Algonquin College

Go To College Week A Huge Success for the Waterfront Campus

To say the Pembroke Waterfront Campus was a busy place during what should have been a quiet break week would be an understatement. With most college students taking a week off (October 23 to 27) for studying or a mental health break, the campus hosted more than 600 high school students at a series of events that allowed the campus to show off its facilities and programming.

The week started with an Open House that attracted more than 400 senior high school students from across Renfrew and Pontiac Counties. In addition to taking a campus tour, the visiting students were able to participate in several interactive activities that including trying out heavy equipment simulators that are used in the Forestry Technician program, learning more about defence tactics in a demonstration led by faculty in the Police Foundations program and connecting with students in the Outdoor Adventure program who were highlighting their rock climbing skills.

Students also spent time with faculty learning more about the programs that they were interested in and they heard from current Algonquin College students about what they can expect when they move from high school to post-secondary education. The students were made aware that applications are now open for the Fall 2024 intake and that they should apply before February 1st to improve their chances of getting a seat in the program that meets their career goals.

By mid-week, the campus was teaming up with Junior Achievement for its World of Choices event. More than 125 high school students, most of them in grade ten, rotated around the gymnasium where they met with people from many sectors and learned about different career pathways such as radiation protection roles in the nuclear sector to nursing careers.

The campus closed the week by hosting its first Jill of All Trades experiential learning day for grade nine to twelve girls. This hands-on event gave the students a chance to try out careers in carpentry, electrical, computer systems technicians, arborist, forestry and radiation protection. About 100 students participated and they were supported by about 40 mentors, people who were already working in the field that they were exploring.

In between these high school student events, the campus also hosted some of Canada’s best known personalities at its annual Fall Business Leadership conference. Two Order of Canada recipients, Olympian skater Elizabeth Manley and Environment Canada’s Chief Climatologist David Phillips spoke at the conference which was well attended by local business people who came together for a day of professional development and networking.

So while college students took some time to re-charge their batteries and get ready for the final stretch of the Fall term, the campus was very busy connecting with prospective students and the business community. It was a great demonstration of how important the campus is to so many audiences who rely on the college to access education and training opportunities and in the case of the younger audience, to help them choose a career.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)

 

 

Former Olympian Elizabeth Manley Headlines Fall Business Leadership Conference

Some of Canada’s best-known media personalities will headline Algonquin College’s Fall Business Leadership conference on Thursday, October 26 at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Among the presenters will be former Olympic skating silver medalist Elizabeth Manley, Environment Canada’s Chief Climatologist David Phillips, and CTV National News military analyst, retired General David Fraser.

They will be joined by author and resiliency expert, Dr. Robyne Hanley Dafoe, who recently released her second book, entitled ‘Stress Wisely’. Hanley-Dafoe’s first book, ‘Calm Within the Storm’ was a practical guide to helping people face life’s day-to-day challenges. A well sought after speaker across North America, Hanley-Dafoe delivers a positive message about how people can cultivate resiliency to be successful in their personal lives and their careers.

Elizabeth Manley, former figure skaterIn the 1980’s and 1990’s, Elizabeth Manley was a household name, competing in skating competitions around the world. It was a high stress career, but Manley excelled despite the intense pressure to perform. Since retiring from skating, she has become an advocate for mental health and wellness. Her talk about mental health in the workplace will build on Manley’s personal struggles by offering recommendations from the lessons she has learned in life.

When it comes to the weather, there is no more recognizable face or voice than David Phillips. With thousands of interviews under his belt, Canada’s best known weather personality has been telling Canadian weather stories for more than 50 years. At the conference, Phillips will zero in on how the weather affects our workplace, including the impact of climate change.

During Canada’s difficult mission to Afghanistan, General David Fraser was on the front line of one of the country’s most difficult missions. Now retired, the CTV National News military analyst and author is speaking about leadership in the digital age. Fraser offers helpful tips to leaders to anticipate what’s coming next at a time when things are happening so fast, it is hard to keep up with the changes.

