Assiniboine Effect | Summer 2020

The Assiniboine

EFFEC Summer Edition

ARIN HIEBERT BAKES HIS WAY TO FAME

Making his TV debut on the Food Networks’ Spring Baking Championship, he finishes as runner up!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Nursing graduate, Jadelyn McKay is realizing her dreams while giving back to her local community

MEET THE 2020 HONORARY DIPLOMA RECIPIENTS Assiniboine is honoring three Manitoba industry trailblazers

Assiniboine President Mark Frison presents graduate Blaine Roulette with his Mature Student High School diploma.

Summer 2020

CONTENTS 3 Graduation with a twist

President Mark Frison surprises Assiniboine graduates with their certificates and diplomas.

4 Spring Baking Championship

Alumnus Arin Hiebert makes his culinary debut on a reality TV show to finish runner up.

6 Committed to the community

Assiniboine alumna Jadelyn McKay is realizing her dreams while supporting her community.

8 Love at Assiniboine

Meet the alumni who not only graduated with a diploma but also a life partner.

10 2020 Honorary Diplomas

Find out which worthy Manitobans are receiving honorary diplomas this year.

Message from the President

15 Where are they now?

Get the latest information on where some of our wonderful alumni have ended up.

16 Farming and Social Media

Do you think social media has helped farmers? Find out from Assiniboine alumnus and J&L Seeds owner Jamie Hodson.

18 New Assiniboine Early Learning Centre

Assiniboine unveils its new early learning centre with new resources and increased capacity at Victoria Ave East campus.

22 Round of Applause

Celebrate our 2020 One to Watch Award recipents from each of the schools at Assiniboine.

25 Get to know Crystal Buhler

Business owner and local Brandonite, read all about Crystal’s career and lessson learned over the last 20-years.

Surprising Graduates Assiniboine President Mark Frison surprised a few of Assiniboine’s 2019-20 graduates with impromptu diploma and certificate presentations.

Ensuring physical distancing protocols were followed, he used unconventional delivery methods, such as a level to deliver Emily Alexander’s Carpentry diploma in Dauphin and hockey stick to Assiniboine Cougars Women’s Hockey Captain Mariah McCue’s Practical Nursing diploma.

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President Frison presents graduate Nolan Twerdoclib with his Police Studies diploma.

In my 15 years as a college president, the spring has always been saturated by graduation ceremonies. It’s a wave of excitement and joy as we celebrate the achievements of Assiniboine graduates in front of their families and friends.

We had planned long ago for this edition to centre around new graduates and their stories, but spring has been anything but ordinary around the globe.

President Frison presents Mariah McCue, captain of the Cougars hockey team, Academic All American, Cougars dual defensive player of the year, One to Watch award winner and ACHA Division 2 National Champion in 2019 with her Practical Nursing diploma.

n o i t a Gradu

A CLASS LIKE NO OTHER

This year, graduation season looks remarkably different. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing requirements mean these large ceremonies are not possible. We share the disappointment many feel; graduation days should be a memory to treasure for years to come.

We’re planning to provide a venue for graduates to don their gowns and receive their diplomas in late fall. With more than 1,250 graduates eligible to attend graduation celebrations in Brandon alone, Assiniboine is planning to host multiple ceremonies to accommodate graduates and guests into

separate, smaller events in anticipation of social distancing requirements.

This pandemic has created sudden challenges for our students and the college. Assiniboine faculty and staff acted swiftly and diligently to transition students to alternative formats of course delivery with the unified mission to support students through to the completion of their programs.

Graduates this year join the more than 48,000 alumni worldwide, many who are on the front lines—particularly in health care, technology, hospitality, and skilled trades.

We look forward to applauding 2020 graduates inperson in the months to come, and we look forward to capturing these celebrations in a fashion fit for a future edition of The Assiniboine Effect.

Mark Frison President Assiniboine Community College

President Frison presents Emily Alexander with her Carpentry diploma in Dauphin.

n o i ss a P FOR BAKING

Assiniboine alumnus Arin Hiebert made his TV debut on the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship, making it to the final round.

“Everything kind of stems from my grandma. When I “When I got home [from the interview], I checked was growing up, we would always go to grandma’s the mail and funny enough my marks were in the house and she’d always be in the kitchen baking mail already for my Red Seal exam and I’d passed. something.” says Assiniboine alumnus, Arin Hiebert, The next day the Palliser sent me a job offer. It was a graduate of the Culinary Arts class of 2012. like all the stars aligned within a crazy week.”

Trips to his grandparents’ house each summer as a child helped pave the path to Arin’s career as a pastry chef.

“I knew I wanted to get into culinary arts and become a chef. Over the years, it started to slowly progress into me wanting to become a pastry chef rather than a savoury chef.”

So, when he graduated from Killarney School, he enrolled in Culinary Arts at Assiniboine.

Now, Arin works as a Pastry Chef de Partie at the Hotel Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, Alberta.

Before his most recent post at the Palliser, Arin worked at other Fairmont hotels, first with a summer job at the Fairmont Banff Springs and then a full-time gig there following graduation.

Months later, when Arin decided that he wanted to pursue his Red Seal certification, he hit a road block—the Alberta apprenticeship program would only recognize culinary schooling from Alberta. Not wanting to start over, he moved back to Manitoba and started a job with the Fairmont Winnipeg, his first professional step into pastries, as he pursued his Red Seal.

“When I was in Winnipeg, I was the only one working in the pastry department,” said Arin. “I was very fortunate that my manager was open to me creating and exploring different things to increase my knowledge of pastry.”

Two years later, he obtained his Red Seal and was ready for another change, and to move back West.

“It was funny because I wrote my Red Seal exam and within probably two days a position came up at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary.”

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Nearly a decade into his culinary career, Arin is still excited for what’s to come.

“You go in to do the same thing every day—bake beautiful pastries—but no day is ever the same, so it’s always exciting to see what the day has in store for me.”

This past year amplified that excitement when Arin appeared on The Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship. The show, filmed during summer 2019, aired on The Food Network this past spring.

“I’m very goofy. Very animated. I have a large personality,” said Arin on what helped him make the cut after being recruited to audition and taking part in several calls and video interviews with casting and executive producers.

His Spring Baking Championship journey took him to the final episode of competition where he finished as a runner-up.

But the weeks of filming following the initial exhilaration weren’t without stress.

“The days are quite long, so it can be 12 to 16-hour days just filming and being at the studio.”

Days in the studio were filled with timed baking challenges followed by judging sessions and individual interviews where producers would walk contestants through the episode they’d just filmed, watching the challenges and commenting on how they were feeling at certain points.

His training and experience leading up to the show, Arin says, helped get him as far as he got.

“You definitely have to have a good solid skill set, because you’re working so quickly that you don’t really have time to think so you almost need that second nature that kicks in and takes over.”

Now, a few months removed from filming, he’s still in near constant connection in his group chat with fellow contestants.

“We’ve all become very close and really good friends.

I would almost go as far as to say they’re like family at this point. I feel like I’ve known them for years.”

“Through the competition you kind of give yourself mini goals,” said Arin, setting a goal to get to a certain future episode each time he advanced.

The connections he’s made are a helpful resource.

“You get chosen to fly down to L.A. to film and then you arrive on set. It all feels so surreal. You kind of want to pinch yourself,” he said.

