Fall 2009 Campus Magazine by Wilfrid Laurier University

For Alumni & Friends

Fall 2009

Representing Canada abroad Natalia Larocque in Chile, Peter Boehm in Germany, Randolph Mank in Pakistan

A home away from home Residence is more than just a roof over studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; heads

Secret identity Meet Laurierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superhero graduate

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Get a Second Opinion

In these turbulent investment markets, a Second Opinion could bring you the stability you’re looking for. Why Do You Need a Second Opinion? Uncertain market conditions can leave you trying to balance your own peace-of-mind with your investment needs and goals. We can help guide you through a process to understand where you stand today and will help you to: n

Understand and prioritize your goals Before considering specific investments, it’s important to identify your goals and priorities. What do you want to achieve? How much time do you have? What is your risk comfort level?

Assess your current portfolio We can share with you our investment process which is designed to help ensure you are in the best position to achieve what you want. This process will define an appropriate asset mix and analyze your existing investments.

Make changes where needed You will also receive helpful recommendations on how you may potentially get more from your investments, including GICs, mutual funds, RSPs, RRIFs, and RESPs.

WLU ALUMNI Sign up online to receive our free monthly e‑newsletter, The ViewPoint. The newsletter provides timely financial information written by our internal experts as well as recent news about our affinity partners.

www.clearsight.ca/wlu 1.877.464.6104

Email invest@clearsight.ca

Visit www.clearsight.ca/wlu

CLEARSIGHT INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The Clearsight Investment Program is available through (1) Wellington West Capital Inc., a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, Member CIPF and (2) Wellington West Financial Services Inc., a member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada. C3996CA

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cONTENTS

Peter Boehm in Germany

Natalia Larocque in Latin America

Randolph Mank in Pakistan

Cover Story 18

The world is their workplace

These Laurier graduates joined Canada’s foreign service and are now representing the country around the world. With posts in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, their diplomatic experiences are as varied as the countries they work in.

Departments

Features

Editor’s Letter

Reader Letters

President’s Corner

Alumni News

Campus News

Keeping in Touch

Flashback

Campus spotlight

Dr. William McNally shines a light on insider trading and Dr. Shohini Ghose ‘kicks the top’ of chaos.

Who is that masked man?

Cameron Shaver is called into action as superhero Captain Cam. His mission? To entertain children everywhere.

Transforming accommodation Residence was once just a roof over students’ heads. Today it is a lifechanging experience.

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: o t t n a w I

m ’ I s g n i h t t r o p p Su passionate about

d e a r e s l h i f p o s e v i l e r i p s In & purpose Keep my degree valuable

Now is your chaNce… aNd with double the impact! If you graduated between 1998 and 2008, visit www.supportlaurier.ca/youngalum

If you would like to get involved, please contact us at: 519.884.0710 ext. 3172 or 2752 or youngalum@wlu.ca

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EDITOR’S letter

What inspires you?

Volume 49, Number 2, Fall 2009 ISSN 0700-5105

Laurier Campus is published by the Department of Public Affairs Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5 Editor: Stacey Morrison ’97 Writers: Lori Chalmers Morrison, Mallory O’Brien ‘08 Design: Erin Steed Photography: Tomasz Adamski, Rainer Leipscher, Dean Palmer, Send address changes to: Address Updates, Development and Alumni Relations Email: alumaddress@wlu.ca Phone: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3176 Publications Mail Registration No. 40020414 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Department of Public Affairs Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5

As Laurier graduates, you already know that in addition to academic excellence, Laurier has a vibrant sense of community. Members of the Laurier community, including alumni, are engaged members of society and many have gone on to make a positive difference in their communities. This is what makes the university so unique. It is the Laurier story, and after much consultation with students, staff, faculty and alumni, it has been captured in six words: Inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. You can learn more about this new initiative on page eight. In each issue of Campus we shine the spotlight on alumni with stories of leadership and purpose, whether their initiatives are large-scale or at the grassroots level. In this issue of the magazine, for example, you can read about graduates who have joined Canada’s foreign service and

are representing the country abroad, and how alumnus Cameron Shaver is inspiring children through his teaching and creative endeavours. To read about more motivating alumni, flip through our back issues of Campus online at www.wlu.ca/ publicaffairs. People are inspired by the stories and experiences of others, and we hope the stories in Campus inspire you. As always, we love to hear from our readers, so we invite you to share the Laurier stories that have moved you. And who knows — your own story could be the one that inspires someone else.

Stacey Morrison ’97 Editor

Questions, comments, rants or raves? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at stmorrison@wlu.ca.

We welcome and encourage your feedback. Send letters to the editor to stmorrison@wlu.ca. We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

Laurier Campus (circ. 56,000) is published three times a year by the Department of Public Affairs. Opinions expressed in Campus do not necessarily reﬂect those of the editor or the university’s administration. Cover photo: Natalia Larocque (BA ‘01) in Santiago, Chile, by Natividad Chireno. Visit us online at www.wlu.ca/publicaffairs

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His

future legacy can be your

By remembering Laurier in your estate or financial plans, you can make a significant impact on the lives of generations to come.

To learn more about how you can help create a promising future for Laurier students, please contact: Cec Joyal, Legacy Giving, University Development â&#x20AC;˘ 519-884-0710 ext. 3864 â&#x20AC;˘ legacygiving@wlu.ca

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READER letters

Letters from our readers Rice Boy I’ve just finished reading the excellent article on Sunil Kuruvilla (Summer ’09). It talks about him spending many hours at the Waterloo Public Library, and a couple of paragraphs later it mentions his multiple first place winnings in the Dorothy Shoemaker Literary Award contest. The way that it’s written implies the contest is run through the Waterloo Public Library. But the Kitchener Public Library runs the contest. It is so named to honour former assistant chief librarian, Dorothy Shoemaker, who wanted to encourage writers of all ages. A generous endowment continues to fund the contest’s prize money. By the way, I’ve already got my tickets to see Rice Boy. Georgina Green, Kitchener

Les Lumber who was in charge of Food Preparation Services for the university in those years supervised the preparation of the dinner at the cafeteria kitchen in Conrad Hall and it was then transported to Seagram Stadium gymnasium where the festivities took place. I know that my good friend Chuck Beaton was also involved. Anyway, thought you might enjoy this heads up on a tradition that we, in those early years, enjoyed very much.

Boar’s Head ﬂashback The picture of the students at the Boar’s Head dinner (Flashback, Summer ’09) was taken in 1984 or ’85. The girls pictured are all from Conrad Hall, D2W floor. They were affectionately known as the D2W Party Hamsters! I hope they all still have the same carefree attitudes they had “back in the day!” This picture has brought back a lot of fond memories. Thanks for keeping the magazine interesting, informative and above all keeping me connected to the Laurier community. Sincerely, Anne (Prince) Stirling (BBA ’87) Proud residence don of the D2W Party Hamsters

I read with great interest the item on the Boar’s Head dinner in Campus (Summer 2009). The picture was fascinating and brought back many fond memories. You mention the dinner began in the 1960s but I thought you would like to know that I helped organize this event as early as 1957.

Best regards and thanks for a trip down memory lane. Bill Cowls (BA ’59)

I enjoyed the photo and paragraph about the Boar’s Head dinner (Flashback, Summer 2009). I was a freshman at Waterloo University College in 1960. The event was sponsored (I think) by Circle K and was well established by then. What I thought (and still think) amusing, was that the whole Boar’s Head tradition is probably very pagan. In those days, the university took religion seriously. We had to indicate a religious affiliation on applications for admission and, if memory serves me correctly, students’ religion was included along with Waterloo and hometown addresses in the Student Directory in those days. In spite of this, most of the Christians (faculty, students and staff) seemed to enjoy the event as much as the rest of us. For reasons unknown, I have never heard the Boar’s Head carol while “Christmas” shopping in Walmart, Sears, Canadian Tire or anywhere else. Bill McLeod (BBA ‘64)

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PRESIDENT’S corner

Adapting to change The university sector in Canada and abroad is undergoing a significant transformation. To help explain this transformation and its impact on Laurier, I initiated a yearly public talk this fall called the President’s Annual Address. My presentation can be found on the President’s page of the Laurier website at www.wlu.ca, but I would like to highlight a few key points here.

