January 2001

Algonquin College’s Small Business Management students
January 5, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - The Small Business Management program at Algonquin College is bringing a sense of ‘virtual reality’ to its 2nd year ‘store facilities management’ students by incorporating a powerful 3D visualization software into the course.

Philip Jones, Professor and Coordinator of the Small Business Management program is excited about the opportunities it presents to his students. "It will allow the students to see ideas, concepts and designs on a computer the same way that they view them in the real world". "Imagine the power", he adds, "that this gives to students in helping them convey and express their tradeshow booth designs or store designs to others who normally would have to either rely on their imaginations to visualize the ideas or try to interpret blueprints."

The Store Facilities Management course, which begins this January, has undergone changes that Jones feels are necessary to give students distinctive value in the marketplace and keep the course on the leading edge. "It originally started as a visual merchandising course where students would use a somewhat limited selection of fixtures and props to create window displays and store interiors. Now, using this technology, they have a library of nearly 1000 virtual items to choose from to create virtual stores and virtual window displays; and they don’t have to put them away when they’re done!"

One of the main objectives with any course is to give students skills that they can walk through an employers door with confidence; after completing this course, this will become a reality!

For further information on this release, contact:
Philip Jones
Professor Coordinator, Small Business Program
Algonquin College, Woodroffe Campus
727-4723 ext. 5433

February 2001

Algonquin Alumnus receives Premier's Award

February 20, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Kirk K. Mandy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitel Corporation was honoured in Toronto on Monday as one of five recipients of the Ontario Premier’s Awards.

The Premier’s Award was created in 1992, to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Ontario college system and to recognize Ontario college graduates whose careers have improved the economy or have greatly enriched the lives of other people. The award annually recognizes one individual in the five different categories: Applied Arts: Creative and Design; Applied Arts: Community Services; Business; Health Sciences; and Technology. Seventy-five graduates were nominated for their extraordinary achievements and along with Mr. Mandy, four other college graduates were honoured on Monday at a Premier’s Awards Gala at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle.

Said Mandy, "This really came as a surprise." "It’s quite an honour to have been singled out among the thousands of college graduates." Mandy also adds, "This is a strong statement for Algonquin College and their track record." "Ottawa’s high tech industry is full of Algonquin graduates."

Says Robert Gillett, President of Algonquin College, "Kirk has displayed incredible leadership in our advanced technology community. His excellent business acumen and leadership style have contributed to the enormous growth in the telecommunications industry. " "Algonquin College is proud of his many accomplishments."

Says Sherry Thurig, President of the Algonquin Alumni Association, "We are proud to have Mr. Mandy as a member of our Alumni Association. He is an excellent role model, not only for anyone considering a career in technology, but, for all community college graduates."

Mandy graduated from Algonquin’s Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1978. He started at Mitel Semiconductor in the mid-1980's. His foresight and business acumen quickly took him to where he is today: President and CEO of a company that has surged to a pre-eminent position in the advanced-technology sector.

Mandy recognizes the vital role education plays in the region’s success. He continually lobbies policymakers for infrastructure improvements, and frequently makes himself available for functions at his alma mater, Algonquin College. As President and CEO, he is acutely aware of how important it is to stay connected to the educational system. "It is vital that post-secondary institutions, such as Algonquin, continue to build the pool of knowledgeable graduates needed to fuel the growth of the microelectronics and technology industries, " says Mandy. "My studies at Algonquin certainly provided a solid technical foundation upon which I could build ."

Along the way, Mandy has earned the respect and admiration not only of Mitel shareholders, but of his peers as well. In 1997, he received an award from the Canadian Advanced Technology Association for his accomplishments in the private sector. He was cited for his outstanding contribution to technological innovation and for his efforts in expanding the frontier of Canada’s high-tech industry.

Mandy has been involved in just about every high-tech initiative in the region. Mitel is a member of the Canadian Advanced Technology Association and Mandy is a member of The Ottawa Partnership (TOP) and the Canadian Microelectronics Consortium (CMC). Mandy is also vice chair of the region’s Innovation Forum.

Mandy has also contributed significant time and effort to a number of projects outside Mitel. He was a board member and chair of Communications and Information Technology in Ontario, a provincially-funded centre promoting excellence in technology. He also helped launch O Vitesse, a strategy designed to train graduates from other disciplines for jobs in the high-tech sector. Mandy has held key positions with the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation, MicroNet and many other groups that have helped develop microelectronics in Canada.

For further information on this release, contact:
Jacques Guerette
Vice President
Corporate Communications
Mitel Corporation
Phone: (613) 592-2122 x 1220

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March 2001

Official Internet radio station launch puts Algonquin College on ‘AIR’

March 6, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College added a new dimension to its radio broadcasting program today with the launch of a stand-alone Internet station, Algonquin Internet Radio (AIR). Located at www.algonquincollege.com/air, it will broadcast exclusively over the Web with no connection to conventional airwaves.

"Internet radio is a rapidly growing trend, and our students are using revolutionary tools and technology to be part of it," says Iain Barrie, an Algonquin radio broadcasting professor who helped initiate the station. "This project is a valuable educational initiative for the program. Adding this sort of training will benefit our students immensely."

Local businesses have played an instrumental role in AIR’s development and operations. CD Warehouse’s mymusic.com provided the music, and a partnership has also been formed with SofTV.net, an Ottawa-based high-tech company. "Our partners really helped us get this project off the ground," says Barrie. "We’re grateful for their support."

AIR will allow Algonquin radio broadcasting students to gain hands-on experience in the evolving medium of Internet radio through handling station management, format, and operations. Using a special camera and "Webcasting" technology, the online station’s interface will allow student DJs to appear live on screen and exchange messages with users. Site visitors will also be able to view what song is playing at any time.

