education

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.)

 

 

 

A New Car or a College Education?

What’s a better investment? Buying a new car or enrolling in a college program? The answer is very obvious, but too many families don’t hesitate to finance a vehicle, but they second guess the cost of post-secondary education.

SimplValidate your chose, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campusy put, buying a car is a short term purchase while enrolling in post-secondary education is a life long investment in your future.

Society has been programmed to believe that higher education is expensive and out of reach for many families, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The recent transformation of the Ontario Student Assistance Program has made access to post-secondary training greater than it has ever been.

More grants are available for students with lower incomes, the threshold for family income eligibility for student loans has increased and the application process has been simplified. Moving forward, students will also have a much clearer picture of what their investment will need to be in their education, allowing families to have better information sooner to make their plans for college.

High School Student, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

The next time you see the sticker price of $25,000 or $30,000 on a new vehicle that is tempting you, just think how that money could be better spent on earning a post-secondary credential that will carry its value for the rest of your life. Going to college is often a life-changing experience for a student that propels them into a career with higher lifetime earnings, more employment opportunities, enhanced confidence, and eventually more disposable income for things like new cars.

The bottom line is a higher education credential doesn’t depreciate and if you commit to life-long learning, you’ll continue to open doors for yourself. The little black book is a certificate, diploma or degree that will maintain its value and never run out of gas.

Need more convincing, check out Algonquin College’s graduate placement report.

5 Reasons to Get Back-2-Business

Angela Plummer, Business, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusMeet Angela Plummer, or Angi as she is affectionately called in the Community and Student Affairs Department here at the Pembroke Campus. Angi has been our Marketing and Event Planning Assistant since May as part of her paid co-op with the Business program. Angi has taken over the Waterfront Campus Blog to share a little bit about her AC journey.

“It was a quick decision. I guess some would call it split-second. However you choose to describe it, it altered my life dramatically.

I had been stressed for some time. At work, my supervisor made it her mission to ensure I could not climb the corporate ladder. At home, my daughter, while away at university, was going through some intense personal challenges that required me to re-tie those apron strings and take a leave of absence from work to assist her. During my attempts to help my daughter and put the pieces of her life back together, I did a lot of self-analyzing. I whittled my life’s decisions down to the basic dilemma I was currently facing. I was unhappy—with work and my limited future, with life as I was single and getting older. I could not control the misery my daughter was facing but I could definitely control mine. I needed to take control. I needed a change and I needed it now. So, I applied to college.

It was the second last week of August. School was about to start in just over two weeks. Once I discovered I qualified for financial assistance, I sent in my college application. I knew exactly the program I wanted and I knew precisely where I wanted to go….Business…at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.

But Why?
Why Business? I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so business was a natural choice. Plus, the Business program at Algonquin’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus is condensed. Rather than have four semesters of classes, I would only need to commit to three. As a bonus, there is a paid co-op option over the summer.

Why Algonquin College in Pembroke? Have you seen the Campus? Where else could I literally be but a stone’s throw away from the historic Ottawa River every day? Not only is the campus surrounded by parks and natural beauty, but it is also a part of my hometown, my heritage. So, for me the choice was easy.

This Choice was Life-AlteringMature Students, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus
I admit I was intimidated attending college as a 43-year-old. My anxiety-riddled brain was prepared for an onslaught of millennials giving me weird looks, their probing eyes questioning my existence in their domain. Wow, what a waste of mental energy. My fears were completely unfounded. Not only was my presence never questioned (either subliminally or literally), I was not the only student well over the age of 25. In fact, in my program, one in five of my classmates were over 40!

With seven to eight courses per semester, it definitely took me a couple of weeks to get into the swing of things. Getting back into student-mode, after nearly 20 years, definitely took some adjusting. However, knowing I wasn’t alone, that my professors truly cared about my success eased my worries and helped me forge ahead. I kid you not, it was intense. Nonetheless, I persevered. Two semesters are behind me and my co-op is almost finished– I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. In just over five months it will be all over. I, for the first time in my life, will be a college grad!

