The Assiniboine
EFFECT Spring Edition
COOL UNDER PRESSURE
Women’s hockey team Goalie Marley Quesnel discusses her passion for the sport
EXTRAORDINARY ALUMNI recognized at Annual Alumni Awards
NEW FACILITIES UNVEILED
New Plumbing Mezzanine, Food Processing Centre, Protein Pantry and Westoba Innovation Lab
Spring 2020
CONTENTS 2
New Continuing Studies Guide
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Did we see you?
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Celebrating our alumni
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New Food Processing Centre
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Hold the phone
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Innovation in the classroom
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Meet the Cougars Goalie
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Community supports trades
Fancy learning a new skill or building upon your current capabilities?
Assiniboine Alumni Association announces 2020 Alumni Awards recipients.
Assiniboine announces tutition-free welding program launching in September 2020.
Marley Quesnel, Dauphin local, talks about the pressure and excitement she experiences when she suits up.
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Time to hang up the uniforms
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How much do you know about ag?
The 2019-20 regular athletics season is done and dusted, find out how our volleyball and futsals team fared.
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Catch up with our Assiniboine alumni who were at Manitoba Ag Days!
Assiniboine unveils new world class facilities to respond to labour shortages in Manitoba.
Enjoy a behind the scenes look at the new Westoba Innovation Lab at the Victoria Avenue East Campus.
New plumbing mezzanine unveiled to support growth of trades at North Hill campus.
Hip hip hooray
Get to know our newest plumbing graduates from the Parkland campus
Johanne Ross from Agriculture in the Classroom is actively educating the next generation on agriculture and future careers.
NEW DECADE, NEW NAME
THE ASSINIBOINE EFFECT As we enter another decade, we’re excited to be launching the first edition of our new alumni magazine, The Assiniboine Effect!
Assiniboine Community College (ACC) is happy to provide you with the Spring 2013 edition of the Alumni in ACCtion newsletter so that you can see what’s happening in your own backyard. If you know of an ACC graduate who could inspire others through a feature in an upcoming issue or if you are an alumnus of ACC, please contact the Alumni Relations Coordinator at alumni@assiniboine.net or 204.725.8700 or 800.862.6307 ext 7124. We hope you enjoy this edition of the Alumni in ACCtion newsletter.
As Assiniboine grows, so too does our alumni community. The Assiniboine Effect is a seasonal publication, created to keep alumni and friends up-to-date with college news and the achievements of graduates. This magazine is only one way to stay on top of what’s new and changing at Assiniboine. We encourage you to stay connected; keep your contact details current with our Alumni office to receive monthly e-news updates, information about upcoming events, and career postings.
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CAELIE WALKER, President of the ACC Alumni Association with a medical specialization from the Office Administration program. Since graduating in 2009, she has been employed with Prairie Mountain Health Authority (formerly Brandon Regional Health Authority) as an administrative secretary and has held other similar positions within the health authority. Walker has maintained her connection to ACC through her volunteer work with the Alumni Association. Her reason for staying involved was to be able to “pay back and pay forward” and keep in touch with alumni, president Jamie Robinson for his contributions faculty and staff. to the college. Robinson has held this position for more than ten years, since the inception of “These are exciting times at ACC and what a the organization in February 2002. great time to be involved,” said Caelie Walker, ACC Alumni Association president. “Being Robinson is pleased to announce that board on the Alumni Association board gives me an member Caelie Walker has picked up the reins opportunity to reach out to all ACC alumni and and he believes that she will be an exceptional encourage them to stay connected and get on board with some of the great events that we leader for the board. make available to graduates.” Inspired by her mother who worked as a receptionist and transcriptionist in the local Walker looks forward to her new responsibilities Assiniboine Community College (ACC) medical clinic in Carlyle, SK, Walker attended and the opportunity to develop her leadership recognizes outgoing ACC Alumni Association ACC from 2007 to 2009 and graduated and communication skills in the president’s role.
2013
2015
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Present
Learn more at
assiniboine.net/alumni
Continuing Studies at Assiniboine
LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAMS The college’s newest Continuing Studies guide is full of courses and programs for those looking to add a new credential or competency to their resume, prepare for a change in careers or explore a new hobby. “We are excited to introduce a variety of new programs and courses. They range from short half-day classes for hobby enthusiasts through to new credentials for people who would like to acquire new skills such as the bookkeeping certificate,” said Tannis James, Director of Continuing Studies at Assiniboine. Assiniboine understands people lead busy lives and are not always able to attend classes held during traditional hours, which is why many Continuing Studies offerings are delivered weekends, evenings, and online. For example, the newly introduced Product Photography course, scheduled across four Tuesday evenings, offers participants the opportunity to develop their skills at a time which caters to people who are busy during the day. Eight new micro-credential programs have been introduced, ranging from Design Publishing for Business to Woodworking to Essential Skills for Emerging Leaders.
These programs have been crafted to provide people with the opportunity to build upon existing skills and talents.
“If there’s enough demand for something particular, we’re going to try and find a way to offer it here for students.”
