Speaker Series

History Takes Centre Stage at Algonquin College Virtual Speaker Series

Canada’s worst day of World War ll highlights the Algonquin College virtual speaker series as the country marks the 80th anniversary of the ill-fated Dieppe raid. In a single day, more than 900 Canadian lives were lost on August 19, 1942 while another 3,460 Canadian soldiers were wounded and almost 2,000 were taken prisoner.

Hugh Brewster Speaker SeriesAuthor Hugh Brewster has written two books about the Dieppe raid and has joined other researchers in poring over the details of the disastrous mission and pondered why it had to happen. Brewster will share new insights into the raid through stories he was told when he befriended several Dieppe veterans during his research and his visit to the French port of Dieppe where the massacre occurred. His presentation is scheduled for Thursday, August 18.

Banner of Elvis Speaker SeriesTwo nights earlier, on Tuesday, August 16, the College’s speaker series will mark the 45th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. The ‘King of Rock and Roll’ almost exclusively performed in the United States, but on three occasions in 1957 he travelled North of the border where he was greeted by enthusiastic Canadian audiences. Author Brandon Yip has researched and written about the three Canadian tour stops in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver and will share stories about the Elvis Canadian experience and why it was controversial.

Speaker SeriesOn Wednesday, September 14, author Christopher Dummitt presents “Knowing Too Much about a Dead Canadian Prime Minister” when he digs into the life of Canada’s longest serving head of state, Mackenzie King. The diaries of Mackenzie King exposed the very private life of the Prime Minister and Dummit believes it led Canadians to rethink the boundaries between the public and the private and what counts as important information in judging public figures.

Cuban Missile CrisisThe final presentation in the history series will cover the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 when American President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khruschchev squared off over Cuba. It is often referred to as “13 Days in October,” a time when the world held its breath as the two leaders threatened nuclear strikes. In his presentation on Thursday, October 13, journalist Andrew Cohen questions why it happened, what we learned from this terrifying brinkmanship and six decades later, whether we could be facing another nuclear crisis over Ukraine?

The Algonquin College Speaker Series has been bringing interesting people, including authors, journalists, scientists and high-profile public personalities to the Pembroke Campus for more than 25 years. Speaking events have historically been held on campus, but since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the campus has moved to a virtual speaker series platform which makes the series more accessible to anyone who has internet connectivity.

Tickets for any of the upcoming speaker series are available online and all of the virtual presentations are being made available free to seniors 60 years of age and older. All of the presentations begin at 7 p.m. (EST)

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

Parents’ & Families’ Newsletter Winter 2018 Edition

The calendar has turned to a new year and there are lots happening at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus. Here is a quick update for parents and family members. Enjoy our 2018 parent newsletter winter edition.


Winterfest: February 28th

The winter semester at the Waterfront Campus is underway and recently we’ve had a lot of snow in Pembroke. This will certainly help us as we plan our Winterfest carnival for students on Feb 28th.

WinterfestWinterfest is a fun afternoon and evening for students that will include:

  • Outdoor activities in the snow like snowshoeing, ice sculpting and sliding
  • Loggersports and Action Sports Park Development demos
  • Free lunch for all students
  • Free public skating at the Pembroke Memorial Centre followed by a women’s and men’s student-staff hockey game
  • Free dinner back at the campus where students can enjoy live entertainment.
  • A Career Networking Fair featuring dozens of employers in many sectors.
  • Plus, we will be making a number of draws for some great prizes! All students who participate are eligible.

Yes, we like to give our students free stuff to make their college experience more enjoyable!

More details can be found here >>


Ottawa Valley Speaker Series

Ottawa Valley History: Speaker Series

The theme of our Algonquin College Speakers Series this year is Ottawa Valley history and there are certainly a number of stories to explore, including the Flying Bandit. On March 19, the reporter who broke the story and co-authored a book on the flying bandit, Ed Arnold, will share details of how an American convict escaped from prison and started a new life in Pembroke. Unfortunately, that life made him one of Canada’s most notorious bank robbers. 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.

