The Quad’s Top Stories of 2019
With the year coming to a close, we take a moment to look back on some of our most memorable stories of the past 12 months. From an exploration of campus’ most exotic trees to a look at some of the most remarkable women in the U of A’s history, here are the most-read Quad stories of 2019:
Fantastic Trees and Where to Find Them
Unlike in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world, there are no Bowtruckles or a Whomping Willow at the U of A — but we do have a collection of trees that Newt Scamander could be proud of. More than 80 species of trees and tall shrubs call North Campus home. Some are native, but many species hail from around the globe. Most we walk by every day, and all deserve a closer look.
kiskinohawmatok — A Beadwork Thesis and Treaty Context at the U of A
Tara Kappo’s research for her master’s thesis is not where you’d expect to find it; nor does it resemble typical research. There are no typed pages or stacks of notes. Instead, a significant portion of her research sits within a simple wood frame, soft velvet and intricate beading, containing and conveying Tara’s research on how Indigenous ways of teaching and learning have a place in our education systems.
Consider This: You Can Bike to Work Year Round
“It was early morning on December 2. I made my way through the newly fallen snow to the university. The morning was a muffled, peaceful quiet, the kind that settles on the city after a heavy snow. Ahead of me lay a pristine, undisturbed white landscape strewn with blue/grey shadows of shapes buried in a blanket of white.” Support staff member Nicola DiNicola shares her experiences as a winter cyclist.
Consider This: Ten Tips to Help You Develop the Art and Skill of University Teaching
“When I first stepped in front of a class, I couldn’t speak. Moments earlier, I had been printing off the syllabus. The stubborn machine couldn’t staple, so I came to the lecture hall early, placed each syllabus sheet down one page next to another on a table in front of the lectern while students thundered into the room. I was going to speak, but my throat protested, so I just nodded, smiled, and gestured towards the piles of syllabus pages.” Dr. Dalbir Sehmby shares his insights about teaching.
How Big is the U of A
Like anyone who has made their way from ECHA to Humanities in the middle of winter, I am acutely aware of how big campus can seem at times. At those times I, like most, will utter under a strained breath, “how bloody big is this place?”
Today we find out.
Handmade Tales
“I learned that what makes objects worth preserving is so much more than their monetary value; it’s about the stories they tell about who we once were and who we’re becoming. They give us a window into everyday life in a unique way.” New Trail’s Stephanie Bailey explores the U of A’s museums.
Our Stories, Our Food: The University of Alberta Cookbook
Creating opportunities to create meaningful connections that allow us to see each other beyond our roles on campus became the heart of this project to create a campus community cookbook entitled Our Stories Our Food.
Celebrating 20 Years in Cortona
20 years ago, the Cortona campus opened its doors to its inaugural class of 11 students. The Tuscan town has since been visited by hundreds of U of A students, and we took a moment to reflect on some of their experiences.
Suggested Reading: Summer 2019
Thoughts of textbooks might be on pause for the summer, but it’s always a good time to read and learn something new. We rounded up 10 book recommendations from 10 campus bookworms that make for excellent reads any time of year.
We Did It First: A Look at 8 Remarkable U of A Women Through the Ages
There’s always a first — and in honour of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating some of the incredible U of A women who blazed trails, set new courses, and who still inspire us today. In no way is this an exhaustive list, but it’s a start.
Thanks for reading The Quad this year, happy holidays!
