In the news …
November 30, 2007
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life to Announce Generous Donation to University of Ontatio Institute of Technology
Officials from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will join representatives from Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life next week for the announcement of a significant financial donation that will greatly assist and enhance students' learning experiences for years to come and the company's plans to install a dynamic new sculpture on campus.
The announcement will include specific details of the donation, including the exact amount, an unveiling of the sculpture's design and UOIT's plans for a permanent commemoration and recognition of the gifts.
UOIT's strong relationships with leading employers open doors to challenging and rewarding careers for students. Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life are committed supporters of community initiatives, providing financial support focused on education, health and wellness, arts and culture, social services and community programs.
Source: University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
November 29, 2007
SAIT: Funding Awarded to Three Local Initiatives to Enhance Technology Commercialization
University Technologies International (UTI), Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) and SAIT Polytechnic announced today they have awarded three grants, totaling $120,000, for new initiatives which support technology commercialization and innovation. The grants were awarded by a joint committee of UTI, CTI and SAIT, with input from Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. The grant recipients were selected from proposals submitted following the committee’s second and final call for proposals which closed on November 8, 2007.
Of the six submissions made to the committee, three were selected due to their ability to successfully demonstrate new initiatives that support enhancements to technology commercialization. All proposals demonstrated the ability to match the grant through other sources of funding. The grants are being awarded as follows:
BioProspects Learning Community – $40,000
A University of Calgary initiative to assist life sciences students, through career planning and mentorship, to pursue industry-related careers within the province of Alberta.
The Centre for Research Entrepreneurship and Applied Technology Education (CREATE) – $50,000
Development of a graduate program to address the growing need for business-savvy entrepreneurial scientists and engineers who are required to support and expand local and national industries.
STIRR (Canada) – $30,000
Event series aimed at developing an entrepreneur peer network to assist founders of early stage companies achieve commercialization success.
“This process has brought to light a diversity of initiatives that will have a positive impact on the growth of the technology sector in Calgary,” says Darren Massey, Vice President, Innovation and Technology Commercialization, Calgary Technologies Inc. “We are confident that the recipients of these grants will yield tangible results in support of technology commercialization in our region.”
Three separate grants were awarded in May, 2007 totaling $67,500 following the first call for proposals. The final three awards conclude the distribution of funding by the committee, which will conduct a staged review of the outcome measures of each of the six initiatives to ensure accountability.
Source: SAIT, Alberta
November 28, 2007
$1.3 Million Donation Will Help Athabasca University Deliver Education to Remote Areas of Alberta
A $1.3 million donation to Athabasca University by distinguished philanthropist Allan Markin, chair of the board of Canadian Natural Resources, will fund a unique three-year pilot project to develop distance-learning systems for remote, rural and northern communities.
The Learning Communities Project will help people in remote areas, particularly those in northern Alberta work camps, to earn a university degree while they work. The goal of the project is to allow people who are working away from home for extended periods to focus on their educational activities during their off-work hours.
“I believe that education is one of the things people need to reach their full potential and to have a quality of life that they otherwise might never have,” Markin said. “The need for further education has been identified in the North, and the solution came from Athabasca University. The goal is to foster career advancement and eventually transform remote communities by giving people opportunities to address personal and professional educational goals. This way, we can increase capacity and meet current and future needs in remote areas. A more educated workforce benefits workers, communities and the province.”
Athabasca University president Dr. Frits Pannekoek sees the Learning Communities Project as another way for the university to fulfill its mandate of increasing educational opportunities for adult learners. “We are very appreciative of Mr. Markin’s support,” he said. “This very generous donation will allow us to research and then tailor our program delivery to the needs of rural and remote learners. At Athabasca University, we take education to our students, and the flexibility of our distance and online delivery system allows people to obtain a quality post-secondary education wherever they are, whatever their schedule.”
During the first stage of the pilot project, researchers will conduct a detailed assessment of learning needs in a number of communities in northern Alberta. Among other factors they will examine current education levels, participants’ goals and infrastructure availability.
