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Laurier staff member and alumna Deanne Larsen carries the Olympic torch in Waterloo.
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Do you have a broken heart? Research shows a rebound relationship isn’t always a bad idea.
Dr. Brad Davis has been instructing MBA students at the Toronto campus since 1997.
Laurier celebrates Winter Carnival’s 50th anniversary COMMUNITY Students, staff, faculty and alumniCAMPUS enjoy aCONNECTIONS full schedule of 1fun events | CONNECTIONS | APRIL CAMPUS | COMMUNITY VOL. 1 | NO. 7,2008 |
By Tiffany Bradley For the past 50 years, Laurier students have donned their warmest clothing to participate
in organized outdoor games and activities for five days in January. Similar to Orientation Week, but open to students in all years of study, Winter
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Students participate in a game of inflatable Twister on Alumni Field.
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Carnival is meant to re-establish students’ school spirit after the December seasonal break. This year 21 teams representing almost 750 students
participated in the university’s 50th Winter Carnival, setting a new record. The aboveseasonal January temperatures likely helped attract students, as did some returning favourite events. “The weather this year was a blessing because it was cold enough to keep the snow but mild enough to keep people outside,” said Krista Korhonen, | VOL. 1 NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008 this year’s Winter Carnival coordinator. “I was absolutely blown away by the turnout.” The crowd favourite again this year was the Lip Sync event, which took place inside the Turret. Teams practiced all week and had just seven minutes on stage to wow the audience. “The lip sync performances can be compared to Broadway productions,” said Korhonen. Photo: Teresa Smiley “Teams spend a lot of time
Jennifer Brickman will travel to the devastated country in March When news broke that a powerful earthquake had hit Haiti on January 12, Jennifer Brickman received a phone call from her mother, letting her know their friends in the northern region of the country were safe. Brickman, a Laurier graduate and the university’s Brantford Bookstore supervisor, along with her parents Marg and Jim, and her partner, alumnus Phil Kitchen, have been making annual trips to northern Haiti to volunteer at Hôpital Bon Samaritain (HBS). They have many personal connections in the area. The family received word that HBS and the surrounding area were largely unaffected, but the sense of relief was short-lived as reports began to make clear the devastating damage around the capital of Port-Au-Prince. “My past trips to Haiti have given me a sense of how much
the whole country relies on the capital for everyday things like supplies, government services and cellular networks,” said Brickman. “I just felt sick to think about the far-reaching implications this disaster would have on the entire country.” The Brickmans got involved with HBS through their church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stratford. Jim and Marg were on the mission committee, and were responsible for sending a bi-yearly donation to support the Haitian hospital. It was through correspondence with Joanna Hodges, who founded HBS in 1953, that they began making plans to visit the impoverished country. Despite the damage and the potentially dangerous conditions, Marg and Jim have returned to Haiti to continue their work at HBS. Brickman and Kitchen will join them in March. On their last visit in October 2009, Brickman and
Jennifer Brickman and her mother Marg with (from left) Reese, Luevens and Guivenson at Hodges House in Haiti.
her mother were able to see the completion of Hodges House, a foster home that was built after Brickman came up with the idea on her first visit. “Many of the children have
WINTER CARNIVAL see page 2
Laurier rallies to help Haiti
Laurier staff member’s heart is in Haiti By Kevin Klein
working on their routines.” Teams collect points based on their success in each event they participate in. Prizes are awarded at the end of the week, including Overall Cup Champions, Spirit Cup Champions and Activities Cup Champions. In honour of Winter Carnival’s 50th anniversary, a sixth day was added to the schedule of festivities this year – Carnival Day – held on Saturday, January 16. For the first time, an invitation to this daylong event was extended to the wider community, including alumni, staff, faculty and the Kitchener-Waterloo community. Carnival Day featured many events for adults and children, including a Powderpuff football
physical or developmental needs that make it very difficult for them to go to school,” she said. “I thought HAITI see page 6
In Haiti’s time of need, the Laurier community has come together to form Laurier Haiti Relief Aid. To date, the group has raised more than $10,000 for the Canadian Red Cross through collection booths and donations at the Laurier Bookstores. WLUSU has also organized fundraising initiatives, with the funds raised included in the Laurier Haiti Relief Aid campaign total. Wilf’s donated $1 from the sale of every meal on Jan. 22 and the Terrace Food Court did the same the following day. The Turret also donated all cover charges from Saturday, Jan. 23. Professors have also issued challenges to their students to raise money, which they personally matched. A week-long “We Love U (WLU) Haiti!” fundraiser ran campus-wide at the end of January, with a rally, bake sale and music. Organizer Corey Sherwood’s mother is from Haiti. “She is truly my motivation for doing all of this,” he said.
