BragModern Medicine: Campionalumnus tackles the H1N1 virus

Conceptionalizing the IMPACTof new media

Saving a prairie songbird

An Alumni Journal Volume Sixteen Fall 2010

CAMPION’S

Completing the Circle:End of Life Care

PM

4006

8928

Publication Mail Agreement No. 40068928Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:Campion CollegeUniversity of Regina3737 Wascana Parkway Regina, SK S4S 0A2

On the cover:Dr. Maurice Exner and the teamof scientists at Focus Diagnosticsare involved in groundbreakingresearch on some of the world’sdeadliest infectious viruses.Photo: SoCalSunshine Productions

When I endeavoured topublish a research issue ofCampion’s Brag, I was notsure where it would take us.Small liberal arts collegesare not generally lookedupon as leaders in the areaof research. Thisdesignation is oftenreserved for much largerpost-secondary institutions.However, even with acomplement of only 21professors, Campion facultyhave made significantcontributions to the level ofresearch taking place onthis campus. In the past fiveyears alone, Campionfaculty have published 22books, numerous articles,and are responsible forbringing over $800,000 inresearch funding to thisuniversity campus.

A strong researchcomponent is advantageousto students, who benefitfrom either directinvolvement in collectingand analyzing data, or thetransfer of knowledgewithin the classroom. Anumber of students havealso been inspired to pursuegraduate studies and,through their own research,enhance our understandingof cultural, environmentaland health issues, to name a

few. In this edition ofCampion’s Brag, you willmeet four Campion alumni,Dr. Maurice Exner, Dr.Carrie Bourass, MeganMorrison and Ryan Fisher,who are making significantcontributions on a nationaland international scalethrough their research.

This issue of the Brag justscrapes the surface of whatour faculty, students andalumni have accomplished.The contributions from thissmall Jesuit college to thelarger community areplentiful and will continuefor years to come.

1

Editor’s Message

CAMPION’S BRAGVolume 16 Fall 2010

CONTENTS

News in brief 2

Completing the Circle: End of

Life Care 6

Alumni of Distinction Awards 10

Advancing Modern Medicine 16

Conceptualizing the Impact of

Medium on Meaning 19

Saving a Prairie Songbird 20

International Service Learning 22

Brag a Bit 24

The Back Page 25

Editor:Joanne Kozlowski

Photos:University of Regina AV Services, Chelsea

Low, Joanne Kozlowski, SoCalSunshine

Producations (Cover, page 17),

iStockphoto.com/sodafish (page 19)

Original Design & Layout:Bradbury Branding & Design

Campion’s Brag is published by Campion

College at the University of Regina. All

letters and submissions are welcome;

however, we reserve the right to edit for

clarity and length. Send your submissions

to: Campion’s Brag, Campion College,

University of Regina, 3737 Wascana

Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

S4S 0A2, or campion.college@uregina.ca.

SPRINGCONVOCATION

Campion Collegecelebrated its 95 graduatesat the University of ReginaSpring 2010 convocationceremonies by hosting aspecial celebration tohonour its graduates andReverend Gerald F. Lahey,S.J. Prize recipient, JustinSchwark.

The Reverend Gerald F.Lahey, S.J. Prize is awardedto the year's mostoutstanding CampionCollege graduate. Amathematics major,Schwark graduated with aBachelor of Science HighHonours.

Four Campion studentsalso received U of Rconvocation awards at theuniversity’s convocationceremony:

• Janelle Marie Untereiner,receipient of theAmbassador of SwitzerlandBook Prize

• Petrina Claire Christoffel,recipient of the BarbaraGleiberman Prize inReligious Studies

• Michelle Alice Urbanski,recipient of the Society ofChemical Industry,Canadian Section, MeritAward in Chemistry

• Benjamin David Harack,recipient of the Sadie andNorman Ratner Prize inPhysics

At the convocationceremonies, Campionstudents received 95degrees and certificates,including 66 in Arts, five inFine Arts, 22 in Science,and two in Pastoral Studies.

SCIENTIST ROBERTALLORE, SJ, TO GIVELECTURE AT CAMPION

Robert Allore, SJ, ispresenting a science andfaith lecture at CampionCollege this November. Thelecture is part of CampionControversies, an annuallecture series initiated bythe Regina Jesuit VocationCommittee to highlight thevariety of ways in whichJesuits live out theirvocations, "finding God inall things." Allore’s lecture,entitled Stem Cells andGenome Projects: Scienceand Religion inConversation, will addressissues of science andsociety, and science andreligion. Allore says that“one of the myths of ourage declares that there is awar between the traditionsof science and religion [butthat] far from being at odds

with religious traditions,the customs of science canactually promote anattentiveness to experiencethat can serve to encourageour religious sensibilities.”

Allore is a research scientistat Mt. Sinai Hospital inToronto and a member ofthe Jesuits in EnglishCanada. He received aBachelor of Science inbiology from the Universityof Ottawa and a PhD inimmunology from theUniversity of Toronto. Healso studied philosophyand medical ethics at theUniversity of Chicago.

While studying theology atRegis College, Allorebecame interested in therole of religion in scienceand technology. He iscurrently teaching at theUniversity of Toronto inthe human biologyprogram.

The lecture will take placein the Campion CollegeRiffel Auditorium onMonday 15 November 2010at 7:00 p.m. Admission isfree and parking will beavailable in designatedareas.

2

News in Brief

Jan Purnis

Robert Allore, SJ

CHAPEL RENOVATIONS

Thanks to the generosity ofour annual campaigndonors, the CampionCollege chapel underwentsubstantial renovations thissummer.

The centerpiece of therenovation project was theinstallation of two dalle deverre stain glass windows.The windows, whichconsist of four panels each,were originally designedand made by Paul andAndré Rault of Brittany,France in 1958 for the St.Joseph convent in Forget,Saskatchewan. In 2006, thecollege acquired thewindows from Father HervéVallée of the Diocese ofPrince Albert. Fr. Vallée hadpreserved these works of artafter they were removedfrom the convent in 1964.

“We are very grateful to ourgenerous benefactors whohave made this projectpossible. Installing thesewindows in the chapel hasenhanced the worshipspace and advanced thedevotion of those who usethe chapel for prayer,” saidRev. Benjamin Fiore, SJ,Campion College president.

Also included in therenovation project was thereplacement of existingexterior windows and

frames, upgrading theinterior lighting, andrepainting of the interior.

STAFF APPOINTMENTS

Campion College is pleasedto make the followingannouncements regardingnew appointments.

Chelsea Low (BA ‘10) hasbeen appointed to the newposition of high schoolliaison as of 5 July 2010.Chelsea is a recentCampion graduate, havingjust completed her Bachelorof Arts degree in Englishand political science thispast spring. As high schoolliaison, Chelsea will work

with the U of R studentrecruitment department inpromoting the college anduniversity withinSaskatchewan high schoolsand at various recruitmentevents on and off campus.

Kimberly Lawrence joinsthe Campion Collegefinance department in theposition of administrativeclerk effective 5 July 2010.Kimberly graduated fromthe University of Regina in2005 with a Bachelor ofEducation degree and iscurrently enrolled in theSaskatchewan CertifiedGeneral AccountancyProgram.

Heather Antonini (BA ‘00)has been appointed

assistant registrar. Heatherholds a Bachelor of Artsdegree in English fromCampion College, and hasbeen a member of thecollege staff since 2002.During that time, she hasworked in several capacitiesin the Campion businessoffice, has provided ITsupport to our faculty andstaff, and has provided reliefcoverage to the registrar’soffice.