A major focus of the project will be researching and testing the use of mobile technology in the delivery of courses. This delivery method was recently studied by Athabasca University in partnership with the Mennonite Learning Centre in a project where cell phones were used to help immigrants learn English.
Source: Athabasca University, Alberta
November 22, 2007
Donor Award Ceremony Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting Students at Thompson Rivers University
Celebrating 25 years of supporting students and programs at Thompson Rivers University, the TRU Foundation hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony, at 5:00 pm in the Grand Hall this evening.
The 250 donors met 293 TRU student award recipients at the ceremony, giving the students a chance to thank their benefactors for contributing the $391,000 that was handed out at the ceremony.
"Over the last 25 years donors and the Foundation’s members have helped students improve their life through the university experience,” said Daniel Dallaire, TRU Foundation Chair. “These recipients are now, and will be the leaders in our community.”
The 2007 Lieutenant Governor's silver medal was also awarded to Teresa Parisone during the ceremony on Nov. 22. This medal is awarded to a student in a one-year post-secondary program who demonstrates both high marks and community service. Parisone, now a full-time Human Services Diploma program student, is an active volunteer with St. Ann’s Academy, Circle of Friends, The Boys and Girls club, Big Brothers Big Sisters and CFBX, TRU’s campus community radio.
Next week, on Nov. 29 Foundation Board and Society members will handout another $128,000 to 160 more students during the Foundation’s "unrestricted ceremony". Earlier this year, the TRU Board of Governors awarded an additional $480,000 in bursaries and entrance scholarships.
These awards, plus other awards provided by Foundation donors that are given out in the winter and spring, will bring the grand total awarded to TRU students from all sources in the 2007/08 academic year to an estimated $1.3 million.
“When donors give to students who then graduate and contribute to their own communities, the benefits reaped by society by these small contributions are remarkable,” said Dallaire. “It is impressive what a difference a gift at this level can make. Thank you to all those who have contributed."
Established in 1982, Foundation volunteers, mostly through the generosity of community donors, have raised just over $20M to support students, special projects and programs at TRU. The Foundation has 227 endowment funds totaling $7.6M, and another 201 annual funds, for a total of 428 student awards.
Foundation 25-year quick facts:
• 91 individuals have been Foundation board members
• An estimated 1000 volunteers have given of their time and talents
• $12,612,676 has been contributed to student awards, TRU programs and special projects.
• More than 7,600 students have received awards.
The TRU Foundation has a 15-member volunteer board and 64-member volunteer society. Last year the Foundation raised over $1.1 million to support student awards, program needs and special projects at TRU.
To make a donation to the TRU Foundation, to find out more about creating a student award fund or to establish a planned gift or legacy, please call 828-5264.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
November 20, 2007
Outstanding Faculty and Staff Recognized at Memorial University
Some of Memorial University’s best educators, researchers and staff members were honoured at a special ceremony today at the Fluvarium in St. John’s.
The inaugural President’s Award for Exceptional Community Service was also introduced at this annual ceremony. Dr. Joan Oldford, Education, was named winner of the new award that recognizes the commitment of Memorial’s employees to helping build stronger communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Memorial University's mission encompasses service to the community and I am proud that the university has a very strong record of supporting communities throughout this province," said Memorial President Dr. Axel Meisen. “This new award recognizes faculty and staff who have made outstanding contributions to an important aspect of our mission.”
Eleven Memorial employees were honoured at the reception – one for exceptional community service, three for outstanding research, two for distinguished teaching and five for exemplary service. Dr. Elizabeth Murphy, Education, was the recipient of the President’s Award for Research, while Dr. Richard Rivkin, Ocean Sciences Centre, and Dr. Barbara Neis, Sociology, each received the distinction of University Research Professor.
The President’s Awards for Distinguished Teaching went to Dr. Christopher Sharpe, Geography, and Dr. Katherine Gallagher, Business Administration.