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president’s message
Telling the Laurier story Let me give you a few examples of how we have been using our institutional proposition and how it seems to be catching on with people. In January our Development and Alumni Relations departments hosted a reception for the 450 Laurier alumni who work for Research In Motion Ltd. In my remarks, I was able to make a natural and authentic link between Laurier’s culture and that of the innovative high-tech company: both organizations value leadership, a sense of purpose, and a desire to contribute to the broader community. To my delight, RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie picked up on the theme of “inspiring lives of leadership and purpose” and commented on the how these shared values contribute to the successful partnerships that RIM enjoys with Laurier. Similarly, Laurier alumnus and RIM employee David Ganton spoke eloquently about how his Laurier
of Descartes Systems Group, made several references to how Laurier’s combined emphasis on academic excellence, relationship building and leadership skills helped prepare her for a successful career in finance. Our institutional proposition is also providing us with an effective framework for telling the Laurier story to government leaders. Dr. Max Blouw presents Jim Balsillie with a Golden Hawks Brian Rosborough, hockey jersey at the RIM alumni event. Laurier’s director of government relations, recently experience prepared him for a arranged for the two of us to successful career with such an make a pre-budget presentation outstanding company. to the province’s Standing In another example, Laurier Committee on Finance and math graduate Stephanie Ratza Economic Affairs. This was recently spoke at the Life After an excellent opportunity to Laurier Science speakers’ series. introduce Laurier to an influRatza, the chief financial officer
Photo: Tomasz Adamski
We have had considerable success and positive feedback regarding Laurier’s institutional proposition, Inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. As you know, we introduced this statement last fall as a starting point for telling the Laurier story and building awareness of this remarkable university. We need to improve public awareness of Laurier in order to continue attracting the best students, faculty and staff, and to secure the government and private-sector support that enables Laurier to continue providing an excellent learning and research environment. I believe our institutional proposition resonates with people because it is rooted in the consultative research that was done during the Envisioning Laurier initiative. In other words, “inspiring lives of leadership and purpose” is an accurate reflection of what people say they experience through their association with Laurier.
Sociology class raises $1,200 for charity By Mallory O’Brien Every year, the students of the Faculty of Arts’ Sociology of Aging (SY216) course, are required to complete a community service-learning (CSL) placement. Last semester, all 60 students not only took
on the volunteer hours, but went even further and raised over $1,200 for the Alzheimer’s Society of Kitchener-Waterloo. Inspired by a classroom talk by Charlotte Sider, a representative from The Alzheimer’s Society of Kitchener-Waterloo, the students collected donations during the
semester and surprised Sider with a cheque at the end of term. “Charlotte kept saying, ‘We can make a difference,’” said Jummy Rufai, a second-year English student who says his CSL placement changed his view of the elderly. “So we thought, why don’t we?”
WINTER CARNIVAL continued
tournament on Alumni Field, an inflatable village for Laurier students and kids, a Shinerama barbecue, and a human Snakes and Ladders game. The day ended with an evening Mix & Mingle event, sponsored by the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni
ential community, and we left the MPPs and senior civil servants with a compelling written submission (www.wlu.ca/ prebudget) that was organized around the “inspiring lives” narrative. Finally, the Laurier community’s passionate response to the earthquake tragedy in Haiti was a powerful testament to the authenticity of our institutional proposition. Laurier truly is a community of people for whom leadership and purpose is a prized value and a way of life. I encourage you to continue contributing to the university’s Laurier Inspires webpage (www. wlu.ca/laurierinspires) and the related Facebook page (www. facebook.com/laurierinspires).
Dr. Max Blouw, President and Vice-Chancellor
Association, which attracted about 350 people. Alumni spent time connecting with old friends and reminiscing about Winter Carnival events from years past. Carnival Day was so successful that program coordinators say it might be permanently incorporated into future Winter Carnival lineups.
Send us your news, events & stories
Email: insidelaurier@wlu.ca Deadline for submissions: February 19
The students of SY216 surprise Charlotte Sider (middle) of the Alzheimer’s Society of Kitchener-Waterloo with a $1,200 cheque.
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 is published by The Department of Public Affairs Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5
InsideLaurier Volume 2, Number 7, February 2010
Design: Erin Steed
InsideLaurier (circ. 2,500) 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.
Contributors: Tomasz Adamski, Tiffany Bradley, Kevin Crowley, Kevin Klein, Mallory O’Brien, Dean Palmer, Teresa Smiley
Printed on recycled paper.
Editor: Stacey Morrison Assistant Editor: Lori Chalmers Morrison
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InsideLaurier welcomes your comments and suggestions for stories. Tel: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3341 | Fax: (519) 884-8848 Email: insidelaurier@wlu.ca
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March 2010 CAMPUS | COMMUNITY | CONNECTIONS
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February 2010 NEWS
Help plan Laurier’s 100th anniversary celebration Laurier turns 100 in 2011, and you can help make the university’s Centennial a memorable and exciting year of celebration. From October 2010 to October 2011, Laurier will host special events to celebrate the university’s past, present and future. The university invites you to propose an event or initiative that you think should be promoted as part of Laurier’s official Centennial celebrations. Selected events may qualify for funding from the university. Proposed events must occur within the Centennial time frame and support the celebratory nature of Laurier’s Centennial (although they don’t necessarily have to occur on campus). Proposals can be for new or existing events.
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What’s new and notable at Laurier
Faculty, staff and students are eligible to submit a proposal. For information on what your proposal should include, visit www.wlu.ca/docsnpubs_detail. php?grp_id=0&doc_id=39389. Proposals should be submitted electronically to Megan Dinning at mdinning@wlu.ca no later than 4:30 p.m., April 30, 2010. If your proposal is accepted, you will be notified in June, 2010.
homes designed around human needs. Since then, Mattamy has built houses in 76 Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and U.S. communities, and has pioneered new approaches to community building. Gilgan’s charity work supports Canadian youth. In 2006, he donated $1 million to the YMCA’s 50th anniversary campaign.
