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Algonquin College hosts Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Algonquin College celebrated 10 distinguished individuals and organizations at its inaugural Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala.

Jerry Popowich, Chief Creative Officer of Mercury Filmworks, was named Alumnus of the Year, while the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club was honoured as Alumni Employer of the Year.

“From health-care pioneers to entrepreneurs, and award-winning artists to community builders, these alumni are innovators and difference makers,” Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen said. “They are breaking new ground in their fields and industries. They are champions of change in fields ranging from technology and animation to health sciences. From inspiring corporate citizenship, to helping our most vulnerable, they are making their mark. They are giving back.”

Presented by Johnson Insurance, the Sept. 27 gala honoured the important social and economic contributions that Algonquin College graduates make to the community, Canada, and around the world. The gala took place in Minto Hall at the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE), and was hosted by Algonquin alumni Angie Poirier and Stuntman Stu, radio show hosts on MAJIC 100.

In accepting Alumnus of the Year honours, Popowich said Algonquin College convinced him to pursue his dream career. “There are other jobs out there, but drawing is pretty fun, and you can make a living at it,” he said. The Animation grad was lauded for his team’s work on properties ranging from Tangled and Mickey Mouse Shorts to The Simpsons, and for his ongoing support for the College’s aspiring student artists.

Representing the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club to accept Alumni Employer of the Year were the organization’s Digital Media Strategist, Matthew Perry, and Community Relations Coordinator, Matthew Wason — both Algonquin grads. The Senators employ 50 Algonquin College alumni, take on numerous co-ops from the College, and offer support through annual student endowment funds and fundraising efforts.

The Creative Arts and Design award went to Trent Correy, an award-winning character animator at Walt Disney Studios. “I can draw a decent snowman but I could probably use a few more Algonquin English courses,” joked the Animation grad, who was part of the Oscar-winning teams behind the movies Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia. Giving credit to his amazing professors, he added, “I’ve worked alongside most of them. They really did help me get into the industry here.”

The Community Service award was given to Peter Tilley, Executive Director of the Ottawa Mission. Under his direction, the organization has expanded their services in the areas of mental health support, addiction and trauma service, hospice care and housing outreach.

Tilley said he was fortunate, “to serve the most valuable people in this community” through his work at the Ottawa Food Bank and Ottawa Mission.

The Business award recipient was Loring Phinney, VP Corporate Marketing, Bell. A Public Relations grad, his role at Bell encompasses sponsorship and events. “To this day I believe my success was based on the co-op program here at Algonquin – one of the first of its kind in the country,” he said.

Health Sciences honours went to Fred Montpetit, a Nursing grad who has made an impact across Canada, including his current work for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and as Nunavut’s former Chief Nursing Officer. “I am the nurse I am today because they invested in me,” he said, while praising the many talented nurses the College has graduated over the last 50 years.

The recipient for Technology was Steve Barkhouse, President of Amsted Design Build. The award-winning company has offered opportunities to countless college students, and Barkhouse helped raise millions of dollars to build ACCE, the site of the gala. “Thank you to Algonquin for giving me the tools I needed,” Barkhouse, a Business Administration Human Resources grad, said in a pre-recorded acceptance video.

Recent Graduate award honours went to Sutton McKay, an entrepreneur who co-owns Luxus Auto Care and Millen Solutions. He thanked the College for being a place that “welcomes entrepreneurship and innovation.”

The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Rena Bowen, an inspector with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. A Nursing grad, Bowen’s years of involvement with the College include as past chair of the Algonquin College Alumni Association, current chair of the Alumni and Friends Network Advisory Committee, and a member of the Algonquin College Foundation Board of Directors.

“The College taught me to give back to my community,” Bowen said. “All alumni have an opportunity to nurture and support… think about volunteering. We do need you.”

Michelle Valberg, president of Valberg Imaging, garnered the Changing Lives Award. The photographer was heralded for her artistic creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment.

“Giving back has been especially important to me,” Valberg said of her three-decade career, while recognizing the teachers who “fostered” her gift for photography at the College. “I am so proud to stand next to so many amazing graduates.”

The event included a three-course meal, live entertainment, and design elements inspired by the College’s new Coat of Arms.

Jensen called the award recipients, “a truly inspiring representation of what makes Algonquin College so special.”

Algonquin College Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala on Sept. 27

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Algonquin College is celebrating 10 distinguished individuals and organizations at the inaugural Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala (presented by Johnson Insurance). The event will bring together business and community leaders as we honour the important social and economic contributions that Algonquin College graduates make to the community, Canada and around the world. The gala awards show includes live entertainment, and features Algonquin alumni Angie Poirier and Stuntman Stu, radio show hosts on MAJIC 100, as emcees.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017 (5:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)

Key Periods for Media Coverage:

6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Awards: Alumna Volunteer of the year, Community Service, Business, Creative Arts and Design

8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m., Awards: Alumnus of the Year, Changing Lives, Alumni Employer of the Year

Where: Algonquin College Ottawa Campus, Minto Hall, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE)

Award Highlights:
Creative Arts and Design: Trent Correy, Character Animator, Walt Disney Studios
Alumnus of the Year: Jerry Popowich, Chief Creative Officer, Mercury Filmworks
Community Service: Peter Tilley, Executive Director, Ottawa Mission
Alumni Employer of the Year: Ottawa Senators Hockey Club

RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend the event can RSVP Communications Officer Chris Lackner at lacknec@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 (ext. 2091). Advance interviews with award recipients are also potentially available.

