Congratulations Mike on 13 years of being a great president for the University of Lethbridge. I have fond memories of working with you on the Long Service and Retirement Awards Ceremony. Bob and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours wherever they may take you and your family.

Linda Embury and Bob Orth

Thank you for turning me into a philanthropist. Thank you for teaching me how to give back. Thank you for creating a new chapter of my life. Mike, you have changed me, my commitment to Canada, education and being a good human being. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dr. Bob Dhillon (LLD '19), O.C., MBA, DCom, ICD.D

As a professor in the Faculty of Education, I still recall being caught up in the welcome for Dr. Mahon on campus and especially the Convocation ceremony complete with a children’s choir singing Somali-Canadian artist K’naan’s song “Wavin’ Flag.” The teacher in me was inspired. So, imagine my surprise when I was invited to make a presentation to the Board of Governors as one of Dr. Mahon’s initial events on campus. It was truly an unexpected honour. What would I say to our new president and the Board? I recall providing an overview of the work of the Faculty of Education and then talking about a research project I was involved in on the topic of teens and technology, specifically text messaging — as it was called back then. The field was just emerging in 2010 and I spoke about predicting future pitfalls around screen time, privacy, bullying and self-identity. Having a good sense of humour, Mike Mahon’s response was, I recall, “OMG.” Having been an undergraduate student at this university, back when it was just UHall and the white snake, I have seen our campus mature and grow, programs broaden and people advance and flourish, but none so much as in the past 13 years. Dr. Mahon, you have truly made this campus what it is today, a welcoming, supportive and progressive place to be and to work. Thank-you for your exceptional commitment to the University of Lethbridge community and very best wishes for the future!

Dr. Robin Bright (BA '79, BEd '82, MEd '88)
Professor, Interim Dean Faculty of Education

It was great to meet you and spend an evening in Vancouver with the alumni in the area. Wishing you and your family many healthy, happy and prosperous years in the future.

Linda Mae Stoddard (BFA ‘92)

I think any of us who serve in senior leadership positions hope, simply, to make a difference for the better. I can say with the greatest of confidence: Mike, you have made a profound difference for the better, and a difference that people will enjoy for generations to come.

Daniel Quan-Watson
Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

A good leader changes the conversation, and that’s what Mike has done throughout his time here at the University.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASC (BA) '72, DASc '04)
Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations

Mike is such a collaborative leader. He always wanted us to question assumptions, and he was always there to bring out the best from all of us on the team. Congratulations, Mike, on 13 years of leadership at the University of Lethbridge. You have really put ULethbridge on the map in the time that you’ve been there, and it was wonderful to share that journey with you.

Dr. Andy Hakin, President & Vice-Chancellor, St. Francis Xavier University
Provost, University of Lethbridge (2007-2020)

Thank you for your steadfast leadership over the past 13 years. During the good times and the challenging moments, knowing you were leading the University instilled confidence in our future. Your collaborative and inclusive approach ensured that all stakeholders had a voice in important University matters. Our alma mater shines brighter today as a result of your dedication and service. Congratulations as you turn the page to write your next chapter!

Jason Elliott (BMgt '95)
Past President of the ULethbridge Alumni Association (2019-2022)

Mike, thank you for your enormous contributions to our University and our community. Your dedication and leadership resulted in several enormous accomplishments on campus, especially the building of Science Commons, and you navigated us through some difficult waters. We are a stronger institution because of you. I recall meeting you for the first time in Vancouver at a reception at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Your energy and excitement were obvious, and your enthusiasm for ULethbridge never waned over 13 years. We are all grateful to you and to Maureen for your contributions to our community and to southern Alberta as ambassadors of the University of Lethbridge. All the best as you enjoy some well-deserved rest, relaxation and grandpa time!

