Spring ‘13
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Predictions for the Future?
Publication Mail Agreement 40065780
alumni.mohawkcollege.ca
Alumni Association Council – provide advice and direction on Alumni Association activities Convocation Speakers – share your experiences with the graduating class Meet the Grad Nights – come back and talk with students who are about to graduate from your program/school Attend one our Annual Events In Touch magazine – contribute to our Alumni magazine by writing an article Volunteer Opportunities – committee and event positions Participate in Academic Placement Programs – provide a placement for a student Program Advisory Committees – volunteer and assist the college in shaping the curriculum for programs Job Centre Connections – provide co-op employment opportunities Nominate an alumnus/alumna – for an Alumni of Distinction Award Be a Class Connector and organize a class reunion
Visit our website - alumni.mohawkcollege.ca Email us – alumni@mohawkcollege.ca Stop by and visit us at the ALUMNI HOUSE anytime!!
LinkedIn Group: Mohawk College Alumni Association @mohawkalumni facebook.com/mohawkcollegealumni
alumniblog.mohawkcollege.ca
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touch Hamilton | Stoney Creek | Brantford
Publisher Mohawk College Alumni Association Editor Wendy Makey
alumni news 11 Mohawk Alumni Networking Panel
Design and Production Sofa Communicatons
Contributors Sandra Ireland, Wendy Makey, Sean Coffey, Al Craig, Darren Desmarais, Kristy Ryerson, Bernetta Scime, Meaghan Drury, Sue Prestedge, Andre Bisson, Jay Robb, Margaret Thomson, Scott Summerhayes, Artrina Bowdish, Casey Wren, Linda Rourke, Shari Leavitt, Danielle Bridge, Mike Black, Basilia Iatomasi and Kurt Tosetto Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Jourdrie – President, Mohawk College Foundation, Wendy Makey – Director, Alumni Relations, Meaghan Drury – Communications & Data Officer, Kristy Ryerson – Alumni Assistant
15 What it takes to be a Mohawk Woman touch
Fall ‘12
Photography Terra Nova Imaging, Carmine DeLuca and Elia Koolsbergen and Office of Monique Taylor
For Alumni & Friends of Mohawk College
Spring ‘13
touch For Alumni & Friends of Mohawk College
18 Predications for the Future Publication Mail Agreement 40065780
InTouch is published semi-annually by the Office of Alumni Relations 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.
To update your Alumni Record, please contact: Phone: 905.575.2258, Fax: 905.575.2443 alumni@mohawkcollege.ca or the address above.
In Simpson’s letter to the future shewrites, “As for the year 1986, we drive around in cars, eat Big Macs, Whoppers, Coke Classic, Smarties and drink B-52 shooters...
Concerns of the 1986 student include: overcrowding, computer space and access hours, large student loan debts upon graduation, and credit transfers into universities.”
alumni.mohawkcollege.ca
Content Coordinator Kelly Dunham
Publications Mail Agreement Number 400065780 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Office of Alumni Relations - Alumni House Mohawk College Foundation P.O. Box 2034 Hamilton, ON L8N 3T2
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Predictions for the Future?
in every issue 4
Welcoming Words
8
Alumni News and Events
24 Around Campus 32 Keeping In Touch 35 Calendar of Events
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president’s column
mohawk holds steady at number one Rob MacIsaac – President, Mohawk College We’re number one three years running.
community, inclusive and accountable.
For the third consecutive year, Mohawk has earned the highest overall student satisfaction scores of all colleges in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The provincially mandated Key Performance Indicator (KPI) survey results for Ontario’s 24 colleges were released in April. Nearly 7,600 Mohawk students completed the survey.
That’s what’s happening at Mohawk. Behind the scenes we’re working very closely with our counterparts at other colleges and with our colleagues at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to make sure colleges continue to play a key role in growing Ontario’s economy.
These results reflect the outstanding work the college has done to improve the experience for Mohawk students, and I’m proud of how hard faculty and staff have worked to make this happen. While we’re proud of how far we’ve come as a college over the last four years, we aren’t losing sight of the fact that we still have a lot of work to do. And we’re always on the lookout for ways that we can make our college even better. This September we’ll celebrate a major milestone in our ongoing Fennell Campus Renewal when we open the new Athletics and Recreation Centre. The new centre will quickly become a focal point on campus, offering students, staff and alumni access to one of the best athletics and recreation centres at any Ontario college. Our 65,000 square foot Centre will feature an indoor running track; a fitness, health and wellness centre; and a triple gymnasium that will give home-court advantage to our varsity athletes. Creating new spaces is just one of the ways we’re making Mohawk better. We’re also changing the way we teach, serve and support our students. We’re consolidating services and making changes that improve service efficiency. And we’re renewing our commitment to student success and setting our sights on becoming a provincial leader in retention and graduation. All of this work is guided by a clear vision, a strong mission and a shared set of core values. These important elements were all recently reviewed and approved by Mohawk’s Board of Governors. These statements chart our future, define what matters to us and set expectations for how we’ll work together to make a difference for our students and the communities we serve. Our vision is to create prosperous communities and transformed lives. Our mission is to create new realities by opening endless possibilities. And we’ll do these things while adhering to our values of being student focused, committed to excellence, engaged in our
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Higher education is definitely on the government’s agenda and it’s important for colleges to be very vocal about the value we deliver to our communities and the province as a whole. Colleges have a lot to be proud of, yet not enough people know about the good work colleges are doing. We’re working to change that. Last Fall, Ontario Colleges submitted a host of proposed reforms to the Province that we think will help Colleges be all that they can be. Among those reforms is the ability for Colleges to grant a wider range of credentials - from certificates to diplomas to three-year degrees to honours degrees. The Colleges believe that offering a broader range of credentials will help to address some of the attitudinal barriers we’re facing, and allow for more appropriate recognition for the work our students are doing. Colleges are also advocating for better credit transfer within the post-secondary sector. The analogy I often use is my Blackberry can talk to my car. I can drive many different pieces of hardware from my laptop using software produced by many different suppliers. Yet when a student tries to mix and match courses between a colleges and university they often run into big problems. We need to fix this. We need to take a lesson from the private sector and get better at working together to serve the needs of our students. So there’s a lot happening at Mohawk and within the broader college system. As alumni you play an important role in advancing Mohawk’s reputation and the reputation of the college system as a whole. When we meet with industry partners, prospective students, donors and funders, it’s you, our alumni, that we talk about, because highlighting all of the ways Mohawk grads make a difference is the best way to promote our college.
greetings from the alumni council chair
Sandra Ireland, ‘90 – Chair, Mohawk College Alumni Association Dear Alumni Association Members, In April, fellow Council Member, Gary Nelson and I helped out the Alumni Association Staff at the Fennell Campus Spring Open House. We met many students that will be attending Mohawk College in the fall of 2013 and their families along with friends. There were students of all ages and interests: first time students with their parents, partners and friends; parents entering college for the first time with their kids; parents and their kids both entering college for the first time; alumni returning for more training; and older adults planning on taking technology and other interest courses in the fall. They toured the transformed Fennell Campus together and met with faculty and students. At the end of the morning I thought… There really is something for everyone at Mohawk College! As graduates, your membership in the Mohawk College Alumni Association has something for you and your family too! Reading the In Touch and our e-newsletters and making our website alumni.mohawkcollege.ca one of your “favorites” will keep you up to date in real-time on the many services, benefits, events and opportunities that are offered to you and your family throughout the year. This year, your Alumni Association has entered into a partnership with the Industry Education Council of Hamilton that will train Alumni Mentors to help secondary school students access a college education. The Association’s Council continues to support student bursaries in the names of Alumni of Distinction Award Winners. Volunteer College Ambassadors in the community have been recruited. The marketing of our annual Alumni of Distinction Awards has been enhanced. Council Members have represented you at Alumni Etiquette Dinners and Networking Events, Convocations, the Annual Golf Tournament, the Alumni of Distinction Awards Dinner, and the Premier’s Awards Dinner. We also celebrated the dedication of the Alumni Atrium at the Fennell entrance. As I end my term as Chair of your Alumni Association Council, I want to thank Council membership and staff for the friendship, help and support they have provided over the past two years. If you would like to know more about how you can participate in your association, we welcome you to attend our Annual General Meeting on June 4, 2013 and/or contact us at alumni@mohawkcollege.ca.