Denis Jakubowski hasjoined the Campionregistrar’s office as entranceand career advisor. A formerguidance counselor in theRegina Catholic SchoolsDivision, Denis has servedas Campion’s entrancecounsellor for the past 10

3

Campion welcomed 140 first-year students at the Headstart Orientation on 7 September 2010.

years. In his new role,Denis will be providingentrance counseling fornew and prospectivestudents and guidance tocurrent students ondetermining their careerpath.

Shauna Hebert (BA ‘07) hasbeen appointed enrolmentservices specialist effective1 July 2010. In this newposition, Shauna will take aleadership role in theplanning of recruitmentand retention related eventsand will serve as theprimary liaison with theRegina Catholic schools.Prior to this appointment,Shauna served as thecollege communicationsofficer.

Cindy Lewans, PM, (PastoralStudies ‘09) returns thisSeptember in the role ofcampus ministry support.Cindy has been atremendous asset to theCampus Ministry team,bringing a youthful energyand enthusiasm to theplanning andimplementation of CampusMinistry programs. Cindywill continue to supportCampus Ministry in thedelivery of programs andactivities for the campuscommunity.

FACULTYAPPOINTMENTS

Campion College welcomesJan Purnis as assistant

professor in English as of 1July 2010.

Coming to Campion fromthe University of Toronto,Purnis is very excited to bejoining the faculty atCampion. Purnis chose thecollege because of“Campion’s emphasis onthe development of thewhole person and genuineconcern for the learningexperience of students—promoted through suchthings as small classes and avariety of college events.”

Academically, Purnis islooking forward to putting together a course focusingon representations ofcannibalism and turningher thesis, Digestive Tracts:

Early Modern Discourses ofDigestion, into a book. Sheis also very excited to get toknow Regina.

Purnis’ passion for teachingruns deep as both of herparents were high schoolteachers. She looks forwardto teaching Shakespeare and bringing his plays tolife for her students. Shealso finds teachingintroductory courses oncritical reading and writingvery rewarding becausethey “allow an opportunityto cultivate a love ofliterature in students byencouraging them toappreciate nuances oflanguage, and they allowtime to concentrate ondeveloping important skillslike formulatingarguments.”

Purnis completed herundergraduate degree at theUniversity of Guelph,where she started out in theagriculture program, buttransferred into English topursue her love ofliterature. After completingher BA, Purnis and herhusband travelled and livedin Asia for four years whereshe taught Englishliterature and English as aForeign Language. Purnisobtained an MA in Englishfrom the University ofToronto and, inspired by acourse offered by MaryNyquist called Discourses ofCannibalism in the Early

4

News in Brief

Campion students, faculty, staff and donors gathered on Sunday 19 September to celebrate the Mass ofthe Holy Spirit and Awards. Seventy students received Campion College scholarships and bursariesthis year.

Modern Period, decided topursue a PhD in earlymodern literature.

NASH LECTURE

The 32nd Annual NashMemorial Lecture will beheld on 10 March 2011 inthe Campion College RiffelAuditorium. This year’slecture will feature Dr. JohnMcCarthy, SJ, speaking onthe re-enchantment ofnature as the Word andbeauty of God.

ACADEMIC NOTES

Dr. Lee Ward, associateprofessor of politicalscience, recently publisheda book entitled John Lockeand Modern Life(Cambridge UniversityPress, 2010).

Dr. Dawn Flood, assistantprofessor of history,published Stormy Proteston Sex Crimes: LocalDebates about Race andRape in PostwarChicagoland in the Journalof the Illinois StateHistorical Society, vol. 102no.3-4 (Fall-Winter 2009):429-458.

Dr. Katherine Arbuthnott,professor of psychology,and Jamie I.D. Campbell co-authored Effects of Mixing

and Cuing Simple Additionand Multiplication, whichwas recently published inthe European Journal ofCognitive Psychology, 22,422-422.

Dr. Katherine Robinson,associate professor ofpsychology, and Jamie I. D.Campbell presentedDeveloping the ReverseAssociation in Children’sMultiplication andFactoring at the CanadianSociety for Brain, Behaviour,and Cognitive Sciencesconference in Halifax, June2010. At the sameconference, Robinson alsopresented, with Jo-AnneLeFevre, a paper titledAdults’ ConceptualUnderstanding of

Arithmetic: An eyeMovement Study.

Dr. Ann Ward, associateprofessor of philosophy andclassics, and politicalscience, presented Oedipusand Socrates: Philosophyand Poetry on the Quest forSelf-Knowledge at the 12thInternational meeting ofISSEI in Ankara, Turkey,August 2010. Ward alsopresented at the congress ofSocial Sciences andHumanities in Montreal,June 2010. The paper isentitled Moral Strength andMoral Weakness inAristotle.

Dr. Tom Phenix, assistantprofessor of psychology,presented Examining

Retrieval-InducedForgetting Across Episodesin Children at BASICS 2010in May 2010.

Jacoba Kuikman, associateprofessor of religiousstudies, presented HarediOpposition to Zionism: ALocus of Resistance toJewish Colonization at theInternational Associationfor the History of Religionconference in Toronto.

5

Workers prepare stain glass windows for placement in the chapel. The hanging of the stain glasswindows was part of a chapel renovation project made possible by the generosity of the 2009/2010annual campaign donors and a significant contribution from Donald and Claire Kramer.

Although Dr. Carrie Bourassa (BAHons. ‘95) and Megan Morrison’s (BAHons. ‘07) research focus on verydifferent segments of society, they havesimilar goals. Both want to find ways tohelp individuals move into the finalstages of life with respect and dignityand they want to help support lovedones who are dealing with impendingloss.

As a professor of Indigenous HealthStudies, Bourassa has spent the last fewyears researching health care forAboriginal people in their final days.“There’s really a gap in the literaturethat shows Aboriginal families at endof life are not receiving culturallycompetent care,” she says. “There are alot of issues.”

For Bourassa, that gap lies in howAboriginal culture is understood by

health care practitioners and theinstitutions in which they work.Common Aboriginal traditions, such assmudging with sweetgrass or preparinga special meal, are not usually allowedin health institutions, which Bourassasays further traumatizes friends andfamilies at a time of grief.

Bourassa says everything from culturalmisunderstandings to racism plagueCanada’s health care system. Ritualsand procedures common in non-aboriginal culture, such as a priestoffering a patient his or her last ritesare accepted, but a visit from anAboriginal elder—who is not a blood-relative—is often prohibited, saysBourassa.

“I think, personally, I’ve seen too manyloved ones that didn’t die well. Theyhad a hard death.”

It was the death of her grandfather thatconvinced Bourassa, who is Métis, tolook into the care of dying Aboriginalpatients.

“My grandpa had a hard death. To me,the hospital experience wasn’t pleasantfor any of us and it wasn’t particularlypleasant for him.”

She said subtle acts of prejudice madeher grandfather uncomfortable. “It wasmore around looking at him andmaking assumptions based on thecolour of his skin and that reallybothered me.”

Bourassa and a team of researchersconsulted with community elders whodecided an educational video for healthcare workers could help improve endof life care for Aboriginal people.

6

The last stages of a person’s life are incredibly difficult, especially for family and friends.

That’s why two Campion alumni are engaged in research that hopes to enhance the

experiences of those approaching death.