In addition to the keynotes addresses, conference attendees will be able to choose from several workshops on topics such as marketing, sales, promotions, creating safe spaces at work to allow failure to be improve performance and integrating newcomers into the workplace. Networking opportunities are built into the schedule for attendees who attend the conference on campus, but a virtual option will also be available to attend the conference. All of the presenters will be on campus and will deliver their session in person.

Algonquin College’s Manager of Community and Student Affairs, Jamie Bramburger, says the College started the conference several years ago and it has now become very popular. “We envisioned a big city conference being available to our local businesses where they could tap into timely and meaningful professional development at a reasonable cost. We’ve delivered on that promise by bringing in some of the biggest names in Canada to present on a variety of topics that affect the workplace,” says Bramburger.

Early bird registration rates of $240 plus taxes are in place until September 30. Registration includes four keynote addresses, a choice of attending two workshops and lunch. An after conference social is also being hosted by the college.

Nominations are also open for the business innovation award that is handed out each year at the conference. The award celebrates a business in Renfrew County that has created a unique approach that has led to better customer service, improved productivity or an innovative new product line.

The conference is being sponsored by Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation, Lanark-Renfrew Local Immigration Partnerships, the city of Pembroke, Lanark Renfrew Labour Market Working Group and Algonquin College Community Employment Services.

More information on the conference can be found on the college website at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/business-conference/.

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus Builds Deeper Relationship with Garrison Petawawa

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus has always had a close working relationship with Garrison Petawawa, but it has never been a formal partnership until now. Recently, campus Dean Sarah Hall and Garrison Commander, Colonel Jason Guiney signed a memorandum of collaboration as the campus held its first Canadian Armed Forces Day.

Garrison Petawawa Commander Colonel Jason Guiney and Dean of Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Sarah Hall

Garrison Petawawa Commander Colonel Jason Guiney and Dean of Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Sarah Hall sign a Memorandum of Collaboration on April 15, 2023 at Algonquin College Pembroke.

Photo: Corporal (Cpl) Lanny Jellicoe

The agreement had been in the works for several months and signals the start of an important and mutually beneficial relationship aimed at supporting the educational needs of the military community. The CAF Day was an example of the partnership being implemented as the college customized an agenda that was geared to current military members, soldiers who will be leaving the military soon, veterans and military spouses.

One of the most powerful activities during the event was a panel of former military members who shared their experiences transitioning from the military to attending college and then entering the civilian workforce. There were six panelists, all of whom had attended the Pembroke Campus after leaving the Armed Forces.

All of them had a different story to share, some of them describing their departure from military life as a smooth transition while others said that they had difficulty adjusting to being a civilian. Regardless of their responses to the questions that were posed to them by the audience, they were transparent and offered great advice to the military members who attended the session.

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is very familiar with the needs of former military members who join its learning community. In 2019 the campus surveyed its first year students and learned that three out of ten students indicated they had a member of their family who was in the Can

Former soldiers speak at Algonquin College

Former military members who studied at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus participate in a student panel at the College’s Canadian Armed Forces Day.

adian Armed Forces. It was a telling statistic, demonstrating the close linkage the campus has with military families.

The CAF Day also included a campus tour, an overview of the programs and services offered at the Pembroke Campus, information on Academic Upgrading courses, online learning, prior learning assessment and recognition, and supports that are provided to learners who have physical or learning disabilities.

Moving forward, the college is developing a special course for military members that will help them more easily make the transition to post-secondary education. The course will be offered to members of the army, navy or air force who are about to leave the military and have a plan to pursue higher education to help them access the civilian workforce. The first intake is planned for the fall of 2023 and will be delivered in person at the Pembroke Campus.

The memorandum of collaboration is a positive step towards deeper integration between the Garrison and the college at a time when there are widespread labour shortages in several sectors of the economy. Military members have a lot to offer to the civilian workforce. Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is working towards opening more doors to allow them to earn the post-secondary credentials they desire as they choose a new career pathway after serving their country.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Jamie can be reached by email at brambuj@algonquincollege.com)

Former Military Police Officer Begins a New Adventure at Algonquin College

Daniel Larente is looking for adventure, literally. The 43-year old Algonquin College student has already packed a lot into his life, but now he is about to explore a new career pathway, one that is driven by his passion for the outdoors.