Algonquin Internet Radio’s 15 student DJs will work two-hour shifts between noon and 1 a.m. At other times, the station will run on automation, so listeners can tune in 24 hours a day. Programming will be middle-of-the-road, mainstream pop aimed at 18- to 25-year-olds.

For further information on this release, contact:
Iain Barrie
Radio Broadcasting Professor
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5560

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April 2001

Algonquin Times continues award-winning streak

April 9, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College’s student newspaper, the Algonquin Times, once again took top honours in the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s (OCNA) annual competition. The awards were handed out April 7, 2001 in Toronto.

In the University and College Newspapers category, the Times walked off with two first-place and one third place awards. They captured first place in the General Excellence Award which is judged on front page, layout, advertising content, and design. Judges credited the Times with an excellent variety of well-written stories and creative features. "An extremely well-rounded newspaper."

The Times online edition also won first place. "Algonquin’s Online Edition offers excellent coverage of campus news and events in a format that is attractive and well-structures. The variety of information makes browsing the site truly enjoyable, and does a wonderful job of representing Algonquin College," said the judges.

Writers Dorothy Wilson and Sean Deasy took third place in student writing with contrasting feature stories on male and female prostitution.

Over the years the Times has consistently won recognition from the OCNA for its quality broadsheet journalism. The Times is solely the work of Algonquin’s Print Journalism students.

Graduates of the Algonquin program hold significant positions in the field of journalism: among them, David Milliken, senior vice president, Canada NewsWire Ltd.; Mike Therien, editor-in-chief of the Ottawa Sun; Gary Dimmock, feature writer, Ottawa Citizen.

For more information on this release, contact:
Dawn Dubé, Director, Public Relations
Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology
613-727-4723 ext. 5450

Joe Banks, Professor of Journalism
Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology
613-727-4723 ext. 5243

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Algonquin College offers $750 bursary to applicants

April 10, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College is pleased to offer a special $750 bursary to applicants for the Fall 2001 semester. This is the second consecutive year the bursary has made available to first-semester applicants.

All applicants can apply for the bursary, but priority will be given to those applicants who require financial assistance. The bursary will be applied to tuition costs, and represents a significant savings for students who register in first-semester programs.

Margo Gunn, Manager, Financial Aid says, "This bursary is of tremendous benefit to both students and employers. For students who want a career in program areas where there is a demonstrated skills shortage, this bursary provides a great opportunity to make their education more affordable. It also addresses the skills shortage that many employers are facing in specialized areas."

All applicants who receive an acceptance package to a first-semester program will receive an application for the bursary. Applicants are urged to confirm their seat in the program and send in their bursary application as soon as possible, as the number of bursaries available is limited.

Algonquin College has begun to offer applicants seats in programs as of March 30th.

For further information on this release, contact:
Dawn Dubé, Director, Public Relations
Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology
613-727-4723 ext. 5450

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Algonquin receives higher marks - 93% of grads get jobs

April 11, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - For the third year in a row, Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology has received high marks from graduates and employers in the massive province-wide accountability surveys known collectively as Key Performance Indicators (KPI). The results this year, along with the results of the past two years, demonstrate that Algonquin College has "done its homework" when it comes to preparing students for the world of work.

The results of the Key Performance Indicators for Algonquin College show that:

• 93% of recent Algonquin College graduates secured employment within six months of graduation. This is a 3% improvement over last year and 2% above the college system.
• 91% of employers were satisfied with the quality of educational preparation of Algonquin graduates. This is a 1% improvement over last year and on par with the college system.
• 83% of Algonquin graduates were satisfied with the usefulness of their college education in achieving their career goals after graduation. This is a 4% improvement over last year and consistent with the college system.

College President Robert Gillett praised the results as an indication that Algonquin College is doing a great job preparing students for the workplace. "Algonquin continues to demonstrate consistent improvement and, in some areas, has exceeded the college system in the KPI’s. I believe that the results send a clear message to the local community and the provincial government." "Each year, 90% of our graduates, approximately 3,500 graduates, remain in our area to work. This higher-than-average percentage demonstrates that when the community invests in us, they receive an excellent return."

"Going to college pays off, and these survey results prove it," states Gillett.

Other Key Performance Indicators focused on student satisfaction with college programming and resources. The overall result shows that 74% of Algonquin students were satisfied with the usefulness of their program for future career direction, which is consistent with the college system results. In detail, the student satisfaction results show that:

• 88% of students feel that their college program is giving them the knowledge and skills that will be useful in their future careers. This result is 2% above the college system average.
• 80% of students are satisfied with the overall quality of the learning experiences in their program. This result is 1% above the college system average.

The provincial government uses the KPI results to determine funding for a small portion of each college’s annual operating grant. Results from the first three KPI’s - graduate employment, graduate satisfaction and employer satisfaction - are used as the basis for KPI or performance funding from the province. "Two per cent of each college’s grant is currently tied to the KPI results and this will eventually increase to ten per cent, which means that college revenues could vary considerably from year to year based on minor changes in ranking," warns Gillett.

"Ontario Colleges contribute to the economic development of the province and require reinvestment to remain a key and vital part of Ontario’s prosperity." says Gillett.

"The KPI surveys are the strongest measure of accountability that currently exist in the nation. Our strengths and weaknesses are published and there are financial incentives tied to the results," explains Gillett. "With the funding for post-secondary education in Ontario now the lowest funding per capita in Canada, it is paramount that Algonquin continues to achieve very high marks in the KPI’s," concludes Gillett.

For further information on this release, contact:
Wayne Lewrey
Manager, Planning, Algonquin College
613-727-4623, ext 5387

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May 2001

Algonquin College and Ottawa School Boards celebrate 10-Year partnership

May 10, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board (OCCSB) will formally recognize a 10-year partnership at a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the Algonquin Connection at Algonquin College today at 12:30 p.m. in the Restaurant International.

