University of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the University community

Welcome to the Fall 2009 Semester and what promises to be an exciting and challenging time at the University of Lethbridge.

While the summer months allow us all to refresh and refocus for a new semester, there is nothing like the energy of a campus full of students. It is invigorating to see both old friends return as well as the influx of fresh new faces. There is a spirit within these walls that is revived with the resumption of each new semester, and it is inspiring to all of us.

I'd like to welcome personally all the new staff and faculty who have come to the University over the summer months. I trust you will find an accepting atmosphere here and will feel truly a part of our community.

It has been a busy summer on campus, most notably in the continued development of our major construction projects. Markin Hall, the future home of the Faculties of Management and Health Sciences, is that much closer to being completed in anticipation of its summer, 2010 opening. This building has already transformed the landscape of our campus and when completed, will set the stage for even further development of this corridor.

The Campus Daycare project continues to take shape and is on course to accept its first children in January 2010. What a great way to enhance our community atmosphere here at the University by providing quality care for the youngest members of our family.

The University of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium is nearly complete and already open to play. A number of events have been held on the stadium's artificial turf surface, including soccer and rugby practices, soccer games and high school football games. It is with great pride that I can now look across the river on any given evening and see our stadium's lights glowing in the night sky.

The stadium's new name reflects the community aspect of this project. Built in conjunction with the City of Lethbridge and provincial government, this facility will serve as a magnificent home for our Pronghorn athletes and also as a hub for athletics in southern Alberta. I invite everyone to come out to the stadium's grand opening event, Sept. 25-26 to celebrate the birth of a new sporting era.

As you make your way around campus this fall, you will notice the many hand sanitizing stations that have been provided by the University. The issue of Influenza A H1N1 is real and something we are taking very seriously. It is important we heed the warnings of Alberta Health Services and do all we can to protect ourselves from the spread of this virus.

Please take time to view the notices posted by the Health Centre, Human Resources and our communications team as they will keep our community apprised of all the latest information related to H1N1 and maintaining a healthy campus.

The start of a new semester is always exhilarating, and I look forward to meeting many of you as I make my way around campus this fall. The University of Lethbridge is truly an experience and I encourage you to sample all that the U of L has to offer.