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FABER DRIVE ROCKS HOMECOMING NEARLY 3,000 PEOPLE CAME OUT FOR MHC’S ANNUAL SHAKE, RATTLER N’ ROLL CONCERT EVENT ON SEPT. 15.
Best of Both Worlds p. 5
TOP STORIES
Rodgers leaves a legacy p. 1
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Eresman donations top $1M p. 8
Rodgers Leaves a Legacy
l a re Volume 3 Issue 3 Office of College Advancement Medicine Hat College 299 College Drive S.E. Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6
PUBLISHER Mark Keller mkeller@mhc.ab.ca EDITOR/CONTENT Rose Paulgaard rpaulgaard@mhc.ab.ca Jennifer Thompson, Kaylynn Hohensinn DESIGN/LAYOUT Tammy Rarick PHOTOGRAPHY Pixeldust Photography Submitted Photography
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 three times annually, perhaps growing in frequency and scope in the months and years ahead. The publication is mailed to alumni and donors, and provided free to the Medicine Hat community. The editor reserves the right to limit, select, edit and position submitted copy. Views expressed in real do not necessarily reflect college policy. real contents may be printed with acknowledgement.
CIRCULATION/ CHANGE OF ADDRESS Contact College Advancement at 403.504.3667 or via email at alumni@mhc.ab.ca.
Medicine Hat College maintains a database of all alumni and donors. This database is used to send you news about MHC, including real, and invitations to special events and requests for support. On Sept. 1,1999, post-secondary institutions were required to comply with Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. In accordance with this legislation, please respond to one of the following options:
please keep my name, or
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Name ___________________________ Signature ________________________ No response means Medicine Hat College will assume an individual wishes to remain on the mailing list.
One thing was clear to anyone who knew Ron Rodgers – Willma was the light of his life. Willma, his wife of 33 years, passed away more than a decade ago but he never forgot his commitment to honour her with a lasting legacy. A $2.2 million bequest left to Medicine Hat College in Willma’s name will benefit the Division of Health Studies for years to come. The agreement states the money will be used as an endowment. The interest earned will go toward assisting students with bursaries and programming costs within the division. The donation came as a surprise to MHC’s foundation as Rodgers had left no prior indication to the college of a planned bequest. “I kept reading the documents thinking ‘WOW!’ What a generous gift from an amazing man,” said Deanna Haysom, development officer at MHC. But for Rodgers’ niece Jennifer Ericson, the legacy donation couldn’t be more fitting for a “quiet, gentle man whose wife was the light of his life.” “He was very proud of Willma’s career in nursing. She worked hard and was successful in an era when many women left the workplace once they married,” said Ericson. The couple had a fairy-tale love story. Both Willma and Rodgers were born in Scotland but didn’t meet until emigrating to Canada separately. Rodgers joined the navy after school and travelled the world as an engineer before settling in Canada in the late 1950s. Willma’s passion was always caring for others. She completed her nursing training at Dundee Royal Infirmary, specializing in maternity care and winning the Dr. Marion Kirkland Prize for nursing ability. The award described her as having “kindness of disposition toward patients.” Willma’s adventurous spirit led her to South Africa, where she worked in Johannesburg for two years.
“She particularly enjoyed working with her young assistants who were from the Zulu tribe, although the language barrier sometimes resulted in humorous exchanges,” said Ericson. “It was quite an adventure for her and left a lasting impression.”
“He did not feel the need to have lots of people around but enjoyed conversation and had some wonderful stories,” Ericson recalled of her uncle. “He worked hard throughout his life and was not extravagant – he always lived within his means and saved for the future.”
A few years later she capitalized on a vital need for nurses in booming Saskatchewan and in the mid-60s, met Rodgers on a blind date.
This financially responsible way of living allowed him to leave a lasting legacy for the benefit of countless future students.
“For Ron it was love at first sight and they were married in 1966,” said Ericson. They settled in Manitoba and lived a happily married life for more than 30 years. In the early 1990s they retired to Medicine Hat until Willma’s passing from ovarian cancer in 1999 at the young age of 65. Ericson said Ron never got over the loss of Willma. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 89.
“The fact that his legacy is in Willma’s name is a testament to his lifelong devotion to his wife and his own humility,” said Ericson. “He and Willma both appreciated the greater good to be accomplished from saving and donating money rather than spending it on themselves. “I know Ron will have had a great deal of comfort before he died knowing about his gift in Willma’s name – for him that would have been priceless.”
