in touch magazine spring 2006

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MOHAWK COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION : alumni.mohawkcollege.ca 3

D E PA R T M E N T S

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A r o u n d C a m p u s . . . . . . . . . . .

K e e p i n g I n To u c h . . . . . . . .

L o o k i n g B a c k . . . . . . . . . .

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A L U M N I O F D I S T I N C T I O NA W A R D S D I N N E R With a growing number of award winners, the 9th annual Alumni of Distinction Awards Dinner was held with over 300 in attendance.

O N T H E C O V E R

14 A F A M I LY A F F A I R Life, learning and the family unit come together on campus for these Mohawk grads.

BY JODY MATHESON

BY KATE SCHOOLEY

10

IN TOUCHIN TOUCH

F E A T U R E S

S P R I N G 2 0 0 6

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF MOHAWK COLLEGE

F i n d o u t m o r e a b o u t t h e M o h a w k Co l l e g e A l u m n i A s s o c i a t i o n !

Vi s i t u s o n t h e w e b a t a l u m n i . m o h a w k c o l l e g e . c a

MOHAWK COLLEGE: IN TOUCH / SPRING 20064

CELEBRATION: A community awards dinner to celebrate the accomplishments of seven distinguished alumni, convocation ceremonies with graduates returning as Alumni speakers to share their words of encouragement and insight, and Mohawk College graduates securing employment in their chosen professions.

The Alumni Association is evolving, opening doors, and building a path to a bright and prosperous future. Play an active part in the Association now. Get involved. Stay in touch.

WORDSwelcoming

STRATEGIC PLAN ENTERS FINAL PHASE MaryLynn West-Moynes, President of Mohawk College

Greetings Mohawk alumni! The year 2006 promises to be one of transformation for Mohawk, as we move into

the second half of the first decade of the 21st century. We are currently engaged in several exciting initiatives that promise to redefine and reposition your alma mater in new and dynamic ways.

First, we continue to celebrate our vi-sion of inspiring learning, leadership and citizenship, and to embrace our mission that students and learning are at the heart of all we do. We are entering the final phase of Vision Like A Hawk: Strategic Plan 2004 to 2007, which means that we will shortly begin to develop our strate-gic plan to 2010. And with over 70,000 alumni working all over the globe, I’d like to invite you to share with us how you be-lieve we should move forward.

Currently, we are completing a Campus Master Plan for our Fennell and Stoney Creek campuses, with our eye next on Brantford and the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences. We are lobbying our provincial, federal, and

municipal partners, and the private sec-tor, for funding to transform our Stoney Creek campus into the Mohawk Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Research, Re-sources and Training or STARRT Insti-tute. It is our dream to double enrolment in full-time skilled trades, and increase our apprenticeship activity by 35 per cent. At the same time, we are examining the potential for a centre for insurance and financial planning at the Fennell campus, along with enhanced space for music.

Our fundraising efforts continue to reach out to create more bursaries and provide increasing levels of financial as-sistance to our students. In November, the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities announced a new On-tario Trust for Student Support (OTSS), which replaces the old OSOTF. The OTSS will encourage individuals and businesses to contribute to a permanent endowment fund to provide financial assistance, and will provide up to three years enhanced matching funding to institutions with en-dowments of below $1,000 per students enrolled in 2003-04. Based on Mohawk’s

historical fundraising average, Ontario will annually match dollar for dollar the first $464,000 raised in support of OTSS, augmented by a three to one match for the next $232,000 raised, for a total fundrais-ing ceiling of $1,160,076. Let me at this point extend our sincere gratitude to all alumni who have contributed in the past, and invite you to renew or create new bursaries for our students in the coming months.

Our Mohawk Alumni Association in January hosted our first external Alumni of Distinction Awards dinner, which is well reported in this issue of In Touch. Let me just say that the event was extremely well organized, and our Alumni of Distinction recipients were moved to be recognized by their peers. When over half the audience of 300 stood up to identify themselves as Mo-hawk alumni, it was most gratifying and in-spiring. I hope you will plan to join us next year, but of course, I expect to see many of you at the Golf Classic this spring, and at the 25th Reunion for the class of 1981 next October. Remember to stay in touch in the meantime. I look forward to meeting you at events throughout the coming year.

GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, CELEBRATION Wendy Makey, Manager, Alumni RelationsRecreation and Leadership, 1993

Lo o k i n g b a c k , the year 2005 for

the Mohawk College Alumni Association was a year of transition, change and progress. New staff, new board members, new programs, services, events and activities. A busy yet successful year.

Three words come to mind that depict the actions of your Alumni Association for 2005. Growth. Development. Celebration.

GROWTH: The Association continues

to grow in many ways - by the number of new graduates, by the focus and scope of events and activities, through the increase in promotion of the Association, and by the number of graduates updating their contact information so we can maintain communication.

DEVELOPMENT: We continue to develop and evaluate programs, services and events for our memberships. The Alumni Board of Directors is engaged in board development and strategic planning that will provide goals and direction for the future.


WORKING TOGETHER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Morgan Seele, Alumni Association PresidentComputer Systems Technology, 2000

In my role as President of your Alumni Association, I’ve had the pleasure of playing a role at our annual Alumni of Distinction

Awards event this past January, and the Fall and Winter Convocations. The Alumni Awards of Distinction dinner was, by many accounts, the most successful one yet. Part of this success was due to the great planning that took place ahead of time but much was due to the overwhelming support of family and friends of the deserving award recipients. Each of the recipients was accompanied by his or her own personal support network of often more than ten people who all played at least a small role in the success of the recipient.

At the most recent convocations I was struck, as I always am, by the great sense of pride in the achievements of the graduates. This pride comes not only from the graduates themselves but also overwhelmingly from their personal support network. In most cases this pride clearly emanates from the parents,

grandparents, brothers and sisters of the graduate, while in a smaller number of cases it also comes from children of the graduate. This is especially significant since it shows the child’s support of a parent’s commitment often at the cost of precious evenings and weekend time spent on their studies, rather than family time. This is also significant because it shows the trend of both a child and his/her parent graduating from Mohawk and not always in the traditional order.

A common theme between both the Alumni of Distinction Awards and our convocations is that the accomplishments of the individual are always made possible through support from family and friends. Also, they both demonstrate the perpetual commitment to life long learning and the resulting opportunities that investment creates. You should consider Mohawk College and your Alumni Association as part of your own extended support network. We’ll always be here to work together to help you and your family accomplish your goals.

PUBLISHERMohawk College Alumni Association

EDITORGreg Chew

DESIGN AND PRODUCTIONCopperlen IMA

PHOTOGRAPHYLisa Magaro, Sean Elley, Brian Gould, Daniel Jelly, Tara Sadler, David Dorken, Terra Nova Images, Heather Smiley, Andrew Connery

CONTRIBUTORS Kate Schooley, Mary Brown, Darren Desmarais, Lynn James, Daniel Jelly, Jackie Jones, Liz Laforme, Debbie Logel Butler, Wendy Makey, Jody Matheson, Craig McPhail, Michael Regan, Bernetta Scime, Morgan Seele, Lidia Siino, Kelly Dunham, MaryLynn West-Moynes, Jayne Woods, Nadia Afrooz, Randy Miller, Lynn Smiley, Helen Maddick, Peggy Kirby, Daniel MacQueen, Cheryl Jensen, Janice Shearer, Lesley Hardsand, Barbara Wunder, Marianne Wilson, Don Burroughs, Martha Wallace, Karim Bhalwani

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDRonald Holgerson, VP Marketing and Communications, Alumni and Development; Debbie Logel Butler, Executive Director, Development and Alumni Relations; Wendy Makey, Manager, Alumni Relations; Lidia Siino, Vice-President Marketing and Communications, Alumni Board of Directors, Kelly Dunham, Alumni Assistant, Gaye Yachetti, Administrative Assistant, VP, Lifelong Learning and Brantford

CONTENT CO-ORDINATORKelly Dunham

In Touch Magazine is published semi-annually by the Alumni Relations Department at Mohawk College. This magazine is circulated to alumni and friends of Mohawk College. Ideas and opinions published or expressed in In Touch do not necessarily reflect those of Mohawk College, the Alumni Association, or the Editor.