“They range from short half-day classes for hobby enthusiasts through to new credentials for people who would like to acquire new skills.”
Those interested in learning more about Continuing Studies offerings or how to register for an upcoming course may visit assiniboine.net/cs.
For those looking for a single course to help keep their brain sharp or prepare for an upcoming life event, there’s no shortage of course offerings over the coming months. Baby Sign Language, Acrylic Pour Painting, Wine Basics, and a variety of culinary courses are open for registration. If there’s something not currently in the guide that the public would like to see, Continuing Studies wants to hear about it. “We keep our interest lists up- to-date so we know what programs and courses people are asking for,” said James.
VIEW GUIDE ONLINE
Visit us online at assiniboine.net/cs
Assiniboine 2020
ALUMNI AWARDS
CATHARINE GIJSBERS BART CURTIS
TYLER CRAYSTON
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
One to Watch Award
When Catharine Gijsbers’ educational journey at Assiniboine started in 1998, she had four children and owned and managed a long-haul transport business. After completing Office Administration (’01) and Business Administration (’03) at Assiniboine, Catharine continued her education, becoming a Certified General Accountant.
With 23 years’ experience in the construction industry built from a grassroots level, Bart Curtis is now an equal partner and plays a key role in operating two successful and growing companies, CW2 Construction and Design Ltd. and Guardian Fencing Ltd.
She has since opened her own public accounting practice, specializing in the agricultural sector. Catharine has continued to learn, becoming a Certified Agricultural Farm Advisor and is proficient in Ag Expert and Field Manager Pro, both of which she teaches for Assiniboine Continuing Studies and Farm Credit Canada.
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He received his journeyperson ticket from Assiniboine in 2006 and throughout his career has successfully bid on and managed several large-scale projects. Bart is known for his integrity and employee-focused approach to project management. In addition to managing his companies, Bart works directly with the crews and supervisors to ensure projects are running as smooth as possible.
After graduating from Baldur School as valedictorian, Tyler Crayston enrolled in Assiniboine’s Media Production program (now Interactive Media Arts), holding a passion for sports broadcasting. As part of his completion of this program in 2003, he worked in sports at CKX and became Sports Director. His broadcasting career continued at Q Country/ Star FM for six years before he started his current position as Brandon University’s Athlete Services and Events Coordinator. At BU, he has created important youth programs, worked alongside College Cap/ Bobcat alumni and has had a key role in expanding community partnerships. @tcrayst
JOIN THE CONVERSATION Follow Assiniboine Alumni on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest Alumni news @ACCMB_Alumni
Assiniboine‘s Alumni Association is proud to congratulate the 2020 Alumni Award recipients. The Alumni Association presented two Distinguished Alumni Awards, replacing the former Community Service Award. The formerly separate categories, each with one award recipient, had similar criteria and importance. The Association has also changed the Excellence in Teaching Award to the Excellence in Education Award.
JOSH CRABB
DR. POONAM SINGH & DR. SAJJAD RAO
One to Watch Award
Excellence in Education Award
Born and raised in Roblin, Manitoba, Josh Crabb is a reporter at CTV Winnipeg. After graduating from Assiniboine’s Media Production program (now Interactive Media Arts) in 2005, he launched his career at CKX Television in Brandon, before moving to Shaw TV in Red Deer, Alberta.
Drs. Rao and Singh developed the Horticultural Production and Sustainable Food Systems programs at Assiniboine. These programs have created great research output and community impact. In addition to working extremely hard for the success of these programs, Poonam and Sajjad are acclaimed by their students for their friendly, gentle, deeply insightful manner of teaching and sharing insight.
He moved back to Manitoba in 2010, where he joined CTV, first in Brandon and then in Winnipeg. Throughout his career he’s covered many high-profile news and sporting events, including the recordbreaking flood of 2011, a Winnipeg Jets play-off run, and the northern Manitoba manhunt for two homicide suspects. @joshrcrabb
Dr. Singh is a horticulturist with 20 years of experience in teaching, research and extension related activities. Her research focuses on sustainable crop production technologies, enrichment of plant germplasm for genetic enhancement and traditional food systems of Indigenous people of Canada. Dr. Singh is currently researching the methods for diagnosing Botrytis neck rot disease in onion fields and developing a comprehensive guide for disease management in Manitoba. She is also working to establish a native food crops demonstration garden at Assiniboine. Dr. Rao is an accredited Canadian Plant Breeder and Agrologist with over 25 years’ experience in applied research and teaching. Currently, Dr. Rao’s research engages him in innovation of sustainable greenhouse production technologies, food systems, and in employing novel genetics in horticultural and agronomic field crops. Most recently, Dr. Rao made a significant development in the commercial release of a new type of sweet potato designed to grow in the Manitoba climate. @poonam.singh.artist
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SHARE YOUR NEWS Visit us online and share your news or achievements at assiniboine.net/alumni
ALUMNI NEWS
Grab yourself a coffee and find out what past classmates have been up to:
Join the
Alumni Association Board of Directors The Alumni Association Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for volunteer director positions. The Alumni Association Board of Directors consists of dedicated alumni who want to ensure Assiniboine graduates stay connected to the college after graduation. The Board of Directors are focused on strengthening and enhancing Assiniboine’s presence in the Manitoba community and beyond. As an Alumni Board Director you will be involved in alumni fundraising initiatives, event coordination, communications and attending the quarterly board meetings. Our Board Directors build professional connections, stay up-to-date with college news and help share the success of Assiniboine alumni.