City Councillor, Herb Kreling, will present awards to the founding partners of the Algonquin Connection committee on behalf of the City of Ottawa.. More than 50 dignitaries from the city, local school boards and Algonquin College will attend the celebration.

The Algonquin Connection was founded 10 years ago by Rick Reid, Dean of the Algonquin College School of Hospitality and Tourism and Terry McDonald, Teacher at the Ottawa Board of Education to provide an opportunity for students in grades 10 to 12 to learn more about post-secondary educational opportunities in our area.

"The Algonquin Connection consists of two-day, experiential sessions at Algonquin College where local high school students have an opportunity to experience ‘college life’ and identify possible career opportunities," says Lee Powell, Algonquin Connection Committee member and Teacher at the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.

High school students will be at the Woodroffe and Rideau Campuses of Algonquin College on May 9 and May 10. They will participate in the following college program areas: Architecture/Civil Technology, Building Trades, Cad Cam, Electrical Engineering/Electrician, Electronics, Florist, Heat/Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, Horticulture, Hospitality and Tourism, Journalism, Motive Power, Network Cabling/Photonics, Photography, Police and Public Safety, Robotics and Television Broadcasting. Says Dean Reid, "Algonquin College is pleased to be a partner in the Algonquin Connection program. The program has proven to be a powerful motivator in encouraging our local high school students to continue their education. As a result, the entire community benefits."

The Algonquin Connection has been growing steadily since its inception in 1990 with 40 students. To date, over 1500 students have participated. This year, 420 students from 29 area high schools (19 from the OCDSB and 10 from the OCCSB) will attend the mini enrichment sessions.

For further information on this release, contact:
Hyacinth Haddad 
Communications Officer
Ottawa Carleton District School Board
Telephone: 596-8791

Terry Shaw
Communications Officer
Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board
Telephone (613) 723-4324
Cell (613) 294-3946

Rick Reid
Dean, School of Hospitality and Tourism
Algonquin College
Telephone: 727-4723 ext. 7761

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"One program, three schools" to provide nursing education

May 11, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario – An innovative nursing education program will provide Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec residents with nurses who have the skills and experience needed to deliver top notch health care.

The program, a joint venture between the University of Ottawa and Ottawa’s two community colleges, Algonquin College and La Cité collégiale, will allow students to study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in the language of their choice.

Starting in 2005, nurses entering the profession in Ontario will require a bachelor’s degree to become a registered nurse. Traditionally, aspiring nurses have been educated at community colleges, where diplomas were granted, or at universities, where four-year degrees were granted.

"The collaborative nursing degree program offers baccalaureate nursing education opportunities to over 360 applicants per year in the language of their choice. This initiative helps address the current shortage of baccalaureate prepared nurses," said Denise Alcock, Dean of the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

"Our goal is to provide the best-trained nurses possible for the health-care system," said Algonquin College President Robert Gillett. "This new partnership with the University of Ottawa will help us to do this."

Andrée Lortie, President of La Cité collégiale, notes that her institution and the University already have five joint programs. "We think these joint programs serve students, employers, and educational institutions well. This is another important linkage for us and the University."

Complete information on the program can be found at: www.ottawanursingdegree.com or at www.sciencesinfirmieresottawa.com.

For further information on this release, contact:
Bob LeDrew
University of Ottawa 
(613) 562-5800 ext. 3154 

Pascale Rouleau
La Cité Collégiale
(613) 742-2493 ext. 2425

Dawn Dubé
Algonquin College
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5450

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Rogers Broadcasting donates to Algonquin College

May 14, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Rogers Broadcasting is pleased to announce it has set up a scholarship fund for Algonquin College Radio Broadcasting students.

Says Scott Parsons, Vice President and Ottawa Market Manager, Rogers Broadcasting, "We have more than 25 Algonquin College graduates working for the Rogers radio stations in Ottawa. We are really pleased to continue to foster such a close relationship which is mutually beneficial for our company and the college."

Starting September 2001, Rogers will pay the total final year tuition costs of the returning student with the highest grade point average.

In addition, Rogers will be formalizing an internship program for a first year or graduating year student to work at Rogers Radio for the sixteen weeks from May to August annually. Students will receive payment for this internship with CHEZ-FM, XFM, Oldies 1310, Country 92 and Y-105.

Algonquin College Radio Broadcasting students will apply directly to Rogers for the internship and Rogers will decide on the process used to select the intern.

Don Crockford, Coordinator of the Algonquin College Radio Broadcasting program says, "We are pleased to work closely with Rogers to launch these new initiatives, which benefit our students and our program."

Rogers Broadcasting also makes funds available from the Rogers Bursary for Radio Broadcasting students who are encountering serious financial need during the school year.

For further information on this release, contact:
Don Crockford
Radio Broadcasting Program
Telephone: (613) 727-4723 ext, 5523

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June 2001

Ottawa Valley's first summer school of the arts

June 4, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Calling all creative minds!  The Mississippi Mills School of the Arts, the Ottawa Valley’s first summer arts school, opens its doors this August.  

The school is a result of a partnership between the Mississippi Mills School of the Arts Founders Committee and Algonquin College’s New Media Department, and hopes to attract adults from Ottawa and the Valley region who want to explore and develop their creative talents. 

Beginning August 13, Almonte, located in the town of Mississippi Mills, will be home to local and international artists offering a wide range of creative courses. 

The classes run in two five-day sessions, and feature instructors with impressive artistic credentials.  Smiths Falls sculptor Pieter Doef, internationally renowned clothing designer Paula Lishman, and British metallurgist Giusseppe Lund are just a few of the talented artists and artisans that will be sharing their skills and passions at the Mississippi Mills School of the Arts this summer. 