Sandra Ireland, Nursing 1990 Chair, Mohawk College Alumni Association Advisory Council Mohawk College Alumni Association is the catalyst for a lifelong relationship between Mohawk College and its Alumni
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slate of officers
2012-2013 Mohawk College Alumni Association Advisory Council Sandra Ireland Chair Nursing, 1990
Samara Young Vice-Chair Police Foundations, 2004
Dana Jacobs Director Business Marketing, 2006
Erin Kimbell Director Business Marketing Coop, 2007
Gary Nelson Director Business Administration, 1985
Jody Matheson Director Advertising, 1994
Darren Hardenbrook Director Transportation Engineering Technology, 1995
Marcine Blake Director Recreation Leadership, 1988
Sera Nicosia Director Nursing, 1981
Ryan Chow President, MSA
Jackie Fulton President, MCACES
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The Alumni Association thanks these individuals for their valued contributions to Alumni activities, committees and meetings on behalf of the Alumni of Mohawk College. We appreciate your dedication.
connecting with our young alumni at mohawk Wendy Makey , ‘93 – Director, Alumni Relations
Every year over 4,000 graduates join the Mohawk College Alumni Association Family. As students for two or more years these individuals, aspiring to reach their goals have attended events hosted by the Alumni Association or where the Association has been a proud partner. These events that are both educational and interactive activities that teach students the soft skills that will assist them in being successful in the future or allow them to hear inspiring words from successful alumni and learn what opportunities lie ahead for them in their chosen fields. The Alumni Association contributes to the production of Future Ready Mohawk graduates. The Association also seeks to keep our Young Alumni (0 - 10 years after graduation) connected and engaged with Mohawk College via the Mohawk Young Alumni Connection (MYAC) and there are so many ways to do that through our events, activities and workshops. However, it is important to the Alumni Association that all engagement with the college has meaning and value. For this reason we are working directly with our Young Alumni to see what it is we can do to assist them, support them and help them in their journey to success.
Feedback from young alumni focus groups indicates that one initiative for this group of Future Ready grads should be a day long professional development workshop Building Your Personal Brand. An opportunity for recent graduates to learn about how to create a personal brand. This enables them to confidently and professionally present themselves along with their skill set and experience while at their current place of employment or while searching for a job. Networking and an opportunity to keep connected with Mohawk College and former classmates also have been identified as areas of importance. Plans are being developed to roll out these programs for our graduates. We encourage young alumni to follow us on twitter, or join our Facebook and LinkedIn groups to learn about how to become involved with the Mohawk Young Alumni Connection.
Keep in touch and let us support you in your journey to great success!
Donations support Scholarships & Bursaries Last Fall, for the first time ever, we appealed to our alumni in search of their financial support. Our graduates’ generosity was urgently requested to help fund the student awards that enable talented and driven people to access a Mohawk education, and our graduates responded. Thank you for all the gifts we’ve received in support of this new endeavour, these gifts are truly special. We hope that this will embed a new tradition at Mohawk where alumni are inspired to embrace an opportunity to help those who follow in their footsteps.
Please look for the 2013 Alumni Annual Appeal in your mailbox or inbox this Fall. For more information please contact Wendy Makey at 905-575-2080 or wendy.makey@mohawkcollege.ca
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~ Technology ~ Creative Arts & Design ~ Health Sciences ~ Human Services ~ Recent Graduate ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mohawk College Employee ~ Business ~ Technology ~ Creative Arts & Design ~ Health Sciences ~ Human Services ~ Recent Graduate ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mohawk College Employee ~ Business ~ Technology ~ Creative Arts & Design ~ Health Sciences ~ Human Services ~ Recent Graduate ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mohawk College Employee ~ Business ~ Technology ~ Creative Arts & Design ~
save the date
Thursday, October 24, 2013 Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre 5:15pm - Community Reception 6:00pm - Dinner & Awards
Congratulations to the 2012 Alumni of Distinction Recipients: Business: Marc Runciman, Architectural Technology, 1977 Community Services: Debbie Logel Butler, Early Childhood Education, 1981 Creative Arts & Design: Linda Rourke, Broadcasting – Television & Communications, 1990 Health Sciences: Elaine Principi, Physiotherapy, 1982 Technology: Kevin Ford, Mechanical Engineering Technologist, 1975 Recent Graduate: Narine Dat Sookram, Social Service Worker, 2013 Entrepreneur: Steve Marsh, Law & Security Administration, 1981 Mohawk College Employee: Marco Felvus, Child & Youth Worker, 1999
mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-of-distinction touch
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alumni news
sugar bush tour Our Inaugural Family Event By Kyle Noseworthy, ‘12 Recreation & Leisure Services Practicum Student The Sugar Bush Tour was the first family event that the Alumni Association has hosted, and I am happy I was a part of it. The location was perfect; it was located at Richardson’s Farm in Dunnville, ON. It was a nice brisk day, the sun was shining and of course the pancake breakfast was delicious. The day started off with the Mohawk alumni signing in; a group photo was taken; tickets for breakfast were distributed and tractor ride and tour; and then the alumni were able to spend time with their family and friends they brought with them. The Sugar Bush Tour was a successful family event. People were happy and cheerful; they were enjoying their time and the history behind Richardson’s Farm. The children were interested in how and why the delicious maple syrup was created and the tour helped in showing where the trees were that produced the sap, as well as the buckets that collected the sap. Before and after the tour, the families were able to peek into the Shanty Shack, where James Richardson keeps an eye on the sap and stokes the fire to create maple syrup. We would like to say, special thank you to Kirsten and James Richardson for hosting us this year and looking forward to making this an annual event.
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accounting meet the grad night By Artrina Bowdish
Even after three semesters of Accounting and two work terms, I was still unsure of where I wanted to go after graduation. Having so many options; working towards my CGA, going directly into the workforce, continuing school online to get a B.A., can be a little intimidating. I’ve decided to take it in steps, Meet the Grad Night, hosted by CGA and organized by Continuing Education, Accounting faculty and the Alumni Association. It was eye opening. This opportunity was and will continue to be extremely important to students in the Accounting program. Getting the chance to ask honest and relevant questions to people currently in the workforce is a huge advantage for some students. Leaving the event that night left me feeling like I had some much needed answers and prepared with a better plan for the coming year. The annual event gives students a chance to not only get their questions answered, but also make possible future business connections. Without the opportunity to meet, there are students that may go through years of schooling to find out that maybe what they have been pursuing was not what they wanted to do all along. The Accounting Faculty and Continuing Education faculty have continued to organize a successful event year after year, and I hope it continues to organize these events so that I may come back to the school and contribute one day.
