Economics and returned to further her studies. This Today, Janice is also Suncor’s chief Department were top notch. I remember time, she pursued a law degree at the privacy offi cer, chief compliance offi cer Wheeler, Landry and Black particularly University of Saskatchewan. However, and corporate secretary. Her professional well,” said Janice, who had been an Rick was transferred to Calgary during and volunteering achievements have award-winning student. “I was fortunate her program, so Janice transferred to merited notice and she was named one of enough to work one summer on a great the University of Calgary, from which she the Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 project analyzing the economic impact of graduated with a law degree in 1984. This Most Powerful Women in 2011. That same the Summer Games on the Brandon and was followed by articling at a local law fi rm, year, she garnered the Women in Law area economy. This allowed me and the rest where she later practiced corporate and Leadership Award. She and Rick still reside of the team to work very closely with the securities law for a decade. In 1995, she in Calgary and love to travel, including to professors who were leading the project.” took her career in a different direction and Mexico where they have a holiday home After graduation, she and Rick—her began working at Suncor. and to Brandon, where they still have many husband of 33 years, whom she met in “The opportunity to work for an oil family members and friends.

12 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University ALUMNUS PROFILE

He continued with the RCAF during his medical training. After his internship at St. Boniface Hospital, he served at the Applying His Knowledge National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa, before his one-year stint with the 115 Air Dr. Mervin Letts, BSc’61 Transport Unit in the Middle East. Afterwards, Dr. Letts returned to Canada, n underlying desire to help others has been the where he continued his medical training, compass in Dr. Merv Letts’ life. The now retired fi rst in surgical research at Queen’s University, then in orthopaedic surgery at A orthopaedic surgeon and alumnus of Brandon the University of Manitoba. He followed College is still making a positive difference in people’s that with a sub-specialization in pediatric lives. He may have left the scalpel behind in the O.R., orthopaedic surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children at the University of Toronto. but it is by wielding his pen that he continues to make Next, he was the Head of Orthopaedics an impact. in Winnipeg until 1989, at which time he was enticed back to Ottawa, where he Last year, the Killarney, Manitoba- An involved student, he was also became Head of Surgery at the Children’s born-and-raised physician released the chair of the Literary Board and the Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He could have a book entitled, Sinai Surgeon. The president of the International Relations easily wrapped up his career there, but in author of two medical textbooks as well, Club, overseen by Dr. Walmsley, then head 2003, Dr. Letts returned to the Middle East. Dr. Letts shares his experiences as a of Political Science and Sociology. He This time, he helped develop a pediatric medical offi cer with the RCAF during his maintained that friendship until orthopaedic program. United Nations Emergency Force posting Dr. Walmsley’s passing last year. Dr. Letts and his wife in the Sinai in his latest book. In it, he “Brandon University (then Brandon Marilyn returned to Canada recounts his role in one of Canada’s most College) and its staff played a prominent two years ago. They memorable peacekeeping missions. The role in my overall basic education, for have three sons—fi lm proceeds from the sale of Sinai Surgeon which I shall always be grateful,” Dr. Letts director Ian, lawyer Eric, are earmarked for the Rotary Club of West said. “(And) the residence life was a and journalist Daron. The Ottawa, of which Dr. Letts is a member. learning experience in itself and prepared couple currently resides in A survivor of poliomyelitis himself, he one for interacting socially with virtually Ottawa. Today, Dr. Letts is is supporting the Rotary’s initiatives to every possible social issue.” still active as the President eliminate polio around the globe. His initial involvement in the reserves of International Orthopaedic Dr. Letts’ fi rst exposure to the military enabled Dr. Letts to have suffi cient funds to Consultants, a group that was as a student at Brandon College. He complete his science degree at BU. provides assistance to recalls the infl uence of Professor Norma universities, hospitals Walmsley—a Second World War RCAF and surgical departments veteran—and Professor Richard “Doc” worldwide. Hannah—the RCAF University Reserve Training Plan Commanding Offi cer. For more information “It was (at Brandon College) that I about Dr. Letts’ book, please visit www.sinaisurgeon.com. developed an avid interest in the RCAF, which continued for another 12 years, as I went on to join the regular service through the Medical Offi cers Training Plan,” said Dr. Letts. Dr. Mervin Letts

