Dr. Robin Bright (BASc '79, BEd '82, MEd '88) is not only a dedicated faculty member, she's a proud University of Lethbridge alumnus who fondly remembers her time as a U of L student and sees so many possibilities in the students she teaches today.
"The best part of being here is the students – their enthusiasm, fresh ideas and willingness to learn," says Bright, a professor in the Faculty of Education who specializes in language and literacy. "This job wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for the amazing calibre of students we have."
Although Bright has been a professor at the University for almost 20 years, her time as a student is still fresh in her mind.
"It's important to never forget what it felt like to be a student," says Bright, who earned three degrees here and was one of the U of L's first graduate students. "Sometimes you feel vulnerable, scared or worried, and other times you feel empowered and confident."
Bright understands the mixed emotions that students experience, and strives to support students in every way she can.
"Faculty and staff can make or break a student's day," says Bright, who believes students are dependent on the University community not only for their educational needs but also for their well-being. "As a student I was supported by faculty and staff in a number of ways, and it really made my experience a positive one."
Bright is co-Chair of this year's Supporting Our Students campaign and has been a long-time contributor to the program.
"Supporting Our Students is a way of showing my students that I remember what it's like to be in their place, and that I care about their success as learners," she says.
She remembers benefitting from scholarships as a student and how it enhanced her opportunity to succeed.
"I can say without a doubt that scholarships make a difference," she says. "'We believe in you' is the message it sent to me, and that's the message we send to current students when we support this campaign."
As the campaign co-Chair, Bright is passionate about the cause, seeing each student as an individual in need of the community's support.
"Every student has a story, and many students have had to sacrifice to get here," she says.
"When you give to this campaign, you can look into a student's eyes and know that you've helped them to be successful."
Supporting Our Students is an annual faculty and staff campaign that raises money for student awards. Since its launch in 2005, U of L faculty and staff have generously donated more than $1 million to the campaign, sending a strong message to students that the University community stands behind them.
For more information on the Supporting Our Students campaign, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents or call 403-329-2582.
This story first appeared in the February 2012 edition of The Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.