That and his Red Seal certification stand out as major milestones. And at the heart of it, he simply loves baking.

“There’s always times when you might be in a situation where you’re like, ‘I don’t know; I need “Then you start getting further and further and help,’” he said. “They’re all such a great support you’re like, ‘Okay I have to get to the finale. I have to. system and all from various backgrounds.”

I’ve gotten so far, I’ve worked so hard,’” he said.

Arin looks back at the Spring Baking Championship Despite the understandable disappointment of as a career highlight. making it all the way and not claiming the final prize, Arin took a lot away from the experience.

“I would definitely do that again in a heartbeat.”

CONNECT Search arinhiebert on Instagram to stay up to date!

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“You go in to do the same thing every day—bake beautiful pastries—but no day is ever the same. So it’s always exciting to see what the day has in store for me.”

Arin Hiebert works on a sweet challenge during an episode of the Spring Baking Championship.

Photo credit: Food Network

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CAREER-CENTRED ON COMMUNITY When Jadelyn McKay grew up, there were two nursing positions in her home community of Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation; a homecare nurse and a community health care nurse, coveted roles that were highly competitive and not available regularly.

With the implementation of Jordan’s Principle in 2016—a child-first and needs-based principle that applies equally to all First Nation children on or off reserve—two additional nursing roles were created, one of which Jadelyn was recruited for.

“I didn’t think this was ever going to be an opportunity for me because before Jordan’s Principle there was ever only two nursing positions in this community and I thought ‘oh great I’ll never have that opportunity until maybe this person retires,’” she said.

“I really surprised myself. I was really impressed with my marks and how I retained everything because I was really scared it would be difficult. I’d been out of school for five years at that point, so it was daunting coming back to school,” she said. “I really enjoyed the connections I made with fellow students and how we became so close. We helped each other graduate.”

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Now Jadelyn works in the same place she grew up as a community nurse case manager for their Jordan’s Principle program.

“I find it so rewarding to work in my own community. I feel like I’m home, and I’m so happy in my heart.”

“I help manage the caseload of our clients, children from zero to 18 years old. The role involves identifying their needs, doing assessments, reaching out to internal and external resources— like our rehabilitation centre, dietary counselling services, and behavioural services—to help our clients.

forget, but that didn’t happen.” And something she’s gained is a strengthened connection to her community. “I found as the months went by, I was becoming involved with the people I met and the community itself.

“I find it so rewarding to work in my own community.

I feel like I’m home, and I’m so happy in my heart.”

As with any job, there are tough days, but she says the good far outweighs the bad. “When you see the success in the children you work with, it’s amazing.”

“The kids we work with have a lot of behavioural challenges. Some young children have never stepped foot in a school. We’ve worked closely with them and our therapists to get these children back to their developmental stages in a school environment. We are now seeing them thrive and loving school.”

Working in her community, Jadelyn reflects on her time growing up and the positive changes made as a result of Jordan’s Principle.

“It was always something I wanted to do, to come back and help Indigenous people in our community.

It’s something I have felt really passionate about all my life, empowering and inspiring people in my community to leave the reserve to learn, start careers, and come back and help our people.”

Jadelyn worked at the Dauphin Regional Hospital on the medical floor and then honed her skills on the surgical ward in the first few years after graduation. Jadelyn’s decision to accept the offer to be a community nurse case manager was not an easy one, but she says it felt right.

“I think back to when I was a child and going to school on the reserve here and what type of resources I had. I know there were things I needed as a child that I struggled with on the reserve, and I’m so happy these children should never have to be without help and we can offer support,” she said.

Jadelyn graduated from Assiniboine Community College with a Practical Nursing diploma in 2017 and has far exceeded even her own expectations in what she has experienced and achieved so far in her career.

“My boyfriend thought I wasn’t a nurse anymore; he was worried about me taking this new job because he thought, ‘you went to school, and you’ve made it so far, why are you going to give up on it?’ I had to explain that just because you’re not in the hospital setting, it doesn’t mean you’re not a nurse anymore. It’s a different type of nursing,” she said.

“It’s so different now to when I grew up here, and I’m so grateful the children today won’t fall short on anything.”

“In the beginning, it was really different, I was worried all the skills I had learned and went to school for I was going to The World Health Organization has designated 2020 as Year of the Nurse & Midwife, and we’re proud to celebrate our almost 800 nursing graduates in the past five years.

READ MORE Visit assiniboine.net/news for the latest news.

Image: Jadelyn McKay featured in her workplace as a Community Health Care Nurse.

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Whitney Roberts (nee Mann) Business Administration ‘07

and

Dana Roberts Web Design ‘06

AT ASSINIBOINE

Get to know some Assiniboine alumni who met their life partner while studying at Assiniboine.

Left to right: Whitney, Evan, Max and Dana Roberts.

Left to right: Hanna, Teresa, Seth and Keith Fast.

Keith Fast Business Administration ‘98

and

Teresa Fast (nee Bock) Business Administration ‘99

Westman locals, Keith grew up in Rivers and Teresa grew up in Pilot Mound. Their paths crossed through mutual friends at a New Year’s Eve party in Brandon. Keith was studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Sales, while Teresa was studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.

After spending more time together and going on a few more dates, fast forward a few years, and in September Keith and Teresa will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary.

Now, both Keith and Teresa are working at Roblin Ford Sales Ltd., a dealership within the Birchwood Automotive Group. Keith works as General Manager and Partner and Teresa works as Financial Services Manager. The family is extremely active in the community. Teresa has held positions on the local daycare board, Doctor Recruitment Committee, Rumble in Roblin Car Show and is involved with the church’s Sunday School program. Keith was the past President of the Roblin and District Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the Roblin Snowmobile Association and is currently a member of the local Citizens on Patrol and the Community Economic Development Board.

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Both Manitoba locals, Whitney and Dana both grew up in Westman; Whitney is from Deloraine and Dana is from Brandon. After high school, Dana moved to Japan to teach English. While there, he started to learn programming, which confirmed his decision to study Web Design.

During his time at Assiniboine, he met Whitney, who was studying Business Administration. Upon graduation, they relocated to Vancouver, where Whitney undertook additional study and Dana began working with creative agencies across Canada.

Cory Dittmer Business Administration ‘01

and

Stacy Dittmer (nee Hawkins) Business Administration ‘01

Brandon locals, Cory and Stacy Dittmer met 19 years ago in their economics class while studying Business Administration at Assiniboine.

As their careers developed, they moved to Calgary, which is where Whitney found her passion for spin, a cycling movement. Combining their business skills with their love for cycling, Whitney and Dana decided to head back home to Brandon and open a spin studio, Tour Fit Club, in 2015.

Now husband and wife, Stacy runs her own business, Stacy Dittmer Fitness, instructing boot camps, running clubs, and group fitness classes. Cory has kept himself busy working at Kraft/Heinz for the last 16 years, while also volunteering his time coaching the AAA Bantam Wheat Kings.

As the owners of Tour Fit Club, Whitney and Dana regularly host charity fundraising classes, in which 100% of class registrations go towards a local charity.

Left to right: Hazel, Jess, Eleanor, Lydia, Martin and Fynn Raupers.