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 13 Ashley Keep (née Oliver), BSc(3yr)’07, BSc(4yr)’11 – Ashley works as an Environment Offi cer in the IN TOUCH Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Branch of Stay connected with university friends and classmates Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. Her job province, spent 16 years in six includes enforcing acts and foreign countries, and has been regulations set out by the around the world a couple of dozen Ashley and James Keep Province of Manitoba and times. www.fromseatosea.com conducting site inspections of facilities to ensure regulation James McAllister, BA’67 – a regional program manager. Her compliance and to assist in James and his wife Cathy live in primary responsibility is training the prevention or elimination Ajax, Ont. They have three grown staff who deliver programs to of an environmental impact. children—Christopher, Michael federal inmates. and Ashley. James retired from In October 2010, she married his position as Manager of James Keep. They both work Federal-Provincial Relations for for the provincial government the Ontario Ministry of Finance and live in Niverville, Man. Ray Bailey, BSc’45, BEd’57 – in 2009. Since then he has taught with their dog Gus. Ray marked his 90th birthday at part time at Brandon University, a celebration in his honour in Trent University, Ryerson Pharmaceuticals (now Pfi zer Winnipeg, Man., on June 3, among University and the University of Canada) in Brandon, in the Quality many family members and friends. Toronto’s Scarborough campus. Assurance Department. Later, After graduating from Brandon she decided to change gears and Harold Hutton, BSc’58 – College, he completed an MA landed a position in the Brandon Harold is now retired after fi ve and a PhD in Political Science School Division as a teacher. She years in the Chemistry Department at Carleton University in Ottawa. is currently teaching advanced at Brandon University and 28 years Isaria Kwayu, BBA’02 – After James also worked for the placement biology and various at the University of Winnipeg. graduating from BU, Isaria moved Manitoba government in Winnipeg biology and science courses at After leaving teaching in Canada, to Toronto, Ont., and landed a job and for the Council of Ontario Vincent Massey High School in he continued his interest in at Rogers Communication Inc. as Universities in Toronto. Brandon. She is also the proud research and spent the next nine an accounts receivable specialist. A few years later, Isaria moved to mother of one with another winters as Visiting Professor in the Susan Billy, BA’84 – After Calgary, Alta. and secured a job addition arriving this summer. Biochemistry Department at the graduating from BU, Susan with the Government of Alberta. University of Arizona. He is now fully travelled throughout Europe and Ardin Masson, BPhysEd’08, Along the way, she started a retired but still enjoys the winters later completed a BEd at the BEd(AD)’10 – After graduating small Safari business (www. in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, University of Saskatchewan in in 2010, Ardin was hired for a impactafricansafaris.com) that Natalie. They also travel to parts of 1989. She taught for one year then one-year term position within the caters trips to Africa as well as the world that aroused interest from started a 23-year career with the Portage la Prairie School Division, climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro. Brandon College days. federal public service, fi rst with teaching Grade 5/6. After his term the unemployment offi ce and Lindsay Metruk (née Dutkewich), in Portage, he found employment Eleanor Lockhart, TTC’63 – currently with the Correctional – After graduating with the Pine Creek School Eleanor is retired after 35 years of BSc’03, BEd’05 Service of Canada, where she is from BU, Lindsay worked at Wyeth Division teaching Grade 5 to 9 teaching. She taught Junior High students at West Plains School, English in St. James-Assiniboia for on the Delta Hutterite Colony. most of her career. She married John Bassingthwaite in 1993. Calgary Alumni Chapter Launch They spend their winters in Mesa, On May 8, Brandon University President Dr. Deborah Poff and the Arizona, but reside in Winnipeg. Brandon University Alumni Association launched its fi rst offi cial Eleanor enjoys her affi liation Alumni Chapter in Calgary. Stay tuned for upcoming Calgary with Alpha Delta Kappa—an Chapter events. For more information or if you would like to international sorority for teachers, become involved in the Chapter, contact the BU Alumni Offi ce at that raises money for scholarships, 204-727-9697 or [email protected]. camperships, and needy families. Ed Whitcomb, BA’64 – Since graduation, Ed has enjoyed four different careers—Canadian historian, European historian, Brittany Brookes, BSc’10, diplomat and intelligence analyst. BEd(AD)’12 – Brittany graduated He is also a major publisher of with her second degree from Canadian folk music. He has BU in June and plans to move published 15 books, including to Saskatchewan and teach histories of every Canadian elementary students this fall.