The five Memorial staff members who received the President’s Awards for Exemplary Service were: Greg Bennett, Computing and Communications; Linda Kirby, School of Medicine; Zita Murphy, Memorial University Bookstore; Sonja Knutson, International Student Advising Centre; and Gary Collins, Department of Biology.
Memorial began its annual presentation of the University Research Professor designations and the Awards for Outstanding Research in 1984, and the Distinguished Teaching Awards in 1988, as ways of singling out particularly distinguished contributions within its academic community. Exemplary Service Awards were introduced in 1995.
“Each award category underlines Memorial's mission of innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, research and scholarship and service to the community,” said Dr. Meisen. “Together our distinguished faculty and staff help build a local, national and international reputation for Memorial.”
President’s Awards for Distinguished Teaching recognize the teaching excellence in the university community. Each winner of the teaching award receives a $5,000 grant contributed by the Memorial University Alumni Association. The President’s Award for Outstanding Research recognizes researchers who have made outstanding contributions to their scholarly disciplines. Each award includes a $5,000 research grant. University Research Professors have acquired a designation above the rank of professor. The title is the most prestigious award the university gives for research, and goes to faculty who have demonstrated a consistently high level of scholarship and whose research is of a truly international stature. The designation carries with it a $4,000 research grant (each year for five years) and a reduced teaching schedule. The President’s Award for Exemplary Community Service carries a $1,000 award.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
November 19, 2007
Mohawk Advertising Students Win Gold at National Marketing Awards Competition
Mohawk Advertising students have won gold, silver and an award of merit at the 37th annual Canadian Marketing Association Awards Gala.
The gold award in the Student - Creative category went to the Mohawk team of Mary Dwulit, Nathan MacLellan, Samnang Phat and Ashley Sloggett.
The silver award in the Student - Marketing category went to the Mohawk team of Katelynn Breukelman, Jenna Curtis and Kate McLaren.
The award of merit in the Student - Marketing category went to the Mohawk team of: Melissa Demerling, Ashley Dillon, Jonathan Nestoras and Roni Pollington.
Mohawk professors Catharine Ozols and Judy Turner-Blain served as voluntary coaches and advisors to the College's winning teams.
It was a command performance for Mohawk, as a team of three Advertising students won gold at the CMA Awards Gala last year. Since 1998, Mohawk Advertising students have won 11 national awards. The CMA Awards Gala is the largest marketing awards event in the country and more than 2,100 marketers took part in this year's event in Toronto Nov. 16.
"Mohawk is proud of our award-winning Advertising students and our dedicated team of faculty and staff," says President MaryLynn West-Moynes. "The awards prove Mohawk Advertising students have the skills, experience and attitude to get the job done."
Source: Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, Ontario
November 16, 2007
Mount Allison University Student Attains Her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
Felicia Pickard, a third-year biology student at Mount Allison University was one of eight New Brunswick recipients of the Gold Level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Young Canadians Challenge Award that she garnered through her local 4H club in Woodstock, New Brunswick. Felicia attained the highest rank after earlier completing her bronze and silver level status over the past few years.
“I was very excited when I heard the news that I had reached the gold level status. I worked hard for the award, but you never know if you have completed enough requirements to achieve the highest level. I had to submit my record book to the provincial agency, and I knew I was approved at the provincial level, but when I received word from the national governors at the end of August, I was completely overjoyed.” said Felicia.
Felicia has been working towards this goal for the last four years. There are five components that you must complete to attain the gold standard. They include community service, physical recreation, learning new practical skills, an extended adventurous journey expedition. At the Gold level, participants must also complete a residential project where one must broaden their horizons by living and working with others in a novel cultural setting for more than five days.
