News in brief: Feb. 10, 2010

Former fine arts professor succumbs to pneumonia

On Feb. 5, former Laurier fine arts professor Michal Manson passed away as a result of pneumonia.

Manson came to Laurier as an artist-in-residence in 1973 and later became a studio instructor of drawing and painting. She also received Laurier’s Honorary Alumna Award in 1991 as well as the Hoffmann-Little Award in 2001 for excellence in teaching.

Throughout her career as a teacher, Manson continued to display her artwork in galleries across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

Laurier currently holds several pieces of her work in its collection.

Manson’s passion for art led to the creation of Laurier’s first art gallery, which at the time of its initiation was located in the Concourse. That on-campus gallery now exists as the Robert Langen Art Gallery in the Aird building.

–Compiled by Lauren Millet

WLU voice professor to appear on TV

Laurier voice professor Kimberly Barber will appear on the Rogers TV show Grand River Living next week. She will be featured on the show based on her opera career and her involvement with the critically acclaimed CD L’Accordéoniste.

Barber joined Laurier’s faculty of music in 2002 and is the administrative co-ordinator of both the voice and opera programs.

–Compiled by Lauren Millet