14 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University IN MEMORIAMS

ALUMNI MacKinnon, Florence (née Trent), BA’40 Ali, Vali V., Associate’59 December 22, 2005 August 14, 2010 Murray, Blair M., BGS’84 Bateman, Dorcas M. September 26, 2011 (née McMain), TTC’60 Normand, Darcy, Associate’72 BLUE June 16, 2012 November 21, 2010 Bawtinhimer, Ronald J., BA’62 May 30, 2011 Pettapiece, Keith, Associate’49 October 10, 2010 Bilowus, Agnes, TTC’59 Price, Leon L., BSc’48 &GOLD August 8, 2010 June 26, 2011 Braun, Jacob J., TTC’59 Schneider, Paul F., BA’68 DAYS March 13, 2011 June 9, 2012 Brazzell, Gary T., Associate’55 February 26, 2012 Simms, Herbert A., BSc’70 September 24, 2011 Campbell, George R., BGS’87 March 10, 2012 Simpson, James D., BA’48 November 13, 2011 Carey, Wayne D., Ed. Cert.’68 August 31, 2011 Winter, Margaret G., BA’72 June 26, 2009 Carnochan, Alma E., BA’72 August 14, 2011 Yanick, Larry, TTC’57 March 4, 2012 Dawson, Patricia A. Yarish, Nicholas, BA’56 (née McLeod), BSc’73 May 30, 2012 April 8, 2011 Ziehlke, Conrad R.J., BEd’79 Dunham, Marilyn July 31, 2011 (née Smirl), BA’62 June 6, 2006 Ford, Shirley R. (née Hickerson), STAFF / FACULTY Associate’77 Campbell, G.R. Donald, Celebrate the Traditions & January 1, 2011 Assistant Professor, Department Forsyth, James E., BEd’77 of Economics 1980-1992 March 10, 2012 September 14, 2011 Experience the Pride Friesen, Erica S., Associate’06 Orr, Alice, Library Services 1970-1991 January 28, 2012 May 2, 2012 IT’SIT’S TIME TO COME BACK AND JOIN FELLOW Jones, Eileen Simpson, Sandria, ALUMNIALU FOR A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER. (née Hagan), TTC’59 Housing/Maintenance 1975-2001 November 24, 2010 June 13, 2012 MacKenzie, Margaret A., BA’38 Is your class celebrating a special anniversary April 3, 2012 yeyear? Reunions are being planned for several clclasses,a including all alumni from 1960 to 1969. CallCa your friends and classmates and encourage tthemh to attend. Your enthusiasm and help will eensuren that each class member will be notifi ed 2012-13 pro series ooff the upcoming celebration. Concerts on Campus IIff you want to fi nd out if your class is planning a rreunion or if you wish to organize a class The 2011-2012 pro series’ lineup included visiting musicians rereunion, please contact Carla Eisler in the Alumni as well as the very talented performers who are faculty members of the BU School of Music. The upcoming season OOffif ce at [email protected] or 204-727-9697. promises to be just as entertaining. The lineup of acclaimed guest musicians includes the Cecilia String Quartet with pianist ForFo full details, schedule of events and Gyorgy Tchaidze (Sept. 28); the New Orford String Quartet rregistratione form, visit our website for at with pianist Michael Kim (Oct. 12); pianist Jane Coop (Oct. 30); wwwww.brandonu.ca/homecoming tenor Ben Heppner (Nov. 15); Couloir: ‘cellist Ariel Barnes with harpist Heidi Krutzen (Feb. 8); clarinettist Karnel Wolak with pianist Chris Donnely (March 18) and pianist Faina Lushtak (March 29). Rounding out the offerings will be the BU jazz faculty members (Sept. 21); 2012 E-gré Competition winner, ‘cellist Brian Yoon (Nov. 23); the New Music Festival (Dec. 4 to 6); and the Faculty Concert (Jan. 8). For details, please visit the events listings at www.brandonu.ca or call 204-727-9631.

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 15 GEOGRAPHY AT BU Students visit a sugar factory during a fi eld trip to Jamaica 50 Years of Teaching Excellence

n June 1, ten geography majors garnered their bachelor’s degree, and in the process, O underlined the department’s 50 years at BU. Dr. Chris Malcolm, the chair of the Geography Department is confi dent that these new graduates will have no trouble either continuing their studies or embarking on satisfying careers with Manitoba Conservation Districts, Agriculture Canada, and Natural Resources Canada, to mention a few.

“Our students who go on to graduate school do very well Past Faculty (L-R): Dr. Rod McGinn, the late due to the fi eld and research opportunities they received as Dr. John Welsted, Dr. John Everitt, Dr. Christoph Stadel undergraduates,” said Dr. Malcolm. “Our graduates fi nd gainful employment in which they use the knowledge and skills they have Students in the Field (L-R): Dayton Brown, received with us.” Devon Hahkala, Melanie Thompson, Kevin Kowaluk In 1962, a new Department of Geography, with faculty member Dr. John Tyman, was launched at Brandon College (BC). Three years later, there were fi ve geography course offerings and Dr. John Welsted became the second full-time faculty member. When BC achieved its university status in 1967, the Department began to set its own path. The fi rst bachelor’s degrees with a major in Geography from BU were offered in May 1968. The BSc was introduced in 1971, while the 4-year major was added in 1985. The faculty grew to include Dr. Christoph Stadel (1968), followed by Dr. Richard Rounds (1970), Dr. John Everitt (1973) and Dr. Rod McGinn (1979). The Department was fi nally able to offer courses across the breadth of geography—from cultural and urban to physical and environmental. By 1988, the Department offered 48 related courses, along many of its physical and environmental courses. Earlier this year, with an undergraduate thesis. Eight years later, the practicum the Department held its fi rst international fi eld research trip. course was instituted, which has since given hundreds of “We are continually evolving to remain at the forefront of the students the opportunity to work with agencies outside the discipline,” said Dr. Malcolm. “We’ve added articulation agreements University to acquire real-world experiences. Two years ago, with Assiniboine Community College, a practicum, and a new the Department added a Geomatics and an Environmental international fi eld course to offer geographical opportunities in and Studies concentration, which has allowed students to specialize out of the classroom consistent with geography programs across within their chosen area of the discipline. the country. In fact, we continue to offer fi eld labs in many of our Currently, research and lab resources include the BU Centre physical and environmental courses, while these opportunities are for Geomatics, the John Tyman Map Library and an advanced disappearing at other institutions.” hydrology lab. The Department has continued to offer fi eld labs in Over the years, 37 people have held full-time faculty positions