Felicia used resources at Mount Allison University and in the Sackville community setting to attain her qualifications. Much of her community service component was completed by volunteering at places such as at the Drew Nursing Home. She has volunteered at the Drew throughout her time at Mount A. Her physical recreation components were completed by taking part in campus societies such as the Mount Allison dance club as well as outdoor activities such as hiking in remote areas of the Maritimes while she worked in the University’s MAD Lab. She also combined one of her newly formed skills of knitting to help make scarves and mitts for needy children in the community. She completed her residential project by working in Ottawa for a week at the Terry Fox Centre completing a special project on health and medicine while living with a local family. Lastly, her adventurous journey project was completed on a one-month expedition to Kenya through the University’s chapter of Free the Children, where she spent her time building schools for children in their home communities.
The award was recently presented to Felicia on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh by his son, HRH Prince Edward. Says Felicia, “The prince was very charming and was quite witty during the award presentations. He made it a point to come around to each recipient’s table and meet each family member. He posed with us for pictures and I was very nervous when I posed with him for the picture with all of the undercover agents in the background. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.”
Information about the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program can be found at www.dukeofed.org/Award or from the local New Brunswick chapter at www.dukeofed.org/nb
Source: Mount Allison University, New Brunswick
November 9, 2007
University of New Brunswick Ranks in Top Five in Maclean’s Survey of Comprehensive Universities
The University of New Brunswick has ranked among the top five comprehensive universities in the 2007 Maclean’s university survey.
“We pay attention to all surveys like this, but we measure ourselves every day in terms of the quality of our teaching, the rigour of our research and the experience we provide our students,” said UNB President John McLaughlin. “As Canada’s smallest comprehensive university, we have set our bar high. We continue to compete nationally for the best faculty, staff and students and measure ourselves against the biggest and best in the country.”
All data for the Maclean’s rankings are based on publicly available information. The rankings for comprehensive universities are: Victoria (1), Simon Fraser (2), Waterloo (3), Guelph (4), Memorial (5), New Brunswick (5), Carleton (7), York (8), Regina (9), Windsor (10) and Concordia (11).
UNB ranked first in the categories student-to-faculty ratio, library expenses and library holdings per student. UNB is ranked in many national surveys, like Maclean’s, and continues to trend upwards among its peer institutions.
Patrick Beamish of UNB Saint John’s Students’ Representative Council notes that the ranking is a step in the right direction.
“The Students’ Representative Council in Saint John firmly believes that UNB’s place is among the major universities of Canada,” said Mr. Beamish. “Through the partnership between our campuses in Saint John and Fredericton we have access to opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to us and we, as students, expect no less.”
UNB Fredericton Student Union President Bradley Mullins agrees with this sentiment and adds that UNB is truly a student’s university.
“UNB is truly one of Canada’s great universities,” said Mr. Mullins. “It has a rich history and exceptional facilities, with dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff. For years, UNB has been committed to meeting the needs of the whole student.” The University of New Brunswick is the oldest English language university in Canada. With flagship campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, UNB continues to be an engine of transformation for New Brunswick and beyond.
Source: University of New Brunswick
November 9, 2007
Save Money on Tuition Fees Thanks to Two New Lakeland College Initiatives
Lakeland College recently announced a significant addition to its awards program with the introduction of the academic excellence scholarship program.
Students currently in Grade 12 with a minimum average of 85 per cent in five Grade 11 subjects are eligible for a substantial scholarship if they take university studies or a business program at Lakeland College.
Students with a minimum average of 85 per cent qualify for a $1,500 scholarship, a minimum average of 90 per cent means a $2,500 scholarship, and students with an average of 95 per cent or greater will receive a $3,500 award.
For details visit lakelandcollege.ca/greatsavings
Source: Lakeland College, Alberta
November 9, 2007
Province Celebrates 10,000 Industry Training Authority Employer at Thompson Rivers University
The Industry Training Authority has passed another milestone in its goals to increase the supply of skilled workers in the trades. Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen was at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops today to recognize the 10,000th apprenticeship employer.
