FALL 2018
FUTURE READY GOES FULL CIRCLE Mohawk graduates return to help build Canada‘s largest net zero institutional building, The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, at Fennell Campus PAGE 18
Publication Mail Agreement 40065780
alumni.mohawkcollege.ca
PAR
JOB
LAN
PAG
FLA
CO
Rev
–u
– ch
“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 Cheryl Post, Carmine DeLuca, Meaghan Drury Contributors Lu Ann Pannunzio, Kat Clark, Meaghan Drury, Shanine Cook, Wendy Makey, Jay Hayward, Cheryl Stornelli, Ron McKerlie 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 InTouch 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: 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 75,000 graduates and friends. Learn more at mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
CONTENTS FALL 2018
18
IN EVERY ISSUE FEATURES & SPOTLIGHTS
2-4 6 7 28 31 33 36
Welcoming Words Alumni@Work Alumni Reunions
Awards & Honours Alumni Events Keeping in touch Upcoming Events
AROUND CAMPUS
11 26 27 30
Mohawk College community garden Mohawk’s new Energy and Power Utilities Lab 100+ Mohawk students renovate Hamilton City Housing units Spring Convocation
8
Dave Pond ‘84 Lifelong entrepreneur motivated by connecting awesome people
10 13
Ashley Packer ‘16 brings her passion for sustainability to Mohawk
14 16 18 21 25 32
Joseph Palladino ’16 Sustainability through hotel management Kathy Lerette ‘94 Started with mom’s advice, continues with determination David Cartwright ‘94 leaves legacy gift Mohawk grads return to build new future ready wing Inside look at Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation Témo Cruz ‘14 and Camilo Avendaño ‘14 Thinking outside the box Alumni of Distinction Congratulations to our 2018 recipients
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
1
Welcoming Words
Canada’s largest and Hamilton’s first zero carbon building Mohawk made history this September when The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation opened its doors at the Fennell Campus. The 96,000 squarefoot-facility is Canada’s largest and Hamilton’s first zero carbon institutional building. Recently named one of 10 Canadian buildings to watch by Azure Magazine, The Joyce Centre is a game-changer. It is proof that large-scale zero carbon buildings are technically feasible and financially viable. The Joyce Centre will be home to some of the most advanced classrooms and labs available to Ontario college students; it will also serve as the ultimate living lab, teaching future alumni how to build better, more sustainable buildings.
Ron J. McKerlie President, Mohawk College
”Something else worth noting about this project is that some of the people who built it are Mohawk grads themselves. We introduce you to a few of them in this issue and find out what it meant for them to be involved in the project.”
2 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
Mohawk students will be able to access every part of the building, from the penthouse to the basement. They will be able to receive and monitor realtime data on the building’s energy generation and consumption, and observe how this changes as the
seasons change and as the building responds to periods of high and low demand. The Joyce Centre features nine new and expanded labs where students from our Engineering Technology programs will hone their skills using industry-standard equipment and technology. The labs are also available to Mohawk’s industry and community partners who are looking for help to solve problems or bring new products to market. There will be more on these spaces in future issues of this magazine. Something else worth noting about this project is that some of the people who built it are Mohawk grads themselves. We introduce you to a few of them in this issue and find out what it meant to them to be involved in the project. The opening of The Joyce Centre gives us many more reasons to be proud of our college, but don’t just take my word for it—come check it out for yourself. The Joyce Centre is open to the public and you are always welcome to visit.
mcCallumSather Architects (top) and Walters Group team members return to help build the Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation at Mohawk‘s Fennell Campus. Page 18.
Welcoming Words
2018-2019 Mohawk College Alumni Advisory Council The Alumni Association thanks these individuals for their valued contributions to Alumni activities, committees and meetings on behalf of the Alumni of Mohawk College.
Jay Hayward, Chair Business Administration, 1999
Jay Hayward ‘99 Business Administration
Message from the Chair As we start each school year, many fond memories flood into my mind. Thinking back, I loved being at Mohawk every day. The education, the friendships, the good times. It was a great time in my life. After I graduated, from 1999 to 2014, I lost touch with my college. I regret it immensely. Luckily, I had kept my email address current with the Mohawk Alumni office and was receiving the InTouch Magazine. Since joining the Alumni Council I have found many incredible ways to maintain my connection to the college and fellow alumni. Once you’ve graduated, your relationship with Mohawk is far from over. The Mohawk Alumni team is here to help foster lifelong connections.
Kerry Langford, Vice-Chair Business Administration, 1982 Marcine Blake, Past Chair Recreation Leadership, 1987 Susan Bassett, Member Early Childhood Education, 1991 Kat Clark, Member Broadcasting, Television and Communications Media, 2010 Kyle Datzkiw, Member Business Administration, 2016
Be part of illustrious events, such as the Alumni of Distinction Awards, acknowledging the incredible Mohawk graduates recognized worldwide as leaders and innovators in their fields.
Lisa DiCesare, Member Law and Security Administration, 1981
Golf, anyone? The annual Mohawk Alumni Nine & Dine Golf event helps reconnect old friends and make new ones. Events like this past summer’s Roller Skating Summer Social and Mohawk Day at Wild Waterworks are two other examples.
Joseph Futino, Member Computer Systems Technology, 1994
Want to get your class back together? There’s a solution for that too. The Reunion-in-a-Box program is built to help make your event a success.
Julia Jarusauskas, Member Event Management, 2015
Or, how about rekindling your love of learning? Alumni offers a Backpack to Briefcase program, Etiquette Dinners, Alumni@Work programs, and more. You received a world-class education—“pass along” some of your knowledge by being a mentor yourself, offering your experiences and knowledge to today’s future ready graduates. You get access to all this simply by staying in touch? Incredible. Wish I knew earlier, but it’s comforting to know it’s never too late. Visit us online at mohawkcollege.ca/alumni to see how you can connect.
Yash Shastri, Member Motive Power Technician, 2017 Sera Nicosia, Member Nursing, 1981 Lorenzo Somma, Member Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 2013 mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
3
Welcoming Words
Contributing to Mohawk’s sustainability efforts Mohawk with sustainability at front of mind. It leads our work.
Wendy Makey ‘93 Director, Alumni Relations
In our efforts to support sustainability at Mohawk, the Alumni team is reviewing the print version of InTouch Magazine and its circulation to over 75,000 graduates. We have reviewed our mailing list and have streamlined multiple copies being delivered to single addresses linking couples, partners and family members living in one house in our database to ensure we are being environmentally conscious in production and distribution.
Mohawk is constantly evolving and changing to meet the needs of students and employers. We provide opportunities for partnerships and collaboration. We contribute to research and the development of leading-edge technology that makes a difference in our community and around the world.