Terry Whitehead (BA '94)
ULethbridge Chancellor

Mike, it has been a pleasure working with you over the past 10 years, in my roles at Lethbridge College, Olds College and Red Deer Polytechnic. You have contributed greatly to my alma mater (ULethbridge) and to the Alberta post-secondary system, and it has been a privilege to watch you lead. All the best to you and Maureen as you embark on your next stage of life.

Stuart Cullum (BA/BEd '96)
Red Deer Polytechnic

President Mahon and I met when I was named Executive in Residence in the School of Business and he and I quickly discovered multiple connections. Mike was a tireless champion of innovation during his time at the U of L – the Destination Project says it all. My fondest memory was when he and I went to Edmonton to brief the Deputy Minister who was also the Minister of Advanced education and Innovation on some of the initiatives being considered at the U of L. Minister Hancock was running late and only had a short time to spend with us but was very attentive. Only after Mike and I left the meeting did we discover that Premier Redford had just resigned and that Minister Hancock had just been named Interim Premier right before we met with him. So we basically joked that we were Kingmakers although I don’t think that administration lasted very long.

Anil Pereira (BMgt '87)
Inaugural Executive in Residence

At our first President's Executive retreat, Mike gave each of us a small postcard. “Look After Yourself; Look After One Another.” This resonated with me that we need to take care of ourselves first and then we can take care of others. This principle has always been one of the hallmarks of our team. Thanks for your support over the years.

Nancy Walker (BMgt ‘82)
Vice-President (Finance & Administration)

Because we will be overseas, Judy and I are sorry to miss the opportunity to say thanks and good luck to you as you and Maureen as you head off to new and rewarding experiences. As I said in person at the Donor Celebration, you have many years ahead and it's worth some effort to choose what you do with that in mind – what's the next big challenge? We wish you a retirement as exciting and rewarding as we have had, and more. Bon voyage et bonne chance.

Seamus O’Shea
Vice-president (Academic) & Provost (1991-2007)

Best wishes to both Mike and Maureen. It was wonderful to see you both and chat at the Donors Gala recently, such a treat to hear all about your grandkids and plans for the future. We won't be able to attend the event because we will be in Portugal, but think fondly of all our times with you both over the years. All the very best as you move into this next phase in life.

Judy O'Shea

Congrats Mike & Maureen!

Relax and
Enjoy yourself
Try something new
Imagine the possibilities
Remember to play
Expect adventures
Make new plans
Embrace the freedom
Nap without guilt
Take time just for you!

For all you’ve done and everything you’ve achieved, wishing you the time of your life! Congratulations on your University retirement. The University of Lethbridge will miss you.

Dr. Ron Sakamoto (LLD '03) and Joyce Sakamoto
University Supporters

It is a privilege and an honour to send this message of congratulations to Dr. Mike Mahon on the occasion of his retirement from the role of president of the University of Lethbridge. Mike has been an innovative, thoughtful and compassionate leader in the post-secondary system across Canada and here in Alberta. He served as our Chair for two years and his commitment to collaborative inclusive leadership helped us achieve a great deal of success in our efforts to improve our system for the benefit of learners, faculty, employers and communities. Mike will be missed by all of his colleagues at the Alberta Post Secondary Network. We wish Mike and his family all the best as he enters this new phase of his life journey!

Bill Werry
Executive Director, Alberta Post Secondary Network

There are not many people who can say they were president during a global pandemic, labour disruption and budget crisis. You and I both can – of course my presidency was way lower stakes than yours. Nonetheless, I would be remiss not to sincerely express how grateful I am for your leadership, support and kindness. I feel lucky that I was able to work with you during your time at ULethbridge. I value your unwavering commitment to students, your propensity for problem-solving, and above all, your kindness. Thank you for everything!

Holly Kletke
President, ULethbridge Students’ Union (2021-2022)

You have always been a strong, smiling, friendly presence on this campus. I always enjoyed working with you and felt you were a kind, genuine leader who only had the best intentions at heart. Thank you for asking me to lead the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. It was a privilege. I have truly valued working with you. I wish the best for you in your coming years.