Dr. Blouw with Toronto Mayor David Miller at the Toronto office grand opening. There are many forces of change affecting postsecondary education today. Some of the more prominent ones include: • Funding levels that are not keeping pace with enrolment growth or the rising cost of running a modern university. • The knowledge economy, which increasingly values the application of research, and which is also hungry for graduates who are strongly versed in applied intellectual skills such as the ability to reflect, analyze, integrate and innovate. • Technology that is rapidly changing the way we teach, study and learn. Some of the resulting issues include: • An unsustainable “growth treadmill” that requires universities to increase enrolment just to balance their budgets. • There is a growing trend toward differentiation among universities. A university can no longer afford to be excellent in all research areas. Rather, each university must pursue research niches, or “spires of excellence.” • The intense competition among universities for government and private funding, and for the best students, faculty and staff. Laurier’s response is to balance thoughtful planning with strategic adaptation; to ensure that our plans are

rooted in Laurier’s core values and strengths; and to address the educational priorities of government and society. We are doing this in a number of ways. For example, we are drafting master plans for the physical development of our campuses; we are preparing a new academic plan to guide curriculum and program development; and, based on our success with Laurier Brantford, we are exploring the possibility of opening a campus in Milton, Ontario, which would allow the university to grow while maintaining the intimate campus atmosphere that has made Laurier so attractive to generations of students. We are also making sure that Laurier stands out in an increasingly competitive sector. First, we are developing a compelling narrative to help us tell the Laurier story. The foundation of this narrative is a six-word line that captures the essence of what distinguishes Laurier from other universities. This line — Inspiring lives of leadership and purpose — reflects what we heard through the broad consultation conducted during the Envisioning Laurier initiative. For that reason, it will allow us to tell the Laurier story with an authentic and passionate voice. Second, we have opened a highly visible office on the ground floor of a prominent building at King and York streets in downtown Toronto. Laurier has a significant presence in Toronto, including the more than 700 co-op students who work in the GTA, the more than 12,000 alumni who live and work in the region, and our Toronto weekend-format MBA program, which has operated in the city for more than 11 years. The Toronto office will support our MBA program, our co-op program, and our alumni, development, and government relations activities. As well, the prominent location and signage will serve to promote Laurier in Canada’s largest city. Third, we are hiring a director of government relations to ensure that all levels of government are well aware of Laurier’s abilities and needs, and to keep the university abreast of government priorities, trends and opportunities. As we work to address the transformation in postsecondary education, we are striving to preserve the best of what Laurier has to offer while planning for the new realities and opportunities that lie ahead.

Dr. Max Blouw President and Vice-Chancellor Wilfrid Laurier University

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Alumni news

Laurier celebrates another fun Homecoming

WLUAA 2009-10 Executive Honorary President Dr. Max Blouw Past President Steve Wilkie ’82, ’89 President Tom Berczi ’88, ’93 Vice-President Megan Harris ’00 Vice-President David Oates ’70 Treasurer Chris Pehlke ’00 Secretary Susan Haller ’00

Board of Directors Bruce Armstrong ’72 Scott Bebenek ’85 Siobhan Bhagwat ‘06 Arsenio Bonifacio ‘02 Thomas Cadman ‘87 Paul Dickson ‘03 Patricia Diver ‘90 Diana Dumlavwalla ‘04 Marc Henein ’04 Caitlin Howlett ‘05 Louise Kearney ‘00 Melissa Kiddie ’01 Susan Lockett ’99 Sue McGrath ’05 Kiran Nagra ‘02 Julius Olajos ‘07 Priya Persaud ’98 Marc Richardson ’95 Chris Rushforth ‘80 Steve Wilson ‘87 Rosemary Quinlan

There is nothing quite like Homecoming to rev up the Laurier spirit. This year’s Homecoming was better than ever, with more than 13,000 people enjoying a wonderful range of events over three days in early October. One of the many highlights was the football game between the Golden Hawks and the Ottawa Gee Gees, with more than 7,500 fans packing University Stadium. Our side lost a hardfought match, but the energy in the crowd was fantastic — even in the rain! Two weeks later, Laurier Brantford held its first-ever Homecoming. It, too, was a great success, with more than 800 people coming out to help celebrate Laurier Brantford’s 10th anniversary. During Homecoming weekend on the Waterloo campus, WLUAA held its annual general meeting, which included the release of the board’s annual report. The report — which you can access online at www. laurieralumni.ca — is a good reminder that 2008-09 was a challenging yet successful year for the alumni association. While the tough economic climate affected the scope of activities that could be undertaken, the university’s commitment to Alumni Relations staffing and some prudent fiscal management means that WLUAA is well positioned to support both our alumni and the university going forward.

Strategic planning will be a key focus for the association in 2009-10. Our university relations committee will be working on a comprehensive plan to increase our presence and support of Laurier Brantford. The online and research committee will be analyzing the information collected in the 2009 alumni survey to help support the development of our new three-year strategic plan in the spring of 2010. Another highlight of the meeting was the adoption of a board policy addressing constituent societies, or alumni groups with a common interest or academic discipline. WLUAA subsequently received and approved an application from the Alumni Choir. It is my pleasure to welcome this group as a formal alumni association affiliate. In 2011 we will celebrate Laurier’s 100th anniversary. WLUAA past-president Steve Wilkie will serve as an alumni representative on a planning committee to support the celebratory activities. We will be sure to keep you informed as this great occasion approaches.

Tom Berczi ’88, ’93 President, WLUAA tberczi@wlu.ca

Board of Governors Representatives Frank Erschen ’81 Tim Martin ‘92 Lawrence Scott ’78

Senate Representatives Eric Davis ’01 David Oates ’70 John Trus ’90

Alumni from the class of 1989 celebrate their 20th reunion at Laurier’s Homecoming in October.

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campusnews

Inspiring lives of leadership and purpose

Telling the Laurier story There’s no question that academic excellence is at the heart of Laurier’s mission and vision. But as our alumni know, there’s much more to the Laurier story. The university’s vibrant sense of community, and the willingness of its members to engage with the world around them, sets Laurier apart from other universities. This message came through loud and clear when alumni, students, staff, faculty and external audiences shared their thoughts during the recent Envisioning Laurier initiative. What also came through clearly was the need to raise the university’s profile by doing a better job of telling the Laurier story. To accomplish this, the university began work on a short, compelling statement designed to Dr. Max Blouw capture the essence of Laurier and describe what truly distinguishes it from other universities. A consultant-led review of the Envisioning research was conducted with a group of administrative and academic leaders. A draft phrase was developed and discussed with the deans, who suggested revisions that were incorporated into a final version. Two words emerged repeatedly during this process: leadership and purpose. As alumni will remember from their years on campus, Laurier encourages members of its community to take a leadership role in all aspects of their lives; it also encourages and supports its people to live lives that are meaningful and engaged.

Laurier alumni

have the potential to inspire others.

At its very core, then, Laurier is about inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. These six words will become the starting point for telling the Laurier story, university president Dr. Max Blouw announced in September. “Inspiring lives of leadership and purpose is much more than a marketing tagline,” says Blouw. “Taken together, these words form the guiding statement that will shape everything we say about Laurier. They will also influence our decision-making and guide our activities so they remain linked with, and rooted in, the compelling vision that uniquely defines Laurier and its future.” Because these six words flow from the Envisioning Laurier research, and because they reflect the spirit of the university’s new statement of Values, Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles, they will enable the university community to tell the Laurier story with an authentic and passionate voice. “Laurier alumni play a tremendously important role in carrying their university experience forward to tell the Laurier story,” says Blouw. “It’s a story that our alumni embody in their everyday lives. You need only review recent issues of Campus magazine to see how our alumni are already bringing the phrase ‘inspiring lives of leadership and purpose’ to life.” Just consider a small sample of alumni who are making a difference in their communities. There’s Ayiko Solomon (BA ’08), who returns regularly to war-torn Uganda to spread his message of hope; alumnus and staff member Sunil Kuruvilla (BA ’87), who moves theatre audiences with the characters in his plays; Mike Morrice (BBA/ BSc ’08), who has turned his commitment to the environment into a company that helps businesses reduce carbon emissions; and alumna and staff

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campus news

member Cec Joyal (BA ’86) who collects Tim Hortons’ Roll up the Rim tabs for the homeless. We could go on, but you get the picture. The university has begun highlighting individual stories of the people who make up the Laurier community — alumni, students, staff, faculty, and friends of the university. In addition to Campus, the university invites alumni to share their stories of leadership and purpose through the new Laurier Inspires website at www.wlu. ca/laurierinspires, and the new Laurier Inspires Facebook page. “By sharing their individual stories of leadership and purpose, Laurier alumni have the potential to inspire others,” says Blouw. “It’s a significant opportunity to make a difference.” The university recognizes that the word “leadership” has different meanings for different people. The Laurier interpretation reflects the university’s tradition of getting involved and being engaged in the world, whether that’s in your neighbourhood, workplace or profession.

“Other universities may value leadership and purpose, but not with the same depth and focus as Laurier,” says Blouw. “The integration of academic excellence and social engagement is so natural for this university that we sometimes fail to notice how much of our curriculum and how many of our activities and initiatives are leadership and purpose driven.” Laurier is also embarking on a visual identity review this fall. Because our alumni offer a valued and respected perspective, you will be encouraged, along with all members of the Laurier community, to provide input and feedback. As the university examines its visual identity — its crest, wordmark and other visual representations — alumni will receive regular updates and the opportunity to respond. “Laurier is an outstanding university with a long tradition of inspiring lives of leadership and purpose,” says Blouw. “As we approach our 100th anniversary, I encourage alumni to join me in telling the Laurier story to the world.”

