Fall/Winter 2005 www.uwinnipeg.ca THE JOURNAL FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG Opening Doors DR. DOUGLAS W. LEATHERDALE Changing Lives Through Education RAY MCFEETORS & SHIRLEY RENDER Distinguished Alumni Award Winners THE NORTHWEST COMPANY: Founding Donor to Wii Chii Waa Ka Nak MICHAEL BAYER New Alumni Association President Return to: The University of Winnipeg Alumni Relations 4W21-515 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9 ??. THE JOURNAL features. LEAD STORY: MEET ALUMNUS DR. DOUGLAS W. LEATHERDALE | 6 Model Donor ALUMNI IN THE FAMILY | 5 New Alumni President Michael Bayer BUILDING A CAMPAIGN FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG | 8 TAKE FLIGHT | 10 UWinnipeg Professor Keith Fulton THE NORTH WEST COMPANY | 17 Founding Donor to Wii Chii Waa Ka Nak PERFECT POISE | 18 content. Collegiate Alumna Tara Birtwhistle DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS | 20/21 Ray McFeetors & Shirley Render 20. 18. 21. 6. 10. news. DEMONSTRATING COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS . .9 IDA MARGOLIS & EDNA WHITCOMB, departments. HONORARY BA RECIPIENTS . .9 YOUR LETTERS . .2 SUMMER INSTITUTE ON DISEASE . .14 EDITOR’S NOTE . .3 HISTORICA TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE . .15 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES . .3 GIFTED & TALENTED CHILDREN . .16 PRESIDENT’S LETTER . .4 ALUMNI NEWS BRIEFS . .12 CLASS ACTS . .22 ALUMNI AUTHORS . .26 IN MEMORIAM. .27 LOOKING BACK . .28 Editorial Team: Editor, Lois Cherney ’84, DCE ’93; Managing Editor, Annette Elvers ’93; Foundation Communications, Nadine Kampen ’81; Communications Officer, Ilana Simon ’84; and, Director of Communications, Katherine Unruh | Alumni Council Communications Team: Team Leader Joanne Struch ’94, Assistant Team Leader Sheila Dresen ’57, Roy Collingwood ’93, and Susan Rennie ’02 | Contributing Writers: Maureen Britton; Lois Cherney ’84; Paula Denbow; Annette Elvers ’93; Nadine Kampen ’81; Barbara Kelly ’60, ’97; Kerry Ryan ’96; Tina Portman; Ilana Simon ’84; Joanne Struch ’94; Ian Tizzard; Daile Unruh; Katherine Unruh; and, Betsy Van der Graaf | Graphic Design: Guppy Graphic Design | Photography: David Cooper; Ross Cornish; grajewski.fotograph; Andrew Sikorsky; Ilana Simon ’84; Steve Salnikowsky; Jeff Solylo; and, Jim Woroniuk | Printing: Cover Lea Marc Inc. Subject: Wesley Hall The Journal is published in Fall and Spring for the alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of The University of Winnipeg by the Graphic: Appeal Graphics Alumni and Communications offices. | Correspondence should be addressed to: The University of Winnipeg Alumni Journal, 4W21 - 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9. | T: 204.786.9711 | Out of Town Toll-Free: 1.888.829.7053 | F: 204.783.8983 | e-mail: [email protected] | web: www.uwinnipeg.ca | Publications Mail Sales Agreement No. 40064037 YOUR LETTERS THANK YOU EXCELLENT UPDATE The article on the new Writer-in- I’d like to offer a few words about our Residence program in honour of my late Reunion last Journal and the late Professor wife Carol Shields was a first-class piece Childhood memories, the good old days, Richard (Dick) Veatch of the Political of reporting. Thank you. The past made us who we are. Science Department. Don Shields So many questions for smiling faces, I wanted to say how wonderfully the Mount Kisco, New York As we gather from near and far. Journal is prepared, presented, and laid out. If it was done quarterly it would be SPECIAL MEMORIES How many years has it really been? even better... But, if it cannot be done I attended The University of Winnipeg You haven’t changed for me. due to logistical and cost constraints, Alumni & Friends event in Vancouver The eyes, the smile, the way you laugh that’s fine with me. in February 2005, and had a wonderful Can’t hide the old you I see. One of the reasons I am truly fond of time chatting with University staff, The University of Winnipeg has to do Lloyd Axworthy, members of Carol Where do you live? What did you become? with the size of the place and some of Shields’ family, and fellow alumni Have you had a happy life? the people—especially open and acces- members now living in the Lower It’s hard to believe we’re standing here sible professors—I have met, spoken Mainland. The bartender and I even To introduce our husband or wife. to, and truly learned from at this created a drink in The University of University. Winnipeg colours. I dubbed the mixture What ever happened to “what’s his name?” of white wine and red cranberry juice Professor Veatch was one of them the “Wesmen Cocktail.” Do you remember him ... and her? among others (Ken Gibbons, Joel Out come the yearbooks and photographs. Dudek, Carol Harvey are other excel- A short while later, I visited my sister We’re back where we once were. lent examples). I had the great fortune in Edmonton. While there, I was able to be one of Professor Veatch’s stu- to get together for dinner with some Turn the