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Melissa Villeneuve

32 posts •

Empowering Futures: The Labuhn Family’s Commitment to Indigenous Leadership and Reconciliation

At the University of Lethbridge, the Labuhn family’s deep-rooted commitment to community-building and education will leave a lasting mark on Indigenous students and reconciliation efforts through the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize.

Giving 6 min read

Meet Susan Jefferson, Director, Campus Development

Susan Jefferson is the Director of Campus Development. Born and raised in Lethbridge, Susan's roots run deep in the city. Her love of design and a desire to live in a big city centre motivated Susan to move to Toronto. But her love of Lethbridge called her home.

Faculty & Staff 2 min read

The Women's Peace Garden Mural: A Tribute to Resilience and Remembrance

The Women's Peace Garden Mural, created by second-year University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts student Claire Lahey, was unveiled on December 6, 2024, to commemorate the 14 women whose lives were tragically taken in the École Polytechnique massacre of 1989.

EDI 6 min read

Advocacy work earns Mars Jesson recognition as first VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award recipient

Mars Jesson, a psychology major and co-chair of Q-Space at the University of Lethbridge, is the first recipient of the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award. This recognition celebrates Jesson's commitment to supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community on campus and beyond.

Giving 3 min read

Shining Graduate Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright), Hali Heavy Shield inspires through artistry and leadership

Accomplished multi-disciplinary artist, author, instructor and mentor, Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright), Hali Heavy Shield (BA/BEd ’06, MEd ’12) is the first female Blackfoot PhD recipient at Iniskim, University of Lethbridge.

Spring 2024 Convocation 3 min read

Shining Graduate Ma’koyii Aa’poo’wa (Rising Wolf), Allan Blake Tailfeathers perseveres beyond struggle

Overcoming significant personal hardship, Shining Graduand Ma’koyii Aa’poo’wa (Rising Wolf), Allan Blake Tailfeathers demonstrates that anything is possible. Blake’s desire to help others & give back to his community led him to ULethbridge’s Faculty of Health Sciences Addictions Counselling program.

Spring 2024 Convocation 3 min read

Red Jingle Dress project a learning and healing process for ULethbridge Health Sciences students

In Spring 2023, ULethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences students created a red jingle dress in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Faculty of Health Sciences 5 min read

Honouring Helen Piper's legacy through support for Indigenous ULethbridge students

Wâpanacâhkos (Morning Star) Helen Piper’s unshakable resolve to further her education despite significant setbacks has inspired a generous gift in her memory to help future Indigenous University of Lethbridge students.

Giving 6 min read

Makers Making Change: Assistive and adaptive technologies being developed through Agility Innovation Zone

Creative minds are coming together in the Agility Innovation Zone to build adaptive and assistive tools that help remove barriers for people with disabilities.

Giving 3 min read

CIBC helps students discover pathways to employment

Since its launch in Spring 2020, the CIBC Navigator Program has focused on expanding the inclusivity and accessibility of ULethbridge’s co-operative education program, which combines real-world work experience with academic studies.

Giving 2 min read

Donor gifts advance inclusion and diversity

A post-secondary education turns dreams into reality and should be within reach for everyone. ULethbridge is committed to assisting all students, and potential students, by removing barriers so they may be successful in their studies and beyond.

Giving 2 min read

The Picture Butte Lions Club establishes an award for visually impaired students

In November 2022, the Picture Butte Lions Club provided a $50,000 gift to the University of Lethbridge to establish the Picture Butte Lions Club Award for Visually Impaired Students.

Giving 1 min read

Mrudula Morzaria Scholarship Fund for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities studying at the University of Lethbridge are now benefitting from a transformational investment from the Ambika Foundation.

Giving 1 min read

Iinaatsii'swaawaakaasaakii (Pretty Spider Woman), Taylor Little Mustache, aspires to lead the next generation of learners

Iinaatsii'swaawaakaasaakii (Pretty Spider Woman), Taylor Little Mustache (BA/BEd '19, MEd '23)has found comfort and community as a lifelong learner and graduate at the University of Lethbridge.

Fall 2023 Convocation 5 min read

Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at ULethbridge through fall initiatives

As the fall semester begins at the University of Lethbridge, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team welcomes all new and returning students, staff and faculty back to campus. Learn more about upcoming EDI initiatives.

EDI 5 min read

ULethbridge Indigenous students discover cultural connections through Mexican Mayan exchange

Eighteen Indigenous University of Lethbridge students embarked on an international exchange of a lifetime to Quintana Roo, Mexico, in May. Though they travelled far, discovering cultural connections and forging new friendships brought them closer to home than ever.

Indigenous 8 min read

ULethbridge hosts Indigenous youth through first-time partnership with national program

The University of Lethbridge partnered with the Outland Youth Employment Program to host 25 Indigenous youth this summer, providing opportunities for work experience and post-secondary exploration.

Indigenous 5 min read

Supporting Indigenous youth the focus of inaugural EleV Revision Gathering

lackfoot Confederacy community members, University of Lethbridge stakeholders and the Mastercard Foundation came together in April for the inaugural EleV Revision Gathering at Iniskim, University of Lethbridge to share experiences and opportunities to support Indigenous youth.

Indigenous 5 min read

Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Arts) winner Amy Cran demonstrates extraordinary leadership through compassion for the community

Amy Cran (BA '23) is no stranger to stepping outside of her comfort zone. While hesitant at first to pursue an independent study, Amy says it led to many experiences and connections within ULethbridge and beyond that enriched her undergraduate experience.

Spring 2023 Convocation 5 min read

Shining Graduate Eeetoomoo (The One Who Leads), Bernard White Man Left III's indomitable spirit breaks barriers

When Eeetoomoo (The One Who Leads), Bernard White Man Left III was young, he didn’t dream of accomplishing all that he has in his 26 years of life. Throughout his time at the University of Lethbridge, Bernard has proven unstoppable in achieving his goals.

Spring 2023 Convocation 6 min read

Shining Graduate Niitsiitaakii (The Only Woman), Chataya Holy Singer's creative journey has only just begun

Indigenous Fine Arts graduate Chataya Holy Singer is deeply passionate about her Blackfoot roots, applying her artistic talent to honour and educate others about Blackfoot culture. Chataya plans to continue to lead by example and inspire others to pursue their passions.

Spring 2023 Convocation 5 min read

Roberto Hernandez Tun, international exchange student from Mexico, paints tribute to Indigenous culture

Inspired by his experience as an exchange student at the University of Lethbridge, Roberto Hernandez Tun has painted a vivid work of art depicting the bridging of Indigenous cultures titled "Knowledge and Pride Between Two Cultures."

Indigenous 4 min read

Shining Student Apoyaakii (Fair-Skinned Woman), Keely Wadsworth

Apoyaakii (Fair-Skinned Woman), Keely Wadsworth wanted her post-secondary education to honour Indigenous history and culture. She knew by enrolling at the University of Lethbridge her dream would become reality. Now four years later, Keely is proud to learn from Indigenous Elders in her classes.

Shining Students 5 min read

Darrell Daniels, Siksika Education Navigator (Iniskim Indigenous Relations)

Darrell Daniels is employing his skills and education gained at the University of Lethbridge into his new career as Siksika Education Navigator, helping Indigenous students find a pathway to post-secondary success. He will graduate in Spring 2023 with his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Indigenous 2 min read

Eileen Sowunmi (BA ’22) continues to build values of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in her career

Inspired by the groundbreaking work experience she did as a student, University of Lethbridge alumna Eileen Sowunmi (BA ’22) is paving the way for change in the engineering industry in Canada.

Faculty of Arts & Science 4 min read
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