The University of Lethbridge celebrates the achievements of its newest graduates at the Spring 2016 Convocation, June 2 and 3, in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.
Distinguishing themselves among the many outstanding graduates are the U of L’s medal winners for 2016. They are as follows:
Gold Medal of the Governor General – Scott Semenyna (Ceremony I)
Thesis: Bullying, Physical Aggressivity, Gender Atypicality, and Sexual Orientation in Males
Scott Semenyna’s research examined the connections between physical aggression, childhood gender-atypicality and sexual orientation in the Pacific Island Nation of Samoa. Scott won several prestigious scholarships, including a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship, and his work has generated multiple publications. Now a U of L PhD student in psychology, Semenyna is also this year’s School of Graduate Studies Master of Science medal winner.
Silver Medal of the Governor General – Justan Sawada (Ceremony II)
Justan Sawada is graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience).
Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Science) – Jessica Baedke (Ceremony I)
Jessica Baedke (biochemistry) completed an honours undergraduate thesis and earned three NSERC undergraduate research awards. Recently admitted to the Master of Science program in Epidemiology at the University of Alberta, with a goal of becoming an interdisciplinary genetic epidemiologist.
Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Arts) – Jasmine Saler (Ceremony I)
Jasmine Saler completed a double major in kinesiology and women and gender studies, including an honours undergraduate thesis in the latter. Jasmine was a research assistant to faculty members in several departments, and was the recipient of a Chinook Summer Research Award. She has been admitted to the U of L’s Master of Arts program in Cultural, Social and Political Thought.
Alberta Teachers' Association William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education – Justin Silva (Ceremony III)
Justin Silva is an exceptional teacher able to translate his extensive knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics into highly engaging and active learning opportunities. An avid golfer and sports fan, Justin consistently supports and advocates for students of all abilities, and is renowned for his ability to develop meaningful and respectful relationships with his students and colleagues.
Faculty of Education Gold Medal – Anna Gotgilf (Ceremony III)
Anna Gotgilf is characterized as a dedicated, creative and hard-working teacher who creates a warm and respectful learning community, achieving the highest academic standing in the Faculty of Education.
Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal – Alexa Elser (Ceremony III)
Alexa Elser maintained an outstanding academic record, earning dean’s honour list standing and numerous scholarships, as well as a Chinook Summer Research Award that resulted in the publication of a co-authored research paper. Alexa has performed in five mainstage productions, served as a student voice mentor and has been involved in all aspects of the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts.
Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal – Madison Martens (Ceremony II)
Madison Martens is an independent and insightful problem solver who thinks critically and has a collaborative leadership style. She possesses a strong sense of professionalism and commitment to the values of public health, and will be entering the U of L’s Bachelor of Nursing After Degree program.
Faculty of Management Gold Medal – Krista Wald (Ceremony IV)
Krista Wald balanced coursework with a full-time career in achieving the highest academic standing in the Faculty of Management. Krista attained new responsibilities and positions and is now directly applying the skills and knowledge from her university experience.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Doctor of Philosophy – Patrick Barks (Ceremony I)
Thesis: Parental Age Effects and the Evolution of Senescence in Lemna minor
Patrick Barks has demonstrated research and academic excellence while studying the evolution of senescence (or aging) in the small, aquatic plant Lemna minor (duckweed). Patrick was the recipient of NSERC Scholarships at both the masters and PhD levels, and has published four scholarly articles in top ranked journals. Patrick is now a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Arts – Amy Mack (Ceremony I)
Thesis: This Isn’t What War is Like: An Ethnographic Account of ARMA 3
Amy Mack’s research focused on the social practices of the Armed Assault 3 gaming community and its attempt to recreate a realistic combat experience online. Amy was awarded the SSHRC Canadian Graduate Scholarship for outstanding achievements. Amy’s dedication to professional and community service is evident through her work with Amnesty International and the University of Lethbridge Institute for Child and Youth Studies.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Education – Patrick McFarland (Ceremony I)
Thesis: Theoretical & Clinical Perspectives on the Etiology, Diagnosis & Treatment of Antisocial Disorders in Adolescence
Patrick McFarland’s research examined theoretical and clinical perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of antisocial behaviours with the intent to develop substantive theory on the cause, assessment and treatment of antisocial disorders. In addition to being an experienced and dedicated clinician, Patrick is an emerging academic with several forthcoming publications, demonstrating a keen commitment to sharing his research findings.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science Management – Corie Lazenby (Slauenwhite) (Ceremony I)
Thesis: Assertiveness and Leadership Perceptions: The Role of Gender and Leader-Member Exchange
Corie Lazenby tested the effects of assertiveness on leader, social and instrumental outcomes, as well as the moderating effects of gender and leader-member exchange quality. With work accepted for presentation at a prestigious conference in the human resource sector, Corie is an emerging academic with many publications on the horizon.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science – Scott Semenyna (Ceremony I)
See above notation.
The University of Lethbridge Spring 2016 Convocation ceremonies take place Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.
For complete Spring 2016 Convocation information, please visit: http://www.uleth.ca/convocation/spring-2016-information.