Effect
WINTER 2025
Beyond Pixels
Arvisais’ bold transition from digital design to tattoo art.
Lights, Camera, Action
Creative Media graduates put the spotlight on the vital role a well-rounded education plays in industry success.
Barkley Marathons Finisher
Ihor Verys conquers one of the world’s toughest races.
Campus Catch Up
A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING AT AND AROUND ASSINIBOINE
NEW NAME, NEW LOOK
You may have noticed we now go by Assiniboine College and have a snazzy new look. Our new brand identity symbolizes pathways of growth—through education, career, and personal development—while highlighting the interconnectedness of students, faculty, and community. The geometric “A” represents Assiniboine, and is inspired by Manitoba’s First Nations heritage and the nurturing symbolism of the Tipi. The purple and red hues reflect Manitoba’s Prairie crocus and strength. In our name, Assiniboine College, we are realizing a change years in the making. Our connection to community has never been because of our name and will remain strong as we move forward as Assiniboine College.
ASSINIBOINE PARTNERS WITH BU ON ARTICULATION AGREEMENT
In a shared commitment to advancing learning opportunities, Brandon University and Assiniboine College’s Peters School of Business have signed a new articulation agreement, which will renew and update existing pathways for students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degreedegree at Brandon University, or a Digital Art and Design or Web and Interactive Development diploma at Assiniboine.
STUDENTS GAIN ACCESS TO CONQUEST PLANNING SOFTWARE
Thanks to a gift-in-kind donation made to the college by Conquest Planning, Students in the Peters School of Business have started using the financial planning application in class. Conquest’s gift will empower students in line with Assiniboine’s mission to cultivate a “learn by doing” environment, preparing students for the workforce by providing them with the technical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their financial career.
MATLASHEWSKI FOUNDATION SUPPORTS MECHATRONICS
Assiniboine received a $500,000 donation toward the college’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology (Robotics and Automation) program that will become part of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment in September, 2025. The donation will go towards the purchase of various teaching robots that will be located in the new lab space.
GREENHOUSE EXPANSION SUPPORTED BY MAJOR DONORS
The College has received donations from the RBC Foundation, Scotiabank and the McCain Foundation to support the expansion of its greenhouse facilities. These generous contributions will advance the Prairie Innovation Centre initiative, enabling the college to expand its infrastructure and introduce new programs that drive growth, innovation, and sustainability within the agriculture sector.
The RBC Foundations donation will also advance the Greenhouse in a Box research project. Learn more about this project on page 14.
EDWARDS SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW DEAN
Following the retirement of Edwards School Dean Tim Hore this summer, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Nicole Gaudette, as the new Dean of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment. Gaudette brings a robust background in postsecondary research, innovation, and policy development, which will be instrumental in furthering the School’s mission to advance learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture and environmental practices, as well as the next phase of the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture project. Most recently, Dr. Gaudette served with the Province of Alberta as the Director of Post-Secondary Research and Innovation Strategy in the Ministry of Advanced Education. Welcome to the college, Nicole.
Ihor Verys EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE
Ihor Verys isn’t just an ultra-marathoner. He’s one of the few to complete the infamous Barkley Marathons, widely regarded as one of the toughest races in the world. With a finishing time of 58 hours, 44 minutes, and 59 seconds, Ihor became the first Canadian to conquer this nearly impossible race.
“They say you don’t win Barkley—you finish it, because Barkley always wins,” Ihor chuckles.
A graduate of Assiniboine Business Administration program, Ihor has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. From his roots in Ukraine to his new home in Chilliwack, BC, his journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence, both in his career and as an ultra-marathoner.
After arriving in Canada as an international student, Ihor found his stride in Brandon. His dedication to his studies set him on a path to become a Commercial Insurance Account Manager at HUB International, where he provides insurance services to commercial and farm clients—a job that he finds both challenging and rewarding.
Ihor’s passion extends beyond the workplace though. Shortly after moving to Canada, he discovered running as a way to maintain his mental health. Running evolved into something much larger when the COVID-19 pandemic led Ihor to explore trail running. This led him into the world of ultra marathons, a discipline known for its grueling physical and mental challenges, and he went on to compete in his first race in September, 2021.
Ihor’s first big goal as an ultra-runner was to compete at an international level, which he achieved in 2023 at the Backyard Ultra World Championships. His journey as a runner has been fueled by curiosity about the limits of the human body and mind, and it has driven him to explore the potential of both.
“Every race is important and challenging,” Ihor stated. “At the end of the day, it’s an ultra, and many things can go wrong during it, no matter how strong you are.”
After that experience came the Barkley Marathons in spring 2024— one of the most significant milestones in Ihor’s running career to date. Known as one of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world,
with a high failure rate, the Barkley Marathons is a 160 km race through Tennessee woodland, with an elevation gain of 17,000 metres. It consists of five loops of a 20-plus mile off-trail course, for a total of 160 kilometres. The race is limited to a 60-hour period from the start of the first loop. In the nearly fourr decades that the race has been held, only 20 people have complete the course.
For Ihor, the Barkley Marathons was not just a race, but a culmination of years of physical and mental preparation, which rewarded him in the end―he not only completed the race, he won! Ihor was the first runner across the finish line.
“The fact that there’s only a few people who completed the Barkley Marathons over the last 40 years piqued my interest,” said Ihor. “The inhumane challenge and ridiculous failure rate enticed me.”
Ihor’s approach to this challenge was shaped by a lifetime of experiences—from long walks to school as a child in Ukraine, to harsh conditions he endured while running in -40°C temperatures while studying at Assiniboine. Balancing his career with the rigorous training required for ultra marathons is no small feat, but Ihor is
driven by the challenge. He trains after work and on weekends, often pushing his limits on the rugged, steep, and technical terrain found right in his new backyard of Chilliwack.
Although ultra running is a solitary endeavour, Ihor finds solace in the supportive and inclusive ultra-running community. He cherishes the camaraderie among runners, where everyone, regardless of speed, is respected and encouraged for their personal battles against the elements and their own limits.
As Ihor looks to the future, his goals remain ambitious. He’s taking time to recover after a grueling three years of racing, but his sights are set on continuing to explore and redefine what’s possible—both on the trails and in life. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mental strength, and the belief that we can always go further than we ever imagined.
For Ihor Verys, ultra-running isn’t just a sport, it’s a way to continuously challenge himself, to grow stronger with each step, and to inspire others to discover their own potential.
Burgess ponders next destination
IN FASCINATING CAREER JOURNEY
For most of us, the prospect of reaching a career crossroads is something to be concerned about, as it often marks the beginning of a period of financial and psychological anxiety.
For Assiniboine grad Ryan Burgess, however, the crossroads he has reached is a sign of accomplishment, the threshold to even more challenging and rewarding experiences to add to his remarkable career journey that began 20 years ago in a classroom at the Victoria Avenue campus.