Circle of Life

Completing the

By Leisha Grebinski

Com

pleting the Circle is an educ

ationa

l video to

help im

prov

e en

dof life care for A

borigina

l people.

Photo credit: Patrick McN

abb

The video is called Completing theCircle. Elders share their frustrationswith the health care system and theyexplain certain cultural practices thatsome might want during the last fewdays of their lives.

“I really feel that health is a holisticconcept and that even people who aredying, and know they’re dying, can stilldo so with grace and dignity—if theyare allowed to. And I feel that somepopulations don’t have thatopportunity and it’s frustrating,” shesays.

Bourassa said the video has been verywell-received and small changes havestarted taking place within the healthcare system. Already, hospitals areworking to find spaces whereAboriginal patients and their familiescan conduct ceremonies. But thenumber one request of the elders is tobe treated with respect.

“The elders feelings are that you don’tneed to understand everything thatwe’re doing. You don’t have tounderstand why we smudge and youdon’t have to believe in it. But if yourespect and honour it, then our familymembers that are dying are going topass on in a good way. And that’s whatthey are looking for,” says Bourassa.

Aboriginal peoples tend to experiencemultiple, and often traumatic, losses

making it even more important to offerrespectful and culturally-sensitive care,says Bourassa.

“They continue to have the highestmorbidity and mortality rate. If yourloved one is dying and you want tosmudge them then you should be ableto go and smudge them and not haveto deal with the system and thebureaucracy and the attitudes that arethere. You should be able to do withease because everything else is sohard.”

Both Bourassa and Morrison take acommunity-based approach to theirresearch. Every step of the way is leadby community members, so it is theirneeds and vision that are met.

Morrison’s research focuses on patientsliving with dementia and Alzheimer’s.As a student of Women’s Studies,Morrison wanted to look for the storiesthat were no longer being told bywomen because of how the disease wasimpacting their memory. “How manystories are forgotten just because thesewomen are forgetting them?”

Like Bourassa, it was an experiencewith a family member that helpedshape Morrison’s research project. BothMorrison’s grandmothers havedementia and that changed howMorrison was able to interact witheach of them.

“I felt like I had lost her. I felt sad whenshe couldn’t remember certain things. Icorrected her when she said themdifferently,” she recalls after her lastvisit to see her maternal grandmother.

Morrison says traditional forms ofcommunication are often lost in thefinal stages of dementia, which isincredibly hard for loved ones. She saysit is important to find new ways tocommunicate with loved ones so theirstories are not forgotten.

Morrison wanted to find ways forpeople to openly discuss the affects ofthe disease.

“No matter where I am, everyone has astory about someone they know whohas either had Alzheimer's ordementia. This is something that we

8

A portion of the wall display created by Megan Morrison.

“Aboriginalpeoples tend toexperiencemultiple, andoften traumatic,losses making iteven moreimportant to offerrespectful andculturally-sensitive care.”

9

don’t have a lot of spaces to talk aboutwith our families and it can be reallyexhausting. I think there’s a lot ofresearch that needs to be done just onhow we can be a part of the process ofcreating more positive spaces forelderly people and to create spaces forpeople to talk about it as well.”

Morrison spent many months withresidents at a care home. Then sheinterviewed their husbands anddaughters, slowly piecing together thewomen’s stories.

Morrison says what may have seemedlike eccentric behaviour was a way fora woman to articulate a story. Forexample, one woman would walk,pointing her finger up high as ifcounting items on a shelf. Her husbandlater told Morrison that they used toown a store and her job was to countthe inventory. Morrison says by re-enacting this task, this woman was ableto still feel like she was contributing tosociety.

Morrison wanted to incorporatesomething artistic into the project. Herbelief is that art creates a space forpeople to talk about the challengingaspects of the disease.

Her legacy at the care home is a seriesof pictures she created and phrases thatarticulate some of the stories heardfrom the women and their families.The final item that will be installed atthe home is a set of bronze hands thatresidents will be able to walk by andtouch. Morrison says residents oftencommunicate with loved ones bysimply taking their hands. Morrisonfunded the legacy project herself.

Morrison is also a jazz singer and hasincorporated stories about dementiainto her performances.

This fall, Morrison will begin a PhDprogram at Memorial University in thefield of community health. Her goal isto research ways to better support theloved ones who have lost someone todementia or Alzheimer’s. “I want to

help the people who are left behind,”she says. “The partners or familymembers who now have to renegotiatetheir lives as a single person.”

Both Morrison and Bourassa’s researchis timely. Demographics inSaskatchewan point to an agingpopulation and a boom in theAboriginal community.

“It’s all of our future,” says Morrison. “Ifwe don’t start now then we’re going tohave a bigger crisis when the largerpopulation is looking to be aging in ahealthy way.”

“Trying to come to terms with grief andloss is important,” adds Bourassa. “Youwant to make the process of losingsomeone easier. You don’t want extrabarriers there.”

Leisha Grebinski is a Campion graduate from theUniversity of Regina School of Journalism. She iscurrently on leave from CBC Radio Saskatchewanto pursue a master’s degree.

Carrie Bourassa stands in front of First Nations University of Canada. Bourassa hopes that her research will help improve health careservices for Aboriginal patients and their families.

10

Campion College is pleased toannounce the recipients of thefourth annual Alumni of

Distinction Awards, which will bepresented at a special dinner on Friday5 November 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in theRegency Ballroom at the HotelSaskatchewan.

Dr. Carrie Bourassa (BA Hons. ‘95),associate professor, Department ofScience, First Nations University ofCanada, Mr. J. Robert Currie (BA ‘80),director of education, Regina CatholicSchools, Ms. Rose Mary Hartney (BA‘71), teacher and vice-principal(retired), Vanier Collegiate, and Mr.Lloyd Timothy Young (HS ‘72),general manager, Young’s EquipmentInc., will be awarded Campion CollegeAlumni of Distinction Awards forProfessional Achievement. Rev. Msgr.Kenneth Eugene Miller (HS ‘57), aretired parish priest and diocesanadministrator, will receive theCampion College Alumni ofDistinction Award for Humanitarianand Community Service.

The Alumni of Distinction Awards arepresented to college alumni andformer students who havedistinguished themselves in theirprofession and their community.

The Alumni of Distinction Award forProfessional Achievement recognizesindividuals who have excelled in theirprofession and have demonstrated thevalues, mission, and philosophy ofCampion College in their professionaland personal actions.

The Alumni of Distinction Award forHumanitarian and CommunityService recognizes individuals whohave dedicated their lives toimproving their community and thelives of others through exceptionalvolunteer activity or humanitarianservice. Recipients will also havedemonstrated the values, mission, andphilosophy of Campion College intheir actions.

The awards were established in 2007as part of the 90th anniversarycelebrations, with the purposes of

increasing the awareness of the arrayof successes and the breadth ofinfluence of Campion College alumni,and promoting the tradition ofexcellence of Campion College.

Tickets for the Alumni of DistinctionAwards dinner are $75 and can bepurchased by calling 586-4242.

Alumni ofDistinction Awards

11

Msgr. Kenneth Miller - Humanitarian & Community ServiceA retired parish priest and diocesan administrator, Rev. Msgr. Kenneth Miller has dedicated his life to helping those inneed.

Miller has provided the constituents of the Archdiocese of Regina with many years of caring and compassionateservice. He has served as a parish priest throughout the archdiocese in rural and urban parishes, most recently St. MartinDe Porres and St. Anne’s parishes in Regina. Miller was also chaplain at Miller High School from 1971 to 1975, where heoperated a youth drop-in centre and was directly involved in fundraising efforts for the Catholic Youth Organization.