16 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University GEOGRAPHY AT BU in the Geography Department, though wildlife management), Dr. Derrek Eberts the early “builders” of the program have (economic, urban), Dr. Johannes “Joe” either moved on or retired. Dr. Tyman Koch (dendrochronology, geomorphology), served as Dean of Science from 1973 Dr. Daniel Olsen (tourism, cultural) as well to 1975 and then moved to Australia. as instructional associate Wenonah van Dr. Welsted served the Department for 32 Heyst (geomatics, physical) and adjunct years; sadly, he passed away in Victoria, in member Dr. Drew Hoysak (ecology, 2009. Dr. Stadel returned to Austria in 1992. population ecology). Dr. Rounds left to serve as director of the “We realize, and are very proud of, Rural Development Institute in 1988 and the shoulders of past faculty we stand retired ten years later. Dr. Everitt retired on as current faculty,” said Dr. Malcolm. L-R: Dr. Dion Wiseman, Dr. Johannes Koch, in 2007 and is living in the British Virgin “We have an extremely collegial Dr. Daniel Olsen, Dr. Derrek Eberts, Islands. Dr. McGinn just retired in January. department and that is in part due to the Dr. Christopher Malcolm, Mrs. Wenonah VanHeyst Current faculty includes BU alumnus values instilled and path on which our Dr. Dion Wiseman (geomatics, physical), earlier faculty colleagues placed the Geography Department Updates Dr. Chris Malcolm (biogeography, Department.” ■ Since January, Dr. Johannes Koch is the newest faculty member in the Department. He is a glacial BU Alumnus Dr. Dion Wiseman geomorphologist and dendro- Brandon University was a logical post- chronologist, with fi eld sites in British secondary choice for Dr. Dion Wiseman, Columbia and Chile, and research related BSc’91, who grew up in Brandon. What to climate change. was a bit unexpected was his interest ■ Dr. Derrek Eberts, along with Dr. in geography. It was his fi rst-year class Doug Ramsey in Rural Development, about weather and climate with Dr. Rod spearheaded a successful SSHRC Aid Dr. Dion Wiseman McGinn that was the springboard for his to Small Universities Grant, which was future academic focus. received by the BU Tourism Research “I chose to fi nish my degree at BU because of the relationships I was able to build with Centre. The grant will support research in members of the Geography Department and other faculty at BU,” Dr. Wiseman said. “The locations including Germany, Mexico, and size of BU, and in particular the size of the upper level courses, provides students with the Manitoba. Current Geography Department opportunity to essentially receive one-on-one instruction. While I did value this at the time, funding recipients through this grant are it wasn’t until I went on to graduate school that I realized how rare this actually was.” Dr. Eberts and Dr. Chris Malcolm. He continued his studies in this fi eld and in the spring of 1997, while completing his ■ Dr. Daniel Olsen was invited, as the PhD program at Indiana State University, he received a phone call from Dr. John Welsted. North American expert in North American “I had always kept in touch with the Department over the years and had made a pilgrimage and religious tourism, to speak point of visiting whenever I was in Brandon, but it had been quite some time since I’d at a conference at the University of heard from John and it turned out that he was calling to let me know he was retiring at Heidelberg, Germany, in July. the end of the academic year,” said Dr. Wiseman, who added that though BU was not ■ Dr. Dion Wiseman chaired the 11th originally on his professional radar, the fact that he and his wife Charlyne still had family Annual Westman GIS Users Group members in Brandon enticed him to apply and land the BU position. Conference in March. Along with an “In addition to family, I saw BU as a great fi t for me professionally,” he said, “because honours student, Dr. Wiseman presented I saw the impact that a small school could have on students and I knew that I could still cutting edge technological use of an pursue my research and have the opportunity to include students in that as well.” unmanned aerial vehicle for digital Along with teaching, Dr. Wiseman is involved in research in applied geography elevation modeling. and specifi cally the application of geomatics technologies for building geospatial ■ Dr. Chris Malcolm’s research using databases. Most recently, his work has explored the uses of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle micro-VHF telemetry transmitters to technology in the assessment of riparian health, the monitoring of leafy spurge invasion identify spawning habitat of northern and the identifi cation of signifi cant habitats for endangered species. pike in Riding Mountain National Park “And best of all, in typical BU fashion,” he concludes, “all these projects have is now being used by the transmitter involved collaborative research with colleagues in other departments as well as manufacturing company, Lotek Wireless, current and former BU students.” Inc., Newmarket, Ont., to advertise the technology for this purpose. Join in Geography's 50th celebration during Homecoming on October 13. For more information call 204-727-9768.

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 17 CAMPAIGN

Local Enthusiasm he building may still be under construction, but Brandonite Vionell “Jared” Jacobson (BBA ‘03) is already anticipating T spending time in the Healthy Living Centre (HLC) with his wife Robin (née Buckman, BScPN ‘04) and their two young children. To show how much he cares about this new addition to the Brandon University campus, he has taken on the BUILD local division chair position to lend his energy to the campaign.

18 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University CAMPAIGN

From fi tness training to a space to hold competitive basketball or volleyball games, the addition of this new building to the Brandon University campus is important to the community and to the University.

