April 28, 2008
Trinity Western University Announces Biotechnology Major
Are the foods you eat safe? Will dinosaurs roam the earth once again as in Jurassic Park? Are we moving towards a superhuman race as in Gattaca? Biotechnology can help to answer these and other compelling questions but while it is the furthest reaching and fastest growing area of science it remains largely unknown. Trinity Western University hopes to change that and is pleased to announce that it is offering a new biotechnology major. Led by Program Director and Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Julia Mills, the biotechnology major offers students superior knowledge in the areas of science and business. With more laboratory components and smaller class sizes, biotech majors can count on one-on-one time with their professors, while meeting the entry requirements for medical school and other professional schools. Mills says, "Our program offers biotech majors the opportunity to not only study intense science and business courses in the classroom but also take part in paid internships and co-op programs where they can work alongside biotechnology experts conducting critical and important research. This program allows students to wear the hat and explore career options that they may not have even considered. It allows our students to be job-ready." Simply stated, biotechnology is really the combination of science and technology, using living organisms to produce goods and services. Applications of biotechnology are far reaching and include food production, forestry, agriculture, medicine and the environment. Things like genetically altering food such as potatoes and corn to make them resistant to certain insects - commonly known in some circles as "Frankenfoods," the creation of environmentally friendly fuels, DNA fingerprinting in forensic sciences and in extreme cases genetically modifying animals to produce "glow in the dark kittens" and "super salmon." Biotechnology also underlies the "omics" revolution (genomics, pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics) and has greatly improved our ability to diagnose and treat human disease. With this new ability to harvest genomic information and mutate creation, questions and concerns on ethics abound. Mills says, "At TWU we address the ethics involved with biotechnology, asking tough questions. Just because something is viable is it always acceptable to do? Being able to address these ethical issues in the context of a Christian world view makes for very open and thought provoking dialogue. Our graduates are not only able to excel in the Health Sciences but will also be aware of the risks as we progress in this industry. It is important that we keep ahead of the sciences where ethics is concerned." Mills own research interests lie within adult stem cell and Alzheimer's disease research. With numerous refereed publications in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Neuroscience and Molecular Biology of the Cell, Mills comes to TWU with a wealth of professional and academic success. As well as possessing a breadth of teaching and research experience from UBC, Queen's University and University of Toronto, Mills was coordinator of the Careers in BioMedical Science Seminar Series at the University of Toronto and worked as a consultant for a biotech company and pharmaceutical recruiting organization. Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences, Dr. Jack VanDyke says, "One of the greatest strengths of our faculty is the level of integration that occurs between the faculty in various programs throughout the natural sciences. This is a tremendous asset for a multi-disciplined program such as Biotechnology. One example of the potential benefit is that we plan to strengthen the partnership between Biotechnology and Environmental studies to create a greener campus." One of the studies that Mills is hoping to pursue with biotechnology students is examining how different types of compostable cutlery break down and the rate in which they do. It is hoped that TWU will have a 0% cafeteria waste by 2009. This type of integration and connection within disciplines is what makes graduates from Canada's foremost Christian university so successful. Mills strongly believes in the mission of TWU and in the quality of students it produces saying, "We as instructors have the chance not just to aid in the intellectual instruction of students but also to speak to the entire person as a whole. Within biotechnology, a highly dynamic field, I feel that it is important to develop transferable skills in the students such as communication skills, teamwork, flexibility and initiative. The liberal arts education and the campus life that TWU offers help fulfill these qualities in our students."
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia

Print News   

April 23, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Physics Professor Wins 2008 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award
Dr. Luc Beaulieu, assistant professor in the department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, is the recipient of the 2008 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award at Memorial University; a prize valued at $25,000. His innovative research involves the development of a unique method of detecting and measuring airborne viruses. In particular, Dr. Beaulieu, with collaborator Dr. Ken Hirasawa from the Faculty of Medicine, proposes to use cantilever sensors to detect the influenza virus. Cantilever sensors are micrometre sized beams supported at one end, which are about the same width as a human hair. To detect influenza, Dr. Beaulieu will attach specific antibodies to the surface of the cantilever which are receptive to a single strain of the virus. In theory, when the virus binds with the antibodies on the cantilever, a surface stress will be generated which, in turn, will cause the cantilever to bend. The amount of bending is then used to infer the concentration levels of the virus. “To my knowledge there are no other groups attempting to use cantilever sensors for detecting the influenza virus,” said Dr. Beaulieu. “However, I am confident that one day cantilever sensors can be implemented into continuous air monitoring systems and have a significant impact on our health care system by reducing the current economical burden caused by the influenza virus.” "The calibre of submissions for this year's Young Innovator Award demonstrates the outstanding educational and scientific capabilities within our province," said Alan Brown, regional manager, East Coast Canada with Petro-Canada. "We're delighted to be supporting the work of Dr. Beaulieu and to be supporting research, development and the applied sciences at Memorial University." “Mr. Beaulieu’s work is indicative of the kind of high quality and innovative research being carried out at Memorial University. We are very proud of him, and congratulate him for working to improve the health and well-being of our people and people everywhere,” said Dr. Eddy Campbell, acting president of Memorial University. “We also want to thank Petro-Canada for their ongoing contribution to fostering excellence in research at Memorial.” Petro-Canada is a strong supporter of Memorial University. The Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award Program was started in 1998 as part of a $500,000 contribution to the university’s Opportunity Fund campaign. The award recognizes and fosters the work of outstanding and innovative young researchers at Canadian universities, colleges and major research institutes. An event honouring Dr. Beaulieu will be held at a later date.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador

Print News   

April 23, 2008
Thompson Rivers University Instructor Named as One of BC’s Most Influential in Residential Construction
Thompson Rivers University Construction Trades Instructor Hank Bangma has been recognized by BC Homes Magazine as one of BC’s Most Influential People in Residential Construction. Bangma is featured on the cover of the April/May issue along with Premier Gordon Campbell and three others from the group of 20 deemed most influential by the magazine published for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC. “I have a lot of respect for the other people that were recognized,” Bangma said. “The premier obviously, but also Jim Thomson (owner of Plainsman Construction and chair of the Southern Interior Development Trust) and M.J. Whitemarsh (chair of the Residential Construction Industry Training Organization). To be placed among this group is really humbling.” Tim Kasten, first vice president, Canadian Home Builders Association BC, nominated Bangma for the honour, having worked with Bangma and TRU Trades Students on the training house for the past eight years. It’s an award-winning collaboration that gives TRU’s Residential Construction Foundations students an opportunity to build a real home as part of their first year of studies and a key fundraising initiative for the Kamloops YMCA.“He goes above and beyond what is required to train young people in the trade. Hank sets a high standard and he demands a lot from his students, instilling in them a real pride for doing a quality job,” said Kasten, who has hired several TRU students for his company Hillside Contracting. Besides his full-time responsibilities as instructor Bangma sits on the Provincial Carpentry Articulation Committee (9 years: 4 years as chair) and is currently reviewing 80 plus chapters of content for the first Canadian revision of the textbook Carpentry.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia

Print News   

April 22, 2008
Concordia University: Concordian Wins NanoQuebec’s First Nano-Academia Award
Concordia University is pleased to announce that Dr. Suong Van Hoa has been awarded the inaugural Nano-Academia Award by NanoQuebec. The award ceremony was held last night at the Palais des Congrès during the NanoQuebec-Nano 2008 summit, which is taking place as part of the INNO.08 conference. This prize recognizes a Quebec academic who has been directly involved in a nanotechnological development as a direct result of his research. "Dr. Hoa is one of the most recognized names in composites and materials research in Canada, and is well-known internationally in his field. His abilities as a world class researcher are matched by his enthusiasm, imagination and entrepreneurship” said the university’s Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Louise Dandurand. “We’re very proud that he is the first person to be awarded this prize,” The highly specialized work done by Dr. Hoa over the past 29 years has important real-world applications that go far beyond the laboratory. As director of the Concordia Centre for Composites (CONCOM), Dr. Hoa and his team have long worked with companies such as Bell Helicopter Textron, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Bombardier in the Montreal area, and collaborated with Japanese, French, Italian and American groups. His work with Bell Helicopter resulted in a prestigious NSERC Synergy Award in October 2006. One of his most recent creations is a helicopter landing gear cross-piece he is developing at Concordia — a world first in load-bearing composites. Once in production, it will improve performance and lower long-term costs for manufacturer and users. His collaboration with SMEs such as TANKCON FRP, MPB Communications Technologies, Epoxy Tech and Delastek has helped them move up the value chain and become major suppliers of sophisticated elements in the aerospace and transport industries.
Source: Concordia University, Quebec

Print News   

April 21, 2008
Four Bishop's University Students Honoured at the Townships Leaders of Tomorrow Awards
Four Bishop's University students received certificates of recognition at the Townships Leader of Tomorrow Awards held at the Lennoxville community centre last April 13th. Hosted by Bishop's Political Science Professor William Hogg, the recipients are: Kate Adams: President of the Bishop’s Big Buddies, member of the Young Liberals of Canada, and a volunteer for Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE Bishop’s); Lisa Wagner: Involved in Big Buddies program, the Bishop’s University Student Alumni Association and responsible for this year’s BU Run for ALS; Emma Stainton: Organization of numerous speaking engagements and workshops, implication in the “Trick or Eat” project, the “Gait 2 Jobs” Job Fair, the charity fashion show for Multiple Sclerosis and the Food for Thought run; Jocelyn Molyneux: President of the 2007-2008 Students’ Representative Council.
Acknowledged for their implication through leadership initiatives that has had positive impact on the local community, a total of 14 awards of recognition were handed out and four $1000 awards were presented during the ceremony.
Source: Bishop's University, Quebec

Print News   

April 18, 2008
Thompson Rivers University: New Research and Development Opportunities for Kamloops
The Government of Canada is helping to strengthen Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) research and development innovation and technology commercialization capabilities through federal funding toward research infrastructure. Federal funding of $954,000 was announced for two projects at TRU today by Betty Hinton, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Thompson Rivers University is an important centre of learning and applied research. This funding will help TRU students, faculty and industry access the essential infrastructure needed to research, develop and commercialize sophisticated new technologies,” said MP Hinton. “These projects will benefit the University, and support knowledge creation and innovation in Kamloops and across British Columbia.” The first project will see a federal investment of $621,000 toward the purchase of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) equipment that will be used to train students and carry out applied research with industry. The new equipment will also provide analytical chemistry support to firms in various industry sectors in B.C. including mining, forestry, agriculture, nutraceuticals, and industrial biotechnology. The second project involves a federal investment of $333,000 to purchase equipment for the University’s creation of a new Centre for Innovation in Ranching, Range and Meat Production. The equipment will be used to facilitate research and development to help ranchers, producers and suppliers adopt new technologies that support sustainable ranching practices. “Western Economic Diversification’s significant support of these two projects will enhance TRU’s ability to support industry in the Interior of BC, fostering innovation leading to new products and enhancing business productivity and competitiveness through improved processes and relevant training. TRU is pursing the sustainability of the cattle industry as a strategic research direction to help working ranches maintain profitability, and the NMR will have important applications for businesses across the spectrum,” said TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Roger Barnsley. TRU has demonstrated strength in maintaining linkages between trades, technology and academic programs. TRU serves a broad geographic region with two campuses, one in Kamloops and the other in Williams Lake, and includes a strong distance and open learning capacity. Research is an important and growing component of the university's priorities, with a strong focus on community-based applied research and knowledge transfer. “We are encouraged by this generous investment by Western Economic Diversification because it honours the excellence of our faculty and students in conducting ground-breaking research. The new facilities and analytical tools enabled by WED greatly expand the capacity and potential of TRU and our region for discovery, innovation and invention in predictable ways, and ways we cannot even imagine,” said TRU Associate Vice-President Dr. Nancy Van Wagoner. Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with various provinces, industry associations and communities to encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia

Print News   

April 17, 2008
Grande Prairie Regional College: New On Campus Day Care Building Officially Opened
The official opening of the new Building Blocks Day Care building on campus at Grande Prairie Regional College is a long-anticipated moment, and celebrated by parents, children, Building Blocks staff and Board of Directors, the College and the community. The GPRC Board of Governors decided early in 2006 to erect a permanent modular building to house the on-campus day care, replacing the old portable which had been used for the past several years. Since moving into this new building in December 2007, the 56 children and 14 staff have been enjoying the four main level classrooms, large outdoor decks, and common spaces on both levels. In January 2008, Building Blocks became an accredited day care. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies recognized the energetic support of Board of Governors member Vi Sunohara, whose lobbying efforts at the government level got the project started. Recognition was also extended to John Webster, Director of Campus Operations at GPRC, whose long-term dedication to the project helped overcome many obstacles along the way. The 6,000 sq. ft. modular building is on a full basement which can be developed to provide 12,000 sq. ft. of usable space. In the near future, Building Blocks plans to develop two new classrooms on the lower level which will accommodate some of the more than 200 children now on the waiting list. The large fenced-in playground is a feature which the College hopes to develop as a natural playscape, featuring low-level maintenance plantings and contoured landscaping with poured-in-place pathways made of recycled tires. The playground design would be one of the first of its kind in Canada, furthering the establishment of Building Blocks as a model day care facility in the system. In the immediate future, Building Blocks director Gayle Nock is planning a Summer Program for children 6 years to 11 years, which will run eight weeks beginning July 7. “The staff that I am hiring for this program will be Bachelor of Education students currently enrolled in the degree completion program,” she explains. The collaboration between the College and the On-Campus Day Care Society extends far beyond the child care needs of students and staff, offering learning opportunities and other cooperative possibilities for several instructional areas. “We are very pleased to have made this investment in quality child care for our community,” says President Don Gnatiuk. “This is a facility we can all be very proud of, and an occasion which we are happy to celebrate.”
Source: Grande Prairie Regional College, Alberta

Print News   

April 14, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Business Students Capture Second Place Finish in International Competition
Four Memorial business students have finished in second place in the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) case competition in Coventry, United Kingdom. Team members Samantha Attwood, Erin Gullage, MaryBeth Hanrigan and Adam Power are all accounting students in Memorial’s bachelor of commerce (co-op) program. Prior to attending the competition the four business students had spent the winter semester studying at Memorial’s Harlow Campus in England. Professor and competition coach Peggy Coady believes that this international experience benefited the students during the competition. “Throughout the competition the students referred to material they had studied in Harlow such as international business law with Professor George Cummins and business ethics with Dr. Bob Sexty,” Prof. Coady said. “This coupled with a strong presentation style led to excellent feedback from the judges.” In round robin play the Memorial team competed against teams from around the world, such as the International Business Academy (Denmark), Leuven School of Business and Economics (Belgium) and the host school, Coventry University. Memorial emerged as victors in the semi-final round against the University of Missouri and faced Helsinki School of Economics in the finals. “I am very proud of our students and their accomplishments. Reaching second place in a competition of NIBS calibre is a testament to their hard work and the quality of the programming we offer in the Faculty of Business,” said Dr. Gary Gorman, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. The NIBS Case Competition is the oldest undergraduate case competition in the world. Teams are given a business case to analyze, on topics such as banking to low income populations in South Africa or the business model for Airbus, and present their results to a panel of judges. NIBS was established in 1993 to bring together business schools that believe that economic globalization is essential in the evolution of managerial practices. Member institutions work together to promote student and faculty exchanges and interactions, exchange ideas, and set up joint teaching and research programs while sharing mutual recognition of qualifications.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador

Print News   

April 11, 2008
Ontario Government Supports York University Campus Renewal
A grant of more than $18.5 million from the Government of Ontario will help ensure York University’s facilities are better equipped for cutting-edge research and today’s teaching needs. “This funding is vital to York’s future as we work with the government on a long-term plan for renewal that addresses both projected enrolment growth as well as critical teaching and research needs,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “The Ontario government’s support of campus renewal projects will benefit York students with more modern classrooms, labs and other learning spaces.” York University will also receive a grant of $500,000 to support Ontario EcoSchools programming. This environmental education program aims to influence young people during a formative period of life, and encourage students to take a culture of conservation home with them. The funds will be used to revise curriculum-linked teaching resources, provide outreach activities and offer EcoSchools certification for those teaching ecological literacy. It will also help conserve energy, minimize waste and green the grounds. “EcoSchools is another way for York to lead the way in efficiency and conservation,” said Shoukri. Ontario has designated $200 million for campus renewal across the province. These investments are in addition to January’s commitment of $135 million for campus renewal, and are 12 times the annual contribution of the $26.7 million universities ordinarily receive through the Facilities Renewal Program.
Source: York University, Ontario

Print News   

April 11, 2008
Trent University: $3,263,500 in Targeted Funding to Address Basic Repairs
New provincial funding announced for Trent University will result in improvements to on campus accessibility, increased energy efficiency and improvements to aging infrastructure. The $3,263,500 in Facilities Renewal funding was announced today by Jeff Leal, MPP, Peterborough at the Bata Library. “Trent University welcomes the infusion of $200-million in campus renewal across the province,” said Bonnie Patterson, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This significant investment demonstrates that the province and the Premier recognize that investing in university infrastructure is an important priority if we are to provide a quality teaching and research environment for our students. We commend the Premier McGuinty, Minister Milloy and Jeff Leal for their on-going support.” The funding is part of a broader $200-million initiative to improve facilities contained in the March 28 provincial budget. The funds are targeted at capital investments and are not incorporated into the University’s annual operating budget.The announcement was made by Mr. Leal on behalf of the Honourable John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.The provincial investment will be used by the University to address a number of projects: Installation of a new elevator to improve accessibility to the Environmental Sciences and Chemical Sciences Buildings, to comply with provisions of the Accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act (2005); Retrofitting of lighting in various buildings including: the Bata Library, Environmental Sciences, parts of the Science Building, the academic areas of Champlain, Lady Eaton and Otonabee Colleges, and Blackburn Hall; Roof replacements for Alumni House, the Library and a portion of the Science Building
The targeted funds are in addition to the $2.2-million in deferred maintenance funding announced by Mr. Leal on January 29. President Patterson notes that facilities renewal at Trent remains an on-going issue. The University has a growing backlog of facilities renewal projects totalling $17.2-million. This backlog covers a range of outstanding facility needs including roof replacements, windows, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, etc.
Source: Trent University, Ontario