Parking: Parking is available off College Avenue Extension

Algonquin College sees record enrolment

Algonquin College broke numerous enrolment records this fall, seeing increases across the board.

“The numbers are still being finalized, but already we can see that we are on track for a very impressive fall and winter,” said Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. “We know that students have choices when they’re considering their post-secondary education, and we’re proud that so many students are choosing us. It’s confirmation that our programs stand out.”

Among the statistics so far:

  • the highest level of full-time post-secondary and graduate certificate enrolments in the College’s history (18,758 net registered; 3.8% above last year at same time)
  • record enrolments for new students and returning students
  • international enrolments saw a whopping 39% year-over-year increase and domestic enrolments are also ahead of last year

Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, offering more than 185 programs in multiple disciplines.

For more information, please contact:

Ruth Dunley
Communications Manager, Algonquin College
Office: 613-727-4723 x.6452
Mobile: 613-406-0970
Email: dunleyr@algonquincollege.com

 

Ontario Opposition Leader Patrick Brown engages Algonquin College students

Patrick Brown, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, visited Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus on Friday to participate in an open Q&A with students.


The forum took place in Minto Hall in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE). The Conservative Party leader fielded student questions on everything from education funding and student assistance to job creation.

“I want as many students to have access to education as possible,” Brown said. “I want to continue to grow our student assistance. I hope, as Ontario prospers, that we have the ability to break down more barriers.”

Brown was joined by Algonquin College Students’ Association President, Victoria Ventura, Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, and Algonquin College President, Cheryl Jensen.


“I know that Patrick Brown is a big proponent of post-secondary schools being responsive to the needs of the workforce, and that’s something we are always trying to be here at Algonquin College,” Jensen said. “Our proposed Centre for Excellence in Heath Education is a great example of this. Just as the ACCE building we are in today has helped us meet the demands of the trades sector, we are now preparing to build a state-of-the art centre that will help us meet the future needs of the health-care sector in new and innovative ways.”

McLeod called Brown “someone who believes in post-secondary educations – in particular, our college system.”

Ventura led the Q&A session, which also focussed on post-college job opportunities. Brown spoke about the need to invest and support innovative job sectors like computer science, tech and engineering – and to provide fast provincial approval for new academic offerings at universities and colleges in order to meet the needs of emerging job sectors.

First Clinical Research Study Launched at Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care

OTTAWA — Algonquin College is pleased to announce its first clinical research study at the Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care.

The study will help researchers design and deliver integrated assessment systems to monitor movement and brain health to support early identification of cognitive decline, including dementia.

“Mobility and cognition are the two most common, intertwined complexities faced by older adults,” says the study’s clinical research lead, Dr. Frank Knoefel of the Bruyère Research Institute.

The study is also noteworthy for its use of technology.

“This project looks at how technology can help identify early indicators of decline to support improved diagnosis and treatment of cognitive issues,” added Dr. Rafik Goubran of Carleton University, the study’s technology lead.

The 12-month study will involve participants recruited from the Garbarino Girard Centre. During twice-monthly sessions, participants are asked to play computer games and complete balance tasks on a ‘standing’ computer system. The result will be greater insights on the correlation between declining mobility and cognition which is needed to create robust systems to help identify and treat cognitive health issues.

The study will also provide experiential training to post-secondary students. Those in computer engineering, technology, psychology, occupational and recreational therapy (assistant programs) and other disciplines will be able to assist the principal investigators.

The initiative will be officially launched with a reception and technology demonstration on Sept. 19, 2017 at Algonquin College.

The research study is supported by the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE), which is Canada’s Technology and Aging Network.

“This is an innovative project that aims to harness the power of computer games and balance technology to improve the lives of older Canadians with cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Director of AGE-WELL. “We are excited to see the study get underway and delighted with the collaboration involved in making it happen.”

Algonquin College is a new partner of AGE-WELL, which includes 37 universities and research centres as well as more than 200 industry, government, and post-secondary institutions and non-profit partners.

“This project offers personalized education that combines both experiential learning and applied research,” says Dr. Barbara Foulds, Dean, Faculty of Health, Public Safety and Community Studies at Algonquin College. “The partnership with AGE-WELL also helps create a new landscape for heightened collaboration between our respective institutions that will better prepare our learners in health and community studies, media and design as well as advanced technology to contribute to healthcare innovation.”