Brandon University campus is important As a professional in the construction to the community and to the University.” fi eld, he shared his thoughts on the new Sports have long been of interest to the sport and fi tness facility on campus. former hockey player, and not surprisingly, “It looks great practically and Jared is an avid fan of the BU Bobcats functionally,” Jared said. “Lots of times teams. He has translated his support by major projects are overdesigned for ensuring that his company is a committed the look and not the practicality, where sponsor of the University’s volleyball and the HLC is not. I feel this will help the basketball teams. So, true to form, getting fundraising campaign as donors will have involved in the fundraising for the HLC was comfort knowing that dollars given are a natural fi t for the local businessman. being spent effi ciently.” “We had no stakes in the construction A professional who is concerned of the building, but yet we defi nitely about his city as well as his alma mater, support it. It is great for the community, Jared realizes there will be many great for the University,” he said of the benefi ts for everyone—students and HLC, then adding another reason for community members alike—with the his involvement. “I (also) felt that the addition of the HLC. local alumni awareness for the younger “It will fi ll gaps. We never had an generations was lacking and by getting indoor track or adequate seating for involved, it may spur some new ideas and basketball/volleyball. It will be huge, new growth to alumni events.” moving forward, for new sporting events A lifelong resident of Brandon, and attracting functions to Brandon, Jared was interested in entrepreneurship related to healthy living,” said Jared. as a student and chose to focus his “With the aging population, I feel this studies in business administration. For adds another checkmark in the decision- three generations, his family’s business— making process for people moving to Jacobson and Greiner Homes—has Brandon, who are wondering what there thrived in the Wheat City. To ensure that is to do and what facilities are available. this continued into the future, Jared I also think having the new alumni lounge also obtained his certifi cation as a will be attractive for businesses and “This project is one that I feel will New Housing Professional through the alumni to host events, and should have make a huge difference in our community. Manitoba Home Builders Association as positive economic impacts on the rest In fact, that’s why I’ve volunteered to well as his realtor licence. of the community. It rounds out BU help,” he said recently. “As we move Today, his professional life as CEO of and steps it up with the larger schools forward in engaging the community in J&G Homes is diversifi ed and keeps him in Canada.” supporting this project, it is critical that very busy. Though he remains involved With the local campaign now launched, people know of the opportunity that this in the home sales end of the business as Jared is planning to successfully reach the facility makes possible. From fi tness well as the interaction with customers, targets set to complete the fi nancing of the training to a space to hold competitive Jared primarily oversees the continued building and associated programs. basketball or volleyball games, the development of the companies in his To donate to the HLC fundraising addition of this new building to the purview and creates a vision for the future. campaign, please call 204-727-7374.

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 19 New Athletic Director Brandon University’s fi rst Bobcats men’s volleyball coach, Russ Paddock FACULTY has been appointed BU’s permanent Athletic Director (AD). In the last year, he had continued to coach while UPDATES being acting AD. On the court, he will be replaced for the upcoming year by BU alumnus Grant Wilson, who had been the team’s assistant coach. Russ Paddock

New at the Helm The BU Bobcats women’s basketball team will start the new season with a new coach. A former member of Canada’s men’s national basketball team and a former professional basketball Latest CD to His Credit player, Novell Thomas has coached the sport at various levels and Greg Gatien Jazz pianist and School of Music faculty member Michael Cain was an assistant at the Canadian Grant Wilson released a recording simply Interuniversity Sport level. BU Jazz Faculty Members entitled Solo. The disc’s fi ve Team Up for “The Complete original works were inspired by Sharing Expertise Rebirth of Cool” the 2011 fl ood in Brandon. Faculty member Alan Levy was selected to be part of a Canadian, Three members of BU’s jazz fi ve-member observer delegation faculty—saxophonist Greg to the United Nations Committee of Gatien, bassist Gilles Fournier and Experts on Public Administration. drummer Eric Platz—collaborated in several unprecedented concert Between the Covers events, inspired by the Miles Davis/ Gerry Mulligan/Gil Evans’ 1957 Professor Bev Nicholson has album, entitled The Complete Birth contributed to two chapters and of the Cool, in Brandon, Winnipeg, edited a new tome that surveys Saskatoon, and Edmonton. the “human experience in the Canadian Prairie Ecozone over the James Forsythe past 11,000 years.”

