On May 29 and 30, the campus will be dressed up by caps and gowns, flowers and photographs as the University of Lethbridge community comes together to celebrate convocation and the accomplishments of more than 1,400 graduates.
Many people play a supportive role in the life of a student. From friends and family to faculty and staff, a strong support system is crucial to student success. Less conspicuous in the everyday life of a student, scholarships and bursaries also play an important part in helping students achieve their dreams and aspirations.
In 2013, approximately 2,100 scholarships and bursaries were awarded to students, totalling more than $3.5 million. Part of that contribution comes from faculty, staff and retirees who donate to the Supporting Our Students campaign. So, as the 2013-2014 campaign comes to a close, SOS Co-Chairs Lorne Williams, dean of Northern Campuses, and Linda Embury (now retired) want to remind the U of L community that their ongoing support is essential.
In summarizing the 2013/14 campaign, Williams is both proud and optimistic.
“Convocation is a good reminder to reflect on all of our accomplishments, and that includes those of the SOS committee. By the end of 2013, 377 faculty, staff and retirees were participating by supporting students and together we raised more than $177,000,” says Williams. “Each January we set new goals for the upcoming calendar year, so that we can ensure the dollars are there when students need. So our next milestone is to achieve 250 donors, another 30 participants, before May 31, 2014.”
As our campus community gets ready to celebrate convocation, Williams leaves an important reminder.
“As you participate in Convocation, please remember that each and every student is there because of the contributions of many individuals, and I believe we should all take great pride in the part we play. Our job as instructors and administrators is to facilitate student success in ways that most benefit the individual. Giving to SOS, in large or small ways, helps students go forward and become positive forces in the world. So if you haven’t yet made your SOS gift, there is still time”, Williams emphasizes. “Please join the SOS Committee members, your colleagues and peers, and donate to help students succeed."
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To make a gift to SOS, or for more information, please visit: www.uleth.ca/giving. You may also sign up to make monthly gifts through payroll deduction at www.uleth.ca/bridge/sos. Your gift is tax deductible and you may give to any area on campus that is meaningful to you.