2019 Alumni Honours Society Inductees

The 2019 University of Lethbridge Honour Society inductees are shining examples of what it means to be a uLethbridge graduate. Each of the individuals being honoured used the knowledge they gained at the University to achieve their personal and professional goals, and through these achievements has left a lasting impact on the people, organizations and communities with which they are involved.

JUSTIN FERBEY  |  BASc '95
As the Deputy Minister of Economic Development for the Yukon Government, Justin Ferbey brings a vision with a lasting impact. His leadership on the Single Track to Success initiative transformed the local economy of Carcross, Yukon by turning it into a destination spot for avid mountain bikers. The project also brought First Nations youth back to the land, generating lasting difference in the lives of those involved. Justin’s expertise was also called upon to lead the ratification process for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation community, who was seeking to enter self-governance. With Justin’s guidance, a modern treaty was reached, ending an over 30-year negotiation period. Justin’s leadership within the Yukon Government and the communities there has been truly transformational.

KERRY GELLRICH ( née GREER)   |  BA '06
Kerry Gellrich approaches any problem with the prowess to solve it, qualities that make her an exceptional lawyer. Currently a partner at North and Company Law Offices LLP, she provides counsel to her various clients and has appeared at courts and tribunals in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Moreover, she is a passionate advocate for inclusion. Kerry served as a board member for the Lethbridge Chapter of the Justica Project, an initiative aimed at promoting diversity in the private practice of law. She is also an editor for the Barrister Magazine, a publication devoted to emerging trends in law and promotion of individual rights. Through her commitment to the profession, others are enabled to pursue rich careers in law.

ROY GOLSTEYN  |  BASc (BSc) ‘84
Roy Golsteyn’s impressive career as a cell biologist is focused on testing prairie plants for anti-cancer medicines, an area of research that bridges his fascination with the great outdoors and his skills as a scientist. As an associate professor at the University of Lethbridge he has taught close to 3,000 students. He also readily brings his expertise into the community through various board memberships and volunteer roles, and his laboratory frequently visits local high schools and First Nation communities to present on the impact of biology as a career choice. Combining a love for science and a passion for inspiring the next generation of biologists, Roy embodies the spirit of what it means to be a leader.

RUSSEL ORCUTT  |  BSc ’94
Russel Orcutt is a standout example of how far a strong work ethic and a sense of curiosity can take you. As the Chief Executive Officer of Summit, a company focused on providing organizations and markets with environmental services spanning initial project planning and management to asset retirement, remediation and reclamation, Russel has positioned himself as a leader in the environmental sustainability sector. By pushing boundaries and leading a competent and diverse team, he has grown an exceptional company with a distinct impact. Through consultations with Russel and his team, sectors such as the oil and gas industry are able to plan for the future and incorporate environmental sustainability into their work. The demands of working towards the future health of the planet are complex, but for Russel they are well worth the time and strategic vision to strive towards a more sustainable future.

JASON SCHILLING  |  BFA/BEd ’94
Jason Schilling’s career as a teacher in southern Alberta is rooted in his commitment to a greater good for students, teachers and communities alike. Both as a teacher at Kate Andrews High School and as the President of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Jason advocates for the value of public education and provides numerous opportunities for people to grow their skill sets. He regularly provides professional development opportunities for teachers both within his own school as well as at conventions held within the district. For students, he represents what it means to be an exemplar citizen. Students are genuinely excited to learn from him, and the example he sets encourages them to be active in their studies as well as their communities.

MATHEW STONE  |  BA '97, MA '00   &   PENNY STONE ( née KOPP)   |  BA/BEd '97
Both Mathew and Penny Stone (née Kopp) have tirelessly worked to share their talents and expertise to support student success. Penny’s role as an educator instills a sense of civic duty and care in her students, whereas Mathew’s position as a business leader allows him to encourage community involvement on a broad scale. Their impact is perhaps most strongly felt right here on campus. Upon learning that many students felt unsure about the career paths a humanities degree could lead to, Mathew and Penny worked with the Department of History to implement programming highlighting non-conventional opportunities available to students. Having volunteered hundreds of hours, their impact on uLethbridge students has undoubtedly built a widespread understanding of the value that a liberal arts education can have.