A number of partners including the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre Adult Day Program, Carleton University, the Bruyère Research Institute and the University of Alberta are involved in the project. The Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care opened on May 25, 2016.

Event details follow.

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EVENT DETAILS

When: Sept. 19, 2017
Time: 12:55 p.m.
Where: Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa
Place: Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care
Parking: Lot 1
RSVP: Ruth Dunley, dunleyr@algonquincollege.com

Media Contacts

Algonquin College
Ruth Dunley
Manager, Communications
Office: 613-727-4723 ext. 6452
Mobile: 613-406-0970
dunleyr@algonquincollege.com

AGE-WELL
Margaret Polanyi
Senior Communications Manager, AGE-WELL
Office: 416 597 3422, ext. 7710
margaret@agewell-nce.ca

About Algonquin College: The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public-sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario. www.algonquincollege.com

About AGE-WELL NCE: AGE-WELL is a federally-funded Canadian network of industry, non-profit organizations, government, care providers, end users and academic partners working together using high-quality research to drive innovation and create technologies and services that benefit older adults and caregivers. Its vision is to harness and build upon the potential of emerging and advanced technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), e-health, information communication technologies (ICTs), and mobile technologies to stimulate technological, social and policy innovation. AGE-WELL was launched in 2015 through the Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.agewell-nce.ca

Ontario Opposition Leader Patrick Brown to visit Algonquin College and engage students in Q&A

OTTAWA — Patrick Brown, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, will be visiting Algonquin College to participate in an open forum Q&A with students, followed by a private campus tour.

When: Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Algonquin College Ottawa Campus, Minto Hall, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE)

Who:

Patrick Brown, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition

Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College

Victoria Ventura, President, Algonquin College Students’ Association

Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod

RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend the event can RSVP Communications Officer Chris Lackner at lacknec@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 (ext. 2091)

Parking: Parking is available off College Avenue Extension

Minister Deb Matthews visits Algonquin College to announce boost in student OSAP access

Minister Deb Matthews visited Algonquin College Monday to discuss the impact of the provincial government’s changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). More than one-third of Ontario college and university students will receive free tuition in 2017-18.

“Going to college or university is a wonderful opportunity for young Ontarians,” said Minister Matthews, Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Minister Responsible for Digital Government. “That’s why this government is committed to making it as easy and affordable as we possibly can for students, so that they can pursue their dreams, fulfil their potential and get the skills they’ll need for the jobs of tomorrow.”

“I am pleased to tell you we now have 50,000 more students applying for OSAP this year than last year,” Minister Matthews added, highlighting the government’s boost to grants and loans for students from families with a combined income of up to $175,000. More than 210,000 students will receive free tuition in 2017-18, and OSAP applications are up 10 per cent.

Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen joined Matthews for the announcement in the Algonquin College Student Commons.

“At Algonquin College, we believe in the potential of every student to turn their dreams into careers and have a positive impact in our communities,” President Jensen said. “That is why we applaud the government of Ontario for rolling out increased supports for low and middle-income students that will transform lives and allow us to support more dreamers in their path to success. We want to thank Minister Matthews for taking the time to come and meet with our student leaders who inspire us every day.”

Minister Matthews also took questions from students in a meeting organized by Algonquin College Students’ Association President Victoria Ventura.

“Algonquin College students were happy to have an opportunity to engage with Minister Matthews this morning and talk about the issues that affect us and the hope we have for the future,” Ventura said.


“We welcomed the Minister’s words about OSAP because financial concerns should not be barriers to access. The changes to OSAP will make sure 80 per cent of students will have fewer financial worries as they pursue their studies.”

Ventura also took to the podium to announce a $1 million investment towards Indigenous art, artifacts and architecture for the new Library, innovation centre and institute for Indigenous entrepreneurship. Ventura called the Students’ Association funding an effort to honour “the unique history of Algonquin College” and “create a more inclusive community.”

Minister Deb Matthews to make announcement on Ontario Student Assistance Program at Algonquin College on Monday, Sept. 11

Minister Deb Matthews to make announcement
on Ontario Student Assistance Program
at Algonquin College on Monday, Sept. 11

 

OTTAWA — Algonquin College is pleased to host Deputy Premier Deb Matthews, the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Minister Responsible for Digital Government. She will be visiting the College’s Ottawa campus to meet with students, and make an announcement on changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. Minister Matthews will also meet with Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen and Victoria Ventura, President of the Algonquin College Students’ Association.

When: Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, 9:10 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. (media are advised to arrive by 8:45 a.m.)

Where: Algonquin College Ottawa Campus, lobby of E Building (Algonquin College Student Commons)

Who:

Minister Deb Matthews

Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College

Victoria Ventura, President, Algonquin College Student Association

Ron McLester, Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Special Advisor to the President

RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend the event can RSVP Communications Manager Ruth Dunley at dunleyr@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 (ext. 6452)

Parking: Parking is available in Lot 4, off Navaho Drive