In the news …
February 29, 2008
Assiniboine Community College: $4,800 Annually in New Scholarships
Assiniboine Community College is pleased to announce that the Manitoba Smart Network has
established an ongoing legacy for future generations of information technology students. On an annual
basis, three $1,600 scholarships will be available for students in the Computer Systems Technology, Wireless Telecommunications Engineering Technology and Web Design programs. By rewarding academic achievement and encouraging students to continue in their studies, this substantial gift will provide students with the opportunity to be leaders in an exciting and thriving field. Manitoba Smart Network Inc. (MSNI) was incorporated in July 1999 and was created through a partnership between the communities of Brandon, Carberry, Minnedosa, Neepawa and Souris. MSNI's goal was to stimulate the development and integration of information and communication technologies in new and innovative ways to enrich the partner communities and organizations socially, culturally and economically. "ACC students will benefit from the generosity of Manitoba Smart Network Inc., as their donation will be used to fund three ongoing scholarships. A high achieving student that is the recipient of the scholarship in each of the programs will be helped out financially as they move from the first year to the second year of the program. We hope that this financial reward will attract future students into these programs as well," says Keith Smith, former Chairperson and current Instructor for the School of Trades & Technology. The Manitoba Smart Network has successfully worked to build an electronic infrastructure in Manitoba supporting the four pillars of every community: business, education, health and community. Their creation of a substantial scholarship at Assiniboine Community College supports the Manitoba Smart Network's legacy to "help Canada to become a world leader in the development and use of information and communication technologies for economic, social and cultural development."
Source: Assiniboine Community College, Manitoba
February 25, 2008
2 Outstanding Achievement Awards for Bishop's University
Bishop's is pleased to recognize its two award winners from the 17th Annual Awards Night held February 21st in the Borough of Lennoxville. Dr. Jamie Crooks, Chair of the Philosophy Department and Conductor/Director of the University Singers, and Jamall Lee, a star student-athlete, were both named by community members for their outstanding achievements and involvement in Lennoxville. Dr. Crooks arrived in 1990 to teach Philosophy at Bishop's University. Known for his excellent teaching skills and dedication to the singers, he has been Chair of the Philosophy Department since 1994 and has been the Conductor / Director of the Bishop's Choir since 1999. "Energy, enthusiasm, and a series of lucky circumstances," says Crooks, helped grow the group from 37 to 112 singers, including many community members. Jamall is a 3rd year student in Sociology. His enthusiasm for football is contagious and his talent undeniable. He set the QUFL single-season rushing record with 1464 yards - breaking the old record of 1050 yards (1969) while amassing the 5th best total in the history of Interuniversity Football. This season he set yet another QUFL record by carrying the ball 181 times. He also ran for 12 touchdowns, was awarded the Jeff Russel Trophy for the QUFL most outstanding player and was named a First-Team All-Canadian. The Annual Awards Night event is an opportunity for the Borough of Lennoxville to pay tribute to the accomplishments of local individuals and to make the population aware of the extraordinary involvement of its fellow citizens within the community.
Source: Bishop's University, Quebec
February 22, 2008
Lakeland College: Gaining Ground in Canadian Real Estate Sector
When Ning Zheng moved from China to Edmonton, he couldn't get a job in the real estate sector with his master's degree in international real estate from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Realizing he needed more education, Zheng typed in education and real estate on a search engine. Lakeland College was one of only two post-secondary institutions in Western Canada he found. Zheng started Lakeland's appraisal and assessment program in September 2006 and as he prepares to graduate this spring, he knows finding a job won't be a problem. "There are job opportunities everywhere," he said.