Publications Mail Agreement Number 40065780Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:Mohawk College Alumni Relations J013P. O. Box 2034 Hamilton, ON L8N 3T2 To update your Alumni Record, please contact:Phone: 905-575-2258, Fax: [email protected] or the address above.

* LAST ISSUE CORRECTION: Story “Courtroom brings law to life in classroom” written by Holly Angus

IN TOUCHIN TOUCH

Mo Mauri, 1977, DirectorJoanne O’Brien, 2004, DirectorAlex Paris, 1990, Director Gary Sawchuk, 1971, DirectorMichael Wall, 1976, DirectorDiana Zanin, 1980, DirectorAnthony Cascella, President, Mohawk Students’ Association

ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 2005 - 2006 SLATE OF OFFICERS

Morgan Seele, 2000 President Krysia Iwanek, 1989Past PresidentSusan McDonald, 2001Vice President, Finance & DevelopmentLidia Siino, 2002Vice President, Marketing & CommunicationsSandi Richardson, 1971Vice President, Programs & Services

WE THANK THESE MEMBERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF MOHAWK COLLEGE.


Our Alumni Speak!NEWS

alumni

FALL CONVOCATION 2005

BRENT PASZT, BROADCAST JOURNALISM, 1998

Over 70,000 and still growing. Mohawk’s Fall Convocation, always an intimate affair, offers speakers with vision, passion and dedication.

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SCOTT TRAPASSO, BUSINESS MARKETING CO-OP, 2002

Brent has one of the most exciting and challenging jobs the media profession has to offer, as a live broadcast producer for Canada AM. His message to graduates came straight from the heart. “Find your mentors, but always remember to become a mentor.

As you reach the top of your professional ladder, don’t forget which rung you started on. Don’t take no for an answer, and try your best not to offer it as one either.”

Scott graduated in 2002 from the Business Marketing Co-op program, and he is already a CEO of his own company, ST-Productions Inc. Today, Scott continues to add to his Mohawk education by working on his degree in Business Marketing at Laurier University. “Dreams aren’t

fantasies, but something you can build your life upon.”

ALUMNI OFFICE UPDATEMohawk College has restructured. For the Alumni Relations Office this means movement to a new division – Marketing, Communications, Alumni & Development under the leadership of Vice President, Ronald Holgerson. The Association looks forward to working with Ronald and his team. Due to the restructuring the Association will be leaving the Community Services & Economic Development Division and the leadership of Vice President Carolyn Gray. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Carolyn for her ongoing support over the years and we wish her all the best in her new role.


AlumniOn Saturday, February 18, 2006, a wine and cheese reception for alumni was hosted at the Holiday Inn with member colleges: Centennial, Humber, Confederation, Cambrian, Seneca, Loyalist, Sault, Fanshawe, St. Lawrence,

Canadore, Sheridan, and of course, Mohawk College, in attendance. Alumni and Advancement staff were thrilled when one of the attendees turned out to be a 1968 graduate of Mohawk’s parent school, the Hamilton Institute of Technology (HIT), who brought along a couple of cherished school items to display. The Alumni Association would like to thank our Sudbury alumni Jim Carpenter, 1968, Industrial Engineering Technology, Phyliss-Anne Holdaway, 1970, Architechural Technology and Patrick Newey, 1970, Civil Engineering Technology for making the effort to come out, share their stories and keep in touch. We look forward to meeting and greeting grads in Ottawa and surrounding areas this June!

If the third time is a charm, then the latest issue of “Informed” is truly blessed. As the third instalment of the quarterly e-newsletter was

delivered to of over 3000 Mohawk College Alumni, feedback has proven it is a welcomed medium.

“The Alumni Associations e-newsblast is great! Every three months, I get a copy e-mailed to me, and it’s good to have something keeping me updated,” says Sandi Johnston, Early Childhood Education, 2002. Positive feedback from this “new kid on the block” is a recurring theme.

In fact, the e-newsletter fits nicely into a niche market. The Mohawk College Alumni Relations department states each media channel is a key component to a triumvirate of necessary mediums appealing to different types of graduates.

“In Touch” is the first and most established. Due to its popularity, it will remain the media flagship that appeals to mature graduates and those who

The Alumni Association has launched a new program hosting a Corporate Coffee Break for

Mohawk College Alumni working in local businesses. To date, two successful Corporate Coffee Breaks have been held for Crawford Insurance Adjusters Canada and Hamilton Police Services, where coffee, tea and snacks were brought into the workplace. We are always looking to reconnect with our Alumni and share with you what is new and exciting. If you are involved with a business or organization that employs Mohawk College Grads, please give us a call. The coffees is on us! 905-575-2258

simply enjoy a good read. Second, the Mohawk College website

is a more immediate vehicle for those graduates immersed in the Web.

Last but not least is “Informed”, the unobtrusive newsblast that Alumni on-the-go are drawn to. They can quickly browse for information, organize what they need to know, and then move on with the rest of their day.

“It’s a perfect combination. One method of three for reaching graduates makes for a happy association,” says Lidia Siino, Vice President, Marketing and Communications. “Our Association is pleased and motivated to provide all graduates with programs and services. ‘Informed’ is one little thing we can do to show graduates we are here for them.”

To view a copy of the current edition, or to subscribe to the “Informed” mailing list, please contact the Alumni Association at 905-575-2258 or email: [email protected].

Our “Informed” Newsblast

MAKES E-CONNECTIONS

Tuesday, September 19th, 2006

Alumni Hall

Registration & Reception - 5:30 p.m.

Meeting - 6:00 p.m.

Please RSVP by September 13th, 2006(905) 575-2258 or email alumni.mohawkcollege.ca

“Coffees On”CORPORATE

COFFEE BREAKS

AnnualGeneral Meeting

Sudbury AlumniMEET AND GREET

Association


the now, much warmer cells of the old root cellar. Afterward, with 25 Year pen and keychain sets in hand, and new Alumni and 25 Year Club pins, we said our goodbyes with a piece of cake and gorgeous, unique

sugar cookies elegantly detailed with “25 Year Club” on them. They were almost a shame to eat.

I wear my pins now on my ID lanyard and display my diploma above my desk. Twenty-five years ago, I left without a backward glance. Now, I have the age and experience to appreciate what I left here with – and what I bring back to it.

ABOVE: Lynn James is a Business Administration graduate 1980. She’s the one with the red alumni jacket agonizingly close to the cake in the front row, left.

NEWSalumni

THE 25 YEAR CLUBAN INSIDERS STORY

It’s a strange coincidence because, just in time for my induction to the 25 Year Club, I began working for the Alumni Relations department, Wendy Makey, Manager, Alumni Relations, encouraged me to attend the reunion as a grad – not an employee. So with my fellow alumni, I got to enjoy myself. And we did.

First thing a 1980 grad would notice immediately was that the Arnold Centre had changed – a lot. We were used to getting cozy in what is now known as The Cellar; the Arnie hadn’t been built yet. Yes, there were lots of changes to take in. That’s where the tours came in handy. Thanks to Anthony Cascella, current President, of Mohawk Students’ Association, who came by to take everyone around to see their old haunts and fill us in on everything that has happened to the college since we left. As a Business graduate, my own academic home was the “A-wing” – often out of sight and mind in the Mohawk culture of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. But interesting to note that although the punch card room has gone the way of the Dodo bird and beta, a descendent of my indispensable coffee machine is still there, around the corner in “J-wing”, which incidentally, wasn’t here then either.