Always willing to answer the call to serve, Miller has taken on numerous administrative positions within theArchdiocese, serving as vicar general, diocesan administrator, and, most recently, as the archbishop’s delegate for the 100thanniversary celebration of the Archdiocese of Regina.

Even in retirement, Miller continues to serve as chaplain at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, Pioneer Village, andPasqua Hospital.

12

Alumni Awards

Dr. Carrie Bourassa - Professional AchievementDr. Carrie Bourassa is a leading researcher in the area of Aboriginal health, and is dedicated to helping others develop abetter understanding of First Nations and Métis people. Bourassa’s community-centered approach to research has made apositive impact on the treatment of and care for Aboriginal people in the health care setting. As a professor, she is a rolemodel and inspiration to her students.

An associate professor in the Department of Science at First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), Bourassa hasplayed a key role in the growth of the science department and was recently awarded a $150,000 research grant from theCanadian Foundation of Innovation (CFI) to build community-based research labs at FNUniv.

Bourassa is very active in the community. She is the nominated principal investigator of the Indigenous PeoplesHealth Research Center (IPHRC), serves on a number of committees, is a volunteer at the Regina Métis Sports and CulturalCenter, and is also a member of the Riel Métis Council of Regina (RMCR).

13

Mr. Robert Currie - Professional AchievementRob Currie began his teaching career in 1985 with Regina Catholic Schools. After seven years in the classroom, Currie wasappointed acting principal of St. Matthew School. He went on to become vice-principal of St. Dominic School, and thenprincipal of St. Catherine Community School, École St. Mary, and Sacred Heart Community School. In 2006, Currie wasappointed supervisor, school operations, and, in 2008, was appointed as director of education for the Regina CatholicSchool Division. Throughout his career, Currie has proven to be a man of integrity and vision, and has been innovative inhis approach to finding new and meaningful ways to enhance student education.

Currie has a personal commitment to be involved in activities that enhance the personal well-being and growth ofpeople of all ages. This is evident in his volunteer work within St. Martin's Parish, as a director of the One Life Makes aDifference Foundation, for the 2005 Canada Summer Games Management and Legacy Committees, and, over the last 30years, as coach and executive member for the Regina Rowing Club and the Saskatchewan Rowing Association.

14

Alumni Awards

Ms. Rose Mary Hartney - Professional AchievementRose Mary Hartney has played an instrumental role in building community and developing young minds as a teacher andvice-principal at Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw, where she worked for 38 years before retiring this past summer. Fromoffering 7:30 a.m. classes to accommodate student schedules, to sitting on the executive of the athletic association,Hartney’s dedication to her students and school community goes far beyond her professional obligations. Hartney hastaken a very active role in the overall development of her students, having served on the various committees andvolunteering for a number of activities within the school community.

Hartney has also made significant contributions to the Moose Jaw community. She serves as an educational advisorfor the Moose Jaw Warriors, is an active participant at Church of Our Lady parish, is the chair of the Providence PlaceFoundation, and secretary for Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers.

15

Mr. Timothy Young - Professional AchievementTim Young is the co-founder and general manager of Young’s Equipment Inc., a full-service Case IH farm implementdealership based in Regina. Under Young’s leadership, the company has grown significantly over the years and is listed bySaskatchewan Business magazine as one of Saskatchewan’s top 100 companies. Both Young and the company havereceived numerous awards, most recently, the 2009 Dealership of the Year Award by Farm Equipment magazine for“outstanding financial performance, demonstrated commitment to employee training and development, innovativeemployee recruitment techniques, unique management practices, and renowned customer service.”

Young has donated his leadership and business skills to benefit the larger community, having served the Ranch EhrloSociety for many years in various capacities, including board chair, and has played a significant role in the development ofthe Regina Prairie Fire Rugby Club.

Most recently, Exner led a team ofscientists in developing the firstcommercially available test for theH1N1 virus—the swine flu pandemicthat spread worldwide in 2009,causing over 17,000 deaths.

It was the first test to qualitativelydetect the RNA molecule of thepandemic flu virus in a patient’s nasalor nasopharyngeal specimens. Thetest was also the first commercial labtest to be granted an emergency useauthorization by the United StatesFood and Drug Administration (FDA).

Exner’s test was launched in May2009—one month after the virus wasfirst described.

The company Exner works for, FocusDiagnostics, aims to be an earlydeveloper and market leader ininnovative, high quality services for

rare, unusual, and emerging infectiousand immunologic diseases.

“My job is about getting tests outquickly,” says Exner. “H1N1 wasn’teven on the radar screen, andsuddenly it’s the biggest test we wereworking on.”

The test, which targets two separateregions of the hemagglutinin gene ofthe H1N1 virus to differentiate thepresence of the pandemic virus fromthe seasonal influenza A virus, waseventually developed so it could haveresults in about 20 minutes, whenprevious influenza test results wouldtake up to seven hours.

As the manager of research anddevelopment for his previousemployer, Quest Diagnositcs, hehelped create over 90 new medicaltests, including the first available tests

for the SARS virus and the avian flu.He also developed multiple tests tohelp enable the early detection ofpotentially fatal infections intransplant patients, along with themost sensitive test available to detectHepatitis C.

“It’s something new every day.Nothing is ever the same,” says Exnerabout being the scientific director ofclinical research and development atFocus Diagnostics.

In July this year, California was hit bythe worst whooping cough epidemicin over 50 years, resulting in severalinfant deaths. Developing new testsaround the whooping cough quicklybecame one of Exner’s top prioritiesfollowing H1N1.

“It’s not that we’re sitting aroundhoping for new diseases to take off.

16

Dr. Mau

rice Exn

er (left) and

his te

am of scien

tists w

ere respon

sible

for d

evelop

ing the first com

mercially availa

ble test fo

r the

H1N

1virus.

Photo credit: So

CalSu

nshine

Produ

ctions

When Dr. Maurice Exner (BSc ’86) began his biology degree at Campion College over

20 years ago, he never imagined he would someday be doing groundbreaking

scientific research on the world’s deadliest infectious viruses that have made

headline news.

Medicine

Advancing modern

By Kelly-Anne Riess

There always seems to be something,”says Exner.

Becoming a lead researcher inCalifornia was a long road for Exner,who grew up in Regina, making theUniversity of Regina the obviouschoice for his post-secondary studies.

He enrolled in Campion because heliked the more personal approach tohigher education that Campion offers.

“I always enjoyed sitting on thecouches outside the library, eating mylunch,” recalls Exner.

In addition to his school work, Exneralso played for the Regina Rams, longbefore the team partnered with theUniversity of Regina. Even so, theteam was primarily made up ofuniversity players.

“It was definitely a challenge to keepup with my school work and playfootball, but I did it,” says Exner,adding that he also taught guitarlessons back then. “There were a lotof long days and nights.”

Exner was with the Rams when theywon two consecutive nationalchampionships in 1986 and 1987.

Today, Exner still keeps up withCanadian football via Internet radio,even though he now lives in Cypress,which is about a half-hour drive fromLos Angeles, traffic depending.

“Listening to the last Grey Cup waspainful,” says Exner, referring to theRiders’ loss after being penalized forhaving too many players on the field,giving the Montreal Alouettes asecond chance at a field goal thatwould win them the game.