Source: Lakeland College, Alberta
February 20, 2008
University of Manitoba: First Nations Students get Hands-on Learning Opportunities at Science and Engineering Symposium
On Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, 2008, students from First Nations in Manitoba and Ontario will be treated to more than 100 hands-on sessions at the Third Annual Peguis Science, Engineering and Technology Symposium at the University of Manitoba. About 300 students in Grades 9 to 12 will travel to the University of Manitoba for opportunities to attend workshops on topics as diverse as tornadoes, microbiology, website design and even obstetrics. The sessions will be presented by lecturers and professors from many departments within the Faculties of Science, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Engineering, Nursing and Medicine, as well as the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources. Sessions will also be presented by Manitoba Hydro and Red River College. "This is a fantastic learning experience for high school students," says Dr. Tom Berry, mathematics, an organizer of the event. "This program allows young people to see what it's like to be in university, while still in high school." Another aspect of the symposium is to have students meet Aboriginal role models to help them understand the importance of education and determination. Keynote speakers for the event are two notable members of the National Aboriginal Role Model Program: Candice Lys and Daniel McKennitt. Lys is from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and is working on her Masters of Arts in Health Promotion at Dalhousie University. Lys has traveled around the globe and has been an avid volunteer for youth and health promotion programs such as the Youth Challenge International and Peer Health Education programs. McKennitt is an Anishnabe (Ojibway) medical student from Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba. He is currently attending the University of Alberta Medical School, studying to become a physician. McKennitt has received numerous awards, including the Alberta Aboriginal Health Careers Bursary for leaders in the area of Aboriginal health. He has worked for many organizations including as a youth advisor for the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre with the Department of Heritage. Recently, he has been conducting Aboriginal health research with the University of Alberta. The students will arrive at the University of Manitoba this afternoon to get settled in and register. Tomorrow at 9:00 am, there will be opening ceremonies in University Centre and then the students will head off to the various science and tech sessions. The Honourable Dianne McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy and Mr. Tom Nevakshonoff, MLA Interlake, will speak at the opening ceremony, which will also feature the Young Bear Singers Drum Group from Peguis First Nation. Titles of some workshops include: "Feats and Failures of Engineering"; "Tornadoes: Hollywood Versus the Real Thing"; and "How to Deliver a Baby."
Source: University of Manitoba
February 19, 2008
Mount Allison University Receives Top Spot in National Survey of Student Engagement
Mount Allison University is taking the national stage once again with the release of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the results of which were published in the 2008 Maclean's University Student Issue, dated February 18. Mount Allison ranked first in the country in several categories and out-performed its peers in 57 categories in the 2007 survey. Mount Allison University President Dr. Robert Campbell says, "The greatest indicator of success is positive student feedback. We are delighted that our students have given us top marks for our academic and extracurricular programs and for providing them with a challenging and satisfying university experience. With the return to the top undergraduate rank in the Maclean's University Rankings this fall, there is compelling evidence that Mount Allison University provides the most outstanding undergraduate experience in Canada and one of the best experiences in North America." Mount Allison University received first-place standing for all of Canada among 41 universities surveyed in several categories in the 2007 NSSE survey, including:
Level of Academic Challenge - 60.9% of senior-year students and 49.6% of first-year students who were surveyed thought Mount Allison's academics were challenging and provided coursework that emphasizes judgment and transforming information into more complex interpretations. The University ranked first in the country in this category.
Student-Faculty Interaction - 49.6% of senior-year students and 23.6% of first-year students surveyed found their professors accessible outside the classroom to discuss not only academics, but also career plans or ideas, and work on research projects. Mount A again received the highest rank in this NSSE category.
Enriching Educational Experience - 41.1% of senior-year students and 27.3% of first-year students surveyed think their Mount Allison Experience is one that recognizes diversity and complementary learning opportunities, such as exchange programs and internships to enhance academic programs, as well as providing a campus environment that promotes contact with students from different backgrounds. Mount Allison took top spot in this third category.
Other highlights for the Sackville school were high standings in:
Supportive Campus Environment - 59.3% of first-year students and 62.7% of senior-year students surveyed feel that Mount Allison's close-knit campus atmosphere supports academic and non-academic endeavours, and works to cultivate positive relationships among students, faculty, and staff. The University received third national rank in this category.
Active and Collaborative Learning - 51.4% of senior-year students and 32.4% of first-year students surveyed are happy with the University's curriculum, which includes community-based projects, public presentations, and team-building assignments, giving Mount A the fourth place ranking in the country.
Student Satisfaction - 88% of first-year students surveyed rate their entire educational experience at Mount Allison as "good" or "excellent," while 93% per cent of senior-year students surveyed gave the same response. When asked if, given the chance to start over, they would choose Mount Allison again, 86% of first-year students said yes and 85% of senior-year students surveyed agreed. The University placed in the top five rankings in the country in both these categories. Maclean's also praised Mount Allison in the issue for its continuous success in delivering an exceptional undergraduate experience - one of the best in North America. They wrote, "A handful of small, primarily undergraduate schools, led by Mount Allison University and Acadia University, are among those that consistently exceeded their American peers."