This session will be held in the evening of Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at our Waterfront Campus. You can learn more about this presentation on our Speaker Series website >>


Indigenous Culture Celebration

Indigenous Hand DrummingIn partnership with the Circle of Turtle Lodge, we are exploring and celebrating the indigenous culture during the month of March with a variety of activities related to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. The goal of our celebration is to offer the opportunity for our students and employees to learn more about indigenous ways through interactive lunch and learns. Our activities include:

  • Info Fair Celebration Kick-off: March 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Commons
  • Algonquin Song Lesson & Drumming Circle: March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gymnasium
  • Kairos Blanket Exercise: March 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gymnasium
  • Talking Stick Workshop: March 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 426
  • Talking Circle: March 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gymnasium

Events, Events and More Events!

We have a number of events on campus, both faculty and staff-driven and student organized. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything that is happening, which is why we have created the Waterfront Campus Events Calendar >>. Learn more about the fun and academic event opportunities available for our students.


Flu Season Flu Season

With so many students and staff at the Waterfront Campus daily, it is easy for the flu to spread at this time of year. The College offers free flu shots to students through its Health Services office which is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An appointment is not necessary.

Throughout the campus there are also hand sanitizer stations and our Health Nurse does a great job of promoting the importance of hand washing, particularly at this time of year when the flu and cold season is at its peak.


Mental Health Programs Winter 2018

As we start the new semester, establishing good habits for our health and wellness is really important to continue to be successful. Counselling Services will be providing a number of free programs this semester to help students achieve the best success possible. Some great tips and information can be found in our Mental Health Matters Newsletter >>

  • Is your student STRESSED? ANXIOUS? – Have them check out the Chill Café! A 6-week program to help students with managing stress and anxiety in a more effective way. Thursdays Feb 8-March 22 (excluding Feb 22) from 2-3:30 pm in Room 308. Students can sign up at chillcafe.eventbrite.ca
  • Does your student need to improve their physical well-being and exercise? They are welcome to join us for snowshoeing, yoga, and walks with Wellness In Nature Days (WIND). We are adding new activities regularly. See our up to date programs at fb.me/WINDACOV
  • Is your student having challenges with Alcohol or Drugs? What about Eating Challenges? Gaming or on the internet too much? SMART Recovery works to help with various behaviours that can be addictive and helps by teaching skills to overcome these challenges. This is a student-run and for students only program. Thursdays at 4-5:30 pm in Room 216.
  • Positive Space offers a safe space for students to meet with open-minded people and enjoy lunch together – Tuesdays at 12-1pm in Room 308
  • Coffee House Art Space is a weekly opportunity for students to be creative and learn or practice art skills – Mondays from 5-7 in Room 122

March Break Open House

Are you a parent/guardian or spouse of a student starting a program at our campus September 2018? If yes, we invite you to join us on Saturday, March 10, 2018 starting at 9 a.m. for our March Break Open House.

At our Open House, you can:

  • Meet our student services staff and find out more about supports for students. Staff from the following areas will be available to answer your questions: Admissions; Financial Aid; Fee Payment Cashier; Recruiters; Student Success Specialist; Disabilities Counsellor; Housing, and General Information.
  • Attend a variety of 30-minute information sessions
  • Take a tour of our new waterfront campus
  • Enjoy a free Lunch & Learn Session – Q & A: Bring all your questions and our current student panel will answer them
  • Hear directly from current students at our popular student panel
  • Meet some of our faculty from specific programs

Learn more and register now >>


We hope this newsletter has been helpful. Please keep in touch with us and offer us feedback on topics you would like us to cover in future newsletters.

Thank you for being part of your young adult’s post-secondary journey.

Sincerely,

Jamie Bramburger
Manager of Community and Student Affairs
Algonquin College Waterfront Campus, Pembroke, ON.
PM-Parents@algonquincollege.com

Canadian History Speaker Series Ends with Halifax Explosion

On a beautiful and unseasonably warm day 100 years ago Canada experienced its worst man-made disaster. On December 6, 1917 the French munition ship, the Mont Blanc, and the Norwegian war relief freighter, the Imo, collided in Halifax Harbour, setting off a massive explosion that flattened much of the Nova Scotian capital city, killing almost 2,000 people.