FIRST ENDOWMENT HONOURS STUDENT MEMORY One man’s effort to learn more about his family’s past recently connected him to Medicine Hat College and the legacy they left behind. Dr. Sultan Rahaman’s family severed all ties with Medicine Hat over 30 years ago after tragic circumstances tore his family apart. An internet search for his cousin Deen earlier this spring revealed a memorial endowment in his name at MHC so Rahaman contacted the college for more information. Records showed that Deen’s endowment was left by his mother in 1974 after he died suddenly. Following the death of her son and husband, Mrs. Rahaman created MHC’s
first-ever endowment to honour her son’s memory before she too passed away in June 1974. The $25,000 endowment was intended to help students enrolled in professional studies as Deen’s father had been. “Meeting Sultan and learning more about his family has been a true honour,” said Deanna Haysom, development officer at MHC. “It was a bit of a treasure hunt that was easily uncovered once we started investigating. The story was tragic but it was also one of love. The love of a mother, father and son will be remembered with Medicine Hat College’s first memorial endowment. “Now we understand more about Deen Rahaman and his family’s history within our community.”
For Rahaman, the journey has been a healing process. “After this tragedy, it was comforting to discover that Deen and his family were well respected, admired and loved by their friends, colleagues and members of the community who knew them. “The Deen Rahaman endowment is an honour in his memory, and although his life was short, this endowment to help students enrolled at MHC will continue to keep his name alive. I was touched by the unselfish support and research by the college and those who knew the Rahaman family. “The personal accounts and friendships formed during this trip will be treasured.”
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EDUCATION: A SHORTCUT TO SUCCESS For local businessman, board member, and college donor Austin Curtin, the flat, straight TransCanada highway that brought him to Medicine Hat over 30 years ago is no reflection of the journey his life has taken. Born and raised in Ontario, Curtin enrolled in the Zellers management training program in the 1960s which resulted in 13 moves across the country over 14 years. While running a Zellers store in northeast Calgary, he decided it was time to become his own boss and was offered a dealership with Canadian Tire in 1976. This meant another move for his young family but when he left Alberta, he vowed to find a way back. “I can remember driving down the road to Aylmer, Ontario and seeing the mountains in the background. I was teary-eyed,” admitted Curtin. The chance to return to Alberta came just four years later when another opportunity with Canadian Tire opened up in Medicine Hat.
At that time, his wife Marilyn informed him that they were done moving so Medicine Hat became home.
that Curtin empowers his employees to be autonomous and is willing to develop talent from within.
“You’ve got to ask a lot of questions, even the questions nobody likes to ask. Don’t be a shrinking violet,” advised Curtin.
Ready to settle down but still looking to expand his business, Curtin opened additional stores in Brooks and Cold Lake and eventually won Canadian Tire’s Award of Excellence in 1997.
Many of the employees have been with Curtin since 1980 which speaks to his reputation as an employer. “He’s very well respected here and across Canada,” said Turnbull. “People enjoy coming to work on a daily basis.”
“I think generating a successful business as an entrepreneur has been very rewarding,” said Curtin. “I love coming to work.”
As someone who prefers to keep a low profile, Curtin would argue that the secret to running a small business is good management and employees.
The Board of Governors focuses on broad, long-term issues such as the vision and direction of the college rather than managing day-to-day operations. It closely monitors college plans, finances, and actions to ensure development of the organization is consistent with government legislation and community expectations.
With 32 years in the Hat behind him, Curtin has built not only a successful business but a close-knit community of employees and friends.
“I look for people who are smarter and more educated than I am and it doesn’t embarrass me,” admitted Curtin. “I think that’s the key to success, I really do.”
Over 120 people work at the store and Curtin knows each and every one by name, whether they work five days or five hours a week, said Adam Turnbull, store manager at Canadian Tire and MHC alumnus. “It’s very much a family atmosphere here,” said Turnbull, who considers himself like a son to Curtin. “It starts at the top. Austin’s personality influences the culture of the building.” Turnbull has been in a full-time managerial role at Canadian Tire since 2003 and completed a management degree at Medicine Hat College through Athabasca University in 2007. He noted
Despite never attending college or university, Curtin believes that having a post-secondary education is a shortcut to success. It was his belief in the value of education that prompted Curtin to get involved with Medicine Hat College as a donor and board member. Based on over 10 years of past experience with two separate Canadian Tire boards, Curtin has learned that getting engaged in the conversation is essential. Student focus, relevant programming, thoughtful expansion and fiscal conservatism are issues that he hopes to address during his term which started in August 2011.