Being involved with the college does not need to end after graduation. Join our Alumni Association Board of Directors today.
Join the Board
assiniboine.net/alumni 6
The Manitoba Real Estate Association will be headed up by Assiniboine Alum, Glen Tosh (Business Administration, Class of '90), this year. Glen is the managing partner at Royal LePage Martin-Liberty Reality and has been elected president of the volunteer organization for a one-year term in 2020. Dennis Ward (Media Production, Calss of '04) has been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award in the Best National News Anchor category. Randy Frykas (Media Production, Calss of '00) has been nominated as part of the Directing Team for Best Factual Direction for First Contact Canada that airs on APTN. The show has been also been nominated for Best Factual Series. Arin Hiebert’s (Culinary Arts, Class of ’12) will be appearing on the Food Networks' Spring Baking Championship. Interactive Media Arts alumni, Dallas Flett-Wapash ('17) and Taylor McArthur ('19), will be working as digital artists for an exhibition with the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba this summer. The exhibition focuses on challenging and reimagining ideas around the reservation.
ACHIEVEMENTS Congratulations to Agribusiness alum, Kaitlyn Davey, (‘19), pictured below. Kaitlyn is the recipient of the Youth Advocate of the Year award from the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce presented during their Evening of Agriculture on February 3, 2020.
ASSINIBOINE TO DELIVER NEW TUITION-FREE WELDING PROGRAM
through new partnership with Conestoga
Assiniboine Community College has announced a partnership with Conestoga College (Ontario) to deliver a tuition-free welding program at its North Hill campus in Brandon commencing in August 2020. "We are proud and excited to partner with Conestoga to deliver this program which will create opportunities for students to gain skills and knowledge before beginning a career in the trades," said Kevin Poirier Chair of Trades – Mechanical. "This program supports Assiniboine's commitment to offering quality programs responsive to Manitoba's labour market while meeting industry and community needs." The program, funded through the Government of Canada Skilled Trades Awareness Readiness (STAR) program prepares students for in-demand careers while providing a head start for those wishing to work towards a Red Seal in the apprenticeship certification process. Selection into the eight-month program will focus on engaging key groups including women, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, and those currently underemployed. Capacity for the program is fifteen students. Tuition, textbooks, and personal protective equipment are all covered at no cost to students in the program. The program includes an eight-week paid work placement offering students pathways into the labour market upon graduation. Program details are available online at assiniboine.net/welding-tuitionfree.
READ MORE Visit assiniboine.net/news for more stories.
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COOL UNDER PRESSURE ASSINIBOINE COUGARS GOALIE MARLEY QUESNEL REFLECTS ON A SUCCESSFUL 2019-20 SEASON
Not adverse to stressful moments, one of three Assiniboine Cougars' goalies, Marley Quesnel enjoys the challenge of high-stakes hockey and all that it entails. Our Assiniboine Cougars goalie Marley Quesnel has enjoyed an incredible second season honing her skills in the net against some of Canada's best women's hockey players. Marley, currently studying Business Administration at Assiniboine, enjoys the challenge of balancing both academic and hockey demands. Not alone in this situation, Marley's twin and teammate, Megan Quesnel, is on a similar journey. Marley's skills in the net have improved exponentially over the past two seasons with the Cougars. In the 2018-19 season, Marley was the sole keeper for the team, which provided the advantage of ice time and invaluable experience managing high-intensity situations. "It definitely helped me improve
Right: Marley Quesnel warms up at weekly training session in prepartion for ACHA Finals.
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as I was the only goalie last year so I had so many shots and games to build my skills", said Marley. As her second season with the team draws to a close, Marley has had some competition from fellow goalies Elisha Oswald
and Sadie McIntosh for ice time during the regular season. "All I can do is continue to give it my best shot and enjoy each game". The skillset for a goalie is slightly different from other positions,
with the ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations crucial to the success of the team. "You need to have fast hand-eye coordination to see the puck coming, and if it's deflected, the mobility to move between the
2019-20 AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
WEST CONFERENCE LEADERS WINS
pipes and cover the area quickly", said Marley. A local Manitoban, Marley grew up in Dauphin and started playing at the age of five on the local boy's team with her twin sister, Megan. As time went by and there were enough girls to form a team of their own, a goalie was needed.
"If no one was going to volunteer to be goalie, we weren't going to be able to play, so I stepped up and took the position. I've liked it ever since, so I've stayed playing it," said Marley. It's not all about stopping goals. Marley is in a strong position to view the whole ice, to observe plays and provide feedback and direction to the team so
LOSSES
strategies can be adjusted to build stronger defenses or exploit opposition weaknesses. "You see Team Canada and the people who you want to be like and the level you want to achieve. So, it's really exciting to be able to play at the level I want to with the Cougars".