In addition to keeping up with theRiders, Exner often returns toSaskatchewan to visit his family. “I haven’t missed a single Christmasyet, although it might be smarter tocome home in the summer and avoidthe cold weather,” says Exner.

Back while he was working on hisbachelor degree, Exner had plans toattend medical school.

It was his professor Dr. Rod Kelln, nowthe acting vice-president of research atthe University of Regina, who sparkedExner’s passion for research.

As a student, Exner had theopportunity to work with Kelln ontrying to develop a toxic gene thatwould kill grasshoppers.

“It was very intellectuallystimulating,” says Exner.

His work with Kelln inspired him toapply for graduate studies at theUniversity of British Columbiathrough the department ofmicrobiology and immunology.

At UBC, in the 1990s, Exner beganworking with a professor who waslooking at the best way to treatbacteria that caused stomach ulcers.The research was so cutting edge thatmost people would have thought himmad to even believe that bacteriacaused stomach ulcers.

After finishing his PhD at UBC in1997, Exner earned a spot as a post-doctoral researcher at the Universityof California, Los Angeles, School ofMedicine, one of America’s most elitemedical schools.

“My first week in Los Angeles waskind of scary,” says Exner.

Moving from Regina to a city of overthree million people wasoverwhelming. And Exner had beenwarned he would have to exercisecaution in what he was told was acrime-ridden city. In reality, Exner hasfound the city to be an enjoyable placeto live.

While at UCLA, Exner worked onresearching possible vaccines forLyme disease and syphilis, beforeleaving the academic world to pursuea variety of jobs in commerciallaboratories.

Exner served as the director of assaydevelopment at HandyLab Inc.,working on rapid infectious diseasediagnostic testing using automatedmicrofluidic systems.

He joined Focus Diagnostics in 2007and, currently, leads its research anddiagnostic team in innovation efforts,prioritizing project portfolios andevaluating new technology.

In academia, Exner found grants werecompetitive and funding hard to comeby. Commercial laboratories, on theother hand, make money that, in turn,supports Exner’s future research. “Butour first priority is always helpingpatients,” said Exner.

The tests Exner develops at FocusDiagnostics are sold to hospitalsaround the world, and Exner hastravelled the globe to teach othermedical professionals how to use thetests. Recent trips have taken him toIndia and Mexico. Exner said peoplewould be surprised by the top-notchlaboratory facilities in thesedeveloping nations.

“They’re just a little behind in some ofthe technology, which is quiteexpensive,” says Exner, whose worldtravels also take him to conferences togive presentations about the new testsFocus Diagnostics have developed.

In the very near future, Exner hasplans to travel to Columbia, Ecuador,Puerto Rico, Australia, and China.

Although busy, Exner has authoredmore than 20 publications and holds10 patents.

He is currently a board member of theSouthern California Branch of theAmerican Society of Microbiology,which organizes workshops andcontinuing education opportunitiesfor medical technologists.

Kelly-Anne Riess is the author of To End aConversation and the Saskatchewan Book ofEverything. She graduated from theUniversity of Regina's School of Journalism in2004.

Thank you to Megan Henken for herassistance with arranging the photography forthis article, and to the staff at FocusDiagnostic who generously gave their timeand talents to assist with the project.

18

19Drs. Christian Riegel (English)

and Katherine Robinson(psychology), professors and

leading researchers at CampionCollege, have developed acollaborative program that hasreceived national and communitysupport.

Riegel, Robinson and Dr. Sheila Petty,dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts,University of Regina, were awarded a$175,000 Canadian Foundation forInnovation (CFI) grant to create theInteractive Media, Poetics, Aesthetics,Cognition, and Technology (IMPACT)lab, which will be constructed on theUniversity of Regina College Avenuecampus. Support for the project willalso come from the University ofRegina’s Faculty’s of Arts and FineArts, as well as Campion College.

The IMPACT research network isinvestigating the outcome ofubiquitous computing, that is, textualexpression through digitaltechnologies. Riegel and Robinsonnoticed that electronic technologieswere being increasingly implementedin academic and corporate contexts.

Robinson notes, “Handheldtechnology was developing at a rapidpace and was being adopted widelynot only by individuals but also ininstitutional settings.” Furthermore,Robinson adds, “There was littleunderstanding of how language isprocessed cognitively when it appearson devices such as iPhones or smallcell phones.”

The study explores the effects oflanguage presented through digital

technologies. As Riegel puts it, the labstrives to understand “how we processlanguage on these devices and howlanguage can be modified for specificcognitive effects.”

Robinson reports that studiesconducted thus far by the lab “indicatethat certain types of language patternsthat are frequently found in poetry,alliteration, for example, can speed upor slow down readers, can aid orhinder recall, and can affect depth ofprocessing.”

Robinson articulates that furtherresearch in the lab aims “to developresearch capacity in the cognitiveprocessing of language and visualelements in ubiquitous computingcontexts—handheld devices, virtualsurround worlds, etc.”

The study integrates the humanitiesand social sciences with innovativetechnologies. Riegel reports that theIMPACT Lab also plans “to developinterdisciplinary and collaborativeresearch methodologies and practices.”

As a collaborative program, the lab iscomprised of two partners: IMPACT-R(Regina) and IMPACT-C (Carleton).Riegel and Robinson are the teamleaders of IMPACT-R, which includesthe work of two University of Reginacolleagues: Petty and Dr. LuigiBenedicenti (software systemsengineering). Riegel explains that theteam’s goal is to “collaborate on thestudy of language and aesthetics onubiquitous devices, as well as ondeveloping methodologies on newlyemerging technologies.”

IMPACT-C combines the expertise ofRiegel and Robinson with CarletonUniversity’s Drs. Jo-Anne LeFevre(Centre for Applied Cognition andResearch) and Chris Herdman (VSIM --Visual Simulation Lab). According toRiegel, this team will “collaborate onthe studies that examine the cognitiveprocessing studies of poetic andliterary language on ubiquitousdevices.”

Both the IMPACT Lab and Reginastand to significantly gain from thissynthesis with Carleton University.Robinson states that the lab aims “touse the high tech knowledge andresearch practices of the $30 millionVSIM facility at Carleton to trainstudents from Regina.”

The lab will certainly be a substantialattribute to the University of Regina,Campion College, and their students.Robinson explains that “we will equipthe lab with advanced data collectionequipment, will train students incollaborative interdisciplinarymethodologies, and will conductresearch studies here.”

The researchers will further transfertheir knowledge to the Saskatchewancommunity, heightening ourunderstanding of the significanteffects on textual comprehension in adigitally-dominated culture.

Jaime Speed is currently working on an MA inEnglish in Regina, where she works, learns,and plays.

by Jaime Speed

Conceptualizing the Impact ofMedium on Meaning

20

The birds are hard to spot andrarely do humans stumble upona ground nest. But if people do

not start paying attention to Sprague’spipits, the tiny prairie songbird coulddisappear for good.

Pipits are brown with no distinctivemarkings, and, when fully grown,weigh no more than twenty-fourgrams.

Coincidentally, pipits do not get muchfanfare. Even scientists admit pipitshave a reputation of being the leastknown bird in North America.

But as the population of the prairiesongbird dwindles at an increasinglyrapid rate, University of Regina PhDstudent Ryan Fisher (BSc ‘02) ismaking pipits his priority.

In his doctoral project, Fisher is tryingto change that. He is focusing on thedisappearing habitats of pipits and thecircumstances that are contributing tothe bird’s decline on the prairies.