Mattamy Homes founder named Laurier’s Outstanding Business Leader for 2009
Rare Lutheran text donated to Laurier
Peter Gilgan, president and chief executive officer of Mattamy Homes Corp., was awarded Laurier’s Outstanding Business Leader for 2009. The award was presented at a private luncheon in early January. Gilgan was selected in recogPeter Gilgan nition of his achievements in the residential construction industry and his extensive community involvement. Mattamy is Canada’s biggest home builder, having constructed more than 46,000 homes. Gilgan founded the company in 1978 to construct distinctive, individual-looking
The Sermons of Johann Arndt, a rare book of Lutheran sermons from 17th-century Germany, has been donated to the university’s archives in memory of a Laurier alumnus. Donald and Harold Gram donated the book on behalf of their brother James “Jim” Gram, who graduated from Waterloo College in 1950. He passed away in 2008. “Jim would have been most pleased that his alma mater received the book,” said Donald. The 1,700-page sermon book was given to Gram by Rev. Martin Toewe, a retired Lutheran minister and the brothers’ piano teacher. Its true German title is Herrn Johann Arndts sel., Postilla, oder Ausslegung der Sontages und aller Festen Evangelien durchs gantze Jahr : aus dem Exemplar so der Autor vor seinem End selbst
Laurier alumni officer carries Olympic torch in Waterloo Deanne Larsen represents Laurier in cross-country relay
corrigirt, und allerseits nicht wenig vermehret, nebenst den Passions-Weinacht- und Neu-jahrs Predigten. “There are relatively few copies of this book in the world, and even fewer in North America,” said Peter Erb, professor emeritus at Laurier and expert on Johann Arndt. “This is a wonderful addition to the university’s collected works, especially given the history of the university and our large collection of Lutheran texts.” Erb translated and provided an introduction for one of Arndt’s other works, True Christianity, a text of “devotional reflections” that had an enormous impact on all German-speaking religious denominations and the movement known as pietism. Arndt was also a huge influence on the development of Protestantism.
Shower facilities available for walkers, bikers Faculty and staff who walk or bike to work can now access shower facilities in the Athletic Complex. “We want to support people who choose alternative, environmentally friendly ways to get to work,” said Mary Basler, manager of Parking & Transportation Resources, which started the initiative
Laurier business team named ‘School of the Year’ Forty students representing the Laurier School of Business & Economics captured the “School of the Year” title at the inaugural Jeux du Commerce (JDC) Central competition, held at Toronto’s Ryerson University Jan. 22-25. JDC Central is a multi-faceted competition comprised of six academic case analyses, parliamentary debate competitions, and social and sports challenges. Teams are assessed on academic excellence, athletics, school spirit, teamwork and competitive congeniality. The team that performs best overall takes home the prestigious title of “School of the Year.” Laurier’s School of Business & Economics will host next year’s JDC Central event, which will take place Jan. 28-30, 2011.
First projects approved for President’s Innovation Seed Fund By Mallory O’Brien
friends and family made it even forward to watching the Winter more special.” Games, which start February 12. “I’m actually excited for the On Dec. 27 Laurier staff Mike Belanger, director of member Deanne Larsen went residential services, was asked by opening ceremonies,” she said. “I’ve always loved watching by another name: OTR-59-135. relay sponsor Coca-Cola to pick the Olympics, but now I feel a That’s Olympic torch runner a torchbearer to represent the special connection to them, so No. 135 of the 59th day of the university. When Larsen walked I can’t wait to see the flame cross-Canada torch relay for the by Belanger’s door one day, he Vancouver 2010 Olympics. knew she was the best candidate. complete its journey and watch the final torch get lit in The alumni relations officer Larsen was a student and Vancouver.” carried the torch in Waterloo, residence life don at Laurier, and knocking 300 metres off the graduated in 2005 with degrees flame’s 45,000-kilometre journey. in psychology and geography. Larsen was the second She then worked in a variety of torchbearer for the evening, positions in residential services and ran down University before joining alumni relations Avenue between Glenridge last September. She is now an and Marsland drives. She advisor for Laurier Student was instructed about proper Alumni and supporter of various torchbearing protocol, which alumni chapters. includes holding the torch “She is also a snowboarder and correctly and high above the athlete, and one of the nicest head. people I know,” said Belanger. After the flame is passed “I knew she would be a good on, an RCMP officer cuts the individual to represent the previous torch’s fuel line so it school.” can never be relit. Coca-Cola picked up the cost “It really was a fantastic for Larsen to keep her torch. experience, and I will certainly Right now, it’s packed away remember it for the rest of with her official relay uniform, my life,” said Larsen. “Being but she’s hoping to display her able to share the experience Olympic memorabilia one day. Alumni relations officer Deanne Larsen and Olympic excitement with Larsen said she is looking carries the Olympic torch in Waterloo.
in cooperation with Laurier Athletics & Recreation. To access the Athletic Complex shower facilities without a gym membership, email your Laurier identification number to mbasler@ wlu.ca. Bikers and walkers on the list can use the shower facilities only, and must bring their own towels and lock.
