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2011 in recognition of outstanding contributors to lifelong learning in Calgary The LOLAs SPRING 2011

LOLA Storybook 2011

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Proifles of our LOLA recipients from 2000-2011

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Page 1: LOLA Storybook 2011

2011in recognition of outstanding contributors to lifelong learning in Calgary

The LOLAs

SPRING 2011

Page 2: LOLA Storybook 2011

2011

CelebratinThank You to our Donors and Sponsor

The LOLA honoraria and event are made possible through the generous support of our donors and event sponsor.

Donors:

Alberta Association of

Multicultural Education

Calgary Learns Staff & Board

Jim Osenton

Oilfield Electrical Inspection Ltd.

Spirit Pipelines Ltd.

TD Canada Trust Prairie Region

Young Energyserve Inc.

Sponsor:

Thanks to our major event sponsor, Bunch Projects, for their generous ongoing contribution to the LOLA awards.

Page 3: LOLA Storybook 2011

LOLA

2011

Celebrating LEARNINGFOREWARDAbout the LOLAs

In 2000, Calgary Learns presented the first Life of Learning Awards as a way to honour outstanding

contributors to lifelong learning in Calgary. These awards, affectionately known as the LOLAs, are

presented annually in three categories:

• An adult learner who has achieved outstanding results in a non-credit,

part-time adult education setting.

• A facilitator or instructor of non-credit, part-time adult education who has

shown exceptional skill, creativity and understanding.

• A program designer or director who has made extraordinary and innovative

contributions to the promotion, advancement and development of lifelong

learning in Calgary.

LOLA recipients are nominated by their peers and chosen from a field of dedicated adult learning

champions. During a special awards ceremony held each spring, winners receive our traditional LOLA

award, a unique hand-carved and polished serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe.

in recognition of outstanding contributorsto lifelong learning in Calgary!

Page 4: LOLA Storybook 2011

LOLA

LOLAMeet the Winners…

Calgary Learns takes great pleasure in honoring the commitment and courage of our award recipients,

41 inspiring Calgarians who have found their own way to make a difference.

Adult Learner Instructor/Facilitator Designer/Director

2011 Cindy (Dan) Yu Carolyn Reicher Terri Peters Bradley Henkel Elena Beckwermert Denise Theunissen Ana Paula Mullen

2010 Sufia Chowdhury Linda Faulkner Tricia Donovan

2009 Patricia Kingsbury Fenna Schaapman Phyllis Regier

2008 Rowshon ana Sheuly Brenda Henley Belle Auld

2007 Euphema Blake Peter Cutting Diane Hardy

2006 Dee-Ann Mercer Jennifer Lippold Laureen MacKenzie

2005 Greg MacIntyre Abbas Ali Behmanesh Nancy Bain

2004 Donald Patterson Sharon Christie Anne Price

2003 Philippe Gagnon Ruth Bieber Marnie Schaetti

2002 Janice Shaw Audrey Gates Celia Osenton Conrad Murphy

2001 Roy Pentland Geri Marentette Desiree Lopez

2000 Candace Soul John Johnson Wilma Rubens

“If my life is a journey, this first year I spent in Canada will be the most

breathtaking part with the inspiring highlight being the

LOLA award. What’s more, it empowers me to keep

trying and encourages me to continue sharing the beauty of life-long learning with everyone I encounter in

this journey.”

Cindy Dan Yu

Page 5: LOLA Storybook 2011

112011

2011Ana Paula MullenAdult Learner

Ana Paula Mullen proves how commitment to learning can help you to achieve your goals.

Ana Paula came from Portugal as an adolescent

and despite attending school in Canada she

left without being fluent in reading or writing

English. Now she works to improve her skills,

taking classes at the library and enrolling in Bow

Valley Colleges’ Building Reading and Writing

Skills. Ana Paula focuses on her ultimate goal of

working in the education field with children with

special needs. Those who know her see that she

is on this learning path already. Ana Paula is a

mother of 7 children, 4 of whom are challenged

with learning disabilities. Her nominator says it

is because of Ana Paula’s advocacy and passion

for learning that all her children are thriving in

school and adds that Ana Paula demonstrates

to her children, classmates and instructors “that

with determination and passion for learning she

will achieve her goals.”

Honorarium donated by

Young EnergyServe Inc.

Bradley HenkelAdult Learner

Bradley Henkel changes perceptions of people with disabilities through leadership and learning.