Martin and Jess met the first week of college in September 2009 at the Houston’s shooter bar at the Let’s Get Acquainted Social. They ended up just getting to know each other over that school year and hung around in the same group of friends. It wasn’t until the following year that they ended up dating, and here they are, nearly ten years later, with four kids.

Martin, originally from Cardale, has now been the Service Operations Manager at AgWest Ltd for the last ten years. Jess grew up in Emerson and is currently self-employed as a freelance graphic designer, specializing in branding for small businesses. Jess is a current Brandon Career Symposium board member, past Assiniboine Alumni board member and previous chair of Yellowhead Regional Employment Services Board of Directors.

Martin Raupers Heavy Duty Equipment Technician ‘10 and Level 4 Agricultural Equipment Technician Apprentice ‘14

and

Jess Raupers (nee Spanjer) Web Design ‘11 Above: Martin and Jess when they were at Assiniboine together in 2009.

PAUL CRANE

P

aul Crane is well-known and respected throughout Westman and Manitoba as the founder of Crane Steel Structures in Brandon and Winnipeg.

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HONORARY DIPLOMA RECIPIENTS Assiniboine awards honorary diplomas to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic­­—Assiniboine will be presenting each of the honorary diploma’s at the 2019-20 graduation ceremonies in Brandon to be held in late October.

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“Mr. Crane is as much a fixture in the Westman community as the structures his company has built locally,” said Assiniboine president Mark Frison.

“His commitment to enhancing the community around him while building a successful business that serves that community is admirable. The college is thrilled to be recognizing and celebrating such a worthy recipient.”

Paul’s presence in the local building industry began five decades ago, when he joined BB Steel Builders in 1978 after 10 years as an engineering consultant.

Crane Steel Structures was born three years later when Crane took equity in the company. In 1995, he acquired a Winnipeg-based dealer and renamed it to Crane Steel Structures, expanding his business further across the province.

Now, the local landscape is dotted with Crane Steel buildings. His company has played a role in some of the largest commercial buildings in Westman— community centres, car dealerships, fire halls and feed mills on that list.

“I was surprised and humbled that the Board of Governors had selected me for this honour,” said Crane. “To be recognized for personal and professional achievements through my life is amazing. My life in the business world, the construction industry, and the community has many bright spots.”

Crane’s commitment to community has been evident throughout his career.

He has served on numerous boards and committees in Westman and his business has long focused on being a good corporate citizen. Under his leadership, Crane Steel has been active in sponsoring community events, youth sports teams and supporting charitable organizations, including the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society of Manitoba, Canadian Diabetes Association and United Way Brandon.

“The largest benefit of community involvement is the many people that you meet; they all become friends.

One of my proudest achievements is having my two sons carry on our family business,” said Crane.

Crane built his business from 12 employees within a single 400-squarefoot office to 60 employees with two locations in Manitoba. Today, Crane’s sons, P.J. and Jarod, have taken the reigns of Crane Steel.

He has long been an advocate for post-secondary education after graduating from Red River College’s Civil Engineering program that helped launch his own successful career. In the 1990s, Crane served as a member and then Chair of the Assiniboine Board of Governors. Later, he served as the president for the Assiniboine Foundation (’99 – ’02).

Crane’s honorary diploma adds to the list of awards he’s received for his business and community work, including the President’s Award for Business Person of the Year from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce in 2008, the Ben Wiebe Memorial Award in 2008 for his contribution to the construction industry and community, and a multitude of industry awards.

SYLVIA MITCHELL “I listened a lot,” said Sylvia. “My side of the family is not agricultural.”

S

Mrs. Mitchell and her late husband, Donn, have been active members of the local agriculture community since the 1950s, often extending their presence beyond international borders, travelling the world to promote and sell their Registered Polled Hereford cattle—the main focus of their own Klondike Farms. ylvia Mitchell will be presented with an honorary diploma in Agribusiness.

Sylvia was born and raised in Brandon, living there for 27 years before marrying Donn Mitchell. Settling on Donn’s grandparents’ homestead farmland north of Douglas in 1959 was Sylvia’s inauguration into the world of agriculture, now continuing into its sixth decade.

With Donn’s farm background and Sylvia’s experience in office work and bookkeeping, the two developed an electronic system for farm record keeping—one that Sylvia says was able to outperform others because of the farming knowledge behind it.

This system became a model for the industry, tracking genetic information of livestock as well as inputs and variables for grain farming, which served them well in their own operation where they farmed grain

DEVON CLUNIS “I am thankful to Assiniboine Community College for this honor.

I entered policing to impact social change and did my best to pursue that purpose throughout my career and continue to do so in retirement,” said Chief Clunis.

A

ssiniboine will present retired Chief of Winnipeg Police Service, Devon Clunis, with an honorary diploma.

"Devon Clunis has had a long and distinguished career centered around community, public safety and social equity," said Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine. "We are thrilled to be celebrating him in front of graduates embarking on their careers, as his contributions to Manitoba over the decades serves as a model for what is possible in public safety occupations.”

“I certainly did not enter policing to receive awards but it is gratifying to have my efforts recognized and appreciated. Thank you, Assiniboine, for this honor. It encourages me to continue working to make social equity a reality.”

Born in Jamaica, Clunis immigrated to Winnipeg with his family at the age of 11. His desire to create social change led him to join the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) in 1987. During his time with the WPS, he served in many areas of the organization, progressing through the ranks until he was the first black Canadian to be appointed as a Chief of Police, a role he held from 2012 until his retirement in 2016.

Clunis's leadership philosophy is "people first" and he consistently

along with raising Polled Herefords.

This diversity of commodities, she recounts as a positive in their farm journey.

“The college strives to provide leadership in agriculture-based programming, so we’re thrilled to recognize one of the early innovators in this industry,” said Assiniboine president Mark Frison. “The Mitchells provided tremendous leadership and volunteerism with local agriculture and farm organizations—community involvement that Sylvia has continued to date.”

Sylvia served as an International Officer of Quota International, Chairperson of the Wheat Belt Community Futures, Vice President of the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame, and is a Life Member of the Women's Institute. This honorary diploma adds to her YWCA Woman of Distinction Award and her designation as a Notable Farm Woman by Farm Woman News.

“It was educational, too,” Sylvia says of her involvement with these many agricultural groups.

The Mitchells also provided financial support and sponsorship to local agriculture organizations and events, supporting the younger generation interested in agriculture. And from their own experience with farming, they learned some valuable lessons to pass on.

“We encourage the younger generation to go into, not necessarily just the agricultural farming, but into agricultural management,” said Sylvia.

A highlight of her life on the farm with Donn was the close relationship they had with their workers. She remembers many mornings where the farm workers would all come into the office to sit down for a cup of tea with her and Donn, where they’d all plan their day.

Mrs. Mitchell and her husband were inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1997.

sought to create a healthy work environment for those he was privileged to lead. During his tenure as Chief, Clunis understood the need to do things differently and to challenge organizational norms with a strong focus on community policing and cross-cultural integration.

In addition to serving in numerous volunteer roles over the years, Clunis was a member of the Poverty Reduction Council of Winnipeg and participated in mentorship programs.

He was a recipient of the Police Service's Award of Excellence in 2002 for his outstanding police and community work. Clunis continues to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Police Knowledge Network.

