News

Capital Entrepreneurs Program Receives $2 Million from Province’s Campus-Linked Accelerators Program

Posted on Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

Carleton University, the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College are collaborating to support entrepreneurial youth

A $2-million investment by the Province of Ontario’s Campus-Linked Accelerators (CLA) program will support a new Capital Entrepreneurs program that will strengthen the capacity of local post-secondary institutions to support entrepreneurial youth.

Capital Entrepreneurs is a partnership among Carleton University, the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College dedicated to making Ottawa the best place to start and grow a business in Canada. The program, which is supported by Invest Ottawa, builds on the strengths of each institution, their alumni and their experienced entrepreneurs working in the community.

The collaboration is one of 10 approved CLAs in Ontario to support entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems.

“Helping young entrepreneurs is another example of Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy at work,” said the Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation . “These programs will help harness their ideas, their vision and their enthusiasm and turn them into jobs for today and for tomorrow. Their innovative spirit will build Ontario’s future.

A goal of the program is to provide youth aged 19-29 with broader and better access to entrepreneurial supports in the community. The educational outcomes will focus on mentorship and moving youths’ concepts from acceleration and incubation to creating institution-based, youth driven and community based startups in Ottawa.

The CLA program is an initiative of the Government of Ontario under the Youth Jobs Strategy and is being managed by the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE). CLAs are partnerships between universities and colleges and the province’s Regional Innovation Centres. OCE is a member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE).

“With these resources, we can engage more students and youth in hands-on entrepreneurial opportunities.” says Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. “Algonquin is proud of the way we open our doors to the Ottawa community and we thank the government for supporting our efforts. We look forward to working with Carleton University and the University of Ottawa through Capital Entrepreneurs to grow the innovative spirit and mindset within our community.”

“The $2 million dollar grant to Carleton University, the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College places students first. It will provide support to launch and grow youth-led businesses, strengthen Ontario’s ecosystem for young entrepreneurs, and enhance the educational and training experiences of our students. We expect the main outcomes to be more jobs for youth and a more competitive Ontario,” said Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte.

“The support of the CLA program to the Capital Entrepreneurs program enhances the uOttawa investment in our Entrepreneurship Hub programs. This regional partnership complements the entrepreneurship strengths of three post-secondary institutions and, together with Invest Ottawa, we are committed to driving creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement for our youth, our students and for our region” said University of Ottawa President Allan Rock.

Ontario is investing $295 million over two years in the Youth Jobs Strategy to help 30,000 more young people from across the province connect with the tools, experience and entrepreneurial support they need to find employment or start their own businesses. More than 20,000 job opportunities have already been created to date under the Youth Jobs Strategy.

“Ontario Centres of Excellence is pleased to be able to deliver this project as a trusted partner of the Government of Ontario. I look forward to putting our years of experience in connecting academia and industry, and our on-going support of young entrepreneurs to good use in making this initiative a tremendous success,” said Dr. Tom Corr, president and CEO of OCE.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs is Ontario’s innovation system. The ONE is made up of regional and sector focused organizations designed to help Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their companies and create jobs. For more information visit oneinnovation.ca.

Jazan Campus graduates 18 diploma students

Posted on Monday, September 15th, 2014

ACJ's first commencement ceremonyAlgonquin College Jazan reached a major milestone on August 28, hosting ACJ’s first commencement ceremony. Eighteen graduates walked across the convocation stage and received their Canadian certificate in Algonquin’s Electrical or Mechanical Millwright Technician program. Some of these students began their studies in a Preparatory Year Program as early as April 2010, learning first to speak and write in English before conquering the diploma curriculum! All have now joined the local work force because their strong bilingual and technical skills were immediately recognized by local employers across Jazan.

The event was emceed by faculty member Jacob Santos. “As a faculty member, it was an emotional moment to witness our proud graduates and family members rejoice in their achievements.”

The Convocation was enhanced by the presence of the Undersecretary of Jazan Principality, the Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and a delegate from Colleges of Excellence. In their speeches, the Valedictorian and Past-President of the Student Council had only praise for the efforts of College faculty and staff that led to this celebration. The alumni were asked to start the “Algonquin College Nation” in order maintain their vivid memories and contribute the growth of a remarkable cohort of new trade professionals.