By Mallory O’Brien
The President’s Innovation Seed Fund committee has approved three projects to help generate revenue and increase the number of services Laurier provides. “These projects can be expanded to other faculties and campuses, and they also have the potential to build linkages within and between faculties and campuses,” said Steve Farlow, chair of the fund’s implementation committee. The following initiatives have been approved: • Laurier English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, submitted by David McGuire, manager of international student recruitment. This initiative will introduce ESL programming to Laurier, providing a new source of revenue for the university. It aims to increase the number of international students that Laurier recruits. • BOOST, submitted by Julie Pong, academic advisor. BOOST aims to increase student retention rates, and
university revenue, by assisting first-year Faculty of Arts students who are struggling academically. Fourth-year students who have overcome similar difficulties will counsel groups on study skills and goal setting. • Brantford Advanced Summer Acceleration Program (ASAP), submitted by Holly Cox, manager of Brantford recruitment and registrarial services, and Len Friesen, associate professor. ASAP’s purpose is to increase the number of college transfer students recruited by Laurier Brantford. The program provides a continuous course of study, and is specifically designed for international students. The $200,000 President’s Innovation Seed Fund was established to support positive, forward-thinking initiatives that have the potential to produce new revenue and/ or reduce the university’s operating costs. Ideas are still being accepted. For more information, visit www.wlu.ca/innovation fund. 3
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February 2010
people at laurier
New appointments:
For a complete list of appointments visit www.wlu.ca/hr
Beth dela Rosa, development assistant, Laurier Brantford.
Anna Gold, senior counsellor, Laurier Brantford.
Carly Bedini, intermediate administrative assistant, Kinesiology and Physical Education.
Susan Diep, human resource assistant, Human Resources.
Tracy Brooks, research assistant, Kinesiology and Physical Education.
Cynthia Dutra, event coordinator, School of Business and Economics.
Lynne Jordan, coordinator: professional development and alumni relations, Faculty of Social Work.
Andrea Cliche, development officer, Development.
Sarah English, sustainability coordinator, Physical Resources.
Allan Davis, fire safety officer, Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety.
Harry Froklage, associate director of development, Faculties of Arts & Music.
Kimberley Kennedy, project coordinator, Faculty of Social Work. Heather Matlashewski, area manager, Custodial. Shelley Van Gaal, student support services, Laurier Brantford.
Brian Rosborough, an experienced leader in government relations and public policy, has been appointed Laurier’s director of government relations. In this new position, he will play a a key role in raising Laurier’s profile among government decisionmakers. He will also advise Laurier on legislative issues affecting the university, and he will identify new opportunities for Laurier and government to work together. “Laurier shares key interests with government, such as providing accessible, high-quality education and research,” said Rosborough, who is based in Laurier’s Toronto office. Rosborough has worked in public policy and governement relations for nearly 20 years, most recently for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Doug Witmer, executive director of academic projects is retiring after more than 35 years at Laurier. He served in a variety of administrative roles at the university since 1974 and also taught in the geography department for many years.
Foundation. Pirbhai said the series is designed as a cultural activity that will appeal to students in many disciplines and the larger community. “Screening the Caribbean” was developed with Dr. Carol Duncan, Laurier’s chair of Religion and Culture, to complement courses on Caribbean religion and culture. “This series is important because it provides a window — through the perspective of Caribbean filmmakers — into Caribbean peoples’ contemporary experiences, both in the region and in the diaspora,” said Duncan. The film series runs every Friday night until April. For a list of film titles, dates and locations, visit www.wlu.ca/ creeningthecaribbean.
Alumna Becky Kellar goes for gold
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gold medals and one silver. At 35, she is also the oldest player on the team and one of two mothers. When she’s not playing with team Canada or in international competitions, Kellar plays with the Burlington Barracudas. Canada’s first game is scheduled for Feb. 13 against Slovakia.
The 2009 award winners (l-r): Sasha Jacob, Jan Varner, Iain Klugman, SBE dean Ginny Dybenko, Anthony Partipilo, Katherine Schmidt and Yvan Couture at Laurier’s Toronto office at King and York streets.
What are you reading Name: Nancy Martin Job Title: Financial Resources Administrator Book Title: My Sister’s Keeper Author: Jodi Picoult
What are you reading
?
?
What are you listening to?
Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite writers — her books are about controversial social issues. My Sister’s Keeper tells a story about a couple who have a child for the sole purpose of being a bone marrow donor for their elder daughter who has cancer. Picoult grabs your attention from page one and keeps your interest right through to the unexpected ending.
What are you listening to? Name: Ari Grossman Job Title: Associate Director, Business Operations, Athletics & Recreation CD Title: En Concert Artist: Jack Johnson
Photo: CP (Gene J. Puskar)
Becky Kellar (MBA ’04) is hitting the ice for her fourth Olympic appearance and possibly her third gold medal. The hockey blueliner joins team Canada for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. She is one of four national team players who have competed in all three Olympics since women’s hockey became an official event. She has won two
Do you know an accomplished Laurier MBA graduate who is a leader in their field or provides service to the community? If so, nominate him or her for a 2010 MBA Alumni Award! Awards are presented in six categories: Executive Leadership Award, Outstanding Innovation & Achievement Award, Outstanding CMA/MBA Award, Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association Award of Distinction, Community Leadership Award and the MBA Alumnus of the Year Award. To submit an application, contact Megan Harris at mharris @ wlu.ca.
Retirements:
Documentaries on Haiti included in screenings attention to non-profit organizations accepting donations for relief efforts in Haiti. “The immediate and long-term effects of this earthquake cannot be underestimated,” said Dr. Mariam Pirbhai, assistant professor, English and Film Studies. “We believe that the films in our series devoted to Haiti might help viewers better understand the country and its contemporary history, while also drawing attention to the fact that there is a large Haitian diaspora in Canada that is suffering greatly from this natural disaster.” The film series was organized by the departments of English and Film Studies and Religion and Culture, and sponsored by the Kitchener Waterloo Community
Nominate a friend or colleague for a 2010 MBA Alumni Award
Stephen Vokey, customer service assistant, Bookstore.
