Lethbridge-based lawyer and University of Lethbridge alumnus Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00) has been appointed Chair of the U of L’s Board of Governors – the 10th in the University’s history.
Schlachter, who earned a Bachelor of Science with Honours (2000) from the U of L and a Juris Doctor from the University of Saskatchewan (2003), is the Regional Managing Partner of Stringam LLP law firm and former Chair of Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL).
Noted for his volunteerism, community service and commitment to the U of L, Schlachter has served as a board member of the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone, the Canadian Diabetes Association (Lethbridge Branch) and the Southern Alberta Epilepsy Association. Schlachter has also served on the U of L Senate. He was also named one of Lethbridge’s Top 40 under 40 last December by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.
“I am humbled and honoured to be appointed Chair of the University Board of Governors. I am looking forward to working with my board colleagues to ensure the continued growth of the U of L – an institution that is so vitally important to the people of our city, region and province,” says Schlachter. “I am excited to learn more of the world class research, scholarship and creative activity supported by faculty, staff and students at the U of L.”
Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt says Schlachter’s wealth of experience will serve him well on the U of L Board.
“Kurt has a strong background in advancement and philanthropic activities, showing he will be a great asset in this new role with the University of Lethbridge,” says Schmidt. “He is a highly accomplished, talented individual and we look forward to his leadership of the board."
University of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon says the appointment of Schlachter is reflective of the significant contribution U of L alumni make to their communities.
“Kurt’s success as a lawyer and businessman, coupled with his experience on many boards, will make him a strong asset to our University,” says Mahon. “Kurt reflects the qualities we see in so many of our alumni – talented, experienced and committed to their communities.”
Schlachter is a fourth generation Albertan who grew up on a family farm near Bow Island, Alberta. He is also proud of the fact that he is a second-generation alumnus, as his mother Juanita Schlachter was one of the first graduates of the U of L.
Schlachter follows previous board Chair Gordon E. Jong, FCA.
Three new public members have also been appointed to the board: Harvey Labuhn, Tanya Pace-Crosschild and Shilpa Stocker.