CAMPUS | COMMUNITY | CONNECTIONS
Wilfrid Laurier University • December 2008 VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008
5
7
Meet Sandra Castellanos, administrative assistant, volunteer and master of time management.
Laurier stages successful criticalincident exercise
CAMPUS | COMMUNITY | CONNECTIONS
Arthur Stephen says goodbye to university life after a distinguished 35-year career at Laurier.
8
Laurier celebrates fall convocation and grants more than 1,000 degrees.
VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008
University, emergency personnel rehearse lockdown procedures monitor and hearing gunshots fired inside the residence, the Laurier Special Constable Laurier’s student dispatchers Service alerted the Waterloo noticed him on the security | | COMMUNITY CAMPUS CONNECTIONS Regional Police, which assigned monitors immediately — a man its tactical team to address the walking towards the Willison Hall residence carrying a shotgun. situation. Laurier’s Emergency Operations Group convened The armed intruder, played by a Waterloo Regional Police officer, and was called upon to make decisions in partnership with was part of a critical-incident the police department’s incident exercise held Nov. 26 to rehearse commander. Laurier’s Emergency Response Plan and lockdown procedures. Over the course of the morning, police rescued “students” (who The exercise’s scenario were played by volunteer Laurier involved the police officer residence dons) from inside playing the role of a residence Willison Hall, while the Region don who was fired from his of Waterloo Emergency Medical job. Returning to seek revenge, Service treated “wounded” he forces his way into Willison residents. Internal emergency Hall, seeks out his ex-girlfriend (played by a fellow police officer) procedures, including communications, were also tested. and holds her hostage. Laurier is only the second The event unfolded in real time. After seeing the man on the university in Ontario to carry By Mallory O’Brien
Board of Governors approves new vision statement By Kevin Crowley After 12 months of research, discussion and consultation, Wilfrid Laurier University has a new vision to guide its development over the next 30 years. The university Board of Governors has approved a new vision statement and a new mission statement, as well as related statements of shared values and guiding principles. Senate endorsed a draft version of the statements earlier and suggested changes in wording that were incorporated into the final documents approved by the Board at a meeting on Nov. 20. “I am delighted with the outcome of the visioning process,”
Laurier’s vision statement: “Our commitment is to justice and sustainability now and in the future, so we strive to ignite the minds, spirits and hearts of our communities through excellence in teaching and learning, in the discovery, scholarly exploration, and application of new ideas, and in instilling the courage to engage and challenge the world in all its complexity.”
said Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw. “Laurier has undergone rapid growth and change over the past decade. This vision VISION STATEMENT see page 2
Photo: Tomasz Adamski
VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008 Photo captions can go in here
Waterloo Regional Police officers guard the back entrance of Willison Hall, while “rescued” students look on during Laurier’s lockdown exercise.
out a lockdown exercise, and the event attracted observers from Humber College, Seneca College and the Toronto Police Service. “We were very impressed with this exercise and that Laurier took the initiative to put this together,” said Waterloo Regional Police Supt. Brian Larkin. The exercise ended successfully around the noon hour, and university, police and emergency services personnel gathered to
evaluate the event. “We take the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and faculty very seriously,” said Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw. “Training exercises of all types are important. We learned a great deal from this one and are delighted that we did it. We had people from other universities and colleges here today to learn from our experiences, so this has been an extended learning exercise for
quite a few institutions.” The debriefing information will be used to help Laurier continue to improve its emergency response procedures. The exercise was also a chance to spread awareness of Laurier’s Emergency Response Plan and lockdown procedures to the university community, which was encouraged to review and practice the lockdown steps during the exercise.
Laurier holds townhall meetings to discuss financial challenges By Kevin Crowley Like other universities across Ontario, Wilfrid Laurier University is facing serious economic challenges as the extraordinary downturn in global financial markets aggravates existing issues with the university’s pension fund and government funding. In a series of townhall meetings and presentations, Laurier’s vicepresident: finance and administration Jim Butler explained the major issues. They include: • Laurier’s pension fund. The main concerns involve negative investment returns caused by the severe downturn in financial markets, and provincial solvency regulations that require the university to make large special payments to the fund in addition
to regular contributions. • An ongoing structural deficit in the university’s operating budget, which is related to the timing and uncertainty of annual government funding. • The university’s endowment fund, which supports bursaries and scholarships, has shrunk as a result of the negative financial markets. • Insufficient government funding for building and infrastructure maintenance, known as capital facilities renewal. “All universities in Ontario are facing similar challenges,” said Butler. “Nonetheless, the situation at Laurier is serious and some difficult decisions will have to be made. As a university community, we all need to be aware of the severity of these challenges and the need to address them.”