After reacquainting over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, we were ready to sit and begin a great dinner. I sat with other business grads; Michael, Henry, Don, their spouses, and was joined by Rick Knowles, our past Statistics professor. Needless to say, there were a few stories making the rounds. Pleasantly topped up, we sat back to receive best wishes from Mohawk President MaryLynn West-Moynes and Morgan Seele, President of the Alumni Association.

We were an intimate crowd so what better form of entertainment than a comedian, local Donny Coy. Thank you Donny, for keeping the “old” jokes to a minimum – I don’t think that any of us are feeling particularly aged or

decrepit.Some traditions never go out of

style, because the best part of the evening was going back to The Cellar – or the Arnold Centre to us. Black sharpies in hand, we eagerly added our own personal graffiti on the bricks of

Story by: Lynn James

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ALSO INSIDEMAKEOVER MADNESS

SAILING IMITATES LIFEBUILDING SUCCESS

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Joe Kubes of Kubes Steel finds success through lifetime learning

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Debbie Logel ButlerExecutive Director, Development and Alumni RelationsEarly Childhood Education,1981

UPDATEdevelopment

In 1996, the Province of Ontario announced for the first time their plans to create a fund to assist

those students attending colleges and university. This fund was called the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF). At Mohawk College, over 3 million dollars was raised (resulting in a $6 million endowment fund) that continues to provide over three hundred $1,000 dollar entrance scholarships.

Between 1997 and 1999, the Mohawk College Alumni Association was the largest single donor to this campaign with a gift of $150,001 dollars. Since 1999, the Alumni Association has awarded 66 OSOTF awards for a total of $66,000 in student financial support. Today, those alumni dollars continue to annually support approximately ten first and second year students.

Over the past ten years College tuition has risen significantly over 60%. Today, many of our current and prospective students live in greater Hamilton, where 20% of residents live below the Low Income Cut Off, and for whom education

can help escape the cycle of poverty. Mohawk’s vision is inspiring learning, leadership and citizenship, however, we

can only inspire if we can ensure access to the many excellent programs we provide.

Last November, the Government of Ontario announced a new Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) program, whereby contributions to our bursary endowment will be matched dollar-for-dollar until we reach a first annual ceiling of $464,000. In addition once we reach that ceiling, our match will be increased

by three to one (meaning for every dollar raised it will be matched by three dollars) up to a total of $232,000. So we need our help to raise $464, 000 + $232, 000 which

when matched will result in $696, 000.As proud graduates of

Mohawk College, we each share a commitment to providing opportunities for students, and to help Ontario raise the level of participation in post secondary education from 50% of the population to 70% of the population. Bursary assistance definitely

will level the playing field for prospective students, and we need to make every effort to maximize the incentive Ontario is offering because students and learning are at the heart of all we do.

This is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to over 70,000 Mohawk Alumni and assist not only the students of today but future Mohawk graduates. We will be in touch early in 2006 to seek your pledge to this new and vital campaign.

For more information on how you can be a part of the new OTSS Bursary Campaign and give the gift that keeps on giving, please call 905-575-2482.

“GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO ANNOUNCES A SECOND MATCHING FUNDS

PROGRAM FOR STUDENT BURSARIES”

ABOVE: 2005 OSOTF STUDENT AWARD CEREMONY

BURSARIES NOURISHSTUDENTS SUCCESS

BURSARIES NOURISHSTUDENTS SUCCESS


feature story

by jody matheson photos by terra nova images and david dorken photography


W ith a growing number of award winners, the 9th annual Alumni of Distinction Awards Dinner was held on Thursday, January 26, 2006. Over 300 alumni and guests attended including MP, David Christopherson, NDP Critic for Labour, Dr. Marie Bountrigianni, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Mayor Marie Trainer, Haldimand County, Terry Whitehead,

City of Hamilton and former distinction winners in support of this year’s nominees.

The over-whelming success and prestige of previous years, guided by the dinner event was moved to Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, the first time the event has been held off campus. Hosted by former Alumni of Distinction winner, Connie Smith, guests were entertained with video clips of each winner before their acceptance speech.

The evening raised over $6000 through ticket sales, silent auction and sponsorships. These funds will be matched by the government in a new Ontario scholarship funding initiative (OTSS), thus providing $12,000 towards bursaries for students and future Alumni of Distinction.

Special thanks to our many sponsors who helped make the night a success through their generosity. Congratulations to Sandi Richardson, Vice President, Programs and Services and Alumni Relations staff and students, who put together an event, and a night to remember for Mohawk’s grads.

David DishkeBUSINESS

“Listen to what people are saying and give them what they want” is the business philosophy of David Dishke, O w n e r / M a n a g e r of Grand River Home Hardware in Caledonia. For over

fifteen years, it has been David’s goal to send every customer away happy and, under his management, the Grand River Home Hardware has flourished. Sales have increased by 70% and David has been able to withstand growing competition from hardware chains.

feature story: celebrating Mohawk’s distinguished Alumni

The night was certainly distinct.

Marni FlahertyCOMMUNITY SERVICES

Deeply committed to serving the needs of families and children in the Hamilton and Halton regions, Marni Flaherty is the Chief Executive Officer of Today’s Family – Caring for Your Child. Under

Marni’s leadership, Today’s Family has grown from a small agency with a $500,000 budget and few staff to a major social service agency, with a budget of $7.5 million delivering programs and services to over 3,000 children and families each year. Today’s Family is a “centre of excellence” in childcare in Ontario operating high quality child care centres, licensed home day care and family resource centers.

FOR FULL PROFILES OF ALL ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION AWARDS WINNERS, PLEASE CHECK ONLINE AT HTTP://ALUMNI.MOHAWKCOLLEGE.CA.

SEATED: DAVID CHRISTOPHERSON, MP, COUNCILLOR TERRY WHITEHEAD, PRESIDENT WEST-MOYNES, DR. MARIE BOUNTRIGIANNI , MPP STANDING: MAYOR MARIE TRAINER, GARY BEVERAGE, MORGAN SEELE, SHERRI WOODS AND CONNIE SMITH

John Marshall TECHNOLOGY

“Our product is steel. Our strength is people” is the mission statement of Hamilton’s Dofasco, a company that prides itself on its commitment to its employees.Excellence in human

resource management is integral to the company’s competitive edge and, for 30 years, John Marshall has been a key member of Dofasco’s Human Resources Department. Over the past 12 years, John’s work has focused primarily on Leadership Development, Team Building, and Organizational Development


Paul Stratford HEALTH SCIENCES

In the ranks of Canada’s leading physiotherapists , Paul Stratford is a pioneer in evidence-based pract ice . A Professor of E p i d e m i o l o g y and Biostatistics in the Faculty of Health Sciences

at McMaster University and an Associate on the Scientific and Affiliate staff of Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, Paul is well-known for his work in the clinical application of measurement to the field of rehabilitation. Our “measurement/statistical guru” is how colleagues on Physiotherapy Canada’s editorial team describe Paul. An accomplished researcher and clinician, he is the recipient of an unprecedented five Silver Quill Awards from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Paul has dedicated his life’s work to creating new tools to enhance the physiotherapy profession in Canada and internationally.

feature story

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

2006Alumni of Distinction Awards The Alumni of Distinction Awards honour the outstanding contribution that Mohawk College Alumni make to their communities and professions. Award recipients may go on to become candidates for the Premier’s Awards. If you know an alumnus who possesses unique career achievements, is committed to helping others, and has made an extraordinary contribution to society, please contact us!Categories include:

New Graduate - BusinessCommunity Service - Technology

Health Sciences - Creative Arts and Design

NOMINATE AN ALUMNUS TODAY!

