waterfront campus

JFK Assassination Series Highlights Continuing Education Fall Line Up

On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, fatally wounding the 35th President of the United States. Now, 53 years later, students at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke will have an opportunity to delve deeper into the circumstances of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

SchoolbookDepository

Through a partnership with the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, the College will be offering four live webinars that will cover topics relevant to the aftermath of the most investigated murder in North American history. The classes will originate from the crime scene where Lee Harvey Oswald, a general labourer at the former Texas School Book Depository building, leaned out of a sixth floor window, took aim and fired at the President’s motorcade. Two of the shots hit the President, the last one delivering a fatal blow.

Lee Harvey OswaldWithin a few hours, police had arrested Oswald, charging him with the murder of the President and Dallas police offer. J.D. Tippit. Swarmed by reporters, the Dallas police struggled to conduct their investigation and respond to the media’s interest in Oswald. Two days after the assassination, Oswald himself was murdered by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby while being transferred to a county jail.

Beginning October 20th and continuing for four consecutive Thursday evenings, staff at the Sixth Floor Museum will facilitate live webinars that will include question and answer sessions covering topics such as, what did Dallas Police find in the first 24 hours of their investigation? There is also a Living History session that will allow students to speak with John Sparks, a high school trumpet player who performed at the President’s breakfast in Fort Worth, Texas, just a few hours before the assassination in Dallas.

President KennedySparks went on to become a long time Dallas and Forth Worth Television producer who always maintained an active interest in the Kennedy assassination and was instrumental in saving some original television footage of the assassination coverage, when it was in danger of being destroyed.

The JFK series will also include a session with museum curator Stephen Fagin who will hold an open forum with students, allowing them to ask questions about the museum, the conspiracy theories that continue to surround the assassination, and President Kennedy’s legacy.

What do you think happened on November 22, 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas? Share your thoughts on this blog.

Registration for the JFK series is now open on the College website and in person by visiting the Waterfront Campus in Pembroke. Space is limited for each of the sessions.

See the full listing of Fall 2016 Night Classes available at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus.

Post Script: Algonquin College’s Jamie Bramburger visited the Sixth Floor Museum in July of 2016 and interviewed the Curator of Collections, Lindsey Richardson. Watch the interview here to learn more about the work of the Museum.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger is the Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke

Jason Blaine Does It Again!

Observer picture of Jason Blaine charity Cheque-2016Jason Blaine continues to pay it forward. The Canadian Country Recording Artist and high profile Algonquin College Business program alumnus recently held his annual concert and golf tournament in Pembroke, raising a record $80,000 for local organizations in his home town.

Now into its third year, the charity has brought in a whopping $205,000, money that has supported great local causes such as the Pembroke and Area Boys and Girls Club, the capital campaign for Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus and Mental Health First Aid training for not-for-profit organizations.

Jason Blaine Stars-2016With Dallas Smith and Jason McCoy of The Roadhammers in town for the event, Blaine and “A Few Good Friends” put on a great performance at the Pembroke Memorial Centre, while also allowing themselves to be auctioned off for the following days’ golf tournament. The live auction alone brought in $30,000 and set the tone for the fundraiser which has become a signature summer social event in the city.

More than 600 people attended the concert which is intended to be an intimate night with the stars, where fans can mingle and have their photos taken with the artists, while enjoying some of the top performers in Canada’s country music industry. Pembroke native Ben Rutz, the lead fiddler in the Johnny Reid band, the Western Swing Authority and “up and coming,” the River Town Saints also took the stage.

Jason sings from purple couch

The following morning, with only a few hours sleep, Blaine was up early to appear on the CTV Ottawa Live Morning Show to talk about his charity and to say thank you to the dozens of businesses, organizations and individuals who have supported him over the years. He then capped his day by playing a round of golf with more than 160 others before unveiling how much the event had raised.

While very few Algonquin College alumni have the profile that Jason Blaine does, we know that many are giving back to their community in special ways. We’re proud of all of our graduates and hope that Jason Blaine’s act of kindness is an inspiration. Blaine may live in Nashville, but his heart is in Pembroke and with his alma mater.

Jason Blaine - Plain Logo

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Sean Conway Comes Home to Understand Workforce Challenges in Rural Ontario

Sean Conway_72Sean Conway has been out of political office for more than a decade, but the former Ontario Cabinet Minister remains in tune with the challenges facing the province. That’s why Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne chose him to Chair the Premier’s Highly Skilled Workforce Strategy Expert Panel.