The university is examining options for dealing with the financial challenges. It has already begun implementing a 0.5 percent budget reduction that was approved last spring in the 2008-09 operating budget. It is considering additional measures for 2009-10. In his townhall meetings, Butler said one of the most pressing financial challenges for Laurier and other universities involves pension fund regulations. The recent meltdown in financial markets has drastically reduced the investment portfolios of most organizations and individuals. Laurier’s pension fund has lost more than $51 million this year, and is down nearly 19 percent to TOWNHALL see page 2
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
December 2008
president’s message
VISION STATEMENT continued
New vision reflects Laurier community Our commitment is to justice and sustainability now and in the future, so we strive to ignite the minds, spirits and hearts of our communities through excellence in teaching and learning, in the discovery, scholarly exploration, and application of new ideas, and in instilling the courage to engage and challenge the world in all its complexity. Laurier’s Vision Statement An organization as large and complex as a university can lumber along on momentum for quite some time. But to remain vibrant, to adapt successfully to change, to ensure that growth is strategic and constructive, any organization requires a clear vision of what it is and what it wishes to become. It was with this in mind that I proposed the Envisioning Laurier initiative 12 months ago. For the process to be successful, I felt it was essential that it be led by the Laurier community and that it be inclusive and widely consultative. I am delighted to report that after a year of research, consultation and discussion, Laurier has a clear vision that will serve to guide the university forward through the coming decades. It was proposed by the Senate Envisioning Committee, discussed and endorsed by members of Senate, and given final approval by the Board of Governors. Laurier’s new vision consists TOWNHALL continued
$225.3 million as of Oct. 31. Such losses have aggravated a general challenge facing Ontario university pension funds. Provincial “solvency funding rules” treat universities like private-sector companies, requiring them to maintain enough money in their pension funds to pay out all of their pension obligations in the unlikely event that a university suddenly goes out of business. Like other pension sponsors, Laurier is required to file an actuarial valuation of its pension plan every three
to develop a vision statement to guide the future direction of the university over the next 30 years. From the start, Blouw stressed the importance of giving ownership of the initiative to the Laurier community. He asked that a special committee of Senate be struck, with representation from faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Board of Governors, to decide how best to solicit input and recommend a vision statement and an accompanying statement of values and principles.
statement, along with the consultation and collaboration that have gone into it, will provide an enduring guide as we chart our way forward while striving to preserve Laurier’s core strengths, values and principles. “I would like to thank everyone who participated,” he continued. “We kept to the timelines set out 12 months ago and, while it may have seemed at times like a long process, I believe that the investment in time and effort will yield long-term benefits for the entire Laurier community.” Dr. Theresa Libby and Photo: Tomasz Adamski Dr. Blouw shares a laugh with bedel Dr. Andrew Lyons at the Dr. Mary-Louise Byrne, who afternoon ceremony of fall convocation. co-chaired the Senate committee went into its development. I want of four components: a succinct that oversaw the visioning to thank all who contributed time, initiative, said the consultation vision statement; a mission The Senate Envisioning thoughts and opinions. Your statement; a statement of values; process clearly indicated that involvement has made the end and a set of guiding principles. people value Laurier’s rich Laurier Committee was launched product a much stronger and Taken together, they provide the sense of community and its in November 2007 with instrucvaluable resource. It also reflects university with a clear sense of commitment to the relationship tions to report back with a and reinforces the importance what we value as a community between teaching, scholarship recommendation by November that this university places and as an organization dedicated and research. 2008. Over the past 12 months, on “community,” a concept to teaching, scholarship and “The new vision statement is a the committee solicited opinions that was so strongly endorsed research. These statements also reflection of the importance we and encouraged discussion in throughout the consultation and acknowledge the university’s all place on Laurier’s sense of numerous ways, from surveys to research. The information that rich heritage while providing community and our willingness workshops and an online forum. has been gathered to form the an overarching framework that to be involved in ensuring The committee was assisted by vision document will continue to will guide us in developing the the long-term success of our The Strategic Counsel, a national enrich and inform us as we make strategic plans needed to lead the university,” said Libby. market-research firm that carried immediate day-to-day plans and university forward. Accordingly, Blouw said the vision out a comprehensive research decisions. I have asked all functional areas statement must be seen as an project for the university It is now time to move on, within the university to use this over-arching guide rather than between April and November. equipped with a clear vision and new vision to make choices as a specific action plan. The next The resulting information the information on which it was they create strategic plans for the step is to use the vision as a assisted the Senate committee in founded, to embrace the many immediate future. guide to immediate strategic developing a vision statement challenges and opportunities I am very pleased with the planning. and it established benchmarking that lie ahead for this wonderful content of the vision statements, Blouw launched the visioning data that can be used to measure university. but I am equally impressed with initiative in fall 2007 after first the university’s progress toward Dr. Max Blouw seeking a mandate from the the level of participation, collegigoals that will eventually flow President and Vice-Chancellor Board of Governors. The aim of ality and collective goodwill that from the vision statement. the consultative project was to The full visioning document, assess the effects of rapid growth including mission statement, years. Preliminary projections the issue, said Butler. of the university over the past shared values and guiding from the university’s actuary “This is not a cash-flow issue; decade, to identify Laurier’s principles, can be found at www. show a substantial decrease we have enough money in the core values and strengths, and wlu.ca/envisioning. in the funded status of the pension fund to pay today’s plan, primarily due to poor retirees,” he said. “It’s a question investment returns. This shortfall of what is a reasonable amount Correction: In the November issue of InsideLaurier, we misidentified the winner of the will require Laurier to make to keep in the fund, given that Best Chili prize in the United Way Chili Cook-off. The winner was Laurier International very large special payments over Ontario universities are stable with chili made by Waleed Hafeez. a five-year period, in addition public-sector employers that are to the millions the university not suddenly going to become already provides in regular insolvent and shut down.” annual contributions. The Council of Ontario These additional payments will Universities continues to lobby the provincial government for significantly impact the univerrelief from the most onerous sity’s operating budget. The aspects of the solvency rules. university is engaged in a contingency planning process with the Laurier will provide further Email: insidelaurier@wlu.ca Board of Governors’ finance and updates as appropriate, Butler investment Committee to address said.
