Waterfront Campus Blog

Walk past the Medicine Wheel Garden at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus this summer, and you’ll likely find two students quietly tending the plants, pulling weeds, monitoring growth, and learning from the land itself.

At first glance, Mattea Price and Nicholas Glen might appear to have followed similar paths. Both are studying environmental disciplines. Both love the outdoors. Both are spending the summer caring for one of the campus’s most meaningful spaces.

But their journeys to the Medicine Wheel Garden couldn’t be more different.

That’s exactly what makes them such remarkable examples of the students who choose the Pembroke Campus.

For Mattea, the path began in an entirely different world.

Before enrolling in Algonquin College’s Forestry Technician program, she spent several years working in Montreal’s video game industry as a technical artist, lighting artist, and concept artist after studying 3D Art and Animation. Looking for a career that would reconnect her with nature, she traded computer screens for forests and found herself immersed in ecology, wildlife, forest health, soils, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Today, she maintains an impressive GPA, has earned a place on the Dean’s Honour List, volunteered with the Friends of the Petawawa Research Forest, and developed expertise in tree identification, forest health monitoring, invasive species, and sustainable forest management.

While science now shapes her studies, creativity continues to shape who she is. This August 16, 2026, Mattea will showcase another side of her talents during an art exhibition featuring her acrylic landscapes and wildlife paintings at the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre. Like forestry itself, her artwork reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

Nicholas’s journey followed an entirely different trail.

Originally from Windsor, he spent more than a decade building an incredibly diverse résumé. He worked in commercial sanitation, maintained apartment grounds, served as a security professional at industrial sites and power generation facilities, managed logistics in agricultural operations, and even worked with newly arrived refugees beginning their lives in Canada. Along the way, he developed practical skills in landscaping, safety, operations, and customer service before deciding to pursue his passion for the environment through Algonquin College’s Environmental Technician program.

When Nicholas applied for the Medicine Wheel Garden position, he wasn’t simply looking for summer employment. He spoke about his experience maintaining gardens and landscapes, but also about his personal connection to the space. Already a leader in the campus’s student-led Birds, Bats and Bees initiative, he saw the opportunity as a way to enhance biodiversity around the Medicine Wheel while putting into practice what he was learning in courses such as Botany and Soils & Landforms.

Together, Mattea and Nicholas represent something much bigger than a summer student position.

The Medicine Wheel Garden itself was created as a place for learning, reflection, ceremony, and reconciliation. Caring for the garden requires more than watering plants or removing weeds. It requires patience, curiosity, respect, and a willingness to understand the relationship between people and the land.

Their work is also an example of what makes learning at the Pembroke Campus so distinctive. Classroom lessons don’t stay confined to classrooms. Students are given opportunities to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways that benefit both their own education and the broader campus community.

Whether identifying native species, monitoring plant health, improving biodiversity, or helping preserve an important Indigenous gathering space, Mattea and Nicholas are transforming theory into practice every day.

They also remind us that there is no single path to success.

One found forestry after a career in digital art. Another found environmental science after years working in security, maintenance, and operations. Different experiences. Different perspectives. A shared commitment to caring for the land and continuing to learn.

As another academic year approaches, these two students are a reminder of something we witness often at Algonquin College: extraordinary students don’t fit a single mould. They arrive with unique stories, discover new passions, and leave their mark in ways that strengthen our campus and our community.

Sometimes, that legacy begins with something as simple and as meaningful as tending a garden.

Written by: Jodi Bucholtz, Manager, Community & Student Affairs

Most people know Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure (ODA) program for what happens on the river, in the backcountry, and along rugged trails. They picture students learning resilience in unpredictable weather, working as teams in demanding conditions, and discovering their capacity for leadership through challenge and experience. What many don’t realize is that this flagship Pembroke Campus program doesn’t just prepare graduates for the outdoors; it also serves as a launchpad, opening doors to university degrees and professional careers students never imagined possible.

Much of this confidence comes from learning in real environments, supported by real industry leaders. For more than 25 years, the ODAprogram has proudly partnered with Wilderness Tours, one of Canada’s premier adventure tourism organizations. This long-standing partnership provides students with exceptional training grounds, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to learn where world-class whitewater and outdoor leadership come to life.

For many learners, ODA is the program that changes how they see themselves. Some come unsure whether college, let alone university, is the right fit. But through hands-on learning, mentorship, and personal growth, ODA builds discipline, maturity, confidence, and purpose. Suddenly, students begin to see education differently. They begin to see themselves differently.

