News

For many people, their college years briefly take them far from home. After graduation, the college town and all those fond memories of late study nights, local coffeeshops and time spent on campus are often left behind.

But for many graduates of Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus, the charm of living in Pembroke can lead them to put down permanent roots after the student experience has ended.

“It’s great living in a small community,” said Jim Butterworth, who graduated from the Pembroke Campus in 2007 with an outdoor adventure degree and business diploma. “In a smaller rural community, everyone knows who I am. The joke is if we need a cup of sugar or maple syrup, we ask our neighbours.”

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July 28, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

As we approach the end of July, I want to provide another update about our evolving plans for the Fall Term.

To begin with, it is important to note that 48 per cent of Algonquin College’s programs will include some component of face-to-face activity in the Fall Term – as the College continues to gradually and safely expand academic activities on our campuses while adhering to public health guidelines. (As a reminder, program-delivery details can be found here.)

Secondly, I am happy to announce that progression to Step 3 of the Province’s COVID-19 reopening plan allows the College to increase events and activities on-campus, which may not have been previously permitted. It is still necessary that events and activities conform to various restrictions and health and safety protocols, as such there is an ongoing need for the College to maintain oversight over campus activities. To support this, employees who are organizing events or activities will be required to submit an online form at least 10 days ahead of any planned event.

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For Immediate Release

OTTAWA (July 28, 2021) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce the recipients of its fifth-annual Alumni of Distinction Awards, to be held virtually this year on September 30.

The event will officially celebrate 10 Algonquin College alumni for their outstanding professional and community contributions, plus an employer from our campus communities who has empowered our graduates to make a difference.

This year’s honourees have demonstrated remarkable dedication to the well-being of others. They include a best-selling author, prominent federal civil servant, distinguished First Nations poet, influential journalist, and constable with a decades-long history of volunteerism and leadership, as well as dedicated health professionals and one of this city’s tops chefs.

Examples of exceptional accomplishments include supporting people and businesses during the pandemic; safe-guarding mental health for individuals in crisis; promoting economic vibrancy among Canadian Arctic communities; protecting Indigenous heritage; piloting a healthcare program for under-served patients; and improving access to education for Black students.

This year’s Alumni Employer of the Year is an award-winning Canadian animation studio based in Ottawa, that has hired and mentored a significant number of our graduates and supported education at the College.

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Imagine being 18 years old, in your first year at Algonquin College and you’re about to speak before a prominent international organization. For first year Public Relations student Shelby Richardson, this is her future. Richardson and fellow students Catherine Matovu, Anna Ranger and Amarjeet Singh, alongside supervisor Jed Looker, will be presenting at a United Nations meeting on July 27.

“I feel nervous and very proud and confident, but I don’t know how it’s going to go,” said Richardson, a Public Relations student at Algonquin. “You wonder, ‘how did I get here?’ You have imposter syndrome. You worked hard and that’s how I’m here. I’m proud, especially during COVID.”

The four students and their supervisor researched the topic of gun violence and masculinity, spoke with their client IANSA – the International Action Network on Small Arms – and stakeholders including Gun Free South Africa, and have created a workshop for youth aged 12-15. They will be presenting their findings and recommendations to a United Nations international panel on Tuesday. The goal is to have the workshop available not only in South Africa but in other countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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Canada Day is a time for our nation to reflect on our successes – but also to face our failures. Coming together in a spirit of truth and reconciliation, we must be honest about the tragedies experienced by Indigenous communities, and build a country based on empathy, education, and mutual understanding. Out of sensitivity to the victims of residential schools, Algonquin College will not hang the large flag on the Woodroffe Avenue side of the College as we have done in years past. For the President’s recent announcement on Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization, visit here. For the College’s TRI page, visit here.