For the past several months, Conway and his four panel colleagues, have been travelling across the province to gather input from stakeholders including business leaders, educators and students. The panel’s task is to assess how well Ontario’s workforce is positioned to meet the needs of its economy and to also recommend how the government can bridge education, training and skills development with the demands of an evolving economic landscape.

While most of the roundtable discussions that have been hosted by the panel have taken place in larger centres, the former Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP returned to his home riding to take the pulse of rural Ontario.

Sean Conway_during panel_72Conway held a three hour discussion at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus with about 25 people from Renfrew County. The audience included business owners, human resources professionals, economic development officers, labour market analysts, high school guidance counsellors, and senior administrators from Renfrew County’s District School Boards and Algonquin College.

The discussions focused on what successful business-education partnerships entailed, how labour market data could be more useful, career counseling for youth and how organizations are dealing with the demands of a technology driven knowledge economy.

Conway, who was the Minister of Education and Minister of Colleges and Universities in the Liberal Government of David Peterson, has been very clear that the panel intends to make recommendations that can be quickly acted upon. The panel’s final report is due to the government in the fall.

More information on the panel and its mandate can be found on the Ontario Government website.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Algonquin College Alumni Doing Great Things

It has been a week to celebrate our alumni at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus. Not a formal celebration, but rather a time to reflect on the great things that our graduates are doing here at home.

Dallas McLeod-PF gradIt seems everywhere I turned this past week I was learning about a special project or initiative that one of our alumni was involved in. It started with a chance meeting with Police Foundations graduate, Dallas McLeod, who was on campus for a Program Advisory committee meeting.

McLeod graduated in 2013 and is now a full-time member of the Renfrew OPP detachment. While he was a student, he accumulated an incredible 3000+ hours of volunteer work. Through his participation on an Advisory Committee, he is continuing his commitment to volunteerism by providing feedback to the College on the program he graduated from.

Sam Graham-wheelchair basketballA few days later I had a call from Social Service Worker graduate Sam Graham, class of 2015. Graham, who is now working on earning a Degree in Social Work at Carleton University, was planning a wheelchair basketball fundraiser at the Waterfront Campus for the fourth year in a row.

Graham has raised money for several causes including the Algonquin College food bank and the Pembroke Regional Hospital MRI Fund. This year, he was helping to generate funds for a recreational facility in Ottawa for people with disabilities.

Jason Blaine2001 Business graduate and Canadian Recording artist, Jason Blaine, established his own charitable fund a few years ago. For the past two years, he has held a two-day fundraising event that features a concert and a golf tournament, raising more than $125,000 for community causes in his hometown.

This week he announced he will be joined by two of Canada’s top Country performers, Dallas Smith and Jason McCoy at this year’s charity concert on June 14th. It will be another sold-out event with this year’s beneficiaries including Algonquin College, the Pembroke and Area Boys and Girls Club and local food banks. Blaine is also again committing $5,000 to help Renfrew County not for profit groups access Mental Health First Aid training.

These are only a few examples of what you can learn in a short time about the great things our Algonquin College alumni are doing. They really are terrific people and their commitment to helping others is extraordinary and worth celebrating.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community & Student Affairs

Ask Jasmine: Confused About Your Next Steps?

Algonquin College Graduation“I’m approaching graduation and I’m conflicted about what my next step should be. Should I travel while I still can? Should I pursue more education? Do I try to find a career job right away, even though I don’t have much experience? Help!”

What an exciting time! You have so many great opportunities ahead of you. Although I can’t answer your question about what your next step should be, I can assure you that you’ve got some time to figure it out. While there is pressure to determine what you want to do with your life from an early age, know that young adulthood is all about self-exploration and discovery. It’s a time to try new things, to challenge yourself, and to make and learn from your mistakes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, wary, and uncertain, know that you’re in good company.