Even in retirement, Clunis continues to serve the community in different ways. In 2017 Devon and his wife, Pearlene, started Clunis Consulting Group, an organization which strives to build a culturally diverse and inclusive society.

On February 7, 2017, Clunis was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Advancement of Interreligious Understanding by the Lieutenant Governor.

Previous Honorary Diploma Recipients Recipient

Year

Kelly McCrimmon

2019

Ron Helwer

2018

Phil Fontaine

2017

Beverly Bunn

2016

Jason Yates

2016

Rick Borotsik

2016

Ian Grant

2016

Mildred Murray

2015

Jim Treliving

2014

Harvey Armstrong

2014

Dave Baxter

2013

Carmel Olson

2012

Allen Dowhan

2012

Dennis Hunt

2011

Bob Mazer

2010

Gord Peters

2009

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NURSING CAREER

e g e l i a Priv

Assiniboine alum, Kim Chartier (‘18) has succeeded in the face of adversity to pursue a career she loves and fulfills her passion of life-long learning.

“When I started, my youngest was three, so that was a bit of a challenge,” said Kim Chartier, who graduated from Assiniboine Community College’s Practical Nursing program in 2018.

“That was my mental health escape while I was going to college,” said Kim. “I tried out just on a complete whim and fit in very well with the girls.

That was the highlight of my schooling, the sports.”

When she started the program, she was 34 with four kids at home. Before enrolling, she worked part-time at McDonald’s and in the kitchen at a personal care home in Brandon. It was while working at the care home that she first thought about a career move.

Being a student-athlete helped Kim focus throughout the week. She’d work toward soccer practices and games as a reward for long class and study hours.

“Observing the health care personnel, I thought, ‘Maybe I should try something different,’’ she said.

Her experience at the personal care home, seeing what could be, was part of the push to pursue a career in nursing. Another was the practicality.

“With four kids, you want to maximize your time, so why work 16 hours a day when you could work eight and make the same amount.”

She saw the change as a short-term investment for long-term gain. And she made the leap with the full support of her family—her husband and parents were on board. Her sister, nine years her junior, even made a back-to-school care package with some of her favourite supplies and some items to help Kim overcome the technology gap she’d accrued after over a decade outside the classroom.

“The computer aspect of things was challenging— the technology I had to overcome,” she said.

Kim was dedicated and pushed through the challenges, asking for help from faculty and using the student support resources.

During her time at Assiniboine, Kim found another productive way to manage her stress and burn off the energy built up throughout days in class by playing soccer and futsal as part of the Assiniboine Cougars teams.

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“I needed soccer. And all of our bus trips on the weekends were study time. I just plugged in my headphones and ignored everybody. Five hours to study. Like, I wouldn’t get that at home!”

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“It’s an immense privilege, caring for someone when they’re at their weakest. People don’t realize that is a privilege, not a burden.”

Her effort on the soccer pitch was recognized in her final year when she received the Female Athlete of the Year award. A focus for Kim throughout her schooling was setting an example for her four daughters. “I wanted to show them that they could do anything. Anything is possible.”

Kim’s career has not followed any straight line. She graduated from high school with a specialized focus in auto mechanics, a career she pursued before she became a stay-at- home Mom until her kids were school age.

Working full-time as a licensed nurse at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, she continues to learn daily.

“Now the biggest challenge; every day is something new. So, you think you’ve got it together and you go into work, and all of a sudden, ‘Bam’. And you’re like well what do I do with that?’ And you have to figure it out.”

Kim’s discovering she’s a life-long learner and has her sights set on the future, when her girls are grown, doing missionary work as a nurse to explore a “completely different kind of nursing.”

“I love opening my mind to things I’ve never heard of or even considered. Learning is fun, it’s fascinating,” said Kim. Kim credits much of her confidence in the path she’s on and her resolve through academic and career challenges to her faith in God. Her faith, she said, has always been a big part of her life, but it grew stronger as she was challenged through her training.

Her path has taken her from auto mechanic to stay-at-home mom to part-time worker in food services to nursing. And she has always ridden her bicycle to and from these jobs. Now, as a nurse, she feels like she’s doing what she was meant to do in life.

“It’s an immense privilege, caring for someone when they’re at their weakest. People don’t realize that is a privilege, not a burden.”

Right: Kim Chartier upon graduation with her trusty preferred method of transport, her bike.

764

nursing graduates in the past 5 years.

9 months after graduation

100% $47k have jobs

average annual salary

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION Local equipment dealer, Brandt, helping future-proof the heavy equipment operator industry in Westman.

Support from Brandt in Brandon was a key factor in establishing Assiniboine’s Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program, which saw its first cohort in March 2016.

“There was a lot of demand for trained operators,” said Gerald Cathcart, Business Development Coordinator at Assiniboine. “Assiniboine had received funding from Western Economic Diversification [Canada] to set up the program but still needed private sector partnerships.”

These private sector partnerships would help the college keep tuition rates low, allow for smaller class sizes and offer students the opportunity to experience real-life industry situations and equipment.

That’s where Brandt came in.

Since 2016, Brandt has provided in-kind support to the HEO program, providing excavators, loaders, graders, skid steers and other equipment, allowing students to learn by doing on real, industry standard equipment.

To date, Brandt has contributed more than $107,000 in kind to the program.

107

graduates in the past 4 years.

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“Brandt feels that it’s important to support this part of the industry. This is where the next level of operators are going to come from,” said Brett Morton, former Territory Manager for Brandt in Brandon, who was involved in facilitating the partnership until a recent transfer to Ontario.

“Back in the ‘old days’, decades past, you kind of jumped on the equipment at 18 years old and ran it until you were 65 and that’s how you learned. Well there’s so much more to it now in regard to safety and maintenance. The equipment can be a bit more technically involved than it would have been 30 years ago, so we feel the training is very important in educating the new generation of operators.”

In addition to the program being offered in Brandon at Assiniboine’s North Hill campus, it has been offered in eight First Nations communities since 2016 with a total of 107 graduates receiving their Heavy Equipment Operator certificate across all locations.

For Brandt, their connection to the program was clear. Many of their customers had a need for trained operators, and supporting education for these operators was a way to not only help their customers, but also get the next generation of operators familiar with Brandt’s John Deere equipment.

First Nation Communities

$107k

Brandt in-kind contribution

“There’s civic pride there as well,” said Morton. “To be able to support this program, word does get out that Brandt is a staunch supporter of it. And when you’re going to the sites where they’re doing the training, it’s fun to sit there and talk to the operators on their break and check in on the equipment.”

Brandt has long seen value in supporting education for future operators and has supported other programs before Assiniboine’s was established.

“We’re happy to help,” said Morton.

“Brandt is very proud that we’re able to help Assiniboine with this program. We look forward to continuing in the future. Certainly, we get fantastic value, Assiniboine gets value and the students that take part get tremendous value. We’re eager to continue our support.”

SHARE YOUR NEWS Visit us online and share your news or achievements at assiniboine.net/alumni

ALUMNI NEWS »

Hayley Matiowsky, Lillian May Know Award recipient, spends her time stdying in the cafeteria at the Victoria Ave East campus.

Lillian May Knox Award

EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED When Hayley Matiowsky moved to Brandon from Birtle, Manitoba, she knew it would be a big change. After what she describes as a nerve-wracking transition, her start at Assiniboine ended up being less intimidating than she thought it might be.