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campus news

Laurier receives $2.5-million gift

Donation is largest ever from an alumnus Laurier has received a $2.5-million donation to the university’s Faculty of Arts to establish a research chair in environmental geography. The gift, which comes from a donor who prefers to remain anonymous, is the largest donation ever to the university from a Laurier alumnus. The donation will establish the Dr. John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography, named in honour of one of Laurier’s most celebrated geography professors and former chair of the department, now retired, Dr. John McMurry. Laurier professor Dr. Scott Slocombe will be the inaugural chairholder. Slocombe, a faculty member at Laurier since 1989, is one of Canada’s most prominent geographers.

His academic achievements and leadership have garnered international recognition. His research focuses on the challenge of managing diverse human activities in large regions while maintaining environmental integrity and sustainability. “The funds will benefit the geography department in a range of ways,” he said. “They will certainly facilitate greater involvement of undergraduate students in research, as well as providing some support for undergraduates to attend relevant conferences and my Yukon field course. It will also assist with attracting strong graduate students.”

People at Laurier The University of Northern British Columbia’s Quesnel River Research Centre has been renamed to honour Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw, who played a key role in its founding. The Dr. Max Blouw Quesnel River Research Centre at Likely, BC, offers field study to university students, summer field schools and workshop facilities. Blouw was at UNBC from its inception in 1994 to 2007. He led the research department for 10 years and was the university’s first vicepresident of research. Political science professor Dr. Thomas O. Hueglin has been named Laurier’s University Research Professor for 20092010. The award provides Hueglin with $10,000 to assist in his ongoing research on federalism and political theory.

Laurier biology student Emily Macdonald was honoured as one of 100 undergraduate students from across Canada selected to present her research at the Rising Stars of Research competition at the University of British Columbia. Macdonald did her fourth-year thesis work on the study of the symbiotic relationship between legumes and bacteria, which results in the formation of nodules in the root systems. This could lead to a significant reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Dr. Robb Travers, professor of psychology, is co-principal investigator for a research project that surveyed over 1,200 Toronto teens aged 13 to 18, conducted to study youth sexual-health needs. The

Toronto Teen Survey was developed to help increase positive sexualhealth outcomes for diverse Toronto youth. According to the survey’s final report, teens face a variety of barriers to proper sexual-health information and services. The type of barriers and their impact depends on a teen’s age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and immigrant and socioeconomic status. Dr. Stephen Wenn, professor of kinesiology and physical education, participated in a prestigious lecture series about the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. His lecture, titled “The Olympic Movement and the Road Ahead: Status Quo or Will the IOC Tackle the Big Issues” is available as a podcast on The Globe and Mail newspaper’s Intellectual Muscle website.

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campus news

Laurier launches first mobile e-learning pilot for MBA students

High-tech teaching

Laurier’s School of Business & Economics, has engaged its 100 full-time Waterloo MBA students in an innovative one-year mobile e-learning pilot program. Laurier is working in partnership with Research In Motion (RIM) and Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI) on the initiative. No other business school in Canada has taken on a program of this scope at the MBA level.    The Laurier MBA BlackBerry pilot is designed to revolutionize the way the school’s MBA program approaches learning both in and out of the classroom. Students will be armed with a BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone from Rogers. The aim of the project is to prepare Laurier’s MBA students for the business world by providing them with the latest mobile learning applications, to extend their access to a multimediarich education beyond the walls of the classroom, and to provide tools for collaboration between MBA teammates.   Students involved in the Laurier pilot program will use their BlackBerry smartphones for more than just the

standard voice, text and email applications. Laurier students and faculty members will communicate using enriched content such as video, voice notes and pictures, as well as the latest collaboration tools. Faculty will “push” content to their students’ smartphones, and will have access to metrics that will help them gauge which content is being accessed.   Anticipated benefits from the project include improved sharing of educational content, easier access to learning materials so students can be more productive with their time, enhanced MBA team experiences and a better understanding of how content is used by students.    A number of research studies will be conducted throughout the year-long pilot program.

Toronto office

Growing in the GTA Laurier celebrated its growing presence in Toronto in September with the official opening of an office in the heart of the city’s financial district. More than 200 alumni, prominent guests, students, faculty and staff were on hand for a reception in which guest speaker David Miller, mayor of Toronto, thanked Laurier for strengthening its educational links with Canada’s biggest city. Miller specifically mentioned Laurier’s weekendformat MBA program, which has operated in downtown Toronto for 11 years, and the 700 Laurier Guests attend the opening of Laurier’s Toronto office. co-op students who work in the GTA each year. Laurier’s new 2,500-square-foot office occupies a prominent corner location at 130 King St. W., with a lobby looking out onto King and York streets and an entrance off the main-floor lobby of the Exchange Tower building. The university’s new Toronto office will support a variety of initiatives, from Laurier’s MBA weekend program and co-op program, to student recruitment and government relations. “Laurier already has a significant presence in Toronto through our many alumni who work and live in the city, through the many Laurier students who come from the GTA, and through our successful weekend MBA program,” said Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw. “The new office will raise the profile of the university in Canada’s largest city and provide a base of support for our many initiatives there.”

There are over 12,000 Laurier alumni in the GTA.

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HOMECOMING n homecoming news

Homecoming highlights

Despite rain and wind, thousands of alumni and friends gathered on Laurierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campuses for the biggest event of the year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Homecoming!

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HOmEcOmING news

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Photos: Rainer Leipscher

In early October, more than 13,000 alumni, students and community members celebrated Homecoming 2009 on the Waterloo campus, and reconnected with friends and their Laurier family. This year’s festivities started with a free pancake breakfast in the Fred Nichols Campus Centre quad before the crowd moved to University Stadium for the annual tailgate party. Despite the rainy and windy weather, more than 7,600 fans, including eight reunion classes, filled the stands as the Golden Hawks took on the Ottawa Gee Gees, losing a hard-fought match 25-27. Later that evening, the entertainment continued with Canada’s biggest name in comedy, Russell Peters, who performed a sold-out show at the Kitchener Auditorium. Alumni also met up with friends at the Alumni Party at Wilf’s, which featured a performance by Laurier’s own Blackwater Trio, and shared memories at the Turret. There was a great turnout Sunday morning for the Ecumenical Worship Service at the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, followed by the second annual Laurier Loop, with 497 runners lacing up their shoes for the charity run. Participants raised $6,000 for the Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research & Rehabilitation Centre (MDRC). A generous Laurier alumnus, who prefers to remain anonymous, matched that amount, raising the total donation to $12,000. Another fun and successful Homecoming weekend!

1, 4: Cheering on the Golden Hawks. 2: Celebrating a class reunion. 3: Free pancake breakfast in the quad. 5: Comedian Russell Peters takes the stage. 6: Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw (third from left) helps drop the puck in Brantford. 7: Having fun with The Hawk. 8: Runners compete in the Laurier Loop charity run.

Laurier Brantford celebrates inaugural Homecoming! This year Laurier Brantford celebrated its first Homecoming weekend. About 800 people attended the festivities, which included a free breakfast and barbecue lunch, campus tours and a men’s varsity hockey game, with the Golden Hawks defeating the University of Windsor Lancers 4-2. For photos, visit www.laurieralumni.ca/homecoming.

For more Homecoming photos, visit www.laurieralumni.ca/homecoming.

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ONcampus

We had observed the signatures of chaos!

Organizing chaos Dr. Shohini Ghose is fascinated by chaos. But not the kind of disarray we experience when we misplace our car keys. The assistant professor in physics and computer science is an expert in quantum chaos, and her recent research touches on a fundamental question in physics: Where does the microscopic quantum realm end and the classical world begin? “Chaos, unpredictability, is present all around us,” says Ghose. Chaos theory is often explained as the “butterfly effect,” in which atmospheric changes caused by the flapping of a butterfly’s wings in one location could lead to severe weather halfway around the world. But this unpredictable behaviour is possible only in the deterministic world described by classical physics, not the quantum world where uncertainty rules. Ghose partnered with Dr. Poul Jessen of the University of Arizona, who specializes in cold atoms, to search for a direct

connection between the two scientific worlds, at an unprecedented level of detail. Using Jessen’s lab, they searched for signs of chaos within cooled cesium atoms, a metal with an internal structure that had “just the right values to control the atoms and see something interesting at the quantum level.” What the team set out to do, over a period of about two years, was “kick the top.” “An atom has a spin, like a toy top,” Ghose explains. “Using lasers and magnetic fields to introduce small perturbations to the system, we were able to ‘kick’ the top, kicking the atomic spins. Suddenly we saw that something happened. As the experimental parameters were varied, the behaviour changed from periodic motion to unpredictable motion… like a chaotic kicked top. We had observed the signatures of chaos!” Their findings were recently published in Nature, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals. ❖ ~ With ﬁles from Barry Ries

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DEVELOPMENTDAY 2010

Change. Lead. Thrive.

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featuring… featuring… Anchor of CBC’s The National, Peter Mansbridge discussing Canada and Canadians in a Changing World. Explore the national mood through key social and political issues as Peter uses humour and a dynamic stage presence to share his determination in acknowledging Canadian contributions to building a better world.