THANK YOU
Cougars Fans for your support during the 2019-20 Season!
TIES
The Cougars have cemented their finals berth travelling through the season with a perfect scorecard of 31-0-0.
ASSINNIBOINE COUGARS Follow @CougarsACC on social media
2019-2020 SEASON WRAP The 2019-2020 regular athletic season has come to a close for our Assiniboine Cougars Futsal, Volleyball and our women‘s hockey team. The Women's hockey team had a flawless year travelling through the season undefeated to finish the season 31-0-0.
VOLLEYBALL
Above: Cougars Forward Sydney Murray maneuvers around the Lakehead Thunderwolves defensive team to take a shot on goal.
2019-20 Season The women’s team, coached by Jeff Maxwell, John McLeod, and Blaire De La Mare, finished the regular season with eight wins and 12 losses. the team placed fourth in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) League. MCAC recognized Cougar Samantha Love’s debut season with selection into the MCAC Women’s All-Conference Team. Samantha,
FUTSAL
The Assiniboine Cougars Women‘s and Men‘s Futsal teams had a tough season, both teams unable to get a win on the board. Playing with new and returning players across both teams, the intensity and improvement for players was obvious as the loss margins reduced. Eyes are focused on the upcoming MCAC 2020 Soccer season. Top right, 2019-20 Men‘s Futsal team, Bottom RIght Women‘s Futsal team. Far right Men‘s Futsal defenders pile the pressure on their oppenents.
who plays left side, finished the regular season with an impressive 231 kills, 200 digs and 30 aces. The men’s volleyball team, coached by Joel Small, Brendan White, and Sam Isfeld, ended the regular season with nine wins and 11 losses to place third in the MCAC League. MCAC announced the 2019-20 Men’s
All-Conference Team with Cougar Braden Campbell included for his impressive lead in the league for 233 kills. Braden adds an outstanding 25 aces and 69 digs in the regular season to cap off a stellar year. Demonstrating the strength in the Cougars Men’s Volleyball Team, MCAC selected Paycen Warkentin as the league’s Most Valuable Player. In his second year, Paycen
led the league with 67 blocks, 212 kills and 28 aces. “Paycen has worked extremely hard over the past two seasons to improve his game to the point of being what I believe is the most dominant player in the league," said Cougars' head coach Joel Small. “Paycen came to practice every day focused on improving himself and his team. Aside from Paycens' impressive stats, his desire to win, it was unmatched by anyone else. Every time he stepped on the court, he was ready to compete.”
STAY UP TO DATE WITH ASSINNIBOINE COUGARS NEWS! Follow @CougarsACC on social media
Clockwise from top left 2019-20 Men’s Volleyball Team, 2019-20 Women’s Volleyball Team, Men’s volleyball player Paycen Warkentin skillfully attacks the ball, women’s volleyball play Page Donald responds to a difficult play with a strong attack.
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AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
NEEDED TO SPARK INTEREST IN INDUSTRY CAREERS, RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST
Social media has a major influence on perceptions about the agricultural sector, prompting those ‘in the know’ to do more to educate the public. “It’s a monumental undertaking of growing importance,” says Johanne Ross, Executive Director of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C). “There’s a major public trust issue with agriculture in Canada. Social media has changed the game.” “We need to have a constant voice out there, not only reactively but also proactively talking about what we do. It’s very important to be open and honest and creating dialogue. It’s okay to have tough conversations. It’s okay to be very transparent and honest about mistakes we’ve made and what we’ve done to fix them. Usually, unless you’re dealing with someone extremely radical, we all have shared values.” Ross, a farmer with approximately 160 head of cattle north of Minnedosa in the community of Basswood, joined Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba in 2000, shifting to the national organization when it was established in 2015 to help broaden their efforts’ reach. The agriculture sector has long dealt with public misconceptions, but the advent of social media has broadened the spread of
misinformation, which Ross said becomes abundantly clear when they visit K-12 students to share their educational programming.
This annual event sees grades 4 and 5 students engaging in various interactive stations related to agriculture.
Ross said that on this front, it’s always refreshing to see children asking questions and seeking out information rather than blindly accepting whatever they read online.
Among those helping out at this and other events are Assiniboine Community College Agribusiness students, which instructor Danielle Tichit calls a real winwin.
“It’s creating an informed consumer, inspired leaders of the future; it’s about creating Canadians who understand what is needed in our nation so they’ll support policies,” she said.
“If my students can begin the learning process here when it comes to how to effectively communicate, and in some cases handle objections about what happens in ag, I think that’s such an important skill.”
"There's so much work to do and we're just scratching the service". AITC-C receives support in this endeavour from various people who are either already in the agricultural industry or are furthering their education to find their way in. These volunteers and partners head presentations and formation stations about the various topics related to agriculture, both in the classroom and at public events such as the Amazing Agriculture Adventure held every June at the Keystone Centre.