That sense of transformation is exactly what Jayden Spylo describes. After working for two years post-high school, he joined ODA, unsure of the direction his life and education would take. The program gave him adventure, community, and momentum, and ultimately the confidence to continue to Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in British Columbia, where he is now thriving in his degree studies. Jayden says the experience helped him mature, opened doors he never expected, and gave him the self-belief he had never felt in his earlier schooling.

For Victoria Hodgson, ODA was also the beginning of something much bigger. She completed the program in 2020, transferred her credits to TRU, and ultimately completed a Bachelor of General Studies. Along the way, she guided professionally, studied at multiple institutions, and is now completing a post-degree teacher education program at the University of British Columbia. Victoria never imagined ODA would one day lead her to a teaching career with multiple degrees, but she now describes the pathway as life-changing, full of opportunity, movement, curiosity, and choice.

Katie Stetson’s journey shows just how unexpected these pathways can be. She completed ODA, continued to TRU, and there, through a course in legal risk management, discovered a passion for law she never anticipated. Today, she works in civil litigation and also teaches legal courses to the next generation of learners. She credits the ODA-to-TRU pathway with putting her on a professional path she never would have predicted, but one she deeply values.

For Adrian Clementino, ODA provided the ideal balance of hands-on challenge and academic preparation. He completed ODA in 2021 and then went directly to TRU, graduating with a Bachelor of Tourism Management, majoring in Entrepreneurship. Since then, his career has been as adventurous and dynamic as the program itself, from managing a remote accommodations operation on the West Coast to now serving as Club Manager of the Ottawa Rowing Club, where he leads operations, budgeting, events, and staff while still maintaining a personal connection to guiding. Adrian says the combination of ODA and TRU has shaped not only his career opportunities, but also the life he is proud to live today.

Even years later, the impact of ODA continues to ripple through graduates’ lives. Lauren Hammond, who completed ODA in 2006 before continuing at TRU, went on to earn a Bachelor of Social Work and then a Master of Social Work. Her career has included guiding, therapeutic wilderness work, and leadership in youth-focused programs, and she is now exploring how to integrate her expertise in mental health with her deep roots in outdoor experience through adventure-based therapy. She says the ODA–TRU pathway opened professional and academic doors that helped her build a deeply meaningful career — one she never would have anticipated as a young graduate.

Together, these stories share something powerful. Students who once questioned whether higher education was “for them” now speak about thriving at university. Graduates who began in rafts, canoes, and climbing harnesses now speak confidently about advanced degrees, leadership roles, community impact, and professional purpose. ODA did not just prepare them to guide trips; it prepared them to build lives, grounded in capability, belief, and opportunity.

Rooted here in Pembroke and reaching across Canada and beyond, the Outdoor Adventure program remains one of the most uniquely transformative learning experiences in the country. For some students, ODA is the destination. For many others, it becomes the trailhead; the beginning of a journey toward education, careers, and futures they never imagined but are incredibly proud to pursue.

If this story sparks curiosity, you can learn more about the Outdoor Adventure program and what makes it such a powerful, life-shaping experience by visiting algonquincollege.com/pembroke/program/outdoor-adventure. For those wondering what comes next after graduation, explore the many degree pathways available to Algonquin College students, including direct routes to universities across Canada and beyond, at algonquincollege.com/pathways. Whether your dream is to lead, teach, innovate, build community, or continue your studies, the next step may be closer than you think.

Algonquin College is proud and excited to open applications for its newly approved Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) degree program, available at Pembroke and Ottawa campuses.

The launch comes as Algonquin College celebrates 50 years of nursing excellence—a milestone that reflects our long-standing commitment to preparing skilled, compassionate health-care professionals who strengthen care across our region and beyond.

The new program builds on our proven strengths in hands-on, high-quality nursing education. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as Registered Nurses (RNs) in Ontario and will be well prepared to serve in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health organizations, and home and community care providers across the region and beyond.

“For communities in Ottawa, Pembroke, and surrounding areas, the program represents a meaningful investment in accessible, locally delivered nursing education that will help address current labour shortages and support healthier communities for years to come,” said Julie Beauchamp, Algonquin College’s Senior Vice President, Academic.

“Our outstanding faculty and academic teams, together with the strength of our long-term health-care partnerships, form the foundation of our nursing programs. It’s this collaborative network that allows us to deliver world-class education and clinical training—directly supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Applications are also scheduled to open in Fall 2026 for an accelerated BScN (Honours) pathway which would see the four-year Honours degree delivered across 3 years and 4 months. This innovative option enables learners to complete their degree more efficiently while maintaining full academic rigor, comprehensive clinical preparation, and a strong emphasis on mental-health supports.