It was the largest man-made blast until the Second World War when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, but the events that led up to the catastrophic collision between the two ships continues to linger as historians piece together the burning questions of how did it happen and who should bare the blame for killing so many innocent people.

Ken Cuthbertson, Speaker Series, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusThe Halifax Explosion is a signature moment in Canadian history and will be the closing act on a year of Algonquin College speaker series events that have focused on the stories that have made Canada the country that is today on this its 150th anniversary year. Author Ken Cuthbertson will be at the Waterfront Campus in Pembroke on November 29 to share the story of the Halifax Explosion, also the title of his new book that has been released just in time for the 100th anniversary of the tragedy.

Charlotte GrayA few weeks later on December 13, acclaimed author and biographer, Charlotte Gray, will be on campus for her talk on the Promise of Canada. Gray has written a book about nine influential Canadians who left an indelible mark on Canada, a relatively young country that is still finding its way according to Gray.

Her stories will focus on some well-known Canadians such as Tommy Douglas, the fiery Saskatchewan politician who is known best as the father of universal health care, but also others who are less known, but their lives influenced Canadian society and culture either intentionally or by accident. The latter is the case for Elijah Harper, a survivor of residential schools, who halted Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s Meech Lake constitutional accord and forced Canadians to take a deeper look at the plight of Indigenous peoples.

Gray has written a compelling history lesson for all Canadians, including telling the story of Bertha Wilson, Canada’s first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Canada. Her Canadian story begins in Renfrew where she first settled in Canada after emigrating from Scotland with her husband who was a Presbyterian Church Minister. She eventually would attend law school and be at the centre of some of the most important judicial decisions in Canada’s history as a champion of the country’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Others who made Gray’s list of great Canadians are Margaret Atwood, Emily Carr, Preston Manning, George-Etienne Cartier, Harold Innis and Samuel Steele, the first leader of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Through her storytelling, Gray shares how these Canadians impacted our country in a significant way.

Steve Paikin, TVO Host & Journalist

The Canadian history series started last fall with Ray Argyle’s colourful talk on Newfoundland Premier Joey Smallwood, the last Father of Confederation. It has also included Steve Paikin of TVO’s the Agenda on his book on former Ontario Premier, Bill Davis, and his influence on the repatriation of Canada’s constitution, Tricia Logan on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, Merilyn Simonds on Canada’s most notorious and historic prison-the Kingston Penitentiary, Roy MacSkimming on the Canada-Soviet 1972 Hockey Summit Series and Sean Conway on the Colour and Character of the Ottawa Valley Political Tradition, a fascinating history of Ottawa Valley politics.

It has been a rewarding experience to bring so much Canadian history to followers of the Algonquin College Speaker Series. At 150 years old, Canada has been around long enough to have some great stories to tell.

For more information on ticket purchase for these last two Canadian History guest speakers, please visit our Speaker Series website >>

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Canadian History Highlights 2017 Speaker Series

2017 is a very special year for Canada and Algonquin College. Both have a milestone birthday as the country celebrates being 150 years old and the College marks its 50th anniversary.

To celebrate these two occasions, Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus is dedicating its 2017 speaker series to covering topics of Canadian history.

Speaker SeriesThe Speaker Series kicked off recently with Steve Paikin, long time host of TVO’s popular political program, The Agenda. Paikin has written a book on former Ontario Premier, Bill Davis, the founder of the Ontario college system.

Davis was Ontario’s second longest serving Premier and over his 14 years heading the province he had many accomplishments, but his legacy focuses on education through his work in founding colleges and introducing equal funding for the Catholic school system.

On April 18th, the College will welcome Tricia Logan, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The NTR commission issued 94 calls to action in its landmark report which dealt with several sensitive issues including residential schools.

Residential School

Logan’s presentation will focus on the legacy of the residential schools, the inclusion and exclusion of the schools in Canadian history and what it means to approach a new version of Canada and revised Canadian histories.

Sean Conway is well known at Queen’s Park for his oratory skills. Now retired as an elected member of provincial parliament, Conway is a frequent lecturer at universities across the province.