pages. Go back in time. dents. Ironically, he was an American other school friends that I hadn’t seen The years seem to melt away. who studied in Geneva, Switzerland since elementary and high school Memories of old dreams flood our minds. but taught internationalism at a days in Winnipeg. These two events We have so many things to say. small Canadian university. In finding inspired me to write the poem [at out about his passing, I shed a tear. right] “Reunion.” I wanted to com- A camera to capture the youth reborn Professor Veatch was not only a brilliant municate to all members of the Alumni man, but also a very humble, kind, and Association how special the memories Can’t convey the energy here. compassionate person. You could feel of my University days are to my heart. We talk non stop, we laugh and hug, these qualities in him, especially when Perhaps the poem will inspire some As we journey back through each year. he gave so much time to talk to you former graduates to get more involved personally and to others. in the Alumni Association, and to Life is a journey for girls and boys. reconnect with old friends. I hope so. It’s a road shared by women and men. Daniel Louer, BA ’91 It gives a joy beyond compare! You’re part of me and I’m part of you. Winnipeg, MB I’m glad our paths crossed again. Janice Iverach Wasik, BA ’71 Delta, BC The time has flown and we must part. I wish we could stay some more. Let’s treasure this time and keep in touch, ’Til we meet at Heaven’s door. “Your Letters” is your opportunity to contribute to your alumni magazine. Please share with us comments on the stories we publish, ideas about articles we might cover in the future, and memories of your time at Wesley College, United College, or The University of Winnipeg. Letters can be emailed to the editor at [email protected] or sent by regular mail to: Lois Cherney, Alumni Office, The University of Winnipeg 4W21 - 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9 2. THE JOURNAL EDITOR’S NOTE Opening Doors This month, we’re holding a grand “door opening” to celebrate the restoration of the historic front doors of our landmark building, Wesley Hall (see front cover). At the festivities, in the midst of the excitement during the first weeks of classes, the University will pay tribute to its long tradition of excellence and reflect on the many doors that have been opened to students as a result of their education here. As alumni, we’ve all gone through many doors on campus – those leading to classrooms and the Library, where knowledge is shared, and other entrances leading to residences, cafeterias, and common areas, where friendships form and memories are made. But a liberal arts and science education is also about opening doors to possibilities. The University of Winnipeg offers a venue to explore new ideas and to gain a greater understanding of others’ perspectives. An undergraduate degree often leads to further education, rewarding volunteer service, and a successful career. It can also be a passageway to self-knowledge and to a deeper understanding of our world. Enriched by the University experience, many alumni go on to make significant contributions to society. Alumni know first-hand the value of a liberal arts and science education. And it is through our continued support that, along with the support of faculty, staff and the broader community, we can help to ensure the University’s doors to a world of possibilities are kept wide open for future generations. Lois Cherney, Editor VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HAS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TO SUIT A WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTS AND TIME COMMITMENTS. BY GETTING INVOLVED—A LITTLE OR A LOT!—YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE ASSOCIATION, TO STUDENTS, AND TO YOUR UNIVERSITY. Food for Thought - Distribute snacks and offer encouragement Convocation - Welcome our newest members and raise money to students during exam time. for scholarships by selling degree frames before or after the Alumni Council - Serve on the 12-member council, which meets Convocation ceremonies in October or June. regularly to make decisions on policy and programming. Each Scholarship Presenters - Visit high schools in June to present member serves a three-year term. In addition, three alumni University of Winnipeg entrance scholarships to outstanding are selected to serve on the University’s Board of Regents. high school graduates. Alumni Council Teams - Share your ideas by joining one of First-Year Student Orientation - Welcome the freshies and their the Council’s teams - Events and Outreach, Volunteers, or parents to campus at orientation in September. Communications. Alumni Network - For those who have left Winnipeg, volunteer Award Selection Committees - Pick a winner! Alumni repre- to welcome an alum who is moving to your city and help them sentatives are needed to serve on University committees that get orientated to the new surroundings.