Source: Mount Allison University, New Brunswick
February 13, 2008
The Barry Elmes Quintet Brings "Contemporary Jazz at its Best" to York University's Faculty Concert Series
Acclaimed jazz drummer Barry Elmes, Chair of York University's Music Department, brings his quintet to centre stage on February 28 for the season finale of York's Faculty Concert Series. The concert, featuring new compositions by Elmes plus selections from the ensemble's recorded repertoire, will take place at 7:30pm in the Tribute Communities Recital Hall at York. The performance will be recorded for a future CD release. Hailed as "contemporary jazz at its best..." (The Toronto Star), the Barry Elmes Quintet comprises a 'who's who' of Canadian jazz. Alongside bandleader and composer Elmes, the ensemble features his York U colleagues Mike Murley (saxophones) and Kevin Turcotte (trumpet, flugelhorn), plus Reg Schwager (guitar) and Steve Wallace (bass). The quintet has toured and recorded in Canada and internationally for more than 15 years, gathering accolades all the way. "This band has it all: heat, élan and humour", said The Globe and Mail. A two-time winner of the National Jazz Awards "Acoustic Jazz Group of the Year", the group has released four recordings, including the critically-acclaimed Climbing, which was nominated for a Juno for best jazz recording. Their most recent CD, The Five Minute Warning, received an Indie Award nomination for best jazz recording. Barry Elmes has been a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene since the early 1980s. An internationally-known drummer, composer, producer, recording artist and educator, he has performed all over the world and can be heard on more than 60 CDs. Renowned jazz artists he has played and/or recorded with include Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Charlie Haden, Hank Crawford, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Phil Nimmons and the Moe Koffman Quintet. Performance highlights include his 1994 tour with the Oliver Jones Trio on the Governor-General's tour of China, Japan and Korea; appearances in South Africa and Brazil with the Canadian Jazz Giants in 1996; and a Chilean tour with the Barry Elmes Quintet in 2000 followed by the ensemble's 10th anniversary cross-Canada tour in 2001. In addition to the Barry Elmes Quintet CDs, Elmes' discography includes recordings by the contemporary jazz quartet Time Warp, which he co-founded and co-leads with his fellow faculty member, Al Henderson (who heads York University's jazz studies program). He presides over the independent jazz label, Cornerstone Records, and performs frequently at major festivals and jazz clubs. His honours include five Jazz Report Awards. Elmes has inspired a generation of young musicians at York University. He taught part-time for 20 years in York's jazz program before joining the full-time faculty in the Department of Music in 2004. Declared "one of the key players of his generation" (The Globe and Mail), Mike Murley is recognized as one of Canada's finest jazz talents. Very active as a bandleader and sideman on the local jazz scene, he is an eight-time winner of the Jazz Report's "saxophonist of the year" distinction, and has nine Juno Award-winning recordings to his credit. He is an alumnus of York's Music Department, where he currently teaches. Kevin Turcotte likewise teaches in York's jazz program. Widely regarded as a virtuoso performer, he has been named "jazz trumpeter of the year" multiple times by the Jazz Report. He has performed on over 50 recordings, and has toured widely in North America, South America, Italy and Russia. He has appeared with the Jean Martin Trio, Hemispheres New Music Ensemble, Andrew Downing's Attention Span, and many other groups. Reg Schwager has toured extensively across Canada and worldwide with George Shearing, Diana Krall, Peter Appleyard, Rob McConnell and many others, and has over 80 recordings to his credit. CDs released under his own name include Resonance, Border Town and Live at Mezzetta. He has been the recipient of the Guitarist of the Year award from Canada's National Jazz Awards for three consecutive years (2005, 2006 and 2007). Bassist Steve Wallace has performed with such international luminaries as Clark Terry, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis, George Coleman, Zoot Sims, and Pepper Adams, and has recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in Canadian jazz including Oscar Peterson, Oliver Jones, Fraser MacPherson and Rob McConnell. He currently plays in numerous Toronto groups including recent Juno winners, the David Braid Sextet, Rob McConnell Tentet and Mike Murley Trio. The performance of the Barry Elmes Quintet is the last in a series of seven events in the 2007-2088 Faculty Concert Series, spotlighting faculty artists in the Department of Music at York University.
Source: York University, Ontario
February 13, 2008
What Can Cape Breton University Do For You?
Cape Breton University (CBU) is now offering more renewable scholarships to new students than ever before. "As the academic calibre of students applying and attending Cape Breton University continues to grow, we are very pleased to provide increased renewable scholarships to all students with an average of 90 per cent or above who apply for 2008," says Dr. Keith Brown, Vice-President, Development, Cape Breton University. "Students with an average of 95 per cent or higher will receive, at minimum, a renewable Dean's Scholarship, valued at $10,000 ($2,500 a year for up to four years). Students with a 90 to 94 per cent average will be offered a renewable Rossetti Scholarship valued at $8,000 ($2,000 a year for up to four years)." The tremendous support of the community towards the Future First fundraising campaign makes it possible to continue to offer more and larger scholarships to entering students. CBU also currently offers a set number of larger renewable scholarships for students who achieve top averages such as the eight Chancellor's Scholarships, valued at $24,000 each ($6,000 each year for up to four years); six President's Scholarship at $20,000 each ($5,000 a year for up to four years), and six Marquis Scholarship valued at $12,000 each ($3,000 a year for up to four years). Canadian high school students who apply to CBU by March 1 are automatically considered for Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships with dollar amounts based on an average of five, Grade 11 courses and three, first-semester Grade 12 academic courses as calculated by CBU. Students entering CBU with an 85 per cent or higher average are also guaranteed a scholarship; amounts vary depending on average. To maintain renewable entrance scholarship, students must enrol in full-time study and maintain an 80 per cent average once they are in the program. A separate scholarship application, also due by March 1, covers all of the other scholarships, some of which have specific qualification requirements, covering a range of programs and interests. Students from outside of Canada must complete one term of study at CBU to become eligible for scholarships.