Ryan entered the college’s web design program in 2004. Two years later, he was doing his practicum with Manlab, a small agency in Winnipeg. “You had to do that, which was cool,” he says. “That was probably one of the best parts of it, because you’re actually getting real-world experience, not just theoretical projects and things that you’re doing in class.”
That practicum experience led to a full-time job with Manlab. Two years later, Ryan and his wife moved to Kingston, Ontario and then, one year after that, to Toronto.
“I worked for the Ontario government for a bit, building websites and applications that they needed,” he says. “After that, I went and worked for a fairly large consulting firm called CGI. They do a lot of networking and technology. They have massive clients like Telus, Bell, Rogers, Canadian banks like Scotiabank, TD, you name it.”
“They were doing all this stuff,” he says, “and they wanted to start a smaller interactive agency within, because a lot of their clients were wanting more web-based applications. They weren’t doing that at the time, so I got to join in that fairly early and we were basically like a small start-up within this large company. I really enjoyed that, doing a lot of work for serious clients.”
Ryan then went to another agency in Toronto, called Nu Run. “I loved working there,” he says, “doing a lot of e-commerce stuff for, like, Walmart, Home Depot, Target – various businesses like that. But I wasn’t there that long. My wife and I decided to move out to San Francisco, to be in Silicon Valley, where there were a lot more of the jobs I wanted to be doing.”
That’s when Ryan’s career really began to take off.
“I joined a start-up called Evernote,“ he says. “I was a software engineer, building a lot of web applications, doing a lot of front-end work. For about a year, I was a lead front-end engineer, and then they put me into management. So, I was building a team and managing the team, and then I decided that I needed a change. NetFlix had been bugging me to join them for awhile, so I did end up going to
Netflix and being an engineering manager. I worked with various teams at Netflix, all focused within engineering.”
“The first team I was working on at Netflix was the ‘acquisition UI team’. Essentially, we implemented all the sign-in flows for mobile phones, the web and TV. So basically, anyone who has ever used Netflix has touched something that we built.”
After more than eight years at Netflix, however, Ryan felt it was time for a change. “At the end of 2023, I decided that I would be taking a break,” he says. “I’m kind of on early retirement. I’m forcing myself to at least take a year, to decide what I want to do next.”
“I loved my job so much at Netflix that I was like ‘I want something different, but what is it?’. . .So, taking the time, I’m hoping to figure what that is. Is it going to maybe a start-up? I’m very interested in the direction that we’re going with AI, so maybe it’s going to a start-up and doing that. I’m not sure, though. . .It’s an interesting spot, where I don’t have a solid answer.”
While Ryan ponders his next move, he reminds himself that “You can’t go into a job thinking you know everything. This is a constant learning journey. I’m constantly learning and accepting and enjoying that aspect. Iterating and learning, making mistakes and learning from them, is just so, so important.
“You learn from all those mistakes and grow. ‘Learn by doing’ is on point.”
Creative media grads
EMPHASIZE IMPORTANCE OF WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION
“I went in wanting to learn how to become a broadcast reporter, but learning the technical aspect of the business – shooting, editing, audio and studio roles – has given me a good foundation to make it as long as I have in a challenging but rewarding industry.”
That’s Assiniboine Creative Media and Communications grad Josh Crabb, who works as a reporter/editor with CBC Winnipeg. Connecting with several program alumni this year, the range of opportunities that the program created for them is clear, as well as the opportunities and challenges that exist for current and future graduates of the program.
Four months before graduating from the program, Brice Perkins already had a job lined up with Global News Saskatoon as a camera operator. Since then, he has worked as a freelance technical director for several networks, including Sportsnet, TSN, CBC Sports, NBC Sports, Fox Sports, and IMG Media in England. He has worked on NHL, MLS, CFL, Tennis, Curling and many other sports events.
“My career in media took me to Indonesia and all over North America, covering sporting events,” he says. “The most important tools that you will learn in the program at Assiniboine is that you will have more equipment than you will probably use once you graduate. The resources are endless and if you take the time to learn, make mistakes, and spend the extra time perfecting your craft, that will help you once you step out into the real world.”
Cole Davenport echoes those comments. He is an anchor with CTV News Regina. “The wide skillset the program gives you has come
in handy. It allows me to be the jack of all trades when it comes to shooting, editing, and visual storytelling.”
Daniel Moss, who works as the Music Operator for the Winnipeg Goldeyes, also emphasizes the value of developing a range of skills. He says that the most important thing he learned from the program was “the true variety of skills and scenarios that I was exposed to.”
“It was very useful to know at least the basics to be able to help out when needed,” he added.
Abigail Turner is a Vancouver-based reporter with CTV News. “I am so grateful to have learned how to use a camera during my time at Assiniboine” she says. “It was something that was optional at the time and has since put me in a better position today when solo-reporting.”
And someone who has made a career of his camera skills, Winnipegbased filmmaker Randy Frykas recently won an award for his Outdoor Hockey Club documentary series.
“The last few years, I’ve really tried to become someone who could just do it all. . . If it’s between yourself and someone else for the gig, you need to have those tools or skills that give you the edge,” said Frykas.
Perkins has a similar message for current and future Media and Communications students: “Learn to do everything,” he says. “If you want to work as a reporter in news you will need to know how to be a journalist, a shooter, an editor, and still write your web article at the end of the day. The industry is looking for employees that can do everything, and not be a one trick pony.”
Turner agrees. “Today’s media students should focus on all aspects of journalism. Whether that’s editing, writing, filming or even finding a story – the industry is looking for people who can be a Swiss army knife.”
After many years in the media industry, Crabb, Perkins, Davenport, Moss, Turner and Frykas all say they would still choose a career in the industry if they could go back in time.
“Absolutely I would do it again,” says Davenport. “The media industry has opened so many doors for me, and even if I do decide to go into another field, it’s given me a diverse skillset to work with and adapt to anything.”
Moss puts it this way: “I’ve been very fortunate in the way that things have worked out for me. And in some ways, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. There have been challenges along the way, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Abigail Turner
Randy Frykas
Brice Perkins
Daniel Moss
Josh Crabb
Cole
Davenport
Beyond Pixels
ARVISAIS’ BOLD TRANSITION FROM DIGITAL DESIGN TO TATTOO ART
Alyssa Arvisais (Interactive Media Arts, 2016) is building a career focused on translating deeply personal art onto skin. Arvisais is the creative force behind Dog Rose Tattoo in Minnedosa, Manitoba. It‘s a business that represents the most recent step in a journey that took her from being a graphic design graduate to a respected and sought after tattoo artist. She is a graduate of Assiniboine College’s Interactive Media Arts program and, since opening Dog Rose Tattoo, she has infused both technical skill and creative flair into her work, crafting tattoos that resonate with her clients on both an aesthetic and emotional level.