“Employers tell us that the value of apprentices to their organization exceeds training costs by the second year of apprenticeship or earlier,” said Hansen. “With 40 per cent of new jobs over the next two decades predicted to be in trades and technologies, the contribution of B.C. employers to trades training is also of vital importance to our booming economy.”
Pacific Coast Heavy Truck was recognized as the 10,000 employer to register an apprentice with ITA. Three other local employers were also recognized for their longstanding support of apprentice training: Highland Valley Copper, Interior Plumbing and Heating Ltd., and James Western Star Sterling Ltd. Together, the four companies have approximately 90 apprentices registered in a number of trades. Most of these apprentices take their technical training at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
“Our School of Trades and Technology plays a pivotal role in this region’s economy by being able to react to industry’s need for skilled apprentices,” said Ralph Finch, Dean of Trades and Technology at TRU, speaking to TRU’s participation in several industry advisory panels within the region and province.
The recognition event was held at the TRU’s Centre for Trades and Technology. TRU offers diverse apprenticeship training opportunities; construction and mechanical trades, culinary arts and retail meat cutting. Earlier this year, the university became the first in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Leadership in Trades and Technology degree. This fall, an industrial electrical apprenticeship program was added to the school’s offerings, and in February TRU will offer glazier training, a program that only TRU will offer outside the Lower Mainland.
“Committed employers like these are absolutely essential to the success of our industry training system,” said Kevin Evans, ITA’s Chief Executive Officer. “They provide about 80 per cent of an apprentice’s training on-the-job. In return, they are rewarded with a loyal and highly skilled workforce.”
Established in 2004 to oversee and expand B.C.’s industry training and apprenticeship system, the Industry Training Authority works with industry and employers, trainees and apprentices, labour unions and training providers to meet industry’s current and future training needs.
As of Oct. 31 in B.C., there are 37,242 apprentices/trainees registered with ITA, up 154 per cent since 2004; 10,120 employers, up 50 per cent; and 4,948 youth participants taking part in programs such as ACE IT and the Secondary School Apprenticeship program, up 475 per cent since 2004.
Source: Thompson Rivers University; Ministry of Economic Development; Industry Training Authority, British Columbia
November 6, 2007
NAIT's New Baccalaureate Teaches Students to Think Like Managers
Students in NAIT's Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management (BTech) degree program say the unique skills they're learning will help them consider the big picture and become better leaders in industry.
"We're learning entirely new things compared to our diploma technology classes," says Karla Bickford, a chemical engineering technology grad, "such as leadership, teamwork and critical thinking."
NAIT is offering its first baccalaureate degree to fill a gap in the workplace between technologists and engineers. Launched in September 2007, the BTech is the only program in Alberta to offer graduates of accredited science and engineering technology programs the chance to earn a degree in as little as two years.
The program was developed in response to industry's need for individuals who possess advanced technological skills, along with strong theoretical knowledge, good communication skills and a firm grasp of social, ethical, economic and environmental issues.
Bickford says she hadn't learned about the business side of industry - financial planning, environmental issues, managerial accounting, quality assurance and critical thinking - in her diploma classes.
"The course is bringing together skill sets not taught elsewhere. We're learning to look at things from a different perspective. We also have a diverse group of students from all over the world, which helps us get a different view in class. Most of us will be together for the next two years working in teams, which will be very valuable in the workplace."
She's hoping to do project planning for an international company when she graduates. Fellow student Abhishek Chaudhary, a graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology's mechanical engineering technology program, says he wanted to complete a degree. "I wanted to learn management and leadership skills. There's also a lot of research required to complete projects and I've never worked in groups before. Eventually, teamwork will be important because large projects in companies are handled by groups of people. "A lot of our instructors are industry managers so they understand the skills we need to go that route. Many helped develop the curriculum, so their knowledge and experience is being transferred to us. With a two-year diploma, I couldn't work immediately as a manager. This program will allow us to expand more quickly into leadership areas." John Benito, another BTech student, agrees the management aspect of the program is a plus. "I'm learning the logic behind decisions that are made. This could be a stepping stone to an MBA or a master's in biomedical engineering for me. "The training forces you to think big, but within reason." Applications are now being accepted for the BTech for fall 2008. Eighteen NAIT diploma programs in engineering technologies and applied sciences are entry points to the degree. More information is available at www.nait.ca/btech or by calling 780-471-8874.
