Supporting our Students is one of the easiest ways in which faculty and staff can contribute to student scholarships.
Each year, two members from our University community assume roles as Co-Chairs of the annual SOS campaign and put their passion for student support into practice.
Your two new Co-Chairs for this year’s campaign are Tracy Oosterbroek, the assistant dean of our nursing program, and Meagan Koshman, one of our outstanding student recruitment officers.
Let’s get to know them a little bit.
What do you do at the University and what’s your background?
Tracy: I am an Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean, NESA (Nursing Education of Southern Alberta) Programs.
Meagan: I am a Student Recruitment Officer and have worked here for almost five years. I am also a proud alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
Tracy: Geez, I don’t know! I live on a farm, have four kids, three dogs and two cats. I love the outdoors.
Meagan: Before my role here, I was a cosmetologist, so I got to play with makeup all day! I love spicy food, I have never broken a bone, and a day is not complete without walking my dog.
Why do you support SOS?
Tracy: It is so important to pay forward gifts received, and I received scholarships during my graduate programs. As a professor and assistant dean, I witness the challenges experienced by students, some of which include financial hardship. No student should be hungry or be required to withdraw from an academic program due to financial hardship. We all have a responsibility to contribute, even in small ways, to supporting student success and easing the financial strain.
Meagan: As a former student at the University of Lethbridge, I love being able to give a little bit back towards scholarships each month. It’s a great way to help support students in an easy way!
Why did you want to take on a leadership role with SOS?
Tracy: I felt I could at this time in my career, and I thrive on service.
Meagan: I thought it would be a great opportunity to contribute to SOS in a different way. Everyone who is part of this committee is awesome to work with — so it has been a lot of fun.
What are your goals for SOS while you are Co-Chair?
Tracy: That’s a loaded question. I would like to see increased engagement among all staff and faculty at ULeth. It would be great to see an increase in regular/monthly commitments. It is a difficult time for everyone, but also a time when students need support more than ever.
Meagan: I aim to collaborate with the committee and come up with creative new ways to help students as well as educate more staff and faculty about what SOS is all about.
If you get an opportunity to speak with either Tracy or Meagan, let them share their passion for student support with you and how our community is stronger when we all work together.
To learn more, visit the Supporting Our Students web page.