Tag: Tributes and Occasions
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Everything Is in Her Hands: Honoring Svitlana Arkhypova at 70
When you meet someone like Professor Svitlana Petrivna Arkhypova, you don’t just remember them. You’re transformed by them. Today, on her 70th birthday, I celebrate one of the most caring, brilliant, and inspiring people I’ve ever known. Svitlana Petrivna is a force in Ukrainian education: a pioneer of adult learning, a scholar of social work…
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The Timekeeper’s Walk
Twice a year, when the rest of Lviv lay sleeping, one man would make his solitary journey through the cobblestone streets of the ancient city. His footsteps echoed in the pre-dawn silence as he approached the towering Ratusha, its clock face gleaming faintly in the starlight. From 1999 and for many years before, this was…
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A Thanksgiving Tribute: Bonnie Scott – Winnipeg’s Beacon of Kindness and Hope
Friends, this Thanksgiving weekend, I want to share with you about an incredible person who has touched not just my life, but the lives of so many in the Winnipeg community – Bonnie Scott. The day I met Bonnie, I knew I had encountered one of the kindest souls on this earth. Her gentle nature…
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From Lived Experience to Innovative Solutions: Celebrating Trevor Starchuk’s Award-Winning Addiction Recovery Housing Model
By Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov As a social work educator, it is always inspiring to witness individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing pressing social issues through innovative community-based solutions. Trevor Starchuk, now a dedicated social work student at Thompson Rivers University, exemplifies this passion through his groundbreaking housing model designed to support…
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Empowering the Future: A Tribute to the Class of 2024
The events listed here took place from May 29, 2024 to June 14, 2024. Dear Graduating Class of 2024, It is with immense pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on this remarkable achievement. As you cross the stage and receive your well-deserved degrees, I want you to know…
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When We Fail to Value Women, Dictators Rise: 100 Reasons to Honour Women’s Vital Work This International Women’s Day
Women Rise, Humanity Rises: International Women’s Day is a vital reminder of the immense contributions women make to our world and the ongoing struggle for true gender equity. It’s a day to celebrate progress made, honour courageous pioneers, and recommit to the unfinished work of building a world where every girl and woman can thrive…
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Celebrating Black Stories: University Events for Black History Month
The events listed here took place from February 13, 2024 to February 14, 2024. February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and honor the stories, experiences, and achievements of Black communities. Universities across Canada are hosting events and initiatives to celebrate Black excellence on campus and address anti-Black racism. Thompson Rivers University (TRU)…
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Keeping Ron’s Bright Spirit Alive: Honoring My Dear Friend on January 17th
January 17th is etched in my memory as the difficult day when I learned of Ron’s sudden passing. Though six years have now passed, receiving that shocking news that Ron had unexpectedly left this world feels like yesterday. While that date marks a tragic loss, I take comfort in remembering the way Ron truly lived…
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Thirty-five years of joy, peace, hope and love at Transcona Memorial United Church.
In 1988 Transcona Memorial United Church congregation invited Carol Fletcher and Jeff Cook to become their leaders. Thirty-five years later, Carol and Jeff retired from their leadership roles. I met Carol and Jeff in 2002 when I first came to Canada, and my Canadian Mama, Audrey Lumsden, introduced Ukrainian students to Transcona Memorial United Church…
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Gliding in 2021: Keep it Going!
2021 year has ended. I am grateful to have survived and thrive in reaching out to level 40 of the journey called life and celebrating New Year with the loved ones around the table in Kamloops, BC, with Zoom extension and Global reach to everyone who keeps me grateful every day for what we have. There is much news, and it will take several blog posts to share the highlights…
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Code Blue and Happy Christmas Eve to Those who celebrate tonight
As I woke up a little bit later on my first day off since the start of the fall term, I know many people around the world will be celebrating Christmas Eve tonight. I want to wish you beautiful preparations for the holiday, and I hope to join some celebrations tonight too as I clean…
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May 8-10, 2020: Days of Remembrance, Reconciliation and Mother’s Day weekend.
May 8-10, 2020: Days of Remembrance, Reconciliation and Mother’s Day weekend. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov In 2020 the second weekend in May reminds us about the value of human lives and dignity through the lens of war and love. Resolution 59/26 of 22 November 2004 by the UN General Assembly declared 8–9 May as a time…