A common trait among industry leaders isn’t their ability to fit in – it’s how they find a way to stand out. Lethbridge College’s AgENT program is highlighting those who have broken new ground, led in innovation and created opportunities for themselves and others as part of the DISRUPTOR speaker series.
Award-winning Canadian journalist, Peter Mansbridge, will be the fourth speaker to participate in this series.
Presented by AgENT, in collaboration with Lethbridge College’s Digital Communications and Media program, “Off the Record with Peter Mansbridge” will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 10 via Zoom. The event will begin with a brief, informal speech by Mansbridge with a Q and A session to follow.
“It’s an absolute thrill to have a Canadian icon like Peter speaking to our college community,” says Megan Shapka, interim Director of Applied Research Operations with the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “Our AgENT Disruptor Series focuses on highlighting innovators and changemakers with a goal of inspiring attendees to think in new ways to search for solutions and tackle problems. Throughout his career in media, Peter has covered many disruptive events. Hearing his stories first-hand will no doubt be inspiring and exciting for everyone who joins his talk.”
In his 50-year career with the CBC, Mansbridge anchored major national and international news events including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He covered 13 Olympic Games, 34 Canada Day celebrations, every federal election since 1972, every visit by Queen Elizabeth II since 1970, three royal weddings and two royal funerals. He spent 30 years as CBC’s chief correspondent and anchor of The National before retiring on July 1, 2017.
"We are so fortunate to have someone with such vast experience meet with future journalists and professional creatives in the Digital Communications and Media (DCM) program,” says Kris Hodgson-Bright, instructor. “And, because of his generosity, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to support five DCM students as they further their education.”
Mansbridge is deferring his speaking fee to create five, $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to one DCM student each year over the next five years. Applicants must be full-time continuing students and demonstrate significant scholastic improvement and personal growth.
Members of the public are also invited to join Mansbridge’s virtual talk on March 10. Registration and more information are available online.
AgENT is an extracurricular program open to all Lethbridge College students, which allows them to collaborate with fellow students, participate in workshops, listen to inspiring guest speakers and work with mentors to solve real-world challenges. Students have opportunities to pitch their ideas to experts with the chance of winning awards and seeing their ideas put into action. More information is available at lethpolytech.ca/agent.