Leadership in action

A group of University of Lethbridge alumni who honed their leadership skills serving as ULethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) presidents have come together to support a common goal as they lead a fundraising campaign aimed at raising $100,000 from all 57 former ULSU presidents to establish the ULSU Presidents’ Leadership Award.

“I see getting involved in the Leadership Award campaign as an opportunity to support and invest in the future of student leaders who make a real impact on campus and beyond,” says Brenna Scott (BA ’16), who served as ULSU President in 2015-16.

 “Leadership at the university level is more than just holding a title — it’s about making a difference, fostering a sense of community and learning valuable life skills that extend far beyond campus. By creating this award, we want to ensure that future student leaders feel supported and motivated to take on these important roles.”

The raised funds will contribute to a $200,000 endowment that will provide up to 10 ULSU Presidents’ Leadership Awards annually, creating scholarship opportunities for current students who participate in extra-curricular activities and excel in leadership initiatives on and off campus. Another strong focus of the award is a commitment to the University’s founding ideal of liberal education values, focusing on critical thinking, broad-based learning and active community engagement.

Robin Dann (BASc ’72), a ULSU president in 1970-71 and retired crown prosecutor, says these values permeate throughout the ULethbridge experience and are especially highlighted when taking on leadership roles, such as in student governance.

“Leadership, at its best, is learning to work with people with diverse viewpoints on a wide range of issues in order to accomplish positive things for the greater good,” he says. “This award recognizes students committed to contributing to the greater good.”

For Armin Escher (BSc ’14), ULSU president in 2012-13, the liberal education focus of the award resonates. He graduated with a geography degree and currently works as an administrative manager for Korn Ferry Ltd., an executive search firm.

“I look at the path I took, I have a geography degree and I’m in administration now doing consulting work,” says Escher. “But that’s what it’s all about, you get a degree in X or Y, but it’s so much more than that — it’s getting the breadth of the entire experience, learning to learn and this award encourages that. Do what you enjoy, you’re going to learn so much more than that topic, you’re going to learn how to think and figure things out, and that’ll be relevant to you no matter what career you choose.”

Jon Oxley recently retired from his role as ULethbridge Art Gallery manager. A ULSU president for two terms (1988-90), he was also an Art Gallery tech and ULSU manager. He has seen the passion of engaged students and the contributions they make on campus and in the community.

“Student leaders are literally everywhere there is good work to do. Student leaders raise funds for refugees, organize to protect eco-spaces, create community gardens and food banks, and so much more,” he says. “Student leaders are an inspiration to faculty, administration and staff — their energy brings a constant state of renewal and optimism to their communities.”

Past student leaders agree that an investment in the Leadership Awards is not a finite benefit to the recipient, and rather a gift to society that keeps earning returns. For Scott, the skills she honed as a student leader have guided her career and continue to pay dividends, for her and the valuable work she does in her community.

“My time in the Students’ Union gave me invaluable skills that I use in my career today,” says Scott, a business development manager with Canadian Blood Services.

“Leadership is never a solo effort, and my role required constant collaboration with my executive team, university administration and student organizations. I learned how to delegate tasks effectively, trust my team members and foster an inclusive environment where everyone felt valued. These skills continue to shape my ability to lead, communicate and create meaningful impact.”