Source: NAIT, Alberta
November 6, 2007
Cape Breton University Celebrates National Technology Week with Name Changes
With National Technology Week well underway, Cape Breton University is pleased to announce name changes for the university’s Bachelor of Technology degrees. The new names are: Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electronics & Controls); Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Environmental Studies); Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Manufacturing); and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Petroleum).
The new degree names, which all include the word Engineering, better identify the curriculum content and focus of the programs. The redesign of the Engineering Technology degrees have seen the delivery time reduced from four years to three years, with an early exit point for most options for those interested in a two-year Engineering Technology diploma. Significant improvements to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology programs, developed by CBU and endorsed by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC), have created innovative, comprehensive and condensed academic programs.
“This is an exciting time for our Engineering Technology graduates. Industry demand for engineering technologists is considerable and studies show that it will continue to increase as more professionals retire and our economy continues to grow,” notes Rick Pierrynowski, PEng, Chair, CBU Engineering Department.
The first Bachelor of Engineering Technology degrees were awarded this past weekend at the Fall 2007 Convocation to successful candidates in Engineering Technology.
“The strong faculty base makes CBU’s Engineering programs very desirable for both students and employers,” says Dr. Allen Britten, Dean, CBU School of Science and Technology. “With many of the faculty certified as Professional Engineers, students benefit from their industrial experience and in-depth knowledge of engineering.”
Many of CBU’s Engineering Technology graduates have Certified Engineering Technology (CET) designation. The degree does not directly lead to Professional Engineering (PEng) designation.
In celebration of National Technology Week, the CBU Engineering faculty has challenged the Engineering Technology students to a friendly game of hockey on Friday, November 9, from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. in the Canada Games Complex. Invited guests expected to take part in the game will come from the engineering community as well as NSPI, CBCL, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital to name a few. The community is invited to attend the game and there is no admission fee.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
November 1, 2007
KPMG Invests in Concordia University
Concordia University and the John Molson School of Business (JMSB) are pleased to announce a generous gift of $250,000 from the audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG LLP. The funds will go toward the KPMG amphitheater, a 60- seat, state-of-the-art classroom to be located on the fifth floor of the new JMSB building presently under construction at the corner of Guy Street and De Maisonneuve Boulevard West.
The interactive amphitheater will feature the latest audio-visual technology, as well as advanced connections for laptops and video-conferencing. It will also have tiered seating, with oblong rows of modular tables that will enhance sightlines for both speakers and audiences.
The amphitheater, a central venue for internal and external events, will offer JMSB’s 7,000 graduate and undergraduate students a first-class facility equipped with cutting-edge teaching tools, thereby optimizing their learning experiences.
“This is an important investment in education by a leading international business firm,” said JMSB Dean Sanjay Sharma. “It reaffirms the business community’s support and confidence in the quality of JMSB programs and the calibre of its students.”
“KPMG has already invested in JMSB students by consistently hiring between 20 and 30 accounting graduates each year from the School’s first-rate accounting program. Last year alone, KMPG was the third largest recruiter of JMSB accounting students among local accounting firms,” said Nathalie Bernier, Managing Partner KPMG. “We support the JMSB program and its students because the School shares our values of leadership, integrity and quality. This is a natural partnership; an investment in education is paramount to our firm.”
The new, 15-storey JMSB building is expected to open its doors to students, faculty and staff in the fall of 2009, grouping all JMSB departments under one roof. It will be LEED certified (the Green Building Rating System’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Source: Concordia University, Quebec
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