Nicole Eva
Associate University Librarian

On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I want to wish Dr. Mike Mahon all the best in his future. Having Mike at the helm for the past 13 years has led to major growth and positive reputation for the University of Lethbridge. The importance of our post-secondary amenities in our city cannot be overstated and has direct impact to the strength of Lethbridge. We thank Dr. Mahon for all of his contributions to our wonderful city.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen
City of Lethbridge

Thank you, Morning Star, for all service and dedication to the University of Lethbridge. It has been a pleasure to all who know how committed you truly are. Good luck in your future endeavours. Iikakiimaat (Try hard), Kitakitamaatsin (See you later).

Ruby Medicine Crane (BA/BEd '98)
ULethbridge Alumna

It is difficult to distill Dr. Mahon’s leadership down to one memory, but I do have a few. One of my first memories: The University of Lethbridge was funded by our government to deliver an inclusive post-secondary education for students with disabilities. The joy Mike showed that day we announced the project was genuine, and gave me insight into the kind of University he wanted to lead. I do not have one memory of Mike asking for the Science Commons building — I have many! This persistence is why I was able to make the case for it. He should be enormously proud of this achievement. Finally, Mike put Indigenous education at the centre of his leadership, and he began the work toward making the relevant TRC recommendations real here in Lethbridge. The extent to which the campus has changed as a result is difficult to overstate. Much done, more to do, to be sure…but Mike keenly understood his responsibility to our community, to southern Alberta and to Canada.

Shannon Phillips
MLA, Lethbridge-West

It’s been a true pleasure to work with a tireless champion not just for the University itself but the broader community as a whole. I’ve always appreciated how you embraced every last-minute request and listened to every crazy idea with a keen eye on how the University could play a role or be a partner. You helped to ensure the University not just reflected its namesake community but rather was truly an integrated part of it. Thank you for your leadership. Best wishes for your next adventure.

Trevor Lewington
CEO, Economic Development Lethbridge

Mike has been a great friend and colleague. Of our many collaborations over the past years, I am particularly grateful for Mike’s readiness to work together as we all struggled with the challenges of COVID-19. With the U of C, U of L and U of A working together, we were able to develop a common policy on vaccines that helped to navigate our campuses through the darkest moments of COVID-19 and protect the health of our communities. Many thanks, Mike. I wish you all the best as you embark on new adventures.

Bill Flanagan
UAlberta President & Vice-Chancellor

I was fortunate to get to know you and your family before you even arrived on campus. I took the leap of faith to work in this area because among other attributes you are genuine and caring. We have experienced great laughter and had great success. I remember the first inclusive education grad walking across the stage which we were both passionate about and you envisioned many years ago. In your position as president, there have been great challenges as well: ongoing budget cuts, salary freezes and reductions, COVID-19 and labour disruptions have all caused grey hairs and much stress for us all, but your compassion and leadership helped us all manage through these times. During all these years, work has happened but so has life. You have been an amazing support and offered guidance and compassion through all my tears of joy and sorrow. It is hard to articulate in words everything that this last 13 years has been, but I have seen what you have done and accomplished, Mike, and you have made a difference. I wish you the best in this next phase and I truly thank you for everything that you did for ULethbridge and for the support and encouragement you provided me and my family over the years. You will be missed.

Jodie Gallais (BA ‘98, MEd ‘09)
Director, University Secretariat

It was our pleasure to be some of the first people to welcome Mike and Maureen to Lethbridge. Gord’s term as board chair will remain one of the highlights of our life due in part to the deep friendship we formed with the Mahon’s. Retreats and dinners, many convocations and the highlight of a trip to Japan created memories that will last a lifetime. We wish our dear friends, Mike and Maureen, the very best in their next chapter. It has been a pleasure.