Visit the Alumni website at alumni.mohawkcollege.ca/awards to view past recipients and to download a nomination form,

or telephone the Alumni Relations Office 905-575-2258 for more information.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: June 1, 2006

SUPPORTERS OF AWARD RECIPIENT PAUL STRATFORD

SEATED: SANDRA IRELAND, BRENDA FLAHERTY, ANNETTE AQUIN, ALLAN GREVE, KAREN LOGANSTANDING: DON BURROUGHS, KAREN PRINE, KEN PRINE AND HOLLY PRINE

Matt HayesCREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN

Matt Hayes, CH News at Noon and News at Six We a t h e r c a s t e r , is one of the busiest and most recognized men in t h e H a m i l t o n community. Radio, television, theatre,

newspaper, advertising, Matt does it all. A true media personality, his winning style has been the basis for a successful and fulfilling career. For the past several years, Matt has won accolades as Favourite TV and Radio Personality in The Hamilton Spectator’s annual Reader’s Choice Poll. In addition to his famous roving weather reports on CH, Matt also gained recognition as the pressroom host at the annual Juno Awards ceremony.

Earl ClarkeRECENT GRADUATE

An honours graduate from the Chemical E n g i n e e r i n g T e c h n o l o g y Program with an overall grade point average of 95%, Earl Clarke received the Mohawk College Gold Medal

for academic excellence at the 2005 Winter Convocation. Earl is recognized not only for his outstanding scholastic accomplishments, but also for his leadership and citizenship in the College’s Peer Mentoring Program. The most sought-after Peer Mentor in the department, Earl contributed 15-20 hours per week for the last three years, mentoring over 30 students in a variety of courses including General Chemistry, Physics, Electricity and Electronics, Analy t ica l Chemistr y, Organic Chemistry and Mathematics. His involvement in this program was pivotal to the academic success and retention of these students. Mature students and those with learning disabilities were particularly fond of Earl and appreciated his compassionate nature when overcoming learning challenges.

Andrew Murie COMMUNITY SERVICES

Reporting to the Nat ional Board, Andrew directs the Canadian operations of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). He is responsible for government relations at the federal and provincial levels,

coordination of public affairs and major media campaigns, and provision of client services to over 70 local chapters across Canada. Andrew supervises a national staff of 19 employees, managing relationships with other national organizations and ensuring effective controllership of an annual operating budget of $14.5 million dollars. Under his leadership, MADD Canada has experienced significant growth. Revenues have increased by 400%, donors have increased by 300% and the number of local chapters has increased by 150%.


NEW, EXCITING CAREERS!

Apply now for September!

06W W W . M O H A W K C O L L E G E . C A

Students & learning are at the heart of all we do.

• International Business Management*• Motive Power Technician• Public Relations*

* Graduate Certificates

FOR MORE INFORMATION on these and other career opportunities at Mohawk College, please call 905-575-2000, toll free 1-866-410-4795 or email: [email protected]

EXPLORE new career opportunities in:• Advanced Security Management*• Autism and Behavioural Science*• Comic Design and Scripting*• Educational Assistant• Event Management – Convention and Meeting*• Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Techniques• Insurance – Customer Service Administration

by kate schooleyphotos by lisa magaro

Life, learning and the family unit come together on campus for

these Mohawk grads

cover story

AffairLife, learning and the family unit

come together on campus for these Mohawk grads

familyAffair

familyAATHE BORGER FAMILY

TOP: FRANK & RICHARDBOTTOM: WILMA, RICK & LINDA


cover story: a family affair

Dusk was settling over the peaceful bedroom community of Beamsville, Ontario on a hot summer

evening late last August. Business on the main drag had slowed to a trickle. Things seemed pretty ordinary, until a sudden barrage of cannon fire ripped through the sky with the sound and fury of an 1812 loyalist offensive.

There’s nothing like an explosion to draw a crowd in a quiet corner of a peacekeeping nation, and this was no exception. Friends and neighbours remember the impressive display of mortar power unleashed on the front lawn of the Borger family home, as do the police, who had been warned to expect a few frantic phone calls.

Local media outlets, including The Hamilton Spectator, showed up at the ordinarily quiet house on Edward Street to see student Richard Borger fire the one-of-a-kind reproduction mortar that he and schoolmate Ryan Kirouac had crafted as the major project of their Materials Engineering Technology diplomas, before graduating from Mohawk College in the fall.

Those in attendance had come to enjoy the show – and to witness history in the making: this was the first authentic, battle-worthy mortar that had been constructed in Canada in over 200 years. The mortar’s gleaming finish and intricate detail were impressive, as was the fact that it could launch a five-pound iron shell the better part of a mile. But what most people didn’t realize was that for the Borger clan, it was just another chapter in a family history marked by natural curiosity and a driving desire to learn.

For the Borgers, Mohawk College has been an integral part of learning and life in general, for longer than they’ve been a family. The entire household -- parents Rick and Wilma, along with their grown kids Linda, Frank and Richard – are all Mohawk graduates, and have attended the College in one form or another over the course of thirty years.

The family’s connection to Mohawk actually begins a generation before the cannon incident. Back in the early seventies, Rick Borger – known as Rinke to his friends back home -- was a newly landed Dutch immigrant. He had set out

to enjoy a three-month Canadian holiday with his brother before deciding to build a future here. Rick had been an automotive apprentice in Holland and was able to find work at an import car dealership in Stoney Creek, but because his professional certification wasn’t recognized abroad, he was relegated to what he describes as “grease monkey” status – and knew he could go further. After passing his grade twelve equivalency in Canada, he decided to go back to school.

Rick was accepted into Mohawk’s apprent icesh ip program at the Fennell Campus. Though well versed in the practical aspects of automotive repair, the written exam would prove to be a challenge for him. Rick had learned English pretty much on the fly, through reading and conversation in the few years since he had landed on Canadian soil. The written language was new to him, and he was forced to work through his exam

with a pocketbook of English-Dutch translations as his constant companion, much to the amusement of his teacher.

But the challenges he faced made success that much sweeter, and Rick carries fond memories of those early days at College. “I really enjoyed Mohawk,” he recounts with a smile. “It’s one of the best schools around. I met my wife there, and well, here we are.”

Rick’s acceptance into Mohawk was only one of the serendipitous events that brought he and his wife, Wilma, together. After all, she met her husband studying at a school in which she hadn’t even enrolled.

“I ended up going to the Hamilton Civic Hospitals School of Nursing,” explains Wilma, showing off an unusual diploma that bears the seals of both the

nursing school and Mohawk College. “I started in 1972, and the next year, the Schools of Nursing were phased out as the Colleges took over these programs. So that’s how I ended up being a part of Mohawk. I graduated from there.”

For Rick and Wilma, their lives since their 1976 graduation have been full of the blessings and challenges that accompany a growing family. From across the table in their sunlit kitchen, these College sweethearts reminisce about the early days, and how much things have changed since they first studied at Mohawk three decades ago. Rick has completed a wide array of continuing education courses since then. Wilma switched career tracks while their family was young in order to spend more time at home, but never stopped expanding her own horizons. Hitting the books in her spare time, she learned the Dewey Decimal System and accepted a job at the

nearby Jordan Christian School as a part-time librarian and secretary. She notes that a school environment still gives her ample opportunity to draw on her nursing skills.

As parents, the Borgers have placed a strong priority on nurturing their children’s desires to learn about the world around them, and have taught by example the value of education and a strong work ethic. It’s a lesson that each of the children have taken to heart: as of last year, all three of the younger Borgers have graduated into the proud family of Mohawk College alumni.