Film series spotlights the Caribbean Organizers of “Screening the Caribbean,” a free film series showcasing the Caribbean region, hope the movies will not only educate viewers, but help promote awareness of Haitian relief efforts. The film series features major directors from the Caribbean region, including an awardwinning documentary by Jean Lafond and Governor General Michaëlle Jean called Tropique Nord (a study of the Haitian diaspora in Québèc). Directorial debuts and compelling films such as Finder of Lost Children, Fresa y Chocolate and Rue Cases Nègres probe issues of gender, sexuality, race and class in Caribbean societies and their diaspora in Canada. Handouts are being distributed during each screening to draw viewers’
Do you have a milestone to share? Email insidelaurier@wlu.ca.
Team Canada member Becky Kellar after winning Olympic gold in Turin, Italy.
Over the holiday break I downloaded the Jack Johnson live album En Concert. Johnson’s music, influenced by his Hawaiian background, is an acoustic rock style that is soothing but fun. I enjoy the variations to his songs as a result of the live mix of the crowd. It is a good live performance that is well-recorded and has an energy that isn’t matched by his earlier release in the studio.
February 2010
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RESEARCH FILE
Is dating soon after a breakup a good idea? Dr. Anne Wilson’s study of rebound relationships reveals a surprising answer By Lori Chalmers Morrison
If psychologist Dr. Anne Wilson had been around to advise Neil Sedaka when his song Breaking Up is Hard to Do hit no. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1962, Sedaka might have been busy looking for new love instead of crooning about the one he lost. Sedaka fared well, with a successful music career and a decades-long marriage. But for some people, getting over an ex is easier said than done. Wilson, an associate psychology professor and Canada Research Chair in social psychology, investigated romantic break-ups with former Laurier honours student Stephanie Spielmann, now a graduate student at the University of Toronto and principal investigator on the study, and Spielmann’s University of Toronto advisor Dr. Geoff MacDonald. Their research challenges the assumption that “rebound relationships” are never a good thing. “Your best friend, your mother and most relationship self-help gurus seem to share a common opinion: if you jump into a new relationship ‘on the rebound’ — not long
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The prevailing wisdom is that you need time to get over the ex before even considering someone new.
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after a previous romance has ended — it will never work,” said Wilson. “The prevailing wisdom is that you need time to get over the ex before even considering someone new.” But for individuals who have what’s called “anxiously attached” interpersonal styles, the time after a breakup can be emotionally devastating. They worry about the likelihood of finding love and acceptance again, and they may spend a lot more time pining over their lost love, says Wilson. Because they have a hyperactivated attachment system, anxiously attached people gain their reassurance from others. They are more likely to feel threatened and rejected, to fear rejection and to become obsessed with their object of
Photo: Lori Chalmers Morrison
Don’t take your love away from me/ Don’t you leave my heart in misery/ ‘cuz if you go then I’ll be blue/ ‘cuz breaking up is hard to do
Dr. Anne Wilson’s research challenges the assumption that rebound relationships are never a good thing.
attachment. In a romantic relationship, this translates into someone who is “clingy” or “needy” because they seek constant reassurance. In their research, Spielmann, MacDonald and Wilson found that anxiously attached people who remained single after a breakup had more trouble letting go of a relationship partner once the romance was over. But anxiously attached people who began a new relationship soon after a breakup were less preoccupied with their ex. Wilson and her co-researchers began speculating these “rebound” relationships might give anxiously attached individuals the necessary nudge to let go of their ex. “Of course, it’s also plausible the people who got over their breakups more quickly were the ones who entered new relationships sooner,” said Wilson. “Because of the design of the study, we couldn’t determine cause and effect.” Since anxiously attached people are so worried about being accepted, rebound relationships offer more than a new romance — they help to reassure them that they
are worthwhile relationship partners. “We reasoned that if rebound relationships really function to provide a sense of validation and optimism about being accepted, then perhaps we could find other ways to give anxiously attached people this sense of validation,” said Wilson. So the researchers conducted additional experiments focusing on anxiously attached singles — the group that usually obsesses most over an ex-partner. They presented undergraduate subjects with different versions of a phony magazine article about relationships. Some read an article leading them to believe that finding a new partner would be quite easy; others read articles that
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All in all, obsessively longing for a past partner may not be healthier than a rebound relationship.
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left them feeling that finding a new partner would be very hard.
Results showed those who were induced to be optimistic about their future relationship prospects were less likely to report pining for their former partner than those who were convinced their romantic prospects were poor. In a follow-up experiment, the researchers found the same results by asking anxiously attached singles to imagine a few relationship partners they could have in the future. “Subjects found this easy to do, and they felt more optimistic about their prospects and less hung up on their ex,” said Wilson. But when another group was asked to envision at least 10 possible partners, they found it difficult to imagine a larger number. This group became more pessimistic about their romantic futures and more obsessed with their ex. “All in all, obsessively longing for a past partner may not be any healthier than a rebound relationship,” said
Wilson. “So popular wisdom that rebound relationships are always bad isn’t fully supported by our research.” Yet Wilson does not “prescribe” rebound relationships for anxiously attached individuals. “Rebound relationships might be a band-aid solution for an underlying insecurity about being alone,” said Wilson. “They may help in the short term.” But in the long run, she says, anxiously attached individuals might be better off finding ways to deal with their relationship fears that help them feel more secure about their worth, whether they are in a relationship or not.
