{"id":131,"date":"2017-01-02T08:46:37","date_gmt":"2017-01-02T15:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/50th-anniversary\/?p=131"},"modified":"2018-01-24T15:06:06","modified_gmt":"2018-01-24T22:06:06","slug":"design-connection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/50-years\/design-connection\/","title":{"rendered":"Design Connection"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1\/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1\/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Before the University of Lethbridge was ever a leading institution, it was a dream in the hearts of visionaries like Paul Matisz, a then local lawyer in Lethbridge. The 1960s was an era marked with great debate around both the need and the location for an additional post-secondary institution in Lethbridge, but it was Paul\u2019s firm opinion that educational matters were finally being given a top priority in the country and it was only a matter of time until a university would be established in southern Alberta. In 1967, Paul and others saw their hard work come to fruition. The University of Lethbridge was officially established and Paul was among the members appointed to the original Board of Governors.<\/p>\n
\"\"

Don Matisz (BASc (BA) ’68)<\/p><\/div>\n

It only seemed fitting that Paul\u2019s nephew, Don Matisz (BASc (BA) \u201968)<\/b>, would enroll and be among the first students to attend the newly formed university. Don has vivid memories of those early days as an art student. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe University was still on the south side, on the same campus as Lethbridge College (then Lethbridge Junior College). There was a big barn that had been converted for use as art studios and classrooms. The professors needed separate spaces for the potters, the painters and so on. They made dividers out of wooden frames and sackcloth, so sometimes, if you were working on a project, you could actually sit in on a lecture without being in the class,\u201d he recalls.<\/p>\n

Closeness, particularly among students and faculty, has stood out in Don\u2019s memory over the last five decades.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe professors became an extension of your family. They were approachable and wonderful teachers,\u201d he recalls. \u201cI remember one class I had on European history with Ted Orchard. There were only three students in the class, so we had the class in Ted\u2019s office. We\u2019d sit in there, him with his pipe, and we\u2019d talk about European history. It was more of a conversation than a lecture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1968, there was a call for students to enter a contest to design a Coat of Arms for the University. Don carefully researched all the elements needed and put forward a submission. \u201cI never dreamed I would win, but I did,\u201d
\nhe recounts.<\/p>\n

\"Don

Don Matisz’s original artwork, 1968.<\/p><\/div>\n

While many of the elements of that design have shifted over time, parts of the original Coat of Arms can still be seen, including the Fiat Lux banner as well as the sun, both of which continue to be integral identifying features of the current U of L logo.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel honoured to have that long-standing legacy at the University, that a piece of me lives on,\u201d says Don.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Don, 1968 continued to be a monumental year. He would design the first scepter used at convocation and would also be the first graduate in the University\u2019s multidisciplinary program. He went on to have a long career as a local art teacher and renowned potter, selling more than 20,000 pieces worldwide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Official

Official U of L Coat of Arms, registered in 2012.<\/p><\/div>\n

While Don remained a proud alumnus, things came full circle when he was asked to participate in the University\u2019s 25th anniversary at convocation. What really cemented that day in time was seeing his daughter, Laurianne (Matisz) Schell (BFA \u201992)<\/b>, cross the stage in a cap and gown.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving been in that first graduating class, and watching me graduate 25 years later, made it a very special day for both of us,\u201d recalls Laurianne.\u00a0\u201cI was excited to learn what the future held for me and very happy to share that day with my dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Don

Don Matisz (BASc (BA) ’68) and Laurianne (Matisz) Schell (BFA ’92) at Convocation in 1992.<\/p><\/div>\n

For the Matisz family, the U of L continues to play a central role. Rhonda (Matisz) Nelson, another of Don\u2019s daughters has worked in advising at the University since 2010, and the youngest\u00a0 <\/span>sister, Jessica (Matisz) Maneschyn, is currently enrolled as a student.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy mom was working in the general office when she met my dad. Each family member has a special bond to the
\nU of L, which helps unite our family,\u201d says Laurianne. \u201cWhenever I see the U of L logo I\u2019m reminded of my family\u2019s connection to the University of Lethbridge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Story by\u00a0Jana McFarland.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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