Send us your news, events & stories
Deadline for submissions: December 17
InsideLaurier is published by The Department of Public Affairs Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5
InsideLaurier Volume 1, Number 7, December 2008 Editor: Stacey Morrison Assistant Editor: Lori Chalmers Morrison Design: Erin Steed Contributors: Tomasz Adamski, Erin Almeida, Kevin Crowley, Mallory O’Brien, Dean Palmer, Mike Whitehouse
All submissions are appreciated, however not all submissions will be published. We reserve the right to edit all copy for accuracy, content and length.
InsideLaurier welcomes your comments and suggestions for stories. Tel: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3341 | Fax: (519) 884-8848 Email: insidelaurier@wlu.ca InsideLaurier (circ. 2,000) is published nine times a year by the Department of Public Affairs. Opinions expressed in InsideLaurier do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the university’s administration.
Next issue of CAMPUS | CONNECTIONS | COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS | COMMUNITY | CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008
Printed on recycled paper.
January 2009 2
CAMPUS | COMMUNITY | CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS | CONNECTIONS | COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008
December 2008
Laurier graduates over 1,000 students at fall convocation Wilfrid Laurier University bestowed 1,008 degrees and diplomas during fall convocation October 31. The university conferred 276 graduate degrees, 715 undergraduate degrees and 17 diplomas. Businessman and philanthropist Michael Lee-Chin, and environmental activist Sheila Watt-Cloutier received honorary Doctor of Law degrees. Laurier psychology professor Dr. Eileen Wood was also recognized with the 2008-09 University Research Professor Award, and Chi-Hang Kent Lam, who received a Doctor
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
What’s new and notable at Laurier
of Philosophy in Psychology, was this year’s recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal. Laurier Brantford’s Relay for Life raises over $35,000 Laurier Brantford’s secondannual Relay for Life fundraiser for cancer research raised over $35,000, more than $10,000 over its target goal. Over 280 staff, faculty and students braved a cold October night and walked the perimeter of Brantford’s Victoria Park for 12 hours. The park was lined with luminaries, each bearing a message of remembrance or inspiration. “I am thrilled with the response that we received,”
Participants in Laurier Brantford’s Relay for Life raised over $35,000.
said Greg Stewart, coordinator of recreation and programs at Laurier Brantford. “When the goal of $25,000 was set, from the positive reaction we received, it was clear that we would have no problem surpassing that number.” Participation for this year’s event was up more than 270 percent. In two years, Laurier Brantford has donated more than $56,000 to the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. Maclean’s ranks Laurier first in its category in Ontario Wilfrid Laurier University has again earned top marks in the annual Maclean’s ranking of Canadian universities, rising to first in Ontario and fifth in the country among primarily undergraduate universities. Laurier placed in the top three in its category nationally for highest quality and innovation, and remained in the top four for reputation. “We are delighted with Laurier’s overall showing and its continued improvement,” said Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw. “These results are a clear indication that Laurier provides students with an excellent university experience. Laurier will continue to be a university that strives for academic excellence, an exceptional student experience, and unrivalled community spirit.”
In other key rankings in the primarily undergraduate category, Laurier improved in Library Acquisitions and
Spending, and it placed third for Medical/Science grants, third for Scholarship/Bursaries, and sixth for Social Sciences and Humanities grants. In terms of student satisfaction measures reported in the rankings issue, the university was third overall in the 2007 Canadian Undergraduate Survey Consortium in satisfaction with quality of teaching and satisfaction with decision to attend Laurier. In the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), both first- and senior-year students ranked Laurier higher than the NSSE 2007 average on their entire educational experience.
Laurier Reads author Joseph Boyden wins Giller Prize Canadian author Joseph Boyden has won the prestigious 2008 Scotiabank Giller Prize for his novel, Through Black Spruce. In October the book was chosen as this year’s Laurier Reads selection, and Boyden visited the Waterloo campus to read from the novel. A portrait of aboriginal life and the family struggles that ensue after a beautiful young woman goes missing, Through Black Spruce is Boyden’s second novel. Boyden has Irish, Scottish and Métis roots, and he writes about Canada and First Nations people. The $41,000 Giller Prize honours the best in Canadian fiction. This year’s judges included writer Margaret Atwood and politician Bob Rae.
