Mohawk College Alumni In Touch Magazine - Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

“I NEVER BACKED DOWN” Bev Jacobs ‘85 was instrumental in shining a light on the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women PAGE 14

Publication Mail Agreement 40065780

alumni.mohawkcollege.ca

PAR

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LAN

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FLA

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“A walnut cost me $1,500.”

Avoid out-of-pocket expenses with affordable Alumni Health & Dental Plans.

Small things (like a bit of walnut shell breaking a tooth) can add up to big expenses. And if you’re not covered by an employer’s health and dental plan? The costs can come straight out of your pocket.

Help protect yourself with Alumni Health & Dental Plans, offered through Manulife. With plenty of coverage options plus competitive rates, it’s easy to find a plan that’s right for you.

Choose plans for dental and vision care, prescription drugs, massage therapy, chiropractic and a lot more. Start saving on both routine and unexpected healthcare expenses.

Get a quote today. Call 1-866-842-5757 or visit us at Manulife.com/mohawk.

Underwritten by

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company.

Manulife and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under licence. © 2017 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife). All rights reserved. Manulife, PO Box 4213, Stn A, Toronto, ON M5W 5M3.

INTOUCH Publisher Mohawk College Alumni Association Editor Wendy Makey – Director, Alumni Relations Content Coordinator Meaghan Drury – Coordinator, Alumni Communications Design Maggie Makar – Graphic Designer, Marketing and Creative Services Photography Meredith MacLeod, Sean Coffey, Jacob Morris, Meaghan Drury, Alex Coombs, Josh McGurk Contributors Sean Coffey, Meredith MacLeod, Kat Clark, Brent Kinnaird, Meaghan Drury, Wendy Makey, Ron McKerlie, Linda Rourke, Andrea Johnson Editorial Advisory Board Martha Li – Copywriter; Lori Morgan – Chief Marketing Officer; Katherine McCurdy-Lapierre – Director, Marketing and Creative Services; Samara Young – Manager, Student Life-Cycle Communications; Hillary Dawson – Special Advisor to the President, Head of Public Affairs; Dr. Wayne Poirier – Vice-President Student & Alumni Services In Touch is published semi-annually by the Alumni Relations Department at Mohawk College. This magazine is circulated to alumni and friends of Mohawk College. Ideas and opinions published or expressed in InTouch do not necessarily reflect those of Mohawk College, The Alumni Association, or the Editor.

Publications Mail Agreement Number 400065780 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Office of Alumni Relations – Mohawk College 135 Fennell Ave W Hamilton, ON L9C 0E5 To update your Alumni Record, contact: Phone: 905-575-2258 alumni@mohawkcollege.ca, the address above or visit mohawkcollege.ca/stayconnected Prefer to receive the InTouch magazine to your inbox instead of your mailbox? Visit mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine Advertise with InTouch and reach an audience of over 72,000 graduates and friends. Learn more at mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

CONTENTS SPRING 2018

12

IN EVERY ISSUE FEATURES & SPOTLIGHTS

2-4 5 24 27 30 32

Welcoming Words

6 8

Alumni@Work

Awards & Honours

Sera Nicosia ‘81 and Brenda Bousfield ‘88 Enhancing patient care in Ontario Heather Beale ‘01 Gaining a competitive advantage

10

Amanda White ‘08 Helping others connect with their Indigenous heritage

12

Raymond Watkins ‘16 Taking his business skills north

AROUND CAMPUS

14

Bev Jacobs ‘85 Educating Canadians about injustices against Indigenous peoples

18 20 22 26

17 23 29

Bonnie Freeman ‘92 The winding road to success

Alumni Events

Keeping In Touch Calendar of Events

Introducing CityLAB Peter Vicano ‘72 Paying it forward Mohawk launches Centre for Climate Change Management

Alex Coombs ’10 Wearing many hats as an entrepreneur Alumni of Distinction Congratulations to our 2017 recipients

Convocation

mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

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Welcoming Words

Shining the spotlight on our Indigenous Alumni There are many remarkable people who have graduated from Mohawk College over the years and a number of them have been featured in the pages of this magazine. Each has a story to tell and a reason to make us proud.

This issue is no different. There are some remarkable stories about grads who have made and continue to make significant contributions to their communities.

But most of the grads in this issue share something in common. They are a part of Canada’s Indigenous communities.

Bev Jacobs is a lawyer and professor at the University of Windsor. She is best known for her work in advocating for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and served as president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada from 2004 – 2009.

Bev Jacobs ‘85 Page 14

Bonnie Freeman is an associate professor at McMaster University who recently completed a PhD focused on connecting Indigenous youth to their culture to increase their sense of personal identity.

Ron J. McKerlie President, Mohawk College “Mohawk is committed to broadening our understanding of Indigenous communities and experiences.

Shining the spotlight on alumni like Bev, Bonnie, Raymond and Amanda is one of the ways we are able to work towards this.”

2 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

There’s also Raymond Watkins, a recent graduate from Mohawk’s McKeil School of Business that went to study in Scotland before returning to work in the Yukon.

And finally, there‘s Mohawk’s own Amanda White (née Collina), a three-time graduate of the college who is now Manager of Indigenous Student Services.

Bonnie Freeman ‘92 Page 17

Mohawk is committed to broadening our understanding of Indigenous communities and experiences. Shining the spotlight on alumni like Bev, Bonnie, Raymond and Amanda is one of the ways we are able to work towards this.

Another area where Mohawk is committed to making a difference is in environmental sustainability. We’re only a few months away from officially opening The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation at Mohawk.

When the doors open this September, the centre will become the region’s first and largest net zero energy institutional building and help set the standard for the future of zero-carbon buildings in Canada.

It will also be home to Mohawk’s new Centre for Climate Change Management. This is an exciting new opportunity for our students. Through the centre, our students will work with our community partners to help our region transition to a low-carbon economy. There will be more on The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation and the Centre for Climate Change Management in our Fall issue.

Raymond Watkins ‘16 Page 12

Amanda White ‘08 Page 10

Welcoming Words

2017-2018 Mohawk College Alumni Association Advisory Council

Linda Rourke ‘90 Television and Communications Media

Message from the Chair The 2017 Alumni of Distinction Awards dinner was held on February 1, 2018. What a night it was.

The awards dinner and ceremony is a premier event recognizing outstanding individuals who have graduated from the college.

Year after year, I remain impressed by the quality of the event’s execution and by the energy, excitement and gratitude that award recipients have for being recognized as leaders and innovators in their field.

Each and every one of us is an exceptional grad in our own right, with talents, insight, perspective and knowledge to share. As of 2012, I have been actively involved with the Alumni Association — first as an Alumni of Distinction Award recipient (2012) and, since 2013, as a member of the Alumni Council. I can tell you with absolute certainty that there are many exciting ways to get involved with the association.

One of our signature events, the annual Alumni Nine & Dine, takes place on May 25 at Flamborough Hills Golf & Country Club. Join us for a round of golf (nine holes) and dinner. Whether you’re an avid golfer or haven’t once set foot on a golf course, everyone is welcome to enjoy a fun-filled day of laughter and good times. Register today at mohawkcollege.ca/alumni.

Your time spent at the college is no doubt filled with incredible memories of making new friends and, for some of us, it’s where we found a mentor. Now you can ‘pay it forward’ by becoming a mentor yourself, offering your expertise and guidance to students who are preparing to go out into the world as future ready graduates.

Another great way to connect with fellow grads is through the Reunion-in-a-Box program. If you’re planning a reunion event, large or small, the Alumni Relations team is here to help make your event a success. They can support your event in numerous ways, including distribution of your invitation via email and promotion of your event through our e-newsletter, website and social media accounts. They‘ll even provide Mohawk logo swag items to be used as giveaways or draw prizes at your event.