Now in her second year of the Legal Administration diploma program, she has found her groove at the college and is enjoying a well-rounded experience.

“I’ve met some cool people,” says Matiowsky. “I like the things that [college] offers—different activities, like Cram Jam. I enjoy coming to those.”

A bonus in her adjustment to college life was receiving a $2,000 award (Lillian May Knox Award) between her first and second year. The award, she says, helped her comfort level and enjoyment of college by allowing her more financial and personal freedom.

Many weekends, Hayley likes to travel back to her hometown Birtle, about an hour and a half northwest of Brandon.

With the award helping cover her tuition, she says she now has some funds freed up to make these trips as she pleases.

The financial boost has also allowed Hayley to embrace college life outside

of the classroom, attending college and social events.

“I would usually just stay at home and not do much, but now I find I can do a little more and have a little extra,” she said. “It lets you do that college stuff and lets you live the full college experience.”

Outside of enjoying the social activities and academic material, Hayley enjoys the familiarity she’s built with instructors. In a small class, she says, you really feel like your instructors really know you.

“You don’t get lost in the shuffle.”

Hayley currently has her eye on a career at a law firm, but is open to expanding her education once she graduates.

“It may make them want to come back,” she said of how awards like hers can help students continue their education.

“It helps if you’re like, ‘Oh, I don’t know if I can afford another year.’”

As she finishes up her program, she’s considering taking courses in Medical Administration at Assiniboine to open herself to more opportunities and has thought of becoming a certified paralegal in the future.

»

Arin Hiebert (Culinary Arts, ‘12), was recently one

of three finalists on the Food Network’s Spring Baking Competition show (pg. 4). He is living in Calgary and working as Pastry Chef De Partie at Fairmont Palliser Hotel.

Retired Assiniboine Instructor, Jerry Mus passed away on May 30, 2020.

News from our Virtual Alumni Coffee Chats » » » » » » » » » » »

Dan Brown (Agribusiness, ‘12) lives in Souris and works with Richardson Pioneer (out of Antler, SK office).

Jennalee Manning (Agribusiness, ‘14), just days before the pandemic shut down businesses, Jennalee had returned to work after being on maternity leave with her first child. Days later she was back working from home.

Chad Bodnarchuk (Agribusiness, ‘98), after many years with AgCall HR, Chad is now recruiting for the agriculture industry with WorkHorse Hub. He also is enjoying his 14 month old twins, Daxton and Ryanna!

Nicole Blyth (Agribusiness, ‘14) is an agronomist with Homestead Co-op out of MacGregor and recently came back from a maternity leave.

Michelle Allison (Business Administration - HR Management specialization, ‘09 and Agribusiness, ‘13) is in sales and publishing with Top Crop Manager.

Kara Smith (Culinary Arts, ‘12), pivoted into a different career path and is now an accountant in Brandon. She is currently working on her Masters degree through the University of Saskatchewan.

Alannah Moody (Culinary Arts, ‘11) is living in Edmonton and working at a popular eatery called Vi’s for Pies.

Bethanie Wasicuna (Culinary Arts, ‘11), is living in Vernon, BC working in the catering department at the Silver Star Ski Resort.

Ben Horne (Web Design, ’08 and Environmental Technologies, ‘16) is currently working at Assinboine as an instructor in the GIS program.

Sarah-Jane Speers (Environmental Technologies, ’12 and GIS Advanced, ’13) works with MazerGroup.

Rob Moore (Land & Water Management, ‘11), works with Agriculture Canada at the Research Station here in Brandon.

Do you want to attend one of our virtual alumni coffee chats?

Email alumni@assiniboine.net to register.

15

Jamie Hodson with daughters, Demi and Willow, on their farm located northeast of Virden.

s r e m r a F

CONNECTING THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is gaining prominence among farmers, offering a medium for connecting with fellow producers that J&L Seeds owner Jamie Hodson said is “slowly coming to fruition”.

Operating out of a relatively close-knit region in the Lenore and Kenton area northeast of Virden, Hodson said that word of mouth is still the means of communication he relies on the most. Even so, he added, there are strengths in using social media.

“You can usually ask a question on Twitter and get an answer pretty quick,” he said.

“That’s always been there to a degree, but there wasn’t a platform for it, and sometimes when you’re face-to-face in a peer group, you’re too scared to ask those questions.”

Recognizing that he had a lot more to learn to find success in the industry, he enrolled in Assiniboine’s Agribusiness program in 2009, graduating two years later.

“You’ve got to learn to be a professional in any line of work, so I think it helped me to communicate with people and all those intangibles. We took the winding road to get back to our own operation, but it was well worth our family’s commitment to get to where we are today,” he said.

Starting his post-graduate career with John Deere in Steinbach, he soon relocated to Saskatchewan where he managed a large grain farm while helping coach the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Rather than operate within their silos, he said it’s beneficial when farmers open up on social media to respond to questions and offer personal insights, particularly given how specialized agriculture has become in recent decades. This is of particular importance to Hodson, whose company J&L Seeds started out in early 2018.

Seeking a more independent and flexible life with his wife Lindsey and their four children, Hodson decided to relocate to Virden three years ago to start their own business near where he grew up.

Coming off a successful pro hockey career, Hodson said it was time he got back into agriculture on a more permanent basis.

They now farm full-time, with a grain and cattle operation diversifying their economic footprint alongside their seed sales and work with Taurus Ag

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Follow @AgAssiniboine on Twitter or Instagram to see the latest news.

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Marketing through which they sell foliar, inoculants and other products. These products Hodson said, go hand-in-hand with their seed sales.

Hodson continues to keep his hand in the hockey community, working closely with the Virden Oil Capitals of the MJHL. Lindsey takes care of most of the business bookkeeping and also has her own personal training business, LH Personal Training.

As a relatively new start-up, Hodson said that marketing J&L Seeds is always top of mind.

Growing from a few customers when they first started out to more than 20 in 2019, things have been picking up quickly.

Social media is more about “soft-selling” than anything else, he said, adding that a lot of it comes down to posting pictures and updates of their crops and family.

“We’re in the area, and we’re growing these products

right next to our customers, so we don’t just sell it, we’re physically growing it ourselves and doing the trials ourselves with our customers,” he said, adding that their social media presence makes all of this real for their customers.

“It’s opened up our worldview and access to information.”

Facebook is more targeted, he said, and allows them to share their story with their core customer base without having to worry as much about naysayers.

Fellow Assiniboine Agribusiness graduate Simon Ellis, whose Wawanesa-based family business, Ellis Seeds, dates back to the 1920s, said that he has recently started dabbling in social media.

“Our customer base isn’t necessarily on social media enough to be putting too much time into it, but brand awareness is what we’re pushing for through our social channels,” he said.

For Ellis, Twitter is more of a tool for asking other farmers questions than it is for marketing. Rather than restrict one’s self to insight from farmers within their immediate area, he said that Twitter allows him to seek advice from farmers worldwide.

“

Despite the occasional backlash, he said that social media has proven useful in getting the realities of agriculture out there, straight from farmers themselves. This, he added, is of particular importance during an age in which technological advances like GMOs attract criticism.