“One of the biggest eye-openers for youngsters is that agriculture carries career possibilities in a wide range of things, covering all interests in the STEM acronym; science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Ross said. There’s no shortage of jobs in agriculture across Canada, but there is a shortage of skilled people to fill them. “Agriculture is moving so fast in terms of innovation that we can’t keep up,” she said. “We have a labour issue shortage, big time, in agriculture
-everywhere. On the farm and off the farm, past the farmgate; everywhere, we need people.” GDP in agriculture grew 1.5 times faster than the growth in the Canadian economy between 2012 and 2016. In 2014, nearly 60,000 primary agriculture jobs went unfilled in Canada. This includes 1,800 jobs in Manitoba, or seven per cent of the provincial agriculture workforce needed to meet demand. By 2025, it’s predicted that one-in-five of all agricultural jobs in Manitoba could go unfilled. Agriculture in the Classroom’s provincial chapters and their national organization have been expanding at a breakneck pace, and although Ross said that it’s been an uphill battle, they’re making some headway in informing youths that agriculture is a viable career option regardless of their broader interests. A member of Assiniboine Community College’s board of governors, Ross said that it’s important they learn how to self-promote, and that speaking
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Follow @AgAssiniboine on Twitter or Instagram to see the latest Agriculture related news.
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with youths through Ag in the Classroom is one way of honing these skills. Even if the youths they connect with don’t end up seeking a career in agriculture, she said that at the very least she wants to spark an interest and inspire them to research the industry on their own and question what they read and see. “We’re probably the only organization that can bring the sector together for one mutual cause, and that is to tell our story, to tell it in an accurate, balanced and current way, bringing together all of the people as volunteers to tell their story,” she said.
BY 2025, ONE-IN-FIVE OF ALL AGRICULTURAL JOBS IN MANITOBA COULD GO UNFILLED. Pictured Johanne Ross, Executive Director of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is passionate about educating the next generation on the importanceof agriculture.
Did you know Assiniboine offers 18 Agriculture and Environment programs? Find out more at assiniboine.net/programs 13
ALUMNI IN ACTION AT
MANITOBA AG DAYS Assiniboine Community College is extremely proud of the immense number of highly skilled graduates working within the Agricultural industry. Hear from some of Assiniboine alumni in attendance at the recent Manitoba Ag Days Show held in Brandon on January 22.
Where are you currently employed? Carlisle Liquid Starters Current job title: Agronomy/Research/Sales Representative What's a career highlight you’re proud of: My current research work with new products.
KATIE MELNYK
What was your favourite class at College? I enjoyed all of my classes.
What were the most important skills you gained at Assiniboine? Agronomy skills. I use them almost everyday! What advice do you have for current students? Pay attention in class; don’t discredit any information you’re getting. It is all useful.
Connect with Katie: @agbabe25
Agribusiness 2018
Where are you currently employed? Decisive Farming
What was your favourite class? Weeds-getting out in the field and learning hands on skills
Current job title: Customer Success Representative
What advice do you have for current students? Network, take the time to ask questions while you can!
What's a career highlight you’re proud of? Starting with Decisive Farming. It was exciting to start with a precision Ag company as this was the exact career path I wanted.
Connect with Shayla: @shayla_md
SHAYLA GILLIS
Agribusiness 2016 and GIS Environmental Technologies (GIS Advanced Diploma) 2017 14
Where are you currently employed? Delmar Commodities Current job title: Elevator Operations What's a career highlight you’re proud of? Learning the grain marketing side and making great relationships with customers on a day-to-day basis.
RANDI WRIGHT Agribusiness 2018
What was your most important academic or student experience while attending Assiniboine? Agronomy-related classes, marketing
Where are you currently employed? Parrish & Heimbecker
What was your favourite class? Weeds
Current job title: General Manager
What were the most important skills you gained at Assiniboine? Networking & Spreadsheets
Did you receive an award during your time at Assiniboine? Pat Josephson Memorial Award What's a career highlight you’re proud of? Being able to work in all three prairie provinces.
and livestock. Making life-long friendships and learning so many aspects of ag. What advice do you have for current students or people who have similar interests as you who may be looking to go into the same or related field? Have fun! Take it all in even the classes you may not enjoy in the moment. It’s amazing what you’ll use when you’re out of the classroom in any career.
What advice do you have for current students? Get to know everybody and participate in all school events!
DEREK HEISE
Agribusiness 2009
Where are you currently employed? MNP LLP (Brandon office)
Connect with Stacey: @Stacey__Stott
Current job title: Partner & Agricultural Business Advisor What were the most important skills you gained at Assiniboine? Multi-tasking to meet deadlines in multiple classes and working in groups, as now I work with a team.
STACEY STOTT
Business Administration 2002
What advice do you have for current students or people who have similar interests as you who may be looking to go into the same or related field? Work hard to build a good accounting base as this is the fundamentals of the career. Most importantly, cherish your time at Assiniboine it’s an experience like none other and one I’ll forever remember.