The College’s partners are also pleased to see the new program’s approval:

“Algonquin College’s expanded nursing degree pathways will help ensure a strong pipeline of skilled, compassionate nurses for our region. The Ottawa Hospital is proud to support the hands-on learning and clinical training that prepare graduates to deliver exceptional care to the patients and communities we serve.” – Janet Graham, Chief Nursing Executive and Executive Director, Medical Care, The Ottawa Hospital.

“Without the College, we wouldn’t be able to staff many of our units. Having students and recent graduates at Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) is a must as they come with the latest and greatest training and knowledge.” – Sabine Mersmann, CEO of the Pembroke Regional Hospital.

About the Programs

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) program provides learners with a comprehensive foundation in nursing theory, clinical decision-making, and hands-on practice. Training occurs in modern classrooms, high-fidelity simulation environments, and applied nursing skills labs designed to replicate real-world health-care settings.

Learners are supported through a wide range of clinical placements and a final consolidation experience in diverse health-care environments, including:

• Hospitals
• Long-term care homes
• Home and community care
• Community health organizations

The curriculum integrates:

• Evidence-informed practice
• Indigenous Knowledge systems and multiple ways of knowing
• Cultural humility and person-centred care
• Intra- and interprofessional collaboration

Graduates are prepared to write both the NCLEX-RN and the CNO Jurisprudence Examination, enabling them to practice across Canada and internationally.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements. Applications are open to learners with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and to mature applicants who meet the specific academic prerequisites.

Learn More

Full program details, admission requirements, learning outcomes, and curriculum structure are available at:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours)
algonquincollege.com/pembroke/program/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-honours/

Since 1967, our Forestry Technician program has stood as a pillar of applied education in the natural resources sector. Over nearly six decades, it has shaped countless graduates who walk into the woods, the mills, conservation agencies, and government environmental departments at all levels. In doing so, the program has strengthened our region and the broader stewardship of Canada’s forests. This fall, as students return to campus, the program is thriving, evolving, and more relevant than ever.

From the first cohort in 1967 to this year’s new students, the Forestry Technician program has been grounded in immersive, practical training. A significant amount of the curriculum is delivered in the field, giving students real forests to work in, inventory, practice best management, and nurture a deep connection to our forest ecosystems. Our students also benefit from learning experiences at the Petawawa Research Forest, a federally operated site with over a century of history in forest science and management. It offers unparalleled access to diverse forest types and research opportunities, reinforcing our program’s strong ties between education and the forestry profession.

Alumna Sionaid Eggett, now working with the Ontario Woodlot Association, recalls the importance of this hands-on approach, “I was greatly attracted to the amount of hands-on in the field learning Algonquin had to offer … Never have I worked in an environment that is so uplifting, where everyone cares about your journey.” Her words echo what students experience today, an environment where mentorship, applied skills, and community spirit make all the difference.

In Canada, the forest sector remains a major contributor to the economy and to sustainable development. The latest State of Canada’s Forests report gives a 2023 figure of $36.2 billion for Canada’s forest product exports, while Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy calls for cultivating the next generation of professionals to ensure sustainable forest management. Forestry provides employment, ecological stewardship, and vital resources, making trained graduates more essential than ever.

As Program Coordinator Peter Arbour explains, “Our Forestry Technician program is built on decades of field tradition, evolving technology, and professional mentorship. Each year, I see students arrive with curiosity and leave with confidence, ready to step into roles managing forests, monitoring health, and contributing to sustainable landscapes. It’s not just about teaching forestry; it’s about creating stewards of the land who will serve our forests for years to come.”

Industry, too, continues to see the value in forestry education. This year, two of our current students, Reed Griese and Ava Newcombe, were named recipients of the prestigious Schulich Builders Scholarship. Their recognition not only celebrates their personal achievements but also affirms the importance of investing in skilled forestry professionals who will carry the sector forward.

What makes the program robust today is its adaptability. The curriculum integrates both traditional forestry foundations and modern tools such as GIS mapping, remote sensing, and forest health assessment. Our proximity to Algonquin Park and partnerships with organizations such as the Petawawa Research Forest and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories ensure that students encounter diverse and real-world conditions.

Photo Credit: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

This combination of heritage and innovation has enabled graduates to secure meaningful employment across the Valley and beyond, contributing to municipal planning, ecological restoration, forest management, and renewable resource management.

