The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association is pleased to announce its 2017 Alumni Honour Society inductees.

A distinguished group of seven people will be inducted this year, having made significant contributions to their communities in a variety of fields.

“It’s always exciting to share in the successes of our alumni and to see how they have impacted the world since graduating from the U of L,” says Lyndsay Montina, manager of Alumni Relations. “This year’s group of inductees has distinguished itself in many ways and made their respective communities better places to live.”

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 2017 inductees are outstanding examples of U of L alumni. Each of the individuals 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 and celebrated at Let There Be Light Night, an alumni celebration, in Fall 2017.

The 2017 Alumni Honour Society Inductees:

Julie Taylor (BA ’05) & Lowell Taylor (BFA ’04)

Julie (Greidanus) Taylor and Lowell Taylor became a national sensation in 2016 when they competed on the Amazing Race Canada. Lowell, who has a degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa, was the TV program’s first blind contestant. From the bustling cities of Vietnam to the frozen tundra of the Northwest Territories, the couple illustrated how positivity and teamwork can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Kristin Ailsby (BA ’96)

As a successful entrepreneur, engaged volunteer, respected advocate and effective educator, Kristin Ailsby is an inspiration to alumni and future alumni. Ailsby is an accredited mediator, collaborative lawyer and experienced litigator, having advocated for clients at the Provincial Court, the Court of Queen's Bench and the Alberta Court of Appeal. She founded her own firm, Clarity Law, in March of 2016.

Pat Tanaka (BA ’81)

Passionate about helping youth, Pat Tanaka served U of L students and alumni for nearly three decades as they explored their career options and planned for their futures. In her 27 years as director and manager of Career & Employment Services, Tanaka implemented a broad array of materials, events and programs, including establishing the uLethbridge’s highly regarded Career Fair.

Rajko Dodic (BA ’78)
Sipioohkitopii (Night Rider)

Committed to community service and family, Rajko Dodic is a shining example of a distinguished alumnus. After being called to the Bar in 1982, he opened his own law firm where he was primarily a litigation lawyer and appeared in every level of court. He served two terms as an alderman on Lethbridge City Council and was elected as the 25th mayor of Lethbridge in 2010.

René Huel (BSc ’98)

René Huel’s work takes him around the world as he and his team help to bring closure to families who lost loved ones under tragic circumstances. He joined the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) in 2004 as a DNA scientist. In 2006, he became the Head of the DNA Laboratories Division, Department of Science and Technology, where he continues to oversee the largest and most successful laboratory system in the world dedicated to identifying missing persons.

Scott Crighton (BMgt ’90)

With a flair for business, sharp attention to detail and keen ability to spot an opportunity, Scott Crighton has evolved the service industry landscape in Lethbridge. Crighton is the entrepreneur and CEO behind Pop’s Taphouse North; Mojos Pub and Grill; Pop’s Taphouse South; Pop’s Taphouse West; Pop’s Taphouse and Grill Calgary; Coulee Brew Co and Kingsmen Ale House. His companies are flourishing and employ more than 190 people.