University to induct six graduates into Alumni Honour Society

Six graduates making their mark in a wide variety of professions will be inducted into the Alumni Honour Society at the University of Lethbridge.

Each has developed “a wide range of skills, but they are united in that they are all passionate about their roles,” says Matthew McHugh, chair of the U of L Alumni Association’s recognition committee, in a release.

They have made “an immeasurable difference in their communities,” and will be saluted during fall convocation events in October.

Trevor Clark, a management graduate in 1999, went on to earn a Master of Arts in international conflict analysis. He now works for the United Nations leading humanitarian and development responses in some of the most challenged countries in the world.

Dinah Davis, a science graduate in 2002, continued her education to become a Master of Mathematics in cryptology, essential for secure digital communication. She is now vice-president of research at Arctic Wolf Networks, a cyber security startup.

John Wort Hannam, who graduated with a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree in 1996, is recognized as an award-winning musician and songwriter based in Lethbridge. Last year, his song “Let it Shine On” was commissioned to celebrate the university’s 50th anniversary.

Kristina Larkin, who completed a combined BA/BEd degree in 2012, is an active volunteer and community organizer in addition to her role at manager of youth settlement services at Lethbridge Family Services. Passionate about community education, she works with the Womanspace Resource Centre, the Lethbridge Public Interest Group, the Westminster Neighbourhood Association and the Urban Spirits Rotary Club.

Dale Ptycia, who earned a combined arts and science degree in 1985, went on to join Hockey Canada as a coach and instructor. Over the years since, he has become a program manager and now is the organization’s senior manager of merchandising and licensing.

And Shanda Webber (formerly Venier) completed university with a BA in 2005, after working as a student to advocate for more access and better resources for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students on campus. Continuing to assist prospective students as they begin their postsecondary years, she is now the manager of Recruitment and Indigenous Services at Lethbridge College.

“Like those before them, the 2018 inductees are outstanding examples of U of L alumni,” says McHugh.

Each built on what they learned in university to achieve their personal and professional goals and become role models.

They will officially join the Alumni Honour Society during a “Let There Be Light Night” event on Oct. 12.

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