Print News   

April 9, 2008
Lakeland College Business Students Earn Second Place at Case Competition
After a tense 90-minute deliberation period, judges awarded students from Lakeland College second place in a provincial business case competition held on March 27 to 29 in Calgary. The Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition is open to full-time students enrolled in business diploma or degree programs at Alberta's post-secondary institutions. During the competition, teams must analyze a newly published business case and prepare a recommended course of action. Team Lakeland - sponsored by Common Wealth Credit Union's Young and Free program - was one of 11 teams in the competition that analyzed and presented a case on the sustainability of Jamie Kennedy Kitchens based in Toronto. Lakeland's contingent included Lacey Hauck (team captain) and Kristine Alexander, both fourth-year students in the bachelor of commerce degree program, Peggy Lovell, a third-year student in the advanced business degree program, Lindsay Nuspl, a second-year student in the management diploma program, and faculty advisor and coach Doreen Der, a business instructor at the college's Lloydminster campus. "We received the case at 8:45 am on the competition's first day and had until 6 pm that evening to prepare and submit a response," says Hauck. "Submissions had to include a PowerPoint presentation. During this time, we had no contact with our faculty advisor or the public. We all felt a huge sense of relief when we handed in our submission." Presentations were judged on teams' application of business, management and academic principles, and on skills related to teamwork, problem-solving, analysis, public speaking and communication. The next day, teams presented their work to a panel of judges. Judges were Faisel Khan, Royal Bank of Canada branch manager, Dan Donovan, vice president and director of operations of Jamie Kennedy Kitchens, and Paul Murphy, owner of Plate it Up! Fresh Meal Market. Lakeland presented sixth out of 11 teams. "We felt fairly confident that we did a good job but we had no idea how earlier teams did. There were some good ideas," says Alexander. "Their presentation was flawless," says coach Der of her Lakeland team. "I was very proud of them." Team Lakeland received an award of $1,500. First place winners, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and third place winners Grande Prairie Regional College received $2,500 and $1,000 respectively. "The competition was an excellent experience," says Hauck. "I would definitely recommend more students take part in this competition next year."
Source: Lakeland College, Alberta

Print News   

April 7, 2008
Thompson River University: New International Double Degree Option for Geography Students
Thompson Rivers University is pleased to announce the signing an agreement with the University of Gävle in Sweden that will allow students to simultaneously earn a degree from each university in the fields of Geography and Geomatics. TRU students completing a Major in Geography in the Bachelor of Arts degree will be able to add the University of Gävle's Bachelor of Science degree, Major in Geomatics to their resume with just one more year of study. The agreement also allows students to simultaneously earn two diploma-level credentials: an Associate of Arts degree (2 years) from TRU and a Geomatics Technician diploma (1 year) from the University of Gävle. The Geography-Geomatics degree program is believed to be the first of its kind in Canada and one of only a handful of international double degree programs in the country. Ross Nelson, a TRU faculty member who recently spent a year as a visiting researcher at the University of Gävle (pronounced Yev-le), about 2 hours north of the capital city of Stockholm, says the city provides a great base for TRU students to study and experience Europe. "The University of Gävle is one of the leading centres for geomatics education in Scandinavia and is perhaps the only one to offer its whole program in English. In addition to the Department of Geomatics, the university also houses a Geographic Information Systems Institute while the headquarters for Sweden's mapping and land information agency and a GIS industry centre are a short walk away." Geomatics is the technical branch of geography. It involves the collection, analysis, and display of spatial information about the earth - satellite imagery and computer based maps are two of the most common forms of geomatics information. According to Uli Scheck, TRU Associate VP Academics and Dean of Arts, these new double degree and diploma options present "an exciting opportunity for our students to internationalize their educational experience. Both options will be of great interest to students from across Canada and will set the stage for developing further international degree opportunities in the Faculty of Arts." The double degree and double diploma provide an attractive career pathway. Graduates of the programs will find work, for example, as planners, land managers, location analysts (people who determine where stores should locate), surveyors, cartographers, GIS technicians, and database managers. The combination of technical abilities and a solid knowledge base will make TRU students attractive to employers who value multi-skilled and adaptable problem solvers.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia

Print News   

April 7, 2008
Trinity Western University Hosts the World Vision One Life Experience
Trinity Western University is pleased to host the World Vision One Life Experience from April 11th through to the 20th. The One Life Experience is a 2000 square-foot interactive village that transports visitors to the heart of Africa. Through a captivating audio tour and powerful imagery, viewers will experience the impact of HIV and AIDS by stepping into the life of an African child, gaining a new understanding of the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time. Brandon Foreman, Tour Representative for World Vision Canada, approached TWU administration and facilities earlier in the year to see if the University could be the host site for the exhibit in the Fraser Valley, and TWU was honoured to host the event. The original World Vision One Life Experience travelled across the U.S. including stops in Seattle, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Sacramento and New York City's Grand Central Station. In August 2006, it was featured in Toronto during the International AIDS Conference where more than 5,000 people visited the exhibit. In August 2007, a new Canadian World Vision One Life Experience was built and began a cross-Canada tour. Since August, it has been featured in Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Kelowna, Montreal, Kitchener and St. Catharines and more than 18,000 Canadians have visited this moving exhibit. The One Life Exhibit is free to attend and will be open to the public from April 11th through the 20th (Monday - Saturday 9am - 7 pm., and Sundays 12 pm - 7 pm.) TWU will also be supporting World Vision's kick off of the 30 Hour Famine, VIP media event with actress Gabrielle Miller (CTV's Robson Arms, Corner Gas) and a pastoral breakfast featuring Tony Campolo. For volunteer opportunities contact http://www.worldvision.ca/onelife and click on "Join the Team" to register. World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Motivated by our Christian faith, we serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Trinity Western University, in Langley, B.C. is an independent Christian liberal arts and sciences university enrolling approximately 4000 students. TWU offers undergraduate degrees in 40 major areas of study ranging from biotechnology, education, nursing, theatre and music, to psychology, communications and biblical studies. TWU's 16 graduate degree programs include counseling psychology, business, theology and leadership, and offers interdisciplinary studies in English, philosophy and history. TWU holds Canada Research Chairs in Biblical Studies, Biology and Interpretation, Religion & Culture.
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia

Print News   

April 7, 2008
Trinity Western University: Lively Spring Concert Comes to Langley
A selection of triumphant and springtime works will be featured when musicians from Trinity Western University perform in Langley on April 11. Members of the TWU Orchestra will play the Russian Easter Overture by Rimksy-Korsakov and the "Unfinished" Symphony by Schubert. As well, the Concert Band will perform the Second Suite by Gustav Holst and the William Byrd Suite by Gordon Jacob. "We're playing a lively program, which highlights the talent and calibre of our music students," says Jon Thompson, conductor of the Orchestra. "This program is a fitting way to end another year of study, practice and performance." The concert will be held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Langley on April 11. A repeat performance will take place at Peace Lutheran Church in Abbotsford on April 12. Both the Concert Band and Orchestra are comprised mostly of TWU music students, although local musicians are included in their ranks.
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia

Print News   

April 7, 2008
Trinity Western University Announces Biotechnology Major
Are the foods you eat safe? Will dinosaurs roam the earth once again as in Jurassic Park? Are we moving towards a superhuman race as in Gattaca? Biotechnology can help to answer these and other compelling questions but while it is the furthest reaching and fastest growing area of science it remains largely unknown. Trinity Western University hopes to change that and is pleased to announce that it is offering a new biotechnology major. Led by Program Director and Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Julia Mills, the biotechnology major offers students superior knowledge in the areas of science and business. With more laboratory components and smaller class sizes, biotech majors can count on one-on-one time with their professors, while meeting the entry requirements for medical school and other professional schools. Mills says, "Our program offers biotech majors the opportunity to not only study intense science and business courses in the classroom but also take part in paid internships and co-op programs where they can work alongside biotechnology experts conducting critical and important research. This program allows students to wear the hat and explore career options that they may not have even considered. It allows our students to be job-ready." Simply stated, biotechnology is really the combination of science and technology, using living organisms to produce goods and services. Applications of biotechnology are far reaching and include food production, forestry, agriculture, medicine and the environment. Things like genetically altering food such as potatoes and corn to make them resistant to certain insects - commonly known in some circles as "Frankenfoods," the creation of environmentally friendly fuels, DNA fingerprinting in forensic sciences and in extreme cases genetically modifying animals to produce "glow in the dark kittens" and "super salmon." Biotechnology also underlies the "omics" revolution (genomics, pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics) and has greatly improved our ability to diagnose and treat human disease. With this new ability to harvest genomic information and mutate creation, questions and concerns on ethics abound. Mills says, "At TWU we address the ethics involved with biotechnology, asking tough questions. Just because something is viable is it always acceptable to do? Being able to address these ethical issues in the context of a Christian world view makes for very open and thought provoking dialogue. Our graduates are not only able to excel in the Health Sciences but will also be aware of the risks as we progress in this industry. It is important that we keep ahead of the sciences where ethics is concerned." Mills own research interests lie within adult stem cell and Alzheimer's disease research. With numerous refereed publications in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Neuroscience and Molecular Biology of the Cell, Mills comes to TWU with a wealth of professional and academic success. As well as possessing a breadth of teaching and research experience from UBC, Queen's University and University of Toronto, Mills was coordinator of the Careers in BioMedical Science Seminar Series at the University of Toronto and worked as a consultant for a biotech company and pharmaceutical recruiting organization. Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences, Dr. Jack VanDyke says, "One of the greatest strengths of our faculty is the level of integration that occurs between the faculty in various programs throughout the natural sciences. This is a tremendous asset for a multi-disciplined program such as Biotechnology. One example of the potential benefit is that we plan to strengthen the partnership between Biotechnology and Environmental studies to create a greener campus." One of the studies that Mills is hoping to pursue with biotechnology students is examining how different types of compostable cutlery break down and the rate in which they do. It is hoped that TWU will have a 0% cafeteria waste by 2009. This type of integration and connection within disciplines is what makes graduates from Canada's foremost Christian university so successful. Mills strongly believes in the mission of TWU and in the quality of students it produces saying, "We as instructors have the chance not just to aid in the intellectual instruction of students but also to speak to the entire person as a whole. Within biotechnology, a highly dynamic field, I feel that it is important to develop transferable skills in the students such as communication skills, teamwork, flexibility and initiative. The liberal arts education and the campus life that TWU offers help fulfill these qualities in our students."
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia

Print News   

April 3, 2008
Next Major Construction Project Given Green Light at Thompson Rivers University
The next major capital construction project to expand learning resources on the campus of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops has been given the green light with the announcement today of funding approval from the Ministry of Advanced Education. With a commitment of $18 million from government, the TRU Board of Governors has approved the business plan for funding the balance of the $29.3 million project that will incorporate the new library, the learning commons, and space for Aboriginal programs and services. The TRU Board of Governors has decided that the new facility will be known as The House of Learning. The overall size of the new building is approximately 58,000 sq. ft., providing expanded library, study and learning space that includes a tiered lecture theatre, and various dedicated spaces. It will also be the first TRU facility to be LEED Gold Certified. The new building will provide a significant addition to library and learning space for all students on campus, and also incorporate features and facilities to enhance the learning needs of Aboriginal students. Within the House of Learning, the concept of a learning commons will allow for more student group work and social interaction. With new space for expanding the library collection and student access to information through technology, the project also includes the creation of more space for quiet study and research in the existing library facility. TRU President and Vice-chancellor Roger Barnsley expressed his delight that this much anticipated addition to the academic life of the campus is moving ahead. "Not only will the House of Learning project significantly change and enhance the educational opportunities for students on our Kamloops campus," said Barnsley. "It will mark TRU as a leader as we become the university of choice for environmental sustainability, Aboriginals and First Nations and for student engagement." Ron Olynyk, Chair of the TRU Board of Governors, expressed the Boards' appreciation for the generous support of the Ministry of Advanced Education and the British Columbia government for this important project. Preliminary timelines for the project would plan to see some initial ground work begin later this year on the building site on the campus common, just east of the Campus Activity Centre, with a preliminary target completion date of Winter, 2010.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia

Print News   

	DeVry Institute of Technology Bachelor of Business Operations DeVry Institute of Technology, Calgary Campus (DeVry Calgary) offers a Bachelor of Business Operations degree (BSOP). Students who are interested in working in technology-based business careers will find this program useful as its aim is to develop competency in applying technology to business strategy, and to provide students with a ... [read more]