“All of our kids have inquiring minds,” says Wilma. “They want to learn about how things work the way they do.” And indeed, whether the subject matter is animal, mineral, or mechanical the things

“For the Borgers, Mohawk College has been an integral

part of learning and life in general, for longer than they’ve been a family. ”


cover story

that inspire interest seem to have roots embedded firmly in the Borger family tree. Wilma’s father was an engineer; so, too, are their sons. She trained as a registered nurse, and their daughter has followed in her footsteps. Meanwhile, Rick’s mechanical expertise has rubbed off on all three kids. Having taken a wide array of continuing education courses at Mohawk since his apprenticeship, Rick stays abreast of the latest developments in automotive repair, and passes this knowledge on to his children at every available opportunity. The changing nature of brake systems, steering, alignment, hydraulics and electronics have presented endless opportunities for the Borgers to learn as a family, especially when the boys were teenagers and had a penchant for burning out the clutch on their car in pursuit of off-roading adventures.

When it was time for each child to consider their post-secondary education, Rick and Wilma were careful not to force the issue of choosing a school. They knew in their hearts that Mohawk was a top-notch institution, but encouraged their kids to investigate their own interests and options. One by one, the children came to the same conclusion their parents had reached a generation earlier.

For daughter Linda, the decision to attend Mohawk was an easy one – it was

the only College in the area that had a full-time practical nursing program. Linda had long planned to work in the area of health care, following in her mother’s footsteps. She considered veterinary medicine for a while, but opted to pursue a career in practical nursing after gaining first-hand experience in the field.

“I started working in the dietary department of a nursing home and enjoyed it,” says Linda.

But unwilling to let his daughter downplay her talents, her proud Dad jumps in. “She was working with the elderly from the age of 15,” explains Rick. “I arrived to pick her up from work one day, and was amazed at how gentle and caring she was with the patients. She truly has a gift.”

Linda’s parents weren’t the only ones to recognize her talents in the nursing field. During her time studying at the Chedoke Campus in the days before MoMac (the Mohawk College-McMaster University Bachelor of Science nursing program), she excelled despite the rigors of the year-long diploma that has since morphed into a two-and-a-half year program.

“We had ten months of study along with two months of pre-graduate clinical work,” explains Linda. “The teachers were very good, but it was very intense, it was my whole life. I know at one point I was tempted to quit my job, but I had to keep going because my job gave me some break time!”

In the end, the high-pressure environment turned out to be a gem. Linda graduated in 1997, earning the F.A. Davis Award for Excellence in Nursing Theory. She now works with St. Joe’s Home Care, administering palliative care and tending to those who have been released from hospital – an ideal position for someone who enjoys a high level of patient contact. Meanwhile, she pursues continuing education studies as opportunity allows, updating her knowledge in such areas as diabetic treatment and wound care. Having taken courses at a number of colleges, she stands by the value of the education offered at her alma mater.

“I like it better at Mohawk, but I can’t really put my finger on why,” muses Linda. “The courses elsewhere just don’t get at the information we need in the same way, and Mohawk offers a much wider selection of courses in Health Sciences.”

Of course, the school’s close proximity is another plus. “We’re Dutch, you know,” laughs Wilma, referring to the family’s willingness to reap the financial savings of studying in town when opportunity allows.

With three graduates in the family, Mohawk certainly has a proven track record in the Borger household. But that hasn’t stopped the children from investigating the other avenues open to them. With his strong penchant for academics, their son Frank initially had his eye on an engineering degree from McMaster University. Surprisingly, it was an orientation visit to the Mac campus that sold him on the practical aspects of Mohawk’s Civil Engineering Technology program, over the more theoretical slant of the university curriculum.

“When I went to Mac, they had a bunch of former graduates lined up so we could talk to them,” Frank explains. “One of them asked me straight up whether I wanted to sit behind a desk all day. I said ‘no’, and he said ‘then don’t go to Mac!’”

It didn’t take long for Frank to know for sure that he had made the right decision. He found the program at Mohawk easy to learn, and to apply. It all came into focus for him one weekend when he was visiting a friend enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering at University

COLLEGE SWEETHEARTS WILMA AND RICK BORGERS IN 1974

WILMA BORGERS AT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING IN 1972 BEFORE MOHAWK TOOK OVER THE NURSING PROGRAMS


cover story: a family affair

of Waterloo – a program acclaimed nation-wide for its engineering degrees.

“I went up to Waterloo in the beginning of my second year to see what it was like,” remembers Frank, “and I was tutoring other students by the end of the weekend. It seemed like they couldn’t visualize anything. I was trying to explain things to them, to help them get through their applied mechanics questions, calculating stress for punching through metal and things like that. I sat in class, and they were asking the same question, over and over. The professor even drew a picture on the board, and they still didn’t get it. So I turned to my friend, and I said ‘why don’t you guys get this kind of stuff?’ And all she said was, ‘I don’t know.’”

For Frank, his training at Mohawk had immediate payoff. The day after his graduation in 2005, he landed a job with the Quartek Group, an engineering firm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where he worked as an inspector on the Welland Canal Trail. Early this spring, he made the move to Planning & Engineering

Initiatives Limited (PEIL) in Hamilton. The technical and computer courses in the Mohawk program have served him well, and he found the surveying training

to be a tremendous advantage on the job. His ease with technology has also allowed him to set up his own computer

consultation service on the side, offering everything from networking solutions to training and website development.

While Frank’s strengths lie in the technical and theoretical areas, his brother Richard favours the versatility and hands-on training afforded by his Mohawk education. “Small classes and practical training make all the difference,” notes Richard. “Labs or seminars with 10 or fifteen people just wouldn’t be feasible in a University setting.”

In the beginning, Richard Borger had little interest in a university education. He had his sights set on Mohawk College because the rest of the family were happy with their experience there. Always one to pursue a variety of interests, Richard completed Mohawk’s 3-year Mechanical Engineering program, then studied Materials Engineering Technology. At his graduation, Richard received a gold medal for academic

achievments and participation in extra-curricular activities, many of which have carved out new career opportunities for

BACK ROW: BRAD BOWNAN, FOUNDRY PROFESSOR, ROGER JEFFRIES, FOUNDRY TECHNICIAN, GLEN SMITH, GUN COMMANDER, FIRST LINCOLN ARTILLERYFRONT ROW: RICHARD BORGER, RYAN KIROUAC


him. Currently, Richard puts his technical

knowledge and love of woodworking to use as a volunteer shop teacher for grades seven and eight, working alongside his mother at Jordan Christian School. He also participates in historical re-enactments with the 1st Lincoln Artillery – up to a dozen each year.

And that’s where the cannon comes in.Always a history buff, Richard’s dream

of building a mortar took root in the summer of 2004, at a Canada Day historic military re-enactment at Charles Daley Park in Lincoln, Ontario. Having been bitten by what he calls the “metal-casting bug” at Mohawk, he set out to combine his technical expertise, his passion for Canadian history, and of course, the sheer excitement of blowing things up.

He credits Mr. Bowman for encouraging his cannon-building idea when others may have considered it too far out in left field. “I went to him and told him that I wanted to cast a cannon,” Richard explains. “Mr. Bowman just said ‘alright, show me how you’re going to do it.’”

So the youngest of the Borger clan set to work assembling a business plan. He brought in a mortar used by his artillery group and had it scanned on the foundry computers. Months of work and $3,500 of personal savings went into the design of his finely detailed, highly polished historic reproduction. And though the project demanded plenty of research from Richard, the College was also a great source of support. “The staff were very helpful, co-ordinating facilities at the various campuses and even having the cannon on display for Red Carpet Day, where it generated quite a stir.”