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Assiniboine unveils new
FOOD PROCESSING CENTRE Assiniboine Community College’s new Food Processing Centre for Animal Proteins had its grand opening, welcoming donors who contributed to helping make the facility a reality. The Centre allows the college to facilitate the training and experience necessary for graduates to have careers in the meat processing industry, addressing a workforce shortage in this sector. The new training facility opened to students in the Food Processing (Animal Proteins) 11-month certificate program in November 2019. The Centre was made possible through a combined $1.165 million in funding from industry and government partners including the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, Maple Leaf Foods, HyLife Foods, Manitoba Pork, UFCW Local 832, and The Brandon Hog and Livestock Show. “The growing world demand for protein provides our industry here in Manitoba with tremendous opportunities in new production and processing jobs,” said Blaine Pedersen, Minister of Agriculture and Resource evelopment.
“This new facility will ensure that there is a steady stream of qualified individuals to work in our processing industry for years to come, and will keep our province at the leading edge of the protein sector.” The potential for industry partnership goes beyond the funding for the facility. Long-term plans for the Centre include customized industry training, specialized program offerings and applied research. “A key focus of Assiniboine’s strategic direction is providing leadership in the agriculture sector,” said Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine Community College. “The addition of this Centre helps the college continue to move forward in this important area while responding to industry labour needs.” The 3,067-square-foot Food Processing Centre for Animal Proteins is housed at the college’s Victoria Avenue East campus in Brandon.
Left: Hon. Blaine Pedersen, Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development and MLA for Midland meets a class of food processing students during the Centre‘s opening event.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION Follow @AgAssiniboine on Twitter or Instagram to see the latest Agriculture related news.
Have you visited the Protein Pantry? Students in the Food Processing program operate a retail store adjacent to the Centre, selling the meat products made in the program. The public are welcome to visit the store to purchase some of the excellent quality of meats available. Visit assiniboine.net/ProteinPantry Left image: Kirandeep Bulhar and Jasmeen Jawanda prepare gourmet sausages to be served at the opening of the Food Processing Centre. Below image: Donors and guests proudly take a moment to recognise the exciting new venture that is the Food Processing Centre.
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Assiniboine and Westoba Credit Union Open
WESTOBA INNOVATION LAB
Students at Assiniboine Community College will benefit from a new learning space on campus, thanks to a $100,000 partnership with Westoba Credit Union Ltd. The space is the first classroom of its kind at Assiniboine, bringing together both design and smart technology to facilitate active learning.
The space, which is now complete at the college’s Victoria Avenue East campus, will accommodate up to 25 students.
Traditional classroom environments are built with lecture-based teaching and learning in mind, but this facility flips that convention on its head.
It is modelled after state-ofpractice facilities elsewhere, which are designed to maximize effective learning. For example, smartboards are put into the hands of students instead of instructors to facilitate the ‘learn by doing’ philosophy that underscores much of Assiniboine’s approach to program curriculum.
“Our new active learning classroom is a high-tech, team-based classroom that will deepen learning and strengthen student collaboration, while supporting innovative teaching,” said Bobbie Robertson, Dean of Business at Assiniboine. “The idea is for the instructor to be able to be at the centre of the space, but not be the centre of learning.” “Partnering with Assiniboine to provide students and our community with an interactive classroom aligns perfectly with what a cooperative stands for,” said Jim Rediger, Westoba Credit Union President. “Our values are centred around innovative thinking and learning; the technology and collaboration in this classroom reflects what is happening in business and will help prepare students and our community for the future.”
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“Students at Assiniboine will benefit from enriched learning experiences directly as a result of this gift from Westoba,” said Derrick Turner, Director of Advancement at Assiniboine. “We are exceptionally grateful to them, both for their long history of support towards our college and for this particular occasion of generosity.” The space will be used by programs across the college, including Business Administration and Interactive Media Arts.
Top right: Assiniboine Community College President Mark Frison, Dean of Business Bobbie Robertson, and Westoba Credit Union President and CEO Jim Rediger view the new technologies. Middle right: Westoba Credit Union President and CEO Jim Rediger tries out with the new Westoba Innovation Lab equipment. Bottom right: Dean of Business Bobbie Robertson addresses attendees to signify the opening of the new facility.
READ MORE Visit assiniboine.net/news for the latest news.
Badger Creek Plumbing Mezzanine
OFFERS BIG BENEFIT TO TRADES STUDENTS
Assiniboine Community College proudly unveiled the new Badger Creek Plumbing & Heating Mezzanine within the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology at the North Hill campus. Combined contributions from local donors made the mezzanine development a reality. The additional 700-square-foot mezzanine ensures Assiniboine has some of the most advanced learning tools available to students across the country within the apprenticeship system. "We are grateful for the generous support of our community members who have made this mezzanine possible for our students," said Nathan Campbell, President of Assiniboine Community College Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to play an important role in establishing the new learning and working spaces on campus.”
There was strong support for the project from local Brandon businesses and individuals. Badger Creek Plumbing & Heating saw the significance of this development and were supportive of the project. “We felt our donation towards the refresh of the plumbing mezzanine would be beneficial in attracting tradesmen and women to Assiniboine and our local community,” said Badger Creek Plumbing & Heating Business Manager Chris Bridges. “Badger Creek cares about the local economy and felt there was no better way to show its appreciation and commitment to customers, partners and the community, than to invest back locally,” added Bridges.