Gord Jong (BSc ‘80, BMgt ‘82) and Elizabeth Jong (BMus ‘81)
Gord is a former Chair of the Board of Governors (2006-2012)

Thank you so much for your exemplary leadership and accomplishments over your tenure at the University of Lethbridge. You have created a legacy that will benefit countless students to come in the years ahead. One of my fondest memories of you is that whenever I met you at meetings or events in the community, you were always so laid back, easy to talk with and had such a great sense of humour! You are a man of the people, and your people will miss you! I wish you every happiness as you embark on the next chapter of your life. Thank you so much for your service to our community!

Sandra Mintz
CEO, Lethbridge Family Services

A well-deserved retirement for a fabulous leader. I’ve always appreciated the way that Mike can make people around him feel important and valued. His humility always was evident. My favourite memory with Mike was when he met the new rugby coach, Ric Suggitt (RIP). He and Ric had competed against one another on the football field at the university level. You could feel the mutual respect that they displayed but still had a competitive sense around the meeting. It was a great reminder that Mike treats people well but as a great leader, he still has his eyes on objectives. Enjoy your retirement Dr. Mahon!

Neil Langevin (BA/BEd ‘91, MEd ‘10)
Executive Director, Pronghorn Athletics

Thanks, Mike for taking a chance on a relatively new executive assistant. I’ve learned so much from working alongside you. I will miss Maureen’s cookies at Christmas time. I will miss the laughs we have at team meetings. I will miss hearing about the grandkids. I will miss our chats about the Oilers; go Oil! You and Maureen were both so good to me and my kids. Hiring Ryan to be your “groundskeeper!” Including us in special events like the University Cup. Encouraging Camryn to enjoy her university experience. Hiring Elly to be grandson Wiley's first babysitter! I wish you well in your retirement and I know you will be busy being Papa Mike.
PS. I’m still waiting for my platinum star…there are a few months left!

Lisa Neufeld (BA ‘97)
Executive Assistant

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mahon during my time on ULethbridge Senate. As Chair of the Outreach Committee, I arranged for him to speak to students in a variety of southern Alberta schools, producing features of these visits, which would air on our CTV News Casts. During the very first feature, I asked him to walk down the hall of the school, ignore the camera and casually look at some student art work on the walls. He looked at me and said, "You mean I have to walk and act at the same time? Gee...I don't know.” Turns out he was a natural on camera, totally at ease with the students and great fun to work with!

Dory Rossiter
Former Senate Member

I have many fond memories of Mike and Maureen that it is hard to pick only one. I worked for Mike from January 2011 to July 2018. It seems to have passed in an instant. Mike and Maureen opened their home to so many during that time and I was so fortunate to be there. They were amazing hosts. Because of Mike, I learned about Blackfoot Ways of Knowing and I worked closely with Leroy Little Bear and Roy Weaselfat. I met elders from the Mayan culture in Mexico and statesmen in Japan. I spoke on the phone for an hour to former Prime Minister Paul Martin. And, I worked with the VERY BEST executive team and President's Office staff on the planet! Thank you, Mike and Maureen, for your contributions to the University of Lethbridge and beyond. You are very special people and I am proud to have worked with you!

Laurel Corbiere
Former Senior Advisor to the President

Thank you for the incredible investment you have made into Lethbridge through your work at the University of Lethbridge. You have brought a strong and thoughtful approach to an often challenging position. The considerable experience, composure and patience you have exhibited through these difficult times displays your character and dedication to a better future and a better Alberta. Thank you for all you have done!

Nathan Neudorf
MLA, Lethbridge-East

As I search for what to say, I think of Red Crow College and Chancellor Charlie. What I said to him about his attributes, all of those attributes apply to you equally as well. Attributes such as personable, friendly, approachable and easy to talk to, just to name a few. They are all carbon copy for you. You are a great colleague and leader!! Continue to cheer for your Oilers loud and proud. Just don't wear those Oiler socks south of Red Deer!!! Best of luck with your future endeavours! It was a pleasure!!

Dave Boras
ULethbridge Senate