ACJ's first commencement ceremony

Applications Still Being Accepted For Some Programs

Posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2014

Did you know that it’s not too late to become a student at Algonquin College for the Fall term? Many of our programs are accepting applications for a few more days:

Sept 12 deadline:

Sept 17 deadline:

Sept 14 deadline:

Sept 30 deadline:

 

Algonquin TV Broadcasting Grads Tell the Story of Kevin the Bacon in International Bacon Film Festival Documentary

Posted on Thursday, August 28th, 2014

Bacon

Life’s not easy when you’re Kevin the Bacon.

Kevin’s daily struggles, captured in a three minute documentary simply titled “Kevin“, will be shown August 29 at the International Bacon Film Festival in San Diego.

The documentary, which was purchased by Hormel Foods, has two Algonquin College connections – Alex Williams and Sean Hockey, graduates of the College’s Television Broadcasting program.

“The inspiration for the video came to our director, Helder Mauricio Carvajal, as he wanted to see the point of view of the bacon, rather than someone who likes bacon,” explains Alex, who plays Kevin in the documentary. “And it basically consisted of me riffing whatever came to my head about what celebrity life for a bacon strip would be, and having people who were watching (mainly Sean and Mauricio) giving me ideas to riff off of. The date scene was the same way. The girl had her lines set, and I would improvise on her lines.”

View the film here.

Algonquin College Forges Partnership With The Protocol School of Washington

Posted on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014

PSOW & AC press release banner

AC and PSOW create three day workshop, “Protocol for the Canadian Professional”

Key officials from Algonquin College and The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish special educational programs that support and develop the skills of Algonquin College alumni, especially those from Hospitality and Tourism programs, professionals from the public sector, or those working in fields where a refined knowledge of international protocol is important.

The MOU was signed by Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen; and Ms. Pamela Eyring, President, The Protocol School of Washington, in the presence of representatives from the two institutions.

Commenting on the occasion, Altaf Sovani, Chair, School of Hospitality and Tourism said, “This partnership is another step in Algonquin College’s efforts to meet the professional needs of College students and alumni working hands-on in the hospitality and tourism industry. We invited The Protocol School of Washington to form this educational alliance due to their research and experience in international protocol training. They are the only accredited institution in the USA teaching these important skills.”

For her part, Pamela Eyring, President, The Protocol School of Washington said, “It is an honor to collaborate with such a prestigious Canadian college – one who acknowledges the benefits of protocol and etiquette training. Algonquin is renowned for hospitality and tourism management, with successful graduates all over the world. Our new program, Protocol for the Canadian Professional, will cover working in cross-cultural situations, personal diplomacy, body language, Canadian business protocol including precedence, seating, titles and forms of address, flag courtesy, gift giving and event logistics. We are truly looking forward to offering this workshop in October and other training programs in the future.”

Incoming Algonquin College President Commits to Listening at Annual Employee Breakfast

Posted on Thursday, August 21st, 2014

Cheryl Pic“The first thing I’m going to do is listen.”

Incoming College President Cheryl Jensen assigned herself a bit of homework during this year’s President’s Breakfast! Cheryl, who officially begins as President on Monday, told the over 1,100 employees gathered in the Marketplace Food Court – and the dozens tuned in online – that she is committed to hosting twenty employee feedback sessions in the coming months. She also pledged to continue hosting the popular President’s Council Town Halls started last year.

“You—Algonquin employees, community members, corporate partners. What opportunities do you see for our College?” she asked. “What fresh ideas do you think we should be pursuing? What’s the best way to continue Algonquin’s tradition of excellence?”

The President’s Breakfast is an annual employee event, bringing together Algonquin College employees from all campuses for a presentation that sets the tone and direction for the coming academic year.

The tone was set early, with the distribution of a very special button at each seat. Sporting the “Here 2 Help” logo, the buttons form one part of a new campaign encouraging employees to volunteer in College orientation activities. This is one program designed to help the College achieve its goal for the 2014-15 academic year—boosting term-by-term retention at the College from 86 to 87 per cent.