Mississippi Mills School of the Arts Coordinator Janet Nisbet describes the Almonte area as an “Artistic Mecca”, and easily gathered the diverse group of instructors for this year’s classes.   “Because Almonte is such a creative community, we had no trouble tapping into an extensive arts network to create a highly talented pool of teachers,” says Nisbet.

Interesting classes bear equally intriguing names such as “A Passion for Papermaking”, “I’m Creative, You’re Creative”, and “Metal Garden”.     Learn to photograph your children in black and white with Ottawa photographer Patricia Vargas in “KinderPix Photo Workshop”, or create baskets for your garden with Ankaret Dean in “Basketry for the Garden”. 

“Students will walk away having experienced a unique artistic immersion period in a relaxing and creative atmosphere,” says Nisbet. The courses are geared to every level of know-how and expertise, and offer a one-of-a-kind learning experience in a natural setting. 

For more information, visit the Mississippi Mills website: www.algonquincollege.com/arts.

For further information on this release, contact:
Janet Nisbet, Program Coordinator - Mississippi Mills School of the Arts
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7792
jnisbet@sympatico.ca

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Cave Spring Cellars Sponsors Sommelier Award for Algonquin Student

June 18, 2001, Ottawa, Canada - Algonquin College’s Sommelier Certificate Program is proud to announce Mr. Matthieu Charron as winner of the Cave Spring Cellars Sommelier Award of Excellence.

Mr. Charron earned this distinction as a member of the April 2001 graduating class.  During the program, Charron demonstrated his academic excellence by achieving ‘Honours’ standing.  His superlative service exam results, combined with his passion and dedication to the art and science of a sommelier, mark him as a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.  

“It is an exciting partnership,” says Algonquin College’s Sommelier Certificate Program Coordinator Vic Harradine of the joint venture with Cave Spring Cellars winery.  “It affords Algonquin Sommelier students the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program.” 

Cave Spring Cellars winery generously provides this award to the most outstanding student of each graduating class.  The recipient is presented with a plaque to commemorate the achievement, and a trip for two to the Niagara wine region that includes meals, accommodations, and a V.I.P. winery tour.

The Sommelier Certificate Program is a two-year program at Algonquin College’s Woodroffe Campus that boasts the region’s only dedicated wine-tasting room, the C.A. Paradis Wine Lab, as well as the region’s only Ministry of Education certification for Sommeliers.

There are over 350 students registered annually in Algonquin College’s Sommelier Certificate Program.  Past graduates have gained positions as sommeliers, restaurateurs, and marketing and sales executives in the food, wine, and beverage industry across Canada and the United States.

Cave Spring Cellars is an internationally renowned award winning Ontario V.Q.A. winery and will be presenting their fourth Algonquin Sommelier award in two years to Mr. Charron on Wednesday, June 20, at 9 p.m., in the Restaurant International on Algonquin College’s Woodroffe Campus.

For further information on this release, contact:
Vic Harradine, Sommelier Certificate Program Coordinator
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7147
harradv@algonquincollege.com

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Algonquin student receives engineering award

June 22, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College’s Digital Electronics Technician program is proud to announce Robert Sylvester as this year’s recipient of the Carole and George Fletcher Foundation Award. 

Algonquin College School of Advanced Technology Dean Ray Proulx says students place a high value on an award such as this.  “Academic achievement awards are extremely well received by the students,” says Proulx.  “The OACETT award recognizes the hard word and dedication that the Advanced Technology students demonstrate.”

Sponsored by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), this award encourages, through financial assistance, students pursuing studies in the physical sciences at the technologist and technician levels.

Awards are given on the basis of academic excellence.  Currently, the Foundation provides for 20 awards of $250 each, available annually to qualified students in their final year of physical science studies at a technologist or technician level. 

“An award such as this is important in more than one way,” says Proulx.  “Not only does the money received support and encourage technology students, but it lends credibility to the program through the recognition received on a provincial level.”

The Foundation, named after Certified Electronics Technician George Fletcher and his wife Carole, began awarding outstanding Technology students in 1987. 

Robert Sylvester will have his name published in The Ontario Technologist along with the other OACETT award winners.

For further information on this release, contact:
Ray Proulx, Dean of the School of Advanced Technology
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5958
proulxr@algonquincollege.com

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Algonquin College store receives national retail awards

June 28, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College is proud to announce that the First Class New Technology store has received two awards from Campus Retail Canada (C.R.C.).  In true David-and-Goliath style, Algonquin’s Technology store bettered 30 other campus stores across the country, including U.B.C., McGill, and U. of T. 

“I was thrilled to receive these awards!” says Algonquin’s First Class New Technology Store Manager Karen Garlick.  “I’m proud of the hard work that the staff has done to receive these awards.”

This is the second consecutive year that the First Class New Technology store has received recognition from C.R.C.  Last year’s award was for the highest sales increase.  This year the bar was raised.   They not only received a second sales-growth prize, but the top sales-to-student ratio award as well.

Garlick believes that her competitive pricing is one reason for the success of the technology store.  “I always keep an eye on the big retailers,” says Garlick.  “I make sure that we at least match their prices.  With the 60% educational discount we receive on our goods, we are the smart choice not only for the students, but for the College as well.”

Garlick also has her eyes on a different C.R.C. prize.  “The Best Website Award is one that I’d like us to win.  Our website is frequently being updated to offer the highest quality on-line shopping service.”

Confident in the New Technology store’s 10 staff members, Garlick credits Assistant Manager Shawn Davies with an important role in the success of the store.  “He is pro-active in his role as Assistant Manager,” says Garlick of Davies.  “He knows his product lines well, and was a key component in winning the awards.”