He has put together a talk entitled, “The Character and Colour of the Ottawa Valley Political Tradition” that he will present at the Waterfront Campus on May 8th. Filled with stories about politicians at all levels who represented Ottawa Valley constituents, the lecture will be a wonderful history lesson on local politics.

Kingston PenitentiaryThe now closed Kingston Penitentiary was Canada’s oldest and most notorious prison. It was also the backdrop for author Merilyn Simonds’ best selling book, “The Convict Lover” which tells the story of a young Renfrew man who is imprisoned, but has a romance with a young woman while serving time for a series of misdeeds in the Ottawa Valley.

Simonds, who has authored 17 books, will participate in the Speaker Series on September 12th sharing many stories about what led to Canada’s first prison riot.

the deciding game of the 72 Summit Series with the Soviet Union.For Canadian hockey fans, September 28, 1972 is a date that will live on as one of the defining moments in Canadian sports history. It was the day that Paul Henderson of the Toronto Maple Leafs scored a late goal for Canada in the deciding game of the Summit Series with the Soviet Union.

2017 marks the 45th anniversary of that historic game, and author Roy MacSkimming will be in Pembroke on September 28th to talk about the series and his book entitled, “Cold War.” MacSkimming wrote the book for the 25th anniversary of Henderson’s goal, and will re-live the series which was about much more than hockey, but rather a battle between two political systems at a time when tensions between the west and the Soviet bloc were at their peak.

The 2017 series wraps up with Charlotte Gray on November 8th, as she speaks about her book entitled, The Promise of Canada. Gray will explore the great achievements in our country’s history, while acknowledging the darker shadows of our past.

More speaker series engagements may be added, but 2017 is shaping up to be a very special time for those interested in Canada’s history.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

TEDxPembroke at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus

Have you ever been captivated by a speaker who has you hanging on every word that comes out of their mouth? There are few public speakers who have that much charisma, but when it does happen, it’s magical.

Image result for ted talksAs a fan of TED Talks, I’ve had that experience. I’ve been mesmerized by thought provoking presentations by ordinary people who had a good idea to share. In a world where ideas are often discovered through digital platforms, there’s still something special about being in the same room as a speaker who has a good story to tell.

TED Talks has been inspiring millions of people around the world to share ideas, primarily in short but pointed talks intended to stimulate collaboration. These talks are delivered in front of a live audience and then shared with others through the internet.

As a non-profit organization, TED has evolved to include independently organized TEDx events that allow communities to make great ideas accessible and to spark conversation. For the first time, a TEDx event is coming to Pembroke through the efforts of Algonquin College’s entrepreneurship initiative.

TEDxPembroke SpeakersOn Saturday, November 12th the College will present TEDxPembroke with seven dynamic speakers taking the stage. They will include the Chief Paramedic and Director of Emergency Services for Renfrew County, Mike Nolan and the Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Mark Lesinski.

Under the theme of “Dream Big,” Lesinski will explore the potential opportunities that could come from the development of small modular nuclear reactors. Nolan will focus his presentation on innovative leadership in preventative ambulatory care for older adults.

TEDxPembroke, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Mitch Kurylowicz is the founder and driving force behind Project Jenga, a non-profit organization working to promote and fund-raise for gender equality in Kenya. He will talk about how luck influences our lives and how we need to make our own luck.

Craig Gauthier is a self-proclaimed “geek” who has tried many things from film-making to writing books. The Pembroke native will focus his talk on finding your keys to success.

Dr. Duncan Stewart is the Director General of Canada’s National Research Council. His talk will be on the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in rural regions. Two students from Algonquin’s Environmental Technician program will also speak, Aarika Charlebois and Emily Krutzelmann, both sharing personal journeys to success.

Image result for tedxpembrokeDuring the event some popular TED Talks will also be shown. The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. with a few tickets still remaining. The cost is approximately $35 and includes a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and desserts. Get your tickets here >>.

Bringing a TEDx event to the college is an exciting initiative. It complements the college’s successful speaker series and also supports its efforts to inspire its students, faculty and the general public to embrace entrepreneurialism and innovative thinking. Through the sharing of great ideas and dreaming big, we can all help our region be more prosperous.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Spring Parents’ & Families’ Newsletter

With spring fresh in the air and the end of the winter term just around the corner, we thought it a perfect time to provide an update on activities that have recently happened and provide some insight into upcoming events.