FRIDAY, FRIDAY,MAY MAY14, 14,2010 2010 TOPICS TOPICS FOR FOR THETHE DAYDAY INCLUDE: INCLUDE: • Financial • Financial

Management Management • Leadership • Leadership • Networking • Networking

| $110per 8:30 8:30a.m.– a.m.–4:30 4:30p.m. p.m.| $110 perperson person BRICKER BRICKER ACADEMIC ACADEMIC BUILDING, BUILDING, WILFRID WILFRID LAURIER LAURIER UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY This exClusive raTe Through laurier alumni inCludes:

Full day of development, including keynote address and Q&A session with Peter Mansbridge; lunch & coffee break refreshments

speCial early Bird priCe – only $75 only a limited number of tickets will be available at the special early bird price! don’t miss out – purchase yours today! Invite family friends and colleagues to join you for a full day of professional and personal development.

ToTo purchase purchase tickets tickets and and forfor complete complete event event information, information, visit: visit:

www.laurieralumni.ca/developmentday www.laurieralumni.ca/developmentday 11/9/09 11:21:31 AM

on campus

It’s hard to identify because it’s hidden.

Uncovering insider trading We’ve all heard of insider trading, but how rampant is it in Canada? According to business professor Dr. William McNally, who specializes in corporate finance, it happens more often than you think. “It’s illegal, so it’s hard to identify because it’s hidden,” he says. “But our results suggest there is a fair amount.” Senior officers can buy and sell stock in their own firms, as long as they report their trades within 10 days of the trade, and do so without acting on non-public information. McNally and fellow researcher Dr. Brian Smith examined more than $7 billion of insider trades in Canada over a period of 13 years and discovered compliance with insider reporting rules is very lax, and the pattern of trading suggests insiders are trading with material information.

They also found the chance of being investigated for suspicious insider trading is very low. They report an average of less than one insider trading conviction a year since 1980, and only two instances of insiders being charged with failing to report their trades. McNally and Smith have developed a database for researching insider trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). The database facilitates studies into topics such as the market impact of insider trading, determinants of insider trading, and profitability of insider trading. The results of the research will assist in the development of regulations regarding insider trading on the TSX, with the goal of increasing investor confidence. ❖

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cOVER story

REPRESENTING

ABROAD Alumni in the foreign service are posted around the world By Stacey Morrison

Working in Canada’s foreign service has its perks — world travel, exotic cultures and the excitement of a new challenge every few years. But it can often involve separation from family and friends, dealing with global crises and even putting your own personal safety at risk. Several Laurier grads are working in diplomacy on a global level, promoting Canada’s interests and influencing international foreign policy, trade and economics. Here are a few of their stories.

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Peter Boehm in Germany Growing up in Kitchener, Peter Boehm (BA ’77) learned to speak German, and as a Laurier student he enjoyed the local Oktoberfest celebrations. But little did he know that this exposure to the region’s German heritage would be helpful in his working life. As Canada’s ambassador to Germany, Boehm is now experiencing the country’s culture firsthand. “Berlin is a fascinating city and already termed by many as a global culture centre,” says Boehm, who took up his diplomatic post last summer. “And there are many links to Canada, not the least of which are three million Canadians of German language origin. Born in Kitchener, I guess I fit that description too. K-W roots and a knowledge of German really opens doors.” Boehm has held many diplomatic positions since joining Canada’s foreign service nearly 30 years ago. He has worked in Cuba, Costa Rica and Washington, including a post as minister of public affairs at the Canadian Embassy, where he experienced and dealt with the repercussions of the 9/11 tragedy. Berlin is Boehm’s second ambassadorial assignment — he was Canada’s ambassador to the Organization of American States from 1997-2001. But a career in government wasn’t even on Boehm’s radar when he graduated from Laurier with an honours degree in English and history. He wanted to be a teacher.

K-W roots and a knowledge of German really opens doors.”

Peter Boehm next to the Berlin Wall in Germany.

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“I actually wanted to get a job teaching at a university,” says Boehm, who also holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Carleton University and a PhD in history from the University of Edinburgh. “But my rejection letters filled several files.” Instead, he wrote the foreign service exam and was accepted. As ambassador, it’s Boehm’s job to represent Canada in Germany and manage our country’s government operations there. He presents Canada’s perspectives on foreign policy, defence, and economic and trade policy, and conveys German views to Canada. The biggest challenge, he says, is keeping an eye on the impact of global events and dealing with the unexpected outcomes, such as the global financial and economic downturn. Although his travels have been tough on relationships and friendships, Boehm says family life abroad can be a fascinating and enriching experience. His wife and three of the couple’s four children are also in Berlin, as is Clio, the family’s giant schnauzer. And his Laurier ties have endured, extending to the world of politics — his friend and Laurier classmate Randolph Mank is Canada’s high commissioner in Pakistan. “I have fond memories of classes, profs and parties … many parties. I remember a few of us lying in the grass during orientation week and having our ears blown off by Rush — then just another band from Toronto. We had fun and it doesn’t seem so long ago.” ❖

Leading the Canadian response to the tsunami was the greatest and most meaningful challenge of my career.” Randolph Mank Randolph mank in Pakistan Randolph Mank (BA ’77, MA ’79) was at home in Jakarta on December 26, 2004 when the Indian Ocean tsunami hit. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, and the most devastated area was the province of Aceh, Indonesia, where an estimated 130,000 people died. “Leading the Canadian response to the tsunami was the greatest and most meaningful challenge of my career,” says Mank, who was Canada’s ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia at the time. He immediately set up a forward office on the island of Sumatra as a staging area for relief efforts and then established Canada House in the capital of Banda Aceh as a place for Canadian aid workers to work and sleep. Other countries soon followed suit. “In the beginning we were sleeping on concrete floors in extreme heat without running water or other basic necessities. We saw and did things that would change our lives. I lost 40 pounds from the 24/7 work over the first three months.” It’s one of the many experiences that have shaped Mank’s career in Canada’s foreign service, which has also included posts in Athens, Stockholm and Tokyo, which he calls “one of the greatest cities in the world.” Today, Mank is living and working in Islamabad as Canada’s high commissioner to Pakistan. With political instability and

a war in neighbouring Afghanistan, it’s a placement that has its own unique set of challenges. “Last year’s return to democracy was a very positive development and we (Canada) have fully supported that — I think democracy offers us hope for the future,” says Mank. “The bombing of the Marriott Hotel last September, however, was a turning point for security in Islamabad. The challenge for my team is to keep delivering all of our programs and services here, as well as protecting Canadians in an environment where personal security has become a serious issue.” Security concerns extend to Mank’s family life. For safety reasons, his children live about 4,500 kilometres away in Singapore, and he visits as often as possible. “Family life is sometimes a challenge,” he says. “But we love our summer vacations back in Ottawa and K-W.”

Randolph Mank with guards on Guard Appreciation Day at the High Commission in Pakistan. Security guards are hired on contract from a private company, which is common practice for all diplomatic missions in Islamabad.

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OTHER GRADS IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE Like most great adventures, Mank’s Career in diplomacy was entirely unplanned. After attending Laurier, where he cites Shakespeare classes and “pretending to be a DJ” on Radio Laurier as highlights, he went on to do PhD research at the London School of Economics (LSE). His goal was to be a university professor and he landed a job offer from the University of British Columbia. “But my tennis partner at LSE convinced me to give him a ride to the foreign service exam centre one Saturday morning, and the rest is history.” Although early in his career some people thought his degree in political science and English was an odd combination, Mank says he realized later on that there was method in his madness. “It turns out all those seminars we were asked to lead and all those analytical research papers we produced were directly relevant to what I’ve been doing for a living for the past 28 years. I couldn’t imagine better preparation for my career than the formative years I spent at Laurier.” ❖

You feel among the people, among 192 cultures, perspectives and values.” Paul Heinbecker

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DONALD CAMPBELL (BA ’64, HONORARY DOCTORATE ’03) had a distinguished career in Canada’s foreign service before joining the private sector. His foreign posts included Kenya, Korea and Japan, and as deputy minister for international trade (1989-93), he supervised the negotiation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NADIR PATEL (BA ’93) is working as consul general in Shanghai, China. CRAIG WEICHEL (BA ’94) is currently deputy director of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament division in Ottawa and president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers.