In other words, Richard may have the opportunity to produce cannons on contract for a number of historic societies. Not surprisingly, his efforts are currently being bogged down by the red tape involved in producing something considered to be a functional weapon. But for Richard, it’s not about making money anyway -- he revels in the production process. Early on, he had his sights set on a career in a foundry, but his asthma prevented his dreams from materializing. Unhappy with the prospect of an office job, Richard looked to his professors at Mohawk for inspiration. He decided to be a teacher

cover story

– another chance at a hands-on career – and is currently studying at Brock University in St. Catharines with plans to teach Physical Education.

As he develops his teaching style, Richard is constantly drawing techniques from his Mohawk professors. “I find myself taking a lot of pointers from the College guys. They were very personable and interested,” he notes.

“You model yourself a lot on them,” his

Mom replies. As any mother would, Wilma admits

that when Richard began teaching, she found herself working a few doors down, but with one ear tuned to his shop class. “I thought the grade seven’s and eight’s would eat him alive,” she recalls. “But he really knows how to connect with the kids.”

Richard’s unique and engaging teaching style has found him doing everything from lighting light bulbs in a microwave, to establishing his classroom as a profitable wood-manufacturing outfit that fundraises for the private school. His love of metal casting has found a niche as well – his students have visited Mohawk’s foundry, along with one of the foundry sites Richard attended on a co-op placement.

“My goal is to give them a bit of exposure to life after high school, even though they’re not there yet,” says Richard.

His father, Rick, agrees that kids need to see where their schooling and their dreams can take them. “Life is a learning process. If you don’t want to be left behind, you’ve got to keep learning.”

As he develops his teaching style, Richard is constantly

drawing techniques from his Mohawk professors.


beginning to the New Year. The band “Theory of a Deadman” graced the Arnie stage and played to over 400 people. Common Hours in the McIntyre Theatre continue to grow with an average of 800 students attending Wednesdays at noon. The very popular hypnotist Tony Lee

UPDATEmsa

MSA STUDENT ELECTIONS AND WINTER CARNIVAL A BIG SUCCESS

This year 26 students ran for various positions on the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA), the Students’ Athletics Committee (SAC), as well as Student Governor (Board of Governors), representing a 50% increase in candidates over last year’s election. All candidates ran excellent campaigns and with a big push to promote the election, voter turnout was a record 1,033 - beating last year’s turnout by 66%. Voting took place on-line through the Mocomotion email and information system with the support of the College IT Department. Congratulations go out to all the winners, including new MSA President for 2006-2007, Jason Lee and Student Governor – Elect, Arun Jacob. The terms of office for the MSA and SAC will begin on May 1st, with the Student Governor duties beginning in September.

Winter Carnival 2006 was the perfect

also came for a visit and attracted more than 400 students to the Arnie. Screams of laughter echoed the entire evening as Tony suggested students do various crazy and wild stunts. To end off a very successful week, we had the band “Panik” entertain in the Arnie for a free daytime show. They provided hours of cover tunes and some select original songs. A MSA Carnival Day is currently being planned, which will include festive activities in the Student Centre.

Remember - Alumni are more than welcome to attend evening events.

ID cards with an alumni sticker or a replacement alumni card are required for admittance. Come on out to have a bit of fun and reminisce of the days you spent at Mohawk College!

For information about other MSA events visit our website at: www.mohawkcollege.ca/msa/events/

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STUDENTS ENJOYING A JOUSTING CONTEST DURING WINTER CARNIVAL


Women’s Soccer

The Mountineers came home from Oshawa with a silver medal at the OCAA’s. They were edged 32-29 by St Lawrence College of Kingston on October 16. Mohawk’s Brad Dilks was named defensive MVP of the tournament.

MOHAWK MOUNTAINEERS FALL RECAP

Mountaineers captured a bronze medal in the rain-plagued competition. Brian Weller’s charges needed only five innings to whip Canadore 10-0 as the game was ended by the “mercy rule.” Krystal Eckersall had a two hitter and catcher Pam Cassano capped a great career with a four RBI performance. Cassano and rookie Jenny Koschanow were named to the OCAA All-Star Team.

The women’s team, coached by Renzo Castellani, won the bronze medal when they knocked off two-time defending champion Durham in a penalty shootout. Nicole Brohman’s goal at 30 minutes held up until the dying moments when the Lords equalized. After 30 minutes of scoreless sudden death extra time, game MVP Brittany Dobbin scored on the fifth and deciding “spot kick” to give the Mountaineers their medal.

Touch Football

Women’s Fastball

Memorable PerformancesIn Men’s soccer, Robbie Bonitatibus and Adnan Bajramovic were named West Region All-Stars and Scott MacLeod was selected as Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Male

Soccer Player of the Month for Ontario.

Mohawk played host to the OCAA Rugby Championship in October. The Mountaineers squad finished with two wins and a draw, just out of the playoff picture.

The Cross Country team came fourth in the team competition at the OCAA Championship in Kingston.

At the Canadian championships in Peterborough in November, Tama Stainton won a silver medal as part of the Ontario team, posting the team’s best time in the process.

DANA STECKLE OF THE WOMEN’S FASTBALL TEAM

KWAKU ABOAGVE OF THE MEN’S SOCCER TEAM

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FOURTH AT THE OCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

MEN’S TOUCH FOOTBALL TEAM

VARSITYalumni

BRITTANY DOBBIN OF THE WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM


The weekend of January 28, 2006 saw a number of Mohawk Alumni returning to the College to participate in alumni sports events. The annual Hap Holman Curling Bonspiel was held at the Glendale Golf and Country Club under a different format this year. Along with our Alumni and current curling team members, there were colleges from the area as well as a couple of high schools.

The invitation to area high schools was initiated this year to introduce college curling to our local high

At the Fennell Campus, the men and women’s Alumni basketball games took place. Mohawk men’s coach Brian Jonker, donned the shoes and participated. Although worried about how his knees would hold up it was Jason Newton who ended up getting the attention from the therapist.

In the women’s game, the “Old Girls” took on the “Young Ones” and with the help of our favourite referees the “Old Girls” were able to pull off the 2-point win. The games where followed by a luncheon. All who participated had a great time.

We missed Shannon Pegg this year as she had a baby. We wish Shannon and her family all the best and look forward to seeing her next year.

Following our lunch many of the participants stayed to watch our Varsity Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams in action against St. Clair College from Windsor. The Mohawk women were victorious in a 71-67-overtime win. The men’s team didn’t fair as well in spite of the high scoring game losing to St. Clair 105 – 93.

Check out our website for all the latest information on our Varsity Athletes: http://athletics.mohawkcollege.ca

MOUNTAINEERS

HAP HOLMAN BONSPIEL

WEEKENDAlumni ALUMNIBASKETBALLACTION

$120 INCLUDES:green fees, cart, driving range, team photo, hot buffet breakfast, lunch, registration gift and a prize for every golfer.Plus specialty holes, door prizes and silent auction.

Contact the Alumni Relations Office to registercall: 905-575-2258 or email: [email protected]

nd ANNUALMohawk College Golf Classic

for alumni, employees and friends of the college

Friday, June 9, 2006CENTURY PINES GOLF CLUBFlamborough, Ontario

Book yourfoursome

today!

school students. The morning draw was followed by lunch and a second draw in the afternoon. Evie Holman was on hand to enjoy the day with former players.

WENDY MAKEY, EVIE HOLMAN AND KELLY DUNHAM AT THE ANNUAL HAP HOLMAN BONSPIEL

The Mohawk Mountaineers Hall of Fame

Established in 1988, recognizes outstanding athletic accomplishments and contributions by individuals since 1967. Recognized categories include Builder, Coach and Athlete.