Spielmann, MacDonald and Wilson’s paper “On the Rebound: Focusing on Someone New Helps Insecure Individuals Let Go of Ex-Partners” was published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin in fall 2009, and was covered by psychologytoday.com and numerous blogs and podcasts. 5
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Learning for fun
Archives seeks submissions
Laurier special interest courses cover a variety of subjects
Donated materials will be used for Laurier’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2011
readings. It’s strictly learning for the fun of it. “I love teaching these courses Your retirement years are here. because everyone in them is How will you spend your time? there because they want to be,” Travel? Check. Spend time says Laurier history professor with family? Check. Go back to Dr. Andrew Thomson. “The school? Why not? classes are smaller, and attenSpecial interest courses are a dance is almost always 100 per fun way to keep the brain sharp cent. Without the pressure of and to spend time with likegrades we all seem a bit more minded people. relaxed.” For the past 12 years, Laurier Courses range from topics has offered special interest courses to those over 50 through as diverse as The History of Photography and The Earth’s Polar the Laurier Association for Regions: Environments Within the Lifelong Learning (LALL). The program has become so popular “Land of the Midnight Sun,” to Zen Psychology and Practice. that it recently expanded And often the instructor beyond Waterloo to both learns just as much from the the Kitchener and Brantford students. campuses, and now offers up to “Sometimes their life 20 courses per term. experience means they can add Courses cost $50 and to what we are talking about in generally run two hours per ways younger students can’t,” week for six weeks, in morning or afternoon sessions. But unlike adds Thomson. “And they don’t send me nearly as many emails!” traditional university courses, Spring 2010 courses will start these have no exams, grading the week of April 12. For more or prerequisites. Students are information about the program, often provided with a list of including the course offerings, suggested readings, but there which will be available in early is no mandated textbook for March, visit www.wlu.ca/lall. the classes and no assigned
By Stacey Morrison Do you have old photographs from your days as a Laurier or Waterloo College student stashed away, or memorabilia from a football game you attended years ago? If so, you might consider donating your piece of Laurier history to the university archives. With Laurier marking its 100th anniversary in 2011, the library is doubling its efforts to collect items that tell the Laurier story. “The purpose is to make our collection of photographs, memorabilia and realia the most well-rounded and complete collection possible,” said university librarian Sharon Brown. “We want to have the full Laurier story.” Brown says nothing will be turned away. “We have graduation gowns and beanies, old faculty and student newsletters, and even those shakers you use at football games,” she said. Some items are up to 100 years old. The library is putting the call out to alumni, staff and faculty. Photos and printed materials
Laurier faces another tough budget year As Wilfrid Laurier University prepares its 2010-11 budget, universities across Ontario continue to wrestle with major financial challenges. Structural deficits, hefty pension-fund payments, high wage and benefit inflation, and insufficient capitalmaintenance funding are among the most significant pressure points. “The economy is showing signs of improvement but, unfortunately, the upturn does not fix the fundamental challenges that exist in Ontario’s post-secondary education system,” Laurier president Max Blouw said. Laurier has directed managers across all academic and administrative departments to cut costs or increase revenue by 1.5 percent in the coming fiscal year. Departments can apply for transitional funding but they must justify how the one-time money will assist with revenue generation, long-term operating efficiencies or long-term reductions in base budget expenditures. Managers must also submit plans to reduce their budgets by another 5.9 percent in the following year, 2011-12. Last year, all departments were directed to cut their budgets by five percent.
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Academic departments received transitional funding to provide time to adjust academic programs accordingly, but these departments must now include plans in their 2010-11 budgets to accommodate last year’s five percent cut and the new 1.5 percent reduction. In a recent meeting, budget managers were directed to prioritize programs and activities to “determine which can be adjusted or eliminated while still maintaining overall university excellence in targeted, strategic areas.” “We know that budget setting in this environment is difficult,” Blouw said. “But this is the reality in which Laurier and most other Ontario universities currently operate. We have to find innovative ways to deliver quality academic programming while working with government for more sustainable funding policies.” Laurier is working with the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) to address funding issues with the Ontario government. Jim Butler, Laurier’s vicepresident of finance and administration, chairs COU’s Working Group on University Pension Plans. As well, Laurier’s director of
government relations, Brian Rosborough, arranged for Blouw to make a presentation to the province’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, which is gathering information for the upcoming provincial budget. A copy of the presentation is available at www.wlu.ca/ prebudget. Two key issues affecting most Ontario universities include: • Structural deficits. These are shortfalls in a university’s budget related to an Ontario government practice of funding less than the full costs associated with enrolment growth, and less than the full costs of inflation in the university sector. In the past, the province provided “one-time only” money at the end of each year to offset some of the shortfall, but the province has told universities not to count on this year-end money in future. • Pension fund declines. Provincial regulations treat universities like private companies, requiring them to keep enough money in their pension funds to pay all obligations in the event the employer goes out of business — an unlikely occurrence for publicly-funded universities. When investment markets
will be used in digital or real form throughout 2011 in exhibitions and displays on campus, and for information purposes. Laurier’s archives have been granted Canadian Cultural Heritage Status. This means people who donate items considered to be of real value to Canadian culture will receive a tax deduction equivalent to the
item’s full assessed value. “Who knows what people have squirreled away in their attics and basements,” said Brown. “We don’t expect to receive pictures from 1911, but anything is possible!” To submit an item to the university archives, email libarch@wlu.ca or call extension 3906.
