Shining Students

Maleeka Thomas has a passion for student advocacy

Maleeka Thomas is grateful for the opportunities the University of Lethbridge community has provided her, and the fourth-year sociology student – the first international and Black student to serve as President of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) – is keen on returning the favour.

Shining Student Lily Overacker

Initially drawn to the University of Lethbridge for its smaller university environment and commitment to liberal education, Lily Overacker has embraced a dynamic exploration of interdisciplinary studies, community engagement, and personal growth.

Work-integrated learning takes Shining Student Madison Bronk to new heights

Work-integrated learning opportunities have provided biochemistry student Madison Bronk with not only greater confidence, they also validated her interest in research and helped her make valuable connections.

Ni'tsitohkito'pi (Lone Rider), Andre Crop Eared Wolf is working to be a better educator

Ni'tsitohkito'pi (Lone Rider), Andre Crop Eared Wolf (BA '03, BEd '06), has returned to where his journey as an educator began, with a desire to continue learning and improve his practice.

Education Shining Student Taylor Dunning-Horvath

Taylor Dunning-Horvath discovered a love for teaching others to go along with his love of math and science at ULethbridge, leading him to the combined degrees program.

Shining student Mahala Swisterski found her mentors at ULethbridge

Alumna Mahala Swisterski's career direction took a turn after she attended a Graduate Studies open house. There she found the public health graduate program and knew it was the right path for her.

Shining Student Virginia Ridge aims for a career in addictions counselling

Virginia Ridge balances full-time studies with raising her three children. She intends to work as an addictions counsellor and complete a graduate degree in the future.

Shining Student Tannis Chartier

Tannis Chartier found her perfect career direction with therapeutic recreation. In addition to her studies, she volunteers with a recreation program and works on a physical rehabilitation unit.

Fine Arts Shining Student Em Carlson

Shining Student Em Carlson has set themselves up for success, already landing a job for when they finish their studies. Starting as a music student, but rediscovering a love for theatre, Em is making the most of their education through internships, scholarships and independent studies.

Eric Garner taking love for music from professional recording studios to the classroom

Eric Garner (BMus '14) returned to ULethbridge nearly a decade after completing his Bachelor of Music because he found a desire to share his love of music with youth.

Dhillon School of Business Shining Student Takreem Ghouri

As a marketing major, Takreem Ghouri has acquired the skills and confidence necessary to realize her dream of establishing her own digital marketing firm, thanks to her tenure as the President of the Dhillon Business Students' Association.

Volunteering is a passion for Shining Student Ladan Yousef

Ladan Yousef's goal is to pursue graduate studies in public health. She's an avid volunteer and dedicates her time to unhoused people in Calgary.

Fine Arts Shining Student Moni Omubor

Fine Arts graduate student and artist Moni Omubor is building upon her architectural background and integrating her passion for photography and graphic design through her studies at the University of Lethbridge.

Shining Student Amreet Gill sets herself up for success

Through scholarships and dedication to her studies, Dhillon School of Business student Amreet Gill hopes to make a positive impact in the community and society by contributing to advances in mental health and holistic education.

Josh McNeil strikes a winning balance between athletics and academics

From the baseball diamond to the chemistry lab, Josh McNeil is learning to keep a lot of balls in the air. The pitcher/catcher with the Prairie Baseball Academy and second-year science student says connecting with teammates and classmates is key.

Fine Arts Shining Student Xavier Michaud

Shining Student Xavier Michaud finds creative inspiration through the people he meets and the stories he hears, integrating this into his artistic practice in the theatre and beyond.

Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child), Tatiana Weasel Moccasin's journey forward is inspired by the past

Those who came before Niihtaapookaa, Tatiana Weasel Moccasin inspired her to attend ULethbridge. Their story, in particular, moves Tatiana to continue intergenerational healing while learning about Indigenous culture and traditions to become a Blackfoot/English teacher when she graduates.

Kacie Bosch chasing both her international basketball dreams and a teaching career

Kacie Bosch (BA '20) has returned to the University of Lethbridge for more hard work on the court and in the classroom.

Ty Dudas finds the formula for success in the lab

Ty Dudas, a third-year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge, has truly embraced the institution's liberal education philosophy. While majoring in neuroscience, Ty's curiosity led him to explore other fields, particularly organic chemistry.

Art History/Museum Studies student Jason Ranaghan builds curatorial experience through internships

Art History and Museum Studies student Jason Ranaghan is spending his time at the University of Lethbridge exploring all the Faculty of Fine Arts has to offer. As he nears the end of his degree, Jason is leaving with significant work experience and a newfound passion for his chosen field.

Fine Arts Shining Student Carson Rafuse

Shining Student Carson Rafuse is making the most of his schooling through the combined degree program with education. Exploring his interests in stage combat, directing, writing and more, Carson is preparing for his future in theatre education and beyond.

Shining Student Sydney Whiting is an advocate for environmental policy and social justice

ULethbridge introduced political science student Sydney Whiting to a community of student advocates who taught her about justice, equity, privilege, and intersectionality in practice outside of the classroom.

Makenna Kleiner discovers a passion for wildlife and the environment at ULethbridge

Makenna Kleiner is a BSc Environmental Science student who chose ULethbridge due to its outstanding science programs and the incredible facilities in the Science Commons. Makenna discovered her passion for environmental science and wildlife after taking courses in biology.

Fine Arts Shining Student Kade Carter

Shining Student Kade Carter is taking advantage of all the opportunities available to them at ULethbridge. Exploring his interests from directing to design, Kade's ULethbridge experience has been significantly shaped by his professors and instructors.

Shining Student Uvindu Abeysekara: A journey of academic excellence, research, and community engagement at ULethbridge

With unwavering determination, creativity, and an outgoing nature, Uvindu Abeysekara's ULethbridge journey serves as an inspiration, urging us to seize opportunities and push beyond our comfort zones for a transformative university experience.