5 Reasons Why

So, how exactly was this a life-altering decision? Well, when I graduate, I am going to have immense knowledge, real-life experience, and skills that I would not have otherwise. Truthfully, I cannot say enough about the Business Program. Why? Because:

  1. Instructors include real-life accountants, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs—people who have ‘walked-the-walk’ so they can honestly ‘talk-the-talk’.
  2. This past year, the Business Program launched the Ambassador Program—a partnership between Business students and merchants in downtown Pembroke. Student groups work closely with these business owners and develop marketing plans, social media posts, and campus showcase promotions, all using content learned during classes.
  3. Co-op opportunities provide additional avenues to learn through hands-on learning during paid placements in a variety of business-oriented settings.
  4. There is a strong community connection between The City of Pembroke and the College. The City is extremely supportive of the College and its endeavours. This type of relationship is relatively non-existent in larger cities.
  5. Two words—Kim Drake. As program coordinator, mentor and instructor this powerhouse is very involved in her students’ studies. Approachable, intelligent, supportive and caring, Kim will work with you to help you navigate your way through the Business Program.

Mind Your Own Business
I truly believe everyone should take a business program. In every aspect of life, we are exposed to the world of business in one form or another. For example, think of ten items you see around you right now. Maybe you see clothes, a computer, a phone, a car, a mug. Someone had to design, manufacture, transport, and sell each item. When designing that item, someone had to see a need and have an idea, then draw it, discuss its uses, discover the best materials to use, etc. The people involved need a plan involving human resources, marketing, finances and more. Business isn’t just about physical creations either. Service providers such as dentists, utilities, and hair salons all function on business models as well. Having a background in business gives people a better understanding of how the world around them functions. This knowledge could inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and develop creative minds to strengthen our communities through innovation and initiative.

When you’re ready to mind your own (or someone else’s) business and see what the Business Program can do for you, check out Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. After all, it is their mission ‘to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success’.”

Angela graduated for the Business program in December 2019 and was hired immediately to work at Herb Shaw and Sons Limited in the Pembroke/Petawawa area as Receptionist/Accounts Payables. Angela shares, “I completely attribute my current career path to the Business program. Through the program, I strengthened my accounting skills, learned the Sage accounting software and expanded my Excel skills. All of these helped me secure my position at Shaw’s. In addition, knowledge from my courses in operations and supply chains enhanced my understanding of how my employer functions as well.

The Business program offered me the chance to gain the essential skills and knowledge I needed in a shorter amount of time than other similar college Business programs. Plus, it was in my home town which allowed me to stay home and be with my family.

While the world situation today may seem like business is a futile option, the truth is quite the opposite! This program is not necessarily just about “starting your own business”, though it is a great foundation if someone wishes to. When you think about it, the whole world runs on business. From the clothes you wear to the shampoo that you use, to the flowers you plant in your garden–business is a part of every single step. Think about the marketing, manufacturing, and shipping that help an idea become the product that gets into your hands—this program teaches it all! Fantastic program if you want to learn more. After all, business makes the world go ’round!”

Post by: Angela Plummer, former Business student & Marketing and Event Planning Co-op Assistant, Community and Student Affairs Department, Algonquin College, Pembroke and Business Grad.

Welcoming the World at the Waterfront Campus

Never in the more than 50-year history of Algonquin College has the Pembroke Campus had such an international flavour in its midst. In the fall of 2018, the campus has welcomed close to 30 international students from countries around the world. Almost three percent of the campus population of approximately 1,000 students now have international student status.

These students have arrived in Pembroke from India, China, Africa, Vietnam, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Morocco, Chile, the United States, and many other countries. One can imagine how difficult this transition can be for international students as they adjust to a new country, a small town Canadian city and a post-secondary academic setting in a foreign country. To help these students settle in, the College is providing opportunities for the students to get to know people and to experience all that Canada has to offer.Students on Ottawa River

Recently, the campus organized a social event for the students that included a pontoon boat ride on the Ottawa River. Some of the students had never been on a boat before but it didn’t take them long to appreciate the picturesque beauty of the area as they took pictures of the river, the islands and the pristine forests along the shoreline of the river. More importantly, they enjoyed each others company and bonded quickly.

Orientation is important for all new college students but essential for international students. Things that domestic students take for granted such as accessing health care or buying a proper pair of boots for winter weather are important pieces of information that need to be shared with international students. The boat ride provided an opportunity to help connect them not only with other students but also key faculty and staff who can provide support to them, whether it’s on campus or in the broader community.

Moving forward, the College will continue to teach the students about Canadian customs and culture, but the students will reciprocate International Student Orientation, Algonquin College, Pembrokethis learning experience by sharing their own culture with the college community. It’s already happening through the newly created African Students’ Alliance, a group of African students who have introduced Canadian students to African foods, music, and celebrations.