Photo: University Archives
By Tiffany Bradley
An iconic photo of the Boar’s Head dinner from the early 1980s.
HAITI continued
it was important that there was a place for the higher functioning children to live (with a house mother) where they could be cared for and walked to school.” There are two house mothers and three children living at Hodges House: Guivenson, 6, Reese, almost 3, and Luevens, 2. Guivenson is in school, thanks to the support of the Brickman family. Reese and Luevens will join him when they reach school age. Additional funds raised, by Laurier Brantford faculty and staff allowed for the second house mother to be hired. The capacity of Hodges House is eight children and three house mothers. When the earthquake struck, the Laurier Bookstores on the Waterloo and Brantford campuses quickly looked for ways to support Haiti, and asked customers to make a $1 donation in addition to their purchases.
fall, as they did from late 2008 through 2009, employers must make special payments to keep their pension funds at the required levels. For Laurier, this means millions of dollars in annual top-up payments, in addition to the millions paid annually in regular contributions. For a broader account of post-secondary issues, see COU’s recent submission to
The total raised was about $7,000, which was donated directly through the Red Cross to help relief efforts on the ground. You can find more information about Hôpital Bon Samaritain online at www.hbslimbe.org, including updates about the country following the earthquake.
Phil Kitchen, Jennifer Brickman and Guivenson.
the province titled, “Reaching Higher: The Next MultiYear Funding Plan for PostSecondary Education,” at www.cou.on.ca. Laurier managers must submit budget proposals by Feb. 12. President’s Group will review them and discuss budget priorities before drafting an overall budget proposal for the Board of Governors to consider in June.
February 2010 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
Staying connected Name: Carl Langford Job: Manager: Network Operations
Photo: Lori Chlamers Morrison
Where you can find him: In his new office at 202 Regina St. How he takes his coffee: Black.
Carl Langford, manager of network operations, says his job is about planning, predicting and monitoring.
How long have you been at Laurier? I was a chemistry student for three years before I became an employee, so I’ve been around for 38 years and paid for 35. What was your first job here? Computer operator. There was a Honeywell mini computer on the 5th floor of the Woods building, and a new Xerox mainframe installed when I started. That was the beginning of the network. It was done over telephone wires — that doesn’t cut it these days! What are your responsibilities?
coming Events
Our Body: The Universe Within When: Until April 11 Where: Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum Cost: $10-$20 Organized in partnership with Laurier’s Faculy of Science, this exhibit shows the different systems within the human body and how they work individually and as part of a team to maintain your overall health. Actual human bodies and organs are used, which are preserved through the process of “plastination.” Hold the Salt! When: Feb. 17 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Paul Martin Centre Cost: Free Registered dietician Caroline Valeriote will help you make informed and healthy food choices. Summer Camp Fair When: Feb. 16 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Where: University Stadium Cost: Free Start planing for summer, and meet with over 40 camps and programs from around the region and the province. From day camps and residential camps to sports, arts, science and computer camps — the list goes on.
It’s a bit like herding cats, actually! It’s planning, predicting and monitoring. I look after the servers that exist under services like Banner, WebCT and email. There are 100 servers, so we’re always monitoring something. We try to predict and plan for the future. It’s always a challenge. For example, WebCT has grown faster than anyone anticipated. What do you see as the biggest network change coming to campus? The use of pre-packaged services such as email will become more common. And
cloud computing — users will become less and less aware of the fact that there is a server in behind what they’re using and will only be aware of the service. What’s it like to work around the clock? Generally people in computing don’t mind the non-standard hours — they see the value and understand why they need to be here at 3 a.m. and not 3 p.m. Mac or PC? I actually prefer Linux. BlackBerry or iPhone? BlackBerry.
For a complete list of events visit www.wlu.ca/events
A Perfect Pairing: A Night of Food and Drink When: Feb. 19 7 p.m. Where: Senate & Board Chamber Cost: $45/person Laurier alumni are invited to enjoy an all-Canadian evening of food and drink, inspired by “Sea to Shining Sea.” Learn how to pair drinks with each course. Each alumna/us can bring one non-Laurier graduate. For more information, visit www.laurieralumni.ca. Music at Noon When: Feb. 23 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Maureen Forrester Recital Hall Cost: Free Bring your lunch and enjoy the music of Elaine Lau and Joseph Ferretti on piano. Hive by Janet Morton When: Feb. 24 – April 3 Where: Robert Langen Art Gallery Cost: Free This mixed-media installation takes viewers on a voyage to understand, and reevaluate their relationship with the environment. Morton explores the concepts of consumerism and how “value” is assigned to objects and time investment.