Traditionally, pipits live on prairienever altered by humans. The landcould be grazed by cattle, but

otherwise, never broken, planted orplowed. Unfortunately, agricultureand oil developments have altered theprairie landscape, with most of thechange occurring in just the lastdecade.

Fisher says the pipit population hasdropped at a rate of four per cent peryear between 1966 and 1996. As such,pipits are a ‘species-at-risk’, meaningthey are just one step away from beingadded to the endangered species list.

“These species have been around forthousands of years, but we havechanged things so drastically they aredisappearing.”

Eighty per cent of the world’s pipitslive in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and asmall sliver of Manitoba. They thrivein native grasslands, but only 20 percent of Saskatchewan’s grasslandsremain in scattered pockets across theprovince.

“It is a bit depressing when you seeacross the board that birds, mammals,and insects are on the decline simplybecause we have removed a ton ofhabitat for these species. It’s less than

the percentage of rain forests left inthe world, yet, it doesn’t seem to be onthe radar,” says Fisher. “People justaren’t aware.”

Fisher says conservation efforts tosave grassland species have beenminimal compared to otherconservation efforts. “I guessresearchers were focusing on morecolourful and charismatic species,” hesays.

Without the tiny, plain brownsongbird though, he says, the prairieeco-system would be disrupted. “Ifpipits disappear it proves thatSaskatchewan’s native grasslands arein a devastating state.”

If the native grasslands continue toshrink, pipits will have to nestsomewhere else. One of Fisher’s mainresearch questions asks whether ornot pipits can survive, maybe eventhrive, elsewhere on the prairies.

To explore that question, Fisherneeded to uncover some basiccharacteristics of pipits—what theyeat, where they build nests and howthey care for their young.

Saving a prairie songbird Sprague’s Pipit:

The Sprague’s Pipit makes its home in the unaltered prairie landscape.

By Leisha Grebinski

Fisher and a team of researchers headout in early spring to an area ofconserved grasslands near Nokomiscalled the Last Mountain WildlifeArea. At that time, pipits are makingthe journey from Mexico andSouthern Texas, north.

The research team sleeps in smallcabins but spends every minute ofdaylight outside, listening for a pipit’scall.

“What’s kind of cool about pipits isthe males will do this kind of aerialsinging display that kind of soundslike a UFO landing,” says Fisher. Themale birds will fly about 100 feet inthe air until they are just tiny dots inthe sky. “We listen for them and thenwe try to spot that little speck.”

They count the number of birds theyhear and, once they locate a nest,Fisher and his team attach small littlebackpacks that weigh less than 10grams to the baby pipits. Thebackpack holds a tiny camera that letsthe research team observe thebehaviour of the bird, everyday, untilthe transmitter falls off.

Once Fisher knows the bird’s basichabits, he can determine whether or

not pipits can survive in areas thathave been planted with exotic grasses.His hypothesis is based on hope thatplanted fields could serve asconservation fields for pipits.

“So far it’s not looking good,” he says.

According to Fisher, pipits are initiallydrawn to these human-alteredlandscapes to breed, but the birds donot seem to survive long.

That is why Fisher says conservationefforts need to be improved topreserve what native grasslands areleft, and the close to 900,000 birds thatcall it home.

Fisher’s supervisor and biologyprofessor Steven Davis says Fisher’sresearch is essential in not only savingpipits, but also numerous nativegrassland species.

“For me, the pipit is an indicator ofprairie health. It is sensitive todisturbances; it is intolerant ofconverting grassland to cropland. Butit is able to cope with some level ofdisturbances that we humans do tothe prairies,” says Davis.

“We can gain an understanding ofwhere the thresholds might be. Thenwe can figure out what an acceptablelevel of degradation is.”

Davis hopes that Fisher’s initialresearch is the groundwork needed forlandowners, scientists, and politiciansto make more informed decisionsregarding oil development, roadconstruction, and agriculture. Thebelief is that in saving pipits, one cansave many of the other creatures thatthrive on native grasslands.

“There is intrinsic value of keeping aspecies around that has been hereforever and I really think that it’s areflection of how healthy the prairiesare if we can keep these differentspecies around,” Davis adds.

Currently, the goal of conservationistsis to bring pipit numbers up to where

they were in the 1970s. Butconsidering the rapid rate at whichpipits are decreasing, Fisher sayspertinent work needs to be done in thenext two or three decades.

“[The] oil and gas industry is cominginto Saskatchewan fast and furiouslyand you have to build roads to get tothe well pads and roads to explore. Itneeds to be balanced with the needs ofthe critters that are relying on theseareas.”

Fisher says education is key toprotecting pipits and nativegrasslands. He says awareness of thedevastating effects of removing nativehabitats from species will help slowdown rapid developments in theseareas.

Right now, Fisher and Davis note thatany longevity in pipits can beattributed to grazing cattle thatreplaced the buffalo. When pasturesare properly managed, pipits are ableto flourish. As such, Fisher’s long-termgoal is to see continued cooperationfrom Saskatchewan’s livestockproducers.

The bottom line, according to Fisherand Davis, is that exotic grasses do notprovide a suitable habitat for pipits. Iftheir habitat continues to bedisrupted, pipits will die.

“It’s definitely a little bit depressing,”says Fisher. “But you have to beoptimistic. We know you have toproduce these cereal crops and peoplemake their livelihood from the oil andgas industry. But the angle I comefrom is you have to strike a bit of abalance.”

Fisher expects to complete hisdissertation in November.

Leisha Grebinski is a Campion graduate from theUniversity of Regina School of Journalism. She iscurrently on leave from CBC Radio Saskatchewanto pursue a master’s degree.

21

Sprague’s Pipit

The focus of this year’s annualcampaign is the development ofa fund to support international

service learning initiatives.

International service learning is a wayfor students to participate involunteer projects in developingcountries. Partnering with establishedorganizations such as InterCordiaCanada, Campion will providestudents with the opportunity tomake meaningful contributions in acommunity radically different fromtheir own. Students will not onlylearn first-hand the challenges andsocial justice issues faced by many indeveloping regions, but alsoexperience what it means to be aglobal citizen.

“Ever since I came to Campion, it hasbeen my goal to develop a means ofencouraging and supporting studentparticipation in overseas projectsamong the very poor and destitute,”says Rev. Benjamin Fiore, SJ, CampionCollege president.

Over the years, Campion studentshave undertaken such endeavours ontheir own, volunteering in areas suchas Kolkata (Calcutta), Peru, Ecuadorand Kenya. For many, it is a life-altering experience and the lessonslearned cannot be taught in aclassroom environment.

Serena La Posta, a second-year student,knows the benefits of an internationalservice learning experience. La Postaspent several weeks in Kolkata thispast winter as a volunteer for theMissionaries of Charity, the religiousorder founded by Mother Teresa.

“I learned that love is emitted in thesimplest of actions. Mother Teresa’swords ‘Do small things with greatlove’ have such powerful meaning. Ilook at the Missionaries of Charityand what they have accomplished,and it is astounding to witness theresult of this universal call to love—people from all cultures and religionshave responded to this call.

One thing I valued most about theexperience was being able to workdirectly with the Indian people—specifically the disabled children atmy assigned volunteer home, but alsothe daily, casual encounters we had onthe street, in restaurants, on the bus,etc. This made my trip to Kolkata suchan intimate and personal experience:an experience of culture, lifestyle, andpersonalities. I think that real humanconnections are so important,” recallsLa Posta.

