June 12, 1998

Calgary alumni goes to the horses

A competitor warms up for her ride as part of the day's entertainment for U of A alumni.

Alumni gathered at the U of A's third annual alumni Spruce Meadows event -- Calgary branch to meet old and new friends and find out just how the U of A vision is being realized.

Dr. David Lynch, dean of engineering, was guest speaker after the group had watched a elite equestrian jumping competition.

"Recruiting the best outstanding students, providing the absolute highest quality of education, and obtaining and using the right resources in a variety of ways is why we (the U of A) exist," says Lynch. "We have to get our message out directly if we want to recruit the best students and faculty."

Lynch gave a couple of sterling examples of the types of students the U of A now attracts. Agnes Yuen and Tim Poon, have won the CD Howe Foundation Awards. This is a national competition that recognizes the top male and female students in engineering for their first year's achievements -- in academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. "This is just one example of how the university is helping future generations realize their goals now," says Lynch.

"This is a great opportunity for people to get together and catch up," says Mary Donnelly '67 BEd. She and her husband, Bob'65 BSc(Eng), '68 PhD(Eng) were joined by their two daughters, and their friends from Iran and Norway who were impressed with the facility and the people. "This is our first time at the Spruce Meadows alumni event," says Bob. "And we'll probably be back next year."

Identical twin sisters Nettie Pedlar (Garfield) '38 BSc(Nu), and Helen Sabin (Garfield), '38 BSc(Nu) were also on hand to enjoy the evening's festivities.

"The event exceeded our expectations," says Susan Peirce, director alumni affairs. "The pavillion was actually at over capacity with more than 200 alumni guests and friends."

The Calgary alumni branch is U of A's oldest and largest with more than 12,000 grads. Keith Sveinson '56 BSc(Ag), Calgary branch president, was very grateful to all who helped organize the event, especially to the volunteers "who are the lifeblood of the alumni association." He offered special thanks to Ron and Marg Southern who opened the doors of their world-class equestrian facility for the occasion.

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