Choosing how you’d like to receive InTouch is your opportunity to contribute to our sustainability efforts. Do you prefer a print copy to flip through while drinking your morning coffee, or that you can occasionally pick up to browse through? Or, would you like to receive a digital copy to read on your computer, tablet or phone to scroll through while you’re on the go?
We are mindful of the environment and our carbon footprint. Decisions are made at
Our aim is to provide you with a publication that highlights the success
Ready to... As a Mohawk alumni member you have access to many on-campus services including gym facilities, the library and free career support.
of Mohawk College graduates and the advancements of Mohawk College in a format that best meets your needs. Contribute to Mohawk’s sustainability efforts by letting us know if you’d like to change your print magazine to a digital edition at mohawkcollege.ca/ alumnimagazine. Keep in touch! P.S. Look for details in this publication about our newest event, Mohawk Super Saturday, taking place on Saturday, November 3, 2018.
benefit
Learn more about the many benefits available to you at mohawkcollege.ca/alumnibenefits.
4 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
“Choosing how you’d like to receive InTouch is your opportunity to contribute to our sustainability efforts.”
THANK YOU! Thank you to all our graduates and friends that took part in the second annual Alumni Nine & Dine golf tournament, and to our many sponsors for helping to make this event a success.
Join us in 2019 on the fairways. Save the date for the third annual Alumni Nine & Dine on Friday, June 7, 2019!
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Please contact Wendy Makey, Director, Alumni Relations E: wendy.makey@mohawkcollege.ca T: 905-575-2080 2018 TOURNAMENT SPONSORS
EVENT SPONSOR
PRINT MEDIA SPONSOR
DINNER SPONSOR CART SPONSOR
PRINTING SPONSOR
REGISTRATION GIFTS SPONSOR
COMMUNICATIONS
PHOTO SPONSOR
DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR
PUTTING CONTEST SPONSOR
2018 SPECIALTY HOLE SPONSORS
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
5
Alumni @ Work
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
PCL Construction
Macassa Lodge
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
City of Mississauga - Transportation Department
“The Mohawk College Alumni@Work coffee break is a reminder that the college does not forget about their graduates and support from the college continues well after completing any program.” – Jessica Vandenberg ‘09, Journalism – Print & Broadcast (PCL Construction employee)
6 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
Reunions
ALUMNI REUNIONS Architectural Technology Class of 1988
“Choosing to attend Mohawk College for the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology with a focus on Construction Management was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The support I received prior to applying for my first co-op term with PCL, as well as the on-going support from faculty at Mohawk throughout my terms, made landing the job of my dreams achievable. Today I work for PCL Corporate as the Director of Solar and I am delighted that there are more than 10 PCL’ers on my team who are also Mohawk College Alumni. I reached out to the Alumni office to host an Alumni@Work coffee break as we all are very proud Mohawk grads.” – Andrew Moles ‘09, Architectural Technology (PCL Construction employee)
“The Architectural Technology Class of ’88 attended the Mohawk Alumni Nine and Dine on May 25th and it was a terrific event. It was a great opportunity to celebrate a milestone – our 30th year since graduating. Classmates being together again, sharing stories and laughter about the good old days was memorable for everyone that could join us. We had so much fun we hope to get together again real soon.” – David Folk ‘88, Architectural Technology
St. Joseph‘s Class of 1978
Interested in gathering your classmates, teammates or other groups you were involved with at Mohawk? We can help! Contact the alumni office at 905-575-2258 or alumni@mohawkcollege.ca.
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
7
PROFILE
“The rest of the things I do are really just about finding great business partners to work with, hiring awesome people, connecting them with the right platform and getting out of their way to let them work.” – Dave Pond ‘84
LIFELONG ENTREPRENEUR MOTIVATED BY CONNECTING AWESOME PEOPLE By Kat Clark ‘10
D
ave Pond ‘84 has a career that is a testament to the profound impact teachers can have on a student’s future. He fondly reflects on his Mohawk College experience and the teachers that truly made a difference including Bradley Berry, Jo-Ann Lamore and Hap Holman. One professor in particular, Harry Serbian, shared a cup of coffee with Dave that altered his career trajectory entirely. By second year, Dave had a 90% average studying Business Administration with hopes of becoming a Chartered General Accountant. His finance professor, Harry
8 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
Serbian, saw something more in Dave and took the time to talk with him about his future goals and aspirations. After the discussion, Dave switched streams to focus more on marketing information systems and is now President and CEO of Edge Imaging, a company which he started in 2005 and has grown to over 400 employees. “As I watch our Chief Financial Officer crunch numbers while sitting at a desk all day, it’s made me recognize that type of role is just not in my makeup.” If you’ve had the opportunity to meet Dave, it’s easy to see why sitting still would be a challenge for him. He is always thinking, growing, planning and physically moving. Dave is also an avid outdoorsman and cyclist.
The motivation for starting Edge Imaging stemmed from the desire to be first in the Canadian market with a digital workflow that would manage colour and images properly and efficiently. In 2005, Dave achieved his ambitious goal and hasn’t looked back. Edge Imaging now offers students, parents, coaches, athletes and school administrators a variety of technologies for creating, sharing, storing and utilizing school and sports photography in a convenient, user-friendly way. Not only does his professional and dedicated staff capture special moments through stressfree photo days, the company also operates a state-of-the-art lab, a Burlington-based customer care centre and an impressive
digital workflow. The company offers schools an electronic student database, ID cards and visitor badges, pictorial directories, Ontario Student Record images, yearbook CDs, photobooks and more. Dave feels “very proud and blessed” to have had such success throughout his career and he wants to help others realize their potential as well. In an effort to fuel others passions, he has taken on a number of rather large ‘side projects’ including Long Point EcoAdventures, The Blue Elephant Brew House and Burning Kiln Winery. “The rest of the things I do are really just about finding really good people, connecting them with the right platform and getting out of their way to let them work.” Long Point Eco-Adventures is an outdoor education centre ideal for school trips, team building and corporate retreats. The enthusiastic staff offers ziplining, mountain biking, kayaking and Zodiac boat tours, stargazing from the Long Point observatory, axe throwing, fishing and aviary tours. Accommodations in the company’s beautiful and environmentally friendly Wilderness Suites and Pods are also available. Dave plans to expand the offerings of Long Point EcoAdventures’ facilities by this fall to include two new corporate meeting rooms and an alternative accommodation experience in the 1940s Mabee Marsh Cabin, overlooking the inner bay of Lake Erie.
CONTINUING
EDUCATION IN-CLASS OR ONLINE
Professional Studies Workplace Skills Personal Interest
The Blue Elephant Craft Brew House located in Simcoe, Ontario, takes care of more than just food and drinks. Reunions, celebrations, banquets, receptions and seminars often take place in many of their highly-developed spaces within the restaurant.
Build on your expertise or just learn something new.