Photo: Miriam Berkley
NEWS
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Laurier Reads author Joseph Boyden won the 2008 Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Family ties at Laurier
The sound of a lonely bugle playing Last Post echoed through the halls of the Arts building on Remembrance Day as business professor Dr. Mark Baetz stopped by the commemorative plaque honouring students of Waterloo College who served during the Second World War. His father’s name, Reuben Baetz, is engraved on the plaque. He was one of the students who, as the inscription reads, “daring to die, survived.” Baetz’s family history with Wilfrid Laurier University goes back even further, however. His grandfather, Harry William Baetz, also attended Laurier when it was Waterloo College. Harry’s class, comprised of only six students, was the first to graduate from Waterloo College after it became affiliated with the University of Western Ontario. On May 27, 1927, graduation ceremonies were held in London, Ontario, for the
85 graduands of Western and its affiliated colleges. Harry graduated near the top of the class that year, achieving second place. He went on to graduate from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in 1929. During Laurier’s 2008 fall convocation ceremonies, Mark Baetz donned his father’s
involvement,” says Baetz. “Laurier originated as a religious institution, but the philosophy of helping others has been embedded in our history all along.” An active volunteer, Baetz says his father was a role model who was very involved in community service. After graduating from Waterloo College in 1947, Reuben Baetz travelled to Switzerland
Harry Baetz, in white sweater, with classmates.
robes and carried the mace as bedel. He says convocation is an important time for students to reflect on how their values have changed, and how they can continue to uphold those values after they graduate. “What I love about Laurier is how we value the community, volunteering and student
Reuben Baetz, left.
in the 1950s with the World Council of Churches to help resettle thousands of refugees of the Second World War. He also worked with the Canadian Red Cross, travelling all over the world to help others, including the victims of the
Dr. Mark Baetz carries the mace at the morning ceremony of fall convocation.
Congo Crisis in the 1960s. Reuben also continued to be a member of the university community, sitting on the Board of Governors in the 1960s and receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the newly renamed Wilfrid Laurier University in 1977. Mark Baetz has been a professor at Laurier for 28 years. He joined the university in 1980, the same year the Peters Building opened. His wife Jeanie also attended Laurier, graduating with a Master’s in Music Therapy. Baetz, who plays keyboard in two rock ‘n’ roll bands, says that music is what brought them together — they met at a piano competition
in Ottawa when he was just 14. The couple’s two daughters, Kristin and Julie, are also graduates of the university, marking four generations of the Baetz family who hold degrees from Laurier. Even though he received a BA from the University of Toronto and an MBA and PhD from the University of Western Ontario, Baetz doesn’t feel like the odd man out in his family. “Since Western was a part of Laurier and its history, I really do feel like a graduate of this institution in an indirect way,” he says. “When you are a part of a university, you are part of a community that is much, much larger.” 3
Photos: Laurier: A Photographic History
By Mallory O’Brien
Photo: Tomasz Adamski
Dr. Mark Baetz has an 80-year connection with the university
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
December 2008
people at laurier
Ginny Dybenko. dean of Laurier’s School of Business & Economics, has been named to the prestigious Top 100 listing of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for 2008. The list is selected by an independent advisory board on behalf of the Women’s Executive Network, a Toronto-based organization dedicated to the advancement of executive-minded women in the workplace.
New appointments: Dwayne Bereziuk, technical support specialist, Laurier Brantford.
For a complete list of announcements visit www.wlu.ca/hr
maintenance, Laurier Brantford. Laura Cannon, part-time food service associate.
assistant (reproductive endocrinology and ecotoxicology), Biology.
Mary Schkura, food services associate, Dining Hall. Isabelle Sirois, custodian.
Cheryl Dietrich, MBA marketing coordinator, SBE.
Vanessa McMackin, administrative assistant/battlefield tours coordinator, LCMSDS.
Jennifer Eisenmenger, food service associate, Dining Hall.
Patrick McMahon, kitchen and catering manager, WLUSU.
Barbara Stevenson, custodian. Matthew Swiech, food court kitchen manager, WLUSU. Robert Verth, custodian.
Jennifer Hicks, employment consultant/resource assistant. Laurier Brantford. Kate Hyde, financial services administrator. Anna Izzard, custodial/maintenance, Laurier Brantford. Tania John, annual giving officer, University Development. Brendan Knight, research
Alyssa Openshaw, part-time food services associate.
Changes in staff appointments:
Philip Raats, part-time food services associate, Dining Hall.
Nicole Boumans, research assistant, DFA Projects.
Dorota Rams, human resources assistant, HR.
Donna Evers, financial and biographical assistant, Advancement.
Carol Rehill, nurse, Health Services.
Dan Robert comes to Laurier from the Canadian Cancer society where he managed all aspects of the volunteer cycle for a group of more than 3,500 volunteers. He also successfully executed three Relay for Life events raising more than $1.2 million in 2008. A Laurier alumnus, Robert served as Students’ Union president in 2005/2006. Robert’s position at Laurier is development officer in University Development.
Lacrosse, soccer teams win provincial titles
Photo: Mike Whitehouse
The women’s lacrosse team celebrates its OUA championship.
the program’s seventh provincial championship. The win was the fourth consecutive gold medal match for the two teams, which have met in each of the championship games since 2005. “We were able to adjust and play the game we wanted, and eventually hold up the OUA banner,” said head coach Lynn Orth. After capturing provincial soccer titles in late October — the fourth OUA banner for the men, and the first for the women’s team since 1995 — the men’s and women’s soccer teams advanced to the nationals. After losing a close 1-0 quarter-final match to the Trinity Western Spartans, the men moved to the consolation semifinals where they fell to the Carleton Ravens. They finished the tournament in fifth place. The women defeated the Ottawa Gee Gees in the consolation final, also giving them a fifth-place finish. “It’s a good way to end the season,” said team co-captain Sara Hopper. “We wish we could have finished higher, but it is incredible to be here.”