“I always knew I wanted to do something artistic with my life,” said Arvisais.
“Graphic design seemed like something that I maybe wanted to pursue. I loved going to school for it, but then once I started working in the actual industry, I realized it wasn’t for me,” she said. “I think somewhere through there, I decided tattooing was maybe a little bit more creative freedom for me and just worked better with my, I guess, art style.”
In her tattoo work, Alyssa leans into the fluidity and flow of organic forms, specializing in floral designs and intricate portraits.
“I’ve been drawing faces my whole life, especially ‘lady faces,’” she says with a smile.
Alyssa’s approach to portraiture involves extensive research and a deep dive into reference images. “I want to understand each detail and bring out the subtleties that make a face unique” she says.
While her graphic design background taught her the rules of visual balance and spatial arrangement, tattooing gave her the opportunity to explore what’s outside of those boundaries.
“With tattoos, I have the freedom to create something truly unique,” she explains.
Alyssa’s education at Assiniboine didn’t just prepare her for the technical aspects of tattooing; it gave her the confidence to push her creative limits.
“The instructors were incredible,” she recalls. “They were always there to help, and the small class sizes meant we got personal attention.”
This close-knit environment encouraged Alyssa to explore different styles and mediums, shaping her adaptability as an artist. One of the biggest takeaways from the program was the ability to work under pressure—a skill that has proven invaluable in tattooing, where every design must be completed to perfection on the first try.
“The program pushed me to do things outside my comfort zone,” she reflects, “and that was essential in helping me grow as an artist.”
Tattooing is, of course, unlike other art forms in that it requires artists to work with live canvases.
“It’s a balance between my artistic touch and what the client wants,” she explains. “I work with my clients closely, often reviewing their references and stories to ensure I capture what they envision.”
Alyssa’s clients trust her, knowing she brings an artist’s eye to every piece, while respecting their input and personal connection to the design.
In the tattoo industry, trends and techniques are constantly evolving, so she stays updated by engaging with the global tattoo community through social media and following other artists whose work resonates with her style.
“The trends change so fast, and you have to adapt, but I also stay true to what feels right for me,” she says.
There is a deeper and often therapeutic role that tattoos can play in her clients’ lives. She views each piece as an opportunity to help clients’ express parts of their identity, experiences, or memories in a visual form.
“It’s my job to create multiple pieces a day, but for each client, it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Now an established artist, Alyssa dreams of eventually expanding her studio and bringing in other artists to create a collaborative and creatively rich environment in Minnedosa. Until then, she’s focused on perfecting her craft, developing her portfolio, and deepening her connection with the community. The historic Minnedosa Tribune building, where Dog Rose Tattoo is located, has become a revitalized hub for local businesses and artists, offering Alyssa a unique space that combines old-world charm with modern artistry.
“It’s wonderful being in a place that’s part of the town’s history,” she reflects. “As a longtime Minnedosa resident, it feels like we’re creating something special here.”
While she’s now far removed from the structured world of graphic design, the principles she learned in college continue to shape her approach to tattooing.
“Everything I learned there still applies,” she says. “From composition to knowing what works visually. My background helped me get to where I am today, but tattooing has allowed me to take it in a direction that feels truly mine.”
“Tattoos are very much a personal reflection, I think, in a lot of ways; I think in a lot of ways of what people have gone through. They’re a mark that they cherish. When you think of it that way, you know, my clients have gone through some things in their life, and this is a way that they want to recognize it or memorialize it. As an artist it is amazing to be part of that process.” DogRoseTattooStudio.com
$2M INVESTMENT IN NORTH HILL CAMPUS GREENHOUSE
Facility to support expansion of horticulture applied research
Assiniboine is thrilled to receive a $1 million investment through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), and an additional $1 million from Research Manitoba. The funding will support the expansion of horticultural applied research capacity to address climate change and food security.
As part of the college’s Applied Research Strategy, the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment is consistently working to respond to sector challenges and industry needs. This investment will help the school expand on greenhouse operations, allowing faculty and students to research the roles greenhouses can play in addressing food production, and improve food security.
“We are proud to be recognized as a premier applied research institution in Manitoba, and we are grateful for this investment made by CFI’s College Fund and Research Manitoba,” said Assiniboine President, Mark Frison. “This funding will enable Assiniboine to acquire the equipment and build the necessary spaces for our faculty researchers and students to expand on their work and help us in our goal to become a top 50 research college in Canada.”
Drawing from extensive experience in horticultural sciences, the applied research being conducted at Assiniboine is led by Drs. Poonam Singh and Sajjad Rao. It focuses on industry and regional food production challenges, including crop sustainability, pest management, soil health and clean technologies. By doing so, it has made significant advancements in agricultural practices, sustainable hotriculture and environmental stewadrship.
With a demonstrated ability to spearhead research and development projects for the industry, Dr. Singh excels in leading initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable practices and enhancing the production efficiency of horticultural farms. She has a substantial track record of publishing numerous research papers in well-regarded academic journals and presenting at national and international conferences. She is also the recipient of numerous prestigious grants, including funding from The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (a federal-provincial initiative, Govt. of Canada), Ag Action Manitoba; Employment and Social Development Canada, Agriculture and Agri Food Canada, and the Shastri Indo Canadian Institute, Canada.
Dr Poonam Singh’s current work is focused on:
1. Developing peat-reduced media blends using waste and byproducts of the agricultural and timber industry such as wood fibres, plant fibres, composts, and biochar for horticultural crop production. Her work involves standardizing protocols for determining bio-physiochemical characteristics, and to explore them as potential components of sustainable growing media that could serve as a viable option for potted plant cultivation and hydroponic vegetable production.
2. The evaluation of the suitability of new growing media blends for plant growth and development under protected growing systems. Studies focus on optimizing growing novel partner-supplied media blends for plant growth in the greenhouse and high tunnels to grow crops such as tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, cucumbers, cucurbits, pepper and eggplants.
3. Utilizing plant growth regulators that enhance the capacity of plants to combat biotic and abiotic stresses affecting horticultural crops within the controlled environments of greenhouses and high-tunnels. The objective is to optimize yield and quality, improve health and vigor, and enhance the adaptability of horticultural crops to challenging environmental conditions.
4. Examining the fundamental parameters necessary for the effective operation of an innovative modular freight container farm designed for growing leafy greens. This investigation includes a comparative analysis with traditional greenhouse-based growing systems, aiming to evaluate and contrast their respective operational characteristics.
Dr. Sajjad Rao is an accredited agricultural professional with over two decades of experience in R&D innovations and academic program development and execution. Rao’s research focusses on climate changing agriculture , sustainable food production technologies, novel crop genetics development & technology commercial acceptance programs to address and overcome producers’ challenges and foster new business opportunities for food production and processing industries.