PAUL HEINBECKER — DEAN OF DIPLOMATS Paul Heinbecker’s (BA ’65, Honorary Doctorate ’03) career path was decided on a single day shortly after graduating with a degree in English and history from Laurier. On that fateful day in 1965, the former Golden Hawk football player was the first-round pick of the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos and he received a job offer from Canada’s foreign service. Heinbecker chose the foreign service, much to the chagrin of his football friends. “Playing football in Edmonton meant playing in the coldest city in Canada,” says Heinbecker. “Every time I watched football from Edmonton on television, the ground was covered in snow, the people were frozen — it wasn’t very attractive.” Although he gave up the opportunity to play the sport he loved professionally, he ended up finding a new passion. While posted in Turkey on his first international assignment, he met his wife Ayse Koymen, who was working for the Turkish foreign ministry. The couple would relocate many times over the next 38 years as Heinbecker went on to carve out a distinguished career in the top ranks of Canada’s foreign service. He held posts in Stockholm, Paris and in Washington

as a minister in the Canadian embassy. He was former prime minister Brian Mulroney’s chief foreign policy advisor and speechwriter before being appointed Canada’s ambassador to Germany. In the late 1990s he organized and led the task force on the Kosovo conflict and helped to negotiate the end of that war. He was also head of the Canadian delegation for the negotiation of the Climate Change Convention in Kyoto. Heinbecker is perhaps best known for his appointment as ambassador and permanent representative of Canada to the United Nations, where he was a leading advocate for the creation of the International Criminal Court and a supporter of compromise in the lead-up to the war in Iraq. Privately, he was one of a small group urging then prime minister Jean Chrétien to keep Canada out of the war. “It’s gratifying,” says Heinbecker of making an impact on a global scale. “When you are in the UN General Assembly, it is quite a feeling realizing this is an assembly of the entire world. There are 192 seats representing the voices of people from around the world. You feel among the people, among 192 cultures, perspectives and values.” He retired from public service in 2003, and in many ways has come full circle. Heinbecker is currently the director of Laurier’s Centre for Global Relations, Governance and Policy, and senior research fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in Waterloo. He was awarded an honorary degree from Laurier in 2003. “I love walking around the campus,” he says. “By and large it’s still the same shape and layout. I love the market feel of Laurier. I used to admire the ivy-league schools with their large campuses and many buildings. But the compactness of Laurier — and how there are always students coming and going, and running into people they know — is one of its most attractive features.” Paul Heinbecker speaks to the UN General Assembly.

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Natalia larocque in Latin America With its white sand beaches and tropical Caribbean climate, the idea of working in the Dominican Republic seems like it would involve plenty of rest and relaxation. But there isn’t much time for sun tanning and daiquiris if you’re employed at the Canadian embassy. With more than 700,000 Canadians visiting the island nation every year, and another 10,000 calling it home, the embassy’s consular program — which offers assistance with everything from medical emergencies to legal issues and passports — is kept busy year-round. “Unfortunately I didn’t get to enjoy the beautiful beaches as much as I would have liked,” says Natalia Larocque (BA ’01), who was until recently the consul general in the Dominican Republic. “We constantly have to balance routine work with arising emergencies. But that’s what makes it interesting. This job is never boring!” A few such emergencies occurred upon Larocque’s arrival. In the first six weeks of her posting, she had to deal with a murder, the arrest of two Canadians for drug trafficking and electrical problems at the Santo Domingo office. Other challenges presented themselves over the course of her two-year term, including two hurricanes and more recently, the diversion of a plane to Punta Cana on New Year’s Eve with hundreds of Canadians aboard. It’s all part of the job, and it’s the variety of work that Larocque enjoys the most. A Montreal native, Larocque, 31, was always interested in travel and living abroad. After graduating from the economics and finance program at Laurier, her priority was to “simply get a job.” She applied to the foreign service that summer and was accepted the following year. The Dominican Republic was Larocque’s second international posting, following a three-year stint in Uruguay. As consul general, it is her job to manage the embassy and its programs. While in the Dominican Republic, she reported to Patricia Fortier, Canada’s ambassador there. “I wear various hats at the embassy. As head of both the administration and consular programs, I get to touch on various issues daily, from financial management to dealing with delicate human issues on the consular side. I love being able to move around and meet new colleagues in new countries every few years.”

Communication and networking tools such as Skype and Facebook have made it easier for Larocque to keep in touch with family and friends, some from her Laurier days. “I had a small group of friends who I could spend hours studying with but we also enjoyed some relaxing and fun times,” she says of her university years. “It was great to be surrounded by people who were serious about their studies without taking themselves too seriously.” After two years in the Dominican Republic, Larocque packed her suitcase

I love being able to move around and meet new colleagues in new countries every few years.”

Natalia Larocque in Santiago, Chile. once again. In October she began her new post in Chile. “It’s been great to work in different cities in Latin America and getting to know the culture and people,” she says. “I particularly enjoy getting to know the local idiosyncrasies in the languages of each country, so I’m really looking forward to living in Chile.” ❖

Q&A HOW DO YOU BECOME AN AMBASSADOR? “One

applies and writes an examination,” says Peter Boehm. “Several thousand Canadians do so every year.” For more information, visit www.jobs.gc.ca.

DO YOU HAVE A SAY IN WHICH COUNTRIES YOU’RE APPOINTED TO? “We normally submit our top preferences a year in advance and every effort is made to accommodate individual wishes,” says Randolph Mank. “It has to be the right fit, however, so not every wish can be granted. I’ve found that being ﬂexible about assignments can actually open up new horizons that might not have been considered. This is where you really get to appreciate personal growth. It is very rewarding.”

“It depends on the level of hardship in each country,” says Natalia Larocque. “Terms are shorter in countries with tougher conditions and longer in countries that have similar living conditions as Canada.”

HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL APPOINTMENT?

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By Mallory O’Brien

Mild-mannered schoolteacher Cameron Shaver gets called into action as superhero Captain Cam It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s walking down the street … in cow shorts? It must be Captain Cam! He may be known as mild-mannered grade school teacher Cameron Shaver (BMus ’02) by day, but after a quick change in a phone booth Shaver transforms into Captain Cam, amateur superhero and gallant protector of fictional Steel City. His mission: to entertain children everywhere, from birthday parties to day camps. Shaver earned his Bachelor of Music Education at Laurier and, according to his official biography, minored in superherodom, which included classes in criminal psychology and towel-cape tying. (A call to the registrar confirms this minor is no longer offered.) Today, a fully certified Captain Cam makes children laugh while earning his master’s degree in superhero studies from Steel City University.

“I’m currently failing flight,” he says. “The lessons are basically about falling and not hitting the ground, and I keep hitting the ground.” It’s only a minor setback — even as a flightless superhero Shaver has performed more than 450 shows as Captain Cam. His performances include the usual magic tricks and music, but Captain Cam dazzles children with his superhero strength and extraordinary mind-reading abilities. He also sings tales of saving princess Tiffany, the seven-year-old ruler of Steel City, from the nefarious Mr. E. As a teacher, Shaver knows the importance of creating positive role models for kids. So, princess Tiffany may love pink and wearing tiaras, but she’s also good at balancing capital costs and negotiating with world leaders. She has even rescued Captain Cam a few times. “Captain Cam uses his brains to solve problems and defeat bad guys,” says

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First…

Finally.

Then... Shaver. “Only on one rare occasion did he have to resort to giving Mr. E. a wedgie.” Being a positive role model for children is something Shaver has aspired to his whole life. In elementary school he volunteered in kindergarten classrooms over his lunch hours, playing with the kids and helping them get out their toys for recess. When it came time to go to university, Shaver knew that he wanted to be a teacher. He enrolled at Laurier because he had a passion for music and his goal was to become a well-rounded music educator. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that while at Laurier, Shaver rarely went to a party without being in character — a few of his favourites included Hunter S. Thompson and Lounge Lizard. After earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario and diving right into teaching, Shaver decided to put his large costume closet to good use in his spare time. He takes the Captain Cam role very seriously, and has created an entire universe for his character. His origin story involves eating radioactive peanut butter, and his powers include magical boogers, the ability to wake up early on Saturday mornings to not miss cartoons, and always grabbing the toy out of the cereal box on his first try. Besides performing at children’s parties, Captain Cam has made numerous appearances at charity and corporate events, recorded six CDs of Captain Cam songs and audio stories, and produced a web video series based on a special “Ask Captain Cam” section of the superhero’s website (www.captaincamclub.com). For most people, balancing teaching and the duties of a superhero would be enough. But not for Shaver. His day job is teaching Grade 7 science at Laurentian Senior Public School in Kitchener. There he has yet another alter ego: Rod St. Rawk, the selfproclaimed “world’s greatest Spinal Tap fan.” Rod St. Rawk combines Shaver ’s talents in musical education and stage performance with an ’80s-style, blonde mullet wig to create the manager of “the greatest musical force on Earth,” the metal rock band aptly called Rawk Band. Rawk Band is a real band, and the 12-year-old members not only play instruments and sing, but they also perform in ’80s rock getups.

I think it's important to be child-like but not childish.

Shaver started the rock group over a year ago with six musically inclined kids in his class. The group has moved up a grade, but they still hang out in Shaver’s class at lunch to practice. They play at school functions, talent shows, and even had a gig at the Circus Room club in Kitchener. “They really are very good,” says Shaver, who also produced Rawk Band’s first CD of rock covers and is currently producing their follow-up album, which contains some original songs. “I’m not here to teach them how to play their instruments, but how to play together as a band and how to perform.” Shaver means business. During the band’s official rehearsal time, which is once a week, he can be heard shouting advice such as, “You need to be wind milling!” or “More jump kicking!” “Sometimes, when I see the kids up on stage and one is proud because he’s painted his fingernails black, and another is jumping up onto amps and screaming into the microphone while smoke billows off the stage, I think: ‘Am I out of my mind?’” Shaver says Rawk Band isn’t exactly the chess club, but there are many benefits to helping these kids achieve their rock-star dreams, including bolstering their confidence and teaching them about working together. Rod St. Rawk is a personality that is completely different than Mr. Shaver the teacher (he likens the transformation to pop singer Beyoncé channelling her alter ego, Sasha Fierce), but he admits there is a lot of himself in Captain Cam. “Sometimes the Captain comes out a little when I’m teaching, but I think that’s okay,” he says. “There’s a lot to be said about not being afraid to interact with kids on their own level. I think it’s important to be child-like but not childish, to not be afraid of being a little silly while teaching. “The best way to impact kids is to make a connection with them. Many kids just want to connect with someone they can feel safe with, and then they are more willing to engage and the learning can begin.” ❖

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Home away from Home

Residence was once just a roof over By Lori Chalmers Morrison

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stu

students’ heads. Today it is a life-changing experience.

In the mid-1980s, when Sylvia (Hayden) Kelly (BA ’86) and Brady Kelly (Dipl ’87) prepared to become dons at Laurier, they were part of a group of about 20 senior students who began training on Labour Day weekend — a mere three days before hundreds of first-year students arrived on campus. “Our frosh-week training and the don’s parties were great bonding experiences,” says Brady. Director of residential services Mike Belanger (BA ’75), who has worked at Laurier for more than 25 years, remembers organizing the training. “Back then, we had a Friday night pizza party, played baseball on Saturday morning and then learned first aid,” he says. “Saturday night we met with university administration and then went on a pub-crawl. The following day the head residents met with the dons, set out some rules and regulations, and then the students moved in.” Twenty-five years later, Sylvia and Brady’s son, Joel, is living in Bricker Residence as a first-year student (daughter Diane is in third year at Laurier Brantford). Contrary to his parents’ experience, Joel’s don at Bricker underwent a much more formal and intense 12-day training program known as “dons’ camp” with 100 other senior students, where they learned the required skills to work as dons. There will be another training program in the spring. The difference in don’s camp represents the philosophical shift that has taken place in residence life over the past two decades.

Photo: Tomasz Adamski

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Student and don Tamsynn Moodley outside of Laurier’s King Street Residence, left.

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We probably have the best residencelife program in the country, and I give all the credit to them.”

“It used to be that residence staff would stand around and wait for students to mess up, catch them and then punish them,” says Belanger. “But it became really obvious to me that this approach wasn’t accomplishing anything. We knew what the issues were, so we decided to anticipate them and develop ways to prevent them and make life better for students.” So Belanger developed a residence-life program to foster an environment of support and mutual respect for students. “We seized the opportunity to help students by teaching them how to deal with the transition to university and the challenges of living away from home for the first time,” he says. “It’s an acknowledgement of the important role of the non-academic side of student life and how it impacts students’ experience at university.” Under years of Belanger’s leadership, Laurier’s residence-life program is renowned among Canadian universities. “We’re slowly ‘Laurierizing’ the country,” laughs Belanger. “The reputation our school has gained for our residence programs is unbelievable. We’re at the top of the heap.” Belanger’s own residence experience began in 1971 as a Laurier student living in room 215 Little House (known then as South Hall). He got a job as the manager of the Turret, where he met his wife Leah (BA ’78), who worked in the games room. They married

Photo: Dean Palmer

Director of residential services Mike Belanger (BA ’75),

in 1980, the same year former dean of students Fred Nichols hired him as director of housing. At that time, married couples called head residents lived in each residence to supervise the dons. “It seems so archaic now,” says Belanger. “I hired myself and my wife to be head residents in Willison Hall in 1980. It was our problem building — 160 men with unruly behaviour.” It was an experience shared by Sylvia and Brady Kelly. They married in 1986 after meeting through Brady’s don, Scott Prins (BA ’85), and also worked as head residents in Willison Hall. “We both had great experiences as dons and wanted to contribute to life as head residents,” says Sylvia. “It was a lot of fun. Our dons were great and so were the guys in our residence.” When Belanger was a student, only 30 per cent of Laurier students were female. Twenty years later, he was faced with a 60 per cent female population and a shortage of female beds. With the university unable to support separate male and female buildings, Belanger began alter-

DONS Where are they now? Michelle Clayton (BA ’04) Conrad Hall don (2001-02); Waterloo College Hall community advisor (2002-03) As a don, Michelle Clayton learned a lot about community. “I learned that you have a responsibility to help build the community and be accountable to that community.” She remembers living with fellow dons in Bouckaert Hall during dons’ camp. “We spent really long days together, went bowling and had parties — we were training, but at the same time we were building relationships. “Being a don helped me grow,” says Clayton. “I dealt with students who had medical, social and mental health issues. And I also appreciated the challenges of 24 very ambitious women living together!” Clayton is now drawing on the leadership skills she learned as a Laurier don as a volunteer coordinator for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. “It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of a huge community-building event — there are 5,000 staff members from all across the country,” she says.

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There are so many fun residence stories. My all-time favourite memory is of a student speaking about going home and then stopping to correct himself and tell me ‘no, this (residence) is home.’ That just melts my heart!”

Tamsynn Moodley, psychology and communication studies, don in King Street Residence “My favourite part about living in residence is that I feel fully connected to campus, and I am able to watch as the first-year students find their unique place within the Laurier culture.” Photo: Dean Palmer

Victoria Bain, English, don in Bouckaert Residence “The best part about living in residence is the community bonds that are formed — you become a member of an amazing, slightly dysfunctional family.”

nating male floors and female floors in residences, eventually shifting to co-ed floors. “It’s interesting to see how the dynamics evolve when students are on single-sex floors versus male/ female floors,” says Belanger, who admits that the only issue with integrated floors is the washrooms. “They quickly establish brother-sister floors. Everyone interacts — it happens on its own.” Belanger says apartment-style residences, which were the first to switch to co-ed, are more popular than dormitory residences. Bricker, built in 1991, was one of the first of its kind and is still the most popular. “But kids in dormitories actually tend to bond faster and have better residence life experiences,” says Belanger. “They keep their doors open and develop a sense of community faster.” Yet Belanger says that if you ask any student to name the best Laurier residence, the student will name the building they live in. “It’s not so much about the building; it’s about the people,” he says. Brady Kelly agrees. “Some of the best memories came just from hanging out together as a floor and

playing sports together,” he says. Andrew McCauley, political science, King Street Residence & Regina Residence “The floor parties were always a blast and a great way to meet fellow students.” “My favourite part about In 2006, Laurier took this residence is meeting new people and tackling new challenges together. notion further by creating themed residences called Learning Kristen Porter, psychology and sociology, Communities (LC) where firstKing Street Residence & Regina Residence year students can choose to live with other students sharing the same interests. The university currently has four LCs — the Leadership Community, Global Engagement Community, Active Living Community, and the School of Business & Economics Academic Community. But Belanger says ultimately it’s the people working in Residential Services that make the residence experience at Laurier so successful. “We select the cream of the crop of students to be dons and the cream of the dons to be residencelife area coordinators. We probably have the best residence-life program in the country, and I give all the credit to them.”

DONS Where are they now? Graham Corrigan (ConEd ’07), Laurier Brantford Centennial Towers don (2004-05), Post House don (2005-06) “I would suggest being a don to anyone,” says Graham Corrigan. “It was a great experience and gives you the opportunity to show leadership skills and make a difference with others.” Corrigan has been using these skills since he graduated in 2007 and became a Grade 8 teacher with the Grand Erie District School Board. As a don, Corrigan’s biggest challenge was finding the balance between his role as a don and taking care of his own social and academic responsibilities. “In my first year as a don, I was in charge of a female residence,” he says. “I had great intentions of programming activities to help with the integration into university, but my role ended up being offering daily support — and killing spiders! I’d like to think that I helped to make a difference, but I can guarantee that group of girls had a larger impact on me!”

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It’s a microcosm of the university experience in terms of the relationships and friendships you develop.” Sylvia and Brady Kelly, facing above, as head residents in Willison Hall in the 1980s.

Belanger focuses on training his staff and encourages them to bring in new ideas and get feedback from students. “Chris Dodd (manager of housing services and residence life) is a master at trying new things — he’s well-respected,” says Belanger. “He’s been the driving force behind the staff and the more recent developments in residence life.” Belanger himself is known for his standards of excellence and is considered a leader, friend and mentor to staff and students alike. He was instrumental in bringing food services “out of the dark ages,” networking the residence buildings and introducing the OneCard, a multipurpose photo identification card. He now oversees 19 residence buildings housing nearly 3,000 students on the Waterloo campus. He also helped develop the seven apartment-style buildings at Laurier

Rob Hums (BA ’93)

Brantford, now run by director of student services, David Prang. “It’s been rewarding to be surrounded by bright, young, intelligent people,” says Belanger, who is retiring in December 2010. “I get to watch students leave here and go out and turn the world upside down.” Meanwhile, Sylvia and Brady Kelly are reliving their don roles through their son. They’re sharing with Joel the importance of developing what will likely become lifelong friendships in residence and balancing his social life with academics. “Even though there are a lot more residences and residence staff now, I noticed on Joel’s move-in day that Laurier still has a small university feel,” says Sylvia. “Joel was greeted very warmly by the dons and we were made to feel welcomed. I’m glad to see that hasn’t changed.” ❖

DONS Where are they now? Rob Hums (BA ’93) Little House don (1990-91), Willison don (1991-92), Little House assistant head resident (1992-93), Little House head resident (1993-94) Rob Hums lived in residence the entire time he was at Laurier. “Residence became my home for all of my Laurier years,” he says. “It’s a microcosm of the university experience in terms of the relationships and friendships you develop.” For Hums, those relationships were significant. He met his wife Tina when she came to Laurier to visit her sister Hanne Nielsen (BBA ’89), who was a head resident working with Hums, and his closest friends today are former dons. “Being a don was one of my most powerful life and social experiences,” he says. Hums learned to be a friend, counsellor, mentor and authority figure. “I got to be a friend most of the time, but I needed to be prepared to take on the other roles at any moment.” Today, Hums is an executive development consultant at the State Farm Group, working in Aurora, Ont., and Bloomington, Illinois. He and his wife have two sons: Jaden, 7 and Jensen, 5. Each of them has a former residence-life staff member as a godfather (Chris Dodd ’92 and Brad Carnegie ’93). Earlier this year, Hums and Dodd established the Mike Belanger Residence Life Award, providing financial support for future members of residence life who improve the Laurier experience for students.

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KEEPING in touch

Clockwise from back left: John Taylor, Robert Evans, Rob Evans, Margaret Evans, Cheryl Evans, June Taylor and Sheryl Evans.

Purple and gold family ties When Cheryl Evans (BA ’09) walked across the stage to receive her degree at Laurier’s 2009 spring convocation, she felt not only the satisfaction of balancing part-time studies with a full-time career, but also pride at becoming the seventh person in husband Rob Evans’ (BA ’01) family with ties to the university. The Evans family’s Laurier legacy began in 1938, when Rob’s grandfather, Wellesley Dorland (Don) Evans, arrived at Waterloo College to teach Romance languages, eventually becoming chair of the department. He met wife Margaret two years later when she arrived on campus to teach history and English. Margaret went on to become chair of the history department and dean of women. “My grandparents were 25 per cent of the arts faculty and my grandma was teaching 18 classes a week,” says Rob. With only eight faculty members, their jobs also entailed turning the lights on and off at the university. “It was the early 1940s and there weren’t many women at university. During the war years, as a contribution to the war effort, my grandma also taught women first aid and airplane identification.” When Don passed away in 1954, Rob’s father (the eldest of three children) was only seven years old. “My grandma took in renters, marked extra papers and did everything she could to finish her PhD while teaching and raising three young children,” says Rob. She knew the value of education, and that’s what she passed down to us.” Margaret taught at the university until 1965. She became a renowned historian, authored several award-winning books and papers, and is a dedicated community volunteer. She was recognized as an honorary Laurier alumna in 1997 and received the Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Achievement award in 2008 for her writing and volunteer work. Recently on Robbie Burns Day, she lectured about the settlement of the Scottish in Ontario.

“To this day she’s still revising and writing her own papers,” says Rob. “She likes to keep things current — her mind is brilliant and so active.” In recognition of Margaret’s husband Don, the Evans family established the W.D. Evans Award at Laurier, which is given each year to a French student with high academic achievement in need of financial assistance. Two of the couple’s sons — Rob’s father, Robert (BA ‘67) and his uncle John (BA ’74, MA ’83) — attended Laurier, encouraged by Margaret. A “serial entrepreneur,” the elder Robert went on to launch several successful business before semi-retiring a few years ago. John went on to earn a PhD. Rob’s mother Sheryl (BA ’71) earned her Laurier degree part time and was a teacher before becoming involved in the family businesses. Rob’s parents remain active volunteers in their community. Rob and his wife Cheryl — who met, like his grandparents, on the Laurier campus — have similar names as his parents and were even married on the same date. “It wasn’t planned,” laughs Rob, who says that it also happens to be the same date his wife’s parents were married. Despite his family’s Laurier history, Rob didn’t feel pressure to attend the university. “They were good about letting me decide the best fit for me,” he says. “I chose Laurier because of its reputation, size and location.” In early October, Rob and Cheryl had their first child, Robert Connor MacLaren (who goes by Connor). Rob plans to follow his parents’ lead in impressing the value of higher education on his son, along with the freedom to choose a school. “But if the best path happens to coincide with Laurier’s top programs, it would be kind of cool.” ~ By Lori Chalmers Morrison

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Keeping in touch

1980s Elisabeth (Lisa) Fayt (BA ’84) is an international motivational speaker and author of the book Paving it Forward, which explains that we are already preparing, or pre-paving, our day and life with our thoughts — it is just a matter of making it a conscious and positive process. She is also the owner of RnR Wellness, a Canadian wellness company and spa, and she is a Reiki master. Elisabeth lives in Calgary with her husband and three children. Robert T. Bindner (BBA ’88) is director, North America and Latin America, for Polx-One Corp., working out of its head offices in Cleveland, Ohio, and Huntington Beach, California.

1990s Aaron Furger (BBA ’96) and his wife, Tara, are happy to announce the birth of their third child, Graydon Robert Furger, born Aug. 13, 2009. Aunt Meagan Jarvis (BA ’94) is thrilled to welcome her new nephew. Brian Fretz (BA ’96) and his wife, Amanda, have started their own slide, negative and photo scanning business called PreserveMyPictures. com. Danielle (Vincent) Ganley (BA ’96) married her husband, Paul, in 2008 with several Laurier grads in attendance, including Jody Geddes (’96), Chris Butler, Gail

Emma Anne Ganley

DON’T FORGET

Tong (’96), Michele Johnston (’96), James Darling (’89), Sarah Schell (’95), Jill Napier-Ganley (’95) and Ashlee Ponting (’06). Danielle is an English and drama teacher at Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill. The couple has a daughter, Emma Anne, who was born April 15, 2009 and the family lives in Newmarket. Danielle says: “My Laurier years were some of my greatest and happiest times and I so miss it. I’m always thrilled when I hear that my students are attending Laurier.” Amy Lajoie (BBA ’97) and her husband, Carl Snyder, are happy to announce the birth of their third child, Samuel Joseph. Older siblings Chloe and Jacob are very proud to welcome their new brother. Karen Dearlove (BA ’98) received her master’s degree in history from McMaster University and after successfully defending her dissertation, will receive a PhD in history this fall. Of her Laurier experience, she says: “While I was completing my undergraduate degree at Laurier, several of my professors encouraged me to continue my studies in graduate school. I had my son Malcolm when I was only a year short of completing a combined honours degree in history and classical studies. Despite the difficulties of juggling a young child, work and school, I persisted in my studies.

You only have until December 31st Discover the tax benefit of giving by using our new tax calculator at www.wlu.ca/giving. Donate today to qualify for a 2009 charitable tax receipt.

University Development 519-884-0710 ext. 3172 annualgiving@wlu.ca LAURIER CAMPUS Fall 2009

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WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

keeps you connected

Overseeing the activities of WLUAA is an elected board of alumni, representing a diverse group of faculties and graduating years. They share a passion for ensuring Laurier continues to thrive, and that all alumni have the opportunity to stay connected with each other and remain engaged in university affairs. The association celebrates the accomplishments of Laurier’s graduates, friends, faculty and staff through publications like Campus, and by supporting several awards, including the annual WLUAA Awards of Excellence and the Awards of Merit.

We support the university by providing funding for many significant projects, including $50,000 to help build the new Centre for Cooperative Education and Career Development; a $125,000 contribution for the expansion of Alumni Hall; $200,000 for the library’s Learning Commons; and $500,000 for the upgrading of Alumni Field. These awards, programs and activities are funded through revenues generated through WLUAA’s affinity service program, GradVantages, which provides services from auto, home and life insurance, to a realty and mortgage program, and a credit card program. All of these provide excellent group rates for alumni. We help the students of today with scholarships and funding for special projects and activities. And we help the students of tomorrow by supporting the university’s fundraising efforts.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

AND HOW WE’RE KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

V I S I T

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ALUM-04-0701-09-093 - Fall ‘09 20.10.09

The fact that you’re reading this issue of Campus means you probably know about the Wilfrid Laurier Alumni Association (WLUAA). As a graduate of Laurier, you are automatically a member of WLUAA, which has grown to a community of more than 70,000 alumni around the world.

W W W. L A U R I E R A L U M N I . C A

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KEEPING in touch

Without the firm academic foundation and encouraging faculty at Laurier, I would never have dreamed that I would go on to achieve a doctorate.”

2000s

ALUM-04-0701-09-093 - Fall ‘09 20.10.09

Zak Ozmo (BA ’00) is a London, England-based music director and specialist on early plucked instruments. Along with his period-instrument ensemble, L’Avventura London, he has released a CD called Handel in the Playhouse, which contains a unique collection of previously unrecorded music by composer G.F. Handel. After graduating from Laurier, he obtained a doctorate in early music performance from the University of Southern California, and has performed

Exploring history and identity in cottage country Twelve-year-old Nathan Tidridge silently navigates his canoe through the misty waters of early morning. Ahead, through the fog, the dark shape of an island appears. Tidridge is ecstatic — he has just discovered new land. Tidridge (BA ’03), now a high school history teacher, chronicles these childhood explorations around cottage country in his new self-published book, Beyond Mainland (www. thebookcase.ca, $29.95). As a boy, Tidridge spent his summers at his family’s cottage on Buck Lake in Muskoka. With a desire to escape and explore, he decided to throw out all of his maps and rediscover the region by canoeing the area’s vast system of rivers and lakes. Along the way he detailed his adventures in several journals. “I had a difficult relationship with my stepfather, who died very suddenly when I was young,” says Tidridge. “My canoe was my way to escape.” As a student at Laurier, religion and culture professor Susan Scott encouraged Tidridge to turn the journals into a narrative. “I had fantastic professors who encouraged me to write and gave me the ability to articulate these journals that I didn’t know what to do with,” he says. “Laurier gave me a voice.” The book also delves into the area’s native history. Tidridge learned that Aboriginal Peoples once lived along Buck Lake before being pushed out by settlers. He discovered more by visiting First Nations communities and corresponding with leaders and historians from the area. He shares a story from his book in which an early surveyor shot a doe on an island. The surveyor then took his pen to a map, crossed out the native name, Big Eye Lake, and changed it to Doe Lake. “The book preserves the stories of the many different lives that have left their mark on the area, including my own,” says Tidridge. “It ends with a group of cottagers round a campfire — which is very Canadian.”

as a chamber musician and soloist on instruments such as the Renaissance lute, archlute, theorbo and Baroque guitar.

Is there a LAURIER GRAD that you think should be profiled in

Liz Scott (MBA ’00) was a top-four finalist in the 2009 Ernst & Young Enntrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Her business, Organizational Solutions Inc., helps employers reduce disability and workers’ compensation costs by assisting employees into prompt and appropriate treatment and care. Bryant Sullivan (BA ’00) and his wife Kelly are happy to announce the birth of their first child, Isabelle Monica Sullivan,

Keeping in Touch Email us at stmorrison@wlu.ca LAURIER CAMPUS Fall 2009

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KEEPING in touch

The Real Estate ConneCtion Buy or sell your home or commercial property through our network of Laurier graduates.

GuaRantEEd to savE you monEy! To find a real estate agent in your area go to

www.laurieralumni.ca/realestate

Get with the program

> update your profile

Here’s what you’ve been missing:

YO DATE UR PR UP for a chance OFIL to

> invitations to events and reunions > connect with former classmates > our online Alumni newsletter Alma Matters

HOMECOM ING PACKAGE 2010

> log on to www.laurieralumni.ca

and 36

get connected!

LAURIER CAMPUS Fall 2009

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KEEPING in touch on Sept. 19, 2009 in Oakville, Ont., weighing a healthy 8 lb, 1 oz. Kate Boose (BMus ’01) married Dr. Seth Houwer on July 4, 2009 in Ancaster, Ont. Jan Overduin, Laurier professor emeritus of organ and church music, and Kate’s former teacher, played at the wedding service. The couple lives in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, where Kate is the choral director at a local school. Jennifer Hammond (BA ’01) moved to Edmonton last fall with her two sons Kaleb, 6, and Kohen, 2, to take a job with the provincial government as the program evaluation coordinator for the victims of crime grants program. Tracy (Strutt) Turner (BA ’03) and Kneale Turner (BA ’03) married in Guelph, Ont., on July 18, 2009. The maid of honour, Erin McPhee (BA

’03), and bridesmaid Kim Hoston (BA ’02) were just a few of the many Laurier grads in attendance. The couple lives in Cambridge, Ont. Matt Maccarone (BA ’09), a former Golden Hawk hockey player, suited up for the New York Rangers in a preseason game against the Boston Bruins in September. He recorded two shots in nine minutes of play. Maccarone played in 87 regular season games for the Golden Hawks, scoring 17 goals and 61 points in four seasons. He played 18 games for the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League before receiving his tryout with the Rangers. Three players from Laurier have made it to the National Hockey League, the most recent being Eric Calder who played two games with the Washington Captials in the early 1980s.

In memoriam Edward Richard Daniszewski (MSW ’80) passed away July 28, 2009 following a brief illness at the age of 59. Ed’s social work career included the directorship of 174 King Street North in Waterloo, and senior social worker with the Peel Board of Education with a concurrent private practice in Oakville, Ont. He is survived by daughters Krista

Send your news and photos to alumnaddress@wlu.ca!

Calling all members of the

Class of 2005, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1970! it’s time to celebrate your 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th & 40th reunion!

HOMECOMING 2010

www. laurieralumni.ca/r eu n io n s

We need volunteers to: choose your events, plan the celebration and contact your classmates! to volunteer or for more information about getting involved, visit www.laurieralumni.ca/reunions

interested in planning a reunion not mentioned? We can help! Contact reunion@wlu.ca for more information. LAURIER CAMPUS Fall 2009

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KEEPING in touch

You’re invited to

CARNIVAL DAY as part of

Winter Carnival’s 50th Anniversary Saturday, January 16, 2010 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Waterloo campus EvEnts for alumni & familiEs of all agEs! For more inFormation, contact Krista Korhonen (Coordinator) at wintercarnival@wlusu.com or 519-504-5565 or Visit

www.laurieralumni.ca/wintercarnival

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Keeping in touch and Tamara, and their mother April Gates (MSW ’79). Douglas Strong (’69) passed away suddenly on Sept. 19, 2009 at the age of 63. Shortly after graduating from Waterloo Lutheran University, where he played on the varsity football team, Doug became the first overall pick in the Canadian Football League draft. He spent six outstanding seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Recently, Doug was enjoying his time as a high school football coach and volunteer. He is survived by his three children, Mandy, Courtney and Kyle, and grandchildren.

Do you have a special achievement or life experience you’d like to share with fellow alumni? Tell us about your interesting job, travels, studies or personal milestone. Don’t be shy – send your news and high-resolution photos to Laurier Campus and give us the scoop!

UPCOMING EVENTS Robin Hood St. Jacobs Country Playhouse December 12, 2009

Carnival Day Winter Carnival 50th Anniversary January 16, 2010

Alumni Day at the Children’s Museum

UPCOMING EVENTS January 23, 2010

Alumni Ski Day at Osler Bluff January 29, 2010

Perfect Pairing www.laurieralumni.ca/ February 19, 2010 events

Development Day May 14, 2010

Laurier Golf Classic May 25, 2010

For more information and to register for these events visit: www.laurieralumni.ca/ events

LAURIER CAMPUS Fall 2009

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FlASHback

Photo: Wilfrid Laurier University Archives.

Golden Hawk fans cheer on the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s varsity basketball team as they defeat the Waterloo Warriors 62-59 to win the 1978 West Divisional Championship and qualify for the national finals. The basketball program won seven consecutive provincial titles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and one national championship when

Do you have a photo of your laurier days? Email a high-resolution image to stmorrison@wlu.ca and it could appear in Flashback.

the 1967-68 team defeated the Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Huskies 66-61.

Do you know the students in this photo? Let us know!

LAURIER CAMPUS Fall 2009

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Alumni

Term life insurAnce

The need for life insurance is one of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important lessons. Whatever life brings, make sure the people who count on you will be well taken care of. With your Alumni Term Life Insurance plan, you may give your loved ones the financial security to continue living the life you dreamed of for them, no matter what. Call us at 1 888 913-6333 or e-mail am_service@manulife.com Underwritten by:

What will life teach you?

manulife.com/lauriermag The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company

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GROUP HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE for members of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association

Request a quote and you could

PROTECTION MADE EASY... GROUP RATES MADE EASIER! As a member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association, you can save on your home and auto insurance through preferred group rates, while enjoying high-quality insurance products and outstanding service. As the leading provider of group home and auto insurance, we offer a wide range of innovative products, so you are sure to get the coverage that is right for your particular needs…and the peace of mind that goes with it!

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1 866 352 6187 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Insurance program recommended by

Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. *No purchase required. Contest ends on January 16, 2010. Skill-testing question required. Contest open to members of all Eligible groups who benefit from group rates from the Organizers. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Trips to be organized by the winners. Complete contest rules available at www.melochemonnex.com. Meloche Monnex is a trade-mark of Meloche Monnex Inc., used under license. TD Insurance is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license.

E-MM7977-09_MMI (8.25x9.75)•wlu_EN.indd 1

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Projet : Annonce MMI 2009

Province : Ontario

Client : Meloche Monnex

Publication : Laurier Campus

No de dossier : E-MM7977-09_MMI (8.25x9.75)•wlu_EN

Format : 8.25 x 9.75 Couleur : 4 couleurs

Épreuve # : 2 Date de tombée : 21/10/09 Graphiste : Marie-Josée Proulx 11/9/09 11:22:30 AM