It is shaping up to be another great year at Mohawk College.

Keep in touch — visit us online at mohawkcollege.ca/alumni to check out benefits we offer grads and the many ways to get involved and be a part of Mohawk’s future.

Linda Rourke, Chair Broadcasting – Television and Communications Media, 1990 Jay Hayward, Vice-Chair Business Administration, 1999 Marcine Blake, Past Chair Recreation Leadership, 1988 Susan Bassett, Director Early Childhood Education, 1991 Kat Clark, Director Broadcasting, Television and Communications Media, 2010 Harin Dalal, Director Health, Wellness and Fitness, 2014 Lisa DiCesare, Director Law and Security Administration, 1981 Joseph Futino, Director Computer Systems Technology, 1994 Kerry Langford, Director Business Administration, 1982 Mo Mauri, Director Business, 1977 Sera Nicosia, Director Nursing, 1981 Lorenzo Somma, Director Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 2013 The Alumni Association thanks these individuals for their valued contributions to Alumni activities, committees and meetings on behalf of the Alumni of Mohawk College.

mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

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Welcoming Words

Join us at the Alumni Nine & Dine FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018

Wendy Makey ‘93 Director, Alumni Relations

FLAMBOROUGH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

The value of your Alumni membership keeps flourishing What an amazing year! Celebrating Mohawk’s 50th Anniversary in 2017 was an incredible experience. Numerous programs, events and activities enabled us to engage with over 5,000 graduates.

We met recent graduates launching their careers, alumni who returned to Mohawk for the first time since graduation and our Golden Grads, the Class of ’67 who celebrated their 50th reunion.

Great memories were made that will last a lifetime.

The year ahead will also be exciting for our alumni community.

In an effort to provide standout programs, services and opportunities for alumni to enjoy we asked for ideas and suggestions from our members in our most recent Alumni Engagement Survey. We wanted to hear from our alumni family about elements that would enhance the value of their membership in the Alumni Association.

mohawkcollege.ca/alumni

CORRECTION ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION

A TRADITION OF

DISTINCTION

This year’s Alumni of Distinction awards will see eight more outstanding Mohawk graduates added to our tapestry of excellence

Our apologies L to 2010 Mohawk Alumni of Distinction Jim Tatti for missing his photo in our Fall edition’s Alumni of Distinction photo collage. aunched in 1996, the Alumni of Distinction Awards have since been presented to 113 Mohawk College graduates. They recognize individual career achievements and community contributions of exceptional graduates. In addition to their award, the Alumni Association honours each recipient with a one-time donation of $500 to Mohawk College for a bursary/scholarship in their name.

This year’s eight new inductees uphold the tradition of being leaders, community builders and role models for our students. They exemplify what can be achieved with a Mohawk College education.

2017 Alumni of Distinction Awards Celebration 2017 Alumni of Distinction Awards Celebration

We received great feedback. Research has been completed on the data collected and an Alumni Strategy has been established; Fostering Lifelong Engagement in the Mohawk Community. The strategy outlines how Alumni Relations will contribute to Mohawk College priorities over the next four to five years while building strong and enduring alumni relationships. It has been crafted to support strategic themes of Graduate Success, Collaboration & Partnerships, Community Leadership, and Strong Foundations to Build Reputation and Pride.

The Alumni Strategy includes new opportunities and enhanced programs and services that will provide you with career support, advantages in lifelong learning, discounts and activities that will continue to strengthen your connection with Mohawk.

Join us in supporting these eight recipients.

When: Tuesday, October 24 Where: Liuna Station – 360 James St. N, Hamilton ON

Reception: 5:30 pm Dinner & Awards: 6:00 pm

Tickets available at mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-of-distinction

2018 Alumni of Distinction Nominations will open in November.

Learn more at mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-of-distinction

20 INTOUCH | Fall 2017

4 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

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Keep an eye out and be prepared to see how your Alumni membership keeps increasing in value.

Keep In Touch!

Gifts

EXP

“Ever since graduation, I’ve been very connected with the college through continuing education courses, and through friends and family who are students or employed at Mohawk. More recently I’ve attended some Alumni functions and it’s been fun to connect again with other graduates at these events.”

– Erin Murphy ‘91

Since September 2017, the Alumni team has stopped by many of our grads‘ workplaces surprising them with treats. Some of the places we’ve visited include: •

Alumni Insurance Services

•

ArcelorMittal Dofasco

•

Bell Media Hamilton

•

Brampton Transit

•

Brantford Police Services

•

Cable 14

•

CHCH

•

City of Hamilton (Lister Block offices)

•

Corus Radio Hamilton

•

Dr. Catherine Cooke & Associates Family Chiropractic Clinic

•

EXP – Hamilton Office

•

Hamilton Recreation Centres (Multiple locations)

•

IBEW Local 105

•

KX – 94.7 FM

•

Ontario Police College

•

Sexton in the City

•

St. Joseph’s Villa

•

YWCA Hamilton (Multiple locations)

Bell Media

Brantford Police Services

Corus Radio Group

Dr. Catherine Cook and Associates

WANT US TO STOP BY YOUR PLACE OF WORK?

Let us know where you work and how many other grads work with you. mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-at-work

mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

5

AROUND CAMPUS

By Brent Kinnaird ‘94

H

amilton Health Sciences (HHS) is home to a world-renowned neurosurgical centre that is easily accessible to residents of the city of Hamilton and its surrounding area. If a patient living in a smaller community is in need of specialized neurosurgical care, where would they go?

Healthcare centres in small, rural communities typically don’t have the valuable expertise, resources and equipment found in hospitals and medical facilities in large cities—until now. Two women, Sera Nicosia ‘81 and Brenda Bousfield ‘88, are working to enhance the care of neurosurgical patients between hospitals found in major cities and the ones in remote locations.

Since graduating from Mohawk, Sera and Brenda have gone on to build impressive nursing careers each spanning more than 30 years. Sera works as a nurse practitioner at HHS providing clinical care, research and education. She’s also a recipient of a Mohawk College Alumni of Distinction Award. Brenda’s career has zeroed in on the neuroscience field, with a heavy emphasis on clinical, one-to-one patient care. So, while both women clearly have their own unique career paths, it is their background in neurosurgical nursing and a shared vision for community health education that has brought them together.

ENHANCING PATIENT CARE IN ONTARIO: A CLINICAL APPROACH Sera Nicosia ‘81 and Brenda Bousfield ‘88 share a vision for community health education 6 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

The two women have joined alliances based on a mutual interest in advancing neurosurgical patient care across regions 3 & 4 of the Local Health Integrated Networks (LHINs) in Ontario —and they say they have Mohawk College to thank for making it possible. According to Sera and Brenda, it was a serendipitous encounter at a recent Mohawk Alumni of Distinction Awards dinner that led to the developing of a collaborative healthcare training system that now outfits small community hospitals with big city expertise.

Mohawk’s Vice President, Academic, Paul Armstrong ‘88, is credited for acting as the initial catalyst to the college’s partnership with Sera and Brenda’s program. Launched in mid-2017, the program’s inaugural Brain Simulation Day and Spine Simulation Day are already

Around Campus

“Mohawk is setting the pace for advances and for creating partnerships and new opportunities that merge clinical expertise in a safe environment.”

– Sera Nicosia ‘81

realizing gains. To date, the program has equipped staff from 22 small community hospitals across southern Ontario, from Niagara Falls to Palmerston.

Housed in the Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) at McMaster, Sera and Brenda’s budding training and education program is a unique alignment between Mohawk College, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and the Neurosurgery Education and Outreach Network (NEON), a network funded by Critical Care Services Ontario that offers support for improving the province’s health system through education and outreach. The program’s mandate is to provide clinical education in real-life environments. “Our primary goal is to bring expert treatment and care to smaller community hospitals that patients live closest to,” says Sera.