Some things to think about:

  1. Get comfortable with uncertainty. As we transition into adulthood it’s easy to get trapped into thinking that we need to have it all figured out. This is a big fat farce! The truth is, uncertainty is normal and unavoidable. It’s okay not to know your next move.
  2. Listen to others, but make your own decisions. There will be times in your life when others try to make decisions for you. We all love to give advice, right? Remember that nobody else has to wear your shoes. Sometimes the choices you make will turn out to be mistakes – or what you perceive as mistakes at the time. It’s all part of the messy and bewildering process. Giddy-up!
  3. Do your research. Whether you’re going backpacking in Europe or enrolling in a new program, spend some time inquiring about it before committing. Read about it, talk to the experts, and ask tons of questions. This will help to enrich your experience and minimize your anxiety.
  4. Talk to a counsellor on campus. Counsellors are able to assist students with career assessment and planning. Career counselling can help you to explore your values, skills, goals, and passions to help clarify future possibilities. Counsellors also have access to career assessment tools like the Myers– Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which can help to reveal how you perceive the world and make decisions. You can also work on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns that might interfere with success.

Awards & Scholarships 2015-2016

Please find below information regarding three scholarships/awards being offered. The deadline for application submission is April 1, 2016. Applications are available from Sharon in Room 215.

THE ANGUS CAMPBELL SCHOLARSHIP

Terms: This scholarship is awarded to two students entering the second year of a post-secondary program or the third level of a non-semestered diploma program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley. This cash award will be awarded to two applicants who have demonstrated academic promise and financial need.

The money will be given in the recipients’ third semester. Click here for Angus Campbell Scholarship application >>

ANNUAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Terms: This cash award will be presented to a graduate at the annual Graduation Exercises.

The award will be based on the following two criteria. These two criteria will receive equal weight in the selection process.

  1. Scholastic Achievement
  2. Demonstrated Leadership Ability and Community Participation

Any student may apply who will graduate from a program of studies (of at least thirty weeks) by the date of the annual Post-Secondary graduation. Click here for the Annual Award of Excellence application >>

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD

Terms: This cash award is granted to a student graduating from a program of thirty weeks or longer delivered at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley.

The award will be granted to a graduate who exemplified the greatest concern for the Algonquin College community while at the College.

Any student may apply who will graduate from a program of studies (of at least thirty weeks) by the date of the annual Post-Secondary graduation. Click here for the Alumni Association Award application >>

Entrepreneurial Lessons from Deadpool the Movie

This weekend, I went to the new movie Deadpool, an “anti-superhero” movie with a restricted rating and a departure from most superhero movies that usually hold a PG-13 rating. In its first weekend, this movie broke the box office record for an R rated movie with a take of 132 million! This definitely makes Deadpool a huge success.

Deadpool

Image Source: comicbook.com

So, how does “Deadpool” apply to starting a business?

  1. Deadpool

    Image Source: upi.com


    Firstly, the movie studio did something different. It took a risk on a character that however beloved is really “out there” and the opposite of “family friendly”. The studio took a chance instead of sticking to the tired reboots…Spiderman, Superman, Batman, etc. This risk taking is exactly what entrepreneurs need to do when they want to start something. I would even say that “Deadpool” was an innovation on the typical superhero movie, with not only a new out-of-the-norm character but also with the regular breaking of the 3rd dimension, where Deadpool talks to the audience. Deadpool is unpredictable – he does not follow the typical path, and does things that certainly set him apart from other heroes. His ability to innovate on the fly is clear throughout the movie. The lesson to be learned here for entrepreneurs is don’t be like everyone else. This movie is successful because they did not follow the typical formula, so like this one-of-a-kind character, be yourself, be innovative, and create something different.

  2. Secondly the character Deadpool, is successful as an antihero due to his ability to regenerate cells which virtually makes him immortal. Despite losing a hand and various other setbacks throughout the movie, Deadpool keeps on trucking. Just like what an entrepreneur or business owner does. We have set backs, we fail, but we somehow regenerate our ability to keep trying despite the odds.
  3. Deadpool

    Image source: arstechnica.com


    Lastly, despite having maybe the best super powers ever, he needed help to accomplish his mission. By letting go of his ego for a brief moment and asking the help of the X-Men. Just like in business, we sometimes try to go it alone, but most of the time we need help in some way, shape or form. We may not have a team of “X-Men” but we do have lawyers, accountants, mentors and numerous other professionals that can help our businesses succeed and accomplish our very own “missions”.

Remember when starting a business, just like Deadpool, take risks, be true to your values, move forward with your goals and don’t be afraid to find some good partners. And just like Deadpool, you may live happily ever after until the next money-making sequel.