Dr. Rao has made significant contributions in sustainable crop production technology innovations for controlled environmental horticulture and developed practices & protocols for climate positive field crop production. He developed a novel spring wheat variety suitable for the Canadian Prairies and is well published on the impact of greenhouse microclimates on plant growth and yields, the effect of solar energy on greenhouse climates, and varietal studies regarding strawberry and sweet potato propagation in greenhouse and field environments.
xamining the effect of varied greenhouse design
days to flower, days to maturity, total yield; nutrient profile as determined in the research lab) which impact the bottom line of
ntrols and plant growth performance, climate and plant data acquisition, monitoring and communication systems for maintaining optimum greenhouse climates leading to sustainable crop production systems and optimizing year-round plant performance. Analyses are applied to greenhouse crop yield models for different crop performance under different low, medium and high-tech inputs and protocols.
2. P roduction needs are being explored and nutrient and anthocyanin levels of purple carrot varieties (culturally important crop for Indigenous communities) tested in the research laboratory to identify the best variety to use in production. Anthocyanins have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties that protect from the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and cognitive function disorders.
Assiniboine remains committed to a collaborative, partner-driven planning process to identify opportunities and respond to industry challenges in various parts of the food system and is using the resulting data to shape and expand its applied research focus for the coming decade.
“The Edwards School is consistently working to address industry demands and challenges we experience at a local and global level,” said Tim Hore, retired Dean, Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine College. “Collaborative efforts and support from industry partners help Assiniboine continue to conduct research that will enhance food self-reliance, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.” For more on the applied research being conducted
RBC FOUNDATION DONATION FUELS
expansion of Assiniboine’s greenhouse and Sustainable Food Systems Initiatives
A $700,000 donation from the RBC Foundation will support Assiniboine College in expanding its greenhouse facilities and further advance its Greenhouse in a Box research project. This donation is a contribution towards the Prairie Innovation Centre initiative, which allows the college to develop infrastructure, launch new programs to support advancements in the agriculture industry.
“Donations that support infrastructure and launch new research, and education allow Assiniboine to further expand our efforts to develop solutions in agricultural sustainability and food security— both critical to the future of our industry,” said Chris Budiwski, Chair of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment at Assiniboine. “We appreciate the RBC Foundation’s support towards this environmental sustainability project,“ he says. “This collaboration is important to the Edwards School, which aims to provide students with real-world experience through industry-driven applied research projects, and support them to graduate with the skills needed to support a low-emissions economy.”
As part of the college’s Applied Research Strategy, the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment is consistently working to respond to sector challenges and industry needs. The Edwards School’s Greenhouse in a Box prototype is a free-standing,
transportable structure. It’s a type of greenhouse that allows fruit and vegetable production to adapt to almost any location or climate, extending the crop growth season.
“We are proud to be recognized as a leading applied research institution in Manitoba,” added Edwards School Chair Karen O’Gilvie.
“This funding will help us to acquire the necessary equipment and build the spaces for our faculty and students to expand their work in addressing industry demands and tackling challenges at both local and global levels.”
“With RBC’s ambition to support the transition to a net zero economy, we know that the pursuit of sustainable agriculture is collaborative, and we’re pleased to support Assiniboine College in this space,” said Tracey Schofield, RBC Regional Vice President. “We’re delighted to announce a $700,000 donation from RBC Foundation to support Assiniboine College’s Greenhouse in a Box initiative and increased training opportunities for horticultural students.”
The greenhouse is located at the North Hill campus. The expansion will join the grow plots, orchard and the weed identification garden to provide interdisciplinary training, practical education and applied research.
Sustainable Greenhouse Expansion Greenhouse in a Box Concept
For more info on the Greenhouse in a Box and how it works
Culinary arts, culture and connection embraced in Italy
As part of the college’s International Strategy, Assiniboine International is working to introduce additional study-abroad opportunities in other countries for students in various programs in the coming academic year. Students’ participation is partially covered by the college’s Global Experience Fund, which supports student experiences abroad.
This trip was more than an educational excursion; it was a transformative journey that will resonate in the hearts and minds of the participants for years to come.
Twenty-one students and faculty from Assiniboine College’s Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment travelled to Urbania, Italy for two weeks in May for a unique college experience exploring the flavours and colours of authentic Italy.
The group, which included students from the Land & Water Management, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Baking Foundations, Civil Technology and Culinary Arts programs, were immersed in Italian language classes, toured areas rich in cultural culinary heritage and history, and learned about connections from agriculture to food products.
The tour was led by local experts and producers, offering an authentic and in-depth look at some of the food systems of Italy that are wellregarded around the world.
“Being able to travel internationally as part of their program, and be immersed in a culture so rich in culinary history, not only adds to students’ hands-on learning experience, it also provides them with an expanded worldview and meaningful memories that will stay with them long after they graduate,” said Karen O’Gilvie, Academic Chair in the Edwards School.
For Culinary Arts student, Tyra Hart, this was an experience of a life time.
“Not only was this my first time travelling outside of Canada, it was my first time leaving Manitoba,” said Hart. “The most exciting part about this trip for me is just being able to travel and see what’s out there. It was an exciting two weeks, learning about another country and to experience it first-hand feels kind of surreal. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
Ashley Guimond, a second-year Culinary Arts student, was most impressed with the connection Italians have to the land, to the products it grows, and to each other.
“They have an impactful connection with the land here and grow their foods organically, without pesticides, and use what the earth provides them for every season,” observed Guimond. “It’s truly all about personal connections here. They have small boutique stores instead of shopping malls, and value getting to know you.”
That value of personal connection rang true for Ashley, while out for dinner one night in Italy.
“A highlight of the trip for me was at a restaurant called Cocina Torintia. I asked the owner, Dotti, if I could watch her and the head chef cook in the kitchen. She snuck me in to help cook the tortillas for the antipasti course. It was an incredible experience and I’ll never forget the connection we made in the kitchen that evening.”
For those connected to the culinary arts, seeing firsthand how they produced ingredients used daily was a memory that will not soon be replicated.
“Drinking coffee will never be the same as we now know the real deal,” said O’Gilvie with a laugh.
During the agricultural tours, the group enjoyed what some in the group might call the finest cappuccinos in the world, explored breathtaking vineyards while learning about grape cultivation for winemaking, and visited a Parmesan cheese factory, aweing at the stacks of massive cheese wheels.
After two weeks away, the group returned home not only with full bellies but also enriched with a deeper understanding of Italian culture, language, and culinary practices. The experience left a lasting impact on the students and faculty, providing them with invaluable insights that they are eager to incorporate into their studies and future careers.
The international exposure and culture immersion have broadened our students‘ perspectives,“ said O‘Gilvie. “They‘ve gained a unique appreciation for sustainable practices and the importance of personal connections in the food industry.”
Hart shared her excitement. “This journey was more than just an educational experience; it was a personal awakening. Witnessing the passion and care Italians put into their food and land has inspired me to approach my culinary career with the same dedication.”