CBU Open House: High school students, and their parents, are invited to find out 'What CBU Can Do for You' at an Open House on February 19 and 20 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. nightly in the Student, Culture, and Heritage Centre. Meet professors, deans and alumni and learn about career and educational opportunities. Whether students are interested in specific careers such as nursing, social work, policing, sports management, public health, nutrition, engineering, tourism, accounting, or marketing, for example OR interested in pre-professional study for pharmacy, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, journalism or post-graduate studies, CBU can help get students there! Details will also be available on admissions, applications, scholarships, and international exchange opportunities. "Don't forget to attend a "University 101" session during the Open House to find out everything you always wanted to know about post-secondary education," says John Mayich, Manager of Marketing and Recruiting at CBU. "This is the place to ask the questions you've been wondering about. From classes and scheduling to day-to-day life on campus, no question is too big or small. In previous years, our 'University 101' session has proved very popular with Open House participants."
On Site Admissions: Starting today, February 13 and running until February 27, the university admissions team will visit 18 high schools right across Cape Breton. Students interested in coming to CBU this fall will have the opportunity to meet the admissions team, ask questions, apply and receive an admissions decision on-site. Interested students can check with their guidance office to make an appointment and get a checklist.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
February 13, 2008
Mount Royal students to Light up Lives in Africa
A group of Mount Royal students are flying from Calgary to Cameroon where they will use their business and entrepreneurship skills to help make part of the country more sustainable through a new solar lighting project. The four students will travel to the African country on Thursday where they will work in partnership with non-profit organisation, International Children's Awareness. The group will set up a small business that will sell and install the solar lighting systems in houses in the Ndumbin region, using a system of very small loans. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit another area in the world and make a difference," says Mason Brookwell who is studying towards a Bachelor of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Small Business. The micro-loan system will make it possible for villagers to save the money previously spent on harmful kerosene for lamps and use it to pay for the new environmentally-friendly solar lights. "There will be major reductions in the amount of toxic fumes inhaled by villagers and the project also shows the people of Cameroon that there are people that want to help them. Giving them a sense of hope that they can have the things that they need is very important." Mason says all profits made through the venture will be re-donated to purchase lights for the common areas such as health centres and schools. "This trip helps you understand how your little contribution can make a large change to the lives of people living in these areas. They have nothing, but we work with them to establish a system that helps them acquire the basic human needs." The four students contributing to the project and traveling to Cameroon are: Alana Piche-Bachelor of Applied Interior Design; Brooklynn Peterson-Bachelor of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship International Busines; Mason Brookwell-Bachelor of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Small Business;Casey Phibbs-Bachelor of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Small Business
Source: Mount Royal College, Alberta
February 11, 2008
NAIT's New Brand Wins a CASE Silver Award
NAIT was awarded a Silver in the 27th Annual CASE District VIII Communication Awards in the Branding and Image Development category for the evolution of its new brand identity, launched in May 2007. "It's a credit to the team and all those involved in the process to develop our new logo and motto," says President and CEO Dr. Sam Shaw, "which are now proudly displayed on everything from our communications and marketing materials to ceremonial items, such as the new mace used in convocation." CASE is the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, an international association of education advancement officers, including communications professionals, alumni administrators and fund raisers. District VIII has 119 member institutes from across western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. The NAIT awards submission focused on communicating with staff, including explaining the brand review and evolution, and helping staff understand their role in rebranding. It also detailed the resources dedicated to the evolution and rollout internally, including a committee to ensure the implementation of the brand, hiring an institutional brand coordinator, ongoing consultations with staff, a Brand Resources web site, online internal newsletters articles, an e-mail address for brand-related inquiries, all-user messages, information sessions and internal launch events. "This recognition helps us to carry the momentum forward into phase two, the implementation of our graphic and photography guidelines," says Institutional Brand Coordinator Debra Bachman-Smith, who along with NAIT Marketing Consultant Kathy Frazer, received the award on the institution's behalf. "These guidelines are part of a bigger system - what is often referred to as our new 'look and feel'. When used with the logo and Visual Identity Guidelines they create a unique and instantly recognizable brand identity for NAIT." NAIT introduced the new logo and visual identity after a review that began in 2004, and included 20 focus groups held in 2006, hiring Rethink Communications, staff consultations and the internal launch of the brand in May 2007.