Sera and Brenda’s program is setting the standard of what it means to bring community education to small hospitals.

The dynamic duo’s work in Hamilton is the first to take place within LHINs, the health authorities responsible for regional administration of public healthcare services.

The majority of program participants are nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Training curriculum consists of comprehensive education sessions in IAHS’ high fidelity simulation laboratory where multiple teaching formats are used, including lectures, hands-on workshops and simulations. Actors and individuals living with various neurosurgical problems, such as spinal cord injury, are involved in real case scenarios that participants learn

to manage in a state-of-the-art simulated hospital setting.

Scenarios are facilitated by clinical experts and incorporate evidence-based clinical assessments, treatment strategies and use of process assessment tools. A debriefing session afterwards allows participants to further enhance their learning experience.

“We are building relationships with our partners across the LHINs to manage patients with challenging neurosurgical issues,” says Brenda. “We aim to optimize effective flow of patients along the continuum of care.”

In other words, the program seeks to determine when and how a patient’s care can be managed locally, when they need to be transferred to a specialty neurosurgical centre, and what type of care is required once a patient returns to their community.

Data collected in the simulations include learning protocols and best ways to manage a situation. Analyzing the data is in its early stages, however, Sera and Brenda are working to improve patient flow in community hospitals by reducing wait times, gaining quicker access to appropriate neurosurgical services, and supporting increased capacity for complex patient care.

While not intended, mentorship became a much-welcomed secondary outcome of the program. Participants reconnected with Brenda and Sera after simulation days to seek advice on casework and elements of the exercises. Though they are now mentors themselves, the two women also acknowledge the profound effect mentors had on their work.

Mohawk incubated the simulation training program. Sera and Brenda say its meaningful impact in is largely due in part to the learning experiences they had while studying at Mohawk. Both agree the strong clinical foundation of the college’s nursing program makes learning relevant to realworld healthcare situations.

The future of the training program hinges on support from HHS, specifically, the Clinical Practice and Education program and the Neuroscience & Trauma Program.

Over the next five years, Sera and Brenda will be using data they’ve collected to create a sustainable regional community hospital education plan. Their hope is that it can be passed on to other health practitioners. “This is a community of care,” says Sera. “Whether living in a big city or a small community, every patient deserves to have access to the same quality of health care.”

mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

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Years later, while teaching part-time at Mohawk within the Event Planning Certificate program, her employer, Orlick Industries, took notice and offered her added responsibilities to be the company’s Training Coordinator. To support the new career change Heather enrolled in Mohawk’s Teaching the Adult Learner Certificate – fortunate to work for an employer who is focused on investing in the learning and development of their employees through a tuition reimbursement program. The program was an excellent fit, providing Heather with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a better instructor and to facilitate the learning needs of varying individuals.

PROFILE

A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Heather Beale ‘01 builds her skillset and bolsters work performance through in-class and online Continuing Education courses

By Meaghan Drury ‘12

H

eather Beale (née McClellan) ‘01, a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program, decided early in her career that, while she found the field interesting, she didn’t want to pursue a career in radio. In the 17 years since, Heather’s career has grown and changed but the remaining constant has been her love of learning. Through formal and informal opportunities Heather has continually sought to further her knowledge through education, returning to Mohawk College time and again to build upon her skills through continuing education courses.

8 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

Four years after graduating, Heather was given the opportunity to take courses relevant to her job that would be paid for by her then-employer Workers Arts & Heritage Centre. She enrolled in Mohawk’s Continuing Education Event Planning Certificate courses, which helped her advance in her career as well as supported her passion for volunteering. From wedding planning to event administration to logistics and risk management, the event planning courses taught Heather to take care of the logistical side of things, ensuring events ran smoothly behind the scenes.

Beginning in 2014, Heather spent three years through online learning to obtain the certificate. Having previously only taken in-class courses, it took time for Heather to get used to the program’s fully online format. Once she found she could connect and collaborate with her classmates online in similar ways that she did in the classroom, she discovered she really enjoyed the online learning environment.

The skills Heather developed through the program have made a direct impact in her work performance. Learning how to teach different types of people with varying levels of abilities was particularly useful as Heather is responsible for teaching standards compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Learning about the tools to build curriculum and assessments and examining ways to evaluate employees were also beneficial to her role within the company’s human resources department.

At Orlick Industries, Heather has experienced firsthand how taking additional courses to improve a person’s skills can help them advance their career. As she sees it, continuing your education is only going to give a person a competitive advantage. "Learning from professionals and designated people that are skilled at communicating and facilitating can make a real difference in how you see things," says Heather.

“Whether you’re taking an online course or an in-class course, you’re going to learn a lot from your instructors—and from your peers, too—which creates a strong network.”

YOUR

Health and Wellness Starts Here!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Benefits of a community membership include: 20+ FREE fitness classes each month

As a grad of Mohawk there are a variety of partnerships and perks available to you.

We encourage you to take advantage of your benefits. These include:

Access to state-of-the-art fitness centre Outdoor basketball and beach volleyball courts

• Preferred rates on insurance & mortgage services • Discounted tickets to concerts and shows • Exclusive offers on travel, car rentals, and accommodations

On-site massage therapy appointments

• Graduate Employment Services

Complimentary early bird and evening parking

Graduates have access to assistance with resume critiquing, job searching, training opportunities, and one-on-one support. In-class and on-line workshops are available to help you brush up on current employment trends.

Get Started Today!

Stop by for a tour, or contact us at dbarc@mohawkcollege.ca

Get in touch with Student and Graduate Employment at 905-575-2176 or mcaces@mohawkcollege.ca

Visit mohawkcollege.ca/alumnibenefits to sign-up and find out more

CONTINUING

EDUCATION In-class, online and workshops — what’s your favourite way to learn?

ce.mohawkcollege.ca

Alumni Membership Fee

$

35 +HST/month

Mohawk College 135 Fennell Ave W.

SPOTLIGHT

MOHAWK A HELPS GRAD CONNECT WITH INDIGENOUS HERITAGE

By Sean Coffey s the project lead for Mohawk’s Pathfinder program, Amanda White (née Collina) ‘08 spent the past seven years helping Aboriginal youth in Hamilton connect with their Indigenous roots. As someone who grew up unaware of her own Indigenous heritage, Amanda understood what Mohawk seeks to achieve through Pathfinder.

“I wasn’t raised with ceremonies or teachings,” says Amanda.

“I didn’t know a lot about Indigenous culture. I knew I was part Indigenous and heard stories, but I didn’t get a lot of information [from my family].”

In her final semester of the Event Management program, Amanda connected with what was then called Aboriginal Education and Student Services (AESS), renamed Indigenous Education & Student Services in 2017. Having graduated from Graphic Design Creative in 2008 and Comic Design and Scripting in 2009, this was Amanda’s third time studying at Mohawk.

Amanda White ‘08 is now committed to broadening the understanding of the Indigenous community at the college 10 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

She can’t recall what drove her to go to AESS during her final few months as a student, but whatever the reason, it turned out to be a life-changing decision. It was there that Amanda made connections that resulted in being hired for that Pathfinder job the day after she graduated from her program. AESS was where she also learned the truth about her Indigenous heritage.