Two years ago, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Larente enrolled in the Outdoor Adventure program at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus. It was a big step forward and an escape from a troubling time in the former soldier’s life.

He was trying to move forward after suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, a condition that led to severe depression and anxiety. The mental health challenges he faced came after a more than seventeen year career in the Canadian Armed Forces as a military police officer, a career that took a toll on his well-being.

Military Police Officer in Afghanistan.

Algonquin College Outdoor Adventure student Daniel Larente served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a military police officer prior to enrolling in the adventure program.

“It all stemmed from bottling up the issues that I held due to severe events I attended, never seeking the help I truly needed,” says Larente. Some of those difficult experiences included serving in Afghanistan in 2008 as a member of the Police Operational Mentor Liaison Team, a group that trained with the Afghan Police force. It was dangerous work, the team often coming under enemy fire. The Taliban targeted the Afghan police and so the liaison group needed the support of an infantry division to try to keep it safe.

The path to become a soldier came from Larente’s upbringing. He grew up in a military family and when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred at the World Trade Centre in New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. it was the catalyst for Larente to pursue a career in military policing. “I wanted to serve and protect the country and its people,” and understanding the military way of life, Larente was attracted to joining the Canadian Forces.

He completed the Police Foundations program at Algonquin’s Ottawa Campus and then joined the military, soon after becoming a member of the military police. Posted to Garrison Petawawa he enjoyed the natural resources paradise that is the Ottawa Valley, known for its pristine lakes and rivers and its rugged terrain which is ideal for outdoor adventure activities.

When he released from the military in 2021, Larente met with a career counsellor and identified his interest in the Outdoor Adventure program with a plan to start his own business. “I hope to open an outdoor guide business within the Petawawa/Pembroke area to truly show the beauty we have here in the Valley and help others see it to by way of canoeing or backpacking,” says Larente.

An Outdoor Adventure student canoeing.

Outdoor Adventure student Daniel Larente enjoys one of his favourite outdoor activities, canoeing.

It’s not surprising that Larente has a love of the outdoors. He thinks Canada is the best place in the world to live, and throughout his military career he has had the opportunity to explore many parts of it, in addition to his time spent in other countries as a soldier. He has lived in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, but for the time-being Petawawa is his home.

“As for the next chapter, the Valley is home and I hope to continue to explore and grow within the community,” says Larente who will graduate from the college with his second Algonquin diploma in a few weeks. He will do so as the President of the Algonquin College Students’ Association

As a mature student in the Outdoor Adventure program and with a long career behind him in the armed forces, Larente easily transitioned to being a leader in the program for its younger students. After completing the first year in the program and realizing he could help other students succeed by sharing his life experiences and helping them access the supports that are available to them, Larente chose to put his name forward for student government. He became the Student Director for the Pembroke Campus and was then elevated to Vice-President of the Students’ Association.

Midway through his term as Vice-President, Larente was again promoted, this time he became President of the Students’ Association, giving him more influence in his quest to support student success. With thousands of students enrolled at Algonquin’s Ottawa, Pembroke, Perth and online campuses, Larente now had a bigger voice and given his own personal experiences, student mental health become one of his key priorities.

Through the leadership of Larente and the other Students’ Association Directors, an enhanced health plan was put in place for students this year that offered additional access to counselling and other services that support mental health and well-being. Larente has also advocated for more affordable housing for students and in the case of Pembroke Campus students, he has been a voice for the need for public transit.

Student sitting on a chair at Algonquin College.

Outdoor Adventure student Daniel Larente is the President of the Algonquin College Students’ Association.