As older generations of forestry professionals retire, the demand for skilled technicians is growing. Our program is uniquely positioned to meet that demand by producing graduates who not only understand forestry as an industry but also embrace it as a calling to care for the land. The stories of alumni like Sionaid, the recognition of students like Reed and Ava, and the leadership of faculty like Peter and all the Forestry professors actively working in the industry affirm that the future of forestry education at Pembroke Campus is both strong and sustainable.

From its founding in 1967 to the present, our Forestry Technician program has withstood the test of time with consistently high enrolments each year, not by resting on its legacy alone, but by evolving, adapting, and deepening its roots in both the land and the community. As forests face changing climates, pests, land pressures, and shifting socio-ecological demands, the connections and skills that the Algonquin College Forestry Technician Program offers are needed more than ever.

Eighty-two newly minted nursing graduates took their first professional steps this spring at the Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Pinning Ceremonies. The dual celebrations were extra‑special as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of our Practical Nursing program and the 25th anniversary of our collaborative BScN degree. Together, these milestones remind us that for half a century, our campus has been a steady source of skilled, compassionate caregivers for our community.

Why the Pin Matters

Long before graduates write “RN” or “RPN” after their names, the pin signals entry into nursing’s global family. The tradition dates to the 1880s, when Florence Nightingale awarded a “badge of honour” to exemplary students. Today’s ceremony is both a rite of passage and a gesture of gratitude to the individuals who supported each student’s progress, including family members, mentors, and sometimes entire communities. During this year’s ceremonies, graduates spoke eloquently about why they chose a particular person to fasten that gleaming pin to their uniform.

Stories Behind the Pins

Behind every nursing pin is a story of resilience, encouragement, and the relationships that carried each graduate through. For many students, the person chosen to do the honours represented the heart of their support system throughout the long journey to becoming a nurse.

Ainsley Lee chose her mother, Jennifer MacIntosh, to pin her. Jennifer had been her constant cheerleader, offering wisdom and encouragement that helped Ainsley stay grounded through the challenges of nursing school. Similarly, Gabriella Bouffard selected her mom, describing her as her lifelong supporter who consistently encouraged her to be her best self. Her mom’s guidance over the past four years, Gabriella said, helped open the door to the next chapter of her life.

For Rebecca Langille, the decision was deeply rooted in family values. She asked her mother, Helen, to pin her, crediting her as the single most influential person in her academic journey. Rebecca also honoured her late grandmother, a longtime RN, through the gesture, saying her mom’s belief that “education is never hard to carry around” helped propel her through difficult times. Kimberley Foster was pinned by her aunt and godmother, Julie St. Denis, a critical care nurse for 45 years. Julie’s lifelong commitment to nursing was part of what inspired Kimberley to pursue a career in the profession herself.

Nurses inspired several graduates in their own families. Quincey Lane chose her mom, Erin Van Hoof, who is an RPN, calling her “the perfect candidate.” Paiton Prince echoed that sentiment, choosing her mom Pam for always being her rock and helping her in more ways than she’ll ever know.

In one especially moving moment, Shelley Dick was pinned by her four daughters—Amber, Allison, Aleesha, and Angelina. Shelley described their grace, perseverance, and optimism as her greatest source of inspiration throughout her nursing journey, making the milestone even more meaningful.

Other students chose siblings or mentors who had walked alongside them through both school and life. Tiffany Matthews asked her brother, Jean-Luc Martin, to pin her, noting his steady presence and unwavering support. And Vicki Alexopoulos Read, the valedictorian of the 2025 Algonquin College graduating class, turned to someone who had shaped her nursing perspective in profound ways: her professor and program coordinator, Kerri-Lynn Weeks. Vicki shared that Kerri-Lynn had expanded her understanding of what nursing could be and had been a consistent source of guidance throughout the program’s ups and downs. “I hope to be as supportive a nurse to others,” she said, “as she has been to me.”

Each story underscores a truth we sometimes overlook: students rarely arrive at graduation alone. Partners cover childcare, elders share wisdom, peers trade lab notes, instructors open doors, and the entire community benefits when those efforts culminate in new nurses ready to serve.

This year’s 82 graduates will soon be caring for patients in acute-care wards, home-care agencies, and community health centres that will feel the immediate impact of their training.

As we celebrate golden and silver anniversaries side by side, the message is clear: our campus remains committed to educating nurses who are clinically excellent, culturally competent, and deeply rooted in community values. That commitment is evident in every pin clasped by a proud parent, sibling, mentor, or child, and in every patient who will soon feel the steady, confident hands of a 2025 graduate.

To the Class of 2025, thank you for choosing nursing, thank you for choosing our community, and thank you for reminding us that behind every polished pin lies a story of courage, love, and hope.

Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz, Acting Manager, Community & Student Affairs