Guimond echoed this sentiment, saying that “the bond Italians have with their land and each other is truly inspiring. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the relationships and traditions that surround it. I’m taking home not just recipes but a renewed sense of purpose.”
The memories of Italy’s vibrant landscapes, rich culinary traditions, and the warmth of its people will undoubtedly influence the students’ approach to their studies and future endeavours. As they settle back into their routines in Canada, the lessons learned and experiences gained will serve as a foundation for their growth and success in the agricultural and culinary fields.
Houle brings plumbing expertise back to classroom
When Ashley Houle was in high school in Ebb and Flow First Nation, he never considered the possibility of being a plumber someday, let alone teaching the trade to others.
“It never crossed his mind,” he says. “I planned to go into natural resources when I was in high school.”
After graduating from high school, however, Ashley says, “I was in automotive, and did electrical work – residential – for an electrician before that. I moved to Brandon and I had an option for school that would be paid for, so I figured I’d try another trade and plumbing looked interesting. So, the plumbing trade more or less fell into my lap.”
Ashley graduated from Assiniboine’s piping trades program in 2005, and almost 20 years later, he owns and operates A Plus Plumbing & Heating in Dauphin.
“I worked for a plumbing and heating company in Dauphin. I finished my piping trades, I took practicums, and they hired me right after that,” he says. “I kept going through the apprenticeship program with my levels when I could. I kept going to back to [Assiniboine] at every level and then eventually got my journeyman out of it.”
Ashley graduated from Assiniboine in 2011 with his Level 4 plumbing certification.
“In 2014, Durston Plumbing and Heating – Keith and Ann Durston –presented me with an opportunity to buy their business. So, I bought the business in 2015, and I’m still in business.”
When asked what aspects of plumbing he enjoys most, Ashley says “I enjoy service calls mostly, because it makes you think. It keeps your mind sharp, because there’s always a problem you have to try to fix. Why is it happening? And then you find the solution and you’re happy when it’s done.”
As much as he enjoys service calls, however, Ashley is also now devoting a portion of his time toward passing his knowledge to a new generation of trades students. Last year, he was an instructor for Assiniboine’s Applied Plumbing program in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Garden Hill First Nation. This winter, he will be teaching the program in St Theresa Point.
Being an instructor has been far more rewarding than Ashley expected.
“I’ve always said I would never teach,” he says, “Always having to deal with students, it looked like hard work, but it was good. I hit the ground running. I actually felt comfortable.”
Looking to the future, the father of three boys plans to continue teaching, while also operating his plumbing business. “I’m hoping to do both,” he says. “Six months teaching, six months I come home and do some service calls when I can.”
For those considering a career in plumbing, or simply a new career direction, Ashley has some good advice: “When the road gets tough, just keep going. Keep on going. Look at every opportunity, whether it’s good or bad. That’s the lesson.”
Changing lives and communities
THROUGH BICYCLES
It’s a long way from Manitoba to Africa, but the trip continues to be a rewarding one for Assiniboine alumnus David Major.
After graduating from the Business Administration program with an Accounting specialization in 1996, Dave owned and operated a coffee shop in Brandon for a few years.
“After that, I had the opportunity to participate in an externship program and traveled to Uganda to work with local non-profits on their finance and accounting systems – Uganda Crafts in Kampala and Uganda Rural Development and Training Institute in Kagadi.
After completing that externship, he returned to Uganda and bought a farm that produced okra and beans for export. During that time, he also did some consulting work for non-government organizations in Uganda, as well as some private businesses. At that point, he was asked to join TechnoServe (a “business solutions to poverty” NGO based in Connecticut) as their Financial Controller of a USAID funded project.
“I am a huge fan of development through good business practices,” he says. “After that project came to an end, I was promoted to Regional Financial Controller of East Africa and moved to Arusha, Tanzania. I was then further promoted a few years later to Financial Controller of Africa for TechnoServe. During that time, we experienced huge growth in our grant portfolio, which was exciting but also a bit daunting.”
After over 10 years at TechnoServe, Dave moved on and did consulting work with the United Nations Development Programme. While at the UN, he worked with an organization called KickStart International, which is a social enterprise that sells hand operated water pumps in Africa. He helped them design and implement their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) suite, along with corresponding internal controls.
He was then hired by World Vision International to be their Director of Finance and Risk based in Lusaka, Zambia. While in Zambia, he also became a Certified Fraud Examiner and developed a comprehensive internal audit and risk and compliance program for World Vision. He was then asked to join World Bicycle Relief as Chief Financial Officer of Buffalo Bicycles in October of 2012, a position he currently holds.
“At that time, Buffalo Bicycles, a non-profit social enterprise, had just been formed and was looking for leadership as it relates to their finance and accounting processes, a challenge that I was very much up for.”
The World Bicycle Relief website says that the organization “empowers people and communities through life-changing bicycles. We are committed to helping people conquer the challenge of distance, achieve independence and thrive.”
“For me, the most satisfying part of my work is seeing the ‘power of bicycles’. The immediate benefit to those who have purchased our bike is very powerful. Our target market is students – with a focus on female students – entrepreneurs and community healthcare workers in rural parts of Africa and South America.”
“People in Africa and South America walk incredible distances each day. Having a bicycle makes them four times more efficient, which means they spend less time walking and more time at school, at the market selling their wares, or delivering much-needed medicine and care in rural areas, all using a Buffalo Bicycle.”
Looking to the future, Dave explains that “We currently have operations in Kenya, Colombia, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In 2024, we are expanding our footprint into Tanzania and likely Ghana. Each of those countries has their own currency, their own revenue authorities and their own rules and regulations, which can be very challenging at times given the changing economics.”
“Setting correct pricing, margins, and managing operating costs can be quite a challenge”, he says. “Currently, we have 89 retail outlets globally, with an additional 26 being opened in 2024. Most of our outlets are in very rural areas of Africa and South America, so managing that is a monumental task.”
For students currently attending Assiniboine, Dave has some advice: “At World Bicycle Relief we embrace the theory of ‘Kaizen’ which means always striving for small incremental improvements in everything we do – be it the bike or business processes – we always look to improve.”
“My advice would be to always set your goals high and work diligently at achieving those goals. Work smart, leverage technology and always be integrous in everything you do.”
For those who wish to support or become involved with World Bicycle Relief, visit worldbicyclerelief.org for more information.
Assiniboine graduate spends decades
CHAMPIONING TWO-SPIRIT AND LGBTQIIA+ RIGHTS
When Albert McLeod first walked through the doors of Assiniboine College in the mid-1970’s, he never envisioned how a certificate program in commercial art would help him find belonging, and eventually lead him to a career in advocacy and progress in the Two-Spirit (2S) and LGBTQIIA+ community.