Posted by: Chris Doré, Waterfront Campus Entrepreneur in Residence

Entrepreneurial Lessons, Believe or Not, from Deadpool the Movie

This weekend, I went to the new movie Deadpool, an “anti-superhero” movie with a restricted rating and a departure from most superhero movies that usually hold a PG-13 rating. In its first weekend, this movie broke the box office record for an R rated movie with a take of 132 million! This definitely makes Deadpool a huge success.

Deadpool

Image Source: comicbook.com

So, how does “Deadpool” apply to starting a business?

  1. Deadpool

    Image Source: upi.com


    Firstly, the movie studio did something different. It took a risk on a character that however beloved is really “out there” and the opposite of “family friendly”. The studio took a chance instead of sticking to the tired reboots…Spiderman, Superman, Batman, etc. This risk taking is exactly what entrepreneurs need to do when they want to start something. I would even say that “Deadpool” was an innovation on the typical superhero movie, with not only a new out-of-the-norm character but also with the regular breaking of the 3rd dimension, where Deadpool talks to the audience. Deadpool is unpredictable – he does not follow the typical path, and does things that certainly set him apart from other heroes. His ability to innovate on the fly is clear throughout the movie. The lesson to be learned here for entrepreneurs is don’t be like everyone else. This movie is successful because they did not follow the typical formula, so like this one-of-a-kind character, be yourself, be innovative, and create something different.

  2. Secondly the character Deadpool, is successful as an antihero due to his ability to regenerate cells which virtually makes him immortal. Despite losing a hand and various other setbacks throughout the movie, Deadpool keeps on trucking. Just like what an entrepreneur or business owner does. We have set backs, we fail, but we somehow regenerate our ability to keep trying despite the odds.

  3. Deadpool

    Image source: arstechnica.com


    Lastly, despite having maybe the best super powers ever, he needed help to accomplish his mission. By letting go of his ego for a brief moment and asking the help of the X-Men. Just like in business, we sometimes try to go it alone, but most of the time we need help in some way, shape or form. We may not have a team of “X-Men” but we do have lawyers, accountants, mentors and numerous other professionals that can help our businesses succeed and accomplish our very own “missions”.

Remember when starting a business, just like Deadpool, take risks, be true to your values, move forward with your goals and don’t be afraid to find some good partners. And just like Deadpool, you may live happily ever after until the next money-making sequel.

Posted by: Chris Doré, Waterfront Campus Entrepreneur in Residence

Options Skilled Trades Fair-A Community Showcase

_DSC0574-smallFor the past 14 years, Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus and Renfrew County’s four District School Boards have been teaming up to shine a spotlight on the skilled trades.

The Options Skilled Trades Fair attracts more than 2,000 senior high school students from across the region, providing them with an opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship training and employment opportunities in the skilled trades.

The highlight of the day long show is a skills competition which features more than 200 students competing in trades such as welding, team carpentry, hair styling, small engine repair, culinary arts and much more.

The talent on display is remarkable. Many of the high school students who compete in the competition will go on to become apprentices or will choose a college program within their field of interest.

ac ottawa valley constructionOptions has been recognized by the province of Ontario as an award winning grassroots effort to help the province introduce more youth to apprenticeship training to fill pending or current labour market shortages within many trades.

Apprenticeship training has certainly become a higher priority for both the federal and provincial government in recent years. While it remains difficult for some youth to secure an apprenticeship placement with an employer willing to sponsor them, many will benefit from their experience at Options by networking with potential trades employers and directly learning from them what they look for when hiring an apprentice.

For those students who are motivated to be successful in a trade and can demonstrate the aptitude and determination to learn a skilled trade, the future is bright. Options provides competitors with a chance to showcase their skills and there’s no question employers are looking for new talent. The aging demographics in most trades are a clear indication of the need to have more young people choose a trade for their career.

A MPT student working on a brake systemAnd one last point. Many trades pay very attractive salaries. It’s not the best reason to choose a trades career, but it certainly is a wonderful benefit. Just ask a well established plumber or electrician what their annual salary is?

The Options Skilled Trades Fair will be held May 11th at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. The show is free to trades exhibitors, students, parents and the general public. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will be a hub of activity.

You can expect some past graduates of the Options program to be in attendance. Many go on to successful careers and come back to Options as judges for the competitions. That’s how you know Options is working!

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community & 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