The New Technology store continues to do brisk business, and Garlick sees more good things ahead. “The future for Algonquin’s First Class New Technology store is quite promising.  We will have another growth year.”

Campus Retail Canada is a trade association and purchasing consortium, which comprises over 30 institutionally-owned college and university computer stores across Canada.  The C.R.C. awards are currently on display in the College’s First Class New Technology Store on Algonquin College’s Woodroffe Campus.

For further information on this release, contact:
Karen Garlick, Manager, College Retail Stores Operation
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5429
garlick@algonquincollege.com

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August 2001

Algonquin and Mississippi Mills open arts school

August 14, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - The first classes at the Mississippi Mills School of the Arts, the Ottawa Valley’s first summer arts school, have begun. 

The school is a result of a partnership between the Mississippi Mills School of the Arts Founders Committee and Algonquin College’s New Media Department, and has attracted more than 200 adults from Ottawa and the Valley region who want to explore and develop their creative talents. 

As of August 13, Almonte, located in the town of Mississippi Mills, is home to local and international artists offering a wide range of creative courses. 

The classes are being given in two five-day sessions, and feature instructors with impressive artistic credentials.   Smiths Falls sculptor Pieter Doef, internationally renowned clothing designer Paula Lishman, and British metallurgist Giusseppe Lund are just a few of the talented artists and artisans that will be sharing their skills and passions at the Mississippi Mills School of the Arts this summer. 

Mississippi Mills School of the Arts Coordinator Janet Nisbet describes the Almonte area as an “Artistic Mecca”, and easily gathered the diverse group of instructors for this year’s classes.   “Because Almonte is such a creative community, we had no trouble tapping into an extensive arts network to create a highly talented pool of teachers,” says Nisbet.

Interesting classes bear equally intriguing names such as “A Passion for Papermaking”, “I’m Creative, You’re Creative”, and “Metal Garden”.    Learn to photograph your children in black and white with Ottawa photographer Patricia Vargas in “KinderPix Photo Workshop”, or carve a creative niche for yourself in Jamie Brick’s “Introduction to Wood Carving”.  

“Students will walk away having experienced a unique artistic immersion period in a relaxing and creative atmosphere,” says Nisbet. The courses are geared to every level of know-how and expertise, and offer a one-of-a-kind learning experience in a natural setting. 

For more information, visit the Mississippi Mills website: www.algonquincollege.com/arts.

For more information on this release, contact:      
Janet Nisbet, Program Coordinator, Mississippi Mills School of the Arts
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7792
jnisbet@sympatico.ca

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Algonquin College breaks ground for new athletics facility

August 16, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College’s Students’ Association officially broke ground for a $3.6 million expansion to the existing Ron Port Athletic facility.  This state-of-the-art facility, due to open its doors in spring of 2002, will be a 20,000 square-foot addition.

Algonquin College President Robert Gillett sees the facility as reflection of the school’s dedication to offering a well-balanced lifestyle to the College population.   “Algonquin College offers a full range of services and activities that encourage students to lead a balanced life”, says Gillett.  “The Students’ Association’s 20,000 square-foot expansion is solid evidence of the College’s commitment to health and wellness.”

Students’ Association President Maurice Gervais believes that a modern fitness facility not only helps improve the health of the College population, but also will help attract new students to Algonquin in the future. “This addition is very timely due to the anticipated spike in student population over the next few years,” says Gervais.

Construction for the new facility began in July, and when completed will boast dry saunas, free weights, and “selectorize” cardio equipment.

“This facility is part of a commitment to continuous improvement occurring at Algonquin College,” says Gillett.  “The College has opened a 93,000 square-foot Police and Public Safety Institute, broken ground for a $25-million Advanced Technology Centre, and this fall will open the second phase of its Woodroffe-campus residence, bringing total student accommodations to 700 beds.”

For more information on this release, contact:      
Maurice Gervais, President, Students’ Association
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7139
gervaim@algonquincollege.com

Jack Doyle, General Manager, Students’ Association
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5320
doylej@algonquincollege.com

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Algonquin Hospitality students win national scholarship awards

August 22, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism is proud to announce Katrina Moy and Jennifer Stewart as winners of this year’s Canadian Hospitality Foundation’s Culinary Scholarships.

Hospitality and Tourism students Moy and Stewart receive the only $3,500 CHF Culinary Scholarships available annually to Hospitality students across Canada.  Joining them in the winner’s circle are two other Algonquin College Hospitality and Tourism students, Shaun Palmer and Andrew McAllister, who received a Food and Beverage Scholarship and a Hospitality Excellence award, respectively.

“I am quite proud of the Algonquin Hospitality students that have received these prestigious national hospitality scholarships and awards,” says Rick Reid, Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism at Algonquin College. “It really sets Algonquin apart as a leader in the hospitality industry.”

A second-year Culinary Management student, Moy feels the $3,500 scholarship helps validate her decision to enter the program.  “I was so excited to hear I’d received the largest culinary scholarship available,” said Moy.  “It helps confirm that this is the perfect career path for me.”

Moy is also one of eight Ontario Hospitality students to win a $750 Culinary Excellence Award.   Rather than applying for this award, a student must be nominated by their instructors to be considered.  “My teachers are fantastic,” says Moy.   “I was flattered to find out that I’d been nominated by them.  I really feel that they are preparing me well for a future in my field.”      

Established in 1962 by the Canadian Restaurant Association, the Canadian Hospitality Foundation is Canada’s largest industry-driven source of scholarships for students pursuing hospitality industry.

For more information on this release, contact:
Rick Reid, Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7761
reidr@algonquincollege.com

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October 2001

Algonquin College to receive a car donation from Toyota Canada

October 2, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Students in Algonquin College's automotive programs will soon get to work on a brand new Toyota Solara, courtesy of Toyota Canada.