Located in Norfolk County, Burning Kiln Winery, originally a tobacco pack barn, has been architecturally redesigned and repurposed as a winery to pay homage to its roots and offer patrons an exciting historical experience.
ce.mohawkcollege.ca
Dave credits Mohawk College, “without a doubt”, for the majority of his practical knowledge. He also says his leadership skills and drive to achieve are attributed to his time spent with the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA). Dave is certainly a proud Mohawk alumni who is working each and every day to create opportunities and a better future for us all.
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
9
SPOTLIGHT
BUZZED ABOUT SUSTAINABLE LIVING Ashley Packer ‘16 brings her passion for sustainability to Mohawk By Shanine Cook, 3rd year Journalism
A
shley Packer ’16 began her career at Mohawk College with the Office of Campus Sustainability and Climate Change. Thinking it would only be a temporary position, it has grown into something so much more, not only for her professional life, but for her personal life as well. The Office of Campus Sustainability and Climate Change focuses on eight areas: Waste, food, transportation, energy, building and development, participation and engagement, communication and reporting, and sustainable procurement. Each pillar contributes to making the college campus more sustainable. Mohawk’s new net zero building, The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation is a shining example of what is possible when you put sustainability first. Ashley has been a part of some exciting projects on campus such as the campus
10 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
“... a lot of times we act like we have more than one life, like we have more than one earth. I think if you want to live your best life you need to start caring about the earth as much as you care about yourself.” – Ashley Packer ‘16 community garden and the Mohawk College Farm Stand, but one of her most “tangible achievements“ is the introduction of honey bees to Fennell Campus. “After months of hard work, I’ve finalized the project and the bees arrived at Mohawk in August,” says Ashley. “It’s both exciting and rewarding to know that
we will support pollinators on campus, which in turn, support our food systems in the surrounding community.” Ashley is also involved in the college's Sustainability Initiatives Fund Idea campaign. Each year the campaign invites students to submit ideas on how Mohawk can enhance its sustainability efforts on campus. This past year the campaign resulted in 552 ideas submitted, engaging with over 3,000 students. The selected winners are awarded a cash prize, but more importantly, their ideas are implemented on campus, allowing them to see their projects come to life. “We really focus on explaining to students what sustainability means and hashing out their ideas together," says Ashley. Developing a Continuing Education course is yet another college initiative that Ashley took part in. Local Food Procurement is an online professional development course geared towards industry professionals to enhance their local food knowledge and
skills. “Through learning from experts and leading local food champions, the goal is to help people discover how to bring local food into their business,” says Ashley. Ashley makes some interesting sustainable choices in her home as well—it is “exactly what you would expect it to be“ based on her passion for the environment. It‘s energy efficient, has a pollinator and vegetable garden, and collects rainwater. Though she tries not to produce recycling, Ashley does have a recycling station in her basement where she collects items that can be recycled properly through the city and through companies such as TerraCycle. When it comes to consumer purchases, Ashley refuses to buy anything that can't be recycled, including black plastic, Styrofoam and coffee cups. Getting the message of sustainability out is a challenge Ashley faces daily. It can be tough getting people to care. She believes it’s what we’re born to do, “I look at this earth, and at ourselves and I see a give and take relationship.” She continues, “I think we’ve taken the back seat on our end and it’s showing. There’s a definite disconnect; a lot of times we act like we have more than one life, like we have more than one earth. I think if you want to live your best life you need to start caring about the earth as much as you care about yourself. What you’ll begin to find, as I have myself, is that those decisions, for earth and for us, are not mutually exclusive.” With her love of education and talking to people, Ashley has gained a lot of experience spreading her joy for gardening and sustainability, and her future is looking bright. For anyone who is interested in adopting sustainable living practices, Ashley encourages they begin by researching the topic. She says there are many easy and practical steps a person can take towards living sustainably, but with so much information available, it can feel overwhelming to take it all on at once. The solution? “Start by picking one thing—get good at it, then add another.”
MOHAWK COLLEGE COMMUNITY GARDEN By Shanine Cook, 3rd year Journalism
A
garden that has grown to become an essential community food service started out with humble roots. The Mohawk College Community Garden was launched in 2013 as an eight-plot garden. With increasing campus demand and new community partnerships, they expanded to 50 plots in 2015. The garden is also equipped with a sustainable rainwater harvesting system that collects rain water run-off from the F-Wing building. The garden supports Mohawk College further with a dedicated farm bed for the MSA (Mohawk Students’ Association) Food Service Division. Since 2015, the garden has donated over 800 pounds of produce to the MSA Food Bank and Neighbour to Neighbour Food Bank. For over 30 years, Neighbour to Neighbour has met and improved the food issues seen in the Hamilton community. Located at 28 Athens St., not far from Mohawk College, Neighbour to Neighbour started as a tiny food bank. They have since expanded into an essential part of Hamilton. They work to improve the quality of life in the community by allowing access to community kitchen programs, family counselling and emergency food access. As one of its priorities, Neighbour to Neighbour continues to grow and support community gardening initiatives in the city through the Hamilton Community Garden Network (HCGN). The HCGN improves food security and increases community involvement through community gardens within the City of Hamilton. Mohawk College is home to one of 96 gardens in the city. The college encourages students and community members to get involved.
Located nearby, another on-campus initiative that complements the community garden, is the Fennell Campus Orchard. As Mohawk College was founded on farmland previously owned by the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, the Fennell Campus Orchard carries on the hospital‘s historical use of the grounds. The orchard provides students and community members opportunities to connect with local food production. Today, there are 36 pear and apple trees that staff, students and the community can enjoy. To date, more than 330 students, staff and community members have participated in the Mohawk Community Garden.
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
11
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
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER: SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH HOTEL MANAGEMENT
SPOTLIGHT
By Meaghan Drury ‘12
T
he first thing you see when walking into the Strathcona Hotel in downtown Toronto is a living wall art installation. The “S” on display within the living wall, although meant to stand for the hotel’s name, could also stand for “sustainability“ – the subject of discussion with grad Joseph Palladino ’16. In his role as Corporate Sustainability Manager at Silver Hotel Group (SHG), Joseph works to create policy and introduce changes that create an atmosphere where everything from light bulbs to laundry is given consideration through the lens of what is the most environmentally conscious way to conduct business. In Joseph’s experience, you can’t just make a policy and roll it out. Each hotel location is unique in what will work for the building, the staff members and the services provided to clientele. As Joseph sees it, “Sustainability is very holistic. In my role, I work with every department at SHG, from communications to engineering to sales. To become a leader in sustainability, it takes more than one person.” Growing up, Joseph was the type of kid who always wanted to be outside, and he credits his childhood love for the outdoors as the beginning of his interest in the environment and sustainability. In 2016, Joseph graduated from McMaster University with a degree in human geography and political science, and in that same year, he completed Mohawk’s Leadership and Management in the Not-For-Profit Sector certificate program. From there, he went on to obtain his Master of Science in Sustainability Management from the University of Toronto. Joseph says his day-to-day work often consists of setting up in the lounge or restaurant of one of the 13 hotels he oversees in the Greater Toronto Area. “Working out of the hotels gives me the opportunity to see the life of each location. How things work. Or don’t.”
guests,” says Joseph. “The priorities for a hotel near the Pearson Airport are different than those located in the [Toronto] downtown core.” One may be focused on introducing retrofits to an older building while another may have the land to plant trees or have an on-site garden.
