Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan and am a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). In 1994, we moved to Lethbridge with our son, Ryan. I worked at various jobs including at the Chinook Regional Hospital, before taking time off to have my twin girls in February 1997. I met Patti Infanti, a financial systems analyst with Financial Services, at our first twins club meeting. While we both were overwhelmed with the upcoming arrival of our twins, we became lifelong friends.
To this day, we still laugh and reminisce over a glass of wine of those crazy years of raising our kids."
Patti talked about her love for the University of Lethbridge and what a great place it was to work. She told me of a part-time position opening at the U of L, which would allow me to remain in the workforce while also being a busy mom of three.
How long have you been at the U of L and what do you do here?
I started working for the Conservatory of Music in October, 1997, working part-time with Peggy Mezei, who still remains a great friend of mine. I eventually was offered the full-time position of financial officer for the Faculty of Fine Arts.
What’s the best part of your job?
As the financial officer for the Faculty of Fine Arts, I have enjoyed working with the Faculty of Fine Arts to ensure the resources are available to offer the best programming for our students, while still remaining fiscally responsible. While having no fine arts background, I have gained knowledge of the often-unique requirements in offering our programs and an appreciation for the arts and the extremely talented individuals I work with.
In the latter years of my career at the U of L I have particularly enjoyed mentoring younger administrative staff in the Faculty of Fine Arts, and am so impressed with their knowledge and skill set, which reassures me that the Faculty of Fine Arts is in great hands with my departure."
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In September 2015, I married Brian Aasman, and together we have seven grown children (including two sets of twins!), with the youngest of our clan being my twin girls, who just turned 25! Brian and I enjoy camping, winter beach getaways, walks in the coulees, bike riding and hope to play more golf and pickleball in our retirement.
As you look toward retirement, do you have a favourite memory of your time in the Faculty of Fine Arts?
I have worked with numerous deans, associate deans, and department chairs working on financial, budgetary and operational matters. Over time, I have become the “go to” for various inquiries from faculty, staff, students and other departments on campus.
I have enjoyed the wide scope of my current position; it has made my job so rewarding. However, the people and friendships I have made while working at the University of Lethbridge are immeasurable, and these friendships will continue after retirement!"
What are your plans for the future?
Brian retired in July 2020 and I will be joining him in retirement officially as of May 31, 2022. We just returned from another great vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii and hope for more travel adventures in our retirement. We look forward to enjoying time with our grown children, siblings and friends. Of course, we want to stay healthy and active to keep up with our four grandchildren, with many more to come, we predict!