On October 4, John Tapp, Algonquin's Dean of the School of Transportation and Building Trades will get the keys to a new car, worth approximately $30,000, donated to Algonquin by Toyota Canada.

According to Tapp, this is not the first time that the College has been the recipient of such a donation from Toyota.  "Toyota Canada have been very generous in the past," says Tapp.  "We have received approximately four or five cars over the years, as well as many other parts, including differentials and transmissions."

Students in the Automotive Student Education PSrogram, or ASEP, will use the car to learn how to administer mechanical diagnostics, using the latest computer equipment.  "The instructors will "bug" the car's engine," says Tapp.  "They will then use our diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the problem.

Algonquin College receives approximately 30 cars and equipment each year as donations from automobile manufacturers across Canada.  Other brands include Ford and General Motors. 

"We are very pleased that Toyota Canada is making this donation," says Tapp.   "AIt will allow the students in the ASEP Program to get hands-on experience on the most recent models of automobiles and automotive components."

The presentation ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 4, at 1:00 p.m.   at Tony Graham Lexus Toyota,  1855 Merivale Road.

For more information on this release, contact:      
John Tapp, Dean of the School of Transportation and Building Trades
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5157
tappj@algonquincollege.com

Dawn Dubé, Director, Public Relations
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5192
dubed@algonquincollege.com

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Algonquin creates ACERRA
Set to dominate lucrative corporate training market

“Acquiring Calian’s learning division strengthens Algonquin College’s already well-established reputation for excellence in corporate training services,” said John Hamilton, Vice President Finance, Admin. and Corporate Training for Algonquin College. “We expect to grow even more rapidly as we combine the best of both organizations to build one of the country’s top training specialist – ACERRA.”

With 25 years of corporate training experience, Algonquin’s new ACERRA division is built to compete for an Ottawa learning market that is expected to top $468 million annually by 2005. Calian’s custom e-learning and consulting practice, Canada’s third largest, has been added to the well-recognized Management Centre and Technology Institute (ATI) of Algonquin College to create a new skills development powerhouse.

ACERRA is now one of the largest custom e-learning companies in Canada and is a leading provider of corporate learning services in the Ontario market,” said Julie Kaufman, Research Manager, IDC Canada.

The new division will provide high-end learning services and consulting, offering clients a true blended learning solution. ACERRA will become one of the only companies in Canada capable of instructor-led, text or e-learning delivery for all types of content - business skills, IT skills and customized content specifically designed for the customer. “Algonquin College’s IT Training and Management Centre combined with the newly acquired e-learning and consulting practice provides our corporate customers with the most strategic and integrated learning solution available in Ottawa,” says Justin Ferrabee, ACERRA’s newly appointed Executive Director.

As the market becomes more sophisticated, corporate clients are demanding a learning provider with a comprehensive range of services that are also tailored to their needs. "Our clients want learning and organizational development solutions built around their specific goals.  ACERRA is a perfect match to an Ottawa marketplace that demands excellence and flexibility to help companies build a competitive edge.” adds Ferrabee.

About ACERRA:
ACERRA designs and delivers custom learning solutions and consulting services in both business and technology skills for the classroom and electronic format with the goal of improving individual and business performance. Through its affiliation with Algonquin College, ACERRA offers the widest range of courses and learning opportunities of any college in Ontario and provides customized training programs to business and government. ACERRA’s web site can be found at www.acerra.ca..

For more information or to arrange for interviews, contact:

ACERRA:                    
Justin Ferrabee                         
Executive Director                                                                        
ACERRA, a division of Algonquin College                                                         
(613) 293-9955                                                                                           

Algonquin College:                    
Dawn Dubé
Director
Public Relations
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5192

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IT managers gain valuable resource
ACERRA partners with StAY Technologies to deliver best in class ITSM training

October 15, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - ACERRA and StAY Technologies Inc. announce their partnership to deliver joint services to the National Capital Region. This partnership will enable ACERRA to deliver training programs based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a worldwide de-facto standard of best practices for the management of IT services, for IT professionals.

"IT Service Management (ITSM) is of increased importance to all organizations that are driving to improve service levels, contain costs and further develop professional standards of performance”, said Justin Ferrabee, Executive Director of ACERRA. "ACERRA’s proven ability to supply complete and effective learning solutions, combined with StAY’s best in class ITIL training content, creates a compelling opportunity for our customers to achieve the full potential of their IT Service Management (ITSM) investment," added Mr. Ferrabee.

“The relationship with ACERRA is very important to StAY and our customers. This will allow us (StAY) to concentrate our core capability as an ITSM integrator and service provider while relying on ACERRA to focus on the quality of the overall learning experience for our clients,” added Mr. Yves St.Arnaud, President of StAY Technologies.

About ACERRA:
ACERRA designs and delivers custom learning solutions and consulting services in both business and technology skills for the classroom and electronic format with the goal of improving individual and business performance. With $15 Million in annual revenues and over 75 learning professionals, ACERRA is one of Canada’s leading learning providers. ACERRA’s web site can be found at www.acerra.ca.

About StAY Technologies Inc.:
StAY Technologies Inc. is a thought leader and services firm specializing in Information Technology Service Management Practices and solutions that leverage the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) standards. Headquartered in the National Capital Region of Canada, StAY provides IT Service management consulting services to a variety of companies and public sector agencies. StAY Technologies Inc. is a producer of a set of comprehensive Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) training programs that provide participants with the requisite knowledge to become ITIL certified.

