real: Spring/Summer 2014 by Medicine Hat College

PEOPLE. STORIES. LIFE.

VOL 5 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Q & A WITH DENISE HENNING 02 GIRL POWER 05 EDUCATION IS THE KEY 14

Volume 5 Issue 1 College Advancement Medicine Hat College 299 College Drive SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6

PEOPLE. STORIES. LIFE.

Contact College Advancement at 403.504.3667 or alumni@mhc.ab.ca to join our mailing list.

WWW.MHC.AB.CA/REAL PUBLISHER Mark Keller mkeller@mhc.ab.ca EDITOR/CONTENT Rose Paulgaard rpaulgaard@mhc.ab.ca DESIGN/LAYOUT Erin Bennetto ebennetto@mhc.ab.ca PHOTOGRAPHY Erin Bennetto, Mark Keller, Rose Paulgaard Submitted Photography (credited) CIRCULATION/ CHANGE OF ADDRESS Contact College Advancement at 403.504.3667 or via email at alumni@mhc.ab.ca to notify a change of address or to remove your name from our mailing list. MANDATE Real people. Real stories. Real life. Our mandate for real is to share news and information about the people—students, alumni, employees, and supporters—who make Medicine Hat College a vibrant place to learn and grow. This focus on the ambitions and accomplishments of people is core to the nature of the college and the publication. real will be produced in the spring and fall.

EDITOR’S NOTE I had never really given much thought to convocation prior to working at MHC. I skipped my own college ceremony, having already moved home from Calgary for the summer and not seeing the value in spending a whole day in a room of thousands of people I didn’t know. Even the journey to finishing my program seemed relatively uneventful. While grateful for the support of my parents throughout my education, I don’t think I fully appreciated their sacrifice or understood the reality of many students struggling to make ends meet while attending post-secondary. It wasn’t until a few years ago when the significance of convocation really hit home for me and its impact, not only on students and their families, but on college employees as well. I have been involved behind the scenes with many convocation ceremonies at MHC over the years, and while they follow a general pattern from year to year, there’s one particular moment that has stayed with me. The celebration at MHC begins with the grand march. Bagpipers lead students from the library at one end of the main campus, through Centennial Hall with faculty and staff lined up on either side to welcome and congratulate them as they proceed to the gym. The whole process takes about 10 minutes and if you’ve ever tried to clap and smile with the same level of enthusiasm for 10 minutes straight, I congratulate you. We were about seven minutes in, when I looked over and saw one of our academic advisors. The look of joy and pride on her face actually made me tear up a bit. She was so genuinely happy for our students and what they had accomplished during their journey at MHC. I got goose bumps. It was a beautiful moment. I felt fortunate to have witnessed it. Then I tripped over a table and did a face plant which I hope went unnoticed. Every student has a different story of challenge or sacrifice that has brought them to this point in their life. Whether they graduated several years ago and have settled into a successful career like Ruth Streifel [pg 5], or several weeks ago and are starting a new chapter in their life like Michael Larocque [pg 15], this issue is dedicated to the hard work and accomplishments of our students.

To join our mailing list, contact College Advancement at 403.504.3667 or alumni@mhc.ab.ca.

The editor reserves the right to limit, select, edit and position submitted copy. Views expressed in real do not necessarily reflect college policy. real content may be printed with acknowledgement.

Rose Paulgaard, Editor

SPRING 2014

Q & A WITH DENISE HENNING, MHC PRESIDENT & CEO

GIRL POWER: FEMALE TRADES INSTRUCTORS TALK SHOP

3D TECHNOLOGY AT THE TRACK

CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES

04 STUDENT PROJECT SHINES AT EMERALD AWARDS 10 UP FOR A CHALLENGE 14 EDUCATION IS THE KEY 22 FROM THE BANK TO THE BEACH AND BACK 25 THE ARTS ARE FOR EVERYONE

COVER PHOTO: DENISE HENNING IS PRESENTED WITH FLOWERS AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY BY KINDERGARTEN STUDENT ADDISON CLARK. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIDE MEDIA

DR. DENISE K. HENNING HAS A DOCTORAL DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION, HIGHER EDUCATION, FROM NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY. SHE HAS ALSO EARNED DEGREES IN URBAN STUDIES AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON QUALITATIVE RESEARCH, MINORING IN BOTH VOCAL PERFORMANCE AND NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA. AS A CHEROKEE/CHOCTAW, ORIGINATING FROM CREEK COUNTY IN OKLAHOMA, DENISE HAS A PASSION FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN HIGHER EDUCATION. SHE ALSO LOVES PEANUT BUTTER, HARRY POTTER BOOKS AND SMOOTH JAZZ. MEET DENISE

DENISE HENNING FROM AND HAS TO SAY DENISE HENNING IS FROM AND HAS O SAY IS FROM TO SAY DENISE HENNING IS FROM TO SAY DENFROM FROM AND HAS TO SAY DENISE HENNING IS FROM AND HAS O SAY

DENISE HENNING SHARES HER PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY ON JUNE 5, 2014. real2

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIDE MEDIA

WITH DENISE HENNING PRESIDENT

Who is Denise Henning? I’m a person that cares about people. My life is a privilege now because of education. I’m a person who sees that I have just as much responsibility for giving as I do for receiving.

What you see is what you get. I’m the same person, no matter what the venue. I believe in showing people who you are.

Describe how your heritage has fueled your passion for equity and inclusion in higher education.