Brad Henkel does not let his developmental

disability slow him down. Since graduating

from high school in 2008 Brad has been

active in the Participation in Academics and

Career Exploration (PACE) program at the

Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre

of Calgary. Whether taking classes, attending

workshops or finding employment, Brad

embraces the PACE program which helps

young adults develop their career and learning

pathways. Many who know Brad say he is

helping to change the stereotype of people with

disabilities. His nominator explains, “Brad has

become a strong leader in different communities

he works and learns in simply by setting an

example as an active volunteer, responsible

co-worker, and equally, always passionate

student.” Brad sets a great example of what you

can achieve through learning.

Honorarium donated by

Oilfield Electrical Inspection Ltd.

Cindy (Dan) YuAdult Learner

Cindy (Dan) Yu came to Canada last April and has been learning and volunteering here nonstop.

A teacher in her homeland of China, Cindy

now shines as a learner in Bow Valley College’s

English for Academic Purposes program. Cindy’s

nominator marvels that on top of her studies

and taking numerous workshops, “Cindy has

been volunteering since the second week of

her arrival.” She has logged over 200 volunteer

hours working at a number of different

community organizations, including the Book

Nook at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre,

delivering Citizen Engagement Workshops in

Mandarin for clients of the Calgary Immigrant

Women’s Association and acting as a part-time

group leader at the Calgary Bridge Foundation

for Youth in the after school program. A

dedicated mother, Cindy also participates in the

Parent Council at her son’s school and trained

to be an interpreter within the school district.

Her nominator is right, “Cindy is a real treasure

to Canada.”

Honorarium donated by

Spirit Pipelines Ltd.

Page 6: LOLA Storybook 2011

11201111

2011Carolyn ReicherInstructor/Facilitator

Carolyn Reicher leads the way for learners as an exceptional literacy practitioner.

Over the past decade Carolyn has been

instrumental in bringing to life many of the

Calgary Public Library’s literacy and learning

programs. One of her most impressive

achievements has been her role in supporting

the Library’s Reading Advantage program to help

over 400 adult learners improve their reading and

writing skills. According to Carolyn’s nominator

“her vision for the improvement of the daily

lives of literacy learners never falters.” It is this

commitment to learners that makes her stand out.

On top of her work at the library Carolyn is also

a passionate and active community volunteer.

A colleague summarizes her strengths “Carolyn

is not only a promoter of adult literacy. She is a

community animator who helps individuals and

organizations connect the dots from the personal,

to the local to the global community.”

Receiving a LOLA honors the purpose of my work which is to create an environment in which clients get rid of the fear that they are less than they think

they are and see that they are so much more.

Elena Beckwermert

Elena BeckwermertInstructor/Facilitator

Elena Beckwermert helps women break away from past trauma and addictions.

For over 10 years Elena has been a life changing

facilitator and counsellor at the Youville

Recovery Residence for Women where she

delivers programming for mothers entering

treatment with their children. Elena is seen

as an innovator by her colleagues always

working to create a learning environment that is

welcoming, nurturing and suiting the individual

needs of clients. Elena’s nominators all spoke of

her dedication, compassion and “genuine desire

to promote self worth and empowerment for the

women and children she works with.” And her

dedication to creating a nurturing environment

is not just professional: Elena’s own twins,

born at 24 weeks, are now close to graduating

university on the dean’s list! Clearly, Elena’s

three decades as a beloved and knowledgeable

educator have influenced the lives of many.

Honorarium donated by

TD Canada Trust Prairie Region

Alberta Association for Multicultural

Education Instructor 2011:

Page 7: LOLA Storybook 2011

11 112011

2011

I am delighted to be a LOLA recipient as this means that I

am recognized by our team as a facilitator of lifelong learning for

myself, our students and staff. We are all unique learners and have abilities that need to be explored

and developed.

Denise Theunissen

Denise TheunissenDesigner/Director

Denise Theunissen champions innovations that advance learner services across the globe.

Through her work as a learning specialist at

Bow Valley College, Denise has contributed

to a number of innovative projects involving

assistive technologies and learner access.

Denise is a passionate advocate of Universal

Design principles, which strive to create

learning environments that are inclusive

and accessible for all. She has even taken

her knowledge of Universal Design teaching

principles overseas working with instructors in

Mozambique, Namibia, Ghana and Thailand. It

is clear from her nominators that Denise “goes

out of her way to motivate and encourage

coworkers….and her dedication to learners is

shown through her tireless efforts advocating

for Universal Design principles for all students.”

