In memory of Dr. Wilma Winter

Established in honour of Dr. Winter, a founding member of the University of Lethbridge and professor emeritus.

Winter obtained a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta and a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Education at the University of Oregon before becoming a founding faculty member of the U of L. She coached the U of L’s first ever national championship team, the 1971 women’s basketball Chinooks, and played an integral role in shaping the delivery of physical education at the U of L, both as a faculty member and Chair of what was then the Physical Education Department.

A trailblazer, Winter was one of the first faculty members to sit on the University’s Board of Governors. At a time when few women were afforded leadership roles, Winter made her mark as a member of the General Faculties Council, was Chief Marshal of Convocation and the University’s first female Athletic Director.

Wilma was well known in Lethbridge for her tireless work and leadership in many charitable endeavors. She was Chair of the Provincial Special Olympics Games, Co-Chair of the Provincial Senior Games, Chair of the Kiwanis Music and Speech Arts Festival. At her passing she was the President of the Lethbridge Duplicate Bridge Club, past Board member of the Lethbridge Country Club, the YWCA, and 1st Choice Credit Union. She was chosen as the YWCA Woman of Distinction in 2006 for her volunteerism and leadership skills. The Province of Alberta honored Wilma with the Alberta Centennial Medal for her community involvement in 2005.

Wilma was a long time golfing member of the Lethbridge Country Club. As a bridge player, she attained the level of a Silver Life Master Duplicate Bridge player from the American Contract Bridge League as well as an accredited Duplicate Bridge director. She was a voracious reader and an avid world traveler.