Friday, June 9, 20066:30 p.m. – Reception7:00 p.m. – Awards PresentationNorth Cafeteria, Mohawk College

For tickets or information, please contact Bernetta at 905-575-2004 or [email protected]


During her tenure at Mohawk College, Professor Carol Howe has taught almost every subject in the

Radiography curriculum. An active member of the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (OAMRT) she has served as Past Chair and Secretary for the Hamilton-Niagara chapter. Carol earned her B.A. through Charles Sturt University in 2000. Her colleagues from IAHS wish her a happy retirement.

CAMPUSaround

IAHS TEACHING MASTER

RETIRES

Valentines Day was also National Cardiology Day and Cardiovascular Technician

students had a lot of fun celebrating. Raising funds for the Heart and Stroke

Foundation of Ontario, the students held a raffle – “Buy a heart to save a heart” – which raised $300.00. Educational materials and displays covered topics such as coping with stress, eating right and controlling blood pressure.

CARDIOVASCULAR PROFESSIONALS – AT THE “HEART”OF SUCCESS

The Mohawk College Marketing Challenge has become quite an event at the college. This year, on

May 17th, top marketing students from Hamilton and area high schools will compete in several key events including a marketing job interview, a sales presentation, a “Marketing Quiz” bowl, two marketing case studies, new product development, and the always exciting, retail window displays.

“The competition has been growing every year,” says Janice Shearer, Coordinator. “It’s a wonderful way to expose high school students to what Mohawk has to offer.”

There are still sponsorship opportunities available. If you or your company would like to offer support either through sponsorship or volunteering, contact Janice Shearer, Professor, Marketing at 905-575-1212 Ext. 3302, or by email at [email protected] or the Student Event Coordinator, Chelsea Smith, at 905-575-1212 Ext 3619, [email protected].

BACK ROW (L TO R): JANICE GYORFFY, DARRIN COURNOYEA, MARY TUTTLE, LORIE KOZIOL, MARGARET MACDONALD, LESLIE MARSHALL, LESLIE MURRAY , MARY AYRE FRONT ROW (L TO R): MALKA GLASNER, CAROLINE FALCONI, CAROL HOWE, PEGGY KIRBY AND DIANE BARRAFATO.

2006MARKETING

CHALLENGE

CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNICIAN SUDENT MANNING “BUY A HEART TO SAVE A HEART” BOOTH.

T ed Scott, a professor in Medical Imaging at IAHS and a 1994 graduate of the

program, was published in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and has been recognized with the Kenneth R. Gottesfeld, 2nd place prize for his article. The award was instituted in 1986 to recognize three outstanding articles published during the year. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which publishes the journal, is an organization with worldwide membership.

Closer to home, Ted was also a 2nd place recipient of the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Excellence in Ultrasound Award in 2004. An active member of the Ontario Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, in 2003 he earned his Master’s degree from Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia.

MOHAWK COLLEGEIAHS GRAD EARNS PRESTIGIOUS PUBLICATION AWARD

IAHS CAMPUSFENNELL CAMPUS


Mohawk College, are keen to explore non-traditional learning pathways that allow students to move between university and college programs.“Employers are looking for

highly adaptable graduates who possess a diverse set of leadership, management and technical capabilities,” she said, emphasizing the need for educators to create hybrid programs that offer the best

of postsecondary education and training. A report from the Think Tank will be available in early 2006. For information contact Gene Nakonechny, McMaster University at 905-525-9140 x 26781.

THINK TANK SPURS COLLABORATION IN TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION

In November 2005, Mohawk’s Faculty of Engineering Technology and McMaster’s Faculty

of Engineering co-hosted a Community Think Tank to generate ideas on potential joint programs in technology and management. More than 150 businesses, government, community and educational leaders participated in the session and offered insights and advice on matters related to curriculum, learning outcomes and the knowledge and capabilities needed to generate future economic and technological productivity and prosperity.“The session helped us better

understand the future training, knowledge and skills needed to prepare a professional workforce,” said McMaster’s Mo Elbestawi, Dean of Engineering. Organizers, including Cheryl Jensen, Dean of Engineering Technology at

LEARNING LEADERS CELEBRATE PARTNERSHIP

STONEY CREEK CAMPUS

At Mohawk College, there is no better way to kick off the New Year than by hosting a prosperous and exciting job fair. The 7th Annual Winter Job Fair was once again a success for prospective employers as well as students and recent graduates of Mohawk College.

The Centre for Cooperative Education, Graduate and Student Employment, hosted the two-day venture on February 6 and 7, 2006. During the two-day event, 80 employers were able to see over 1,400 students and graduates, making both days a great success. Many contacts were made on both ends with potential full time, part time and summer employment opportunities.

Each year it is a challenge for companies to hire educated, motivated and enthusiastic graduates right out of college. Ann Robertson, Recruiting Officer for the Halton Regional Police Service attends the job fair each year.

“We see great value in these types of job fairs. It helps us share what we offer in employment and see the potential of some really great future employees.”

The job fair is designed to accommodate interested employers by showcasing our many talented and knowledgeable students and graduates from a wide range of career specialties including Applied Arts, Business, Health Sciences, Human Services, and Technology.

Julia Shevchenko, a BScN Nursing student at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS), comments, “I was so impressed how everyone was so helpful. The shuttle service from the IAHS to the job fair was a great example of how this college cares about their students.”

Mohawk College also offers FREE online job posting services to all companies. First-time job posters are invited to call the Centre for Cooperative

Education, Graduate and Student Employment at 905-575-2167 for assistance in creating your account. For further information, visit our web site at: http://grad-employment.mohawkcollege.ca. Mohawk College is also very proud of our Cooperative Education programs, which enables students to engage in on-the-job practical work experience. For further information or for an “Invitation to Interview” a Cooperative Education student, please call us at 905-575-2167 or visit our web site at: http://coop.mohawkcollege.ca. Let us help you meet your recruitment objectives!

The Centre for Cooperative Education, Graduate and Student Employment would like to extend a special thank you to our donors, faculty, staff, volunteers, and most of all the participating employers, students and graduates for making The 7th Annual Winter Job Fair another successful Mohawk College event!

7TH ANNUAL JOB FAIRCENTRE FOR COOPERATIVE EDUCATION, GRADUATE & STUDENT EMPLOYMENT


CAMPUSaround

He’s battled time-traveling aliens in New Brunswick and a monster-making mad scientist in Northern Ontario. Thwarted a separatist civil war plot in Western Canada, foiled a counterfeiting ring in Ottawa and gone undercover in the Maritimes. Graced the cover of TIME magazine, landed on the front page of the Los Angeles Times and been given his own commemorative stamp by Canada Post. Google his name and you’ll get 52,600 hits.

And this September, Captain Canuck is off to Mohawk College to inspire a new generation of comic artists. Richard Comely, who introduced Canada’s first homegrown superhero in May 1975, has signed on as an professor with Canada’s first and only post-graduate Comic Design and Scripting program. Working out of studios at Mohawk’s Elgin Street campus in Brantford, up to 30 students with college diplomas and university degrees will learn drawing, scriptwriting and the business of comic design and scripting from some of the best and most experienced in the business.

Comely plans to enlist students in the start-to-finish production of getting a new Captain Canuck comic

on store shelves. “While the art form has come a long way over the decades, comic books and comic strips remain

as storytelling with pictures,” says Comely. “Mohawk’s Comic Design and Scripting program will be the only place in Canada where aspiring and experienced artists can learn

CAPTAIN CANUCK AND STUDENTS DRAWN TOGETHER AT MOHAWK FOR CANADA’S FIRST COMIC DESIGN & SCRIPTING PROGRAM

how to master both of these essential elements.”