Source: NAIT, Alberta
February 11, 2008
Dalhousie University Students Awarded for Winning Answers to the Question: How Can Homeowners Reduce Their Energy Use?
Nova Scotia Power (NSP) has awarded six Dalhousie students a total of $4,000 in scholarships for their innovative thinking on energy conservation. Faculty of Engineering students entered an NSP contest, Battle of the Bright Ideas, that challenged them to recommend how Nova Scotians can save energy through conservation and energy efficiency in their homes. The challenge attracted 10 worthy submissions with four winning concepts, including:
o First Place ($2,000):
Nathan Steeghs' idea on how to heat household hot water more efficiently through Drain Water Heat Recovery,
o Second Place ($1,000):
Reducing phantom power loads used by home electronics with the use of a universal remote, by Kelli McGean and Kaitlyn McNutt,
o Third Place (tied - $500):
Benjamin Breen's idea for programming personal computers to run more energy efficiently with the installation of an Automated Computer Power Management application, and
o Third Place (tied - $500):
A re-design of customer bills to educate and increase consumers' awareness about their own energy consumption, by Laura Payne and Mike MacMillan.
"Customers have told us they're looking for ways to save money and help the environment," says Alan Richardson, Vice President, Commercial, Nova Scotia Power. "These students submitted concrete ideas that illustrate how small changes make a difference and a good place to start is right in the home." The contest was a pilot student scholarship program presented by Nova Scotia Power. To enter, students needed to be enrolled in Engineering, Architecture or Planning at Dalhousie University. Four judges scored all submissions on five elements: originality and innovation; feasibility; energy savings potential; cost effectiveness; and quality, approach and clarity of the concept plan. "Our students are tremendous problem solvers, and they have come up with some truly innovative ways of reducing power consumption," said Dr. Joshua Leon, P.Eng., Dalhousie University Dean of Engineering. "We appreciate Nova Scotia Power for giving these students the opportunity to get their ideas into the public eye. These projects could make a real difference for Nova Scotians."
Source: Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
February 8, 2008
TWU English Professor, Dr. Barbara Pell, Wins Leading Women Award
On March 1st, Trinity Western University Professor of English Dr. Barbara Pell will receive a 2008 Leading Women Award in the category of Education, Training and Development. The yearly awards, created in 2001, are presented at the National Christian Leadership Conference for Women held in Toronto. The awards celebrate women that have made an "extraordinary contribution to the success of the work and ministry in their area." Nominated by colleagues Dr. Holly Faith Nelson and Professor Lynn Szabo, Dr. Pell is considered one of the best-known Christian scholars of Canadian literature in the nation. Completing her Ph.D. in Canadian literature at the University of Toronto in 1981, Pell has had an impressive career teaching at the university level and publishing numerous articles and books. She has served as an external reviewer for several journals, academic publishers, and graduate theses from other institutions. She is President of the Board of Vancouver's Pacific Theatre and co-founder and Emeritus Chair of the Christianity and Literature Study Group (CLSG) where scholars present papers on religion and literature every year at the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences. She also co-founded the Women's Faculty Caucus at Trinity Western University. "Dr. Pell has served as a role model for her colleagues and her students. When I first came to Trinity Western University as a new faculty member, it was Dr. Pell who mentored, encouraged, and guided me both personally and professionally, who made manifest the possibility that a Christian woman could be a successful wife, mother, scholar, and leader - regardless of the obstacles with which we are daily confronted," says Nelson. "She has enhanced my life, changing it for the better, as she has done for so many of her colleagues and students." Professor Pell has taught for over 21 years at TWU and has seen more than 2000 students come through her doors. Amber Butler Rock recently completed her Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies in English and had Dr. Pell for a teacher in many courses while studying at TWU. Now employed as a writer in Seattle, Washington, Butler Rock is putting what she learned into practice. Rock says, "Dr. Pell's strong, passionate personality infused her approach in the classroom. Sitting through her English lectures, I never stopped writing-by the end of each class, my hands would be so sore. She evinced an amazing breadth of knowledge in her field; she knew every critics' opinion and every accepted interpretation of the literature she presented. But what also impressed me was her equally strong desire to help students succeed." The Leading Women Awards cover eight categories with only one winner from each. The award won in the Education, Training and Development category is awarded to an individual that best demonstrated a "Distinctive achievement in formal or informal education, employee training and development and/or research in leadership and personal and professional development." 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 39 major areas of study ranging from biotechnology, education, nursing, theatre and music, to psychology, communications and biblical studies. TWU's 15 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, Biotechnology and Interpretation, Religion & Culture.