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mohawk alumni networking session “It was one small step for me, but a giant leap for my career goals.” By Steve Bain – 1st Year Radio Student
alumni news On my way to the Mohawk Alumni Career Networking and Radio Awards event at Carmen’s Banquet Centre; I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I was a little nervous to enter my first networking session so early in my radio broadcasting education. However, right from the beginning my worries were relieved. Rather than the full-blown networking “meet and greet” I was expecting, my fellow students and I were treated to a small collection of media professionals and a seminar on how to properly network. The session was a means of meeting people in the industry from different fields and hearing their stories, learning how to properly navigate a networking session or one-on-one networking encounter, and practicing what we learned with those same professionals we had already gotten to know. There was much to learn from the media representatives (and Mohawk Alumni) present, from Laura Leigh Groppo (EZ-Rock, St. Catharines) I gained insight into the world of sports coverage. Kristie Boadwin (K-Lite, Hamilton) taught me about radio promotions and breaking out of my shell. Bryan Williams (Corus Entertainment, Hamilton), shared examples of networking within an already established job. (Continued on page 12)
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alumni news Confidence in approaching people for help or information has never been one of my strong suits; however, I feel more confident based on the templates that our seminar leader, Fatima Di Valentin, gave us. I now have some extra tools and practice under my belt to use with a potential employer or industry representative to best show off my talents and skills and now have a better grasp of how to end a networking conversation to obtain a future contact and/ or clinch that pursued job.
Thanks to our graduates and guests who came back to host a table and share their wisdom.
Stands announcer that same year. She moved to Dryden shortly after college for a full time on air swing shift. Then landed a full time morning show producer job at 91.7 (now) Giant FM and although when she started she had NO on air opportunities, moved to do traffic reports and entertainment bits in the mid 2000’s. From there Laura moved to a morning show on 105.1, The River where she stayed for four years. Cable 14 in Hamilton hired Laura Leigh for five seasons of AHL hockey including a Calder cup run and she now announces for the OHL Niagara Ice Dogs.
Rick Zamperin was born in From left to rig Toronto, and ht: Rick, Misty , Matt Bryan , Mike , Laura Le Misty Cornell igh and Kristie like most young a graduate of boys, fell in love Mohawk’s Radio Broadcasting program realized with sports. But TV was not her thing and decided to focus on the radio he didn’t want to compete on the ice, the court or the aspects she truly enjoyed. After completing the program, she field. Rick’s dream was to be behind the microphone in decided to attend the ‘optional’ third-year. It was during this the broadcast booth calling the games. Rick has honed time, she had the opportunity to attend a 7-week work-term, his skills in markets from Chatham to Fort McMurray, for hands-on training, when upon completion, Misty was Alberta, and now calls Hamilton home. He is immensely offered full-time employment with 820 CHAM. She stayed proud to be the voice of sports on AM900 CHML where there for two years before a career with AM 900 CHML and he can be heard weekday mornings between 5 and 9. Y95. She then transitioned to the role of Creative Director, Rick is also the play-by-play announcer of the Hamilton at Smooth Jazz - Wave 94.7. Although Misty loved the Tiger-Cats on CHML, after serving as the pre-game show opportunity to write for a unique format, she longed for the host and sideline reporter for several seasons. Nicknamed creativity multiple formats offered. So when presented the “Zamp the Amp” in high school for his continuous sports chance to return to AM 900 CHML and Y95, Misty left Wave prognostications, Rick also doubles as the morning news 94.7 to go home. anchor on Y108 and Vinyl 95.3. After several format changes (Rock/Talk/Country/Greatest Hits/Energy FM), a frequency flip and after a decade, Misty has become what some refer to as a permanent fixture at Corus Radio Hamilton. No longer shy, it’s a regular occurrence to hear Misty’s laughter throughout Corus Radio Hamilton. Misty is also a member of the Mohawk College Radio Advisory Committee. Laura Leigh Groppo graduated in 2001 from Mohawk’s Radio program. She got her first job in 2000 at 102.9 K-Lite for the afternoon Saturday/Sunday shift and eventually was the cruiser girl hired by the Hamilton Bulldogs as the In
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Kristie Boadwin is a 2006 graduate of Mohawk’s Radio Broadcasting program but it was during her high school co-op placement at Astral Radio Hamilton where she fell in love with radio. During her time at Astral Radio Hamilton, Kristie has held a number of positions, including; Summer Cruiser Host, Board Operator, Receptionist, Remote Tech, and is currently the Promotions Coordinator for Funny 820, Oldies 1150 CKOC and 102.9 K-Lite. Kristie has had so many amazing experiences working in the Promotions Department that she couldn’t see herself doing anything else!
alumni news Matt Holmes was born and raised on the Hamilton Mountain and is a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting and Communications program at Mohawk College. Matt has called CHML home since 2004, where he started his career as a part time board operator and has worked his way up the ranks to become the weeknight talk show host the 7pm to 9pm time slot. Matt doesn’t even remember the earliest recording of himself. All he knows is that once or twice a year his uncle will pull out a cassette that was recorded at some point in the 80’s and say “do you remember that?” the answer is always “No”. (luckily nobody recorded him calling road hockey games cause it was always Messier or Kurri that scored the goal). Away from work, Matt is a husband and father; where he’s been known to dress his son in Oilers, Ticats, 49ers, and Wolverines colours. Mike Nabuurs has been in radio for almost 30 years. Starting out in his hometown of Newmarket, Ontario he has worked in almost every position. He’s been a Creative Director, News Director, Music Director and Program Director. He has also hosted countless shows including his own daily talk show and his own country music morning show. Currently Mike is the “Ambassador of FUNNY”. The Brand Director for FUNNY 820 and the voice of the station in both Hamilton and London. In his spare time Mike runs his own prep service for radio morning shows. Laff Faxx has been around 20 years and yes when it started it was actually sent out by Fax. Currently Laff Faxx is used in over 40 markets in North America. Mike is also the stadium announcer for the Hamilton Tiger Cats and makes over 40 appearances every year as an MC for numerous charitable organizations. Bryan Williams is a Radio Broadcasting grad from 1992. Starting his career at Hamilton’s 820 CHAM right out of school and Bryan has experience working in a variety of positions from promotions assistant to on-air shifts to producer in Toronto, Niagara and back to Hamilton. For four years he worked at 610 CKTB, 105.7 EZ Rock and 97.7 HTX-FM where he was nominated for a Crystal Award by the Radio Marketing Bureau, and also started doing freelance writing, production and voice work through his own company, Treefall Productions. In the early 2000’s Bryan started to focus on voice acting, and renamed his company Williamsvoiceovers.com. As “Garnet Williams”, he has done countless national radio and television commercials, narration projects, animation projects, and more. He continues to produce and voice commercials and imaging for Y108, 900 CHML and Vinyl 95.3, and since joining Corus Radio Hamilton in 2001, he has also received another two Crystal Award nominations.