Wherever he travels, he bends the ear of anyone who can help students. Recently he participated in a community consultation for the city of Pembroke, where he spoke about how public transit would help students get to and from their classes, part-time jobs and to pick up groceries. As a member of the Pembroke Campus student success committee he has reminded faculty and administration of the stresses that some students are facing as they manage life and school. When it comes to helping promote the campus to prospective students, Larente is one of the greatest spokespersons the campus could have. He often steps up to be part of student recruitment activities.

As Larente approaches the completion of his program, he can reflect on a life that has been filled with rewarding , sometimes tough and challenging experiences while he embraces a fresh start with a new career. Moving forward his challenges will come in the tranquillity of the outdoors, a space where he has a connection with nature and an appreciation for all that the Ottawa Valley has to offer.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs.)

Note: Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus will be holding a Canadian Armed Forces educational day on Saturday, April 15th from 9 a.m. to 12-noon to share information with current and exiting military members, veterans and military spouses on the programs and services available to the military community. Register here.

March Break Open House Was Amazing!

They travelled to Pembroke from across Ontario and beyond. Their goal was to see whether the Pembroke Waterfront Campus was the right place for them to pursue their post-secondary hopes and dreams. If the energy that was present on campus during our March Break Open House is any indication, it appears many of the prospective students who attended will be joining us in the Fall when their program starts.

A family poses with a teacher at March Break Open House at Algonquin College

A family poses with Social Service Worker coordinator Rhonda Mullin while attending March Break Open House at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.

It was a special day to be on campus, in part because it has been three long years since the campus has been able to hold its annual March Break Open House, a signature student recruitment activity that always draws a large crowd. In the spring of 2020, the event had to be cancelled because of the surging COVID-19 pandemic and until this year, there hasn’t been an opportunity to reinstate the Open House.

Over a four hour period, students and their families were able to check out every corner of the campus which this year celebrated its tenth anniversary. It still looks brand new and the visitors were impressed by the facilities, including the Students’ Association gymnasium, fitness centre and rock climbing wall, but, they also liked meeting faculty from the programs they are interested in,

The teachers not only provided an overview of what the students can expect to learn in their program, many of them also did some show-and-tell in labs, allowing students to picture themselves gaining the hands on practical training that colleges are so respected for delivering.

A student panel shares their experience on attending Algonquin College.

Current students at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus answer questions from prospective students about their experience studying at the campus.

The highlight of the day was a student panel where five current students shared what their experience has been like at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus. The students provided authentic and transparent answers to questions asked by the audience, sharing how much they appreciated the picturesque setting that the campus sits on along the shores of the Ottawa River and the commitment of the staff and faculty to support them.

The questions came from both prospective students and parents and ranged from asking about living in the privately owned and operated student residences that house Algonquin students to finding the balance between working part time and staying on top of school work. Most of the students on the panel had re-located to Pembroke, partly because they had enrolled in a program that was unique to the campus or because they liked the small class sizes and the campus environment.

To finish off the day, the campus Food Services team had made homemade pizza, a nice touch that sent everyone home happy after a day of learning about all that the Pembroke Waterfront Campus has to offer. After three years of holding virtual Open Houses, it was really great to have so many people back on campus to truly experience how special of a place the Waterfront campus is.

Food Services staff serve homemade pizza to students and families.

The Food Services team at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus serve homemade pizza to prospective students and families who attended the March Break Open House on campus.

First impressions are important and the faculty and staff made their best effort to emphasize how all college employees play a role in the success of our students. It showed. Our visitors told us how much they enjoyed the day and how pleased they were that they had attended.

For students who weren’t able to make it to the Open House, they are invited to contact our recruitment team to book a campus tour. It remains the best way to make an informed decision on where to study and what program to choose. It often doesn’t take long for a student to know they have found the right campus. That was evident at our March Break Open House.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus)

 

March Break Open House for Prospective Pembroke Campus Students

It is now the time for college bound students to start finalizing their plans for post-secondary education. Many have already applied or are in the process of doing so, but making a firm commitment to a program or a college campus requires a bit more research.