Dr. Edward Bach Current Affairs Meet Art A play about Afghanistan, Music Alumnus written by BU Drama Professor James Forsythe, was performed Joins Faculty in Montreal in late April. He had Kerry DuWors A former student of Alan Ehnes, established a script development photo Garry Geer Dr. Edward Bach will join the agreement with Teesri Duniya Expanding Musical Brandon University School of Theatre, in Montreal, to Horizons Music this fall, after 21 years workshop his script entitled as trumpet professor at the Safer Ground. This work is based Violinist and School of Music University of North Carolina at on fi rst-person accounts of faculty member Kerry DuWors Greensboro. Bach holds master’s Canadian military personnel and travelled a great deal to concertize and doctoral degrees from the their families, along with those of this year. Earlier in 2012, she gave University of British Columbia. Afghan Canadians. recitals in New Zealand during the International Akaroa Summer Music Festival. More recently, Cultural Kudos she gave a pro series recital at BU with fellow doctoral candidate During the month of May, a show entitled Winnipeg Shanghai Connection II: from the Eastman School of Music An exhibition tracing memories of two Jewish Winnipeggers who lived as in Rochester, N.Y., pianist Futaba refugees in China, curated by Dr. Alison Marshall on behalf of the Winnipeg Niekawa, then toured her home Chinese Cultural and Community Centre was displayed at the Millennium province of Saskatchewan with Library, in Winnipeg. Dr. Marshall’s efforts were lauded in the legislature by Manitoba’s Minister of Culture. fellow faculty member Leanne Dr. Alison Marshall Zacharias and other musicians.

20 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University FACULTY UPDATES

International Input A Nod to the Past Brandon University’s Dr. Wendy Untereiner, a mycologist, is one English and Creative Writing of more than 140 authors of a Assistant Professor Dale Lakevold groundbreaking paper published spearheaded a production of two in Proceedings of the National plays, including one of his own, Academy of Sciences of the at the 2012 MayWorks Festival of United States of America (PNAS). Labour and the Arts in Winnipeg, followed by shows in Brandon. His work, Aleta Dey: A Rehearsal is the story of a fi ercely independent young L-R: Dr. Karen Rempel and woman, raised on a farm south of Dr. Renee Robinson Brandon, who moved to Winnipeg in 1910. There, she took part in the Research into Homelessness struggle for women’s rights and for an end to war. The play is based on Two studies recently launched the 1919 novel Aleta Dey by Francis L-R: Daria Puttaert, Dale Lakevold, at BU have produced signifi cant Marion Beynon. and Tracy Penner attention from media. Both Change of Status studies deal with the many complex problems surrounding The Dean of Health Studies, homelessness. Dr. Renee Robinson Dr. Dean Care, the faculty of the School of Health Studies and members and the staff of Health Dr. Karen Rempel of the Faculty Studies collaborated to meet of Education were each awarded the necessary criteria and at funding from Human Resources the latest BU Senate meeting, it and Skills Development Canada’s became offi cial. The School of Homelessness Partnering Strategy. Health Studies has been elevated Dr. Rempel has received $72,108 to to the Faculty of Health Studies. explore the factors that contribute to youth at-risk mobility in rural and northern Manitoba communities. Dr. Robinson received $31,056 for research entitled Housing and Support in the Community of Choice: Addressing Factors Dr. Bryan Hill with L-R: Debbie Frechette CRPNM that Contribute to Migration and Clare McConkey ’08 Vice-President, Professor Homelessness. Karen Doty-Sweetnam, and Leo O’Rourke CRPNM President Insight into Antibiotics Dr. Bryan Hill was a co-author Distinction in Health Studies of a research article on the synthesis of tetracyclic Assistant Professor Karen Doty-Sweetnam was the 2012 recipient of the antibiotics, published in the Award for Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing Education from the College Canadian Journal of Chemistry. of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba. She received this award A common synthetic route at the College’s Awards Luncheon in May. to homochiral tetracycles related to pillaromycinone and Looking into premithramycinone appeared in Dr. Janet Koprivnikar Possibilities a special issue dedicated to the Dr. Martin Lemaire International Year of Chemistry. The resources of the Bio- technology Laboratory, in the Leading the Next Generation Brodie Building, will soon be BU’s Newest Canada Research Chair A paper entitled Infectious enhanced to accommodate personalities: behavioural research on second-generation BU alumnus, Dr. Martin Lemaire syndromes and disease risk in biofuels, bioremediation and started his fi ve-year appointment larval amphibians authored by bio-product development. Funding at BU in May. His research focus Dr. Janet Koprivnikar has from the Canada Foundation for is molecular spintronics and recently been published in the Innovation, Manitoba Innovation, preparation of new multifunctional scientifi c journal Proceedings Energy and Mines, and Brandon materials, created by chemical of the Royal Society of London – This ground breaking research University as well as contributions synthesis of molecular precursors. Biological Sciences. Notably, two links animal behavioural from external suppliers will allow Prior to joining BU, Dr. Lemaire of her undergraduate research tendencies in other situations BU faculty members Dr. Bill Paton taught at Brock University. students—Chris Gibson and with risk of becoming infected and Dr. Terry McGonigle to pursue Julia Redfern—are co-authors. with a parasite. related projects. continued .