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia
February 7, 2008
Profs Called Tops by University of Windsor Students
Two University of Windsor faculty members have cracked the list of top 10 finalists in TVO's Big Ideas 2008 Best Lecturer competition. Faculty of Education Professor Finney Cherian and Psychology Professor Ken Cramer were chosen from an Ontario-wide pool of 38 applicants by a panel of judges who viewed video submissions of their lectures. The successful lecturers are selected by their students. Dr. Cherian's nominating students call him, "inspirational, exhilarating, influential, thought-provoking, touching and invigorating." His research interests include teacher education, language arts, critical literacy and technology. This is his second nomination in the Best Lecturer competition. Dr. Cramer has an interest in new strategies for dealing with student engagement and stimulating learning in larger classrooms. His areas of specialty include teaching technologies, the impact of Maclean's rankings on university students, and various topics in the areas of education, personality and social psychology. Students say he "consistently demonstrates excellence in both teaching and lecturing with his ability to captivate, engage and stimulate students regardless of the year of study or class size."
"Engaging students in a meaningful learning experience is what we're all about, and Drs. Cherian and Cramer are fine examples of what this means in the classroom," said University of Windsor President Ross Paul. "To have two of our professors place among the top 10 lecturers in Ontario is incredible. The fact that our students are behind these nominations really speaks to what they are experiencing on campus and we're thrilled." The ten finalists will deliver complete lectures on TVO's Big Ideas program on Saturdays and Sundays over five weeks, beginning March 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Source: University of Windsor, Ontario
February 7, 2008
Thompson Rivers University: President's Lecture Series to Feature Olympic Motivator
Thompson Rivers University is pleased to announce that three time Olympic medalist Silken Laumann will be the next guest in the President's Lecture Series, Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7 pm in the Grand Hall. Tickets are not required for her presentation, "An Olympic Story-The Courage to Dream," and admission is free, although seating is limited. The TRU President's Lecture Series was created to give both campus and community members an opportunity to hear world-class speakers and thinkers. Laumann is best known as the athlete who suffered a devastating injury weeks before the 1992 Barcelona games, and then went on to win the Bronze Medal for Canada. She captured the hearts of a nation with her story of determination and her warm and friendly presence. In addition to her Olympic accomplishments Laumann is a two-time winner of the Canadian Female Athlete of the Year award; recipient of the Lou Marsh award in 1992 for Canada's top athlete; and winner of the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award in 1997 - the first time this award was ever given to a non-American. Now more of a writer than a rower, Laumann has written for the Globe & Mail, Chatelaine, Today's Parent and Parents Canada magazines. Her book Child's Play, about re-discovering the joy of play in our families, became a national bookseller last spring. Laumann is an active member of the International Board of Directors for the Right To Play, an international development agency dedicated to reintroducing play into the lives of children in refugee camps around the world. She is also the founder of Silken's ActiveKids Movement, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing back unstructured play time for Canadian children. In November 2006, The Globe & Mail named Laumann to their 2006 list of Canada's most Influential Women. She has also recently been named as one of Canada's most influential women in sport. The TRU President's Lecture Series sponsors one or more speakers each academic year on topics of global importance. Over the past four years, TRU has welcomed such international figures as Stephen Lewis, Romeo Dallaire, Lloyd Axworthy, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, David Frum and Buffy St. Marie. Some of these highly regarded presentations have generated local and international responses that include the founding of the CanGo Grannies and motivating many TRU students to become actively involved in a variety of developing world projects.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
February 7, 2008
Satyam Computer Services Ltd. Donates $1 Million to Support Electronic Health Record Innovation Project at Mohawk
Mohawk College today received a $1 million donation from a global business and information technology services provider in support of a new applied innovation project in electronic health records. Satyam Computer Services Ltd. Is donating more than $1 million in cash and in-kind services to establish the SATYAM Interoperable Electronic Health Records (iEHR) Centre at the College's Fennell Campus. A team of Mohawk Engineering Technology faculty and students is working with Satyam programmers in India to build the first working prototype of Canada's national blueprint for electronic health records (EHRs). The blueprint was developed by Canada Health Infoway, a federally-funded, independent, not-for-profit organization whose members are Canada's 14 federal, provincial and territorial Deputy Ministers of Health. Canada Health Infoway is Canada's catalyst for collaborative change to accelerate the use of electronic health information systems and EHRs across the country. "Mohawk College is proud to be working collaboratively with an industry leader such as Satyam Computer Services to build the first working prototype of Canada's national blueprint for electronic health records," said President MaryLynn West-Moynes. "Mohawk's private and public sector partnerships underscore the power of applied innovation in developing meaningful, long-term solutions for Canada's healthcare system."