For more information or to arrange for interviews, contact:

ACERRA:  
Justin Ferrabee                  
Executive Director    
ACERRA, a division of Algonquin College
(613) 293-9955   

Algonquin College:      
Dawn Dubé
Director
Public Relations
(613) 727-4723 ext 5192

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November 2001

Students prepare for fall convocation

November 2, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Christopher Warburton, Vice President, Human Resources and Student Life, will be the master of ceremonies at the Fall Convocation of Algonquin College on Monday, November 5, 2001 at 8:00 p.m. at the National Arts Centre, Ottawa.

Over 1,200 people will be in attendance, and President Robert Gillett will preside over the presentation of approximately 275 diplomas and certificates to graduates from the Rideau and Woodroffe Campuses.

The Convocation agenda will include addresses by President Gillett, Alumni President Sherry Thurig and the Convocation guest speaker will be Kathleen Graham, Vice President, Patient Services, Queensway-Carleton Hospital.

For more information on this release, please contact:  
Dawn Dubé, Director, Public Relations
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
Tel: 613-727-4723 ext. 5192
Cell: 613-220-5291

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Algonquin College and the National Quality Institute launch the
"Ontario Tourism Excellence Program"

November 6, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Tourism operators and representatives from affiliate organizations in and around Canada’s Capital will attend the launch and information reception for The Ontario Tourism Excellence Program on Thursday, November 8th at Algonquin College (Woodroffe Campus). This event takes place from 4 to 6 pm in the Staff Dining Lounge, Building D of Algonquin’s Woodroffe Campus at 1385 Woodroffe Avenue.

Tourism in Ontario is a $16 billion industry and is our 5th largest export. Area tourism operators and representatives are joining officials from Algonquin College, the Government of Ontario and the National Quality Institute (NQI) to hear how a new Ontario Tourism Excellence Program can be used to help bolster and attract business. 

This quality improvement program, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, was designed exclusively for the tourism industry in consultation with representatives from this sector across Ontario. It is a voluntary, comprehensive approach to achieving organizational excellence for tourism operators by providing tourism businesses with criteria, reference material, consultation, a workshop and a process to meet the goal of developing exemplary tourism facilities in Ontario. Through participation in the Tourism Excellence Program, related businesses – large and small - will have a focused approach to Excellence with recognition through certification that identifies an establishment that has attained enhanced operational success and customer and employee satisfaction.

Algonquin College staff who attended the NQI Tourism Excellence training sessions will deliver the workshop to local tourism operators in the near future. Other participating Ontario colleges are Humber College, Toronto; Niagara College, Welland; Georgian College, Barrie; Fleming College, Peterborough; and Sault College, Sault Ste Marie.

Four Ontario tourism operators have already achieved the first level of the Ontario Tourism Excellence Program and were awarded their certification at the NQI Summit: 2001: An Excellence Odyssey on October 17th at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle by Donald Obonsawin, Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. They are - The Anishinabe Experience, Golden Lake; Fern Resort, Orillia; Elmhirst’s Resort, Keene and Lakefield’s Scotsman Point

Attention Tourism Operators - For more information or to attend, contact:
The National Quality Institute
Phone: 1-800-263-9648 ext.236
E-mail:  leger.carole@nqi.ca
Web Site: www.nqi.ca (look under events).

NQI Media Contact: 
Cathy Tanner
Phone: 1-800-263-9648 ext. 238

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Northland eLearning Content now an Accredited Algonquin College Certificate

- Algonquin College is first academic institution to adopt Northland’s telecommunications eLearning program
- Launch of new line of business provides additional revenue stream and opportunities for Northland to market its content to other colleges and universities

November 15, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Northland Systems Training Inc. (CDNX: NLD), a rapidly growing provider of eLearning solutions, today announced that it has established a telecommunications eLearning program specifically targeted towards colleges and universities, and that  Algonquin College is  the first academic institution to launch an “Advanced Networking Technologies Certificate” based on Northland’s content.  This accreditation is achieved through online training and certification testing and will be launched as part of Algonquin’s School Of Advanced Technology, Continuing Education Program. www.algonquincollege.com/cs/elearning.

“This is an exciting development for Northland because our eLearning courses have now been adopted as an accredited certificate by a community college. This reaffirms our high standards for quality and the value of the content we are providing online,” said Jerry Van Olst, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northland. “It provides an additional revenue stream for both Algonquin College and Northland and opens up opportunities for Northland to market this type of program to other colleges and universities in North America and around the world. Based on the success of this program, we are also exploring the possibility of applying our eLearning approach to other Algonquin academic programs.”

“In keeping with Algonquin College’s standard of academic excellence, we were looking for the best networking courses available online,” said Tom Sieciechowicz, Manager of Continuing Education for the Computer Studies Department, at Algonquin College, which is a community college situated in Ottawa.  “Northland’s highly technical suite of eLearning networking courses was a perfect fit, allowing us to create an Advanced Networking Technologies certification program.”

Students will enroll via Algonquin’s Continuing Education online registration and have access to approximately 130 hours of eLearning content, including Internetworking Fundamentals, Fiber Optic Technologies, Virtual Private Networks, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Multi Protocol Label Switching, and Voice over IP.  In order to achieve the accreditation, students are required to complete a supervised online certificate exam for each module course within a specified period of time.  During their studies, students will benefit from accessing Northland’s  eTAC (eLearning Technical Assistance Center), which provides live, real-time support by knowledgeable subject matter experts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Northland has always been on the cutting edge of training in advanced networking technologies and we are pleased that through Algonquin’s Continuing Education program students now have access to an eLearning program designed to advance their careers in IT,” Mr. Van Olst added.

“Online learning has become a multi-billion-dollar business in North America and Northland, with its advanced eLearning platform, is well-positioned to participate in this market. Our recently announced eLearning contracts with Extreme Networks (Nasdaq: EXTR) and a major telecom manufacturer are proof of that,” Mr. Van Olst said. Market research firm International Data Corp. (IDC) estimates that the U.S. corporate eLearning market will grow from $2.3 billion in 2000 to $18 billion in 2005, an annual growth rate of more than 50 percent.