Board members are nominated by Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education to represent the interests of the public, students, and employees. “It has been a major learning curve but through engagement, I hope I am contributing,” said Curtin. Curtin also contributes to MHC on another level. He and his wife Marilyn have set up an endowment to help students with financial need. The bursary benefits students in the office technology program, which Curtin’s own daughter completed. “Being a donor gives me a great sense of fulfillment. It just seems right to give back to the community you earn your living from,” said Austin. “What better way than to help others reach their education goals?”
THE BEST OF
BOTH WORLDS From local news reporter at CHAT-TV to writer, producer and editor at CBS in New York City, MHC alumnus Craig Wilson has achieved more than he ever dreamed possible. While he may be working in one of the most exciting cities in the world at one the largest television networks in North America, Wilson never forgets where he came from or how his hometown has influenced the person he has become. The oldest of five children, Wilson was born and raised in Medicine Hat to a family that was very active and well-known in the community. The importance of being involved and making a positive contribution to society were behaviours modeled in their household and these qualities continue to define Wilson’s character. “If you want to have an impact, there’s no better place to be than a small town,” said Wilson. “I couldn’t have asked for a better incubator than Medicine Hat.” He attended Medicine Hat College in the early 1980s and again in 1991, studying Canadian history, First Nations issues, and politics. “Medicine Hat College provided a great education at great price,” said Wilson, adding that you don’t have to attend schools in larger centres to receive quality instruction. While he admits to not having a perfect academic record during his college days,
the experiences and insights he gained at MHC have stayed with him over the years.
“I would have gotten completely lost in a larger school where I was just an anonymous number or face. Instead, my teachers not only knew my name, they also came to know what I was about. It sounds a bit simple, but they believed in me when maybe I didn’t. “They were passionate about what they did and that was infectious.” With his own passion for politics and a curiosity about the world around him, Wilson began his award-winning journalism career at Medicine Hat’s CHAT-TV as a television and radio reporter. One summer in between journalism jobs, Wilson worked at the local tourism office, a decision that would change the direction of his life. An out-of-town couple stopped by looking for information about local services as they were to be married in Medicine Hat. With his knowledge of the community and willingness to help, Wilson quickly became their informal wedding planner, arranging everything from music to flowers. In thanks for all he had done, Wilson received an invitation to their wedding, not realizing at the time that he would meet his future wife at the event. Within the year, Wilson moved to New York City where his fiancé lived, went back to school, got married and started a new life. “Nothing in my life has been a straight arrow,” said Wilson. “There have been countless detours and dead ends. Perseverance has made me a better person.”
Eager to find a way into the New York broadcast industry, Wilson called on Canadian media legend, Knowlton Nash. Wilson had met Nash once and asked him for just one name in the industry that he could call. That name was the head of CBC operations at the United Nations and with that connection, Wilson landed his first job in New York City. He admitted it took guts to make that call, but in the end, he says, it’s up to each of us to prove ourselves. While attending Columbia University, he started “helping out” at the CBC United Nations bureau after class. Sooner than later, he was covering the office as a freelance producer. During his time with CBC, Wilson covered international headlines such as the wars in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan, the World Trade Centre bombings and the September 11 attacks. For Wilson, dealing with bad news comes with the territory, but usually the bad news is happening somewhere else. “This time, it happened in our own backyard. It has had a profound impact on me personally and professionally. I wish it wasn’t that way but it is,” said Wilson of the terrorist attacks. The following year, he received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal recognizing his coverage of Canadians in New York and Canada’s commitment to the United States in the aftermath of 9/11. With his reputation firmly established in New York’s highly competitive broadcast industry, Wilson moved on to work at CBS as an assistant producer. He worked his way up and