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COLLEGE
W
SCHOOL OF MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
T
A W N E
YOU
The Mohawk College Alumni in partnership with the Media & Entertainment Department is looking for panelists for this year’s Media Alumni Panel and Network Training Session
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Shannon Gould
Renata Lumsden
Shirley Marshall
Danika Faucon
Marguerite Bowerman
Elaine Principi
Dr. Sandra Ireland
Kelly Pauly
Karen Prine
what it takes to be a mohawk woman International Women’s Day Alumni Panel Breakfast By Shari Leavitt It was an early morning wakeup call that was refreshing and influential at Mohawk College on March 8th, as eight prestigious health, and technology graduates participated in the Alumni Panel Breakfast. Students, such as myself, gathered early in the morning to ring in International Women’s Day at the college by listening to stories from some of the most successful women that have come through Mohawk’s Health and Technology programs. Though each had their own unique experiences and tips, there was one theme that remained the same throughout the breakfast, and that was the notion of female empowerment. Representation of Health Science grads included Dr. Sandra Ireland, Karen Prine, Elaine Principi, and Renata Lumsden. These four women have all excelled since graduating from various health programs at Mohawk and most are still very involved with the college to this day. The stories that these ladies brought to the panel were intriguing and outlined how imperative
Mohawk College has been to their various successes in life. One particular story stood out to me about one woman’s quest to attend Mohawk College. She grew up wanting to go to Mohawk for Health, but was told by her parents that she had to complete her degree at McMaster University first. She was told that if after her degree she still wanted to go to Mohawk College, then she could. Sure enough, having completing her degree at McMaster she ended up at Mohawk. Now, she is a faculty member and every day stands as a strong female role model to her students. This story really outlined the passion and drive that this woman, and every other Alumni Panel member, brought to the college and the commitment that they give in their professions every day. Another woman came to Mohawk College even though her son was attending the school as well. She talked about her struggle to connect with younger students while maintaining a respectful mother-son relationship. She talked about her group projects that were completed with a
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alumni alumninews news younger student as her partner and her experiences going to the Arnie with her son and his friends for pints after class. This story outlined the confidence that the Alumni Panel women all brought to the table. There to speak as graduates from Technology department where Kelly Ann Pauly, Shirley Marshall, Shannon Gould, and Marguerite Bowerman. These women were so inspirational while sharing their experiences due to the fact that they were in the minority in their profession of technology at the time of their admittance into Mohawk College. One particular panel member talked about her passion for technology, which started at a young age. Her father told her to pursue another career, something more fitted for a woman, however, she continued with her drive to be involved with technology and became a strong female figure in this industry. This story shared the strength that the panel member possessed as a woman in her field. As a young female student at Mohawk College, the Alumni Breakfast Panelists all demonstrated to me the importance behind female empowerment while trying to succeed in a chosen field of study. It was an important notion to remember on International Women’s Day, as I was heading to broadcast live across the college as the face of Mohawk’s International Women’s Day Celebration. Leaving the breakfast and heading to the set to take to air, I took all these women’s stories and remembered that to be a Mohawk Woman it takes passion, drive, confidence, and strength, but overall, pride to be female.
From the Wall of Inspiration
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Live on Set It was quite a moment – three alumni and friends for 20 years came together on International Women’s Day to pay tribute to an incredible woman. I had the opportunity to interview my close friends - Brian and Stacey Jonker. You see Brian is known to Mohawk as the coach of the men’s basketball team, but he also has a full time management job, and an incredible family. Brian is himself pretty amazing - dedicating his time to the Mohawk team, not to mention coaching his daughter’s basketball team. But that leaves his wonderful wife with “single” mom duties for most of the year. Stacey also works full time and they have two very active girls. So she is running the household “almost” solo during basketball season. She not only keeps everything in order, but coaches two of her girl’s sports teams! But they have survived through it all. Stacey has an incredible way to laugh through life, she is the behind the scenes glue that sticks their family together. An amazing mom – so unbelievably hands on with her kids (and others as well), and a supportive wife to Brian. As many spouses who stand behind to support, encourage and just be there - Stacey is a woman to be acknowledged, admired and looked up to. As we all watched last year when Brian took the team to the top as National Champions – within minutes of winning he had embraced Stacey and that moment said it all. Quite a moment, quite a woman, quite a family. Linda Rourke Host/Producer – Hamilton Life
alumni news
eager to learn By Casey Wren
A good crowd gathered at the Continuing Education Etiquette Dinner on April 4th, 2013, eager to learn proper table manners and enjoy a delicious four-course meal.
merely consists of raising the glass, then drinking. The common mistake here is that people clink their glasses together, which can cause them to shatter over the table and other people.
Fatima Di Valentin taught the guests some simple basics, such as where to place your name tag. The best place is on the right, she explained, because it’s easy to glance at while shaking hands. Once you sit down, remember to never place your hands under the table; keep them up on the table, where everyone can see them.
How to use your fork is another simple lesson to memorize. The prongs always point down. Ideally, you must use your knife to gently place the food on the back of the prongs, always remembering to keep the fork in you left hand, and the knife in your right. Yes, even if you’re left-handed.
Di Valentin got her start in teaching etiquette during her time as a professor, as she tried to prepare her students for job interviews. “I found there were significant gaps in their learning, and their etiquette was a big concern,” Di Valentin explained.
The meal has come and gone, but the advice remains. The last simple message Di Valentin had to offer was the proper use of the napkin.
“People never quite know what to do, where to use it, how to use it. So it’s important
“So then, I started to incorporate that into my teaching, into my curriculum. And then I realized that not just my students... but other students, and other individuals across Canada, and it just blossomed from there”.
that as soon as you sit down... remove the
There are quite a few etiquette lessons for people to memorize, and while relatively simple, they’re not always obvious. For instance, there’s a proper way to toast. It
If you are interested in attending one of the future Etiquette Dinners, please visit the Alumni Associations website alumni.mohawkcollege.ca.
napkin... and place it across your lap just in case anything should spill,”
she explained.
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feature story
time capsule Predictions for the future. By Scott Summerhayes – Journalism Student brought on by “simple, complete, and utter curiosity”. When Simpson got the call saying they wanted to open the box, she was initially quite surprised and immediately went to her photo albums, pretty sure that 50 years had not yet passed. Sure enough, she found an invitation with flashy gold letters for the intended capsule-opening ceremony in 2036. “I would have preferred that it stay closed and another box got added to it, in all honesty,” said Simpson. “But I wasn’t going to miss watching it be opened.”
In Karen Simpson’s letter to the future, the former president of the Students’ Representative Council (now the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) predicted flying cars and vitamin supplements in place of food. While neither have come to be (yet), Simpson was right in believing we would still appreciate a good Scotch whisky. A mini bottle of Chivas Regal was her grand contribution to the time capsule, enclosed in the wall of Mohawk College’s Student Centre on April 5, 1986. Not to be opened for 50 years.
Hall said, “The whole purpose of the time capsule was ... in celebration of the building of the Student Centre,” and that opening the box now was “not to be spiteful of the original creators of the time capsule, but to add to the celebration. We’re doing the same thing, just 27 years later.”
However, due to the construction of the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC), the wall the box was placed in had to be torn down to make room for a catwalk, liberating the box from its brick enclosure. Andy Hall is the current president of the MSA and says the choice to open the time capsule now, 23 years early, was an executive decision made by the current board,
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On January 17th, 2013, the box was cut out from the brick wall, and on the 21st, Simpson and Hall opened it together in the MSA offices. Wearing yellow work gloves, Hall mimed
feature story
a drum roll before folding over the sharp copper flap, exposing the old paper inside to the light. “Time capsules are a wonderful thing,” said Hall. “They’re obviously always jam-packed with history.” But what surprised him most was the amount of paper that was found inside. The container was filled to the top with newspapers, posters, pamphlets, yearbooks, and catalogues. Also surprising was the brief feeling that not a lot had changed in 27 years. In Simpson’s letter to the future she writes, “As for the year 1986, we drive around in cars, eat Big Macs, Whoppers, Coke Classic, Smarties and drink B-52 shooters... Concerns of the 1986 student include: overcrowding, computer space and access hours, large student loan debts upon graduation, and credit transfers into universities.” Hall read this aloud to the room and broke out in a laugh. “Nothing has changed!” However, more compelling were the things that have changed in the last quarter-century. Karen Simpson held up a Canadian $1 bill that was found inside and said they probably had no idea the bill wouldn’t exist anymore [Note: Loonies went into circulation just a year after the box was sealed in the wall, and dollar bills were withdrawn from circulation in 1989]. “Heck, even the old time capsule is made from copper,” said Hall. “Which, if you broke that down now, might be worth a few pennies (pun not intended).” With the recent withdrawal of Canadian pennies from circulation, Hall says the MSA is looking for a 2012 penny to go into the new capsule, “which is apparently very difficult [to find]”. The technology of course is light-years ahead of where it was in 1986. Cell phones, computers, and music all came to mind. Buried inside the capsule was a cassette tape with some of the year’s top hits recorded on it. Hall says
they had a hard time even finding a tape deck in the school. When they did find one and dusted it off, it didn’t even work properly. And, of course, computers: “I mean, when you think about today, everything is on a computer,” said Hall. “Everything’s email, everything’s text, everything’s messaged through your various devices, yet there was just so much paper in the time capsule from back then.” Simpson was pleasantly surprised to see how well preserved it all had been. Of course, now that the materials have been exposed to air and light, it’s unlikely they will maintain the same integrity for another 23 or more years. Hall also thinks it will be a challenge to fill the new capsule; first, seeing as it is eight times the size of the old one; and second, because most of the things found in the old capsule have been replaced with digital versions. Course catalogues, websites, and a lot of their official documents are shared today via computers or hand-held devices as part of the school’s sustainability initiative. What the current student council chooses to contribute will likely be similar to what was found inside, but much of it will be screenshots, PDFs and JPEGs of the material that is now found online; all saved on a hard drive that—fingers crossed—will still be accessible in 23 years. As there always is when a time capsule is opened, a strong current of nostalgia repeatedly swept through the room. The look, feel, and even smell of these physical items affectively threw our minds back a quarter-century. There is a kind of warmth in aged material. But in the absence of physicality, it’s important to ask: will the nostalgia we feel in 2036 be nearly as strong? When our digital documents are beamed up on a screen, untouched by time, will we long for the past like we did the day this capsule was opened? Hall thinks so.
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feature story “Think of a photo-album,” said Hall. “When you were a kid, you used to look through everyone’s photo albums, yet now, how many people have photo albums anymore? We still get the enjoyment of flipping through a photo album but it’s different. You don’t have those big plastic pages that you’re flipping from page to page. It’s something that’s on a piece of plastic that sits in your hand. So, again, it will be nostalgic in its own way.” The MSA is still unsure of all the things it will contribute to the new capsule, but say they have a few ideas. When walking through the construction site of the ARC, Hall and some others came across a bolt lying on the ground and decided to pick it up as a contribution. They also were hoping to include a piece of the old gymnasium floor, but at the rate it has been gutted, they think it may be too late. Hall also intends to write a letter to his future self and future council representatives, “reiterating and re-hoping that in 25 years postsecondary education in North America is something that is a little bit more fixed, if you will”. In case you’re wondering, the Chivas Regal Scotch was not opened. It had been coated in wax and wrapped in paper
to prevent it from getting damaged, and, despite a few tentative efforts, could not be opened by hand. The whisky, and all the original contents, will be resealed inside the original box, and then placed inside the new capsule, which they expect to open again in 2036. As for Simpson’s predictions for the future, well, we still have 23 years to see if she had it right. In fact, her youngest son is working to become an aeronautical engineer, and her task for him is to design a Jetsons-like bubble car. Simpson said she would like to see current predictions for the future put in the new capsule. She suggested predictions for technology, health, lifestyle, etc. “Maybe when they open it, cancer will be cured. I pray that would happen.” A fascinating question came from executive director of the MSA, Richard Anderson, who asked, “Will [educational] buildings exist? Colleges and universities are increasingly online now, so... I don’t think students will need to physically come to a building to get educated. So, it’s going to be interesting in 25 years, how many students we’ll actually have here.”
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alumni news
career networking
The career networking event hosted by the Mohawk College Alumni Association on Tuesday, February 12th was both tremendously informative and an enjoyable night out, where having fun and socializing was the goal of the evening. The presenter of the night, Fatima Di Valentin, did a phenomenal job demonstrating how you should present yourself. It cannot only assist you in getting you that perfect dream job; but also how to deal with situations in everyday life. She was both humourous and engaging. This not only made the event interesting, but also reinforced the fact that Fatima is well educated and a highly effective facilitator. By Danielle Bridge, ‘12
The networking event that the Alumni Association held was engaging and informative. Fatima presented the material in a thought-provoking manner that showed the group the appropriate ways to act in a businessnetworking environment. Her helpful tips on grooming, how to shake hands properly, and respecting people’s personal space are transferable in everyday life situations. As a naturally quiet person, I felt the session useful for hints on how to verbally present myself to potential employers or clients. It gave me confidence by forcing me to step out of my comfort zone and interact with people in a business type scenario. By Kurt Tosetto, ‘12
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computer science technology reunion
alumni news
The annual Mohawk reunion hosted by the Computer Science Technology , Class of 1974 graduates was held in October 2012 at the Black Bull in Burlington. The traditional golf game and dinner was well attended with nine golfers and 26 joined us for dinner. The festivities were enhanced this year with the introduction of gifts donated by the Mohawk College Alumni Association, which were gratefully thankful for.
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stigma sucks Mental Health Expo By Basilia Iatomasi “It was because I had the courage to come forward and get honest and ask for help is the reason why I am here today”. That was part of Theo Fleury’s message at Mohawk College’s Mental Health Expo in April. Fleury, a former NHL hockey player and author, was the keynote speaker at this event which was designed to bring awareness to the issue of mental illness and the stigma associated with it. Fleury went on to say in his interview the CBC that day that “My whole life I struggled with anxiety and depression… There is a stigma around mental health for some reason — that if we admit we have a problem, we are weak. But my experience has been it takes an incredible amount of integrity and self-love to talk about
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your problems.” This was an important message for the 1 in 5 people who have mental illness and might be reluctant to get help. Community agencies, Mohawk College student services and students groups were also on hand to reinforce these messages by offering information and support at various booths and by distributing over 2000 suckers with “Stigma Sucks” tags that day. The suckers were meant to spark a discussion about mental illness that will hopefully continue long after this event. The event was generously supported and organized by many including the MSA, the Disable the Label Committee and the Mohawk College Alumni Association.
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theo fleury back from the brink By Mike Black
NHL legend Theoren Fleury came to Mohawk College as part of the Mental Health Expo. “Eight years ago I had a fully loaded pistol in my mouth, ready to pull the trigger,” said former Calgary Flames great Theoren Fleury to a crowd of student-journalists at Mohawk College. ”Now here I am today, my life is manageable, because I can be honest.”
“I was extremely uncomfortable in my own skin.” As outlined in his autobiography Playing With Fire, Fleury was molested numerous times as a young boy by a hockey scout; the traumatic experiences would be the base for Fleury’s later mental health issues. Hockey was his only outlet at the time. “When I stepped away from the rink, I had no idea who I was.”
Speaking candidly, Fleury answered questions about his struggles with mental illness and sexual abuse. “I think mental health is a by-product of trauma,” said Fleury. “I talk in my speeches all the time about my struggles with anxiety, panic, depression, anger problems, that were a by product of not only my childhood but the abuse I suffered as an adolescent.”
Alcohol and drugs became an outlet for the pain he was feeling. At times Fleury spent upwards of $3,500 on cocaine each week. But that only made it harder for him to sleep. “I was molested in a dark room. Every time I closed my eyes, I was in that room.”
The alcohol and drug abuse would get so bad for Fleury Fleury ts surround lis na ur that he decided to take his jo ollege Mohawk C own life, purchasing a pistol and ammunition, a decision he fortunately would not go The event was part of Mohawk through with. College’s Disable the Label campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of, and get rid of the negative stigmas that “I remember what [the gun] tasted like. I asked myself, you accompany mental health. never quit anything in your life, why quit now?” “When you reach out it shows a tremendous amount of courage,” said Fleury. “The only way you are going to get through struggles in your life is with the help of other people. I’m the toughest SOB that ever walked the face of the earth right, but I can talk about my feelings.” Fleury also spoke for an hour inside the college’s McIntyre Theatre, sharing with the crowd in vivid detail the highs and lows of his struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
speech. before his
The pivotal moment in Fleury’s life would come just a few days later, when on a rare occasion, he actually looked at himself in the mirror. “I can’t remember the last time I looked at myself. It takes an incredible amount of courage to admit your problems.” Fleury has not had a drink or done any drug since that day when he stared at himself in the mirror, September 18th, 2005.
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around campus
the 46th annual
Athletics’ Awards Banquet On Saturday, April 6, the Students’ Athletics Committee (SAC) and the Athletics Department held its annual Awards Banquet at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre. While most of our successes result from great team play, quite often individuals rise above the competition to exhibit special abilities and leadership. We were proud to honour and salute these outstanding achievements. The Athletics Department was proud to present the following awards. LACEY WOLTERS Female Freshman Athlete
ERIC DANECKE Male Freshman Athlete
NICOLE LEITCH Outstanding Female Athlete
MANNY CAMPBELL “Wes Hicks” Outstanding Male Athlete
LUC SEGUIN All Round Male Athlete
John Miles Hap Holman Business Award
Stephanie Accomando Department of Athletics & Recreation Award
Patrick Tang Barb Moore Spirit of Athletics Award
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MEGAN CAMPBELL Dr. Sam Mitminger Award The highest honour in Mohawk athletics is the Dr. Sam Mitminger Award which goes to the athlete, in his or her graduating year, who achieves consistent academic and athletic excellence. The award is for the current year, but is also an honour for the student-athlete’s time with us. And our 2012 winner certainly fits the bill. Megan played 18 basketball games in EACH of the last two seasons. Last year’s team was 8 and10…. this year’s 10 and 8. Last year she averaged 6.2 rebounds a game, including 28 offensive boards and 74 on the defensive glass. This year she averaged 6.6 rebounds... 45 offensive and 74 defensive. 2011-2012 she had 12 assists, five blocks and 15 steals. 2012-2013 she recorded 11 assists, 16 blocks and 12 steals. She averaged 4.8 points per game last year and this year it was 3.8. Last year she was her team’s rookie of the year and the Female Freshman award winner. This year she helped get her team to the playoffs. She also won the Ray Lewis Award which goes to an outstanding College or University student-athlete who has made a significant volunteer contribution to the Hamilton Community. She averaged 91 per cent in the Recreation and Leisure Services program.
around campus The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) All Academic Awards are presented to full time varsity student-athletes that meet honour standards at their respective institutions. These athletes not only achieve athletic excellence, but also obtain a high academic standing. Mohawk College had 41 of our student-athletes who were chosen to the All Academic team in Ontario. Congratulations to the following studentathletes: Cross Country - Sarah Bush, Hassan Ishaq, Kassandra O’Reilly, John Miles, Luc Seguin and Jessica Walton | Women’s Fastball - Jennifer Butson, Marley Butt, Amber Silversmith, Ashley Verrall | Golf Rob Vachon | Men’s Rugby - Brandon Bennett, Brady Kemp, Matt Henderson, Giani Marcini, Byron Martinez, Thomas Piche and Erick Valladares | Women’s Rugby - Danika Faucon, Rebecca Halliwell, Samantha Lampkin, Shawna Scott and Erin Ward | Men’s Soccer - Simon Garcia and Awer Wel | Women’s Soccer - Jody Hagen, Hillary Keyes, Shari Leavitt and Nicole Roberts | Men’s Basketball - Braedon Lenters | Women’s Basketball - Megan Campbell, Cynthia Mosca and Lacey Wolters | Curling - James Moser | Men’s Volleyball - Jeremy Bochenek, Bart Jedrzejewski, Cory Hansen and Kyle Hussey | Women’s Volleyball Chantal Baker, Melanie Patenaude and Kristin VanHartingsveldt
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Recruit graduates from over 120 full-time and apprenticeship programs Hire Co-op students from over 30 cooperative education programs Post your full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs with us Attend Career Fairs Host Lunch and Learn Information Sessions Partner with Mohawk for a competitive edge and economic prosperity Visit our website for employer information and services
Co-op Services: Fennell Campus, Room J137 135 Fennell Avenue West, P.O. Box 2034, Hamilton, ON L8N 3T2 Tel: 905-575-2167 or toll free 1-888-546-COOP (2667) | Fax: 905-575-2359 | Email: post@mohawkcollege.ca
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around campus
jimmie vaughan
concert By Andre Bisson
April 2, 2013 will forever hold a special memory for the band Andre and the J-tones, as they had the privilege of preforming before the Jimmie Vaughan concert. After graduating almost six years before, it was an honour to come back and support the program that helped shape their musical journey. The band consists of 5 members, Andre Bisson (Guitar,Vocals), Loretta Hale (Trumpet), Matt Burns (Drums), Mike Rowell (Bass) and Francis Smith (Saxophone). All of who are graduates of the Applied Music Program. The audience was very supportive with their applause and there were even a few dancers who made their way to the front. It’s important to remember that the joy of playing for an audience and the ability to write, arrange and preform music as a career was all made possible because of the music program at Mohawk College. Without the knowledge gained from the talented faculty in the music department, the band itself would not exist. These facts made it a true honour to perform for such a worthy cause. Preforming was only the beginning. After the J-tones performance, there was a fantastic opening show by Mohawks up & coming musicians. The band “Bump City” is a tribute to the soul/funk band Tower of Power. Their
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performance gave the audience a chance to see the level of skill and talent that the music program provides. After a short break it was time for the main event. Jimmie Vaughan took the stage with the Tilt-a-Whirl Band and mmie Ji brought the audience to ith w re And their feet with his up-beat traditional blues classics. Watching one of the master’s play was truly a humbling experience. Jimmie showed his versatility showcasing his many talents on the guitar, vocals and even the harmonica. It was a show that left the audience wanting more and Jimmie was gracious enough to treat the adoring crowd with several encores. Although Jimmie proved to put on an exciting stage show, what was equally impressive was this connection with the fans afterwards. He took the time to meet with admires, take pictures, and sign several mementoes. It was truly inspiring to see someone who had achieved so much still remain so grounded. The advice given by Jimmie and his band that night was simple yet effective “Work hard, be true to your music, and good things will happen”. Overall it was a fantastic night of music. Thank you to Mohawk College and the Steeltown friends of Mohawk Music for putting on a great show.
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clara hughes interpretation By Sue Prestedge
In my past job, I was used to meeting athletes… famous athletes (Jack Nicklaus) to up and coming athletes at the time (Diane Matheson before she rose to fame with the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team), but usually it was a short interview and then the athlete returned to practice and I returned to the world of media. Rarely did my role as a sports interviewer and presenter allow me to get below the surface and find out the inner workings of these athletes. That all changed when I met Clara Hughes. Much has been written about Hughes… the only athlete in the world to date to have won multiple Olympic medals in two different disciplines-cycling and speed skating. Flag bearer for the Canadian team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and a fierce determination to win. The Hughes I got to meet at a Mohawk Talks event at the college on April 26th was all that and more. I was emceeing… she was answering the hard questions. I was an observer like everyone else. I marveled at her enthusiasm that lasted the entire hour. I was impressed
how easily she talked about the value of sports and above all her qualities as a person came to the forefront when asked to address questions about mental illness. At a reception following the speech, Clara did something that I haven’t seen done by many guest speakers. She came around to each table and thanked us for being there. Usually it’s the other way around. The next day the weather gods must have been listening since it turned out to be the best day of the year. It was a clear, sunny and no wind day at the top of the Sydenham Hill where a plaque was being unveiled to mark Clara’s training on that part of the Niagara Escarpment terrain. Once again, Clara rose to the occasion. Instead of riding in a four wheel vehicle, she hopped on a bike and rode to the top. Dundas made its’ enthusiastic point with their adopted daughter, but Clara as always, not only gratefully acknowledged the warm reception but gave it back 100%. That’s Clara… people first… athletics second.
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around campus
Mohawk College to become industry test site for 3D printing with support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation By Jay Robb Mohawk College received more than $700,000 in funding from the Government of Canada to become a test site for 3D printing on April 16, 2013. The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) announced a $720,760 College Industry Innovation Fund Award to help establish The Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Additive Manufacturing at Mohawk’s Fennell Campus. Mohawk was one of 17 colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics across Canada to receive $9.6 million in funding. Scheduled to open in March 2014, the $2 million centre will feature a pair of 3D printers that turn digital images into three-dimensional solid metal or plastic objects. Computercontrolled 3D printers build objects of virtually any shape and design by depositing metal or plastic powders in successive, micron-thin layers. In addition to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Mohawk’s Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Additive Manufacturing is also supported by industry partners,
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including Com Dev International Products, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Wescast Industries Inc., Wescam, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and Canadian Foundry Association.
“Mohawk’s technology students learn by doing and from working with our industry partners. Mohawk’s new Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Additive Manufacturing will deliver on both fronts as students collaborate with our partners on applied research projects to build prototypes and test components created through 3D printing.” - Mohawk Dean of Engineering Technology Tony Thoma
Industry partners will work with students, professors and staff from Mohawk’s Faculty of Engineering Technology on applied research projects to create prototypes along with finished parts and products for testing and evaluation.
awards & honours
around campus
Mary Long — Queen’s Jubilee Medal Mary Long , ‘09 was elected as the first woman president of the Hamilton and District Labour Council. Mary has been the Safety Ambassador for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s “Safety starts with you” campaign, sharing her experiences following her husband’s fatal workplace injury. It has been this tragedy, which has largely defined Mary’s volunteer and work commitments in recent years including co-founding a peer support group, through the Hamilton and District Labour Council, which counsels bereaved families through the impact of workplace fatalities Mary has overcome tragic loss to embrace academic challenges and emerge as a dynamic leader, mentor and agent of change.
2013 Fennell Instructor of the Year Sam Cook was honoured at the Annual MSA Appreciation Banquet as being one of the co-recipients of the 2013 Fennell Instructor of the Year. The following are a few comments that were submitted from her students: “She is a prime example of enthusiastic. Being a college instructor comes with the responsibility of being a role model. Role models should always have a positive attitude. She comes to class with a giant smile on her face. She never projects negativity on her students. This makes for a fantastic learning environment and confidence booster for her students.” “I am so grateful to have such a trustworthy and understanding teacher.”
Do you know a Mohawk College graduate who has been or is being recognized in their community? Share the news at alumni@mohawkcollege.ca
Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association (HHHBA) Award (l-r) HHHBA 2nd Vice President Allan Roshko, Chris Ford, Building Reno professor Brad MacDonald, Jason Ford, and HHHBA Executive Officer Mathieu Langelier.
Congratulations to Building Reno grads Chris and Jason Ford on winning the first-ever award from the Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association. The two brothers will officially graduate from Mohawk’s Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation program this Spring and have already started their own business: Ford Brothers Construction. The HHHBA created the $2,500 award to help recent grads of the Building Reno program who are starting their own business. The award was presented at the program’s annual Meet the Grad/Contractor Night on Thursday, April 18th, 2013.
Top 40 Under 40 Business Achievement Awards Mohawk graduates were name to Business Link’s first annual “Top 40 Under 40” list. This award is given to an individual under 40 years of age who consistently makes their mark in business and who contributes regularly to their respective communities. Included on the list are the following Mohawk Alumni: • Ryan Barichello (LinxSmart) | Enterprise Business, 2004 • Justin Fyfe (Mohawk College) | Computer Science Technology - Software Engineering, 2007 • Darren McMullin (Taylor Leibow LLP Accountants & Advisors) | Industrial Engineering Technology – Management, 1996 • Ron Worrall (Ira McDonald) | Architectural Technology, 1995
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hello
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keeping Bob Paquette | Computer Systems, 1974
Started in Computer Systems in 71, 72 had my summer coop term as a computer operator in Montreal with Systems Dimensions Limited. Spring and Fall 73, a COOP programmer at National Defence. Graduated Aug 74. DND wanted me back. Started as a CS1. in Jan 75 got my CS2. in 80, got my CS3, a Managers position managing all the programmers on the Canadian Forces Supply System, a logistical system managing millions of dollars of assets.In 2009, after 35 years of public service, I retired. See me smile.
James Borody | Medical Laboratory Technology, 1978 I spent over 11 years in a remote mission Hospital lab in Niger, West Africa, after spending 20 years in the Ontario Health Care system as a lab manager. Presently, I am traveling around the world installing appropriate lab equipment and lab information software - as well as training local staff - in mission hospitals and clinics in association with WorldWide Lab Improvement based in Kalamazoo, MI. My work is very rewarding as I get to bring lab testing capabilities to some of the neediest people in the world.
Douglas Grierson | Insurance, 1979
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laid off from a job of six and half years, and then in June, 2011, I found a contract job, which kept me employed until June 2012. I’m currently job-hunting in Toronto. I think my next step is going to be taking the four law clerk courses at Mohawk through distance education, starting next fall.
Joseph Patrick Spinelli | Computer Systems Technology, 1983 I’m a six year cancer survivor and very grateful for our healthcare system. I was a Computer Systems Programmer/ Analyst on IBM mainframe computers for most of my career.
James, Newstead | Broadcast Television, 1985
In June 2012, after a series of tests, MRIs and CAT Scans I was diagnosed with a mass on my brain. I was admitted immediately to the Hamilton General for brain surgery, which was successful. The results from a biopsy of the mass indicated the tumour is cancerous. As a result of my diagnosis, I am under going intense radiation treatment at the Hamilton Juravinski Cancer Center until November when my case will be reassessed. Please say hello to the gang from that time. I’m in currently in Guelph with my wife – Yes, I proposed to Elizabeth at the hospital when everything was happening around me. She is an inspiration to me. Following doctor’s orders to live life and love; we were married on the Maid of Mist in August 2012. I’m on Facebook and Twitter. Take care to all and stay in good health and much happiness. Sending kind thoughts to my former students and teachers!
Janis Kelly Gordon (nee Downey) | Television Broadcasting, 1988
Well, I’m not going to retire in the Insurance business, that’s for sure, but I do like my current job, which I’ve been doing for 15 years now and have been able to utilize some of the skills I aquired from my education at Mohawk in The Insurance Administration Program. I’m happily married and have two really cool grandchildren. God is good.
Hello to everyone from the Television Broadcasting program (1988). Our family just moved from Ancaster, Ontario to Maryland, USA. My husband had a new career opportunity. We have two daughters ages 10 and 8. They keep us busy as they are on a competitive swim team. I have many great memories from my years as an employee and student at Mohawk-Greetings to all!
Sandra McCash | Legal Secretarial, 1982
Michelle Zizek | Recreation Leadership, 1990
I have been working as a legal secretary/assistant since six months post-graduation. In December, 2010, I was
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My son has just started at Mohawk College in the Marketing Co-op program. I am so proud of him!
keeping Jane Naylor, nee Alma | Marketing, 1990
I returned to Mohawk College in January 2013.
Kathy Johnston, nee Abbs | Early Childhood Education, 1993 After graduating from the Early Childhood Education Program in ‘93, I established an ECE Career in London, Ontario. Five years later, I made a move to be closer to the area where I grew up. I am lucky to have had many different types of experiences working with families and their children in various settings including childcare centres, cooperative preschool, Montessori, and currently an Ontario Early Years Centre. I absolutely love my career but a dream of mine has always been to write and publish a children’s book! I hired an illustrator, an editor, and after about eight months of planning and preparation I launched my first book, Get that Grashopper! Since the launch I have met many amazing people and look forward to publishing the next one! I am grateful to Mohawk College for providing me with the “tool box” I needed to make my dreams come true! If you are interested in seeing more about my book, please visit laughhopper.com facebook.com/laughhopper
Ann Swaby | Recreation and Leisure Services, 1995
I worked as Recreation Co-ordinator at Grace Villa Nursing Home for nine years. I worked as Programs Manager at Dundurn Place Care Centre for eight years and seven months. I completed the OANHSS 2011 Administrator Certification Program.
Tim Staples | Mechanical Engineering Technology, 1997
In June, I attended PlanetPTC at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, FL. There were over 2,000 attendees from around the globe and it was a pleasure to meet some of them. I also won an iPad! Driving out to visit Daytona Beach was cool too :-)
Tressa Huras (nee McCormack) | Chemical
Technician, 1997
After working as a Chemical Technician for several years, in the Burlington and Hamilton area I moved with my husband to Bermuda where we lived and raised a family. Now we have returned to Canada and I am looking forward to returning to work in the next year.
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Dianne Hayden | Television Broadcasting & Communications Media, 2005 I am currently pursuing another career path working on obtaining a BSW degree. Transfer credits from Mohawk dramatically reduced the number of credits I will require.
Marius Goga | Architectural Technology, 2005
I have a 13 month old baby, named Liam. I was recently assigned as the Sponsor for the new hire program with Mohawk College.
Olivia Howell-Abel | Travel and Tourism, 2010
I was living in Niagara Falls and I was working in a hotel as a housekeeper for a few months. I then fell on some rough times and had to move back to Hamilton; so I am currently looking for work in my Tourism and Hospitality industry.
Steve Heard | Law and Security Administration / Advanced Police, 2010/2011 I’ve been working in Edmonton Alberta for since January 2012 as floor security in the Baccarat Casino downtown Edmonton. The training from Mohawk has been invaluable.
Protection of Personal Information 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 programs. 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 programs 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 Office of Alumni Relations.
Enrico Corsini | Utilities System Operator, 2003
I have secured a full time position with HHSC in the maintenance department thanks to my USO education.
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Do you have a photo of your Mohawk Days? Email a high-resolution image to alumni@mohawkcollege.ca and it could appear in our Looking Back feature page. Please also share the background story of your photo you submitted.
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calendar of events May 31
September 9th Annual Mohawk College Alumni Golf Classic – Flamborough Hills Golf and Country Club/ 8am Shotgun Start - $160 per person/$640 per team / Register online at alumni.mohawkcollege.ca
TBD
Welcome BBQ for New and Returning Students – Drop by the Alumni Booth while you enjoy a cob of corn
TBD
Simcoe Regional Alumni Event – please visit website for details
October
June Mohawk College Alumni Association Annual General Meeting – 5:30pm – Reception / 6:00pm – Annual General Meeting / Please RSVP to alumni@mohawkcollege.ca
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Nursing Reunion / St. Joseph’s Mohawk Grads – Afternoon Tea/ 3:30pm to 5pm / Hamilton Convention Centre - RSVP to mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-tea
Community Event - Halloween Costume Exchange – 3pm to 8pm / Mohawk Residence Conference Room (costumes can be dropped off at the Alumni House beginning October 2nd, 2013)
Alumni of Distinction Award Dinner – Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre / 6pm to 9pm / please visit website for details
TBD
Family Event – Corn Maze – Richardson’s Farm – please visit website for details
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Spring 2013 Convocation Ceremonies
24
July
TBD
4 Media Alumni Panel – 10am to 12pm 4 – McIntyre Theatre – This is a Free Event – everyone welcome - for more information, please visit our website alumni.mohawkcollege.ca
Family Event – African Lion’s Safari – for more information please visit our website alumni.mohawkcollege.ca
Register online for all events at alumni.mohawkcollege.ca Please visit alumni.mohawkcollege.ca for up-to-date events and activities If you have any questions, please contact us at 905-575-2258 or alumni@mohawkcollege.ca
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Home and Auto Insurance: 1-800-563-0677 (Group ID Code: MY) Savingsand and Auto Discounts 24/7 Live Customer Support Home Insurance: 1-800-563-0677 (Group ID Code: MY) Exceptional Claims Handling Savings and Discounts Exceptional ÂŽ Claims Handling
Dedicated Service Representative 24/7 Live Customer Support Dedicated Service Representative
MEDOC Travel Insurance: 1-866-606-3362 ÂŽ Medical Coverage Emergency Annual & Supplemental Plans MEDOC Travel Insurance: 1-866-606-3362 Trip Cancellation, Insurance* Emergency MedicalInterruption Coverage & Delay Annual & Supplemental Plans Trip Cancellation, Interruption & Delay Insurance*
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2013-04-08 4:11 PM