Envisioning Laurier photo contest winner
Cailtin Mackenzie, customer service: transcript and document specialist.
Julie Way, food service associate, Dining Hall.
Tiffany Pinksen, part-time food service associate, Dining Hall.
Daniel Boskovic, custodial/
The Wilfrid Laurier women’s lacrosse team has claimed its sixth consecutive provincial banner, while the men’s and women’s soccer teams took the gold in Ontario University Athletics play and advanced to the nationals. The women’s lacrosse team defeated the Queen’s Gaels 12-5 at University Stadium to win
Carol Kego, coordinator: interior design and renovation, Physical Resources.
Elaine Frey, archieves assistant/ associate cataloguer, Library.
Tamara Maertens, special constable, Laurier Brantford.
Andrew Moase, technical operations coordinator. Andrew Piticco, manager, Student Leadership Centre.
Patrycja Gadomski, events coordinator, SBE.
Retirements:
Wendy Harris, administrative assistant 2, English and Film Studies.
Nickie Hurkens-Huff is retiring at the end of December after 19 years at Laurier.
Do you have a professional or personal milestone to share with the Laurier community? Email your announcement and photo to insidelaurier@wlu.ca.
What are you reading
?
Name: Laurie Lahn Job Title: Marketing Manager, Cooperative Education Book Title: The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life Author: Alice Schroeder
What are you reading
?
What are you listening to?
I am reading the new Warren Buffet biography The Snowball. It is a well-written and detailed account of his famous (and very successful) investing approach. It is particularly timely, since Buffet has long predicted a financial crisis like the one we are now witnessing. I expect it to be a very illuminating read for anyone who wants to make sense of the financial situation we find ourselves in today.
What are you listening to? Name: Marnie Morrow Job Title: Coordinator, Continuing Education, Faculty of Social Work Alumni Relations and Field Specialist CD Title: The Prayer Circle Artist: Jonathon Elias
Laurier computer science student Flavius Rusu is the winner of the Envisioning Laurier photo contest with his shot of Alumni Field, entitled On the Field. The winning photo was selected through an online vote that was open to the entire Laurier community. The top 10 photographs are on display in the foyer of the Maureen Forrester Recital Hall.
4
This is a series of nine adagio choral prayers performed by an array of artists from a variety of cultures and countries. They sing in languages that include Urdu, Hebrew, Dwala, Swahili, as well as English and northern European languages. The music invites the listener’s attention, in gentle and harmonious gestures. I enjoy the waves of passion and serenity, questioning and acceptance that are part of each piece.
December 2008 coffee with a co-worker
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
A look at staff and faculty across campus
Working to give back Name: Sandra Castellanos Job: Administrative assistant: Organizational Behaviour/ Human Resource Management & Accounting area, School of Business & Economics. Photo: Lori Chalmers Morrison
Where you can find her: In the Schlegel Centre, office 2201, or in the WLUSA boardroom. How she takes her coffee: I drink tea. As Jean Luc Picard would say, “Earl Gray — hot.” When she’s not at her desk in the Schlegel Centre, WLUSA president Sandra Castellanos can often be found in the association’s boardroom.
How long have you been at Laurier? Eleven years — all with the School of Business & Economics.
the iceberg in terms of your Laurier involvement. What else do you do?
I’ve also been the co-chair of Laurier’s United Way campaign since 2003 and involved with the organization since 2001. Sometimes it’s difficult to get the word out. We need more volunteers! The cornerstone of the campaign is Wally Pirker. I’m also a member of Laurier’s Joint Job Evaluation Committee. And outside of the university, I’m a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a community service sorority.
But your job is just the tip of
I’m the WLUSA president. I’ve been involved with WLUSA since I first came on campus. I enjoy the challenge and interacting with different members of the Laurier community. I’m also the operations manager of Peace for All International, a charity aiding residents of Northern Uganda started by Uganda native and Laurier alumnus Ayiko Solomon. I coordinate the logistics of what all of the volunteers are doing.
coming Events
For a complete list of events visit www.wlu.ca/events
What does your job involve? I’m the assistant to 35 full-time faculty and 20 contract academic staff per term. I look after administration, teaching evaluations, exam preparations, course outlines, websites — anything you can imagine! I love being busy.
Laurier Toy Drive When: Until Dec. 18 Where: Accounts Payable, 202 Regina Street, Waterloo Help spread the holiday cheer by participating in Laurier’s fifth-annual toy drive. Drop a new, unwrapped and non-violent toy for children up to the age of 15 at Laurier’s Account’s Payable office. For more information, contact Sarah Wilkinson at swilkins@wlu.ca. Wonders of Winter When: Dec. 1 – Jan. 4 Where: Waterloo Park Cost: Free (donations appreciated) Take an evening stroll through Waterloo Park and enjoy more than 80 displays and over 100,000 lights. For more information visit www.wondersofwinter.ca. Economics Visiting Speaker Series: Human Capital Prices, Productivity and Growth When: Dec. 8 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Where: SBE2260 Cost: Free Dr. Audra J. Bowlus from the University of Western Ontario, Department of Economics will be the guest speaker.