“I think it’s good to talk about it and make sure that we’re doing it for the right reasons, but I think there are enough answers to know that it’s safe.”

another—bolstered by communication tools such as social media—will remain important as they consult with one another on what they’re up to, what works and what doesn’t.

“It’s constantly evolving, so if we can use social media to our advantage to communicate with people and use the internet as a resource, it’ll keep us up with everything and on the pulse of everything,” he said.

“It’s a matter of making sure that we are responsible and doing our part.”

SOCIAL Follow @Hodgy39 on Twitter to connect with Jamie Hodson.

No matter what debate comes up in the future as agriculture walks hand in hand with technology, Ellis said that farmers’ connection with one

“We’re in the area, and we’re growing these products right next to our customers, so we don’t just sell it, we trial ourselves as our own customer,” he said, adding that their social media presence makes all of this real for their customers.

Did you know Assiniboine offers 14 Agriculture and Environment programs?

Find out more at assiniboine.net/programs 17

New

ASSINIBOINE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Earlier this year, the Assiniboine Early Learning Centre (AELC) opened as an expanded and relocated space at the college’s Victoria Ave East campus.

The new space allows for an additional 20 spots, for a total of up to 54 licensed spaces: 34 pre-school, 12 toddlers and eight infants.

For more than a decade, in addition to the provision of childcare, the AELC has been integrated with the college's Early Childhood Education (ECE) program.

The new facility offers an exciting opportunity to increase the ‘learn by doing’ opportunities in the college’s two-year ECE diploma program, by fostering two-way learning opportunities between Assiniboine students and AELC staff.

AELC staff share invaluable insight and knowledge with Assiniboine ECE students. One of the resources available to ECE students and faculty, with the prior arrangement between both parties, is the AELC room cameras which can be used to record segments of the day, allowing ECE students to observe and study a child's behaviour for educational purposes. Assiniboine ECE instructors can use this footage to demonstrate the type of situations students will encounter in their future careers as early childhood educators.

"We will be able to use these technologies to bring the early learning centre environment into the 18

classroom. We have lab space that adjoins our classroom with the new centre, where instructors and students will have the opportunity to do observations of children from the classroom," said Teresa Russell, Academic Chair of Early Learning and Education at Assiniboine.

"The new centre will enable our students to experience the hands-on aspect of early learning centres before undertaking their practicum."

Assiniboine prides itself on equipping graduates with the knowledge, and skills that prepare them for employment in their field of study upon graduation.

"The learn by doing experiences on offer through the new AELC will provide our students with a thorough foundation of early childhood education, equipping them with a strong understanding across various stages of child development," said Russell.

In looking at the landscape of early learning centres in Brandon, the AELC is one of a handful in the city that offers infant care, presenting an instrumental learning opportunity for Assiniboine students and reinforcing Assiniboine's commitment to creating contemporary learning spaces in Manitoba.

The AELC features best practice design,

incorporating plenty of natural light, child-friendly floor plan and child-sized furniture.

"We worked with both the AELC and the college to create a space which would enable best practices and provide a warm and welcoming environment for children, families, staff and students," said Jim Simmons, Director Capital Projects at Assiniboine.

Assiniboine Community College has supported the operation of an early learning centre at its Victoria Avenue East campus since 1982. The AELC operates separately from the college and is managed by a volunteer board. The college provides space and custodial services at no cost to the centre. The centre is typically open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, the COVID-19 situation resulted in its temporary closure.

The cost of the expansion and relocation of the Centre cost $800,000, paid for by both the college and Province of Manitoba. A provincial grant covered one-third of project costs, with the college covering the remaining two-thirds.

Opposite page: An Early Childhood Education student and children from AELC enjoy playing in the outdoor play area.

Above: Newly furshined lounge area for children in the AELC.

“

Right: New larger play area for AELC children with a wall of natural light.

“The learn by doing experiences on offer will provide our students with a thorough foundation and equip them with a strong understanding across various stages of child development,” 19

2019-20 ATHLETIC AWARDS Assiniboine Cougars are proud to announce our 2019-20 Athletic Awards recipients.

Cougars Athletics consists of seven teams, women’s hockey, soccer, futsal and volleyball and men’s soccer futsal and volleyball teams.

With teams competing in the Manitoba College Athletics Conference, American Collegiate Hockey Association and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association our Cougars are busy representing Assiniboine across Canada and the U.S.A. The 2019-20 Male Athlete of the Year is awarded to volleyball player Paycen Warkentin and 2019-20 Female Athlete of the Year is awarded to triple threat, soccer, futsal and hockey player Marley Quesnel.

Male Athlete of the Year, Paycen Warkentin, has had an incredible season with the Cougars volleyball team. Paycen, originally from Gladstone, completed his second season with the Cougars while studying Assiniboine’s Social Service Worker program.

Paycen had a standout season, building momentum from his very first serve. He finished the season leading the league in blocks, second in the league with 212 kills and was named the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) Men’s Volleyball Most Valuable Player.

“Paycen Warkentin is a great example of an athlete who has put in the hard work over the past two years here with the Cougars to further his athletic ability, and it has paid off,” said Athletics Manager Lindsay McLaughlin.

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“Paycen has received multiple offers from other institutions to continue on his volleyball career at the next level, and I have no doubt he will find success wherever his next venture takes him.”

Female Athlete of the Year, Marley Quesnel, played over 40 games for the Cougar’s across three sports—soccer, futsal and hockey—the most of any Cougar athlete this season. Marley, Dauphin local and mostly known for her quicks hands in the hockey net has also been honing her skills with the soccer ball to take home the Coaches’ Choice Award in Futsal.

Assiniboine’s annual Student Achievement Celebration recognizes the impressive achievements of students across both the academic and athletic calendars. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Achievement Celebration event will not take place.

See the full list of Cougar Athletic Award recipients on the opposite page.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Marley is recognized for her strong work ethic at both practices and games, which has resulted in improved performances and her ranking as the third-best goalie in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division Two league with a .946 SV%.

“Marley is one of those student-athletes who will walk into any room or rink with a huge smile on her face and give 100% of her effort at all times in everything that she does,” said Athletics Manager Lindsay McLaughlin.

“She gave up hockey trips when the soccer team was short-handed and never once complained. Her teammates gravitate towards her positive outlook; she embodies everything that we ask our athletes to be.”

These awards are selected based on academic GPA, athletic performance and character strengths. Both Marley and Paycen have stood out throughout the season and represented the Cougars with pride.

Female Athlete of the Year

Male Athlete of the Year

Marley Quesnel

Paycen Warkentin

Women’s Hockey, Futsal and Soccer Athlete

Men’s Volleyball Athlete

JOIN THE COUGARS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Follow @CougarsACC

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Sadie Wood

Haylee Anderson

Mariah McCue

Sydney Cancilla

Jasmin Denby

Top Forward

Top Defence

Top Defence

Most Improved

Coaches’ Choice

MEN’S SOCCER

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Telecia Dowsett

Drew Curtis

Kendra Mansoff

Thomas Negiru

Diego Nomesque

Andrew Turner

MVP

Most Improved

Coaches’ Choice

MVP

Most Improved

Coaches’ Choice

WOMEN’S FUTSAL

MEN’S FUTSAL

Calista Green

Victoria Olson

Marley Quesnel

Thomas Negiru

Aaron Mair

Santiago Quintero

MVP

Most Improved

Coaches’ Choice

MVP

Most Improved

Coaches’ Choice

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Samantha Love

Kendra Erickson

Trinity Billaney

Braden Campbell

Justin Ejercito

Lucas Vasconcelos

MVP

Most Improved

Coaches Choice

MVP

Most Improved

Coaches’ Choice

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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

n o i t a r Celeb

Assiniboine is proud to recognize the immense contributions of the 2020 One to Watch award recipients Assiniboine is pleased to announce our 2020 One to Watch award recipients; these awards recognize students for their contributions in academics, athletics and community involvement.