Each hotel has their own sustainability committee, which allows each location to best serve the specific interests of that particular community. “There’s no point in creating a strategy that our team members don’t identify with and don’t see as working for their
Joseph sees what he does as greater than just what takes place at SHG hotels. “By engaging and educating staff and guests on more sustainable practices, my hope is the knowledge will in turn be spread to their families and communities.”
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
13
PROFILE
STARTED WITH MOM’S ADVICE, CONTINUES WITH DETERMINATION How Mohawk alumnus Kathy Lerette ‘94 beat the odds and is changing the gender landscape By Lu Ann Pannunzio ‘12
I
n 1982, Kathy Lerette ‘94 and her mother had a talk that would, unknowingly at the time, help shape her career and the status of women in leadership. Their topic of discussion was the importance of a pension and planning for the future. With her mother’s advice, an interest in architectural drafting and only a high
14 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
school education, Kathy secured a draftsman position at Stoney Creek Hydro. To advance in her field, she attended Mohawk College part-time and received two diplomas, one for Electrical Distribution Technician – Power and another for Electrical Distribution Technologist – Control. “My education at Mohawk certainly gave me the
foundational technical knowledge to work in engineering at a local distribution company, and gave me the educational requirements to move into management,” Kathy proudly shares. Over a period of 15 years, Kathy spent 12 years attending college part-time to successfully complete her programs and earn her two diplomas. This is but a glimpse into her willpower to thrive in the workplace, particularly in a male-dominated job. In 2000, when Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Flamborough, Dundas and Ancaster
Profile
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
electric utilities merged, Kathy jumped from being an engineering supervisor to a manager and eventually to the director of construction and maintenance. She was the first woman to hold this position with the company, making this is not only a noteworthy event in Kathy’s personal career, but for women in the workplace, too. Kathy had confidence in herself and remembers that the senior leaders did too because of her engineering background and positive reputation. “I saw [this promotion] as a challenge to win their trust, and do the job I was appointed to do regardless of the gender lens that people looked through.” While her background is something to look up to, it has never been about gender for Kathy, “It’s all about getting the work done in a positive and respectful environment.” Today, Kathy is Senior Vice President of Business Transformation at
“Be confident in your ability, and people will trust and believe in what you can do.” – Kathy Lerette ‘94
Alectra Utilities, the second largest municipally-owned electricity utility in North America. After many years in engineering and operations, she says that accepting her new position was like a fresh start. Today, Kathy’s main responsibility is providing leadership to the successful integration of the four legacy utilities, Enersource Corporation, Horizon Utilities Corporation, PowerStream and Hydro One Brampton. On top of managing her career, Kathy collaborates with many organizations
and committees. She doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, either. Instead of looking forward to retirement in the next five years, like many of her peers, Kathy wants to continue mentoring, promoting gender diversity and encouraging women to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers. As for advice, Kathy firmly believes that your diploma may get you in the door, but your skill, ability and attitude are what will get you the job and open up opportunities for you. She says being confident in your abilities is what will make people trust and believe in what you can do. Kathy encourages others to pursue opportunities that may be outside of their comfort zone. “Participation means experience and exposure and that will send a clear message to your team and superiors that you’re willing to take on challenging opportunities.”
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
15
Profile
DAVID CARTWRIGHT LEAVES LEGACY GIFT
D
avid Cartwright ‘94’s planned gift will influence the lives of Mohawk College students for years to come
David struggled academically in school and as an adult due to medical issues. However, he triumphed over the odds and graduated from the Liberal Studies program on the Deans’ Honour Roll at the age of 41. He credited this achievement to the experiences he had at Mohawk College. His time at Mohawk fostered a sense of self-worth and independence he did not previously have. His education helped him to develop the necessary confidence to take on various leadership roles with his church and local Masonic Lodge. David’s life changed forever when he walked through the doors of Mohawk.
Establishing a bursary for Mohawk College students through planned giving was an easy choice for David. He wanted to help struggling students, like himself, learn the necessary skills to achieve their dreams. David’s gift is a bursary that will support the full tuition for two deserving students each year within the School of Community, Justice and Liberal Studies for the next 7 to 10 years. Are you interested in learning more about setting up your own planned gift? Please contact Gena Dureault – Senior Development Officer, Awards & Planned Giving T. 905-575-2208 gena.dureault@mohawkcollege.ca
LOOKING FOR WORK? ...we can help
• Job search advice • Employment coaching
• Resume writing • Pathways to education
TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 905-575-2177 mohawkcollege.ca/CES
16 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
• On-the-job training • Apprenticeship supports COMMUNITY
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
BEING GREEN
CONTEST At Mohawk we’re taking steps to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious as a college. We want to know how you take care of our planet in your day-to-day life.
Tell us one of your own eco-friendly habits and you could win! Prizes include: • Beats solo wireless headphones • Mohawk sweatshirt • Cineplex gift cards + more Contest closes November 1, 2018 Enter at mohawkcollege.ca/being-green-contest
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
17
Spotlight Cover Story SPOTLIGHT COVER STORY
Walters Group (L to R): Ryan Maguire ‘01, Natalie Przerwa ‘16, Lance Snively ‘78, Geoff Lawson ‘98, Mark Noordam ‘15
FUTURE READY GOES FULL CIRCLE
Mohawk graduates return to help build Canada‘s largest net zero institutional building, The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, at Fennell Campus
18 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
mcCallumSather Architects (L to R): Témo Cruz ‘14, Kevin Van Hartingsveldt ‘08, Kat Sewell ‘12, Greg Sather ‘77, Michelle Austin ‘87, Nicole Mech ‘17
By Meaghan Drury ‘12
A
wesome. Incredible. Proud. These are just a few of the feelings Mohawk College graduates have shared when describing their experience of helping to build the country’s largest net zero institutional building, The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, at Mohawk’s Fennell Campus. The ambitious undertaking to erect a net zero building—one that is seven storeys high and 96,000 square feet no less—was a project Mohawk grads were prepared to take on. From fabricating the steel beams to leading the on-campus project management to working on the architectural design, Mohawk grads were a part of every step of the process. “It is extremely rewarding to know that my dedicated team and I—most of whom are Mohawk alumni—were involved in
making The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation project a reality,” shared Ryan Maguire ‘01, Detailing Manager at Walters Group “I’m excited for the next generation of Mohawk students who have the unique opportunity to learn and attend programs at Hamilton’s first net zero institutional building.” Walters Group provided design assist to the project to help fast track construction, fabrication, and erection supplying a total of 1,117 tons of steel for the main building and the solar panel supports.