Life After Laurier Science: The Business of Science When: Feb. 26 4:30 p.m. Where: Science Building N1002 Join chemistry alumnus Paul Smith (BSc ‘75), vice-president of sales and business planning– research for Axela Inc., as he talks about the business of science. Smith has spent more than 25 years in the life science instrumentation field. Screening the Caribbean: The Sweetest Mango When: Feb. 26 7 p.m. Where: BA201 Cost: Free
When did you first use a computer? I was in Grade 11. Our high school was one of the first to teach Fortran computer programming — it was done on punch cards. It was the problem solving I enjoyed. Are you from Waterloo? I grew up on a farm outside St. Mary’s. I had a brother who came to Laurier before me. There’s still a little of the farm boy in me (he points to two John Deere tractor models on his desk and a tin of baconflavoured mints). My wife and I own a two-acre property,
so that takes a bit of work to maintain. It’s all the outdoor stuff I like doing, except for shoveling snow! People know your name from your network emails. What else would you like them to know about you? I guess how much I have enjoyed the last 35 years and how much I look forward to the future. We talk about a sense of community here; it’s real. I see it a lot. This is a place I enjoy working.
By Lori Chalmers Morrison
Ice skating safety tips Ice skating is a Canadian winter tradition. If you plan on skating with your family, here are a few safety tips: • When buying skates, look for ones that have firm ankle support and fit snugly. For kids with growing feet, softer boots are better.
or slush, and is free of debris such as rocks and branches. • Ice on frozen ponds or rivers should be at least 15 cm thick. Never skate near open water.
• Skate in the same direction and speed as the crowd. If you can’t keep up, move to the side. • Children should wear CSA-approved helmets when skating. Helmets Adopted from publications by Health should be replaced every five years. Canada and Safe Kids Canada. • Remove cords and drawstrings from childrens’ clothes and use a neck warmer instead of a scarf to avoid choking hazards. • If skating outdoors, make sure the ice is in good shape, without bumps
This film is renowned as the first full-length feature film from the eastern anglophone Caribbean. Everyone is welcome. The Effects of Illness and Death on Children When: March 5 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Bricker Academic Building, third floor. Cost: Free This talk, by the Faculty of Social Work’s Dr. Susan Cadell, will draw on research from pediatric palliative care and bereaved individuals to raise some issues for professionals to be considerd when dealing with a child in school when illness or death touches them. 7
CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008
February 2010
New book chronicles life of artist Woldemar Neufeld Laurier professor co-wrote book published by Wilfrid Laurier University Press By Mallory O’Brien The works of local artist Woldemar Neufeld are being celebrated in a new book from Wilfrid Laurier University Press, titled Woldemar Neufeld’s Canada: A Mennonite Artist in the Canadian Landscape, 1925-1995. The book was published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the prolific artist’s birth in 1909. Neufeld died in 2002. Laurier English and film studies professor Dr. Paul Tiessen and his wife, Hildi, who teaches at Conrad Grebel University College, co-wrote the text for the book, chronicling Neufeld’s life and the influences that shaped his career. “It’s enjoyable to work with artists who are stylistically strong, yet strongly representational,” said Paul. “I loved Neufeld’s exploration of style.” Neufeld was born into a Mennonite family in Czarist Russia and immigrated to Canada in 1924. Although he later moved to the United States and lived there for more than 50 years, he returned many times to
In the classroom
visit family in his hometown of Waterloo, and to paint the urban and rural landscapes of southern Ontario, and beyond. During his career, Neufeld came into contact with leading Canadian artists, from Homer Watson to members of the Group of Seven. “Although in the mid-1930s he painted in the northern Ontario terrain that they had defined, he partly rejected the Group of Seven’s vision that Canada is uninhabited wilderness with little trace of humanity,” said Paul, who with his wife spent almost two years researching and writing about Neufeld. “He once said, ‘I reject the pines of Tom Thomson.’” Paul points to the Neufeld painting In the Midst of Life, where in the background, behind a knot of gnarled trees, lie rows of cultivated field, and the roof of a farmhouse pokes out from behind a distant hill. “Neufeld reminded people of human activity in his paintings, of their toil, happiness, ambition, and even failure.” While living in Canada, Neufeld attended a school
for boys run by Waterloo College, which later became Wilfrid Laurier University. In September 1993, he returned to Laurier to celebrate the university’s acquisition of 300 of his oils, watercolours and prints. The collection has grown to about 400 pieces. In December 2009, a reception was held in the gallery at the Children’s Museum in Kitchener to celebrate Neufeld’s centenary and preview Woldemar Neufeld’s Canada. On March 10, 2010 the English and Film Studies
department, with the Laurier Bookstore, will host a book launch for Neufeld’s Canada and
other published works from the department. Details about the event will be posted online.
Woldemar Neufeld in studio, left. A new book chronicling his life is published by WLU Press, above.
A look inside the lecture hall
Instruction for MBAs Professor: Dr. Brad Davis Class: BU652, Consumer Behaviour Description: An analysis of the consumer decision-making process, consumer relations, marketing problems, consumer policies and the many legal, social and media influences in the marketplace.
Business professor Dr. Brad Davis has been teaching MBA students at Laurier’s Toronto campus since it opened on the Lakeshore in 1997. He sums up his teaching style with one word: relaxed. “I like to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable to express ideas and have some fun,” he says. “MBA students are older and have more experience, and part-time students are often living what you’re talking about in lecture, so you have to be more flexible and let them control the flow of the class to a larger extent. “This class is not about models and templates as much as it’s about developing the instincts and intellectual discipline necessary to know what and where to look for deeper understanding. My real hope is that students will catch some of the excitement around the process.” By Mallory O’Brien
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Dr. Brad Davis instructs a part-time MBA class at Laurier’s Toronto campus.
Photo: Dean Palmer