Get Your Dose of Inspiration and Wisdom from our Alumni Award Recipients
“Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.”
— Lord Alfred Tennyson, 1835
In many ways, this quote might sum up the path of a University of Alberta student. Students come here as seekers — of truth, of information, of friends, of experiences. It’s an absorbing time of classes, labs, studying, sports, socializing, volunteering. There’s always something to do and someone around. Knowledge and inspiration are never in short supply.
But it’s the experiences after graduation that put that knowledge to the test, and challenge students to use their education for the public good.
As I prepare to co-host the 2017 Alumni Awards on Sept. 25, I am privileged to hear the stories of grads who have definitely passed the test. One of the most heart-wrenching — yet courageous — stories involves opera singer and UAlberta voice instructor, Elizabeth Turnbull, ’84 BMus, recipient of the Alumni Award of Excellence.
In 2015, Turnbull’s husband, Christopher Kubash, died by suicide. Overtaken by grief but determined to bring something out of the tragedy, Turnbull vowed to give a voice to others struggling with mental illness or at risk of suicide. Within a year of her husband’s death, Turnbull launched a cross-Canada concert to bring awareness to the issue.
The second edition of Mysterious Barricades, named after Kubash’s favourite piece of music, took place last Sunday, World Suicide Prevention Day, with concerts broadcast from 15 cities over 22 hours. Thousands of people watched the concerts in person and online.
“We hope that you will feel the healing power of music and sense that others are here to journey with you,” Turnbull said in a message at the start of the concert. “It is our desire that for this concert event, those of you struggling with mental illness and those at risk of suicide may know how much your lives truly matter.”
Turnbull’s belief that music can connect us, lighten our hearts, and help stare down the troubles of the world, shows courage and wisdom.
I hope you take the time to learn more about the accomplishments of Turnbull and the 20 other Alumni Award recipients — people who help make our university one of the world’s finest. And there is still time to register for free tickets to the awards ceremony, the final event of Alumni Weekend 2017 (Sept 22–25). Find inspiration, find hope, and experience true wisdom.
Ayaz Bhanji — President, University of Alberta Alumni Association
Ayaz Bhanji, ’91 BSc(Pharm), is president of the University of Alberta Alumni Association, which aims to strengthen the relationship between the university and its more than 275,000 graduates. Ayaz studied pharmacy but switched gears in 2000 to real estate. He now owns the largest Re/Max real estate office in Edmonton.