Thanks to the efforts of visionaries like Denise

learning is more accessible to us all.

Honorarium donated by

Calgary Learns staff and board

Terri PetersDesigner/Director

Terri Peters is a passionate and effective designer for adult literacy and learning

Terri has dedicated her life’s work to education

and literacy. In her role as a project manager at

Literacy Alberta, Terri developed tools such as

the Literacy Audit Tool Kit and Health Literacy

Audit that are making a tremendous impact

in the field of literacy and the lives of literacy

learners. Terri is also a sought-after training

facilitator and member of several advisory

groups. She uses her knowledge, sense of

humor and passion for literacy and learning to

inspire all those around her. This is clear in the

following praise from one of her nominators, “In

spreading her enthusiasm and belief in literacy

work she leads by example and carries others

along with her.” It is clear that through Terri, our

community has found a passionate voice for the

critical issue of literacy.

Honorarium donated by Calgary Learns

staff and board

Page 8: LOLA Storybook 2011

102009

2010 082009

Patricia KingsburyAdult Learner

In 2006 Pat enrolled in the Never Too Late Program, which helps adult learners study for and pass their General Equivalency Diploma (GED) exams. Bright, determined and an inspiration to students half her age, Pat is following her lifelong learning goal. And succeeding!

Fenna SchaapmanInstructor/Facilitator

Combining conventional and creative approaches, Fenna leads workshops at the Youville Women’s Residence. Fenna is guided by a belief that everyone can learn and achieve. A truly holistic instructor, Fenna helps others believe in themselves.

Phyllis RegierDesigner/Director

As the ESL Program Manager at Chinook Learning Services, Phyllis Regier has created a program that is respected by adult students and professional educators throughout Calgary. Deeply committed to her work, Phyllis goes above and beyond to create a truly exceptional

2010

Sufia Chowdhury Adult Learner

Sufia began taking classes to improve her English after emigrating from Bangladesh. She blossomed in her new learning environment and has become a role model for all finding the balance between observing her faith and inspiring learning in her community.

Linda Faulkner Instructor/Facilitator

Linda Faulkner takes on the challenge of helping multi- barriered refugee and immigrant women in her role at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA). She creatively combines crafts, music, dance, exercise and everyday activities such as

cooking with literacy learning.

Dr. Tricia Donovan Designer/Director

As the Executive Director of eCampusAlberta, Tricia Donovan has played a key leadership role in bringing together a consortium of 15 Alberta post-secondary institutions and developing a revolutionary way of delivering education across Alberta.

“Thank you Calgary Learns. Your mission

has made so much of my fulfilling life possible.”

Fenna Schaapman

Page 9: LOLA Storybook 2011

082008

2007

2008

Rowshon ana SheulyAdult Learner

When Rowshon ana Sheuly and her family emigrated from Bangladesh, her lack of English made it tough to step out her door. An inspiration and role model, Rowshon now leads one of the programs she took herself just a few years ago with the Further Education Society of Alberta.

Brenda HenleyInstructor/Facilitator

At Families Matter, Brenda creatively designs and teaches positive strategies that are useful for everyday parenting struggles. Brenda creates responsive classrooms where parents from all backgrounds can pull together, openly explore their issues and learn from each other.

Belle AuldDesigner/Director

A literacy advocate throughout her career, Belle Auld coordinates the Bow Valley College’s Speech Assisted Reading and Writing Program (SARAW). By dedicating herself to improving the way services are delivered to learners, Belle is recognized with creating one of the strongest SARAW programs in Canada.

2007

Euphema Blake Adult Learner

Euphema Blake decided to fulfill her lifelong dream and learn to read and write. Since joining the Reading Advantage program at the Calgary Public Library, Euphema now reads widely, adding her voice to bible readings

and hymn sings at church.

Peter CuttingInstructor/Facilitator

For more than two decades serving as board member, fundraiser and tutor, Peter Cutting has been helping learners achieve life skills through improved literacy learning. Peter now coaches learners at the Calgary Public Library.

Diane Hardy Designer/Director

Diane is the coordinator of multiple ESL programs at Bow Valley College. Her pivotal work to establish the Bridge Program, received the 2007 Mayor’s Excellence Award. A committed educator, Diane is willing to put incredible effort into making a difference.

“There is so much talent in the field of adult education that to be

offered this recognition celebrates not only an

individual achievement, but the collective and

collaborative nature of what we do.”

