Hello, and welcome to the fall semester here at the University of Lethbridge. My name is Cody Sharpe and I'm one of LPIRG's board members. If you're a new student, let me take a minute to explain just what LPIRG is.
The Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group is a non-profit society dedicated to encouraging students to pursue their own research interests and take their post-secondary experience beyond the classroom in creative and inventive ways. We provide direct funding for students to use in conducting research, organizing events and attending workshops and conventions. We also offer logistical and organizational support for activities spearheaded by students. LPIRG's funds come from a $5 levy collected from every full-time undergraduate student, and funding is available only to members of this group. All projects which apply for funding must somehow serve the public interest, which is defined as educating the public on social justice issues and encouraging them to act on this education. LPIRG also organizes events for students to participate in. In the past, we've put together film series, speaker nights, concerts, conventions and workshops. In short, LPIRG combines a do-it-yourself work ethic, secure and sustainable resources and a belief in the possibility of positive change to assist students in achieving their educational goals.
On this website, you'll be able to keep up with the events being put together by LPIRG as well as other opportunities and activities happening around Lethbridge. We maintain contacts with many other local volunteer organizations here in town, and most of the board members are involved with several different groups. I update this site every Sunday evening with a list of the week's events and occasionally during the week with updates on other topics of interest.
If you have questions about LPIRG, our services, how to become involved with us or anything else at all, please feel free to write me directly at cody.sharpe(at)gmail.com. You can also drop by our office - located in Galileo's Gallery in the SU Building - to speak with Shelia, LPIRG's executive administrator. While there, check out our library of books and movies available to undergraduates to borrow. The first events update will be going up this coming Sunday, the 7th of September.