In prior years, One to Watch awards are presented at the Student Achievement Celebration dinner to honour students. Unfortunately, this year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Participating both inside and outside of the classroom results in a much richer experience for students and forms lasting memories of their time in college for years to come,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice-president, Academic at Assiniboine.

“We are pleased to recognize and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments in academics, extra-curricular activities, and athletics.”

Fifty-seven students received One to Watch awards this year from across Assiniboine’s Adult Collegiate, Parkland campus, School of Agriculture

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& Environment, School of Business, School of Health & Human Services, School of Nursing and School of Trades.

Faculty members selected these recipients based on a set of criteria, including academic merit, leadership, contributions to student life, community involvement and volunteerism.

“Receiving the One to Watch award allows me to reflect on the effort I put forth to not only complete the program but to excel tremendously. The recognition is meaningful, to receive an award in this field, it betters my job seeking opportunities,” said Nolan Twerdoclib, who won the One to Watch award in Police Studies.

Nolan said he was attracted to the program because of his desire to have a career in law enforcement and having grown up in Brandon knew Assiniboine offered a Police Studies program to help start his career.

The program allowed him to “learn by doing,” Assiniboine’s motto, through use of Assiniboine’s Police Studies realistic scenario training centre, identifying and seizing evidence, and conducting both interviews and interrogations.

“The practical training exercises were by far the most exhilarating part of the program. It allowed you to test your knowledge and reaction to a simulated issue you may encounter in the field. These exercises required quick thinking, smart decision making, and reflection afterwards. It provided learning experiences and room for improvement, towards the next practical exercise,” Nolan said.

READ MORE Visit assiniboine.net/news for the latest news.

Adult Collegiate Mature Student High School

Ivanna Diakiv

Parkland Campus Mature Student High School

Matthew Jordan Reicker

School of Agriculture & Environment Agribusiness

Pamala Kerkowich

Baking Foundations

Wei Zhu

Civil Technician

Tetiana Melnichenko

Civil Technology: Municipal Engineering

Kyle Martin

Communications Engineering Technology: Wireless

Wenbin Zhang

Culinary Arts

Sherilyn Grant

Environmental Technologies: Land & Water Management

Rute Salemon

Geographic Information Systems

Jeremy Miller

Horticultural Production

Daniel Giesbrecht

Hotel & Restaurant Management

Ravinder Kaur

Food Processing

Molakdeep Panesar

Sustainable Food Systems

Gurdeep Kaler

School of Nursing

Above: Nolan Twerdoclib receives his One to Watch award and Police Studies certificate.

School of Business

Comprehensive Health Care Aide

Jordan Granberg

Comprehensive Health Care Aide

Madison Thompson

Comprehensive Health Care Aide

Kulwinder Sandhu

Comprehensive Health Care Aide

Jonathan Drinkwalter

Comprehensive Health Care Aide

Samantha Robak

Comprehensive Health Care Aide

Lydia Taylor

Practical Nursing

Mariah McCue

Practical Nursing

Kylie Lenton-Sing

Accounting Advanced Diploma

Ye Ji

Practical Nursing

Jennifer McCorrister

Office Management/Medical Administration

Darise Peters-Fontaine

Practical Nursing

Adesuwa Ekomwenrenren

Business Administration General

Tyler Antoniuk

Business Administration Accounting

Selena Hofer

Business Administration Financial Services

Jessica Schwartz

Business Administration Human Resource Management

Kailan Dreolini

Business Administration Marketing

School of Trades Applied Plumbing Installation

Clarence Catcheway

Automotive Technician

Sly Konowalchuk

Carpentry and Woodworking

Marlon Turner

Carpentry and Woodworking

Amanda Medley

Construction Electrician

Stephen Smith

Industrial Metals Fabrication

Jay Genaille

Jaclyn Desaulniers

Piping Trades

MacKenzie Shackel

Finance Advanced Diploma

Xuan Hieu Nguyen

Power Engineering

Ryan Kokorudz

Human Resource Management Advanced Diploma

Evelyn De Jesus

Welder

Skyler Payette

Interactive Media Arts: Interactive

Prince Zapanta

School of Health & Human Services

Interactive Media Arts: Media

Desiree Brightnose

Early Childhood Education

Gladys Abubaker

Legal Administration

Hayley Matiowsky

Education Assistant

Akayla Veysey

Marketing Advanced Diploma

Amandeep Kaur

Police Studies

Nolan Twerdoclib

Medical Administration

Yosselyn Moya

Network Administration Technology

Lena Sudermann

Social Service Worker

Rukayat Dauda

Welder

Skyler Payette

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MCDONALD‘S BURSARY FUNDING FUTURES Michael Thompson is creating the life he wants in part thanks to the support of the McDonald’s bursary.

While working for a company that was hired to provide hospital patients companionship during their stay, Michael Thompson realized he was meant to work in health care.

“Through that exposure I just saw the health care field, and I liked what I saw.”

His first step in this direction was completing the Comprehensive Health Care Aide (CHCA) program at Assiniboine. Now, after a winding education journey, he’s back at Assiniboine as a Practical Nursing student and is the first recipient of the McDonald’s Bursary for Practical Nursing.

After growing up in Brandon, he graduated from the CHCA program in 2011. Wanting to continue to challenge himself and grow his career within the health care field, he pursued a few different channels, between focusing on nursing then medicine at Brandon University then University of Manitoba.

After some family loss and illness put a speed bump in this path, when Michael’s dad passed away in 2016, he moved back to Brandon and ultimately took a break from school.

“I tried going back to school and wasn’t quite ready for it,” he said.

“There was a point there where I had accepted that dad was gone and life was different. I accepted that, but I hadn’t come to terms with it.”

“By the time that I did come to terms with it, it was too late in the school season and my grades weren’t doing so great. So I just finished off and thought, ‘I’m not going to pursue this for now.’”

He continued to work as a Health Care Aide and eventually decided he was ready to get back to 24

his education, confident he could enhance his contribution to the field as a nurse.

“I guess it was being inspired by what I was seeing, wanting to do more and contribute more. Be more challenged with jobs and skills,” he said of the choice to take the leap into nursing.

“

Since dad passed there isn’t really anyone in the parental figure to sign for loans, lines of credit and that sort of stuff.

My mom does what she can but there are limited funds available for that, so the award really helped take a lot off my plate for the first little bit of tuition.”

He says his return to school, revisiting Assiniboine and enrolling in the Practical Nursing program, worked both in timing and in education approach, noting the college’s hands-on approach.

“The timing is better for me at this point. The teaching style is focused around the student,” he said.

“I can have difficulties concentrating­­—jiggling and clicking pens and not focusing. The learning platform is more my style.”