"Widespread use and adherence to standards help streamline operations in any industry and it is especially relevant in healthcare, where people's lives are at stake," said Ram Mynampati, Member of the Board and President, Commercial and Healthcare Business, Satyam. "At Satyam, we are pleased to contribute to these efforts to integrate various islands of information and to help expedite care for patients throughout Canada." An electronic health record (EHR) is a secure and private lifetime record of an individual's health and care history, available electronically to authorized health care providers. With access to complete records, doctors and clinicians will have far better information for decision-making. This is especially critical when it comes to prescriptions and treatments that are being provided by multiple doctors or specialists, or when a patient is in an emergency situation. There are approximately 2,000 health care transactions every minute in Canada, with every transaction requiring documentation and an exchange of information among health care providers.
Source: Mohawk College, Ontario
February 6, 2008
NAIT Becomes an Edmonton Heart Safe Site
NAIT has become the first post-secondary institution in Edmonton to become a full Heart-Safe site. The main campus is now home to six Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which can be used to save lives in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. The Patricia and Souch campuses each also have one AED. "NAIT is very appreciative to be a part of the Heart Safe program," says Mike Maitre, NAIT's Human Resources Manager. "Having public access to automated external defibrillators on our three main Edmonton campuses, allows us to provide a safer environment for the 86,500 customers a year we serve and our 3,100 staff." When a sudden cardiac arrest occurs, defibrillation should be delivered as soon as possible to ensure the greatest chance of survival. AED access in public locations greatly decreases the time to early defibrillation. The Heart-Safe program places AEDs in high volume, increased risk locations while providing ongoing support to the program members. "We respond to around 700 sudden cardiac arrests every year and the importance of immediate medical care at those calls is incredibly important," says Joe Acker, Acting Chief of EMS. "Through the Heart-Safe program, we're able to ensure there's access and awareness of AEDs throughout Edmonton, especially in areas that attract large populations such as NAIT." A sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. The victim will be unconscious and the heart will beat abnormally or stop beating altogether. "The only treatment for cardiac arrest is an immediate electric shock to restore regular rhythm - and the sooner the better to prevent brain damage or death," says cardiologist Dr. Tomasz Hruczkowski of Capital Health's Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. "Having immediate access to these life-saving devices is absolutely crucial."
"Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. They are especially at risk when involved in high stress athletic activities," says Donna Hastings, VP Health & Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & Nunavut. "The Heart and Stroke Foundation commends NAIT for joining the Edmonton Heart-Safe Program and being community minded by placing AEDs on campus for the benefit of students and the public. This important initiative will save lives. " Heart-Safe is a partnership between Capital Health, Edmonton EMS and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & Nunavut. In 2007, the program doubled in size to now include 115 registered sites and 157 devices.
Source: NAIT, Alberta
February 6, 2008
Thompson Rivers University Students' Winning Idea About to Help Grade 10 Math Students Across the Province
The winning entry in the Idea Hunt Contest organized by the Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) student club at Thompson Rivers University has turned out to be just the solution TRU business student Brandon Lazar needs to make math easy for BC's Grade 10 students. His great idea is an Internet business called EasyMath.ca, an online tutoring program he developed two years ago when he was in Grade 12 at Salmon Arm Secondary School. "There was online help for students in Grade 12, but nothing for students in Grade 10 who also had to write government exams," Lazar said. "ACE's Idea Hunt contest was an opportunity for me to get EasyMath off the back burner," Lazar said about entering the contest in November. "I had done a lot of work developing the program when I was in high school, but since university I just haven't had time to take it to the next level." On EasyMath.ca there are step-by-step instructions, following the British Columbia Math 10 curriculum. Lessons made up of audiovisual animations and video clips, specifically designed to keep the learner interested and focused. After each lesson, the student can test their skills with practice tests. "Brandon had thoroughly thought out the business concept and entered the contest with a fully developed product," said Michelle Jongbloets, a fourth-year marketing student who is TRU ACE's vice president. "We've been meeting weekly since the November win, honing the marketing plan, researching markets, determining price points and target audiences. Now we're ready to take EasyMath out to the world." ACE motives aren't altruistic; the group of business students is looking to succeed with their own competitions against other business students from other universities. The student teams presents audio-visual and written summaries to judging panels comprised of top business leaders who determine which teams did the best job of practicing, teaching and celebrating entrepreneurship. The regional competition is later this month in Calgary, with the nationals being held in Toronto in May. Top national winner goes on to the international competition, the Students in Free Enterprise World Cup in New York. Lazar is the winner of ACE's first Idea Hunt contest, loosely based on the TV show the Dragon's Den. The group's faculty advisor Bernie Warren was impressed with the student entrepreneurs that entered the competition, saying, "the ideas were of a better quality that we expected, some were wonderfully fun and very interesting."