It’s been fun to watch the Waterfront Campus become a melting pot of diversity. As more international students choose to study at the campus it will enrich the learning experience of everyone who studies and works there. It’s a great example of how lifelong learning can occur both inside and outside the classroom and how education has no borders.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Celebrating Cultural Diversity on Campus

Canada is a melting pot of people. With one of the most diverse populations in the world, the country has embraced immigration, but regrettably, most newcomers choose larger centres to settle in rather than finding a new home in a rural community.

It’s understandable why this happens. New immigrants are often sponsored by family members and they want to be around people who share the same beliefs and customs, while they embrace all that their new country has to offer. With fewer immigrants settling in rural areas, there is less of an attraction to go there, but now more than ever rural communities need immigrants. Declining birth rates, aging populations and youth out migration are among the major labour market challenges facing rural areas, and immigration provides an opportunity to address some of these issues by replenishing the population gap that has emerged.

African Students' Alliance, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusRegional college campuses located in smaller rural communities such as the Pembroke Waterfront Campus can play a major leadership role. As these campuses attract more students of culturally diverse backgrounds they create more welcoming communities for new Canadians. A great example is the recent establishment of an African Students’ Alliance on campus, a group that promotes and celebrates African culture.

Their work has been inspirational and is a great example of students being leaders. They have opened the eyes of so many students and college employees who had limited knowledge of African culture. Their integration into the broader community through volunteerism and student learning experiences is expanding their reach and influence. It’s powerful and timely as Renfrew County faces the reality of having almost 50 percent of its population over 45 years of age according to the 2016 National Census.

At the Pembroke Campus this year there are about a dozen international students, but there are so many more students who are from different cultural backgrounds. With about 50 percent of the campus student population coming from out of town, there is a great opportunity to attract more students who can enrich the cultural mosaic of the campus and greater community.

#3Drums3Campuses, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusThe Campus wants to be leaders in this effort. Case in point is the celebration of Indigenous culture that has been taking place in the month of March. Powerful learning is taking place as the college embraces the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that has challenged educational institutions to do their part by helping to preserve, revitalize and strengthen Aboriginal languages and cultures. Through a partnership with the Circle of Turtle Lodge, there have been several activities on campus that have engaged students and college employees to better understand the past, present and future of Indigenous ways.

The time is now for regional campuses to help rural communities embrace multiculturalism. It’s critical to the long-term prosperity of smaller towns and cities. Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is well positioned to be Renfrew County’s diversity champion.

 

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Ottawa Valley History-Focus of 2018 Speaker Series

On December 27, 1942 the Ottawa Valley experienced its worth disaster. 36 people were killed and more than 200 were injured when a passenger train, known as the “Pembroke Local,” was struck by a troop train loaded with soldiers at the Almonte Train station. Many of the victims were from the Ottawa Valley, as people who had been home for the holidays were making their way back to Ottawa when the accident occurred.

Well known musician, Mac Beattie, recorded a song about that fateful night some 75 years ago. It tells the story of how the train was packed and running late when it was plowed into by the troop train as it was stopped in Almonte to pick up more passengers. Through a partnership with the North Lanark Museum, the Algonquin College Speaker Series will explore what led to the crash, the aftermath of the investigation, and hear videotaped interviews with survivors of the crash.

The Almonte Train Wreck

The Almonte Train Wreck presentation on February 8th will kick off a year of Speaker Series events that are focused on local history. It will be followed by a March 19th presentation on the Flying Bandit, the story of Gilbert Galvan, an American convict who led a double life in Pembroke in the 1980’s. Galvan would fly from Pembroke, using the regional airline, Pem-Air, to fly to Toronto where he would transfer to larger airlines and commit almost 60 bank and jewelry store robberies before being arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police at the Pembroke Airport.

The reporter who broke the story and co-authored a book on the flying bandit, Ed Arnold, will share details of how Galvan managed to elude law enforcement and will speak about his exclusive interviews with Galvan after his arrest and sentencing. Arnold was the managing editor of the Peterborough Intelligencer newspaper when the string of robberies was occurring. Three of the heists occurred in Peterborough, peaking Arnold’s interest, leading him on a journalistic investigation that led to him uncovering Canada’s most notorious bank robber.

On June 18, 1918, Pembroke experienced a great fire that destroyed several blocks of its downtown. On the 100th anniversary of the fire, local historian Bruce Pappin will lead a presentation and walking tour of the downtown and share details of where and how the fire started, what buildings were destroyed, the investigation of the blaze and how the fire was ultimately deemed to be an accident, despite many claims that it was deliberately set.