How does a net zero or zero carbon building work? The design reduces greenhouse emissions by cutting reliance on fossil fuels. The total energy used on an annual basis is roughly equal to the renewable carbon-free energy created on site. Selected as one of 16 pilot projects for the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standard, The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation is the second building in Canada to achieve the Zero Carbon Building – Design certification, a designation given to a zero carbon building that exceeds the requirements for energy harvesting and conservation under those standards. Grads were weaved throughout this extraordinary project, including Clyde Sterry ’78, Project Manager at Mohawk. Clyde’s extensive career includes having
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
19
Spotlight Cover Story worked on the original construction of Copps Coliseum in Hamilton (known today as FirstOntario Centre) as the architectural inspector and contract administrator, as well as projects at the University of Guelph. When asked how his experience on this build compared to past projects he’s worked on, Clyde shares that the challenge was not related to the rigorous structure requirements that had to be met in order to obtain the zero carbon energy status. Rather, it was adhering to the tight timeline to welcome students to the building by September of 2018 that proved most difficult.
When it came to challenges, there were many of the same elements as seen in any project in regards to scale and complexity. Furthermore, this project had to keep net zero in mind for every decision made at every stage. For instance, as the building progressed to the final phases of completion, items such as audio-visual equipment being purchased and installed had to be tested for energy consumption against the energy models. “Traditionally, energy models are used to establish what your energy budget will be for the building at the beginning of the project and sometimes they’re never looked at again,” says Kevin. “This project was different as we were constantly referring
“The most important thing in a project like this is communication,” says Clyde. “For everything to run smoothly, the lines of communication have to be strong and they have to be fast between the contractor, consultants and the owner “Not only is it great to see what (Mohawk).” Clyde says he had the college's growth has done for to know when to push for the interests of Mohawk and when Hamilton over the years, but also to ensure the contractor had from my view as a Mohawk grad. what they needed to get the It's an incredible feeling to be a job done. "In the end, I take pride in both my work and my part of, and witness to, the growth involvement on this project.” In spring 2016—the early stages of the design process— Kevin Van Hartingsveldt ’08 and his fellow architects at mcCallumSather in Hamilton, many of whom are Mohawk College grads, joined the project as the executive architect team.
of the place where the basis of my career was formed.” – Michelle Austin ’87
Prior to working on The Joyce Centre, mcCallumSather architects had led LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified projects in Waterloo and Hamilton, but this being a pilot project for the country, there were many aspects that they had not previously experienced with the carbon neutral goal in mind. In terms of an institutional application or something of this scale, Kevin says there is nothing else in Canada like it. “Sustainable design construction over the last 15 years has been heavily focused on LEED®,” says Kevin. “Now there is a shift. With a few exceptions out west, the concept of net zero is so new that no one has worked on a project like this.”
20 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
back to the models, running new information in and testing it to make sure the contingencies within our model allowed us to operate in the parameters that have been set.”If they didn’t fit the parameters, Mohawk was flagged by the team that the planned item may have a greater energy draw than was originally thought. An energy budget was established as part of the design of the building based on what would be brought in and it was referred back to throughout each stage, similar to how Kevin and his team would traditionally refer to the fiscal budget of any project. Michelle Austin ’87, another Mohawk grad and chief operating officer at mcCallumSather, worked at key points throughout the project for peer review.
"It’s not new for us to work with energy modeling in projects, especially on LEED® projects our architectural firm has managed in the past," says Michelle. "What makes our work on Mohawk’s building stand out is the large extent in which we’ve had to consistently refer back to the established energy budget.” Others, both within and outside the architecture community, are paying attention to this project and looking to learn from it. Kevin mentions one notable item is the way in which the building celebrates the basis of its design— constructing the photovoltaics, or solar panels, on the wings of the roof so they are completely visible instead of being hidden away as is typically done. With energy moving to the forefront on more and more projects, Kevin shares in his experience that the perspective has changed. “It used to be that the architect would establish the design and then the engineers would determine how to make it a reality,“ says Kevin. “Now, architects and engineers work on everything from the massing of the building to the orientation— from the first steps you take, it’s all measured against the energy budget.“ Added to that, Michelle says it all gets validated at the end too. “Typically, we would stop monitoring the energy budget after we met x, y and z. Now we’ll keep monitoring the building. We’ll go a step further and see how it is operating after a year.” Once the building is in use, data will be collected on an on-going basis to see how it is being used and measurements may need to be taken to ensure carbon neutrality is sustained. When asked how it feels to work on a project for her alma mater, Michelle sums up the feeling in one word, “Awesome!” She continues, “Not only is it great to see what the college’s growth has done for Hamilton over the years, but also from my view as a Mohawk grad. It’s an incredible feeling to be a part of, and witness to, the growth of the place where the basis of my career was formed.“
Seven Storeys of Learning Learning is not limited to The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation’s labs. Students will have access to every level of the building, from the solar thermal array on the roof to the mechanical room and the sub-basement water room. They will get hands-on learning in how to operate, monitor and maintain a zero carbon building. The Joyce Centre will also serve as a demonstration site for industry partners looking to adopt zero carbon technologies into commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Partners will work alongside students and faculty on applied research projects, with a special focus on the generation, distribution and storage of renewable energies.
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
21
Atrium and Gallery
Labs and Classrooms
Digital Creativity Centre | Lecture Halls | Gallery
Avionics Lab
The heart of The Joyce Centre is The Digital Creativity Centre supported by Mohawk Students’ Association — a makerspace open to all students, featuring 3D printers, a virtual and augmented reality testing area, media and production editing suites, a green screen and a visualization wall for creating interactive storytelling. The main floor open space — the Marinucci Foundation Gallery — provides access to the lecture hall, the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Theatre and a café with indoor and outdoor seating. This space will be used to host college, community and industry events.
22 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
Through instruction and handson learning, students in Mohawk’s Transport Canada approved Aviation Technician program will gain the skills to maintain and repair the hundreds of complex electronic systems in cockpits and cabins that ensure the safety, reliability and efficiency of modern aircraft.
Clean and Renewable Energy Lab Students will collaborate with industry partners on applied research projects, focusing on how to safely integrate renewable energy systems into micro-grids, smart grids and the existing electrical system. Students will also have access to a weather station and wind turbine for realtime monitoring and testing.
Spotlight
LEARNING. LIVING. LEADING. WHATʻS INSIDE
Cyber Security Lab Teams of students will plan, launch, thwart and defend in real-time cyber-attack simulations played out on giant wall monitors that will teach them how to prevent, detect, predict and respond to threats against computer systems, networks and data. The lab will also deliver customized training for industry partners.
