On behalf of the faculty and staff, we thank Linda Embury for her decades of service at the U of L, her bright smile and warm heart, and we wish her a very happy retirement.
Linda Embury is the first person you’ll meet when hired at the University of Lethbridge – and she’s the first to stand behind our students.
Over the last 24 years, Embury, who is now the assistant to the associate vice-president (HR and Administration), has made it her mission to create a helpful and welcoming work environment.
“I think people put my name to the department and know that I’m here to help,” she says. “I’m proud of the friendships I’ve made across campus and my dedication to this job.”
Not only does Embury have a role in hiring at the U of L, her name has become synonymous with one of the University’s most celebrated events. With enthusiasm and commitment, she has grown the annual Long Service Awards ceremony into an afternoon celebration attended by 400 people.
Needless to say, Embury has an incredible sense of pride in the University. She has also come to feel a sense of family on campus. When she and her two sons fell on hard times, the U of L helped her through.
“My goal was to put my sons through university, and as a single mother I had to work three jobs to do it,” she recalls. “My family at the U of L was there for me during that difficult time.”
It was her experience struggling to make ends meet that inspired her to contribute to the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign.
“When SOS started, I thought there might be others in situations like the one my family and I were in,” she explains. “If I can help students stay in university and finish off their degrees, it can set them up for life.”
Embury is excited to share the message of SOS throughout the U of L community as Co-Chair of the 2013-2014 campaign. Since its inception in 2005, the annual fundraiser has seen more than 650 University faculty, staff and retirees contribute more than $1.5 million towards student scholarships and bursaries.
“I am so honoured to be Co-Chair,” says Embury. “I want to be a role model to my colleagues. I believe we can all afford to give back; every little bit of money helps.”
Embury knows that with the financial challenges students face today, it’s more important than ever for the U of L community to support our students. She also knows first-hand the benefits of education and the importance of seeing a degree through to the end.
“When my sons graduated, I saw what education can do. It can open up the doors of the world,” she says. “I hope my gifts to SOS will help other students finish their education and spread their wings.”
For more information about Supporting Our Students, or to make your contribution today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving.