About Northland

Northland Systems Training Inc. is a leader in developing and delivering eLearning solutions and instructor-led training to many of the world’s technology telecommunications vendors, service providers, and end customers.  With specialized expertise in Networking, Security, and Wireless domains, Northland delivers unique web-based eLearning solutions that include an interactive eLearning portal with product simulation and real-time live support to optimize its customers’ training programs.  Northland is among the distinguished group of companies that have been named by Profit Magazine to its 2001 list of 50 Hottest Startups.   Northland is traded on the Canadian Venture Exchange, (Symbol: NLD).  For more information, contact Northland or visit www.NorthlandeLearning.com

About Algonquin College
School Of Advanced Technology

Algonquin College, School of Advanced Technology, enjoys the highest level of grad employment and employer satisfaction of any advanced technology trainer in Eastern Ontario. But that’s not surprising. After all, the school offers an impressive selection of career–oriented programs - supported by the most advanced learning facilities equipped with the latest hardware and software. Programs include computers, photonics, robotics, telecommunications, mechanical engineering, and architecture. The School’s close relationship with the technology community ensures the programs respond to the needs of the High-Tech sector, providing training for careers most in demand. For more information visit  www.algonquincollege.com/atec

The Canadian Venture Exchange Inc. has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information regarding this release, contact:

Investor Relations:       
Richard W. Wertheim
Wertheim +  Company Inc.
wertheim@wertheim.ca
(416) 594-1600

Investor & Public Relations Manager:
Susan B. MacLean
Northland Systems Training Inc.
smaclean@northlandinc.com  
(613) 667-5074

Algonquin College
Dawn Dube
Director, Public Relations Department
dubed@algonquincollege.com
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5192  

Algonquin College
Tom Sieciechowicz
Manager Continuing Education
Computer Studies Dept., School Of Advanced Technology
sieciet@algonquincollege.com
(613) 727-4723 ext. 3304

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Algonquin professor sings for disaster relief

November 28, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - Missy Burgess has a song of hope to share. The Trauma and Addiction Studies Professor at Algonquin College calls her musical donation to a disaster relief CD a "bouquet of musical flowers presented to the American Embassy in sorrow, sadness, and hope."

Four Ottawa singer/songwriters, including Burgess, have donated their talents to a CD entitled "September" that will raise funds for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Burgess, inspired by the folk/blues style of Tom Waits, says she wrote "If We Can" to help cope with the grief and sadness she was feeling after the events of September 11. "I wanted to help the relief effort in some way," says Burgess, "and putting our four songs together as a gift of hope was one way we could lend a hand to our American friends."

Burgess says that Algonquin College is playing a major role in this project. "Both Algonquin College and the Ontario Public Service Employee Union (OPSEU) have donated generously," says Burgess. "The CD wouldn’t have been possible without their help."

The CD retails for $10 with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. It can be purchased at the following locations:

-First Class Book Store at Algonquin College’s Woodroffe Campus
-The Folklore Centre on Bank St.
-Rasputin’s Folk Café on Bronson Ave.
-The U.S. Embassy on Sussex Dr.
-The Red Cross on Plymouth St.
-Domenic’s on Hazeldean Rd.

Burgess appears on "September" with three other local artists: John Stewart is an engineer for NavCanada, Wendy DeMos is a journalist, and Alise Bowler is an art conservationist. All four musicians can be seen singing at different locations throughout Ottawa.

For more information on this release, contact:

Dawn Dubé, Director, Public Relations
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5192
dubed@algonquincollege.com

Missy Burgess, Coordinator, Trauma/Addiction,
School of Health and Community Studies
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5076

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December 2001

Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley receives $40,000 bursary gift

December 11, 2001, Ottawa, Ontario - The Renfrew County Industrial Training Committee (RCITC) has presented Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley with a $40,000 donation which will assist students at any Algonquin College campus in Renfrew County with their educational expenses.

Ted Dupuis, Chair of the RCITC, and Pat Quinn, Vice-Chair, made the official announcement to the college on Tuesday. "One of the mandates of the RCITC was to assist Renfrew County residents with access to skills training and educational opportunities", says Mr. Dupuis. "We are very pleased that by contributing to an ongoing bursary, the RCITC will still be able to support educational and training opportunities to the community for the future".

The RCITC was set up in the mid-1970's to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in the province. This non-profit organization was a collaborative effort between industry, business, education and various levels of government. It also operated the Skills Centre in Renfrew until 1995, where a variety of on-site skills training courses were offered to county residents.

The donation to the college will allow two entry-level students at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley to each receive a $1,000 bursary to be used toward their educational costs. The bursary, which will begin in the 2002 academic year, will be administered through Algonquin College’s successful Endowment Fund initiative entitled ‘Plant Some Roots’.

"The College’s ‘Plant Some Roots’ campaign was established last year to assist Algonquin students who are experiencing financial hardship", says Algonquin College President Robert Gillett. "This very generous donation from the RCITC will provide a significant contribution to enhancing student life for Renfrew County students".

Marguerite Donohue, Dean of Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley, added that Pembroke students have been the beneficiary of many bursary and scholarship donations from private individuals, businesses and service clubs over the years. "Today’s gift is one of the most substantial donations our school has received" she said, "and we are very grateful and pleased that the RCITC has chosen to assist our students in their pursuit of post-secondary studies. We know that a college education is an investment and, for many years, these bursaries will help some of our students fulfill their career aspirations."

For more information on this release, contact:

Dawn Dubé
Director, Public Relations
Algonquin College
(613) 727-4723, ext. 5192

Jamie Bramburger
Manager, Community and Student Affairs
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
(613) 735-4700, ext. 2756

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