“When I was doing my masters, I wrote a paper on retention and came across a comment that has always stuck with me. It was a quote from a student who said, “I dropped out because no one noticed I dropped in,” adds Cheryl. “We want to make sure that doesn’t ever happen at Algonquin, by keeping our students engaged and excited so they get the education they deserve. It’s our job—and our responsibility—to do everything we can to help students transform their hopes and dreams into skills and knowledge once we have opened our doors to them. ”

To help us get there, Cheryl announced plans to create a Student Success Strategy. She highlighted several key focus areas related to student success where Algonquin already excels: Community, Partnerships, International, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Employees. Though she highlighted provincial belt-tightening as a challenge, Cheryl pledged to, “…be a strong advocate on our behalf, working with Colleges Ontario, our friends in the provincial government and our community partners to stress the importance of college education to Ontario’s economy.”

“In listing some of these opportunities and challenges, I don’t want to give the impression for a moment that the agenda is fixed,” Cheryl added. “As I said earlier, I’m looking to you for your input to help define the way forward. We need to keep moving, evolving, adapting. The status quo will get us nowhere: we need to be proactive, together. Each of us has a role to play in contributing to the success of our students. I am asking for your efforts and participation—for example, in campaigns like Here2Help, which supports new students and their transition to a new life over a particularly vulnerable first few months.”

Highlighting the important role employees play in student success was also a main focus of Christina Miller, President of the Algonquin Students’ Association. In her remarks, Christina praised employees for ensuring Algonquin College students, “…succeed and learn, not only in the classroom but throughout their entire student experience. We could not do this without you.”

Other highlights from this year’s President’s Breakfast included a look back on summer accomplishments, including A and B building renovations, Convocation, wireless improvements, and the 50th Anniversary preparations along with the unveiling of the four anniversary themes of Pride, Connection, Giving Back, and Diversity.

To see the whole Breakfast presentation, visit algonquincollege.com/live.

If you attended, leave us a comment with your thoughts!

“I just feel more welcome…I would recommend this program”

Posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2014

A program which offers Aboriginal students attending Algonquin College employment coaching is receiving a special Chair’s Award from the International Partnership Network (IPN).

“Having a successful first working experience, and postsecondary experience, is critical to having a successful career,” says Denyce Diakun, Director, Workforce and Personal Development. “The students who enroll in DevelopMENTOR are Aboriginal students who, prior to coming to Algonquin, did not have work or postsecondary experience. The program is designed to prepare them to be successful in paid part-time work opportunities with participating employers through customized, individual employment coaching. We are pleased to accept this award recognizing our success in connecting Aboriginal students and youth to employment opportunities in our area.”

The DevelopMENTOR program began as a partnership between Algonquin College Workforce and Personal Development, and Tim Hortons Canada. Students who enroll in the program are given training, coaching, and feedback to ready them for part-time work that fits within their academic schedule. So far, the DevelopMENTOR program has helped 30 Algonquin College students – students like Trent McEwen, who has just graduated the Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training program. “I joined this program because I was having trouble finding a job and knowing how to present myself in an interview…[DevelopMENTOR coach] Sylvie got me to the level where I needed to be and, after the interview, the feedback was good…I was proud that I had Sylvie’s help through the process..I would recommend this program to any Aboriginal first gen student that needs help finding a job or finding ways to talk to people in a work place environment.”

Construction Engineering Technician graduate David Assinewai had similar feedback, saying, “I feel the services provided by Sylvie are extremely valuable and have served me well, and will continue to serve me well in future career aspirations. There is a great deal students can learn from these workshops, and I hope every student takes full advantage.”

This special Chair’s Award marks the first time the IPN has given out such an award – the network specifically created a category in their annual Global Best Awards to specifically recognize Algonquin College and Tim Hortons Canada for the DevelopMENTOR program. In a letter to Diakun, Alex Blackwood, CEO for the International Partnership Network, indicated that the DevelopMENTOR program is, “of a standard that the judges feel needs to be recognized.”

The award will be given out at the 12th International Education Business Partnership Conference in Brussels, Belgium in September.

Pepper Grinder Spices Up The Student Experience at Algonquin College

Posted on Thursday, August 14th, 2014

Pepper Grinder banner

Variety is the spice of life. And, as nine Algonquin College Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician students recently found out, a little variety in their program (in the form of a special assignment) is helping to bring a lot of spice to Algonquin College. 2.47 million peppercorns worth.