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
February 4, 2008
Purchasing Power at Memorial University of Newfoundland: CMD Partnership Helps Professional Buyers
The Centre for Management Development in the Faculty of Business Administration is celebrating a successful partnership with the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC). Memorial, through the CMD, is the first university in Canada to offer the PMAC's certified professional purchaser accreditation program. Certified professional purchasers manage the supply chain in all sectors of the economy, from retail and manufacturing to government and natural resources. PMAC is the leading Canadian professional association for supply chain management professionals. Their intent is to establish supply chain management as a profession that is equal to other business disciplines such as accounting, finance and marketing. In order to do so, PMAC has revised their accreditation program to focus on integrative thinking, strategic analysis and decision making. In January 2007, PMAC partnered with the CMD to deliver the new Strategic Supply Chain Management Leadership Program. Successful participants will finish the program with management skills and the CPP designation. The first class of students in the PMAC program at Memorial began in fall 2007. The program has met the enrolment target set by PMAC and the CMD, and the expectation is for strategic growth as the program moves into its second year at Memorial. Hilkka McCallum, manager of member development program with PMAC, believes that PMAC is already benefiting from the partnership with Memorial. "Memorial University is the most highly respected post-secondary institution in Newfoundland and Labrador. In working with the CMD, PMAC is able to leverage the university's excellent reputation in facilitating professional development at the management and executive level," she explained. "PMAC can also take advantage of the CMD's extensive network of student, alumni and employer contacts to raise the profile of the supply chain management profession in the province."Partnerships, like the one with the PMAC, are a part of the growth strategy for the CMD. "Our mandate is to offer high-quality professional development programs for all levels of management," Bill Morrissey, director of the CMD, said. "We know partnerships with other organizations have played a significant role in our success in meeting our clients' needs and we will continue to build these partnerships to support professional development of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
February 1, 2008
First of its kind - TWU creates new Religion in Canada Institute
Religion. When one hears the three-syllable word it can either induce fiery conversation or shut down an audience completely. Bands sing about it, politicians leverage it, and wars are even waged because of it. Exploring its central role in Canadian history and in the everyday lives of many Canadians has prompted a group of scholars from Trinity Western University to create the appropriately named Religion in Canada Institute (RCI). This new institute will serve as a nucleus for religious research and scholarly networking in Canada. Newly established in 2007, the RCI is positioned at TWU's faith-based campus as an interdisciplinary research centre and intellectual community of scholars committed to understanding the diverse role religion plays in Canadian lives, culture and social institutions and in all aspects of religion past and future. It will also engage in research projects that will assist religious organizations in Canada conduct their activities knowledgably and thoughtfully. What makes the RCI unique is the broad base of scholars from different disciplines who are working together to understand the historical and socio-cultural significance of religion in Canada. Such topics of investigation include evangelicalism; faith-based social services; Pentecostalism; religion and ethnicity; religion, culture and conflict; religion and globalization; religion, law, and public life; spirituality and health; and women and religion. Michael Wilkinson, Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the RCI says, "The Religion in Canada Institute is a unique think tank all to its own. We are discovering and addressing important aspects of religion and the interplay it has across Canada's diverse cultural landscape - research that has never been done before in this type of collaboration. Each scholar brings their own expertise to the conversation, making the discussions timely and effective. It is hoped that the Institute will promote further study of religion among scholars and students across our country." The RCI will be hosting its inaugural workshop February 9, 2008. The sold out all day workshop will highlight three prominent religion experts and Canada Research Chairs; Jens Zimmermann (Trinity Western University), Mark Vessey (University of British Columbia) and Lori Beaman (University of Ottawa) and will also celebrate the official opening of the Institute in the public sphere. Funding for the workshop has come from the Aid to Small Universities program of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Workshop panelists will feature the who's who of religious researchers in Canada and will include scholars such as Pamela Klassen (University of Toronto), Solange Lefebvre (University of Montreal), Mark McGowan (St. Michael's College, Toronto), Sam Reimer (Atlantic Baptist University), Peter Beyer (University of Ottawa), and Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham and Paul Rowe of Trinity Western University. Says Wilkinson, "The future of religion in Canada is going to look very different. This is an opportunity for the members of RCI and key scholars in Canada to examine first hand some very important shifts in the religious life of Canadians including personal practices, public institutions, organizations, and new global networks."
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia
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