Amanda is Ojibwe. She knew this growing up, but she said her family also thought they were Métis, and that Ojibwe and

Spotlight

Further your studies in Public Relations in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Public Relations at Mohawk College can progress directly on to the MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Credits from the Graduate Certificate are carried across towards the one year MSc. The MSc offers an unparalleled balance in UK postgraduate courses of teaching in internal and external communication, as well as strategic communication, for both private and public sectors.The opportunity will allow you to enter postgraduate study in a vibrant, progressive city, whose parliamentary and governmental institutions attract worldwide attention and which is a global financial, business and cultural centre.

www.qmu.ac.uk

Métis were one and the same. At Mohawk, Amanda learned the difference between the two Indigenous groups and was able to learn more about her family history. “It was a huge shock. I felt that I should’ve known more,” says Amanda.

Working with Pathfinder was a chance to help other Aboriginal youth connect with their past and show them what a college education has to offer. A few of the Pathfinder students that Amanda first met seven years ago have since gone on to college as a result of the program. “It’s incredible to see that,” she says.

Amanda is now Manager of Indigenous Student Services at the college, where she oversees a team of people who are committed to broadening the understanding of the Indigenous community and experience among Mohawk’s Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and staff.

There are more than 400 Indigenous students attending Mohawk at any given time, and Amanda says those are only the ones the college knows about. The role of Indigenous Student Services is to provide those students with a ‘home away from home’ at Mohawk.

In addition to workshops and counselling, Indigenous Student Services also offers innovative services such as the Elder as Resource program, which is available to offer additional spiritual and cultural support to the college’s students and staff. Elders have been invited to lead talking circles, as well as provide staff and faculty with an opportunity for multicultural awareness and education.

MORE INFORMATION:

Visit www.qmu.ac.uk/mohawk

“I wasn’t raised with ceremonies or teachings like a lot of people ... I didn’t know a lot about Indigenous culture. I knew we were part Indigenous and heard stories but we didn’t get a lot of information.”

– Amanda White ‘08 Looking ahead, Amanda says the department is focusing on Truth and Reconciliation and the role Mohawk can play in addressing the challenges identified through that process. The Indigenous Education & Student Services staff are leading the implementation of the Indigenous Education Protocol that Mohawk signed with Colleges and Institutes Canada.

Mohawk’s Indigenous Education & Student Services department isn’t unique among colleges and universities, said Amanda.

Most institutions have something similar in place. Part of what makes Mohawk unique is the college’s commitment to Indigenous education.

“I felt really lucky when I got hired at Mohawk.”

mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

11

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

The environment at Mohawk isn’t there to fail you, it’s there to support you and build you up.”

SPOTLIGHT

– Raymond Watkins ‘16

Raymond credits much of his success at Mohawk to the network of professionals around him, including Student Success Advisor Leah Hogan who provided a voice of reason and Program Coordinator Lawrence Smith who encouraged him to strive for more education.

TAKING HIS BUSINESS SKILLS NORTH Recent graduate, Raymond Watkins ‘16 is putting the lessons he learned in and outside the classroom into action

By Kat Clark ‘12

T

enrolled in Mohawk’s Business (General) program and then completed a fast track program to earn an advanced diploma in Business Administration.

After eight years in the culinary industry, Raymond felt it was time for a change, but he noticed gaps in his educational background that would potentially limit him from pursuing a new career path. He

During his time as a student, Raymond also worked at the college as the Aboriginal Access & Student Recruitment Coordinator, Peer Mentor and Youth Coordinator.

These experiences lead to an internship at Sodexo, working as an Aboriginal Affairs intern, a great stepping-stone to advance in his career.

aking an ice bridge to get to work four hours north of Whitehorse may sound daunting, but after quitting his job and going back to school as a brand new father, Mohawk grad Raymond Watkins ‘16 had little left to fear.

12 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

After leaving Mohawk, Raymond continued his studies at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland — through a Mohawk College credit transfer — where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Luckily, Raymond’s wife and three-year-old daughter were able to accompany him on the trip across the pond, which made life abroad feel more like home. “I think it was a little bit easier for myself than some of my peers that [my family] went to Scotland with me,” says Raymond.

Raymond is now Assistant General Manager at Minto Mine, a contract company to Capstone Mining Corp., and is currently working in a remote northern community in the Yukon Territory. “What’s really unique about [this company] is that it is on First Nations land and we have a great partnership with them.” Raymond’s background in both his personal and professional life gives him unique insight to foster these relationships.

When asked to pass along words of wisdom to future Mohawk students, Raymond offered, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The environment at Mohawk isn’t there to fail you, it’s there to support you and build you up.” He believes many businesses are looking for the skills that Mohawk helps its students develop.

“Mohawk isn’t trying to churn out cookiecutter students, every individual has their own skills and strengths and Mohawk really helps you find that.”

WAMPUM WALL AND INDIGENOUS GATHERING PLACE

AT MOHAWK‘S FENNELL CAMPUS The Indigenous Gathering Place – Hoop Dance – along with the Wampum Belt Wall are results of meaningful engagement with the Indigenous community and a part of the college‘s over-arching strategy to formalize partnerships in a Two Row approach. Mohawk College believes the Indigenous Gathering Place is essential to strengthening relationships with the local Indigenous community.

INTERESTED IN USING THE INDIGENOUS GATHERING PLACE? This space is open to the community.

Contact T: 905-575-1212, ext. 3428 E: hoopdance@mohawkcollege.ca

SPOTLIGHT COVER STORY

“I NEVER BACKED

By Meredith MacLeod

T

here were many moments in the life of Bev Jacobs ’85 when the task at hand — fighting for the rights of Indigenous peoples, confronting violence against Indigenous women and girls, inspiring her people to stand together, and educating Canadians about historic and contemporary injustices against Indigenous peoples — seemed too much to bear.

In those times, she would listen to the words of her ancestors who gave her the strength to keep going.

“I never backed down. I always felt I had my ancestors with me. I felt I had my mom and grandmother and clan mothers with me and I felt empowered by that,” said Jacobs, a lawyer, and professor from Six Nations who was instrumental in shining a light on the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

“I learned how to speak up once I found my own voice. When I had to speak out in public, I would call on my ancestors to help me say what I needed to say. I felt I was the source of their message.”

14 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

After graduating in 1985, Jacobs worked for a number of Hamilton and Brantford lawyers in corporate, family, real estate, and child welfare law. But she found the work of a legal secretary monotonous and knew she could do the work of a lawyer.

Jacobs’ success at Mohawk College convinced her mother to realize her own dream of going back to school. She studied Community Nursing at Mohawk but died of cancer in 1989, the same year she graduated.

“When she died, I decided life was too short. I would apply for law school.”

Jacobs’ professional journey began at Mohawk College where she studied in the Legal Secretarial program. In high school she was considering law school, but a guidance counsellor told her that would be too hard for her.

Jacobs didn’t have a university degree, so she studied in an intensive pre-law program for Indigenous students at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with the top marks in her class. Then it was off to law school at the University of Windsor with her eight-year-old daughter Ashley in tow.

Her time at the college is a blur now, she says. She was in an abusive relationship at the time and mother to a baby girl. She just focused on getting through each day.

Ashley went to law school alongside her mom, doing cartwheels down the hallways and calling the dean by his first name. Law school was emotionally tough

DOWN” for Jacobs and more than once she was on the brink of quitting.

“I was learning about law being used as a tool of assimilation of our people. It was hard emotionally, spiritually and mentally to stay there every day.”

Her saving grace was that she was close enough to her Six Nations home and family that she could return for the traditional ceremonies she grew up with.

When she told a Confederacy chief that she was close to quitting, “He said not a lot of people are able to learn another people’s way of life and that I should consider it a gift. It helped me to think of it that way.”

Jacobs says law school really opened her eyes to the horrors of the Indian Act, how property law has been used against Indigenous peoples and how Indigenous sovereignty and laws have been disregarded.

“I found anger rising in me. I felt I couldn’t practise law because it was used to erase our people.”