Digital Health User Experience Lab Part of Mohawk’s IDEAWORKS and its internationally recognized mHealth and eHealth Development and Innovation Centre, the lab will bring students, staff, faculty and college partners together with patients, families and health-care providers to participate in applied research, testing and evaluation of global health solutions.
Energy & Power Management Lab Part of the IDEAWORKS' Energy & Power Innovation Centre, students will work with real-time data from multiple locations including The Joyce Centre, a micro-grid at Mohawk’s Stoney Creek campus, and the college’s Energy and Power Utilities Lab in a decommissioned electrical substation in downtown Hamilton. Students will collaborate with industry partners on energy storage technologies, power protection, the control of grid systems and the development of new energy monitoring and control systems.
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
23
Spotlight
Labs and Classrooms (continued) Mitutoyo Canada Inc. Physics & Metrology Lab Students from five Engineering Technology programs will use the Physics and Metrology Lab to get hands-on experience in quality control, which is critical to the competitiveness and profitability of advanced manufacturers. The lab features precision equipment for the measuring, scanning and testing of parts. Mohawk is the first postsecondary institution in Canada to partner with Mitutoyo Canada, the world’s largest metrology company.
Partnering Studio With dozens of applied research and capstone projects underway at any time within The Joyce Centre, the studio will be a popular meeting place and collaborative
space for students, faculty, staff and industry partners. The studio can be used for pitches, presentations, brainstorming sessions, project updates, meetings and special events.
Sustainable Design Lab Within a showcase of net zero design in The Joyce Centre, students will have a fully immersive experience in how to design and build environmentally sustainable buildings. Students will develop in-demand skills by using leading-edge technology, including virtual and augmented reality, drones and 3D scanners.
Technology Automation Lab Students will use Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) technology to prepare
for in-demand careers at the forefront of Industry 4.0. Through training and applied research projects, students will study the development and applications of sensors for machine-to-machine communication, including robotics, motor controllers, power protection systems, and residential, commercial and industrial automation systems.
Transforming Vision into Reality. Walters Group is a family-owned steel construction company that designs, fabricates, and constructs commercial and industrial projects throughout North America. We bring the same passion and commitment to every project we take on. Many of our current staff are proud Mohawk Alumni, and were directly involved with the structural steel that is now within the Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation. Walters Group is proud to have been a part of bringing the vision and structural innovation to Canada’s largest, and Hamilton’s first Net Zero energy institutional building.
www.waltersgroupinc.com @waltersgroupinc
InTouch Advt.indd 1 24Walters INTOUCH | Spring 2018
2018-08-22 3:24 PM
SPOTLIGHT
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Témo Cruz ‘14 and Camilo Avendaño ‘14 bring new life to old cargo containers with LeafBox Concepts Inc. By Kat Clark ‘10
N
ew to Canada and feeling out of place in his second year architecture and design class at Mohawk College, Camilo Avendaño ‘14 found comfort when he heard a familiar accent coming from Témo Cruz ‘14 at the back of the class. The two would become friends, business partners, and share a bond like brothers (hermanos in Spanish). Throughout their studies, Camilo and Témo worked well together, leading a team of other students and collaborating with industry on their capstone project. Their education took separate paths for a couple years; Camilo continued his studies at Mohawk and Témo pursued further education at Conestoga College. While working in different cities, they continued to collaborate on a cargo container project they had begun while studying at Mohawk. During his fourth year thesis, Témo delved further into repurposing cargo containers and retrofitting them to create rentable retail and event 'cargotecture' platforms. He would often seek Camilo’s advice. “This wasn’t just Témo’s thesis, it was our thesis and our company and it was so real to us,” Camilo recalls. The 350-square-foot pop-up concept includes retractable awnings, foldable ‘leaf’ walls, and a solar-powered media
with floating rafts and pop-up cabanas, allowing beachside businesses to thrive. “Témo thinks I’m joking but I’m serious!” Whatever the case may be, there’s no question that this dynamic duo will take it on together, as hermanos.
wall to create, as Témo calls it, a “business in a box”. The name ‘LeafBox’ was chosen to capture the off-grid sustainable technologies that make the concept unique, coupled with the ‘leaf’-like walls that fold out to the side. After graduation, Témo and Camilo were hired at a Hamilton-based architecture firm. Recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit of the duo, the firm provided early mentorship and support of the concept, which led to key partnerships and connections that allowed the team to take the idea into production.
As proud Mohawk graduates, Témo and Camilo hope to support other grads who are small business owners by offering Mohawk Alumni 10% discount on their first LeafBox 1.0 rental. Interested parties are encouraged to email info@leafboxconcepts.com to take advantage of this opportunity.
Since both Témo and Camilo came to Canada as refugees it was important to them to give back to the community through the LeafBox Foundation. “We’re not here to make a buck, we are here to make an impact,” says Témo. “We look at our founding pillars—environment, social, economy—and decide how LeafBox can help improve each of those elements.” By offering affordable, short-term retail platforms, they help small business connect with customers in new markets. “We are growing a business that is going to grow other businesses,” adds Camilo. With LeafBox 2.0 on the drawing board, Camilo envisions the future. He says one day he’ll run the Caribbean branch of LeafBox International, complete
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
25
Around Campus
Alectra Utilities‘ Substation becomes Mohawk’s new Energy and Power Utilities Lab
A
s a result of an agreement between Mohawk College and Alectra Utilities, a new Energy and Power Utilities Lab for the college has officially opened in a decommissioned substation in downtown Hamilton. Alectra Utilities provided the substation to Mohawk College as an educational centre for Engineering Technology students to learn about transformers, switchgear and substations in a life-like, working environment offering both classroom and hands-on learning. Renovations undertaken by Mohawk College at the substation saw the creation of new classrooms, a new meeting room and the replacement of analog equipment with Internet enabled technology. More than 200 Engineering Technology students in nine electrical courses will gain hands-on experience with transformers, switchgear, industrial communications and power protection equipment at the substation. Mohawk will also offer customized workshops, training modules and certificate programs for community and industry partners.
Ready to... Your alumni benefits can provide preferred rates for insurance, mortgages and more.
26 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
save
Around Campus
More than 100 Mohawk students renovate Hamilton City Housing units
Mohawk College and the City of Hamilton joined forces to improve social housing in Hamilton. Students from the college’s Building Renovation program spent 12 weeks renovating two City Housing units on the Hamilton Mountain. About 100 students participated in the project which was officially unveiled on April 30.
