2019 AGM and Reception

The Friends of the University of Alberta Society invites you to our public Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Faculty Club, 11435 Saskatchewan Drive (U of A Campus) on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, from 5:00 – 6:30pm.

Our guest speaker will be Dr. Lee Foote, Professor & Director of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

The Friends are hosting the AGM this year with the same format as last year. The evening will consist of the evening’s AGM business, our guest speaker and opportunity to meet other Friends over refreshments and appetizers.

Please join us for an evening to celebrate our 2018 accomplishments and what we envision for 2019. Please reserve your free tickets here.

Doors open at 4:45pm.

Photo credit “University of Alberta Botanic Garden.”

Killer Asteroids: The Next Extinction Event?

20190514_rtb_chChris Herd

Killer Asteroids: The Next Extinction Event?

Tue, 14 May 2019
5:30 PM Doors Open
6:00-7:00 PM Speaker + Q&A
Accent Lounge
8223 104 St. Edmonton (View on map)

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We live on a planet in a Solar System that has lots of loose rock still in orbit around the Sun. Earth history is full of extinction events, some of which are linked to impacts of asteroids. Today, there are many asteroids in orbits that are a possible threat to life on Earth. How likely is it that the next great extinction event would be caused by asteroid impact? Is there anything we could do to prevent it? What are asteroids made of, anyway? Chris Herd address these and other questions related to the survival of our species in the context of a “shooting gallery” Solar System.

BIO
Dr. Christopher (Chris) Herd is a geologist who studies the planets and moons of the Solar System as understood mainly through meteorites. He is the curator of the University of Alberta Meteorite Collection, the largest University-based meteorite collection in Canada, and an internationally-recognized expert in the best methods for curation and handling of pristine planetary samples under cold conditions in the world’s only cold meteorite curation facility.


Raise The Bar is a program designed by The Friends of the University of Alberta Society to provide interesting, engaging learning opportunities that break down real or perceived barriers to education and connect the University and its faculty to the broader community. We’re raising the bar on the way people consume content.

What is Wrong with the Oilers ?!?!?

Marvin Washington

What is Wrong with the Oilers ?!?!?
Thoughts from an Organizations and Management Scholar

Tue, 23 Apr 2019
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Accent Lounge
8223 104 St. Edmonton

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The Oilers did not make the playoffs for the 12th time in 13 years. While they haven’t had the on ice success that we all want, it’s not from lack of trying. They have drafted players, signed free agents, changed coaches as well as general managers.  So what is the issue?  While I am by no ways a hockey scholar, I do understand organizations, leadership, and strategy and I think insights from that perspective might offer some insights on what is happening with the Oilers and why success has been difficult.  As this is by no means a time to only pick at all the faults of the Oilers, I will end our time with some insights on what the Oilers can do to get back to the playoffs.

BIO
Marvin Washington is a full professor in the Alberta School of Business and Associate Dean of Executive Education (unit closed in 2020). Dr. Washington’s research, teaching, and consulting focus is on processes of organizational and institutional change. He is the author of three books on leadership and organizational change. His most recent book is on developing your personal mastery (Leading Self before Leading Others with Stephen Hacker at Business Expert Press).  Marvin has taught undergraduates, graduates, and executives during his 12 year tenure at the University.  Dr. Washington has worked with a variety of organizations such as, Enbridge, AIMCo, Blue Cross, YMCA, Parkland Fuels, Syncrude, and SportChek, many ministries and departments in the Country of Botswana, Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton.

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Raise The Bar is a program designed by The Friends of the University of Alberta Society to provide interesting, engaging learning opportunities that break down real or perceived barriers to education and connect the University and its faculty to the broader community. We’re raising the bar on the way people consume content.

2019 Graduate Student Award

The Friends of the University of Alberta Society is proud to write a big cheque to fund the Friends of the University Graduate Award. This award has a total value up to $10,000 over two years. It is awarded to a full-time graduate student based on academic achievement and outstanding community service as demonstrated through research and/or involvement in community engagement and/or volunteer activities. Accepting this cheque from the University of Alberta are: Tracy Raivio (Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research),  Ahsan Ahmad (GSA Senator) and Kathy Fitzgerald (Office of Advancement). Presenting the cheque from the Friends of the University of Alberta are: Kate Freeman, Allen Snart, Brent McDonough and Luca Vanzella.