University of Lethbridge introduces 2015 Alumni Honour Society inductees
The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association is pleased to announce its 2015 Alumni Honour Society inductees.
A total of five distinguished alumni are being inducted this year, representing the fine arts, architecture, nursing education, public service and athletics.
Introduced in honour of the University’s 35th Anniversary in 2002, the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association established the Alumni Honour Society to recognize the achievements of a select group of alumni each year. The individuals honoured serve as role models through success in their vocation, outstanding community service or superior accomplishment in their avocation.
Like those before them, the 2015 inductees are outstanding examples of U of L alumni. Each of the individuals being honoured used the knowledge they gained at the University to achieve their personal and professional goals, and through these achievements has left a lasting impact on the people, organizations and communities with which they are involved.
The group will be inducted into the Alumni Honour Society at the Spring Alumni Celebration, May 27, 2015.
2015 Alumni Honour Society Inductees
David Barrus, BFA ’09, MFA ’13
David Barrus is a passionate supporter of the arts whose work has had a significant impact on the southern Alberta creative community. Throughout more than 20 years in theatre, Barrus has demonstrated an enthusiasm both in front of audiences as a skilled performer and behind the scenes as an innovative set and costume designer. Recognized nationally and internationally, Barrus shares his knowledge and experience with young performers as part of the Chinook Performing Arts program at Chinook High School. His work is integral to local theatre at the professional, semi-professional, educational and community levels, and has helped enhance the arts in our community.
Alvin Fritz, BASc (BA) ’80
After graduating from the U of L, Alvin Fritz obtained a bachelor of architecture from the University of British Columbia, receiving the RAIC Gold Medal for the highest standard in his class as well as a DAAD scholarship to pursue post-graduate studies at the Technical University of Munich. He later returned to Lethbridge, becoming principal architect of his own firm. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Fritz has donated countless hours to charitable organizations throughout the community. He has organized and led 10 mission teams in building homes for the less fortunate in Mexico, and has also led projects closer to home, including in Stand Off, Alta.
Ruth Grant Kalischuk, BN ’85, MEd ’92
Ruth Grant Kalischuk is a well-respected leader in nursing education in Alberta. After completing her nursing degree, Grant Kalischuk drew on her practice as an RN to move through the academic ranks, ultimately becoming a professor. Recognized as a superb educator and researcher, she has been instrumental in multiple research programs in nursing and more recently, health as it relates to environmental issues. A strong leader and passionate advocate, Grant Kalischuk was the associate dean of nursing in the U of L’s Faculty of Health Sciences, helping establish the program’s strong reputation on the national stage.
Manwar Khan, BSc ’07
Manwar Khan, who came to Canada in 2001 from Bangladesh to study at the U of L, is an active community advocate against violence whose work earned him recognition as one of the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014 and The Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. Since witnessing and intervening to stop a deadly attack against a fellow commuter on an Edmonton LRT train in December 2012, Khan has organized a number of anti-bullying rallies across the province, raising awareness around the issue of bullying and empowering citizens to take a stand against violence.
James Steacy, BASc ’09
As an athlete, James Steacy has represented not only the U of L but Canada at throwing competitions around the world. During his five-year career with the Pronghorns, Steacy went undefeated in the weight throw and won a total of nine CIS medals, including eight gold. He currently holds the Canadian record in men’s hammer throw and has represented our country at two Olympic Games and earned a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. A role model for younger students, Steacy spends countless hours speaking to local schools about the importance of education and the opportunities available through athletics, and volunteers his time as a coach for youth track programs.
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