Flag-raising a celebration and commitment for U of L

By Lethbridge Herald on June 25, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The University of Lethbridge is showing support to members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities by not only by raising the progress pride flag once again, but also by providing support for 2SLGBTQ+ students and those who advance equity and inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and individuals.

On Tuesday, dozens gathered at the school to raise the progress pride flag and celebrate the 2025 VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award, Lexia Piccolo. 

Piccolo’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and supporting mental health has earned her the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award. 

The award is part of a first-of-its-kind endowment fund established in June 2023 by alumni Kurt Schlachter and Jason VandenHoek. The fund, which was matched by the University’s Board of Governors, aims to celebrate academic achievement, reduce financial barriers, and recognize exceptional contributions to advancing equity and inclusion for the community.

Even though Piccolo was unable to attend the ceremony in person, as she is back home in Quebec, she provided some comments via recorded video. 

“I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. It means the world to me to be recognized for work that is so close to my heart,” said Piccolo. 

She added that the award was a symbol of what is possible when people center equity, community and care. 

“It shows me that creating safer, and inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ unit us, and that this work is seen and valued,” said Piccolo. “For me pride is about visibility and resilience, it’s a reminder of the strength that takes to live authentically and stand in your truth.” 

After the ceremony ended, everyone in attendance stepped outside to raise the progress pride flag before enjoying a barbecue. 

Michelle Helstein, provost and vice-president academic, told media that raising the flag is not only a celebration, but also a demonstration of their commitment to equity, community, care, and belonging. 

“To really think about how we challenge ourselves to continue to move these conversations forward, so that every person in our campus knows that they belong, and they are able to thrive collectively together,” said Helstein. 

Alejandro Figueroa, president of the University of Lethbridge Student’s Union said it is important to bring people together to celebrate pride. 

“I think a lot of times we have barriers that just shouldn’t be there for anyone. “

“We are all a big community and a big environment here that should come and support every single person to thrive and enjoy the experience that we all get to have here,” said Figueroa. 

He said that even though it is the summer, it was great to see so many people come together to celebrate pride. 

“When there’s an event like this that supports people and see everyone coming together, I think it’s beautiful. It’s so lovely just being a student and seeing so many faculty, admin and community just pull up to the event,” said Figueroa.