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 21 FACULTY UPDATES

CANADA RESEARCH CHAIRS (CRC) • Dr. Martin Lemaire | $500,000 | CRC Tier II Faculty Research Grants Canada Research Chair in Molecular Spintronic Materials

CANADIAN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RESEARCH (CIHR) GOVERNMENT OF CANADA • Dr. Dean Care | $89,293 | Knowledge Translation Supplement • Dr. Bill Ashton | $50,000* | Labour and Immigration Canada Integrated Knowledge Translation Fosters Partnerships as Rural (*this amount was matched by the Government of Manitoba) Postsecondary Students Collaborate to Improve the Health of their Immigration and Rural Communities: People, Plans, Actions Campus Communities • Dr. Pamela Rutherford | $25,000 | Defense Construction Canada Prairie Skinks NATURAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH COUNCIL • Dr. Terence McGonigle | $23,290 | Defense Construction Canada OF CANADA (NSERC) Leafy Spurge • Dr. Margaret Carrington | $200,000 | Discovery Statistical Field Theory and Matter Under Extreme Conditions of GOVERNMENT OF MANITOBA Temperature and Density • Dr. Bev Nicholson | $5,721 | Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism • Dr. Nancy Stanley | $60,000 | PromoScience (Mini U) Brandon University Archaeological Digital Archive • Dr. Nancy Stanley | $5,000 | Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL Mini U public archaeology project 2012 OF CANADA (SSHRC) OTHER AGENCIES • Dr. Doug Ramsey | $61,200 | Aid to Scholarly Journals Journal of Rural and Community Development • Dr. Alison Marshall | $34,300 | Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation Understanding Chinese Experiences of Racism through Sport CANADA FOUNDATION FOR INNOVATION (CFI) Participation and Entertainment Production • Dr. Janet Koprivnikar | $30,271* | Leaders Opportunity Fund • Dr. Fran Racher | $45,000 | Alzheimer Society (*this amount was matched by the Government of Manitoba) Living with Dementia: The Experiences of Older Couples in Managing A High-Performance Swimming Respirometer Their Lives Together

h d f b i c e g

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards

Eight Brandon University students have been awarded NSERC (Natural d Alise Gaiser (Dr. Mark Berry – Chemistry – Prevention of Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) chemotherapy-induced alopecia in a mouse model) Undergraduate Student Research Awards. These awards are valued e Hannah Mazier (Dr. Janet Koprivnikar – Biology – Examination of at $4,500 per student, with further supplements from the Vice President multiple stressors on tadpole development) (Academic & Provost) and faculty members’ personal research grants. The f Tara Steliga (Dr. Mark Berry – Chemistry – The effects of trace amines students work on a research project in a fi eld supported by NSERC during on dopamine receptor signal transduction) 16 consecutive weeks this summer, under the direct supervision of a g Natasha VanDamme (Dr. Martin Lemaire – Chemistry – Sythesis of new faculty member who holds an NSERC Research Grant. redox-active ligands and their transition metal or lanthanide complexes) b Darla Palmer (Dr. Bernadette Ardelli – Biology – The role of the DMT h Jarrett Beck (Dr. John Hopkinson – Physics & Astronomy – Is quantum superfamily in drug resistance) magnetism frustrated on the Sorrel net?) c Julia Redfern (Dr. Janet Koprivnikar – Biology – Parasitism in larval i Ian Russell (Dr. Margaret Carrington – Physics & Astronomy – amphibians: host risks and defences) Integrands of Feynman diagrams for out of equilibrium theories)