“As a major employer in the City of Brandon, we felt having the facility brought up to date and modernized would allow students the best opportunity to achieve the necessary skills during their education,” said J&G Group CEO Jared Jacobson. The increased teaching space available allows for future expansion of classes and equipment, thus keeping the college’s programs current. The increased floor space allows Assiniboine to install more equipment for student training, electrical lines can be positioned by each furnace so students can practise hard wiring the unit, directly supporting the ‘learn by doing’ experience for students.
“The space will allow students to experience real world situations within the classroom and for more classes to use the shop simultaneously,” said Assiniboine Chair of Construction Trades Grant Lawford.
“The new mezzanine provides additional space and resources for students, improving their hands-on learning experience.” Assiniboine is committed to delivering education and training that responds well to the needs of employers and the Manitoba economy. Plumbing students will continue to learn all aspects of their trade in a safe environment. The increased space will allow for growth in preemployment and apprenticeship students while enhancing the classroom environment.
Left to right: Chris Bridges (Business Manager, Badger Creek Plumbing & Heating), Kate Pelletier (Dean of Trades, Access &Community Programs), Kevin Poirier (Chair of Mechanical Trades), Mark Frison (President, Assiniboine Community College) cut the official plumbing mezzanine opening ribbon.
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HATS OFF TO NEW GRADUATES
Assiniboine‘s Dauphin campus celebrated their inaugural Applied Plumbing Installation program graduation
Eight graduates received Applied Plumbing Installation certificates on February 21 after successfully completing the year-long program at Assiniboine Community College’s Parkland campus. Friends and family filled the Dauphin Friendship Centre to cheer the graduates’ success in the program. The Applied Plumbing Installation program began in January 2019 and was open to First Nations and Métis students from in and around the Parkland region. Assiniboine is a national leader in community-based program delivery, and programs like this allow the college to offer opportunities close to home for Indigenous learners while responding to Manitoba’s labour needs. One plumbing graduate, Charlie McKay, has observed a need for Indigenous plumbers. “On the reserve, there are not many plumbers and plumbers outside the community are very busy,” said McKay. McKay has worked in home renovations for many years and first saw the demand from that perspective, noting that he was often waiting for a plumber for weeks to finish jobs. McKay, along with several others in his class Below: Wesley Pelletier and Charlie McKay hang out outside of class after becoming good friends during the program.
“I’m 51 years old now and I was kind of like, ‘Do I really want to do this? Do I belong here? Am I going to be able to do this?’ I was kind of doubting myself,”
- Wesley Pelletier
returned to school as mature students after decades outside of a classroom setting. When asked about the biggest challenge in the program, McKay responded, “Sitting in a classroom for six hours a day.” Fellow graduate, Wesley Pelletier, also saw his age as a hurdle, even before starting the program. “I’m 51 years old now and I was kind of like, ‘Do I really want to do this? Do I belong here? Am I going to be able to do this?’ I was kind of doubting myself,” said Pelletier. Outside of this internal monologue, Pelletier had a couple other challenges: he had never graduated high school and he’d recently been severely injured in a car accident resulting in physical limitations. It turns out, these challenges doubled as good reasons to take the leap and go back to school.
The program format kicked off with six months of preparation in the form of condensed high school courses. All students participated in the preparation courses and students like Pelletier, who did not previously have a high school diploma, graduated with their Mature Student High School diploma as well. “As a result of my accident I knew I wouldn’t be able to work at my previous job for a while, so instead of just wasting the year, I thought there was an opportunity for me, if anything, to get my grade 12 education and the plumbing certificate as well.” Aside from the satisfaction of completing the program and receiving his certificate, McKay says, he enjoyed the return to learning. “The whole learning process I found rewarding — learning and then asking questions. I enjoyed all of it.” Valedictorian of the class, Clarence Catcheway, echoed these thoughts. “What I enjoyed was finding out about all the work that’s involved in piping. There’s a lot of science. It’s quite a bit of work to know.” In their coursework, Catcheway and McKay said that science gave them quite a challenge. Pelletier battled against math and also looks back on the learning experience as positive.
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Did you know Assiniboine Community College was founded in 1961 and has more than 48,000 alumni?
Top row: Ron Spence of Eddystone, Wesley Pelletier of Duck Bay, Wyatt Nepinak of Skownan First Nation, Clarence (Charlie) McKay of Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve, Kennedy Ironstand. Front row: Dakota Ironstand-Nelson, Shaquille Houle of Ebb and Flow First Nation, Neil Desjarlais of Ebb and Flow First Nation, and Clarence Catcheway.
While overcoming personal challenges, including the physical limitations from his accident and maintaining newfound sobriety, all while returning to the classroom after decades away, Pelletier’s favourite takeaway from the program was “knowing that you can go through some really tough times and you can fight back and make good if it.”
“The whole learning process I found rewarding — learning and then asking questions. I enjoyed all of it." - Clarence (Charlie) McKay
Throughout the last year, the graduates say they created relationships with one another, their instructors and coaches, which was evident in their camaraderie throughout the afternoon of the ceremony.
class’s field trip to Brandon to tour the Len Evans Centre for Trades & Technology.