Diane Hardy

Page 10: LOLA Storybook 2011

062005

2006 042005

Greg MacIntyre Adult Learner

Greg refuses to let potential barriers like former addictions, cost or time get in his way. Greg became a certified life skills instructor at Momentum and an instructor at the Mustard Seed, Greg’s enthusiasm for learning and life is inspirational.

Abbas Ali BehmaneshInstructor/Facilitator

As a deaf learner himself, Ali teaches by example. During his time at Bow Valley College’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit, he worked determinedly to create a learning bridge to the hearing world.

Nancy Bain Designer/Director

A consummate adult learner, Nancy Bain became one of the first students to complete a master’s degree in Continuing Education, all while carrying out her valuable work at the City of Calgary, providing e-learning and traditional learning opportunities for City staff.

2006

Dee-Ann MercerAdult Learner

After losing her hearing to a rare disease, Dee-Ann Mercer enrolled in an American Sign Language (ASL) course at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. More than a passive student, Dee-Ann created a study booklet that has since become a useful companion study guide for other learners.

Jennifer LippoldInstructor/Facilitator

As a financial literacy facilitator at Momentum, Jennifer led programs for low income Calgarians. Jennifer is described as a passionate facilitator who, with kindness and respect, helps her students to find value in their skills and experiences.

Laureen MacKenzieDesigner/Director

As co-founder and co-executive director of the Further Education Society of Alberta (FESA), Laureen is dedicated to strengthening communities through family learning. Laureen co-authored FESA’s award winning Literacy and Parenting Skills, a program that has reached thousands.

“...it gave me pride and self appreciation that to this day stays with me.”

Janice Shaw

Page 11: LOLA Storybook 2011

042004

2003

2004

Donald Patterson Adult Learner

Because of a speech difficulty, Donald Patterson had always struggled to be heard. Motivated by his success learning sign language, Donald created a book of visual cues that allows him to participate in day-to-day conversations. Donald is now a sought-after public speaker.

Sharon ChristieInstructor/Facilitator

Sharon Christie coordinates the Grace Women’s Health Resources Outreach Program, reaching 7,000 marginalized women and facilitating more than 230 health education presentations on topics that include parenting, family

violence and woman’s health.

Dr. Anne PriceDesigner/Director

Anne Price is a committed advocate of learning, especially for those with learning disabilities. In her roles at the Calgary Learning Centre Anne has developed multiple resources for parents, counselors and educators and is a supporter of

educators in training.

2003

Philippe Gagnon Adult Learner

Philippe is a committed actor who gives 100 per cent to the Inside Out Integrated Theatre Project, a program for participants with disabilities. Philippe never misses a beat, bringing his sense of humour and invaluable life experience to every performance.

Ruth Bieber Instructor/Facilitator

As Artistic Director of Inside Out Integrated Theatre, Ruth Bieber worked tirelessly to create a learning environment—unique in Canada—that is accepting, challenging and very fun. With Ruth’s guidance and vision, her acting troupes have been able to break down myths and barriers.

Marnie Schaetti Designer/Director

Marnie is a dedicated lifelong learner who helped to drive the successful merger of the Alberta Association of Adult Literacy and the Literacy Coordinators of Alberta into Literacy Alberta; she then went on to lead that organization.

Page 12: LOLA Storybook 2011

022002

2002 01Celia Osenton Designer/Director

Celia Osenton’s passion is to provide access to quality parenting education for all interested Calgarians. Her dedication and expertise over the last 25 years have been key in helping to design and direct award winning parenting education classes.

Conrad MurphyDesigner/Director

Conrad Murphy is passionate about workplace learning. As leader of the Business Development division at Bow Valley College, Conrad is nationally recognized as a community educator, partnership builder, policy influencer and researcher.

2002

Janice ShawAdult Learner

Janice did not let her learning disability limit her; earning her BSW at the University of Calgary she spearheaded the creation of services for learning disabled students. In her work she continues to be a mentor for others overcoming obstacles.

Audrey GatesInstructor/Facilitator

Audrey Gates is an intervenor for the deafblind. Audrey builds relationships based on mutual respect and care. She has touched many colleagues and clients with her skill and dedication as she helps the deafblind understand and interact with the world.

“The award acknowledges the effort involved behind the titles advertised, and the importance

of the work being done in our community.”