I was raised as a Cherokee person. I didn’t know I was of mixed blood until I went to my first day of school. So when I heard that people saw me as white, I was surprised because I wasn’t raised to think about those differences. Education for me was so chalked up with trauma and assumptions. I finally came to a point in my life where I stopped asking the question “is this all there is?” and started realizing it was my responsibility to create my life. That was one of my first steps to making changes that were going to lead down a path that ultimately brought me here. If someone told me at that time that I was going to get a PhD and be a president of a college, I would have said “yeah, right.” I graduated from high school the least likely to succeed.

There are preconceived notions about a person who is Native American, and about a woman working in a predominately white male environment. My passion for equity and inclusion comes from knowing what it’s like to not be thought of as a person who has potential. Empowerment became a word I wanted to know more about.

What has been the best piece of advice you have received? The best advice I have received is to always be yourself. Don’t try to be what you think others want you to be because you will always fail.

What is your most memorable career moment? There have been many memorable moments over the years, but the installation and convocation ceremonies at Medicine Hat College are definitely highlights. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be seen as the person I never thought I could become. It was wonderful, and overwhelming. I had to remind myself to breathe.

What do you see as opportunities and challenges for MHC? I’m meeting people and going so fast to try and be on the same page. We all want to do the best for our communities, our businesses, our industries. What an opportunity! The greatest challenge we have is getting ourselves future-proofed. We have to act quickly. If we’re not ready for students of the future, we’re failing.

Trust in your principles and values and never bend, because if you have principles and values you will always have respect.

What is your leadership style?

It’s about sharing leadership. It’s about collaborative environments. It’s about reframing questions. It’s about having the best people in the best positions and trusting them to make decisions and go forth and do. I’m not a micro manager.

I’m very much about bringing the resources and the attention to the people I work with so they can be at their best. Then I get out of their way because that’s when magic happens.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’ve had the opportunity to meet Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth II, twice. When I was VP of academic and research at First Nations University of Canada in 2005, I presented a star quilt to Prince Phillip and a pair of moccasins to the Queen. I was also invited to a thank you luncheon with the Queen during her visit to Winnipeg in 2010.

Read the full interview with Denise online at www.mhc.ab.ca/real.

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STUDENT PROJECT

SHINES

AT EMERALD AWARDS

“I TOOK A BLIND LEAP OF FAITH. SO MUCH CREDIT HAS TO GO TO MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE FOR SHAPING ME INTO THE PERSON I AM TODAY.”

Sean Allen’s idea to help conserve prairie habitat in Medicine Hat has grown, well, like a weed. The recent graduate of MHC’s environmental reclamation program came up with a plan in 2013 to tackle the invasive growth of baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) in the city’s northeast while engaging community partners. Members of the Grasslands Naturalists helped to identify the plants to be removed by a volunteer team of approximately 150 employees from Calfrac Well Services who donated their time during spring break-up. The Ranchlands area in Medicine Hat is home to a rare and endangered species called tiny cryptantha (Cryptantha minima), a plant that is very sensitive to changes in the environment. Due to the delicate nature of the plant and other species in the area, mowing or chemical use were not options so the team spent two weeks flagging and digging out the plants by hand.

SEAN ALLEN SMILES OVER THE SUCCESS OF THE BABY’S BREATH PROJECT. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNA MACDONALD, CITY OF MEDICINE HAT

Now in its second year, the project has removed over 50,000 plants, has received national media coverage, and was nominated for a 2014 Alberta Emerald Award that recognizes outstanding environmental initiatives. “I was shocked by how far the project reached,” said Allen, who has been interviewed by the Canadian Press, CBC and CTV. “To receive the Emerald Award nomination was huge.” Although the project didn’t win an award this year, Allen believes it was a huge accomplishment just to be nominated, considering the infancy of the baby’s breath initiative. He was encouraged by the response the project received from the audience, judges and the Alberta Emerald Foundation. “The caliber of contestants was extraordinary,” said Allen who attended the awards event in June. “One of the criteria the judges look for is longevity. We were strongly encouraged to reapply again next year.” While the project may be relatively new compared to those of other nominees, it has already proven successful. Allen noted that regrowth in the areas targeted last year was minimal, which allowed the team to remove even more plants in less amount of time within an expanded area this spring. He has also received calls from other oil companies looking to get involved with the project in the future. “I took a blind leap of faith. So much credit has to go to Medicine Hat College for shaping me into the person I am today. The reclamation program gave me the skills and knowledge to be able to do this project; however, it was the teachers that provided the encouragement and expertise that was required to take that extra step and persevere right to the end.” real4