“We all helped each other and that was a bonus,” said McKay. As one of the mature students in the class, he said he enjoyed pushing one another through the difficult periods and motivating the younger students to keep going.
“There’s a lot of memories,” said Catcheway. “It was a small class so we got to know each other really good and help each other out when we were stuck or somebody wanted to vent.”
“After being in class with them for the length of time we were in there, I can consider them friends now,” said Pelletier of his classmates. “We became kind of like a team.”
The curriculum for the Applied Plumbing Installation program was accredited by Apprenticeship Manitoba to provide credit for Level 1 plumbing apprenticeship in-school technical training. Graduates who received their certificate will also be eligible for the next steps of apprenticeship.
Job coach for the program, Jessica Houle, created a slideshow for the graduation ceremony with photos and highlights from the year, including the
While Pelletier continues to recover physically from his accident, he will consider his now expanded options afforded by his Mature Student High School diploma. McKay plans to continue on with the plumbing trade, looking to be brought on somewhere locally as a plumbing apprentice so he can continue through his levels. Catcheway plans to do the same, with his sights set on eventually going into business with a friend who’s a journeyman plumber looking to do work in First Nation communities.
“It was a small class so we got to know each other really good and help each other out when we were stuck or somebody wanted to vent.” - Clarence Catcheway
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ASSINIBOINE INSTRUCTOR, ALUM AND LONGTIME SUPPORTER DONATES $95K IN AGRICULTURAL PARTS An influx of donated combine equipment parts are benefitting Assiniboine Community College students studying in the Heavy Duty and Ag Equipment Technician programs, and one of their instructors, Lloyd Carey, is to thank. When Lloyd looked at the online auction list for the closing of Harvest Salvage in fall 2019, he saw many items that could benefit the college. “Knowing from being in industry what some of the stuff was worth, I thought it was a good opportunity to acquire it,” said Lloyd, Heavy Duty Equipment and Ag Equipment Technician instructor at Assiniboine. From his auction purchases Lloyd donated agricultural parts valued at over $95,000 mainly a variety of combine hydraulic and hydrostatic pumps and motors that will be used directly by the students he teaches, though not in the parts of the program he touches.
These items were no longer marketable, but still useful for training, so Lloyd put a bug in the ear of his supervisors and when they had service vehicles in the Brandon area, they’d deliver the parts to Assiniboine. “I knew that the stuff was used here and used well. It’s not like the parts come in and they get left collecting dust. They do get put to good use with the classes,” he said. “It’s almost better sometimes for students if they take something apart and they can figure out ‘Oh, that’s what was wrong with this?"
“I teach mostly electrical component stuff, so the actual stuff I donated, I probably won’t actually touch in class…but it’s all part of the same program.”
He admits that in the Harvest Salvage auction, he also acquired some parts for his personal use.
Along with being a faculty member at Assiniboine, Lloyd received his journeyman Heavy Duty Equipment Technician certification following his studies at the college in 1994. He is also in his first term as the faculty representative on the college’s Board of Governors.
“I have a shop at home and I dabble a bit with farming so I am always looking for something. Out of the auction, I also bought an engine for one of my tractors.”
No stranger to supporting the college, Lloyd has been a champion of in-kind donations to trades programming for many years, even prior to his employment with Assiniboine. “After I got my journeyman certificate, I ended up working for MacDon Industries in Winnipeg. I guess that’s kind of where I got the idea that we can donate stuff to the college, because working at MacDon we would sometimes donate pallets of parts that were destined for the scrap bin.”
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In much of his spare time, you can find Lloyd in his automotive shop that he calls a “hobby turned into a business”, fixing up cars, trucks and tractors for his customers or working on the ‘99 to ‘03 Volkswagens he is continually keeping an eye out for. Lloyd’s unique mix of learning and teaching at Assiniboine, and ongoing industry experience has shown him the opportunity for industry involvement in trades education. Outside of his most recent large-scale $95,000 donation, he has regularly donated core transmissions and other parts as they become available in his shop.
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College is a time of growth and opportunity, but for many students, financial obstacles present barriers and worries that together we can reduce. Tuition, textbooks, rent and family needs are some of the challenges students face while pursuing their education. As a member of the alumni community, you have a deep understanding of what these pressures feel like for college students. You can make a lasting impact on the life of a student by supporting them during their time in college. Donations to Assiniboine’s scholarships and bursaries fund remove financial barriers for students and send the message that the alumni community they will soon join is there to support them on their journey.
In the spirit of paying it forward, we hope you will consider joining your fellow alumni community by supporting future Assiniboine alumni. Donating is quick and easy. Your one-time or reoccurring gift can be made online at assiniboine.net/alumnigiving. If you would like to discuss your donation and the options available for designating your gift or learning more about planned giving options, email alumni@assiniboine.net or phone 204.725.8739.
You can give online at assiniboine.net/alumnigiving, email alumni@assiniboine.net or phone 204.725.8739.
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