“I attended Assiniboine College in 1976-77 when I was about 20 years old” he says. “I was living in The Pas at the time, and didn’t want to work at the mill, so I really didn’t have a lot of prospects in terms of employment there. I always had an interest in art from childhood, and I came across an opportunity for training at Assiniboine.”
In looking at wanting to build a career in art, McLeod sent in a portfolio of his work to the college, along with an application. A short time later, he would learn that he was successful, and within a couple of months he would pick up stakes and move south to Brandon. He recalled that during his time at Assiniboine, he occupied a basement suite. He, along with two other students who he had not met prior to coming to Brandon, would call that suite home for the next year.
This was McLeod’s first taste of city life. Prior to arriving in Brandon, he spent much of his youth in Cormorant, a small village north east of The Pas, Manitoba. A member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis community of Norway House, those early years were foundational in McLeod’s connection with the land, and the peoples who call Turtle Island home. His childhood did not come without its share of challenges though.
As a descendant of Scottish and Indigenous heritage, McLeod’s ancestry comes from the people of the Hudson’s Bay company and their local trading partners. He admits that his cultural background and being a closeted gay man in northern Manitoba at that time was a real challenge. The isolation felt by those in the queer community was substantial, he says, and acceptance still felt decades off, if ever it was going to arrive.
“Living in the north, it was very racialized. I came from a mixed family, and so for me to be out of that grayness and come to be in a larger city like Brandon, and to meet people here that hadn’t grown up in that same level of oppression and stigma was enlightening.”
McLeaod notes that the college at the time had many different areas where students would gather to study and congregate, and speaks fondly of his time in the program. It was assumed by many other
students that men taking the commercial art program were effeminate or gay, he recalled, especially by peers in the more traditionally maledominated fields. He welcomed the sense of community he began to find among his classmates and the city’s scene at the time.
“It was interesting, Brandon at the time had a close relationship with Shilo, and a number of the German training exchange soldiers would come into Brandon on the weekends and they would dance together at clubs. It was maybe more of a European thing, than a Canadian thing, but it was new. For myself, I was still coming out then so there wasn’t really a gay culture or community in Brandon at that time, but it was different at least.”
After completing his studies at Assiniboine, McLeod would head down the Trans-Canada Highway to Winnipeg, where he lived from 1977-79. McLeod noted that at the time, being out was considered controversial in Canada, and could lead to termination of employment, social isolation, or violence.
“I kind of ran into a stigma in Winnipeg at that time. Being out was very marginalized and the gay culture was on the down low, especially being an Indigenous person. It was very secretive in Winnipeg so I left in 1979 for Vancouver, which was much more open.”
Arriving in Vancouver in 1979, McLeod found the community he had been searching for, but that connection also showed him first-hand the impact HIV and AIDS was having on those within the gay male community. With the first reported case of HIV in the summer of 1981, the epidemic would grip communities worldwide in a short amount of time, and McLeod’s friends among the gay community in Vancouver would not be immune.
He returned to Manitoba in 1983, after experiencing the harm that HIV had inflicted on his community in Vancouver, with a sense of purpose to ensure those friends he lost were not in vain. McLeod began committing his time and efforts to bring awareness and advocacy to the communities he had been close to throughout his early life.
When asked about how the climate for those who were out in Manitoba had changed from when he left Winnipeg in ‘79 to his return in ‘83, McLeod responded with a smile stating “we changed it.”
“Because of the AIDS stigma at the time, there was violence directed towards gay men across Canada. This violence was rooted in fear, so our community worked with the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 1987 to amend the Human Rights code to protect and include sexual orientation. It was a major step forward at the time.”
The first official Pride march would follow in Winnipeg in August of that same year.
In reflecting on his many passions though, raising awareness of “TwoSpirit’’ as an identity is one McLeod takes great pride in. He himself is a Two Spirit Elder, often lovingly referred to as a ‘Grandmother of Manitoba’s Two Spirit movement’, with his self professed pronoun of “fabulous animate being”, casting a glowing smile across his face. As much as it makes him smile now, the Two Spirit identity, much like so much of McLeod’s work over the decades, found need by seeking hope during a time of loss.
“In 1986, there were two suicides in Winnipeg of young Indigneous queer men,” he said. “They were at their end, were unemployed and stigmatized, so with the help of Gays for Equality, we started a social gathering at Giovanni’s Room on Broadway to try and stop it from happening again. Every Sunday afternoon we would host a dry social where we could gather as Indigenous queer people. The
Sunday gatherings became known as the Tea and Bannock socials,” recalled McLeod. “Those early days would lead us to the foundation of Nichiwakan, the Native Gay Society.” With those foundational steps, McLeod and others would lay the groundwork that would eventually lead to the 1990 recognition of “Two Spirit” as the widely used term for Indigenous peoples with diverse sexuality.
“Applying Indigenous knowledge and language is an act of decolonization, so that name (Two Spirit) came about, and it has taken off since then and is widely used across North America. We’ve included ceremony, language, and names that are all pre-colonial. So Two Spirit is a way to uniquely identify Indigenous contributions to the queer movement.”
Now 68, McLeod’s work has spanned four decades and is showing no signs of slowing down. McLeod holds an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Winnipeg, is a sought-after speaker and knowledge keeper, he remains involved in language reclamation work, community activism, and he spearheaded a collection of Two Spirit historical artifacts. He also continues to work with Indigenous communities to increase HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness.
He doesn’t forget his time at the college either. “I’ve reconnected with a few of my classmates from my time at Assiniboine. We were looking at a reunion before the pandemic hit. Hopefully, we can revisit that idea some day.”
9 TH ANNUAL COUGARS CLASSIC
Assiniboine raised more than $65,000 for Cougars Athletics t through the Cougars Classic golf tournament and athletics sponsorships. This event connects Assiniboine alumni and community supporters with the goal to raise funds for Cougars athletics awards. These funds go to reduce barriers to education and sport for our student athletes. Through registration, sponsorship and donations this funds
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raised through this event helps student-athletes to complete their educational goals while enhancing their learning experience through team sport and competition.
For event and sponsorship information for the 2025 tournament, contact alumni@assiniboine.net
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Alumni Updates AND EVENTS
Our alumni are making waves in their respective industries. Here’s what they’ve been up to:
Christel Koop (née Loll) (Business Administration, Marketing Specialization, ’05 and Web Design ’07) stepped into the role of Director of Creative Services at Source Neutraceutical, where she leads creative initiatives and marketing strategies for the brand.
Sydney Huston (Media and Communications ’24) has taken on the position of Video Production Coordinator at UpHouse Inc., where she works with the team to manage and produce engaging video content, helping to shape brand stories.
Mubarek Adewumi (HR Management, ’24) now serves as the HR Director for the Town of The Pas. In his role, he oversees human resource policies, employee relations, and strategic development to support municipal operations.