With the money raised by the 2010-2011 annual campaign, CampionCollege plans to establish a fund thatwill provide financial support for

students participating in servicelearning opportunities and help coverthe institutional cost of establishingand maintaining international servicelearning programs at CampionCollege.

“Through the establishment of theInternational Service Learning Fund,we will be able to incorporate realworld experiences into the academicprogram, therefore, providing ourstudents with a more well-roundededucation,” says Fiore.

Previous annual campaigns haveallowed for the creation of two newclassrooms, the Tutor Mentorprogram, the Writing Centre,renovations to the chapel, arevitalized main floor entrance andcafeteria, an improved and expandedthird floor to better facilitate studentadministration services,refurbishment of the Campion library,the establishment of the Father PeterNash, SJ, Chair in Religion, andfunding for scholarships.

22 International ServiceLearning

REV. LOUIS ABELLO • TONY ABELLO • STANLEY ABRAHAMOWICZ • PAT ANGOTT • KATHERINE ARBUTHNOTT • WILLIAM ANDHELEN ARGAN • NORMAN AND ROSE

BAKER • DONALD BARBER • HANS BAUMANN • RONALD N. BAUN AND WENDY SUTTON-BAUN • HONOURABLE E. D. BAYDA • ROSE-LINE BEAUPRÉ • JACQUELINE

BEAURIVAGE • MARIE BIDD • JULIUS BIEGLER • CECILIA BISS • JOYCE BLAKE • BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH • GERALD BLEZY • JACK BOAN • MRS. ISABEL BOBBITT

IRENE BOSS • LYDIA BRAMHAM • ETHEL BRAUN • ROBERT BRAUN • KARLA BRUNETTE • CARLA BURTON • JOANNE CAMPBELL • CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE,

CHRIST THE KING, REGINA • CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE, GOOD SAMARITAN, REGINA • CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE, HOLY CROSS, REGINA

CATHOLICWOMEN'S LEAGUE, HOLY FAMILY, REGINA • CATHOLICWOMEN'S LEAGUE, ST. CECILIA, REGINA • CATHOLICWOMEN'S LEAGUE, ST. CHARLES, REGINA

CATHOLICWOMEN'S LEAGUE, ST. JOSEPH, BALGONIE • MARION CHASE • CHRIST THE KING SPECIAL CHARITIES COMMITTEE • ELSIE CLERMONT • DAN CODERRE

VINCENT AND SIMONE COFFEY • DANIEL COLEMAN • CLARA AND ALLAN COOK • GRAHAM COPITHORN • PAMELA CRUISE • GENE DAGNONE • BARBARA AND

DAN DE VLIEGER • JOHN A. DECHIEF • JERRY DESHAYE • LINDA DEWHIRST • CHARLES DIXON • RICHARD AND JUNE DOMOKOS • LESLIE AND BERNICE DONNELLY

GENEDRAPER • JOANDUDGEON • MARK ANDKATHERINE DUKE • DZ INTERIORS INC. • ROSE EBERLE • WILL EGAN • DENNIS EHMAN • DAWN ELLIOTT • RICHARD

EMOND • REV. BRAD FAHLMAN • FRANK FLEGEL • RICHARD FONTANIE • LAWRENCE FORAND • EILEEN FORRIETER • MARGARET FREDERICK • GERARD J. FREY

ALLAN FUCHS • GILLIAN GARSON • RICHARD AND EVELYNN GAUCHER • TERENCE GIBNEY • VICTORIA GILLIES • ELAINE GIROUX-SYLVESTRE • CATHERINE

GORDON • ANDREW AND IDA GRZESINA • PETER GRZYB • MADAM JUSTICE ELLEN GUNN • STEPHEN HADDAD • SUSAN HADDAD • JOSEPHINE M. HAGUE

PAUL HARTMAN AND MARTHA MCINTYRE • BARBARA HAUSER • GREG AND KATALIN HERASYMIUK • MYRON AND HELEN HERASYMUIK • HERBERT HERAUF

PETER HERAUF • REV. MICHAEL HOGAN • IONE HOOPER • HILARY HORAN • PAT AND JUDITH HORNING • PAUL HORNUNG • LENORE HUBER • WARREN HUBER

ROBERT J. INGRAM • DENIS JAKUBOWSKI • JESUIT FATHERS OF SASKATCHEWAN • GERARD KAMPMAN • STEPHEN AND FRANÇOISE KENNY • DONALD KENT

GERALD KLEISINGER • KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, COUNCIL #3360, ASSINIBOIA • KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, FATHER GIBNEY COUNCIL #9278, REGINA

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FATHER GILPIN COUNCIL #9760, MOOSE JAW • KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, INDIAN HEAD • KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, MONSIGNOR GEREIN

COUNCIL #9859, REGINA • KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, #3559, MONTMARTRE • KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, ST. MARTIN DE PORRES COUNCIL #10313 • J. DUANE AND

SHEILA KOCH • FRANK KORVEMAKER • KEITH AND JENNIFER KOSIOR • MRS. ANNA KOVACS • JOANNE AND KYLE KOZLOWSKI • DONALD AND CLAIRE KRAMER

MARIA KRCHMAR • GORDON AND CHRISTINE KRISMER • JUNE KROGAN • RON AND YVONNE KRUZENISKI • JACOBA KUIKMAN • ROGER LALONDE • PAUL AND

CYNTHIA LE DRESSAY • RITA AND HENRY LEBIODA • ALLEN AND GAIL LEFEBVRE • GAIL LEIBEL • LORETTA AND CHARLIE LEIBEL • THERESA AND DONALD LEIER

TIM LILBURN • J. ALEX MACDONALD • KENNETH AND PATRICIA MACKAY • JOANNAMAJKUT • JOSEPH MALIKAIL • JUSTICE EDWARD ANDMRS. PENNY MALONE

PAUL AND CAITRIN MALONE • FRED MARCIA • CATHERINE MARR • GEORGE AND DELIA MARSHALL • GORDON MAYER • CHARLES MAYNE

SAMIRA MCCARTHY • BARRY MCCASHIN • DOUG J. MCCASHIN • GLEN MCDOUGALL • MALCOLM MCEACHERN • KENNETH AND MARCIA MCGOVERN

TERENCE MCKAGUE • DOUGLAS MCKILLOP • GUY MCLEAN • JAMES MCLENNAN • NANCY MCNEILL • JOSEPH MELIA • VERN MERK • MSGR. KEN MILLER

PHYLLIDA MILLER • RAE AND GEORGE MITTEN • ROBERT J. MOORE • MR. AND MRS. P. J. MORAN • GREG MOSER • REV. J. PAT MURPHY • LAWRENCE NESTMAN

JACKW. NIEDERMAYER • REV. PETER NIJSSEN • TIMNOVAK • NICOLE O'BYRNE • ETTAO'DONOGHUE • CAROLE OLIVE • ARNOLDOTTENBREIT • DEL AND LORETTE

OTTENBREIT • MAUREEN AND FRANK OTTENBREIT • GEORGE AND BEATRICE PARKER • M. J. PEACE • JUDITH PELLERIN • DARREN AND ANNETTE POLASEK

HERB AND JULIETTE POWELL • GERRY PRODOR • ARMAND PROST • JOHN REDMOND • HENRY REIS • TOM AND BARBARA RENDALL • JANETTE AND BILL RIEGER