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus is hosting its annual March Break Open House on Saturday, March 11th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be the first time since the spring of 2019 that this event has been held. In March of 2020, the Open House was the first major event the College had to cancel because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Student

The March Break Open House is primarily intended to help prospective students learn more about all that the campus has to offer. Campus tours are a big part of the day as they provide an opportunity for students to see great facilities like specialized training labs, trades shops, classrooms, the library, the gymnasium, rock climbing wall and the fitness centre.

Guided tours by the campus student recruitment team are more in depth, sharing information on everything from what student services are available to help students succeed to the campus operating hours. There’s always time to answer questions while groups of prospective students and their families make their way through areas like student services and the Student Commons.

Throughout the morning there will be scheduled presentations on financial aid, supporting students with disabilities, the Students’ Association and a special parent session. Parents are often involved in the decision making when young people are choosing the right college that suits their career interests and their personalities. They remain the most influential person in a young person’s life as they begin their post-secondary journey and the college encourages them to attend the Open House Spouses are also welcome as they provide a great deal of support for mature applicants who are returning to school. Parent Info Session, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Students who are currently studying at the Pembroke Campus will be on hand for a student panel, an opportunity for campus visitors to hear first hand about what their experience has been like at the campus. Ove the years, a consistent theme has been shared about how welcoming the campus is and how genuinely interested the faculty and staff are in helping students achieve their hopes and dreams for life-long success.

take the quiz

The Pembroke Campus offers more than 20 full time programs. Given the significant labour market shortages in many sectors, these programs offer a direct link to filling job vacancies in our local region as well as across the province and country. Some programs are eligible for government funding to help pay for post-secondary education and new incentives such as the Learn and Stay grant offers free tuition to nursing applicants who enroll in the Fall 2023 intake at the Pembroke Campus.

Applicants who have already applied to the campus will have received an emailed invitation to attend the March Break Open House. Anyone who is interested in attending, but has not yet applied to college, can visit the campus website to pre-register at algonquincollege.com/pembroke.

Algonquin College Pembroke Student Prepares for National Curling Championships

In the Middaugh family, curling is a right of passage. For Kelly Middaugh, the sport has been part of her life since she was a young girl learning how to slide rocks down a sheet of ice, under the tutelage of her parents, Wayne and Sherry, who have both competed on the national stage.

Now, the 23-year old Outdoor Adventure Naturalist student at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus is trying to manage her school work while preparing to compete in her first Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the national women’s curling championship, which will be held in February in Kamloops, British Columbia.

To get to the national championship, Middaugh connected with a team that played out of the Glenmore curling club in Montreal, skipped by Laurie St-Georges. Middaugh is not bilingual but she had no concerns about crossing provincial boundaries to compete in the Quebec championships with the St-Georges team. She knew she could help the team and wasn’t worried about any language barriers, focusing on playing to the best of her ability. Her teammates helped provide translations when it was needed.

At the provincials, the St-Georges club played well, finishing the round robin in the six team tournament with a 4 and 1 record, before winning two close games in the semi-final and final to advance to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. The provincial championships had been postponed the last two years in Quebec because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Curling Team Picture. Left to Right: Laurie St-Georges (skip) Emily Riley (vice) Alanna Routledge (second) Kelly Middaugh (lead) Emilie Desjardins (fifth) Michel St-Georges (coach)

Left to Right-Team Quebec: Laurie St-Georges (skip) Alanna Routledge (second) Emily Riley (vice) Kelly Middaugh (lead)

It turns out attending Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus played a role in Middaugh’s decision to choose to play with them, even though she has lived most of her life in Victoria Harbour, Ontario and had other opportunities to participate in the Ontario provincial championships.

“It’s a pretty simple story on how I ended up playing for Team St-Georges out of Quebec. I knew I was coming to Pembroke for the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program and figured with the location of the town it was easier to get to Montreal than it would be to drive to Toronto to play with most Ontario teams,” says Middaugh.

Since coming to Pembroke, Middaugh has been a regular at the Pembroke Curling Club. She’s made new friends and while in school, she’s been encouraging her classmates to give curling a try, even offering to provide lessons, while getting to know the local curlers. She plays every Monday night and given her recent success she has become a bit of a celebrity at the club.