Ready to... Planning on seeing the world or visiting friends across town? From accommodations to car rentals, your benefits can be applied to local or national travel plans. Buying a car? There’s a benefit for that, too.
arrive
Learn more about the many benefits available to you at mohawkcollege.ca/alumnibenefits. mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
27
Awards & Honours
AWARDS & HONOURS
2017/18 Varsity Women’s Basketball team – OCAA Bronze
2018 Athletic Awards Banquet
Left: (L-R) Wes Hicks Outstanding Male Athlete – Nic Francis, Co-Outstanding Female Athlete – Stef Hrymak, Dr. Sam Mitminger Award – Shanien O’Neill, Co-Outstanding Female Athlete – Danielle Kamps Right: (L-R) Male Freshman – Elijah Lopez, Co-Female Freshman – Jessica Heidbuurt, All Round Female – Danielle Datzkiw, Co-Female Freshman – Shelby Hayward
28 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
Courtney Warren ’05, former women’s volleyball player, Hap Holman Business Award Recipient and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association – All Academic was inducted into the Glendale Secondary School Athletics Hall of Fame.
Kathy Lerette ‘94, Senior Vice-President of Business Transformation at Alectra Utilities, was presented with the YWCA Hamilton’s 2018 Women of Distinction Award in Science Technology Trades.
Owner of Hamilton-based White Elephant, Hollie Pocsai ’05, is one of four winners for the 2018 First Ontario Credit Union‘s 1Awards.
Cody Bonner ’18, placed first in the photography category at the Emerge Media Awards.
Alumni of Distinction Jim Tatti ‘76, was inducted in to the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame for his work as a radio and television broadcaster for more than 40 years who spent much of his career anchoring the iconic Sportsline, Canada’s first halfhour sports highlights show, which aired for 23 years on Global TV.
Megan Tregunno ’09, Vice President, Chief Advancement Officer at Women’s College Hospital Foundation in Toronto is one of the 2018 Top 40 Under 40 award recipients from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.
At the 2017 Hamilton Soccer Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, athlete Ray Trevisan’ 73, past coach John Gibson, and the members of the Mohawk Men’s 1989 Soccer team (above) were honoured. The team went undefeated to the national championship.
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
29
Around Campus
SPRING CONVOCATION 2018 CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2018!
Spring Convocation Speakers Alumni Speakers Cheryl Morrow, RN, BN, MN – Nursing, 1981. Professor of Practical Nursing at Mohawk College
David Dishke – Small Business Management, 1996. Owner/ Manager of multiple Home Hardware locations Distinguished Fellows
Frank Peter – Architectural Technology, 1988. Supervisor of Plan Examination at the City of Hamilton
John Parker, RN – Director of Interprofessional Development at Hamilton Health Sciences
Paul Brown – Computer Systems Technology – Software Engineering, 2011. General Manager of Mohawk College’s MEDIC Applied Research Centre
Andrew Bowerbank – Global Director of Sustainable Building Services at EllisDon Corporation
30 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
Tony Valeri, P.C., C.Dir – Vice President Corporate Affairs at ArcelorMittal Dofasco Steve Paikin – Anchor of The Agenda with Steve Paikin Beverly Jacobs, LL.B., LL.M., – Office Administration – Legal, 1985. PhD Candidate (ABD) Mohawk Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, Bear Clan
Alumni Events
ALUMNI EVENTS Learn to Golf
Mohawk Day at Wild Waterworks
Brushes and Bursaries Bill Chopp – Trustee with Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board Reverend Donald F. MacVicar – Industrial Engineering – Level 1, 1992. Pastor at The Inner City Outreach Ministry Judy Travis – Executive Director at Workforce Planning Hamilton
mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
31
Congratulations to the 2018 Alumni of Distinction award recipients. Join us in celebration of these Mohawk graduates on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Liuna Station in Hamilton. Affinity
Creative Arts & Design
Mohawk College Employee
Wendy Rolfe Office Administration, 1986 Senior Manager, Student Services and Special Projects, MSA
Maggie Fox Broadcasting – Television & Communications Media, 1993 Chief Marketing Officer, Globoforce
Gabriela Covaci Career Consultant Certificate, 2009 Employment Services, Mohawk College
Business
Entrepreneur
Recent Graduate
Bev Jacobs Office Administration Legal, 1985 Law Professor, University of Windsor
Paul Lloyd Business Administration, 1972 CEO, The PasWord Group
Maria di Castro Santos De Tina OTA & PTA, 2015 Brantford General Hospital
Community Services
Health Sciences
Technology
Valya Roberts Recreation Leadership, 1986 Executive Director, Brantford & District Supervised Access (Dalhousie Place)
Janice Dusek Nursing, 1975 CEO, JD & Associates
Jad Saliba Computer Systems Technician – Network Systems, 2001 Founder & CTO, Magnet Forensics Inc.
Visit mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-of-distinction to learn more about the 2018 recipients and to reserve your seat for the Alumni of Distinction Awards dinner. 32 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
Keeping in touch (1) Robert H. Wiltshire (Mechanical Technology, 1964) After graduation I went to work at Ford Motor Companies truck plant in Oakville, ON. My job was in Production Control where we had to schedule which trucks would be manufactured the next day. No computers in those days so we had to be sure parts were on hand – using a packet of data cards. Kind of a boring job. I moved to Peterborough and worked in the Production Control department of DeLaval who manufactured Stainless Steel Storage tanks for Dairy Products and Breweries.
‘60s
After 4 or 5 years I moved to Calgary Alberta and worked for ATCO Structures. I found them business building Drilling Rig components and Man Camps for Oil Drillers working the North Slope of Alaska. This work also brought me in contact with various Drilling Companies based in the US so I moved first to Denver then Salt Lake City after the North Slope Oil Boom crashed. In Salt Lake City I went to work for a Manufacturers Rep firm specializing in the sale of Valves as would be used by Municipalities in the Water and Wastewater industries.
This has been my subsequent life employment for the last 30 years. At one point this brought me back to Canada to sell Municipal Valves in BC but then back to Houston, TX for a similar but better job; again selling valves.
1
Now I live in Eden, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, so I am close to my homeland; Canada. I am somewhat self employed; still in the Valve business. But, I do have a connection to Canada still through my part time home in Rose Blanche, NL. Susan M. Jaap (née Regan) (Nursing – Hamilton Civic, 1968) Hamilton and District School of Nursing Class of ‘68 (my class) re-united to celebrate 50 years on September 15th, 2018.
