On June 25, 2012, family, friends and colleagues bade farewell to one of our alumni family, Michelle Shegelski (née Ernst), '07 BA, at a service that recalled the life of a young woman cut short by the tragic events at HUB Mall 10 days earlier.
Michelle's passing, along with that of two other security guards on June 15, shook our campus community to its core and connected us in collective shock and grief. To Michelle's family and friends, we extend our deepest sympathies.
The event reminded us again how much we value our relationships with each and every one of you-our U of A alumni-and how strong these connections are. In the spirit of our commitment to this connection-and keeping you connected with the University throughout all stages of your life-our staff team have re-launched as the Office of Alumni Relations.
Also reflecting this commitment is a new look to this magazine. We hope you are enjoying the redesigned and re-imagined New Trail, this being our fourth issue since launching the new look a year ago.
Each issue is wrapped around a theme, this one being sustainability and the intricate connections among the environment, agriculture, food and human physical and social health.
The first section includes Bear Country, an invitation to explore recent and interesting happenings around campus, and then introduces a "big think" article-something to make you proud. In this issue we have a piece on virology research at the U of A. We also include a current student voice, smaller features and a Q & A, and we round off the magazine with our ever-popular Class Notes section.
The redesign seeks to reflect the incredible diversity of you, our readership, as well as the tremendous activity at our university. We understand New Trail is an important means of staying connected with your alma mater.
Please continue to let us know how we're doing.
Jane Halford, '94 BCom
President, Alumni Association
Sean Price, '95 BCom, MBA
Associate Vice-President, Alumni Affairs; Executive Director, Alumni Association