We are pleased to present our latest Waterfront Campus video, featuring Karen Davies, Dean highlighting our campus along the shores of the Ottawa River.

We also reflected on the fact that we have a number of Office Administration – Executive graduates who work on campus. To celebrate this fact, we created a “We Hire Our Own” video.

Take a moment to have a look at our new Events Calendar too! This features recent activities as well as upcoming initiatives for students and families.

Our dedicated Parents’ and Families website features links to blogs, interesting articles written by our Student Services staff and a calendar that notes some important upcoming dates.

Our goal is to keep you informed. While we respect the privacy of our students, the information we will provide in this newsletter will give you a good sense of what is happening on campus throughout the year and will provide you with enough information to have engaging conversations with your student.


An animated snowman holding a sign that say Waterfront Campus WinterFest

Winterfest: An opportunity to celebrate to wonders of winter!

Earlier in February, students had the opportunity to participate in some wintry activities including:

  • Outdoor activities: kayak pull, snowshoeing and bean bag toss
  • Loggersports Demo & hot chocolate warm-up station
  • Indoor games: Waterfront Jeopardy trivia, board games and video game station
  • Hockey! Hockey! and more Hockey!
  • Chuck-a-puck during the hockey intermission for a chance to win prizes worth $1,000!!!
  • Free dinner back in the Commons, some cards and a wee pub night!

Have a look at our Winterfest photo album >>


Pembroke Campus Book ClubDid you know the Campus has a Book Club?

The Waterfront Campus is lucky to have a very engaged Library and as a result we have our own Waterfront Campus Book Club!

This semester students and staff have read Fifteen Dogs by by André Alexis, Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling, The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Kim Barker and they are currently reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Learn more about our Library Services!


Chris Dore with arms crossed and smiling at cameraWaterfront Campus Welcomes Our First Entrepreneur in Residence

Christopher Doré is our Waterfront Campus Entrepreneur in Residence and is responsible for creating an on campus entrepreneurial hub, putting tools in place to support our students who are interested in starting up their own business or being innovation leaders. Learn more about the supports and features that are available to our students on our Entrepreneurial website >>


Events on Campus

Algonquin College Speaker Series Presents…

Martin Sprigg, in the field as a registered nurseHumanitarian & Adventurer Martin Spriggs

Toward the end of February, Martin Springs, former Ottawa Valley resident and friend of the College, spoke to our students and staff. Martin has spent his life helping others, whether during his 15-year military career as an infantryman and paratrooper deployed to global hotspots like Cyprus, Croatia or the streets of Sarajevo or in his post-military life as an emergency medical technician or his multiple trips overseas on international humanitarian or disaster relief missions.

The focus of Spriggs’s main address in the colleges commons was a solo bicycle trip he took in 2014, where he covered more than 7,000 kilometers and rode from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, Nfld., all to raise as much awareness as possible about the spectre of suicide and mental health ailments among current and former Canada Armed Forces members.


At about 02:15, Titanic's angle in the water began to increase rapidly as water poured into previously unflooded parts of the ship through deck hatches.UPCOMING: Titanic! Canadian Stories From the Ill-Fated Ocean Liner

April 14, 2016, 7 p.m.
Author and Titanic Researcher Alan Hustak will be on campus to recall some of the Canadian stories from the ill-fated ocean liner on the 104th anniversary of the tragedy.

Alan spent years researching the 130 passengers on the Titanic who were bound for Canada and will share their stories, including a real-life romance that rivals the fictional story of Jack and Rose in the blockbuster movie, “Titanic.” Learn more about this event >>


Waterfront Campus Convocation

Do you have a son, daughter, or spouse graduating this year? Mark your calendars because our Waterfront Campus Convocation will be held on Friday, June 3 this year!

Ceremony to be held at the Pembroke Memorial Centre situated in downtown Pembroke at the corner of Lake and Christie Streets across the street from our Waterfront Campus. More details will be shared with your loved ones in the near future.


Thank you for reading our newsletter for parents and families. We would welcome your feedback.

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