People enjoy watching her play, noting the precision in her shots. She’s happy to offer advice to other curlers, the same way her parents taught her how to play the game that she loves.

“I felt accepted into the community right away and everyone has been so supportive throughout the season. After winning the Quebec Provincials, Brenda Slomka, a member at Pembroke Curling Club and a part of the Algonquin College staff, made me this nice sign at the club wishing me congratulations. It was incredibly sweet and just proved how the Pembroke community has adopted me into their curling world,” says Middaugh.

Algonquin College student Kelly Middaugh poses for a picture at Pembroke Curling Club.

Algonquin College Outdoor Adventure Naturalist student Kelly Middaugh has been playing at the Pembroke Curling Club as she prepares to represent Team Quebec at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Middaugh’s mother has participated in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on several occasions, while her father, Wayne Middaugh is a legend in men’s curling, having won three world championships while holding the distinction of winning those titles while playing three different positions. That’s unheard of at that level of play, but it’s not surprising. In this family, a challenge is always welcome.

Middaugh’s younger sister, Emily, is also really good at the game. She is part of a U21 Ontario team and recently won the Junior Curling Cup and will represent Canada at an international tournament later this year in Switzerland.

“My younger sister Emily, and I tried out other sports to find our own niche, but the curling community was always such a fun and safe place that it was almost impossible to not try and follow in my parents’ footsteps,” says Middaugh.

Before enrolling at Algonquin, Middaugh attended Wilfrid Laurier University where she earned an Undergraduate Degree in Global Studies. While attending university, she competed three times for a national intercollegiate university curling title, but when she was away from a curling rink, her passion was the outdoors.

“The Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program seemed right up my alley. Throughout my time at Laurier and in high school, I worked at a Wildlife Centre in my hometown and a forest school in Etobicoke and I loved the type of work I was doing,” says Middaugh who enrolled in the program last September.

The end goal is to work as an outdoor educator. She set out to college with an aim to learn more about identifying wildlife and improving her canoeing skills, but the program has taught her much more about working in the outdoors. Her eyes have been opened to many opportunities that she had not thought about previously, such as starting her own business.

“I’m not entirely sure where yet but I definitely want to work outside of the city. I loved what I did at the Wildlife Centre so if I could find something similar to that or even start my own company that would also be fun,” says Middaugh.

Team picture of Team Quebec who will compete at the Scottie Tournament of Hearts.

Team Quebec Left to Right: Laurie St-Georges (skip), Emily Riley (vice), Alanna Routledge (second), Kelly Middaugh (lead), Emilie Desjardins (fifth), Michel St-Georges (coach)

For the next few weeks Middaugh’s focus will be on school and curling. At the Pembroke Curling Club and at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus there will be a lot of interest in how Team Quebec is fairing at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts when the competition opens on February 17th. In particular, they will be watching the team’s lead, Kelly Middaugh, who has already won their hearts, no matter how the team does in British Columbia.

Given the family genes, it likely won’t be the last time Middaugh competes at a national championship. For now, she’ll continue to slide rocks down the ice of the historic Pembroke Curling Club, a place that will forever be part of her memory bank as she explores a new career in adventure tourism while continuing to play the game she loves.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.

Reflecting on a Special Year at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus

As the calendar turns to a new year, there are many things to celebrate at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Our year in review starts with a very special anniversary as we marked ten great years since we opened our campus along the shores of the Ottawa River. Graduating Students

We celebrated by inviting many of the people who contributed to the building of the campus, including elected officials, donors, current and past board members, strategic partners, alumni, employees and retirees, all of whom made contributions to the project. The celebration was capped by a surprise performance by Business alumnus and Canadian Country recording artist, Jason Blaine, who has become a leading philanthropist.