CALFRAC VOLUNTEER HOLDS UP “THE BIG ONE.” PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN ALLEN

GIRL POWER FEMALE TRADES INSTRUCTORS TALK SHOP

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When Ruth Streifel walked into the classroom on her first day, one of the students offered her a seat at the front of the room. She smiled, thanked him and said she’d wait. The student looked confused, until the teacher came into the room and introduced Streifel as the new part-time welding instructor at Medicine Hat College. While the presence of women in male-dominated industries like welding and other trades is steadily increasing, people still often do a double-take when she walks into the classroom or lifts the lid of her mask, said Streifel, who has been welding for almost 14 years. Her journey hasn’t always been easy. After a series of odd jobs in restaurants and retail following high school, she just “fell into welding.” Her father had asked her if she wanted to help him with a contract job. She agreed, so he handed her a welding helmet and gloves and told her to get started. “I thought, ‘Oh, no, no, no. This is not what I had in mind,’” remembered Streifel who, after 20 minutes, stormed into the house and yelled “I can’t do this!” But her dad looked at her welds and saw potential so he sent her back out to finish the job. She started to get the hang of things and realized welding was something she actually enjoyed. After deciding that welding was something she wanted to pursue, she embarked on the challenge of finding an employer to take her on as an apprentice. One place told her not to bother even leaving a résumé because she was a girl. “I was shocked, because it wasn’t 1950,” said Streifel. “I do understand that some guys view girls as a distraction, even when they’re not trying to be, but times are changing. There are more and more women getting into the industry. Guys are just going to have to deal with it.” She was eventually hired by Fortress Fabrication and started her apprenticeship training at MHC. “It was a good experience,” explained Streifel about her training. “I learned about the industry, but the best part was I got to go to school and learn how much I didn’t know. I had zero experience in so many aspects of welding. Apprenticeship training was a crash course. It was tough.” Streifel chose MHC because of the small classes and one-onone approach to teaching. “I knew I could get help if I needed help. I didn’t think I could get that in the bigger centres. As an apprentice, I wanted to get the best instruction and it was here.” Outside of the classroom, help was sometimes tougher to come by. As a woman working in a non-traditional role, she believes she had to work harder to prove herself.

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RUTH STREIFEL JOURNEYMAN WELDER

She recalls one experience at work when she asked a co-worker

AMANDA HENNESSEY, MASTER ELECTRICIAN

for help lifting a 12 ft. steel rail that was stuck in a jig. He told her if she couldn’t do it herself then maybe she should go back to sewing. “So I did it myself,” said Streifel. “I got it out myself, and I flipped it around myself, and I carried that rail all by myself. I learned to develop techniques so I could do things on my own without looking weak. Because I’m not.” Does she think she has something to prove? “Often, yeah. Do I try to have a chip on my shoulder? No. I try to prove myself without being a bag about it. In a way, it’s good. It’s made me become a better welder. I have to be really good so when it comes down to people asking ‘do you think you can do it? I can say ‘yeah, and I’ll school you even.’” Streifel admits that she can sometimes pull out the attitude. After driving three hours to a rig in Saskatchewan for a job, she got out of the truck only to be asked, “Where’s the welder?” She told them she could drive back to the Hat, they could call for another welder, and see her again in three weeks, or they could just watch her do a first weld and decide if that would be necessary. “Wouldn’t you know? They all left me alone after that.” It’s a scenario that has been common throughout her career. After months of being challenged by co-workers and clients, she went from being asked if she could do a job to being asked to do the job because of the quality of her work. As she gained experience, she also gained the respect of her bosses and co-workers. At one point, she had seven different companies trying to recruit her when three years earlier no one was interested in hiring her in the first place.

Streifel was eventually recruited by Valley Tech Ltd. (now RailPro) to run her own shop. For the most part, she had a respectful crew and supportive bosses that backed her decisions. There were times when the fact she was a woman was an issue for some employees, but that attitude wasn’t tolerated as it affected the whole shop, said Streifel. In addition to running the shop, part of her job at RailPro was to teach the “newbies” to make sure they were progressing. “I like the part about being a journeyman and passing on my knowledge. That is huge – giving other people the same experience that I’ve had. If I can pass that on to someone else and help them have purpose and a goal, that’s pretty cool.” So when Medicine Hat College asked her to submit her résumé for a part-time welding instructor position, she was thrilled. “This way I get to train all the time,” explained Streifel. “If I can make everyone better than me, that’s great.” As a wife and mother of three young children, the part-time teaching job also provided her with an opportunity to balance work and family. While she thinks women make good welders, she believes it shouldn’t be about whether or not someone is male or female. It should be about who can do the best job. “I’ve come a long way since striking my first arc,” said Streifel. “Welding is fulfilling for me. I love it. I love what I do.”

Like Streifel, Amanda Hennessey loves her career in the trades and believes that gender shouldn’t be an issue. Like Streifel, she has had to prove herself time and time again. real7

Despite the similarities between the two women, Hennessey followed a different path that brought her to teach in the electrical apprenticeship program at Medicine Hat College.

Electrical. Hennessey returned to Calgary for her third and fourth years and received her journeyman ticket and Red Seal in 2007.

Originally from a small town in southwestern Alberta, the only job available to her as a teenager was bagging groceries at the local store. Looking for something more, she signed up for the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) at her high school when she was 15 which allowed her to earn credits and gain experience as an electrical apprentice.

Throughout her education and career, she encountered her share of issues in the industry from both genders. In addition to being challenged by men in her field, she also witnessed female apprentices who played the “girl card.”

The first challenge for Hennessey was finding an employer. She was interested in appliance repair but the local shop wasn’t interested in hiring her.

“They want equality, but at the same time they don’t want to work for it,” explained Hennessey. “I’ve never asked for a handout or to be treated differently. I just want to be treated with respect. In this day and age it shouldn’t matter [if you’re male or female] if you’re good at what you do.”

“I had been raised to think I could do anything I wanted to. I never had any restrictions like that put on me.”

With additional effort being made at provincial and municipal levels to encourage female participation in the trades, Hennessey believes numbers are on the rise. When she worked for Starks Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical prior to joining Medicine Hat College in 2013, she was the only female journeyman, but there were four female apprentices and that was something she had never seen.

While it wasn’t common for a girl to be in the trades, her family and friends were very supportive. “My dad was especially proud,” she said.

Hennessey had also never seen a female master electrician so she decided that she would become one and recently wrote her master’s exam.

A neighbour found her a job with the local school division so she was able to work during the summer months and half days for one semester in Grades 11 and 12. The experience was a positive one—the maintenance department treated her like family and she learned a lot.

Now that she’s an instructor, she has the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and enjoys watching her students make the connection between what they learn in the classroom and the work they do in the field.