So after graduating in 1994, Jacobs headed off to the University of Saskatchewan, where she completed a Master of Laws degree, with a focus on Haudenosaunee law. Soon after, she launched Bear Clan Consulting, working on research and policy development across Canada. Also during this time, she met renowned lawyer, Mary Eberts and articled with her in 2002 and began practicing law in 2003.

“I was learning about law being used as a tool of assimilation of our people.

It was hard emotionally, spiritually and mentally to stay there every day.”

– Bev Jacobs ’85

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Spotlight Cover Story

“Canadians were never taught this. Our people were pushed to the ground but our voices are being heard loud and clear now.” – Bev Jacobs ’85 That eventually led her to the groundbreaking work in 2004 with Amnesty International to bring attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women. Stolen Sisters is a report many regard as a turning point in shining the light on violence against Indigenous women. She travelled the country talking to families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and writing their stories included in Amnesty International’s report. That work pushed Jacobs into taking on the role of president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada where she served two terms.

She was an effective fundraiser, grew the organization from five to 35 staff, and helped foster grassroots advocacy. But she quickly realized that change won’t come at the political level.

“There was more awareness, more allies and more understanding, that is the positive. But it was all talk, no change.”

She couldn’t understand the conflictdriven nature of a male-dominated political system. She was frequently the only woman in the room and pushed buttons to the point a shot was fired into her office and she received death threats.

Jacobs, who is married to Patrick Sandy, an ironworker and artist, and is grandmother to four, has since turned her attention to teaching, practising law at Six Nations and publishing her work.

She’s finishing her PhD in Indigenous law, health and research methodologies through the University of Calgary and will defend her dissertation this spring.

And beginning July, 2017, Jacobs returned to the University of Windsor to teach law where she has already earned an equity and human rights award based on the nomination of her first-year students.

“I love being able to teach what I didn’t learn in law school to young minds who one day could be politicians or Supreme Court justices or Crown Attorneys.”

Jacobs’ work to bring attention to the heartbreaking issues about missing and murdered women has earned her a Governor General’s Award and recognition for international human rights advocates from the French and German governments.

Then came the murder of her cousin Tashina in 2008, which only fueled Jacobs’ fury, especially when much of her work was trying to educate parliamentarians about Indigenous history and impacts of colonization and violence on Indigenous women.

The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and settlements with survivors of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop have the effect of putting the pain and suffering of Indigenous peoples out in the open to be learned from, says Jacobs.

Her maternal grandmother and all of her siblings were forced in a residential school in Brantford, which Jacobs says broke the bonds of language, ceremony and family connection, effects that are still being felt in her family.

“I knew I couldn’t do it any more. I became too angry. It had become too personal. I felt like I was banging my head against a wall and I was tired.”

“Canadians were never taught this. Our people were pushed to the ground but our voices are being heard loud and clear now.”

Top: Bev Jacobs (R) with daughter Ashley at Law School graduation. Middle: Native Women‘s Association of Canada, Sisters in Spirit, vigil outside of Parliament in Ottawa, 2012. Bottom: Bev Jacobs with Canada‘s Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, receiving the Governor General‘s Award, 2008.

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Employer

SPOTLIGHT

NOTHING WOULD STOP HER The winding road to success for Bonnie Freeman ‘92 had many twists but she persevered through it all

By Meaghan Drury ‘12 and Martha Li

C

ompleting a PhD in Social Work was not a likely path for Bonnie Freeman ‘92. Growing up in Rochester, New York, education was not seen as an accessible path for most of the people in Bonnie’s life. At the time, if a Native person pursued postsecondary education, they would lose their Indian status.

Discouraged from applying to colleges, once Bonnie graduated from high school, she immediately transitioned from working part-time to full-time at a local grocery store. She worked her way

up to a mid-level managerial position in which she supervised employees, including college students. “I always encouraged them to further their education,” says Bonnie. “At the same time, I was envious because going to college was something I longed for.”

Bonnie was overlooked for a number of well-deserved promotions at the store. The final straw was a college graduate without any experience being hired to fill the role as day manager. “It was a frustrating and disappointing experience,” says Bonnie. “Today I look at it as the turning point for realizing my dream of going to university.”

From that point onward, Bonnie went on to obtain an impressive number of degrees with renowned institutions—she holds a diploma in Native Community Care Counselling and Development from Mohawk, a Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University and a PhD in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University.

It was no easy feat for Bonnie to enroll in postsecondary studies.

In 1990, faced with the decision of receiving no educational funds for studying outside her region, or receiving educational funds by attending a local institution, Mohawk College, Bonnie enrolled in the Native Community Care Counselling and Development program. Bonnie quickly embraced the curriculum which led to a job working on Six Nations with Helping Our Moms Effectively (HOME), a program where she assisted mothers in the community to get the resources they needed for themselves and their children.

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Spotlight Meeting a professor from McMaster University’s School of Social Work—through her program at Mohawk—once again sparked her unwavering interest to obtain a degree in social work. In 1992, Bonnie began her first year of the Bachelor of Social Work undergraduate program at McMaster. Midway through her studies, the competing priorities of working full-time in the Six Nations Social Services department, caring for her son, and attending school full-time proved to be overwhelming. After failing university courses, Bonnie decided to take a break from her education.

“There are many supports and resources for Indigenous students at colleges and universities—seek those people and programs out, they are there to help and support you.”

– Bonnie Freeman ’92 The break did not last long—receiving an OSAP loan, Bonnie soon afterwards returned to her studies at McMaster. In 1995, Bonnie was hired full-time as Indigenous Student Counsellor with the Indigenous Studies program. She temporarily put aside her education and focused on helping Indigenous students at McMaster. Encouraged to finish her studies part-time by a mentor at the university, Bonnie completed her Bachelor of Social Work program in 2002, followed by completion of a Master of Social Work in 2005.

A desire to continually learn, research and think critically led to completing a PhD in Social Work at Laurier. “The process [of getting my PhD] was an interesting one,” says Bonnie. “My

dissertation research evolved into not only teaching my peers about Indigenous culture, but enlightening my professors, too.”

In 2008, midway through her PhD program, Bonnie was faced with a serious health challenge—she was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Remarkably, Bonnie remained positive and kept up with her studies, all while undergoing surgery and an intensive eight months of chemotherapy. Once the side effects of chemo wore off, Bonnie worked hard to complete comprehensive exams and her dissertation.

During this time, a unique and exciting opportunity presented itself. McMaster’s School of Social Work offered the first Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Canada leading to a tenure-track position. After an extensive round of interviews, Bonnie was the successful candidate for the new position.

Presently, as Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at McMaster University, Bonnie teaches, and participates on university committees. She also actively conducts research that is rooted in her connections with Six Nations, the Hamilton Aboriginal Community and other Indigenous communities throughout Canada and the United States.

“There were many obstacles in my path to achieving higher education,” says Bonnie. “Yet, a person has to be open to the opportunities that are presented, [and now] I realize that everything I learned in the Native Community Care Counselling Development Program, was really a foundation for not only meeting my educational, but also my career goals.”

Bonnie offers some advice to students, “If I could tell students one thing about the importance of higher education, it’s to never give up on your goal! There are many supports and resources for Indigenous students at colleges and universities—seek those people and programs out, they are there to help and support you.”

Around Campus

Made in Hamilton for Hamilton: Introducing CityLAB

C

ityLAB is an innovation hub bringing together minds from the City of Hamilton, Mohawk College, McMaster University and Redeemer University College to tackle city challenges.

was once home to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in front of City Hall. The pilot stage of CityLAB officially launched in 2017 and will run until December 2019.

Students and faculty are working with city staff to design, test and launch projects that are focused on city priorities under the broad banners of climate change, healthy neighbourhoods and municipal excellence. Two immediate specific priorities that have been identified include brownfield remediation and affordable housing.