Ievgen Komashko (Media Arts, ’17) is making waves in the sports entertainment industry as a Motion Graphics Designer with the Houston Rockets. He brings exciting visuals and engaging content to fans through innovative digital designs and motion graphics.
Ashley Hamm (Web Design ’12) has joined local creative agency powerhouse Create Marketing, where she works with clients to provide marketing, communications and design solutions for their businesses.
We congratulate all of these alumni on their exciting new roles and wish them continued success!
HAVE AN UPDATE OF YOUR OWN? CONNECT WITH US AND LET US KNOW.
COFFEE BREAK
We‘re on a mission to reconnect to reconnect and celebrate our incredible alumni community with our Alumni In Action Coffee Deliveries! In September, we had the pleasure of catching up with alumni at Brandon Computers over coffee and conversations. In December, we had an inspiring visit to the talented team at Create Marketing, and also got to connect with Westman Communications Group. In January, we will be heading to the Parkland region to see alumni there.
Our next stop could be your workplace! We’d love to bring the coffee right to your office doorstep. It’s the perfect chance to share stories, network, and reignite that school spirit. Connect with us today and let’s make it happen!
ALUMNI EVENTS
January 22 Aggie Mixer at Ag Days
February 4 Parkland Alumni Awards
June 19 Cougars Classic
assiniboine.net/stayconnected
Cheers to our Champions
THE LÉNA DONALD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Léna Donald Memorial Scholarship in Nursing has been established by the family of Léna Donald as a way to honor her time as a mature student in the Nursing program at Assiniboine. The award will go to support rural-based, mature nursing students who demonstrate a humanistic approach to nursing.
When Léna completed her licensed practical nurse’s training at St Boniface General Hospital in 1944 it was her first chance to spread her wings. It meant leaving behind the responsibilities as the second eldest of 13 children in a farm family and community that had experienced tough times.
After having spent the years from 1953 married and raising a family of four children, the opportunity to spread her wings again arose when Assiniboine Community College made a recertification program available. With her children grown, she enrolled in the program offered at the Brandon campus in 1981 and never looked back.
While she had been known in the Rivers community as a dedicated wife, mother and home-maker, the resurrection of her nursing career gave her a new identity to many patients impressed by her calm, reassuring competence during a career that spanned into the mid 1990s.
It was a win for them and a win for her to once again enjoy the personal satisfaction that came with being engaged in a career you love and helping others with her knowledge and compassion.
Léna passed away in the summer of 2022 three months after her 99th birthday, survived by three of her four children. Part of the legacy she and her late husband Bill had instilled was the concept of giving back to one’s community.
As the time of her 100th birthday approached it was fitting that those surviving children would commemorate her almost 100 well-lived years with a scholarship that would help to perpetuate her memory and facilitate opportunities for others to enjoy the self-satisfaction of pursuing the career she’d loved helping people in need of medical care.
Her children, Lawrence, Norma and Sandra are thrilled that they have been able to work with Assiniboine to create the Léna Donald Memorial Scholarship to assist mature nursing students from rural communities who have demonstrated competence in their nursing training to complete their goal. “We know Mom would be very pleased to resume helping people in and through the nursing profession.” they say proudly.
For more information on this scholarship and to apply, visit assiniboine.net/awards, click the “award search tool” button and search “Léna Donald Memorial Scholarship” under the award name field.
Assiniboine past president
HONOURED
WITH NAMED SPACE AT NORTH HILL CAMPUS
Assiniboine College has named the private dining room, located in the historic Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts building, in honour of past college president Brent Mills and his wife Rena. This dedication recognizes the couple’s continuous support for the college.
Brent and Rena Mills spent the majority of their adult and working lives in and around Brandon, where they raised their three children. Both were active members of the community, making substantial contributions through their professional and volunteer work. Their most recent contribution of $100,000 to the college signals their continued support for the college and community.
Brent served as the president of Assiniboine College from 1998 until 2006. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in advancing the college’s Brandon presence, where he initiated the move to the North Hill campus.
He also reintroduced the athletics program at the college in 2000 after support for collegiate athletics halted in 1986 due to government cost-saving measures. He and Rena remain major supporters of the Cougars Athletics program.
“Brent’s leadership as president made an impact on the college that we continue to experience today,” said Assiniboine President, Mark
Frison. “His dedication to the expansion of our Brandon campuses, re-igniting the athletics program, and introducing the concept of rural rotating programs enhanced the college experience for our students, athletes, and communities, giving them space to thrive. We are grateful for the continued support from Brent and Rena.”
In addition to his presidency at Assiniboine, Brent’s career in Brandon included roles as a teacher, lawyer, and CEO of Cando Rail Services. He also held positions as Chair of both the Brandon Family Y and Brandon University Board of Governors. Rena Mills spent her career teaching within the Brandon School Division, and retired once their grandchildren started arriving. She was an inspiring educator and remains an active community member and tireless volunteer. Through her passion and dedication, Rena has left her mark on countless organizations, people and projects in Brandon and area.
Reflecting on his time and impact at Assiniboine College, Brent says that, “My eight or nine years at Assiniboine were a highlight of my working years and I am really impressed by the growth and development of the College since my departure. We hope that our donation will assist the college, in some small way, to continue that development.”
The couple now reside in Calgary to be close to family and return to Manitoba to spend the summer months at their cabin at Clear Lake.
Chef Andrew George VISITS ASSINIBOINE COLLEGE CULINARY ARTS STUDENTS
Chef Andrew George, a Hereditary Wing Chief of the Wet’suwet’en Bear Clan and the first Indigenous Red Seal chef in B.C., shared his expertise with Culinary Arts students at Assiniboine’s North Hill campus as part of Truth and Reconciliation Week. With over 30 years of experience, including roles at Expo 86 and the 2010 Olympics, Chef George showcased Indigenous culinary traditions, inspiring the next generation of chefs.
Chef George, who is also the Director of Truth and Reconciliation at SkilledTradesBC, conducted a cooking demonstration with Culinary Arts students at the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts and shared his expertise on local Indigenous foods. He served the dishes in a feast style and taught the students about fine dining plating techniques.
“It was an honour to welcome Chef Andrew George to our Culinary School during Truth and Reconciliation Week,” said Karen O’Gilvie, Academic Chair of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts. “His visit is a profound opportunity for our students to engage with Indigenous culinary traditions and learn directly from a world-renowned chef who has significantly contributed to the integration of Indigenous knowledge in the culinary arts. Hands-on learning events like this not only enrich our students’ learning experiences but also reflect our commitment to embracing diverse cultural perspectives in our education.”
