When was the last time you appreciated the arts in southern Alberta?
Alumni and philanthropists Cam Slomp (BA ’93) and Pauline Brunnen (BFA - Dramatic Arts ’11), are making it a habit to not only enjoy the arts but celebrate and elevate art and artists every chance they get.
Supporting the Arts Through Vibe Fest and Abbondànza
Cam is an inspiring leader in the community as a financial advisor with Sun Life Canada and owner of LKA Financial Services Ltd., and is an active ULethbridge supporter, receiving the second-ever Pronghorn Alumni of the Year Award in 2024. Pauline owns Harvest Yoga Studio in Lethbridge and uses her theatre background to complement her yoga training.
Together, the two are co-chairing the Vibe Fest and Abbondànza External Advisory Committee, which encourages community leaders and arts supporters to become involved in the two ULethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts events.
Vibe Fest is a one-day, all-access showcase of the talent and artistry of Fine Arts students, alumni, faculty and staff. Abbondànza is the Faculty’s long-running scholarship fundraising dinner. Nested within Vibe Fest, Abbondànza offers an elevated celebration with southern Alberta’s strongest art supporters.
The two events highlight the diverse talents of local artists and strengthen the bond between the Faculty of Fine Arts and the broader community — connecting us all through the transformative power of the arts.
Read more: Vibe Fest returning in 2026, planning underway for popular event
External Advisory Committee Garners Community Support
For Pauline and Cam, leading the Vibe Fest and Abbondànza External Advisory Committee helps build momentum for the two events and showcases the value of the arts and arts education to the wider Lethbridge and southern Alberta communities.
“We have an amazing opportunity to keep our vibrant arts community and encourage artists and make them feel supported so they can stay and grow our arts community in Lethbridge,” says Pauline.
Their involvement in Abbondànza last year inspired them to take on a leadership role for 2026, championing support for the arts and utilizing their strong community networks to curate the event of the season.
“I want attendees to walk away with the same impression I had: look at the talent we have in Lethbridge,” says Cam. “We’re proud to be part of it, because we support the arts, we support artists and we support all different kinds of artistic creation.”
Other members on the External Advisory Committee include Mika Nakashima (BSc '05), Jason Shriner (BA '98), Stefan Pahulje (BA '15), Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA '94) and Tony Rose.
Cam and Pauline add they are eager to show students that Lethbridge supports their success.
“We’re doing this because we can pay it forward to students,” Pauline says. “We want people to get involved, support the community and cheer on our students. They are the future of our city and our next leaders.”
At the heart of Pauline and Cam’s involvement is a strong desire to give back, support their alma mater and set an example for future alumni.
ULethbridge Alumni Give Back
Experiences matter to students, and the support they receive as students influences how they engage with their alma mater as alumni.
For the Faculty of Fine Arts, offering awards through the Abbondànza Endowment ensures students can participate meaningfully in experiential learning and fund their education without financial barriers.
“Students are the next leaders and thinkers in our community,” Cam says. “They need our support and our community to invest in them.”
As Cam and Pauline have stepped up to help make Vibe Fest and Abbondànza another record-breaking event, they have one message for the community: get involved, support the arts and cheer on student excellence and creativity.
“We’re going to have fun. If you join in, give back and participate, you will find a very rewarding experience,” Cam concludes. “We have so much to offer, and we have so much talent in our community.”
Interested in getting involved in Vibe Fest and Abbondànza? We’re looking for community partners to support our events and ensure the arts remain an accessible path for all.