Celia Osenton

Page 13: LOLA Storybook 2011

012001

20002000

Candace SoulAdult Learner

Candace Soul has spent her lifetime learning. She has completed coursework in business, fitness and recreation, academics, alternative medicine and family life.

John JohnsonInstructor/Facilitator

Working with young adults at Motive-Action Training Foundation, John strives to provide the best possible learning experience for his students, many who find themselves at significant crossroads in their lives.

Wilma RubensInstructor/Facilitator

Wilma Rubens is a dedicated life skills facilitator who helps diverse learners build on their strengths and develop their potential. Specializing in conflict resolution, parent education and life writing, she builds relationships with compassion and wisdom.

2001

Roy PentlandAdult Learner

Roy Pentland has been an enthusiastic and successful learner in every course TVP has had to offer him. Roy is now giving back to the learning community as a volunteer assistant in the TVP driver’s education course.

Geri MarentetteInstructor/Facilitator

Geri Marentette was the coordinator of the Bridges Program at the Elizabeth Fry Society. Working with women in conflict with the law, Geri has helped countless women make permanent and profound changes in their lives.

Desiree LopezDesigner/Director

Desiree is the designer of “Pebbles in the Sand” at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. Her creative program design and ongoing leadership have had huge impact, helping immigrant and refugee women to realize their dreams.

“The LOLA awards give valuable recognition to talented facilitators who spend many hours in preparation and are

committed to encouraging their students to live to

the fullest.”

Wilma G. Rubens

Page 14: LOLA Storybook 2011

LA LOLALOLA

LOLA“The LOLA award can be an acronym for Love of Life Award. As a facilitator I am involved in the education and personal growth of each woman who attends Pebbles in the Sand classes. The award is a statement that reminds me to keep on with learning new tasks so I can encourage each woman to learn anything she may wish to discover.”

Linda Faulkner

“I am humbled by receiving this honour. As the Executive Director of eCampusAlberta, I have been privileged to play a part in increasing access to learning opportunities for adults in Calgary and across the province. Our success is only made possible through the hard work, dedication and commitment to learning that our team, our stakeholders and our members provide.”

Tricia Donovan

“As a ‘mere volunteer tutor’ I was deeply moved and encouraged that I had been chosen from amongst many professionals in the adult literacy field. It was affirming to me how valuable my efforts are in helping adults improve their literacy skills. On a week by week basis sometimes progress is quite slow, and there’s a feeling of “Why do I continue to do this?” But then along comes the recognition that yes, I am making a difference and this makes this all worthwhile.”

Peter Cutting

“Receiving the life time learning award was a great honour for me. To have a plaque I could display in my office with the saying “ life of learning award” was such a gift I was so proud to display. It was amazing to be given an award to celebrate me and my achievements, …… After reading the letters written for my nomination package I never doubted myself again. It gave me pride and self appreciation that to this day stays with me.”

Janice Shaw

Page 15: LOLA Storybook 2011

LOLALOLA

LOLAMy joy in accepting this award is enlarged by the memories of all the continu-ing education instructors who made this possible. Whenever I had a gap in education that needed filling or a desire for fun (singing, sewing, investing) there were accessible and innovative continuing education cours-es available to me. Thank you Calgary Learns. Your mission has made so much of my fulfilling life possible.

Fenna Schaapman

“As a LOLA recipient I would just have to say what I said when I accepted the award – that it is an honour and a humbling experience to be recognized by one’s peers. It makes me feel less like I am working in isolation; that something I’m working on might be making a difference… And it makes me feel like I am part of a larger community of people working in Calgary to make a difference in our clients’ lives.”

Belle Auld

“The challenge for directors of Family Education programs is to design a course that is attractive, informative and is perceived to take a ‘new’ approach to issues. In my opinion The LOLA award for Designer/Director provides encouragement for all who work in the field, to design such innovative programs that will motivate parents to attend and ultimately result in improved parent-ing practices. The award also acknowledges the effort involved behind the titles advertised, and the im-portance of the work being done in our community.”

Celia Osenton

“I was honoured to receive the LOLA a few years ago. It was the first award that I ever received for the work that we do in the area of essential skills assessment and training. The recogni-tion from peers provided an affirmation that we were on the right track when we developed the TOWES assessment products.”

Conrad Murphy

Page 16: LOLA Storybook 2011

2011200, 301 -14th Street NW

Calgary, AB T2N 2A1

Phone: (403) 266-6444 • Fax: (403) 266-6449