The Staff Disciplinary Process When: Dec. 10 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Paul Martin Centre * Open to managers only This lunch and learn session will help managers understand the purpose and steps involved in the staff disciplinary process. To register, visit www.wlu.ca/ilovemyjob and click on the Lunch and Learn Workshops link. MBA Information Sessions When: Dec. 10 & Dec. 11 5:30 p.m. Where: Waterloo campus, SBE 2260 (Dec. 10) & Cambridge Holiday Inn (Dec. 11) Thinking of furthering your education? Attend an MBA information session to learn about the options Laurier offers. ACUNS Lecture Series — The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 60: How far have we come? How far to go? When: Dec. 10 7 p.m. Where: Paul Martin Centre Cost: Free RSVP To Brenda Burns at bburns@wlu.ca. Panelists Paul Heinbecker, CIGI Distinguished Fellow; Rhoda Howard-Hassmann, Canada Research Chair in International Human Rights; and Ramesh Thakur, director of the Balsillie
What inspired you to become so involved? I’ve been this way since I
School of International Affairs will discuss the successes/ failures of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Christmas Holidays — UNIVERSITY CLOSED When: Dec. 25 – Jan. 5 Women’s Hockey: Laurier Golden Hawks vs. Bluewater Junior Hawks When: Dec. 28 7:30 p.m. Where: Sunlife Financial Arena, Waterloo Recreation Complex Cheer on the women’s hockey team as they face-off against the Bluewater Junior Hawks in exhibition play.
was a child. I can’t be one of those people that keeps quiet when someone’s asking for a volunteer. I find my hand going up. What do you gain from your volunteer involvement? So many things. Knowledge, experience, a better understanding of how the Laurier community really is a community rather than an institution. No one works in a silo. Everyone is interdependent and deserves each other’s respect. Giving back is the only way I’m happy. When I focus
on other people and other things then I feel like myself. How do you find the time? I do find it challenging, but I make it a priority to get it done. What else can you tell me about yourself? I’m recently engaged. When I met Charles, the first thing he said was that he had his own organization working with orphans in Uganda. It was a perfect fit! Lori Chalmers Morrison
Safe travel tips There’s nothing like getting away to a warm and sunny destination to help beat the winter blahs. Here are a few tips to help make sure your travels are safe: • Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. • Wash your hands often with soap or a sanitizing agent while travelling, especially before eating or drinking.
• Do not walk alone in remote areas, back streets or beaches. Valuables should be left at home or deposited in hotel safes. • Travellers cheques, cash and passports should not be carried in a bag that can be snatched. Use a body belt. Adapted from information provided by Health Canada. For details, visit www. hc-sc.gc.ca.
• Practice sun safety and always apply sunblock with a minimum SPF of 15. • Drink purified water or commercially bottled beverages, and pasteurized milk.
Music at Noon When: Jan. 6 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Maureen Forrester Recital Hall Cost: Free Enjoy your lunch as Glenn Buhr performs on piano. Managing Student Staff When: Jan, 14 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Paul Martin Centre Join experts from across campus who have experience managing students to learn the tricks of the trade. Student development theory, as well as the student pay policy will also be discussed. To register, visit www.wlu.ca/ilovemyjob. 5
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
December 2008
Students raise money for GuluWalk Laurier thanks Fundraising efforts rank sixth in the world donors on National Philanthropy Day children in Uganda.” Hron’s students also read testimonials from child soldiers and watched a documentary about rehabilitation in the Gulu region. “The book enabled students to imagine the effects of soldiering, while the film made them realize the huge positive impact of their fundraising,” says Hron. “Hands-on activism is a great complement to literary and film studies, as it engages students in a different way.” Hron further challenges students by asking them to undertake individual activism projects.
Team WLU 4 GULU, led by Dr. Madelaine Hron, front row centre, raised over $4,000 for GuluWalk.
By Mallory O’Brien Do you work with a colleague who encompasses the Laurier spirit and inspires others? Do you want to recognize a faculty member who provides exemplary support for his or her students? The WLU Alumni Association is looking for nominations for its 2009 Alumni Awards of Excellence, a program that recognizes alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university who have made significant contributions to the Laurier community. “The awards are a great way to recognize those within your department that serve as an example for all other Laurier employees through their dedication and contributions to our institution,” says Tom Berczi, president of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association. “We have awarded some truly amazing individuals in the past and look forward to recognizing the achievements of the many more whose wonderful work deserves our acknowledgement and appreciation.” Past winners have contributed to Laurier in many different ways, including developing and shaping program curriculums, 6
going above and beyond to mentor students, and volunteering their time to establish new fundraising initiatives. There are five awards within the program: Alumna/us of the Year, Honorary Alumna/us, the Faculty Mentorship Award, the Hoffman-Little Award for Faculty and the Schaus Award for Staff. Nominees for the faculty and staff awards can be current or retired employees. In addition to recognizing the outstanding contributions nominees have made to the university and the community at large, each award has a specific set of criteria that can be viewed at www.laurieralumni.ca/award. Nomination forms can also be downloaded from this website. The deadline for nominations is January 30, 2009. 2008 Alumni Awards of Excellence winners: Alumnus of the Year: Sonny Kumpf Honorary Alumna: Mary D’Alton Faculty Mentorship Award: Dr. Edward Wang Hoffman-Little Award for Faculty: Dr. Bill McTeer Schaus Award for Staff: Arthur Stephen
Wilfrid Laurier University celebrated National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15 by thanking its many donors for their continued support. National Philanthropy Day recognizes and pays tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy — and those people active in the philanthropic community — have made to our lives, our communities and our world. “Every day, we are touched by those who choose to give to Laurier,” said university president Dr. Max Blouw. “Our donors’ investment in Laurier is helping to build a bright and exciting future for our vibrant university and for the
thousands of students who study here.” A remarkable network of caring and giving individuals champion Wilfrid Laurier University — from corporations and foundations, to Laurier parents and alumni. In the wider community, Laurier students are well-known for their willingness to volunteer their time to support a good cause. Meanwhile, on Laurier campuses, staff, faculty and retirees donate annually to help the university meet its fundraising goals. United by the spirit of philanthropy and inspired to give back, together we are making our community a better place to work, learn and grow.