“He told me flat out ‘no.’ That I was a girl and I couldn’t do it. I was quite shocked actually, and even more determined to prove my point,” said Hennessey, who knew her way around a tool box, often working alongside her dad on their acreage.

“There were a few times when I wanted to quit. The work was physically challenging and I didn’t know if I could handle it, but I always had someone there that let me know I was going to make it.” Following high school, she planned to be a physics teacher and went so far as to pick out a dorm room at a university in the United States where she had been accepted. But at the last minute, she changed her mind and went to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to finish her electrical apprenticeship training. She had all of her first year hours completed by the time she arrived in Calgary, and was able to complete her first and second years of school back-toback before moving to Medicine Hat to work for Quick-Way

Her decision to stick with electrical is one that she’s never regretted and she encourages all women to consider a career in the trades. “I am happy with my choice. Electrical has a lot of physics in it and I get to do the stuff I love with my hands and teach, so it’s a really great combination,” said Hennessey. “I think I’ve done my part in proving to the industry that it doesn’t matter if you are male or female. It is important for people to realize that gender does not determine one’s capacity to be a good tradesman. “Hopefully, I’ve made it a little easier for women who are just starting their journey.”

LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN TRADES? FIND YOUR FIT WITH EXCITING TRADES TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT MHC AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

RIG TECHNICIAN [offered exclusively at Brooks Campus]

CARPENTER

STEAMFITTER/PIPEFITTER

ELECTRICIAN

WELDER

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN

Pre-Employment programs are offered in some of the trades

PLUMBER/GASFITTER real8

Please visit mhc.ab.ca for more info

LIVE & LEARN “I really enjoyed being a student here and I loved the weekend format. The information was fresh and the discussions that often came up during the classes were important and helped me understand how safety programs work in other facilities. We had instructors from health care, oil and gas —many different facets of industry—that shared a different perspective on the unique nature of their jobs.”

KENDRA M OH&S

CONTINUING STUDIES OFFERS: • • • • •

Certificate Programs Business & Leadership Online Courses & Certificates Computers & Technology Industry & Trades

• • • •

Workplace Health & Safety General Interest Lifestyle & Recreation Children & Youth

“I DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD BE THIS MUCH FUN. I FEEL LIKE A KID IN A CANDY STORE. I’M JUST LOVING IT.”

UP FOR A CHALLENGE SHE WAS GOOD AT WRITING IQ TESTS SO SHE PASSED THE MENSA ENTRANCE EXAM.

SHE WAS SCARED TO FLY SO SHE EARNED HER ULTRA-LIGHT PILOT LICENSE.

SHE COULDN’T READ MUSIC SO SHE TOOK UP THE TRUMPET AT AGE 30 AND PERFORMED THE MESSIAH WITH THE CONSERVATORY ORCHESTRA.

SHE WANTED TO THROW HER COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW SO SHE ENROLLED IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT MHC. Whether Gail Thompson is faced with an opportunity or frustrated by a situation, she’s not afraid to tackle it head on. real10

Not only did Thompson take on these challenges, she did so while struggling with mental illness most of her adult life. Thompson was raised in Montreal and attended Queen’s University in Ontario where she graduated with an honours degree in chemistry in 1976. She worked in Ottawa for the Department of National Defense for 2 ½ years before moving to Medicine Hat to pursue a career in organic chemistry at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Suffield. The plan was to work for two years and then complete a PhD, but that never happened. “I had some glitches along the way,” said Thompson, who was diagnosed with depression in 1985 and bipolar disorder in 2010.

Because she was unaware of the extent of her mental illness, Thompson said she had to learn how to cope with a lot of hardships on her own. Some days even doing the most simple tasks, like opening a desk drawer, were a challenge for her. She had to learn to break things down into activity she could manage. She admits to having some rough patches at work but for the most part, people were supportive of her during these times. “It’s important to know it does get better. You have to have faith. That was tough to grasp sometimes, to hang in there,” said Thompson, who encourages people that struggle with mental illness to find someone to talk to and to see a doctor. She also thinks it’s important for people to realize that mental illness is a disease, not unlike diabetes or cancer.

There are medications that can help, as can having the understanding and support of family, friends and employers. For Thompson, the support she received from one of her biology supervisors at work allowed her to “blossom” and take her career in a different direction. Halfway through her time at DRDC, she moved into immunology and worked on prophylaxis and therapy for nerve agent poisoning, and identification of bacteria, viruses and toxins. “It was interesting work with lots of variety,” said Thompson, who enjoyed problem solving and working in the lab. In 2012, a series of cutbacks at DRDC resulted in Thompson being offered a buyout package which included an education allowance for retraining. Given her more recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, she didn’t feel ready to return to school at the time, but after visiting with a friend last summer she made a last minute decision to enrol at MHC for the fall semester.

Thompson, now 61, just finished her first year in the information technology (ITEC) program with a 4.0 average. “The reason I picked ITEC was because I have felt like throwing my computer into oncoming traffic,” laughed Thompson. Knowing that many people, particularly seniors, probably feel the same way, Thompson is considering offering technology support to the young at heart when she graduates in 2015. She also enjoys the web design aspect of the program and has done work for the local dog agility organization where she has given much of her spare time as a competitor, teacher and judge. While she describes herself as being the same age of her classmates’ grandparents and takes some friendly ribbing about her texting ability, her college experience has been a “blast.” “I didn’t think it would be this much fun. I feel like a kid in a candy store. I’m just loving it.” Compared to her time at university, Thompson says her work ethic and trouble shooting skills, as well as her ability to approach problems in a methodical way, have made her a better student this time around. She also credits her MHC instructors as being as good, or even better than the professors she had at university. Despite the obstacles she’s encountered along the way, the skills she’s gained have served her well throughout her life. Whether she’s piloting an ultra-light or programming a website, she’s certainly not afraid to try something new.

B ROOKS C AMPUS

RIG TECHNICIAN PROGRAM MOVES TO BROOKS CAMPUS The rig technician apprenticeship program will be calling the Brooks campus home next year. The program has been located at MHC’s Kipling Street campus in Medicine Hat but the college has agreed to vacate the space to make room for an important community wellness initiative. Joel Gingrich, MHC’s manager of trades, explains that the Brooks campus is a good location for the rig technician program due to its central location. “Students come to the program from all over Alberta, and these individuals are used to being on the move,” said Gingrich. “The availability of support services, facilities, and residence at the Brooks campus, coupled with community accessibility and amenities, makes this move a positive one.” He notes that the program currently serves 72 students annually. Apprentices are employed and spend about one month per year over a three-year period in formal education to enhance onthe-job training and experiences. The apprenticeship program requires students to complete three levels of training, all of which will occur in Brooks starting next spring. Gingrich notes that student success is the college’s first priority. “It is important that students encounter a learning environment that meets all of their needs. We’re confident in the decision to move to Brooks; and as always, we will continue to evaluate programs to be sure students, employers, and our partners with Apprenticeship and Industry Training are satisfied.” The 2014 intake of the program has just begun at the current location in Medicine Hat. When the students complete their training in June, Gingrich says the college will begin the transition to the Brooks campus for subsequent intakes.

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3D TECHNOLOGY AT THE TRACK

RESEARCH JONATHAN MORRISON AT HOME IN MHC’S 3D PRINTING LAB.

As engines rev and dust flies at the local motocross track, Jonathan Morrison is in his glory. Morrison was raised on a farm outside of Regina, Saskatchewan and like most farm boys, had a love of motorbikes. While academics had never been of interest to him in high school, he took his passion for bikes and turned it into a career by completing his motorcycle technician ticket at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology. His training landed him a job at Harley Davidson in Medicine Hat and later, the local Yamaha shop. Although he jokingly refers to himself as a veteran out at the track these days, as children as young as ages five and six race by, Morrison still loves the sport he grew up with and has found new ways of channeling that passion into his education. While off work due to an injury—not surprisingly related to motorbikes—he decided the time was right to return to school and “make his parents proud.” He heard about the 3D printer technology available at MHC which enticed him to enrol in the computer aided drafting and design (CADD) program in the fall of 2013. real12

“I was bitten by the 3D printing and scanning bug,” said Morrison. “I always had an interest in creatively modifying motorcycles with engine mods and custom builds. I realized the use of CADD in that.” To further sweeten his MHC experience, Morrison was awarded an internship which allowed him to work on 3D printer projects throughout his first year. Internships are offered to first and second year students in both the CADD and visual communications programs and provide opportunities for them to learn about 3D printing and its real world applications. He began working on projects with local industry partners under the leadership and guidance of James Kuehn, a CADD instructor, and Walter Garrison, the manager of innovation and scholarship at MHC. By using the Faro Edge Arm, Morrison was able to develop dimensional drawings for a local manufacturing shop by scanning an existing valve to extract the data needed for future production.

“It has been a great experience for my first year— interacting with industry, seeing what they need and want, and learning how I can tune my education towards [those expectations].”

TOP: MORRISON AT THE TRACK. BOTTOM: MORRISON WITH PROFESSIONAL RACER TOM PANTELI.

As a mature student, Morrison says he came in at the start of the program with clear goals about what he wanted to achieve with 3D printing and manufacturing, but noticed not all students realized the opportunities and applications of the technology. Over the course of the year, he has seen how the program has influenced students by giving them hands-on experience through a variety of 3D printing assignments like designing an original coat hook and developing a catapult system for a class competition.

In addition to the class and industry projects Morrison has been working on in the 3D print lab, he’s also had the opportunity to design, print and test custom motorcycle parts in his spare time. Now, thanks to 3D printing, instead of spending thousands of dollars to build a prototype in a machining shop, he’s able to print and refine his custom parts at a fraction of the cost.

RESEARCH

“It got everyone fired up. Now everybody wants to do 3D printing,” explained Morrison about the final project that saw teams of students design and print their own 3D catapults. “It was absolutely awesome. We can design stuff all we want on the computer, but until we can design something and have it made and hold it in our hands, we don’t get the same benefit.”

“I ALWAYS HAD AN INTEREST IN CREATIVELY MODIFYING MOTORCYCLES WITH ENGINE MODS AND CUSTOM BUILDS. I REALIZED THE USE OF CADD IN THAT.”

While most of his custom parts are built for engines or other mechanical areas, he has also designed and printed a personalized motorcycle cover that has been installed on a local racer’s bike. “We can show people it’s not just for class projects. When I came in, I thought I would just use the 3D printer for prototyping, but then my prototype ended up staying on the bike because it was structurally sound.” Morrison recognizes there are a lot of factors to take into consideration as society continues to explore 3D printing, particularly intellectual property, but believes the technology will really start to catch on locally once people see the possibilities. For Morrison, those possibilities are endless, whether he’s printing parts in the lab or watching them perform at the track.

Interested in learning more about 3D printing at MHC or booking the lab? Visit www.mhc.ab.ca/3DPrinter for details.

CUSTOM 3D PRINTED COVER

EDUCATION IS THE KEY “IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES, IT’S ABOUT WHAT YOU LEARN AND WHAT YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF.”

When she arrived in Canada from Zimbabwe in 2001, Barbra Madonko was unsure of what to expect. The uncertainty that came from leaving behind everything familiar, including her young daughter, and building a new life for her and her family wasn’t easy, but the results have been worth the sacrifice.

While she learned a lot on the job, Madonko always knew she wanted to pursue a social work degree (BSW)—and her passion for working with children and families—so she returned to MHC in 2012.

“It’s been a journey,” said Madonko. “A fun one.”

The bachelor of social work program offered at the college is a collaborative effort known as the Faculty of Social Work South. The degree is offered by the University of Calgary (U of C), on the MHC campus, with core courses instructed by professors from U of C and the University of Lethbridge, and electives by college faculty.

Although she originally settled in Edmonton, it wasn’t long before she called Medicine Hat home. The size of the city, and its strong sense of community are what drew her here to raise her family. After her daughter arrived in Canada and her son was born, she decided to make some more changes. “There is a saying: ‘where you are coming from is farther than where you are going.’ I always believed I can do anything that I set my mind to.” With that attitude, she began the next leg of her journey at Medicine Hat College. Although she spoke English and had attended college in her home country, she enrolled in English 30 at MHC through the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program to simplify her transition into the Canadian post-secondary system. She quickly moved into the social work diploma program which gave her a solid foundation for the future. After graduation, she went to work at HIV Community Link in Medicine Hat and was selected by MHC to be a field work instructor and help train future classes of social work students. real14

“I had such awesome instructors, especially in the diploma program,” said Madonko. “I appreciated their support and belief in me.” Now, in her final practicum with Southern Alberta Child and Family Services, she’s been able to realize both her goals of completing a BSW while making a difference in the lives of children. As this chapter in her life comes to a close, Madonko’s journey is far from over as she considers pursuing a master’s degree in the years ahead. “It doesn’t matter how long it takes, it’s about what you learn and what you learn about yourself,” said Madonko. “Obviously there are challenges, but the beauty is in overcoming those challenges. That’s where the growth comes. “For me, education is a treasure. It’s something you do on your own. Nobody can take that away.”

From dead-end to diploma graduate When Michael Larocque dropped out of school in junior high, he probably didn’t think that college would ever be a part of his future. “School wasn’t my thing. I didn’t think about consequences,” said Larocque about some of the choices he made as a teenager. He spent the next few years “making the rounds” and ended up in Calgary working a dead-end job. Things started to change for Larocque when he met his girlfriend Amy, who encouraged him to get a better education. With her support, and the support of his mother, Diane, he moved back to Medicine Hat and enrolled at MHC. “I wouldn’t have made it without them,” said Larocque of the women in his life. “I made a decision. Better to return to school sooner than later.” So with only a Grade 9 education, Larocque started his college career in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program. According to Toni Garlock, Larocque’s math instructor for two semesters, most ABE students fall into one of two categories: those who have had poor experiences with school in the past and those who have been away from the classroom from a long period of time and need to refresh. Larocque was both.

MICHAEL WITH PROUD MOM, DIANE [ABOVE] AND GIRLFRIEND, AMY [BELOW].

Despite being nervous about returning to the classroom at the age of 30, he found the support and encouragement he needed from his teachers and fellow classmates. “When I came to MHC, I felt comfortable. I liked being here,” said Larocque. “I was proud to walk down the halls.” The services available to him through the Academic Resources Centre and Open Learning Centre also contributed to his success. “I could go in and get help with science, math—whatever I needed,” said Larocque. “Everyone was friendly and willing to help.” His hard work and perseverance are still remembered and admired by his ABE instructors who watched him progress through his academic career at MHC. Because of the time and effort he invested in pursuing higher education, Larocque applied to and was accepted into power engineering technology—one of the most competitive and demanding programs at the college. “I was shocked when he told me what he wanted to do. I never saw this coming,” said his mom. But now, on the day of her son’s convocation, she couldn’t be happier. “Now look at him,” she said, beaming with pride. With his girlfriend at his side and a baby on the way, the future is bright for Larocque. “2014 is our year,” he said with a smile.

Looking to return to school as a mature student? Contact Academic Advising at 403.529.3819 to discuss your options. real15

Congratulations CLASS OF 2014

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MY HOPE FOR YOU IS THAT AS YOU GO FORWARD, YOU DO SO KNOWING THAT INSTILLED WITHIN EACH OF YOU IS A LOVE OF LEARNING. GO FORWARD IN YOUR LIFE WITH PRIDE AND WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DIFFERENCE YOU CAN AND WILL MAKE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS. KNOW THAT YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL, AN EMERGING LEADER FOR YOUR FAMILIES AND YOUR COMMUNITIES AND AS A LEADER YOU CARRY A RESPONSIBILITY TO INSTILL HOPE.

TO SAY THAT MHC IS PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IS OBVIOUS, BUT THE FACT IS THAT YOU JOIN THOUSANDS OF MHC GRADUATES WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR PROVINCE, OUR COUNTRY AND OUR WORLD. AS YOU GO FORWARD FROM HERE TODAY, KNOW THAT YOU GO FORWARD WITH OUR BEST WISHES, REMIND YOURSELVES THAT BECOMING A TRUE LEADER IS BEING SUCCESSFUL IN GROWING YOURSELF AND YOUR INTEGRITY. DENISE HENNING, MHC PRESIDENT & CEO

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STUDENT OF THE YEAR LUCAS CAPARINI, ECOTOURISM & OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP In addition to his outstanding academic performance and willingness to lend a hand, Lucas has been a dedicated volunteer on a variety of college and community projects.

INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR GLEN ALLAN, BUSINESS By creatively connecting curriculum to real life, he engages students and makes the learning experience interesting and relevant. Time and time again, Glen is described by his students as someone who is caring, dedicated and passionate about what he does.

GOVERNOR GENERALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ACADEMIC MEDAL COURTNEY FLAIG, PRACTICAL NURSE Presented to the student who achieves the highest overall average upon graduation. Described by her instructors as focused, organized and conscientious, Courtney came into the practical nurse program intent on being the best she could be and this award would indicate she succeeded. real19

PHOTO BY PIXELDUST PHOTOGRAPHY

CALL TO THE PROFESSION a tradition of excellence continues as nursing graduates are recognized at the annual pinning ceremony on June 5, 2014

And, we (are) first, the pioneers, groundbreakers, trailblazers, only because behind the scenes those assiduous and hardworking administrators have paved the way to make these moments possible. To the undergraduate we would say: Be encouraged. Persist. Your moment of greatest anxiety or temptation to discouragement, can be made the moment of grandest victory in your noble pursuit. You need never fail. CATHERINE M. PARKER, VALEDICTORIAN MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING FIRST GRADUATION, AUGUST 18, 1972 real20

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FROM THE BANK TO THE BEACH AND BACK Change takes courage. After working in the banking industry for 20 years, Judi Coombes was offered a severance package and with it, an opportunity to change her life. She went from working behind a desk as a personal banker to teaching massage therapy in the Caribbean to starting her own business in just a few years. She moved to Medicine Hat from Leader, Saskatchewan in 1978 and took a banking job with CIBC. After receiving the buyout in 1998, which covered the cost of tuition and books for one year, she decided to take the massage therapy program at MHC. Coombes, who was living with her family in Vauxhall at the time, started attending MHC’s campus in Brooks to upgrade her biology. While she didn’t have a lot of fond memories of her biology teacher in high school, she acknowledges that some 20 years later ‘he got the last laugh.’

When she returned full-time to the classroom at the Medicine Hat campus, it didn’t take long for her to realize that her experience in college would be nothing like high school. “I was definitely a mature student. I was going to school with kids who were young enough to be my kids,” said the mother of two. “I thought, ‘what have I gotten myself into?’ For the first three weeks I really questioned my sanity.” But she settled in and worked hard. Seeing the passion and commitment her instructors brought to their subjects and students, even after years of teaching, was inspiring for her. Coombes graduated in 2001 and received the opportunity of a lifetime the following year. Through connections she made at MHC, she was offered the chance to live in Castries, St. Lucia and teach massage therapy to the locals. The spa industry does not typically pay well in the Caribbean and those who are

self-employed are able to earn a better living, said Coombes. She added that some of her students were Rastafarians and were close to being homeless. By providing certified training, these islanders could receive their government license and set up shop on the beach —off the resorts—and improve their quality of life. While “island time” ran at a slower pace than she was accustomed to, it didn’t take long for Coombes to embrace the “great culture and beautiful people.” “There, it’s all about family, food and faith. It was a healthier, simpler lifestyle.” She returned to the island with her second husband for their honeymoon in 2004 and had the opportunity to catch up with her former students. Many of them were still reading through the journals Coombes had them keep during their training, and she was amazed to see the impact the course had made on their lives. “Bringing the massage therapy course to St. Lucia awakened an incredible thirst for knowledge in many of the students and I have always felt grateful for the golden opportunity I was given,” she said. Now Coombes is self-employed and continues to see the impact massage therapy can have in people’s lives. In addition to addressing physical issues, she believes massage therapy can also feed the mind and soul. While it wasn’t always easy, Coombes had the courage to make a change and believes anyone is capable of doing the same. “I see people my age and they’re stuck, so afraid to try something new. “For me, taking the program at MHC was the best decision I ever made, in so many ways. When you get an education, doors open.”

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THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUDI COOMBES

TOP: JUDI HANGING OUT WITH JEROLD AND ELECTRA AT HER FAVOURITE RUM SHOP. BOTTOM [LEFT TO RIGHT]: TECHNIQUES CLASS; EXTRA INSTRUCTION FOR WAYNE; STUDY TIME WITH MANDA, MINDY AND SKAI

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GUNTAR KRAVIS

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THE ARTS ARE FOR EVERYONE CATHERINE ANNAU, THE NEW MANAGER OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS AT MHC, SHARES HER VISION FOR ARTS AND CULTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Catherine Annau is passionate about arts and culture. As a documentary filmmaker, TV producer, published author, and former actor, Annau is bringing that passion to Medicine Hat as the new manager of visual and performing arts. Her portfolio includes overseeing both the conservatory of music and dance as well as the visual communications program at Medicine Hat College. The newly created position is an excellent fit for Annau, who hails from a long line of musicians and artists. Her grandmother was an opera singer who performed on the concert stages of Europe before emigrating to Canada where she set up a studio and taught future performers of the National Arts Centre. Her great-uncle was a composer and organist. Annau’s father was an award-winning architect and artist whose work has been exhibited at the National Gallery in Washington and is part of the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario. He was also president of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.

With that background, Annau is excited to be in Medicine Hat and build on the strong foundation of arts in the community. “I’m really impressed by the incredible level of musicality and talented artists in this city. People are really committed to the arts here. It’s an incredible place with remarkable resources,” said Annau. “We want to ensure we continue to support that tradition of excellence and ensure that MHC is seen as a vital part of this community.” One of her goals in the upcoming year is to expand MHC’s reach and attract new people into the Cultural Centre by offering different programming, workshops and master classes, as well as bringing in professionals from around the world to mentor and facilitate learning experiences. Annau has already been in the community meeting with cultural stakeholders to see where MHC can partner. She also encourages the public to keep an eye out for exciting events in the year ahead, including the opening of a state-of-the-art visual communications building in September 2014.