The students were challenged with building something large that would test their hands-on skills in new and interesting ways. They decided to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest pepper grinder, which is currently held by a restaurant in Etobicoke with an 11′ grinder.

Today they unveiled a functioning grinder measuring at 16’4″, and sent official photos and videos to Guinness to help them certify the Grinder as the World’s Largest. Official measurements were also taken by independent industry members, and the mill was used to grind pepper onto scrambled eggs.

“The challenge was thrown at the students early in the program. All of our time was given after hours, mostly on Friday nights,” says Rodrigue Dagenais, one of the student craftsmen.

After researching their options, and with assistance from their Professors, John and Mike McKinlay-Key, the team decided to take on this peculiar challenge. “Our students rose to the challenges of the project. We were only really part of the project for safety and mentoring. I am pleased and impressed with the workmanship and dedication” says faculty member John McKinlay-Key.

Student craftsmen include Eric Beuman, James Brint, Andrew Carver, Liam Cluff-Clyburne, Rodrigue Dagenais, Jihad Farhat, Cameron Larsen, Spencer Olivastri and Declan Thomas.

Next steps for the team include wheeling the grinder over to the lobby of the Hospitality building on campus (where it will be on permanent display) and awaiting confirmation of the record from Guinness.

Say When: Students and Faculty Build World’s Largest Pepper Grinder

Posted on Thursday, August 7th, 2014

peppergrinder

Sixteen foot, 496 pound pepper grinder, made by students and faculty in Algonquin College’s Cabinetmaking program, holds over two million peppercorns.

The Algonquin College community will come together to celebrate the nine students and two faculty members who, on their own time, have built what will soon be certified as the World’s Largest Pepper Grinder.

Nine students in the Cabinetmaking program were given the challenge of building something large that would test their hands-on skills in new and different ways. After researching their options, and with assistance from their professors, the team decided to beat the record, held by a Niagara Falls restaurant, for the World’s Largest Pepper Grinder.

This event will include an official measuring, photographs, and a demonstration, which will be documented and sent to Guinness World Records to make it official!

Who:
Cabinetmaking students Declan Thomas, Andrew Carver, Rodrigue Dagenais, Jihad Farhat, Eric Beuman, Liam Cluff-Clyburne, James Brint, Spencer Olivastri, and Cameron Larsen

Professors John and Mike McKinlay-Key, Cabinetmaking program

Where and when:

ACCE Building lobby, Ottawa campus, Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, Canada

Thursday, August 14, 10:00 – 11 a.m.

 

Chris Hahn Announced as Next Dean of Algonquin College Perth Campus

Posted on Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

chahn

 

Lanark County native receives promotion from Chair, Construction Trades and Building Systems to become Acting Dean.

The summer at Algonquin College continues to be filled with exciting news as we are pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Hahn to the position of Acting Dean, Perth Campus, effective August 5th, 2014.

A resident of Lanark County for 22 years with a breadth of experience in multiple employment sectors and leadership roles, the college and community are eager for Chris to take on the role. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Wilfred Laurier University, and currently working on a Master’s degree in Education from St. Francis Xavier University, Chris combines education with years of post-secondary experience through apprenticeship.

Before joining Algonquin College in 2010 as Chair of Construction Trades and Building Systems at the College’s Ottawa campus, Chris worked for 23 years in a variety of organizations including Nortel as an instructional designer, the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation as a program manager for the TalentWorks initiative, and as a mediation officer with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. He then spent 12 years with the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) in the area of apprenticeship training and certification programs. He worked in the field with apprentices and employers, managed the local MTCU Ottawa office and later worked on some provincial initiatives including the Apprenticeship Modernization Project and the Employment Ontario Information System for Apprenticeship as well as apprenticeship research. Chris enjoyed his time managing great teams of people while with these projects.

Chris currently holds the title of Head of Apprenticeship at Algonquin College, is known for his sense of humour and desire to build meaningful relationships with people. Chris enjoys music, hockey, and outdoor activities such as canoeing and gardening. Chris will benefit Perth not only as an experienced and capable leader, but as an engaged community member.

Perth Campus and Algonquin College look forward to what Chris will bring to the position and are delighted to welcome him to his new role.