These Laurier students have benefited from philanthropic gifts — each has received a scholarship. From left: Ryan Perillo, Negar Shayangogani, Jason Parks, Sanja Brankovic, Vanessa Bailey, Babatunde Akinniyi, Denise Garneau and Kyla Michael.
Laurier Day welcomes students, parents
Photo: Mallory O’Brien
Nominate a colleague for an Alumni Award of Excellence
By Erin Almeida
(Back l-r): Student Jeremy Walsh, Dr. Stephen Perry and Dr. Michael Cinelli talk to high-school students and parents about Laurier’s KPE program at the Arts and Science Information Fair at the Waterloo campus’ Laurier Day.
This month in history: what happened in December? December 1, 1955: The birth of the modern American civil rights movement started when Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat on a municipal bus to a white man. December 3, 1967: The first successful heart transplant occurred in Cape Town, South Africa. The patient lived for 18 days. December 3, 2005: Wilfrid Laurier University won its second Vanier Cup, defeating the Saskatchewan Huskies 24-23. Laurier’s first Cup victory was in 1991. December 15, 1964: Canada adopted a new national flag, featuring the red maple leaf on a white background. December 27, 1956: Charles Darwin departed from Plymouth, England, aboard the HMS Beagle on his five-year, global scientific expedition.
Photo: Mike Whitehouse
two years ago, when students learned about the thousands of children in Northern Ugandan A third-year English class has refugee camps who walk miles raised over $4,000 for GuluWalk, each night to avoid abduction a global event that supports by the Lord’s Resistance Army, abandoned children in Northern which forces them to become Uganda. child soldiers and sex slaves. Team WLU 4 GULU, led by The walk raises funds to rehabilprofessor Dr. Madelaine Hron, itate and create safe shelters for comprised of students from her Global Issues and Contemporary children. “We not only become aware of Forms class. human rights issues in class, but Thousands of people in more we’re also asked to think about than 16 countries participated how we can bring about change, in this year’s walk. Laurier’s even if it is in the smallest way,” fundraising efforts ranked 6th in says student Amanda St. Marie. the world. “It’s very gratifying to think Hron’s classes began particiour class may have saved 40 pating in the international event By Lori Chalmers Morrison
December 2008
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
Arthur Stephen retires after 35 years at Laurier From admissions officer to senior administrator, he has touched all aspects of the university Arthur Stephen is well known for his unfailingly clear vision for Laurier. It is what motivated him to enhance the university’s brand and work tirelessly to build its reputation. So it might surprise many to know that it was Stephen’s poor eyesight that set him on the path to his 35-year career at Laurier. If not for Stephen’s weak sight, the award-winning university administrator might still be a cartographic surveyor in Scotland or he may have passed the Navy’s vision test and spent his life at sea. Instead, the then 20-year-old from a dairy farm in a village outside of Perth, Scotland, embarked on an adventure to Canada in 1966 that eventually brought him to Laurier. Now on the eve of his retirement, the special advisor to the president and decade-long vice-president: university advancement is getting ready to say good-bye to the “delightful” corner office in Alumni Hall that he calls his second home. “I will miss this,” says Stephen, relaxing in his armchair. “But it’s time.” president: university “This” is more than just his advancement in 1997, Stephen office. was overseeing public affairs Over the course of his career, and publications, student Stephen has climbed the ranks from admissions officer to senior recruitment, alumni relations and development. administration and has reported Along the way, he developed to five university presidents. innovative recruitment Along the way, he used his methods that were respected keen eye for talent to nurture and emulated by other instituand mentor others and develop tions and created recruitment long-term relationships. materials that leveraged events It’s something that stood such as the launch of the co-op out for Laurier president Dr. business program in 1976. He Max Blouw when he arrived at continually pushed for change Laurier in 2007. by championing landmark “I quickly came to rely on initiatives like the move towards Arthur for advice about issues, higher admissions standards. history, context, politics, policies “Arthur led the charge to and procedures, other univerconsciously crank up the student sities and, most important, quality and not worry so much about people,” says Blouw. “It about the numbers,” says former seems that Arthur knows president Dr. Bob Rosehart. thousands of people, he enjoys “Laurier moved into the upper them all, and they all respond tier in terms of perception and to him in the most positive and the quality of the institution.” enthusiastic way.” But for someone who helped By the time he became vice-