currently serves as a producer, writer and editor for the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley and the CBS Evening News Weekend Edition. Twice he has been nominated for a Writer’s Guild of America award in the category Outstanding Script, Television News. In 2003 he was nominated for and won the Writer’s Guild award for “Showdown with Saddam” about the morning of the US invasion in Iraq. He was also nominated for “The Battle for Iraq: Four Years After the Invasion.” Wilson has also had the opportunity to track Canadian-related stories and crossborder issues including the importance of the Canadian / US energy relationship, the Alberta Oil Sands and the Keystone XL Pipeline. “The quality of journalism is very high,” said Wilson of the network’s reputation. “It’s demanding professionally but rewarding personally. It’s a dream come true.” Working at one of the largest television networks in the United States, Wilson is proud to help people decide what to think on issues, a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly. “I get to tell people what was important today. It’s a heavy responsibility but it brings me great joy. I’m not a politician but I feel like I can make a difference.” As one of 100,000 Canadians living in the New York, Wilson works hard to make a difference in the community and support his fellow countrymen. As the director of the Canadian Association of New York (CANY), he advocates for Canadian issues and works in close contact with the Canadian Consulate, providing insight and media advice. He also supports fundraising efforts for the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research in Central Park and Ice Hockey in Harlem. “I am proud to be Canadian. I love the States but I am a Canadian. We stick together and have fun,” said Wilson of the Canuck community in New York. Described by friends as a great “cheerleader” for Canada, Wilson shares his love for his home country and hometown with his two children who are also proud of their dual identity. The family returns to Medicine Hat every summer to spend time with family and friends and reconnect with their Canadian roots.
Submitted photo
One of the added bonuses of dual citizenship for the Wilson family? Celebrating Canadian and American holidays. “We have two Thanksgivings,” said Wilson. “It’s the best of both worlds.”
realLIFE . 2
CATCHING A
Superbug After catching the figurative “research bug” from a summer job at a local research facility, Medicine Hat College alumnus Brent Weber is now dealing with an entirely different kind of contagion.
Weber is currently a PhD student studying microbiology at the University of Alberta. His graduate research involves a bacterium called Acinetobacter baumannii, a superbug known to cause infections in people with weakened immune systems. Unfortunately, this highly contagious and potentially deadly bacterium is becoming more commonplace and poses a serious threat to those with already compromised resistance to illness. Hospitals are particularly at risk, as was seen last spring at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton where one man
“Beginning my studies at the college was not only a great stepping stone from high school, but it also allowed me to develop skills and habits that helped my transition to the university environment.”
Brent Weber
died from infection caused by the bug. According to Weber, this bug is not as prevalent in Canada as in other parts of the world but we are still vulnerable. He and his colleagues have a chance to stop these outbreaks from happening, but the process to develop, test and approve a new antibiotic can take years. “Our lab is trying to understand what mechanisms, or virulence factors, A. baumannii uses to cause infection. If we can find what factors are essential for causing infection, we can then target them with novel (new) antibiotics,” said Weber, adding that existing antibiotics are becoming less and less useful against this superbug. Life in the lab is not your typical 9 to 5 job, noted Weber. Researchers have individual projects and are able to work at their own pace. Although there are lab meetings and opportunities to collaborate with other researchers, Weber works independently much of the time. “It never gets boring. Every day is completely different,” said Weber of his research. “Being the first to see something new is pretty rewarding.”
Submitted photo courtesy of Nancy L. Price
Weber always had an interest in the sciences and enrolled in MHC’s university transfer science program in 2006 to explore a broad range of courses. In addition to academics, he also had the opportunity to play soccer for the Rattlers which enhanced his college experience. “Beginning my studies at the college was not only a great stepping stone from high school, but it also allowed me to develop skills and habits that helped my transition to the university environment,” said Weber. “The classes were every bit as difficult as any class that I’ve taken in university, but having small class sizes and being able to get to know the instructors personally made getting through them that much easier. I learned what kind of effort it would take to be successful in my studies.” He admits that during his initial years of post-secondary schooling, he didn’t have the grades but that changed when he started with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) at Suffield after his first year of university. “I got lucky,” he said of the opportunity at DRDC. “It was my first taste of real science in the research lab. Since then, it’s been lots of hard work.”
with
Terry Ballard
Terry Ballard is back in Medicine Hat and doing what he loves - working in a post-secondary environment. Ballard brings more than 19 years of recreation and sports leadership to MHC, having most recently served as a program coordinator at St. Albert Protestant Athletic Academy and athletic excellence administrator and instructor at Christ King School in Leduc. He also served as head hockey coach, instructor and administrator at NAIT from 1996-2010. As the new sport and wellness manager, Ballard will provide leadership, direction and vision to the department and ensure that Rattlers athletics and sport and wellness recreational programs and services meet the needs of student-athletes, the college, and the community.
FAST FACTS
Hometown: Born in Moncton, NB, I’ve lived all over the world as a military/army brat. Favourite Sport: Hockey Favourite Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Q. Who is Terry Ballard?
and the friendships that I was able to make 20 years ago and still have to this day. And of course, the golfing.
Q. How has the college changed since you were here in the 90s? What is the same?
I’m someone who feels very fortunate to have always been employed in areas – sports, athletics, hockey – that most of the time do not feel like work.
The college has changed a lot physically, with many structural upgrades and hopefully, with a new Sport and Wellness Centre, more will come. What hasn’t changed is the attitudes of the people who are all are very proud to work for MHC and show it every day.
Q. Where did you attend
Q. What are your favourite
Describe yourself.
post-secondary education? What did you study? I earned a B.Ed in Physical Education and Science and a M.PE in Sport Administration/Management, both from the University of New Brunswick.
Q. Why did you choose to come
back to MHC? What is the best thing about living in the Hat? I was lucky that MHC chose me for this position, but essentially I have some incredibly fond memories of the college and the opportunity to return here could not be overlooked. The best things about living in Medicine Hat are the people
memories of your previous MHC experience?
My memories of MHC include having the opportunity to work with some great people, making lasting friendships, and being able to grow in a position and an area in which I have a great enthusiasm for. MHC allowed me to gain experience that I would not have been able to get anywhere else, and allowed me to be innovative in discussing changes, new ideas, trying things that I may not have otherwise been able to do. I also remember the many ways that my students were given opportunities to work with children in the schools in Medicine Hat, including the
Pen Pal project, tutoring, science fairs and student teaching.
Q. What do you hope to bring to
MHC as the new sport & wellness manager? I hope to bring about an inclusive and collaborative work environment, and to involve people in decisions and actions as we work towards contributing to the improvement and enhancement of MHC and the Medicine Hat community. I also plan to raise the awareness of sport and wellness on campus and in the community.
Q. What do you love most about
working in recreation and sports leadership? The people. I love the enthusiasm and passion they bring to their performances
as employees, volunteers or athletes.
Q. What is your most memorable career moment?
To be able to choose to work in an area that I have a great passion for overall; and specifically – I set a goal for myself many years ago to become a college hockey coach and instructor, and I was able to do that for 14 years.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have a passport that has every stamp of every European country in it – I love to travel.
Q. Who or what is your inspiration? Positive people!
“I’ve been to many places, but Medicine Hat has always held a special place in my heart. When you leave a city you realize how great a Terry Ballard place it really is.”
realPEOPLE . 6
Rattlers coaches give the inside Men’s Basketball The men’s basketball team had plenty of change over the summer. With only four returning players from last year and a brand new coaching staff, there are many fresh faces this season. With change comes opportunity and many of the current players are local with a few last minute additions. It should be an exciting transition as the team discovers what it can accomplish in the tough ACAC south division. – Craig Price
Women’s Basketball With only two starters returning and eight new faces to the team, this year’s edition of the Rattlers women’s basketball team will be one that will take time to develop and come together for a common purpose. With local high school standouts Cierra Matsalla and Alexandra Dooley joining the team, the future of the Rattlers looks very bright. This team will rely heavily on its two fifth-year players, Courtney Heinricks and Landace McClughan, for leadership and courage as we build this year’s version of the Rattlers. – Jason McLester
Men’s Volleyball The men’s volleyball program at MHC is the most dedicated and focused group the college has seen in many years. Players and coaches alike are working extremely hard
and have taken the appropriate steps along their journey to achieve success both on and off the court. We are very excited to perform for our school, ourselves and the community of Medicine Hat. Come out and celebrate the many victories that are sure to come! – Steven Russell
Women’s Volleyball The 2012-2013 Rattlers will be characterized by effort, discipline and staying in the moment as they push toward a playoff birth in the toughest conference in the country. The team will look to their returning players for leadership and expect the new players to dive right in, as the club has their sights set on a strong performance during the ACAC season and playoffs. The Rattlers will be led by four returning starters, including fourth-year setter and ACAC All Star Talayna Tremblay, outside hitter Kelsey Konihowski, middle Jordan Michie, and middle Julia Kryzan. Add to the mix setter-turned-libero Katie Henderson, and the Rattlers have the experience necessary to deal with anything thrown at them. The Rattlers will depend on a couple of freshmen to take on big roles on the outside. Local McCoy graduate Mikayla Fritzke, Calgary grads Emmalyn Copping and Sarah Burris, and Moose Jaw native Taylor Stevenson will look to have an immediate impact in that
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scoop on the 2012-2013 season role. The Rattlers also recruited some much needed depth as middle Cari Munro and setter Karmen Tateson, both from Brooks, look to challenge for court time in their rookie campaigns.
Men’s & Women’s Golf
The Rattlers will continuously demonstrate their commitment to their team and sport, and more importantly to their development as students, citizens, and individuals. – Benj Heinrichs
On the women’s side, there are no returning players; however, Catherine Proud and Danielle Blackmer are two rookies who have stepped up to show they are ready and able to compete at the ACAC level. These two ladies have the potential to compete in both the individual side as well as the team side of the tournaments, and both seem poised to make a mark.
Men’s & Women’s Soccer The men’s soccer squad will be very young in 2012-2013 and will consistently field a team of six or seven first-year players. Fans can look forward to a fast-paced, skillful passing game that creates lots of scoring opportunities. With Red Deer College hosting the Championships, the Rattlers men’s soccer team will have to finish in the South Division’s top two to qualify. The Rattlers women will be a mature squad with half the team in their fourth year of eligibility and one more in her fifth. They will be disciplined defensively and will be capable of creating many scoring chances in each game. The Rattlers women have their sights set on winning the South Division for the first time since the 1996-97 Season. – Jim Loughlin
SPORT DATE TEAM SOCCER SEPT 9 SAIT SOCCER SEPT 15 LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE SOCCER SEPT 22 RED DEER COLLEGE SOCCER SEPT 23 LAKELAND COLLEGE SOCCER SEPT 29 OLDS COLLEGE GOLF SEP 30–OCT 1 ACAC CHAMPIONSHIP BBALL OCT 26 AUGUSTANA BBALL OCT 27 LAKELAND COLLEGE VBALL NOV 2 GRANDE PRAIRIE VBALL NOV 3 GRANDE PRAIRIE VBALL NOV 9 KEYANO COLLEGE VBALL NOV 10 KEYANO COLLEGE BBALL NOV 16 GRANT MACEWAN BBALL NOV 17 NAIT BBALL JAN 12 ST. MARY’S BBALL JAN 18 LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE VBALL JAN 19 LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE VBALL JAN 25 RED DEER COLLEGE VBALL JAN 26 RED DEER COLLEGE BBALL FEB 1 SAIT VBALL FEB 2 SAIT VBALL FEB 8 BRIERCREST COLLEGE VBALL FEB 9 BRIERCREST COLLEGE BBALL FEB 15 RED DEER COLLEGE BBALL FEB 16 RED DEER COLLEGE
For the second straight year Rattler’s golf will field both a men’s and a women’s team, boasting the largest team travelling roster in recent years.
On the men’s side, we are carrying a travelling roster of eight, with a healthy blend of first and second year players. The four returning players – Zach Zubrecki, Mitch Kurtz, Landon Desharnais and Brett Griscowsky – look to build on last season’s experience and lead this squad into contention in the conference. The four rookies on the team – Zack Hay, Mason Rabinovitch, Jesse Florkowski and Matt Taylor – are eager to learn and gain experience. If the tryouts are any indication, this quartet is ready to learn and contribute to the team’s success in any way they can. – Trevor Moore
TIME (women) (men) 12PM 2:20PM 12PM 2:20PM 2PM 4:20PM 12PM 2:20PM 2PM 4:20PM DESERT BLUME 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 11AM 1PM 6PM 8PM 1PM 3PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 1PM 3PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 1PM 3PM 6PM 8PM 1PM 3PM
HOMETOWN TEAM BIG TIME TALENT
CONVOCATION AWARDS STUDENT OF THE YEAR: ANARE ROQARA
2012 Convocation celebrating your success
Fast Facts: • This award has been a tradition for 35 years at MHC. • Described as an intelligent, highly self-motivated individual who loves learning, Anare is currently enrolled at Brooks Campus and working towards a career in engineering.
INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR: RORY MAHONEY Fast Facts: • This award has been a tradition for 28 years at MHC. • Rory is a coordinator in the visual communications program and has been a full-time faculty member for 14 years. • In addition to teaching video, photography, and visual studies, Rory is passionate about motivating students and helping them to realize their potential. •
GOVERNOR GENERAL'S ACADEMIC MEDAL: AIMEE RIDEOUT
Fast Facts: • This medal honours the student with the highest overall average upon graduation and is the most prestigious award a student in Canada can receive. • Aimee is a graduate of the practical nursing program and is continuing her education in the Bachelor of Nursing Transition program at MHC this fall. •
HONOURARY APPLIED BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: ROY WILSON, PHD
Fast Facts: • This award is the highest honour Medicine Hat College can bestow. • Roy Wilson is well known for his role as a teacher and advocate for education in Medicine Hat. He is a research, writer, publisher, devoted opera fan and doting grandfather.
ALUMNI BENEFITS CARDS NOW AVAILABLE The benefits of MHC don’t end when you leave our doors! Sign up now for your alumni card and be eligible for great offers from TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and several great services at MHC: the Vera Bracken Library, Sport and Wellness, the Bookstore and employment and career development services. Benefits include: • Preferred group rates on home and auto insurance from TD Meloche Monnex • Free membership to the campus fitness centre • Free admission to all Rattlers home games • Registration discounts for Sport and Wellness summer camps • A 15% discount on clothing, giftware, stationery and art supplies at the bookstore • Free access to resumé workshops, interview preparation, career counselling and other career development services • Access to the Vera Bracken Library in Medicine Hat and Brooks, including more than 100,000 books and audio visual items, magazines and journals • Electronic library resources including e-book readers, computers, printers, wireless internet, photocopiers, microreaders, music CDs and DVDs Signing up for your card is quick and easy. The card will be administered to you with your photo (optional). To register for your alumni benefits card, contact the alumni relations office at 403-504-3667, or email alumni@mhc.ab.ca.
realLIFE . 8
Eresman donations top $1 million The Eresman Family Foundation has once again helped make MHC students’ dreams come true, passing out $80,000 in bursaries earlier this month. Four MHC students received $20,000 each, amounting to $5,000 for each year of study. Each student must begin studies at MHC but the bursary will follow them to the university of their choice, where they will transfer to complete a degree. This year’s recipients were the 25th – 28th students to receive the bursary, which was awarded for the first time in 2006. The criteria for the award include acceptance in the University Transfer Engineering or Commerce/Management program at MHC and financial need. Additionally, the student must be from the Medicine Hat area (Medicine Hat, Bow Island, Oyen, and Southwestern Saskatchewan). These bursaries were
pledged from an initial $720,000 commitment from the Eresman Family Foundation. The Eresman Family Foundation Bursary is funded by Randy and Shelly Eresman, who both began their studies at Medicine Hat College. The philanthropists started the bursary to allow as many local young people as possible the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education. “When Randy and I first decided to give, we knew it would be to education,” Shelly Eresman said at the event. “It has been so important for us moving forward. We wanted the young people of Medicine Hat to have the same opportunity that we had, and we know they can do it.” The college also announced an additional donation from the Eresmans of $510,775
to further support student endowments. For Russell Johnson, whose mother is also a student at MHC in the education program, the bursary will help remove stress over financial concerns while he pursues a career in engineering. “It’s been a great blessing for me to be given this opportunity,” said Johnson. I wanted to become an engineer but things were standing in my way. This bursary removes those obstacles.” Since 2006, the Eresmans have donated $1,002,775 to MHC. Because of this level of generosity, MHC has renamed the. college theatre the “Eresman Theatre.” “A great deal more students will reap the benefits of an education because of the generosity of the Eresmans,” said Deanna Haysom, development officer. “We’ll now think of their kindness every time we walk in the theatre.”
[Left to right] Randy and Shelly Eresman, award winners Eryk Babyn, Russell Johnson, Colin Lacey, and Rijesh Augustine.