The students were inspired by Chef George’s career. Chef Andrew attended Vancouver Community College in the early 1980s, earning his Red Seal certification in 1989. He gained valuable experience
working at renowned restaurants in the Vancouver area, including the Chateau Whistler Hotel and the Four Seasons. In the early 1990s, he founded and operated the Toody-Ni Restaurant and Catering Company in Vancouver. During that time, he was selected to join the Canadian Native Haute Cuisine team, which competed in the 1992 Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany. His experience at the Culinary Olympics opened his eyes to the opportunities a career in the culinary trades held. It was also there that he noticed the significant underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the industry, a realization that has since fueled his passion for inspiring the next generation of chefs.
“As an Indigenous student, I never imagined I’d have the chance to learn from the first Indigenous Red Seal chef,” said culinary arts student Jayden Peters. “The experience has been transformative. When I graduate and begin my career, I want every dish I create to tell a story. Chef Andrew George’s teachings today have proven that food can be a powerful medium to share culture and tradition.”
“It’s exciting to see the growing interest in culinary and trades by Indigenous students,” said Kris Desjarlais, Director, Indigenous and Community Development at Assiniboine. “Having someone like Andrew share his knowledge and wisdom is invaluable, as he helps inspire future leaders in the industry.”
ASSINIBOINE COLLEGE AND SIEMENS PARTNER TO OFFER
GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED
Mechatronic Systems Certification
The new Mechatronics Engineering Technology (Robotics and Automation) program launching in the fall of 2025 will g ive students access to industry leading certification through the Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification Program (SMSCP). The program is an is an international industry-standard comprehensive skills certification in mechatronics systems offered with partner schools worldwide.
Mechatronics covers essential topics such as system design, troubleshooting, and the integration of mechanical and electronic components, with students gaining practical experience and developing their ability to transfer their knowledge across various systems, making them highly adaptable in a dynamic industry landscape.
Assiniboine’s Mechatronics program will equip students with cuttingedge skills in an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computing, and automation.
“Mechatronics is integral to manufacturing and industrial automation,” said Kevin Rogers, Academic Chair of Manufacturing and Agricultural
Processing in the Russ Edwards School School of Agriculture & Environment. He added that “By offering this program, we are not only responding to industry demands but also setting our students up for success in a rapidly evolving job market. The comprehensive training provided will cover levels 1 and 2, with the SMSCP certification ensuring our graduates are at the leading edge of industry standards.”
Looking to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals who can integrate and maintain complex automated systems, students in the Edwards School will experience hands-on training they can be confident is industry-leading, backed by the prestigious SMSCP German teaching philosophy approach that looks at complete digital system comprehension.
“Our Mechatronics program will train students in advanced technical skills, positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President, Academic. She adds that “Our partnership with Siemens underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, industry-relevant education that meets the needs of both students and employers.”
Joris Myny, Senior Vice President of Digital Industries at Siemens Canada, is pleased to add Assiniboine College to the SMSCP family: “Assiniboine is taking the unique and innovative step of bringing agri-tech and digital training together using Siemens’ globally recognized program,” he says. “Siemens welcomes the next generation of agricultural students to exciting careers in agricultural automation systems.”
Assiniboine’s three-year Mechatronics diploma program will be unique in Canada due to the focus on the agricultural industry/farming sector. The program will welcome up to 24 students in September 2025. Visit assiniboine.net/mechatronics for program information and upcoming information sessions.
Applications for the Mechatronics program are now open. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot in this new program.
Award nominations for Brandon to open in the spring of 2025 with Parkland opening in the fall of 2025. Visit assiniboine.net/alumniawards Nominate Assiniboine Alumni for one of our annual Alumni Awards.
The annual Alumni Awards recognize Assiniboine graduates who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives, and who have been an inspiration to fellow alumni, current students, and the community, both close to home and around the world.
IN THE HUNT FOR WILD HOGS New Science
As wild pigs remain an ecological threat in Manitoba and across our country, finding the truth of where they are, how they move, and where they thrive can be quite a process. Luckily, Squeal on Pigs Manitoba, Assiniboine College and BDx ENVIRO Laboratories are on the case with a rapidly emerging, sensitive detection method.
Squeal on Pigs Manitoba is now analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of wild pigs across our province, using a process that involves the collection of a water sample in a watershed where a wild pig’s presence has been suspected.
“Very limited research has been done across North America on developing this type of test, and we are proud to say that this test was done completely by researchers and scientists working in Manitoba,” says Dr. Wayne Lees, Project Coordinator for Squeal on Pigs Manitoba. “Our hope is to deploy this test across Western Canada so that we can have a much better sense of where wild pigs are, to remove them from the landscape.”
“The applied researchers at Assiniboine College lead the field work and lab testing, with support from Squeal on Pigs Manitoba in locating potential test sites,” adds Chris Budiwski, Chair of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment at Assiniboine College.
“Modelled after research done by the United States Department of Agriculture, we are adapting this innovative testing process to Manitoba’s cold climate and forested areas.”
The test will be essential to tracking herd populations and better understanding their potential threat as vectors for highly pathogenic viruses like swine influenza, pathogenic E. coli, and African Swine Fever (ASF), all of which could pose a significant threat to wildlife, the environment, and Manitoba’s economy. eDNA testing also allows for screening in more remote areas where it’s difficult to rely on human sightings. Assiniboine College researchers have already collected 280 water samples and submitted them to BDx ENVIRO for analysis.
Squeal on Pigs Manitoba started as a collaboration between Manitoba Pork and the federal and provincial governments in May of 2022. Squeal on Pigs staff deployed an average of 80 trail cameras and 25 traps per month on private land in the months that followed. In 2023, that led to 157 wild pig sightings and 127 wild pigs removed from the landscape.
Squeal on Pigs Manitoba will continue to work with provincial stakeholders and landowners on this problem, breaking new ground in research and data analysis.
To learn more, visit squealonpigsmb.org . Landowners and members of the public can report wild pig sightings online or by dialling 1.833.SPOT.PIG toll-free.
Legacy Gala Sponsors
The annual Legacy Gala supports our students and community. Set in the historic Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts on our North Hill campus, the event offers a gourmet dining experience curated by our talented Culinary Arts, Baking Foundations, and Hospitality students. Enjoy a multi-course menu with expertly paired wines. Proceeds from this event help empower education and create lasting change in our communities.
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Continuing Studies WINTER GUIDE
Discover a diverse range of programs and courses designed to fit your schedule and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, explore a new hobby or simply love learning, we have something for you!
PROGRAMS
f Administrative Assistant
f Bookkeeping
f Heavy Equipment Operator
f Home Inspection
f Prairie Horticulture
f Personal Trainer
COURSES
f American Sign Language 102
f Fundamentals of Insurance
f Mental Health First Aid
f FoodSafe
...AND MORE!
WORKSHOPS
f Personal Finance Workshop
f Nutrition for Hormone Health
f ChatGPT for Work
f Social Media Workshop
f Understanding Payroll Workshop
f Processing Payroll Workshop
SELF-DIRECTED
f Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
f Eat What You Grow
f Meeting Mastery
f Excel 1