“I’m interested in making the Cultural Centre a destination of choice, in creating synergies between organizations so that we can continue to offer a culturally diverse and enriched experience,” said Annau. “This will help ensure that whether people are here to take lessons, listen to fantastic concerts, or see great works of art created by students, teachers or members of the community, they are getting the most out of their time with us.” “I’m passionate about culture. I really want to get involved in sharing and promoting it while working with people of all ages who want to learn and experience it,” said Annau. “I believe that the arts are as vital to the human spirit as breathing is to the body. And everybody—from professionals to amateurs to the merely curious—should feel at home at the Cultural Centre. It’s vital that music, theatre and art be for everyone to enjoy and create.” If you are interested in connecting with Catherine Annau to explore opportunities, please contact her at 403.529.4853 or cannau@mhc.ab.ca.

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DESTINATION ARTS NEW VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY GRAND OPENING SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 ALUMNI ART SHOW SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

THIS $7.2 MILLION EXPANSION INCLUDES: · · · · ·

STATE-OF-THE ART EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY DEDICATED GALLERY FOR STUDENT EXHIBITIONS PRIVATE STUDIO SPACE FOR 3RD YEAR STUDENTS LIGHTING STUDIO, OUTDOOR SCULPTURE AREA MORE SPACE TO DESIGN AND CREATE

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DESTINATION MUSIC + DANCE ADULT PROGRAMS FOR FALL 2014 Find your voice. Make beautiful music. Unleash your passion for dance. NEW JAZZ IMPROVISATION RICK LETT

ADULT CONCERT CHOIR BRADLEY VAN MIDDELKOOP

Using standard songs of the jazz repertoire, this class will explore the many tools that can turn improvising from an intimidating, “play around and hope for the best” approach into an enjoyable and musical experience. While a variety of improvising strategies will be presented and practiced in the class, the emphasis will be on students progressing at their own pace, and exploring the improvising tools that best fit their musical personality. 16+

The goal of the Adult Concert Choir is to prepare and perform a variety of repertoire spanning all time periods, medieval to modern. Frequently, the choir will learn and perform a large-scale masterwork from the classical repertory. Performances are typically mid-December and mid-April. 18+

Participants should have a minimum of 2 years experience.

In a lab situation, students will learn and explore the elements involved in jazz combo playing covering a variety of styles. As a small group of experienced players, entry to this class is by audition and on the recommendation of a conservatory instructor. 16+

NEW MUSICAL THEATRE VOCAL ADELE WILDING The Musical Theatre Vocal Class is aimed at students who are interested in musical theatre singing and/or intend to pursue a professional career in musical theatre. The class covers skills that are specific to the genre: effective breathing and support, diction, vocal projection, song interpretation, and combining singing with acting and movement. Please note: prior to enrolment, prospective students must arrange an interview and audition with the instructor.

NEW POPS CHOIR ADELE WILDING The MHC Conservatory Pops Choir is an ensemble that will be launched in September 2014. Formerly known as the Jazz and Pop Choir, this new ensemble will celebrate repertoire from the classic pop, soul, Motown and modern jazz genres. Previous choral experience is not necessary but would be advantageous. We also encourage members who enjoy harmony singing and/or improvisation. 17+ COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA CHRISTINE BOOTLAND Musicians of all levels and ages are welcome to join at any time throughout the year. The orchestra plays all styles of music with a heavy emphasis on having fun while learning the basic orchestral skills of counting, phrasing and listening.

JAZZ LAB LYLE REBBECK

NEW ADULT STRETCH CLASS This class draws on Yoga and Pilates principles to build awareness and invigoration of the whole body by releasing tension and stress. The aim is to develop core strength, ease and openness in the joints and a flexible, well balanced body. This class is open to all levels. Please bring your own yoga mat for use in class. 18+

NEW ADULT BALLET CLASS Designed for adults with little to no ballet experience, the goal of the class is to focus on building a sound postural alignment and basic ballet vocabulary. The class starts with exercises at the barre followed by work in the centre of the floor. 18+

NEW ADULT HIP HOP Always curious about hip hop but too afraid to try? This adult hip hop class is for adults with little or no experience and explores a fusion of high energy ‘Street Style’ movement with basic jazz technique. 18+

Visit www.mhc.ab.ca/Conservatory or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional information about conservatory news, events and programs. real27

LET’S GET ROWDY WWW.RATTLERS.CA real28

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MEDICINE HAT, ALBERTA 2014

WE’RE HOSTING SOCCER NATIONALS! NOVEMBER 5 - 8, 2014

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L: RATTLERS WOMEN WIN GOLD AT 2014 PROVINCIAL FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT KEYANO COLLEGE IN FORT MCMURRAY. R: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON AT MHC’S TRY-A-TRADE BOOTH AT ALBERTA SKILLS COMPETITION IN EDMONTON.

L & R: ECOTOURISM STUDENTS RAFT THE PACUARE RIVER AND TOUR A COFFEE COOPERATIVE DURING A FIELD STUDY IN COSTA RICA.

L: PARAMEDIC STUDENTS PUT THEIR LIFE SAVING SKILLS TO THE TEST IN A SIMULATION COMPETITION. R: EDUCATION STUDENT DANI LETKEMAN [L] WITH HER MENTOR, TRISHA SOTROPA.

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