Blaine had another successful charity event in the summer of 2022, raising more than $130,000 for community causes. His charity has now invested more than $750,000 into community projects and services in the Pembroke area since it launched almost a decade ago. A major benefactor of Blaine’s generosity has been Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Blaine has donated $200,000 to the campus to support the building of the campus and an endowment fund that helps students in financial need. Jason Blaine

The generosity of Blaine has been extraordinary, but there are other great examples of the college community giving back. Students in the Forestry Technician program were presented with a Changemaker award by the College’s Board of Governors for their work in planting trees in a Forest of Hope near Beachburg, an initiative to bring awareness to preventing suicide.

Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion is a core value of Algonquin College and in the summer of 2022 a new mural was unveiled at the campus that has become a focal point for celebrating the many groups of people that are represented on campus. Many students and employees had the opportunity to participate in the mural painting, making the project very special to everyone who was involved in its creation.

Diversity MuralFor the first time, National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30 was marked with a special on campus ceremony of reflection led by the Campus Elder, Aimee Bailey. The back-drop for the ceremony was a powerful Legacy of Hope display that chronicled the indignities forced on Canada’s Indigenous peoples, such as the residential school system which separated thousands of children from their families, having a devastating impact on Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Services, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusWith the guidance of the Elder and Kampus Kokum, Joanne Haskins, the campus Medicine Wheel Garden was refreshed by students and faculty. This spiritual place is located on a hill to the west of the campus and has become a special area for reflection and learning about Indigenous teachings.

As students returned to campus in the Fall of 2022 in much larger numbers, following two years of adapting to primarily remote learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was renewed energy inside the building. Social events and activities were well attended by students who enjoyed the opportunity to connect to their peers outside the classroom, and the campus recreational facilities were well used as students enjoyed rock climbing, intramural sports and the fitness centre.

Prospective students also returned to campus. For the first time in three years, the campus held its Open House for senior high school students. More than 450 students from schools across Renfrew and Pontiac Counties attended. They participated in interactive activities and presentations led by faculty as they learned about the many programs and services offered at the campus.

A change in leadership occurred as the campus welcomed a new Dean and Board of Governor’s representative. Sarah Hall replaced Keltie Jones, becoming the seventh Dean in the more than 55 year history of the campus and Tony Pollard took over for Jay McLaren at the Governor’s table. Hall presided over her first convocation in June, a welcome return to an in person celebration of the graduates after the College had been holding online graduation ceremonies since the pandemic had started. Dean, Sarah Hall

As the campus looks toward 2023, it plans for more international students, new programs, more partnerships and the continued support of communities throughout the Ottawa Valley. Mostly, it looks to welcome more students who have hopes and dreams for life-long success. Happy New Year!

(Jamie Bramburger is the Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. The campus will be closed for the holiday season from Friday, December 23 until Monday January 2.)

 

 

 

Algonquin College Waterfront Campus Marks Tenth Anniversary

It’s been a decade since classes were first offered at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. It was October 29, 2012 when students walked into the building for the first time. They had been anticipating the move since classes started after Labour Day, but when the building opening was delayed by a few weeks, it built up their anticipation even more to attend the brand new campus that had been in the works for several years.

When students arrived for classes, they were awestruck. Not all of the building was operational, it would take a few more weeks for the gymnasium to be ready, but it was clear that this was a world class post-secondary building, a significant improvement from where they had come.

Ice Sculpture

The original Algonquin College Pembroke Campus had been a dairy that was added onto when the college was founded in the late 1960’s. Located on Pembroke Street East, beside the historic courthouse, the building was landlocked and lacked many of the modern facilities students expected from a college.

In 2006, the College released an economic impact study that confirmed the campus was generating millions of dollars in economic stimulus for Renfrew County through its students, its employees and its operations. That was the start of the advocacy campaign that would result in the opening of the Waterfront Campus on the shores of the Ottawa River six years later.Alumni representing each of the ten years the Pembroke Waterfront Campus has operated line a stairwell at the tenth anniversary celebration.

