In memory of George and Alice (Anderson) Hummel
Established by Ruth Hummel, Eleanor (Hummel) Smith and Bernie Hummel, to honor the memory of their parents, lifelong Albertans, George and Alice (Anderson) Hummel, who had a longstanding interest in the CCBN research at the UofL. The release of the first award was in the Fall semester of 2018, which marked 70 years since George and Alice were married (December 16, 1948). George (farmer and rancher) and Alice (musician and music teacher) raised their family in Champion. In the early 80s they moved to Lethbridge, where they were proud to support various University of Lethbridge events and initiatives. Two of their six children (Ruth and Eleanor) are U of L alumni.
Impact
The family’s interest in CCBN research was related to the knowledge that many communities in southern Alberta, including their own hometown of Champion, appeared to be dealing with proportionately high occurrences of Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. George was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s himself, and one of their children had a near fatal stroke.
By creating the George and Alice Hummel Neuroscience Award, the siblings are coming together to honour their parents’ memory and creating a lasting legacy that will impact future generations.
“Our goal is to play a small part in discovering a cure,” says Ruth. “And for every student who receives a scholarship, we want them to know: this is our vote of confidence in you and your work toward finding a cure for so many neurological diseases that touch so many families. Because of the work you do, there is hope something better is ahead.”