‘90s
2
(2) Glenn A. Kinaschuk (Industrial Electrician, 1993)
(3) Jason Clarke (Computer Systems Technician – Network Systems [Co-op], 2002) The past 12 years of supporting customers while keeping their data safe has been my passion! With a decade of experience at BlackBerry Ltd. (previously RIM)
‘00s
3
Ready to... Treat yourself or your family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Your alumni benefits include deals on food and drink experiences, concerts, sporting events, shopping and more.
unwind
Learn more about the many benefits available to you at mohawkcollege.ca/alumnibenefits. mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
33
directly supporting a wide-variety of customers, my focus at eSentire has shifted ever so slightly to supporting my team of incredibly talented Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analysts, who help to contain cyber threats before they impact our clients. I‘m honored to have worked with talented people through my career. Some of which have been educated at Mohawk College as well as many other fine colleges & universities in the Southern Ontario region! (4) Jennifer Lisac (Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, 2002)
4
5
6
(5) Nicholas Pelletier (Business – Marketing [Co-op], 2007) Lots has happened since graduation. Started my career in professional football with the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club of the CFL in 2013 as the Football Operations Coordinator. Won a Grey Cup with the team in 2015. Married the love of my life, Amanda, in 2016. I‘m doing what I love every day and I wouldn‘t change it for the world. I can attribute my education to helping me achieve my dreams. Judi Irene Tipert (Educational Assistant, 2010) I am currently an Educational Assistant at Memorial City Elementary School with the HamiltonWentworth District School Board. I love my job and Mohawk was a huge part of my success.
‘10s
(6) Leila Goreil (Graphic Design Production – Digital Media, 2013) After working as the Website Coordinator for Becker Shoes for the past 2 + years, I will be resigning from this role to accept a new position with Genescy Corporation / Cyria Group. My new role is the SEO Digital Marketing Specialist, working out of their Collingwood Head Office. I am very excited about this new role and am looking forward to being a part of their team. (7) Kelly Lampman (Office Administration – Executive, 2013) Sean McIsaac (Social Service Worker, 2014) After graduation I studied for two years in Ireland. Upon my return to North America, I now have the privilege of working in Albuquerque, New Mexico with our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the field of addictions and homelessness.
34 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
7
8
(8) Chanchal Kalia (Canadian Health Care, 2017) I am enjoying summer to the fullest! Working full-time as an office administrator and working towards my future goals of being a dentist in Canada. I‘m missing school and my teachers. Deep Jayeshbhai Patel (Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2017) Life after graduating from Mohawk is a dream that I have been hoping for since my childhood. I got a job right before graduation! Being a graduate of Mohawk is honor in itself and I must say that I spent the best time of my life being at Mohawk as student. Thank you Mohawk for everything that I am today. (9) Breanne Alway (Social Service Worker, 2018) My dad passed away in 2017 just after I started my final year in the Social Service Worker (SSW) program. His last wishes were for me to finish school and walk across that stage. Well on June 22 I completed his last wish. I graduated from the SSW program!
9 Nicholas Collings (Social Service Worker, 2018) I got a part-time permanent position at the Canadian Deafblind Association. Mellissa R. Correia (Office Administration – Executive, 2018) I got a full time job in my field right out of school! (10) Benjamin John Kamminga (Office Administration – Executive, 2018) Since I am graduating, this will be my last term on Mohawk‘s Board of Governors. (11) Kimberly McDonald (International Business Management, 2018) (12) Namrah Siddiqui (Advanced Biotechnology, 2018) (13) John Ronald Stankov (Health, Wellness and Fitness, 2018) I am offering my students a higher quality of life through health, wellness & fitness and a “Superior Game of Golf”! KEEP IN TOUCH: Want your update to be included in the next issue? Visit mohawkcollege.ca/stayconnected
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 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.
10
11
12
Should you wish to not be contacted about services and benefit programs, just call 905-575-2258 or e-mail alumni@Â 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.
13
Ready to... Join us at alumni events to expand your network and stay connected. Attend workshops to grow the soft skills that can give you a boost on the job. Or, share your story with students, join an alumni committee and get involved.
connect
Learn more about the many benefits available to you at mohawkcollege.ca/alumnibenefits. mohawkcollege.ca/alumnimagazine
35
Upcoming Events
Mohawk
Super Saturday ...we‘re all Mountaineers
UPCOMING EVENTS AT A GLANCE For additional event details and more upcoming Alumni event listings please visit mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-events. OCTOBER
Saturday, November 3, 2018 11 am – 10 pm Super Saturday highlights: • Golden Grad Celebration – honouring the Class of 1968 • Reunions • Alumni Tailgate Lunch • Campus Tours • Athletics Recruit Day • Freshman Welcome • Varsity Games – Mohawk Mountaineers vs Niagara Knights (Volleyball and Basketball)
• Alumni of Distinction Awards Dinner
NOVEMBER • Mohawk Super Saturday • Board Game Social
DECEMBER • Children’s Holiday Party
BACKPACK TO BRIEFCASE WORKSHOPS (FALL 2018 SERIES) These interactive and informative workshops help you to develop important soft skills. • Career Etiquette • Career Exploration Night • Self-Care while in the Job Search If you have any questions, please contact us at 905-575-2258 or alumni@mohawkcollege.ca
Visit mohawkcollege.ca/alumni-events for more details.
Choose how you get your InTouch! Would you prefer to receive your Alumni InTouch 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
36 INTOUCH | Spring 2018
EXPAND YOUR CAREER OPTIONS Build on your degree or diploma by specializing your skills with a graduate certificate. • • • • •
Accessible Media Production Creative Arts Business Cyber Security Analytics Multimedia Storytelling Virtual Reality Multimedia Production
Learn more about these and other graduate certificate programs:
mohawkcollege.ca/gradcertificates
Online, weekend and in-class delivery. Explore your options and start as soon as January!
SAVINGS RESERVED JUST FOR YOU. As the insurance provider for Mohawk alumni, Johnson Insurance has reserved exclusive savings on auto insurance for you. For over 50 years, Johnson has partnered with groups like yours, offering home, auto and travel plans with you in mind.
CALL US FOR YOUR QUOTE.
1-877-742-7490 OR VISIT: johnson.ca/save Mention Group Code MY for your preferred rates. Johnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc. (“Johnson” or “JI”), a licensed insurance intermediary. Home and auto policies underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company (“UAC”). Described coverage and benefits applicable only to policies underwritten by UAC in ON. JI and UAC share common ownership. Eligibility requirements, limitations, exclusions, additional costs and/or restrictions on percent savings apply, and/or vary by province/territory. MEDOC® is a Registered Trademark of JI. This insurance product is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (“RSA”). JI and RSA share common ownership. ‡Home insurance discount applicable to principal residence only on home policies underwritten by UAC. Vehicle may vary from illustration. BMW Canada Inc. including its parent company, subsidiaries, divisions and other operating entities, has neither authorized, sponsored, nor endorsed this Contest. BMW, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks and images are the exclusive property and/or trademarks of BMW AG. †NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018 to legal residents of Canada (excluding NU) who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence and are a member of a recognized group with whom JI has an insurance agreement. One (1) grand prize available: 2018 BMW 230 xi xDrive Coupe vehicle (approx. retail value $50,650). Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Math skill test required. Rules: www1.johnson.ca/bmw2018 0029_0118