Program coordinator Daniel MacQueen says Mohawk is launching the one-of-a-kind program in response to employer needs. “Within the graphic design industry, there’s a real shortage of artists who are as skilled with ink and paper as they are with a computer mouse and the latest software program.”

Career prospects for Co m i c D e s i g n a n d Scripting graduates won’t be limited to spinning tales about hard-bodied superheroes in spandex, although comic book and graphic novel sales are on the rise. Other career opportunities include storyboarding for television, movies and advertising, character and plot development for video games and illustration for children’s books and educational comics.

“If you’re good at it and know the fundamentals,

there’s no shortage of work that pays very, very well,” says Comely. “Although you’ll be having so much fun it will never feel like work.”

Mohawk College Comic Design and Scripting program coordinator, Daniel MacQueen, can be contacted at (905) 575-1212 ext. 7156 or [email protected] or admissions at (905) 575-1212.

“There’s a real shortage of artists who are as skilled with ink and paper

as they are with a computer mouse and the latest software program.”

BRANTFORD CAMPUS


Business AdministrationThomas Germann, 1994Tom attended Mohawk from 1991 to 1994 to complete his diploma in Business Administration and then continued to Brock University to 1997 then joined the Armed Forces until 2005. Currently, Tom is in real estate sales serving the Hamilton/Burlington and surrounding areas. Contact him at www.talk2tom.ca

Child and Youth WorkerMarco (Mark) Felvus, 1999Mark began teaching at Mohawk part-time four years ago and is now a full-time professor in the Child and Youth Worker program as of August 2005.

Computer Systems TechnologyRaymond Makenbach, 1994Raymond began his career at Royal Bank as a programmer, then moved to networking, support, investment systems and now is a co-ordinator for online investing solutions. He recently re-married and has two wonderful children, Victor (13) and Keanu (4 months). Ray and his wife, Mihaela, enjoy traveling and a quiet home life.

Lisa Hunt (nee McGunigle), 1992After following her dreams in the equestrian industry, Lisa went back to school to update her computer skills for the modern world. Now a network administrator and instructor, she is using the basic concepts that she learned in the Computer Systems program so many years ago.

Continuing EducationJoy G. Salise, 2005Bridging Program for International Lab TechnologistsJoy sends congratulations to all who passed the October 2005 CSMLS National Certification for Medical Laboratory Technologists. Kudos!

Hamilton Institute of Technology Joe Torti, 1966Industrial Management Technology

Joe was a graduate of the Industrial program at H.I.T. before it officially became Mohawk College. Now that 40 years has passed, Joe is interested in contacting fellow

grads from his class. You can reach him at [email protected].

Law and Security AdministrationMelvin Monteblanca, 2003Melvin’s message to his fellow graduates is to interact closely with professors and staff. Their vast knowledge, experience and professionalism, is portrayed in the students they graduate. You will not be disappointed!

NursingSandy Jenkins, 1981Coming up to 25 years!! Sandy is looking for her fellow Class of 1981 grads to join her for a reunion of registered nurses. Now a Case Manager for Haldimand Norfolk CCAC, she can be contacted at [email protected]

Office Administration – MedicalKristine Blakeney (nee Rychel), 1994After graduation, Kristine started working with Drs. D. Bowser and D. Prodger, General Surgeons, Hamilton Health Sciences, General Division and is now working with Dr. Clive Davis, Cardio-pulmonary specialist at HHS, General Hospital. Kristine married in 1994 and has one son, Alexander (8) and a daughter, Kolleen (4). Thank you Mohawk!

Radiographic TechnologyCaptain Christopher Carriere, 1993Christopher went on to complete his BScN with Distinction at the University of

IN TOUCHkeeping

Alberta in 2001, and is nearing completion of a B.A. in Psychology through distance education at the University of Waterloo. He has served three tours of peacekeeping duty in Bosnia (1997, 2002 and 2004) and is attending medical school at the University of Ottawa. Christopher is happily married to Chantel with four children and one more due in spring 2006.

TV BroadcastingKate Mintz (nee Mitchell), 2004Kate married a Durham police officer in October 2005, and successfully completed the 911 course in August of 2004 which directly impacted her being hired by the Durham Regional Police.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Medical Imaging TechnologyEmily Cryderman (nee Bull), 2001Emily is excited to announce the birth of first-born daughter, Briar Dianne on June 28th 2005. Although a month early, she weighed 5 lbs. 2 oz. and is now growing like a weed. Proud dad is Mohawk alumnus, Jeff Cryderman, Chemical Engineering Technology, 2002.

Child and Youth WorkerAlison Embro (nee Lindhorst), 2000

Our first son, Nicholas Michael Embro was born January 10, 2005 and our second son was born Feb 24, 2006 Brandon Kenneth Embro All are doing well and Nicholas is being a good big brother.

To keep IN TOUCH with all our Mohawk Grads, we need your updated info on our website alumni.mohawkcollege.ca or send us an email at [email protected]. Share with us. Are you getting married? Starting a family? Have a new job or promotion? Looking for an old

classmate? Planning a move or moved? Let us know what is going on in your life and, if possible, throw in a photo! We look forward to hearing from you soon!


On Saturday, January 26th, people gathered in the Mohawk College Student Centre to pay tribute to Bud Smiley, who passed away in September 2005. Bud, who taught in the Recreation and Leisure Services program for over 30 years, was well known for his commitment to the

field of recreation and his community. Many former students, Mohawk colleagues, representatives from community agencies, family and friends shared stories and memories of a person who had an impact in so many ways. Through speeches, pictures, and displays, Bud’s contributions to Mohawk College, the recreation field and his community were recognized. The event raised over $6,000 for a scholarship to be established in his name so that future students might benefit from his legacy.

In a surprise announcement, Bud’s relatives, the Pearson Family, donated $100,000

in his name to the Hamilton YMCA for the building of their new Mountain Branch.

With their gift, Bud’s passion for the YMCA will be forever recognized.Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening, with special

acknowledgment going to Alumni Relations for their tremendous support.Bud Smiley touched many lives and he will be missed.If you would like to make a gift to the Bud Smiley (R.E.C) Memorial Scholarship

please call 905-575-2482

BACK looking

WE REMEMBER..

BUD SMILEY

A MEMORIAL DEDICATED TO BUD SMILEY

PAST AND PRESENT STAFF OF THE RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES PROGRAM ALONG WITH HEATHER AND LYNN SMILEY.

The Smiley Family would like to thank Mohawk College for honouring Bud’s contribution to Mohawk with the establishment of the Bud Smiley R.E.C. Scholarship fund.

Thank-you to staff, colleagues and students, both past and present, for your generous donations and support.

Remembering Education Continues.Lynne, Heather and Adam Smiley

THANK YOU

BUD SMILEY

Be a class-connector and assist us in locating your classmates from

your program email: [email protected]

or call 905-575-2258.

Other events are happening throughout the weekend,

please call us for further details at 905-575-2258.

25 YEARREUNION

OCTOBER 14, 2006

The Student Centre, Fennell Campus

Tours Beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Registration & Cocktails: 5:30 p.m.

Dinner: 6:30 p.m.

TRAVELLING THIS SUMMER?

Mohawk College Residence & Conference Centre245 Fennell Ave. W, Hamilton, ON L9C 7V7

Contact us to book your roomsToll-Free: 1-877-225-8664 Direct: (905) 385-3200Email: clcmohawk@campuslivingcentres.comwww.residenceconferencecentres.com/hamilton

MohawkCollege

AffordableAccommodationsfor Alumni Travellers• $49.95 Alumni Rate• Comfortable Suites• Free Parking• Free Continental Breakfast

CALLING THE CLASS OF 1981

in touch magazine spring 2006

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