University secretary Jennifer Casey, who began her Laurier career as a contract recruitment officer in 1989, remembers being “a little intimidated in the beginning” by Stephen, then the director of institutional relations. “He had exceptionally high standards for our travelling road show,” says Casey. “You never knew when he’d pop up at the back of a high school classroom to evaluate your presentation. To this day I still hear his voice inside my head when I say ‘um.’” In a brief nod to his personal life, Stephen pauses to bring a photo over from his desk. Smiling, he places it on the armchair beside him and talks fondly of his wife, Yvonne, whom he married in 1990. “Her photo looks at me in my office every day,” he says. An avid Laurier sports enthusiast, Stephen spent a decade Since his graduation from Laurier in 1973, left, Stephen has helped shape the university. coaching Laurier’s varsity squash team and continues Scotland. But Laurier wasn’t lay the path to Laurier’s success to attend a variety of varsity ready to let him go that easily. with a stone-by-stone strategic sporting events. approach, Stephen’s relationship The university offered him a Stephen fulfilled his original graduate fellowship in history, with the university began in desire to teach by spending and he returned to campus the what he calls an accidental 20 years as a keynote speaker following year. tourist kind of way. and board member of internaBut before beginning his When he first landed on tional university associations. master’s degree in 1974, a friend Canadian soil, Stephen thought He received many awards he would be here for a few years, told him about an admissions for his involvement, but the officer position, and Stephen, then travel to Australia, and award that recognizes his work who was a new father to eventually go back to Scotland educating advancement profesdaughter Jennifer, decided to to his parents, younger sister sionals — the Steuben Apple take the job. and 22 cousins. Award from the Council for the “It sidetracked me from After a stint as a taxi driver, Advancement and Support of becoming a history teacher,” Stephen worked in a Toronto Education in Washington, D.C. says Stephen. “But I found a factory where he met another — is the one he treasures most. niche that I wouldn’t have Scottish immigrant, Ian Despite his global exposure, guessed in a million years. Richmond. He left the factory Stephen still believes it’s It was the best thing that to work for Toronto Parks and the little things that build a happened to me.” Recreation, where he met Tony reputation. For the next two years, Ross, an economics student at That’s why, starting in the Stephen and the other officers Laurier. Ross convinced Stephen early 1990s, he snuck around to visit the campus. They walked handled admissions and campus planting ivy on what travelled across Canada talking into the Torque room (in what he thought were some bare and to high-school students about is now the Concourse) to meet “quite frankly, ugly” buildings. Laurier. “There was a real Ross’ roommate — it was fraternity there,” says Stephen. Richmond from the factory. “I “It’s about taking pride in “Some of those people are still took it as a sign,” says Stephen. campus image,” says Stephen. He cancelled plans to visit family my best friends.” “By building a showcase In 1978, as director of high in Saskatchewan, enrolled at campus, it becomes part of who school liaison, Stephen produced we are, and there’s a better Laurier and moved into a house his first recruitment film with on Regina Street with Richmond chance that students will get the help of mentor Fred Gorman, a positive feeling about the and Ross. who taught him how to direct, In 1973, armed with a degree campus. To me, that’s one of shoot and edit. Stephen went on in history and English, and the X-factors and why so many to develop nine more films and plans to become a history students choose Laurier.” earned several awards for them. teacher, Stephen returned to Stephen’s retirement plans involve visiting family, including his mother in Scotland (his father passed away in January), his newly married daughter in Owen Sound, and his stepson Daniel and grandson Tommy in Ottawa. He will also set up a scholarship at Laurier in his name for students studying military history. “Yvonne and I will meander a bit,” he adds. But come fall, when the leaves on the ivy start to change and new students arrive on campus, Stephen will be back in Waterloo for football season. “There’s nowhere on earth I’d rather be in the fall.” Photo: Tomasz Adamski
By Lori Chalmers Morrison
Stephen filming a recruitment film with Fred Gorman, above left. As admissions officer in the early 1970s, Stephen travelled across Canada, including stops in Toronto, above right.
7
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
December 2008
In the classroom
A look inside the lecture hall
Film for thought Professor: Dr. Ken Paradis Class: Blockbusters: Popular Movies and Cultural Critique, Laurier Brantford. Description: Explores the relationship between popular movies and contemporary culture, looking at ways Hollywood film shapes our understanding of history, values and social realities.
This fourth-year seminar isn’t like a classic film studies course; it doesn’t analyze or evaluate a movie’s artistic qualities. “Instead we look at the most popular movies of the recent past — The Matrix, Titanic, Forrest Gump, etc. — and the way cultural critics use these films to gain insight into culture,” says Dr. Ken Paradis, a graduate of Laurier’s English program. “It’s interesting how complex the most seemingly trivial and superficial aspects of our culture are. “Unlike in junior-year courses, my job in this particular course is to stay out of the way as much as I can,” he says. “I try to resist stepping in and giving answers. If I don’t let my students make me be teacher, they rise to the challenge and find that they really are the kind of self-directed, higher-level learners that their degrees will say they are!” By Mallory O’Brien
Dr. Ken Paradis lets students in his fourth-year seminar direct the class discussion on how film shapes our culture.
Photo: Dean Palmer
Celebrating fall convocation
More than 1,000 graduates mark amazing achievements
(From top l-r): On the convocation stage; honorary degree recipient Michael Lee-Chin; the crowd after the ceremony; thumbs up; photos with the family; chatting before the processional; new Laurier alumni show off their degrees.
Photos: Tomasz Adamski
8