Recently, the campus celebrated its tenth anniversary by taking a walk down memory lane. Many of the major donors who participated in the community fundraising campaign were there and so were elected officials, alumni, employees and retirees of the college. They were treated to a special musical pop up concert by Business alumnus and Canadian Country Recording artist, Jason Blaine, who also gave a cheque for $15,000 to Algonquin College President, Claude Brulé, the final installment in his $100,000 commitment to establish an endowment for students in financial need.

The most poignant message of the celebration came from long-time community volunteer, Fred Blackstein, who was on the College Board of Governors when the project was approved. It was Blackstein who moved the motion in 2008 that cleared the way for the college to capitalize on a donation of 17 acres of waterfront land made available by the city of Pembroke, to build what has become a centre-point for the downtown and a source of pride for all of Renfrew County.

Business alumnus and Canadian Country recording artist Jason Blaine performs at the tenth anniversary celebration of Algonquin College's Pembroke Waterfront Campus.In his speech, Blackstein captured several moments in the past decade when the college has made significant contributions to the community, noting the clean-up done by students and employees during two floods along the waterfront, the campus hosting Governor General David Johnston for National Volunteer Week in 2013 and the volunteer work done by Office Administration-Executive students in helping establish the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre.

Algonquin College President Claude Brulé speaks at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus tenth anniversary celebration.A month after the campus opened in October of 2012, a grand opening was held. As Blackstein smashed a champagne bottle against the exterior of the new building, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski, called the opening of the campus a “game changer” for the region. Yakabuski was right. In the past decade, the campus has delivered on the promise that was made to the community.

Fred Blackstein slams a champagne bottle against the Waterfront Campus as he helps christen the building in 2012.There is more access for local and out-of-town students to post-secondary education as more programs have been added. Increased enrolments have resulted in five privately owned and operated student residences being built to house almost 200 students. The city’s downtown has been revitalized through investments made by developers and the campus has become a hub in the city’s inner core.

Ten years have gone quickly, but celebrating this milestone is a reminder of how proud the community is to have the Waterfront Campus in its midst. It was Blackstein who coined the phrase, “Be Algonquin Proud, Make Algonquin Proud,” when he delivered those words at a convocation ceremony shortly after the campus opened. They continue to ring true for every student, employee and graduate who either studied or worked at the campus. It’s a special place.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)

 

Students Return to Campus for Orientation

Reunited-and it feels so good! Hundreds of students who are registered for classes this fall at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus attended orientation activities leading into the start of classes on September 6th and were met by smiling faces as life looked a bit more like it did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students round meeting tableAfter two years of only holding virtual orientation for students, this year there was a buzz on campus as students met with faculty and made connections with new classmates and student services staff as orientation returned to the campus. From move in day barbeques and welcome breakfasts, to learning from their teachers what they can expect in the new academic year, it was an exciting time for everyone who is part of the campus community.

Recreational and fitness facilitiesThere was even opportunities for students to try out the recreational and fitness facilities on campus, including the rock climbing wall which was a huge hit for both new and returning students. The campus attracts many students into its popular Outdoor Adventure program who are heavy users of the wall, but students from many programs enjoy the experience and this year they will have much more access to the facility.

Orientation is such an important part of the college experience. While it is voluntary, most students participated this year, a strong indication of how excited students are to be back on campus. For everyone, it feels like we have turned a corner after more than two years of being apart more than we were together.

Seeing students gathered with their faculty or learning about student services was a breath of fresh air after so many opportunities were lost during the pandemic to bring students together on campus. It was obvious that the students were excited to be back and were highly engaged with everything that was happening around them, even if orientation can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming for some students.

Students on cafeteriaIn the days and weeks ahead, students will settle into their academic studies, but there will still be lots of opportunities to engage in social activities that help students make connections and feel more at home in their new surroundings. From concerts to intramural sports, there will be something for everyone and students are encouraged to get involved in things like book clubs, volunteer opportunities and the upcoming 5 kilometre walk or run so they can meet new people.

Coffee shopWe are so happy to have students back on campus. We have missed them and look forward to getting to know them better. It’s the most exciting time of the year for a college and having the students on campus has revitalized the campus and everyone who works hard to support student success. Welcome back!

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)