Sunrise Rotary Trail and Trees Medicine Hat College students, staff and visitors alike will soon have expanded trails to enjoy on the MHC campus. Thanks to a recent $100,000 gift from the Sunrise Rotary Club, the Trail and Trees project is underway with a target completion date of spring 2013. “Sunrise Rotary has been actively looking for an opportunity to make another enduring investment in our wonderful community,” said Jace Anderson, past president of Sunrise Rotary Club. “This Trail and Trees initiative really excites our club.” The newly named Sunrise Rotary Trail and Trees initiative will provide access to the natural surroundings and link nearby student residences and all other major destinations throughout campus. It will also provide linkage to the existing Saamis Coulee Trail, Kin Coulee Park, and the City of Medicine Hat’s bike lane on College Drive. The 3.5 kilometre trail will also include training equipment at various stops as well as plaques telling the Sunrise Rotary Club’s story. MHC students will also develop learning opportunities throughout the trail with interpretive signs and learning opportunities. “The Sunrise Rotary Trail and Trees initiative will benefit our entire community,” said Deanna Haysom, development officer at MHC. “We are offering another way for citizens to get out, be active and enjoy our beautiful campus. This is a great community service project for Sunrise Rotary because so many people will enjoy the end result.” Other donors include the Southern Alberta Summer Games committee, which gave $25,000 to the project.
change is good... real good
real is moving to a new and improved magazine format in Spring 2013 to better serve our alumni, students and friends. Stay connected with MHC at www.mhc.ab.ca/alumni for exclusive online content this fall and make sure you’re on our mailing list by emailing alumni@mhc.ab.ca.
www.mhc.ab.ca/alumni/real
WELCOME STUDENTS
MEET THE SAMHC samhc.ca WHO I AM Shayla Paxman – President WHAT I DO Act as the Chief Executive Officer of the Students’ Association and promote and ensure appropriate representation of the student body at MHC. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MHC The thing I like most about attending MHC are the small class sizes. This makes it very easy to get to know the instructors and to get one on one time when I need it.
WHO I AM Richelle Oerlemans – VP Student Life WHAT I DO Plan events, coordinate campus clubs, work with the Peer Support Centre, act as a student representative at many levels. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MHC I love the small class sizes at MHC. It’s comforting to know that if I raise my hand to ask a question, I am not lost in a sea of other students. My questions always get answered.
WHO I AM Brad East – VP External WHAT I DO Boost school spirit, provide a strong student representation through surveys, opinion polls and focus groups, and edit the student newspaper. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MHC I love this college because of the quality of education you receive from the instructors as well as all the amazing opportunities to grow and develop personally and professionally.
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VIS COMM PROJECT MOVES FORWARD The Visual Communications program is now one step closer to its long-awaited goal of moving into a new facility. The Board of Governors approved the program’s relocation project last month which will see a renovation and expansion of the Cultural Centre over the next two years. “Exciting times, change and growth, and continued success for students await this fine program at the cusp of a new and long awaited facility,” says Len Vandervaart, dean of arts. “Where better to relocate the program to than to the Cultural Centre,
where music, dance, drama and fine arts of all kinds are already present?” The infrastructure currently in place was meant to house the program temporarily and is no longer suitable for this purpose, making this project a number one priority for Medicine Hat College. The cost of the project is estimated at $7.3 million with funding provided by monies carried over from 2010-2011 budget, restricted net assets (VC area), Access to the Future Funds, and funding from Advanced Education and Technology.
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NEED HELP? At Medicine Hat College, we care about your success. There are many support services available on campus that provide both academic and personal support - be sure to take advantage of them!
Academic Advising (Student Services) Academic Resource Centre (3rd floor of B-Wing)
Student Financial Aid (Student Services)
Health Services (F-Wing) Student Residence (Student Services) Human Rights Support (403.529.3901)
Students’ Association (F-Wing)
Library Services (B-Wing)
Weight room (G-Wing)
The Bookstore (Main Entrance)
Open Learning Centre (3rd floor of B-Wing)
Chaplaincy (F-Wing)
Student Counselling (Student Services)
Check out the Services Fair on September 27 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the B Wing Hallway.
Be Fit for Life Centre (G-Wing)
College Child Development Centre (CCDC) (North side of campus) Computer and Technology Support (2nd floor of B-Wing) Disability Services (3rd floor of B-Wing)
Photo by Photo Dreams
Duplicating (F-Wing)
Student Employment & Career Centre (Student Services)
Shake Rattler N’ Roll Homecoming 2012 Photos by Pixeldust Photography