NEIL ROBERTSON • JOAN AND ROBERT ROY • NICK RUDRICK • CATHERINE RYAN • ST. MARY'S PARISH, REGINA • DAVID AND KAREN SAX • EDWIN SCHAAF

ALAN SCHAEFER • ROSE E. SCHMALZ • CECILE SCHMIDT • MARTIN SCHNEIDER • REV. JOSEPH G. SCHNER, S.J. • GLENN SCHWARTZ • MICHAEL SCOTT

GERALD SEIDLE • MARY AND JIM SEIFERLING • GREGORY SELINGER • EDWARD SHENHER • SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE MISSIONS, REGINA • SISTERS OF OUR

LADY OF THE MISSIONS, REGINA • SISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD, REGINA • SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION, PRINCE ALBERT • GEORGE AND MARLENE SMADU

ROBERT SPELLISCY • CHARLES STEWART • COLLEEN STUECK • JACK SUTHERLAND • JAMES TAYLOR • LARRY AND LOUISE TESSIER • LUCILLE TESSIER

DOUG THOMAS • MICHAEL THOMAS • NORMAN THOMAS • RON THOMAS • LOUIS AND MAUREEN TOTH • GRAZIELLA TUBELLO • WILFRED UHREN • UNITED

WAY OF REGINA • JOAN VARGO • JUDY VERBEKE • KOREN VOLK • MAUREEN VOLK • PAULINE SUSAN VOSS • GREGWAGNER • JEANIE WAGNER • RUTHWARICK

GERRY WELSH • PAUL WELSH AND MARY ANN ZAKRESKI • STEPHEN AND CONNIE WERNIKOWSKI • CLINTON AND ALMA WHITE • J. GORDON WICIJOWSKI

RON AND JOANNE WORMSBECKER • PETER WOZNEY • PAULA WSZOLEK • KEN YANKO • BRIAN YAWORSKI • TIM YOUNG • BRIAN AND KATHY YURRIS

28 AUGUST 2010

23

2009-2010 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DONORS

Elemer Jerkovits, BA ‘86,has been umpiring baseballfor 35 years and currentlyserves as the director ofumpires for Regina on theSaskatchewan BaseballAssociation’s UmpireCommittee. Over the past15 years, Elemerrepresented Saskatchewanat 10 National BaseballChampionships, includingthe 2009 Canada SummerGames. This summer,Elemer was selected byBaseball Canada's UmpireCommittee to be Canada'sumpire at the WorldUniversity BaseballChampionship in Tokyo,Japan, where he umpiredseven games, including theGold Medal Championshipgame between Cuba and theUnited States. Elemer iscurrently employed by theSaskatchewan GovernmentInsurance Corporation (SGI)as a commercial propertyunderwriter.

Victor Lau, BA Adv. ‘94, andhis wife Heather Lau ownand operate Purrs and PawsPet Services in Regina.

Previously, Victorworked at the east endSuperstore as a corporatetrainer and Heather workedat Groovy Mama (a babyneeds store) beforebecoming business owners.

The feature film I HeartRegina (13 stories from thecentre of the universe),

executive produced byMark Wihak, BFA ‘90, andVanda Schmockel, made itsdebut at the 34th annualMontreal World FilmFestival in August. The filmshowcases the vibrantfilmmaking communitythat has emerged in Reginaover the past 25 years.Public screenings of I HeartRegina will take place inRegina at the RPL FilmTheatre October 21-24, andat Saskatoon's BroadwayTheatre in early November,and the producers areplanning other screeningsin the province throughoutthe fall. The production wasoriginally scheduled to airon SCN in 2011 and theproducers are optimisticthat this will still happen.

Rhonda Helman (néeCollins), BA, Hons. ‘04,married Chris Helman on12 June 2010, at Holy ChildParish in Regina,Saskatchewan. Rhonda is aneditor at Farm CreditCanada and working on herMA in English at the U of R.

Jaime McGrane, BA ‘08,recently completed hermaster’s degree in Englishfrom Queen’s University,and is now working incollaboration with agrassroots organization inBungoma, Kenya, to assist inmonitoring sustainablestrategies for communities

to handle HIV/AIDS-relatedissues. McGrane’sinternship is part of anongoing partnershipbetween the CoadyInternational Institute andits Kenyan partner,Community Research inEnvironment andDevelopment Initiative(CREADIS). The CoadyInternational Institute’sYouth in PartnershipProgram gives Canadianuniversity graduatesexperience working withdevelopment organizationsin their field of study. Theprogram helps themincrease theirunderstanding of globaldevelopment issues whilecontributing to the CoadyInstitutes overseaspartnerships. She beganher six-month internship atthe end of August.

IN MEMORIAM:John Douglas Robinson(BSC ‘83), 9 March 2010.

Rev. Donald V. Flynn, S.J.(Campion College HighSchool teacher, 1961-1964,and professor of French,1970 - 1995), 17 September2010.

BRAG A BIT:We want to hear from you! Sendyour Brag a bit information toAlumni Affairs, Campion College,University of Regina, 3737 WascanaParkway, Regina, Saskatchewan,Canada S4S 0A2, orcampion.college@uregina.ca.

24

Brag a Bit

Join us onFacebook.Follow us onTwitter@CampionUR.

When Joseph Laszlo set outfor Victoria, BC, thissummer, he had no idea ofthe adventure on which hewas about to embark.

A third-year arts studentand aspiring lawyer, Laszlowas looking for a summerjob that would provide himwith skills that he couldtransfer to his career goal ofworking with people indeveloping countries. Hissearch lead him to join thenaval reserves.

In Victoria, Laszlo joined 90other junior officers on acourse that is designed todevelop leadership and

teamwork skills. The courseconsisted of basic training,simulated United Nations(UN) peacekeepingmissions, emergencyexercises, and orientationinto naval life. The arrivalof a cargo ship carrying 490Tamil refugees in Augustprovided Laszlo theopportunity to put histraining to work.

The ship, boarded by navaland RCMP personnel andsteered to CFB Esquimalt,attracted the attention ofthe Canadian public andgave Laszlo a newperspective of the Navy’srole in Canada.

“Being on course is distantbecause you are notinvolved in operations.Dealing with the arrival ofthe Tamil refugees madereal for me the importanceof the Navy,” says Laszlo,adding that the lessonslearned from thisexperience will help guidehim in the future.

“Seeing up close, seeing thepeople coming off the boat,being here, you have therealization that there is aneed to help people [inthese situations].”

Aside from the excitementon Canada’s west coast,

Laszlo also had theopportunity to sail to SanDiego on HMCS Protecteurand witness first-hand anAmerican Navy Sealstraining mission.

“The experience has beenunreal. It was nothing Iexpected. Our perception[of the military] iscontrolled by what we seein the media. This is not themilitary you see in themovies,” says Laszlo.

Once Laszlo completes hisundergraduate degrees inhistory and economics, heplans to go on to graduateschool overseas and then tolaw school in New York,where he hopes to have theopportunity to learn fromfaculty who work withinternational organizationssuch as the UN and WorldHealth Organization(WHO).

25

The Back Page

Joseph Laszlo (left) with Leading Seamen Cook (right) aboard HMCS Protecteur.

“Campion College is a Jesuit Catholic community of learning, federated with the University of Regina.

It provides a liberal arts education dedicated to the development of the whole person intellectually, spiritually,

socially for service within contemporary society.” Mission Statement, Campion College, University of Regina