22 Alumni News | Summer 2012 Brandon University GIVING Alumni Donors

BY CLASS YEAR Thank you to the following alumni who supported Brandon University in 2011. Your generosity greatly impacts our students by enhancing and improving BU’s programs and services. A portion of your support was generated through the Annual Fund, which raised more than $65,000. Class of 1933 Frank L. McKinnon Class of 1966 Class of 1974 Dorothy F. Helen E. Mitchell Kenneth R. Daniels Robert D. Campbell McDowell Class of 1956 Richard G. Lawford Frances A. Dagg Class of 1938 Dorothy M. Burch Rodney H. Mykle Bonnie J. Grahame Catherine F. Kenneth W. John L. Spalding David C. Taylor Ackland Campbell Class of 1967 Joyce Tureski Anonymous Margaret C. Simms Prema Bursa Class of 1975 Richard W. Class of 1941 Class of 1957 Brian G. Colli Rosenman Margaret L. Garth M. Bray Ruth A. Emisch Anonymous Eggleton Barrie C. Burch Ruby E. McIntyre Class of 1942 Michael P. Czuboka Class of 1968 Anonymous Dorothy C. Tinline Irene Pettapiece Frederick D. Frost Class of 1976 James M. Simmons Karen E. Fingas Bruce A. Craig Class of 1944 Mary Kalberg Beryl McLeod Class of 1958 Cheryl J. Craig Audrey McCrady Walter W. G. Deller “I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the generous Class of 1946 H. V. Davies Margaret A. Yorke donors who have been invaluable in helping to promote my Jean E. Rust Christopher W. Christine H. Coltart Class of 1969 Kennedy research goals and further my academic and professional career Class of 1959 Class of 1947 Edward J. Mazer Class of 1977 in the fi elds of history and education. From the bottom of my Evelyn B. Salt Alfred R. Brooks Elizabeth J. Wayne Pettapiece Kenneth D. Bosiak heart, thank you all.” – Chris Bentley, BA’12 Class of 1948 Armstrong Glenyce I. Tweed Lorna J. Coe Harlaine I. Laurence M. Blaine T. Donald Armstrong William A. Tweed Bertram Class of 1982 Kerry G. Auriat Louise A. Lamont Class of 2004 Elaine M. Smith Faye G. Douglas Lois M. Daly Sharon L. McInnes Hazel M. McKean Frederick R. Bruce Patricia A. Britton Joann I. Sauvé Sherry L. Peden Len Hendzel Olive J. Fleming Class of 1960 Eilleen G. Anonymous Yvonne C. Inniss Class of 1995 David E. McInnes Class of 2006 Norman W. Beverley A. Barnes Thompson Class of 1983 Margaret P. Jill Hannah-Kayes Brian E. O'Donnell Brian A. Kayes MacLeod William S. Evans John H. Dodds MacLennan Marlene Alice Little Bill Sparling Class of 1978 John Warkentin Class of 2007 Class of 1949 William J. Chester Kevin J. Neufeld Fitzsimmons Richard G. Class of 1970 Michelle D. Clayton T. Elston Brad W. Coe Alice M. Sklar Class of 1989 McDonald Barbara A. Clark Class of 1997 Bouchard Class of 1950 Jeffrey G. Cristall Class of 1984 Arlene M. Noel Ryan B. Hehn Donna M. Vrooman Gene A. Collins Cecile M. Kyle A. Muirhead Finley A. Campbell Patricia Cristall Angela K. Pappas Betty M. Peloquin James McKibbon Class of 1961 Kenneth J. Dando Ravishankar Chambers Class of 2008 Marion J. Mazer Gordon K. Class of 1998 Shirley M. Miller David H. Halstead Goldsmith Sharma Class of 1991 Rhonda V. Heather M. Stewart John E. Stonehouse Gary D. Moore Ramona G. Simpson Donald R. Hurton Class of 1985 Maureen E. Cousins Grierson-Auriat Averill M. Whitfi eld Class of 1999 Class of 1951 Class of 1971 Jacqueline P. Alvin G. Caldwell Dale M. Lakevold Donald L. Berry Donna A. Lowe Marie J. Antaya Class of 2009 Ivey G. McNeill Class of 1962 Hurton Amanda M. Kathryn E. Ian D. Barnes Dorothy J. Lori S. McBeth Class of 2000 Lois N. Muir Klippenstein Class of 1992 Sutherland Doreen Smillie Edna M. Chohan Davidson Robert A. Pappas Robert K. Springer Wendy M. Peter J. Adamo Emmett J. Elves Lonnie R. Patterson Class of 1952 Class of 1963 Class of 1979 Class of 1986 McCallum Vincent S. Barletta Edward D. Sklar David Rehaluk Irene Bergner Donna J. Agnew Gerald R. Brown Ruth Vasconcelos E. K. Dobson- Michelle R. Gervin Class of 2001 Erlin J. Zurawski J. C. Finlay Gerald R. Butler Golletz Alex G. Pappas Class of 1993 Jason Howden Murray J. Wanda J. Hyde Class of 1972 Sherry L. Helwer Mark T. Storen Grant S. Wilson Class of 2010 Helen E. Orr Class of 2003 MacDonald Larry E. McCrady Douglas F. Scott K. Young William J. Kent Sandra L. Class of 1994 Matthew Duboff Kenneth H. F. J. McQuarrie McArthur Armstrong Class of 1987 Charles W. Gordon Carla L. Eisler Class of 2011 McNeely David Tesarowski Class of 1964 Jan E. Collins Douglas W. Adams Geraldine Kroeker Carla Harris Kelby D. Treloar Barbara D. Wolfe Class of 1953 Garry R. Atchison Jill E. Witcher Patricia A. Gaye David W. Griffi th Karen E. Elves Class of 1980 Every effort has been made to ensure that this listing is The late Peter Isabelle M. Mills Patricia G. William G. Witcher accurate and complete. Please report any errors or omissions Prokaska Patricia C. Thorn Tonia A. Rushall McKenzie to the Department of Institutional Advancement at (204) 727-7374 Class of 1954 Class of 1965 Kathleen M. Gordon G. B. Muirhead John D. Blackwood Muriel J. Anderson Class of 1973 Alma E. Toms or 1-877-282-4483 (toll-free). Donors of $1,000 or more are Joy Finlay Clair Davies Robert G. Deveson Class of 1981 also listed as members of the Order of the Sheaf in the Ivy M. Young Margaret Hannah Barry A. Oswald Anne L. Dickson Brandon University Foundation Annual Report. To request a Class of 1955 Jean M. Kustra Boyd Van Aggelen Richard N. Golletz copy, please call one of the numbers listed above. Verda McDonald Robert L. Neumann Catherine L. Wilkie Dawn Tesarowski

Brandon University www.brandonu.ca/alumni 23 Congratulations 2012 Graduates Welcome to the Brandon University Alumni Association

Brandon University Alumni Association, 270 – 18th Street, Brandon, MB CANADA R7A 6A9 If this issue is addressed to someone no longer a permanent resident of your home, please notify us so we can properly forward future issues. If any readers have comments or questions about this publication (or would like to submit story ideas), call 204-727-9697 or email [email protected] or write us at the above address. Thank you. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40064061

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