Canada’s Hockey Town. How Pembroke Earned the Title! Speaker Series, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusPembroke is known as “Hockey Town Canada,” and for good reason. The first time a Pembroke hockey team played a game was in 1893. It ended badly as Pembroke was beaten 13-1 by an Ottawa club, but it started a love affair with the game that helped Pembroke produce three Hall of Fame players, multiple championship teams, and an interesting mix of players, personalities and politics. On December 5, the speaker series will explore how Pembroke earned the title of Hockey Town Canada.

Tickets are available now for all of these speaker series presentations. It will be a fascinating look back in time, covering some of the most interesting stories of the Ottawa Valley’s past.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Fresh New Night Courses This Winter

The New Year always brings new perspectives and for many people a list of goals. One of those goals might be focused on career development or educational pursuits that can bring more joy to someone’s life.

Urban Forestry - Arboriculture, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusThis winter, Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus has freshened up its Continuing Education offerings with several new classes that offer either professional development opportunities or practical learning experiences that can be applied in the workplace or at home. A few examples include safe operation of a chainsaw or the working at heights certification course.

Each term the college reviews feedback it receives from students as it plans new offerings. That’s where the idea to offer an advanced seniors computer course came from. This course has been designed for seniors who already have a good working knowledge of computer applications, but would like to enhance their skills in using popular software programs like Word and Powerpoint. There is also a social media component to the course, something that will really help seniors who may have a volunteer position that requires them to promote their organization.

Dementia affects more than 46-million people worldwide. The disease primarily strikes elderly people and when it does it can be very difficult for the patient and their family. The college is offering two dementia courses this winter, one for families to better help them understand the disease and how to cope with it, and the other for healthcare professionals.

Medical Terminology, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Medical terminology is a pre-requisite for office administration professionals to work in many healthcare settings such as hospitals and doctor offices. Having the course can open many doors for anyone who is interested in working in a healthcare environment. This course will be offered over several evenings beginning in mid-February.

On the playing field, athletes and children can move quickly, making it difficult to get action shots with your camera. The new Sports Photography class is intended to help Moms and Dads and photography enthusiasts get better photos during sporting events like hockey and soccer games.

For history buffs, Pembroke’s Early Years in Pictures will be a fascinating look back at our city’s history. Led by Champlain Trail Museum curator, Angela Siebarth, the presentation will feature many never before seen photographs that tell the story of Pembroke’s early settlers.

Ben ShillingtonBen Shillington has spent a lot of times in some of the coldest places on earth, like Lake Winnipeg, where a few years ago he led a winter fat biking expedition across the frozen lake. He’s also written a book on winter travelling. Shillington will bring his expert knowledge to the classroom when he teaches a course on winter camping that will be of interest to anyone who enjoys Canada’s coldest season and wants to experience it outdoors.

Other new courses being offered include an infant and toddler sleep seminar, acrylic painting with Pam McNichol, Moroccan cooking and other food preparation courses. There are also some popular returning courses such as grant proposal writing.

Registration is now underway in person at the college or online. Happy New Year.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Spring Business Leadership Conference May 26 at Waterfront Campus

Student in front of blackboard with question marks Professional development is an important part of keeping your staff engaged and motivated to perform to the best of their ability, but it can also be expensive. That’s particularly the case if you are sending employees out of town and paying for travel, accommodations, meals, parking and high conference registration fees.

For small businesses and organizations, it is often a budget line that gets cut when things get a bit tight, or other investments become a higher priority.

Man in business suit drawing a lightbulb on a whiteboardBut, if a “big city” conference was available to local businesses and organizations that was affordable and offered access to well respected trainers that would normally only be found in places like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, our local businesses might think differently about sending staff to a conference.

That’s the goal of Algonquin College’s Spring Business Leadership Conference on May 26, 2016. The College has again brought together a terrific line-up of trainers who will present on topics such as: Mobile Marketing; Organizational Performance Management, Do-it-Yourself Public Relations Plans, Professional Sales and Empathic Assertiveness.

Dr Denis CauvierDr. Denis Cauvier, an employee engagement subject matter expert, will deliver the key note address at the day long conference. Cauvier has spoken around the world and has written several books on everything from hiring the right employee to leading teams. His presentation style is interactive and thought provoking, and he will leave his audience with a shopping list of how they can better connect with their colleagues.

With a registration fee of less than $200, the conference offers high value at an affordable cost. It’s probably why last year’s inaugural conference was so successful, and why this year event is expected to sell out. Register today for this fantastic local opportunity >>

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs