University of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the University community

I am constantly impressed by how much activity we have here on campus, generated both from within and from external sources interested in what we are doing.

This was readily apparent this past month with a number of high profile events that thrust the
U of L into the spotlight and touched on a variety of our hallmarks.

Fall Convocation was an outstanding affair and once again showcased our many exceptional graduates. The event was enhanced greatly by the inclusion of our honorary degree recipients, Paul Brandt and Son Soubert. Their commitment to humanitarian efforts provided an inspirational backdrop for the new graduating class and served as a great starting point as they embark on their professional careers.

The link between the University and the professional world has never been stronger, and that is evidenced by the many partnerships the U of L has cultivated with its business partners. Recently we welcomed the Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta to campus as they announced a major donation to fund the CGA Faculty Fellowship in Accounting and support the operating costs of the new Markin Hall Finance Trading Floor.

Prior to that, the Faculty of Management received accreditation from the Canadian Management Accountants Society, effectively earning a stamp of approval from the very society to which many of their students will gravitate upon graduation. I spoke personally with one of our students recently who cited this accreditation as a major factor in his appreciation of the program, as it gave him the opportunity to bypass the CMA Entrance Examination upon graduation. He also credited management professor Bruce Thurston for his real-world approach in the classroom.

With the many co-op work arrangements we have throughout our faculties and a constant eye on the changing needs of the professional world, our programs continue to graduate competent, confident students who are able to hit the ground running in their chosen careers.

In addition to business interests on campus, we have hosted a number of governmental representatives in recent weeks. Deputy Premier of the Northwest Territories, Michael Miltenberger (BASc '75), visited the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building, as did Alberta Minister of Environment, Rob Renner, and deputy minister Jim Ellis. As well, Alberta Health Minister Ron Liepert toured the new Markin Hall building.

It is extremely important that we maintain a positive working relationship with the various levels of government as it helps both our interests in shaping the future of our province.

We enjoyed a very interesting Board of Governors meeting this past month as we set up shop in the University's new daycare facility. It is a beautiful building in a picturesque setting and a real testament to the spirit of co-operation that exists on campus.

I want to give a huge amount of credit to Vice-President (Finance and Administration) Nancy Walker for seeing this project through to its completion. She was responsible chiefly for bringing members of administration around to the view that we should work with our partners to bring daycare to campus once again, and it is highly symbolic to have completed this project.

Hearty congratulations to the Pronghorns women's rugby team, who pounded their way through the Canada West championship tournament to capture their fourth straight conference title. I anticipate another celebration in the offing as the Horns head to Vancouver to try and claim their third consecutive CIS championship. You have made the University proud – good luck and Go Horns!