Students get access to collaborative, experiential learning.

The participating institutions are able to offer a unique, crossdisciplinary learning environment and city staff are exposed to new ideas to solve existing problems.

Mohawk is already making an impact in both areas.

“CityLAB will showcase the reach and research of Mohawk,” said project manager Patrick Byrne. “The college has earned a reputation and goodwill in the community. There will be lots of great stories and goodwill that will come out of CityLAB.” CityLAB took up residence in late 2017 in a revamped space that

18 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

“The vision has been embraced by all the leaders at Mohawk, McMaster, Redeemer and the city. There is a lot of buy-in from the top to push things in a new direction,” said Byrne.

CityLAB is inspired by CityStudio in Vancouver, but there are plenty of models in the world, said Byrne.

“There is a real theme of made-in-Hamilton to what we are doing.”

Creative, Critical & Design Thinking

Applied Clinical Research

Big Data Analytics

Grow your capital Keep building your career credit with McMaster University.

Get a head start towards a McMaster certificate or diploma! Once you’ve completed your studies at Mohawk, you can receive transfer credit for applicable courses and become a McMaster grad that much faster. See the Transfer Credit FAQ at McMasterCCE.ca/cce-policies.

Register for a program preview today!

BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT | COMMUNICATION & DESIGN | HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

BRIGHTER WORLD | McMasterCCE.ca | 1-800-465-6223

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Around Campus

GIVING BACK FOR FUTURE SUCCESS Peter Vicano ‘72 “pays it forward” to ensure that students continue to learn in state-of-the-art facilities

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uccessful entrepreneur Peter Vicano began his studies in the Architectural Technology program at Mohawk College in the fall of 1969, commuting each day to the Fennell Campus from Brantford, where he lives to this day. He graduated in the spring of 1972 after completing the comprehensive three-year program.

Following graduation, Peter spent a few years getting his feet wet working for engineering and architectural firms during the day, while working evenings and weekends on side projects to build his skills and make connections. This hard work eventually led to the launch of his own company, Vicano Construction Limited, which specializes in design/ build of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.

Today, Peter’s company is one of the most established and recognizable full-service construction companies in Brant County.

Since the founding of his company in 1973, Peter has had the pleasure of working on a wide range of projects. Major project achievements include the construction of the Brantford Public Library; the adidas Canada head office in Vaughan; the Ferrero Canada Warehouse & Distribution Centre and the Patriot Forge Co. plant, both located in Brantford; and various Walmart stores in Ontario.

A great example of a Mohawk success story, Peter, a long-time supporter of Mohawk College, is thrilled to once again contribute to where the foundation for his career began. With his recent donation to the Mohawk College Stoney Creek Connections Campaign, Peter is making sure future students will continue to learn in state-of-the-art facilities like the one he once learned in. “It is satisfying to be part of the fulfillment of other people’s hopes and ambitions,” said Peter. “Giving back, or ‘paying it forward,’ feels good and it is my hope that my generosity becomes contagious.”

“My hope for Mohawk College in the future is that it continues to provide an exceptional postsecondary education that matches the needs of employers, and moreover, gives graduates the tools to be successful in their future employment.”

–Peter Vicano ‘72

Inspiring Transformation Through Philanthropy As a graduate of Mohawk, you know first-hand that student success is Mohawk’s mission and passion. With the changing needs of our students, the way in which we teach, deliver, and implement our curriculum needs to follow suit. In an effort to build our capacity, we are always exploring new ways to transform, add, and refine our facilities, programs, and the student experience.

You can join Mohawk in transforming the lives of our students through the gift of education. In doing so, our graduates will be empowered to continue to enhance and transform our community.

For more information on how you can support these leading edge campaigns or create a scholarship or bursary in support of students, please contact us at: Tel: (905) 575-2186 | Email: foundation@mohawkcollege.ca | Web: mohawkcollege.ca | Twitter: @mohawkfdn

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Connecting employers with future ready students and grads • • • • • •

Recruit grads from over 120 programs Hire co-op students from over 30 co-op programs Post your full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs Attend career fairs Host Lunch and Learn information sessions Partner with Mohawk for a competitive edge

Contact Co-op Services Call: 905-575-2167 or toll free 1-888-546-COOP (2667) Email: post@mohawkcollege.ca mohawkcollege.ca/jobcentre

WHY CHOOSE MCE? • MCE offers fully customized training to suit your organization’s needs • MCE offers training in the following areas: leadership, technology and health & community services • We can come to you! MCE will deliver training at any location of your choice across Ontario, including our office location at Mohawk College’s Stoney Creek Campus

• MCE has experience serving clients in all sectors; both publicly and privately owned • MCE can assist clients with COJG applications to help fund their training costs • MCE’s Future Ready Leadership program has been recognized nationally, and has proudly graduated over 600 Future Ready Leaders

“The positive effects of the Future Ready Leadership Program were immediately apparent: Increased confidence and a greater comfort in their skin when communicating on a variety of issues.”

- Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer, Township of Oro-Medonte

Visit mcecor.com to learn more T: 905.575.2534 TF: 1.877.269.1422 E: info@mcecor.com

Around Campus

(L-R) Tony Cupido – Chief Building and Facilities Officer; Ron McKerlie -– Mohawk College President; Hon. Eleanor McMahon – President of the Treasury Board, and Minister Responsible for Digital Government; Judi Partridge – Hamilton City Councillor; Fred Eisenberger – Mayor of Hamilton; Ted McMeekin – MPP, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale; Rick Goldring – Mayor of Burlington; Sandi Stride – Executive Director of the Centre for Climate Change Management

MOHAWK LAUNCHES CENTRE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MANAGEMENT

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ohawk College is working with the Ontario government and its partners at the cities of Hamilton and Burlington to make the region a North American leader in the low-carbon economy.

Launched in December 2017, the $1.9 million Centre for Climate Change Management (CCCM) at Mohawk is the first of its kind at an Ontario college.

Funded by the Ontario government, the cities of Hamilton and Burlington and Mohawk, the CCCM will be located at The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation at Mohawk College.

The 96,000 square foot Joyce Centre, which is currently under construction at the Fennell campus, will be Canada’s largest, and the region’s first, net zero institutional building when it opens this fall. The CCCM will be led by Executive Director Sandi Stride, founder of Sustainable Hamilton Burlington.

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“The Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College will serve as a catalyst for real action on climate change in the region,” said Sandi. “Our centre will also serve as a clearinghouse and champion for best practices and innovative solutions for a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

The CCCM will focus on four priority areas: • The Bay Area Climate Change Coordinating Office will support the development and implementation of a regional climate change action plan, building on the Burlington Community Energy Plan and the Hamilton Community Climate Change Action Plan.

• The Industry Partnership Office will help regional businesses measure, track and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in collaboration with Sustainable Hamilton Burlington. The office will also provide

experiential learning opportunities for Mohawk students to work with industry partners.

• The Campus Carbon Management Office will develop, prototype and test a transferable toolkit to baseline and plan for college campus greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The CCMO will share best practices and act as the pilot for Ontario’s 24 colleges of applied arts and technology.

• The Campus Sustainability Office is dedicated to improving sustainability of Mohawk’s campuses, and encouraging Mohawk students to learn, live and lead on sustainability.

Check out our upcoming Fall 2018 issue of In Touch for more information on Mohawk’s newest building at the Fennell campus, The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, as well as sustainability highlights from Mohawk’s students and graduates.

Profile

ALUMNUS ALEX COOMBS WEARS MANY HATS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR …INCLUDING DESIGNING THEM

By Andrea Johnson

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f you ask Alex Coombs ’10 what she does for a living, grab a comfortable chair and get ready to enjoy a long chat: it won’t be a one-word answer.

That’s because the Mohawk Television Broadcasting grad is part of a new generation of entrepreneurs, the millennial multi-hyphenate who believe that their professional lives will be driven by chasing opportunity, not stability.

In Alex’s case, she’s a founderfreelancer-DJ-teacher, whose creative side has taken her everywhere from working at Bell Media to teaching at Mohawk to founding her e-commerce and design business, The Crafted Collections. And she has no plans to slow down.

It’s fair to say that Alex’s passion for the media arts was a driving force in how her career has developed. She enrolled in Mohawk wanting to focus on video and editing and quickly developed an interest in anything and everything design.

“I remember at graduation, pausing and wondering what would happen next,” she recalls. “And then — it was suddenly like a train that just kept coming-things started to happen.”

A decision to study at Fanshawe College in their 3D Animation & Character Design one-year program, led her right back to Mohawk, where she was hired as an instructor in 2011.

Then, Bell Media offered her a gig working post-production for some of their flagship shows such as eTalk and The Social.

Meanwhile, her freelance videography business was also expanding. Soon her days were filled with promotional and real estate video shoots and her evenings filled with weddings. To supplement her crew and give others a taste of the freelance life, she hired Mohawk students to assist her at the shoots.

So, what’s left for a busy person to do?

Start another company, of course.

In 2016, Alex added founder and designer to her job title, when she launched The Crafted Collections. The business has two parts to it — one part functions as a traditional e-commerce site that sells branded hats. The other part is devoted to custom design work, and Alex can name-check a client list that includes The Hamilton Bulldogs, CFL player Chad Owens and Hollywood restaurant Butcher, Baker, Cappuccino Maker.

The first hat collection focused on Hamilton Pride and she committed some of the proceeds of the sales to helping feed the less fortunate and homeless in Hamilton. The limitededition run of 50 hats sold out in two weeks. But despite this initial success, there were still those who doubted Alex’s vision. But like any entrepreneur, she trusted herself first.

“I felt it was important that no matter what, I took risks,” she says. “Everything is changing in this industry. If there is an opportunity, take it. You can’t just sit back in the shadows.”

It’s the same advice she gives to the students in her class.

“If you are passionate and go for your goal, you can make anything happen.”

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Awards & Honours

AWARDS & HONOURS CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VARSITY ATHLETES

Women’s Softball

Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Women’s Softball Bronze Medal — first medal since the 2010-2011 season. The team went into the OCAA’s in 4th place and defeated host college Humber to advance to the bronze medal game.

OCAA Women’s Softball Rookie of the Year — Shelby Hayward.

Golf

OCAA Individual Golf Bronze Medal — Nic Francis.

Nic shot a 230 after three rounds; one shot out of the silver medal and eight shots from the gold.

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Women’s Basketball

Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Women’s Basketball Bronze Medal

Awards & Honours

Congratulations to Brian J. Hansell ’83 winner of Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) 150 Difference Makers in November. The award honours people influencing change in mental health, giving new reasons for hope. Brian, also a recent recipient of a Mohawk College Alumni of Distinction Award, is the Founder of the Paul Hansell Foundation and President of Hansell Consulting Group Inc.

2013 Alumni of Distinction, Anthony Frisina ’02 and current student Maria De Teresa had their pilot for a new show, Above & Beyond air on Hamilton’s Cable 14 and are currently waiting to hear if the series has been picked up. The show focuses on the importance of accessibility and inclusion. Find out more about future episodes by following @abovebeyond4u on Twitter.

“Thank you to Mohawk College for the nomination to attend the Colleges Ontario Premier Awards gala. How enjoyable it was to spend time with fellow Mohawk graduates, and to learn about their achievements and accomplishments.

I witnessed firsthand that having a higher education from an Ontario college will be the solid foundation for the journey of life.

Congratulations to Brian, Gabriela, Jonathan, Linda, and Mohamed, it was great to celebrate with you.

– David Folk ‘88

plan your next trip with us

At the annual Ontario Premier’s Awards Dinner in November, we were happy to celebrate our 2017 nominees, Brian Hansell ’83, Gabriela Covaci ’09, Jonathan Vize ’05, David Folk ’88, Linda Haslam-Stroud ’77, and Mohamed Ibrahim ’12.

SUMMER HOTEL ALTERNATIVE BOOK THE ALUMNI RATE ONLINE PROMO CODE: MOHAWK

*restrictions apply May to August availability

Residence & Conference Centre - Hamiltom Located on Mohawk College - Fennell Campus hamilton@stayrcc.com 905-385-3200

Congratulations to recent Graphic Design grad, Amanda Cicero ’16 on being the 2017 ONE® Canada Contest Ontario Regional Winner for her design for ONE® Condoms.

stayrcc.com/hamilton

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Around Campus

MARCH 8

CONVOCATION CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2017!

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Convocation Speakers (1) Bertha Skye – Distinguished Fellow, Honorary Diploma Bertha Skye is of the Cree Nation, born in Northern Saskatchewan, and lives on Six Nations of the Grand River.

Bertha serves as an Elder in Residence at Mohawk College where she provides learning in an Indigenous and holistic way by sharing stories, teachings, traditional crafts and cooking lessons.

(2) Dr. Ross Finnie – Distinguished Fellow, Adjunct Professor Dr. Ross Finnie is a full Professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Finnie has been a research partner with Mohawk College for five years, and has authored several reports that have helped Mohawk better understand our students and the drivers of student success.

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Alumni Events

ALUMNI EVENTS Golden Grad Luncheon

“It was really a ‘class act’ and being able to graduate once again receiving a new diploma made it very special. My old one is quite faded and the new one has taken its place. Mohawk will always hold a special place in my heart and I am very proud to have been a graduate.” – Mark J. Bates ‘67, One of the first Mohawk College graduates celebrating 50 years since his convocation at the Golden Grad Luncheon.

Mohawk Young Alumni Connection (MYAC) Board Game Social

Backpack to Briefcase Interview Intelligence Workshop

“This series of workshops changed the way I go to an interview, I used to be nervous but now I am confident! I know what I am going to wear, what to say (or not say), what questions to ask, what to do with my hands and, most importantly, to make a good first impression with a smile and a handshake.”

– Maria VanAken, Business Administration Accounting, ‘18

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Alumni Events

Tailgate Party – Basketball

Physiotherapy Reunion

“We cannot believe the prizes and gifts you gave us. Our class was so thrilled. We did a drive-by tour of Mohawk and the 5 hospitals we all did our placements at and then ended the evening with dinner. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Children’s Holiday Party

– Janet Gillem – Class Connector Physiotherapy ’77 as they celebrated their 40th Anniversary

MOHAWK COLLEGE

“We had a great time! [My niece], Lily fell asleep on the way home, she was worn right out! Thanks again to our awesome Alumni Association and fantastic staff! The student leaders were all super with the kids, too!" – Michelle Miller ‘95

P L AY, C R E AT E , L E A R N , E X P L O R E A N D D I S C O V E R ! .

MOHAWK COLLEGE

2018

Award-winning camps for kids 5 to 12 years July 3 – August 24 Program hours: 9 am – 4 pm FREE extended hours: 8 – 9 am and 4 – 5:30 pm Register at mohawkcollege.ca/camps

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BEST KIDS CAMP

On February 1, 2018, Mohawk College honoured eight Alumni of Distinction for their contributions to their community and for the incredible successes they’ve achieved in their careers. Congratulations to (L-R) Jonathan Vize ’05, Joan Minnery ’88, David Folk ’88, Karen Davis ’93, Brian Hansell ’83, Natalie Sexton ’05, Steve Stipsits ’84 and Linda Haslam-Stroud ’77, photographed with President, Ron McKerlie.

We are very grateful to our sponsors for their support.

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Keeping In Touch (1) Stephen Charles Bailey (Industrial Engineering Technology, 1964) I’m retired.

I golf in the summer and play tennis in the winter. I also spend quite a bit of time in Muskoka where both my daughters live as well as a very special young lady – my granddaughter.

‘60s

(2) Colin Mcleod (Electronics Technology, 1967) (3) Alan J. Dickinson (Industrial Engineering Technology – Management, 1971) As an active retiree, I lead Habitat for Humanity Global Village teams. I started in 2012 and have participated in 16 trips to 13 different countries.

‘70s

Colin Gage (Architectural Technology, 1971) I have been married to Catherine for the past 45 years (whom I met at the fraternity house on Dundurn Street in Hamilton) and have three successful children and three grandchildren. I had a wonderful career at Victoria Park Community Homes with its head office located in Hamilton. While in college I was the President of the Student Representative’s Council. Through my tenure in that position, we were able to save the Arnold Centre and I was present at its official opening. I currently enjoy spending my leisure time with my wife.

‘80s

(4) Linda D. Rousseau (Recreation Leadership, 1982) I received a World Record Squat of 122.5kg as a Masters 3 lifter in the 84kg category. This was done at the North American Powerlifting Federation in Orlando, Florida. I’ve chased this record for three years and was super happy to achieve it. I would advise everyone that it is never too late to start doing something different.

Dave P. Albright (Electronics Engineering Technology – Telecommunications, 1983) Just started a new position with the Department of National Defence in Ottawa as the Director of Application Portfolio Management in the Information Management Group.

Yvonne Van Hoek (Law & Security Administration, 1987) After graduating from Mohawk College I applied for a job at the City of Mississauga in the Enforcement division and have been there for the past 30 years.

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(5) Ned Mijatovich (Architectural Technology, 1987) (6) Timothy Morton (Business Computer Applications, 1994; Business Applications for Windows, 1996; Business Internet Skills, 1997; Art Photography, 2007; Applied photography, 2008) I remain a dedicated runner, participating in many runs, most recently the Four Miler Boxing Day Race in Hamilton.

‘90s

(7) Trisha L. MacNaughton (Pharmacy Assistant, 1998; Chemical Engineering Technician, 1998) We were blessed with our first daughter Ivy on June 18, 2013 and recently had our second daughter Harleen on August 15, 2017.

(8) Deborah M. Lewis (Office Administration – Legal, 1999)

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(9) Steven Reise (Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2005) I am also a recent grad of the Home Inspection program.

‘00s

Sherry L. Brown (Environmental Technician, 2007) I am currently back as a full-time student at Mohawk for the Office Administration – Executive program.

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Sandra Lidka (OTA & PTA, 2009) I am coowner of Further Afield Travel and Tours, a full-service boutique travel agency in Oakville, ON. (10) Judith Yous (Office Administration – Medical, 2010) Since graduating from my program, I have held various positions in the medical field. In 2013, I decided to pursue a Bachelors of Arts degree in History from McMaster University while working full-time. This past June (2017), I graduated from McMaster and currently work as a Medical Administrative Assistant in the Department of Surgery.

‘10s

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You Li (Business Administration, 2012) Married to the love of my life.

Shannon Christian (Tourism and Travel, 2016) Currently taking Spanish courses and kickboxing lessons.

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Keep In Touch Contest Entries Thank you to all the grads who took the time to enter our Keep In Touch Contest last Fall. Whether you were on your own or with family and friends by your side, we really enjoyed seeing photos of you at work, home, or on vacation! Here are a few of the many entries we received.

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Protection of Personal Information

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(1) Elizabeth Ballantyne (Social Service Worker, 2015) My daughter and I postTerry Fox Run in 2017. (2) Judy Preston (Physiotherapy, 1974) I have always been an avid sailor and racing at our local club. Since retirement, my passion is photography.

I am back at school in a CE program studying photography. Life is good! Thank you Mohawk for making it all possible. (3) Katelyn Zsidi (Radio Broadcasting, 2017) This is me working at my fav station behind the scenes! College grad goals!! (4) Brooke McCallum (General Arts & Science, 2017) My favourite place is on the beach in the Bahamas. (5) Laresa Khamphoomee (General Business program, 1999) My son and I learning how to code together at a Lighthouse Labs free seminar. (6) John Howard (Civil Engineering Technology, 1970) I am enjoying barbecuing in Santiago, Chile.

(7) Ashley Rego (Business Marketing, 2014) I was lucky enough to get a permanent position through my co-op while at Mohawk and I remember taking this photo just as I was hired on permanently! (8) Louise Harvey (Early Childhood Education, 1977) This is me at my wheel in my first semester of continuing education in spring 2013.

I’m still studying at Mohawk and creating. (9) Leneard Perdic (Computer Systems Technology, 1980) I am at my desk, at work, creating a YouTube video illustrating the electrical interference caused by my chair. The PC monitors would black out whenever I got up from or sat down at my desk.

From time to time, you may be contacted either by mail, e-mail or phone by one of our services and benefits partners regarding one of our programmes. Mohawk College is proud of its relationship with a number of trusted partners and service providers who have an established record of treating personal information with care and provide valuable services and benefits to our alumni.

We appreciate you taking the time to learn about the programmes and the latest offers available. We want to let you know that at no time will your name or contact information be shared with anyone not specifically authorized by Alumni Relations. Mohawk College respects the privacy of its alumni and the sensitivity of personal information.

All of our partners sign strict confidentiality agreements with us prior to receiving any contact information.

Should you wish to not be contacted about services and benefit programs, JUST CALL 905-575-2258 or e-mail alumni@ mohawkcollege.ca and tell us you wish to OPT OUT of affinity marketing plans. Thank you for your interest and your participation in the services and benefits provided by the Alumni Association and the Alumni Relations Department.

KEEP IN TOUCH: Want your update to be included in the next issue? Visit mohawkcollege.ca/stayconnected

mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

31

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

To find out more and register for alumni events, visit mohawkcollege.ca/alumni

MAY 6

Learn to Golf 101 | 12:00 pm | Flamborough Golf & Country Club

24

St. Joseph’s School of Nursing & St. Joseph’s Campus – Annual Reunion Day – Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Class of 1978 | 12:30 pm | Michelangelo Banquet Centre. For more information, please contact Kathy Jackson sjsnaareunion@gmail.com

25

Alumni Nine & Dine | Shotgun start – 4:30 pm | Flamborough Golf & Country Club |

26

Mohawk College Tennis Club Reunion – Celebrating over 20 years of Tennis Excellence | 1:00 pm | Rosedale Tennis Club. For more information, please contact Ed Stencel (estencel@cogeco.ca) or Dave Millard (millard709@gmail.com)

EXPAND YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

30

Brushes and Bursaries – Paint your own creation with Connie McLaughlin ‘99 from creativeconnie.ca | 7 pm | Mohawk College Fennell Campus

JULY 19

Mohawk Young Alumni Connection (MYAC) Roller Skating Summer Social | 6:30 pm | Hamilton Waterfront

AUGUST 14

Mohawk Alumni Day at Wild Water Works

In less than one year specialize your skills and credentials with a graduate certificate.

• Accessible Media Production • Brain Disorders Management • Creative Arts Business • Expressive Arts • Multimedia Storytelling • Supply Chain Management • And more

If you have any questions, please contact us at 905-575-2258 or alumni@mohawkcollege.ca

Choose how you get your In Touch!

Would you prefer to receive your Alumni In Touch magazine in your inbox instead of your mailbox?

Or do you love getting it mailed to your house?

Indicate your preference at mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine

32 INTOUCH | Spring 2018

mohawkcollege.ca/gradstudies

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