The McDonald’s Bursary was started by a local franchise owner after a McDonald’s employee completed the Practical Nursing program through substantial personal commitments. The award will now go to a Practical Nursing student who emulates the determination of this alum.

“It was so helpful. It was great to receive that. It was a blessing and much appreciated,” Michael said of the award.

“Since dad passed there isn’t really anyone in the parental figure to sign for loans, lines of credit and that sort of stuff. My mom does what she can but there are limited funds available for that, so the award really helped take a lot off my plate for the first little bit of tuition.”

“It kind of frees up money for the next term and having to deal with life. It made that transition from working to student life much easier.”

As he works through his first year in the program, Michael has his sights set on a long nursing career where he’ll continue to push himself.

“I used to work in emergency as an aide. I’ve worked on surgery floors and those are pretty interesting so maybe something along those lines. Something more intensive.”

READ MORE Visit assiniboine.net/news for the latest news.

w o n k o Get t ALUMNA CRYSTAL BUHLER

Crystal Buhler, BAccS.,CPA, CGA, CIRP, LIT studied Business Administration (‘00) at Assiniboine and is currently self-employed at C. Buhler & Associates Ltd. as President and a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT).

Can you describe your occupation?

become a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. All in, it took over a decade to achieve the credentials necessary, but my time at Assiniboine was a necessary foundation for all the years which followed. It’s an investment I’m very glad I made.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Every day it’s something different. I can go

Did you receive a scholarship, award before you came to Assiniboine or during your time as a student? I do recall that having been active

I’m the type of accountant who helps people and businesses in financial difficulty. As a LIT, I work with debtors and creditors to negotiate restructuring plans, proposals and/or bankruptcies.

from discussing the impact of debt on one’s mental and physical health, to reviewing and commenting on draft federal legislation, to analyzing the value of assets, and attending court hearings all in the course of a day. As we practice in both Manitoba and Northwest Territories, we use technology to help us be accessible to our clients and staying current with technology can be very challenging.

Why did you choose this career path?

It’ll sound cliché, but this is what I was meant to do. I’ve tried other areas of accounting, but nothing ‘clicks’ for me quite like working with and for those affected by debt.

in high school sports and having good marks did provide funding that covered most of my first year, by way of scholarships and bursaries. It made it possible for me to concentrate on my studies while in school, and made me feel responsible to do my best, knowing others had chosen to invest in my future, even before I knew exactly what that would look like. Now, as a parent with children considering Assiniboine for their post-secondary education, scholarships and awards are one of the significant factors they consider when evaluating colleges. I’m proud to say Assiniboine has made the ‘short list’ as our children make their selections.

Did you find it difficult to find work in your field? Yes and no. There are approximately 1,000

What career related volunteer or community activities are you currently involved in?

licensed insolvency trustees in Canada, so we aren’t overly common to start with. That is both good and bad—there’s lots of work, but mostly in the major cities in Canada. As a born and raised Brandonite, I wanted to stay close to home, where my family lives. I was mentored by amazing professionals in Winnipeg, but ultimately found that starting my own firm in Brandon was the best fit for our family.

Also, because we use technology so extensively, we have been able to open remote offices in Winnipeg and Yellowknife, while working from Brandon.

Did you do any further education? After Assiniboine, I enrolled in the (then) Certified General Accountant (CGA) program and obtained my Bachelor of Accounting Science through the University of Calgary, and my CGA designation.

Following several more years of training, I received my Chartered Insolvency Restructuring Professional (CIRP) designation and passed the examinations to

Starting one’s own business doesn’t leave much time for volunteerism; however, I’ve been actively involved in the CPA Financial Literacy program over the last year and a half. I enjoy discussing budgeting and financially related topics with all ages, but especially school-age kids. I also enjoy riding with “The Prairie Gunslingers”, a group of 1880’s-esque horse-back bandits who rob the Prairie Dog Central railroad (near Winnipeg), with proceeds of each robbery going to various charities, with an emphasis on charities supporting those with cancer. Having lost three family members in the last three years to the disease; I carry a special memento on my saddle for each of them when I ride.

Do you have a career ‘highlight’ that you’re most proud of? In summer 2015, I received

the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professional’s New Member’s Award of Merit. I was honored to have been nominated,

CONNECT Search cbatrustee on Instagram to stay up to date!

but even more honored to be handed my award by my mentor, for whom I had worked with, and who was one of the pioneering females in our industry.

To top it off, the awards dinner was on top of a mountain in Whistler, and my husband and many close friends were there.

What first attracted you to the program that you took at Assiniboine? I chose Assiniboine because it was a two-year program. After having just finished high school, the thought of launching into a four-year degree was daunting, and I assumed I would finish my diploma and work.

Which I did while continuing to go to school. The transferability of Assiniboine’s courses into CGA was vital to my eventual choice to pursue my current career.

What were the most important skills that you gained at Assiniboine? Networking. Every

significant job I’ve had from my time at Assiniboine to starting my own firm was in some way related to an Assiniboine alumni. Even today, many of my professional friends are connections I made while at Assiniboine. Networking is a valuable tool for any professional.

What advice do you have for people who may have similar interests in this field or a related one? Accounting as a profession is

a fantastic choice and will only become more diverse and progressive because of the integration of technology. Some of my best friends are accountants, and for each of us, our days look very different. Very few have a traditional accounting ‘desk job’. It is a growing and exciting area of business. As for being a LIT, all across Canada we are still a relatively rare commodity, so it’s a promising field to get into. It’s very gratifying to use my education and training to make a positive impact on someone’s life in a measurable and meaningful way.

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RESEARCH UNDERWAY Applied research focus:

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Establishing a partnership with Vermillion Growers, Manitoba’s first large-scale vegetable greenhouse, has faculty researchers at Assiniboine studying sustainable crop production technologies and integrated pest management solutions.

Further research on the potato sector in partnership with the Manitoba Horticulture Productivity Enhancement Council (MHPEC) will generate knowledge, technologies, and products to enhance potato production and industry sustainability.

Together with Ag-Quest Inc., research will identify the most effective fungal strains to promote early seeding potency and growth in annual field crops grown on adverse soils.

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Follow @AgAssiniboine on Twitter or Collaboration with the Manitoba Pulse Instagram see the latest Agriculture andtoSoybean Growers (MPSG) will related news. develop survey protocols for disease and

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insect pests, soil fertility, and agronomy.

This is in support of Roquette’s $400M pea processing facility currently under construction near Portage la Prairie.

Assiniboine awarded $190k NSERC grant for applied research in agriculture.

Assiniboine Community College has received a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) grant of $190,880 to build applied research capacity in support of Manitoba agriculture, innovation and sustainability.

“As Manitoba’s ag college, we are thrilled to receive NSERC support that allows us to further our contributions to the provincial agriculture sector, assisting employers in a tangible, solutionoriented manner,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President Academic at Assiniboine.

The research grant spreads over two years, enabling the expansion of applied research projects while furthering the college’s partnerships with industry. This research will enhance regional innovation, productivity and competitiveness in the agriculture sector.

Faculty researchers Dr. Poonam Singh, Dr. Sajjad Rao and Dr. Baljeet Singh will provide scientific leadership to the applied research projects.

Students in agriculture and environment programs at Assiniboine will be involved in field and lab activities related to the research, as part of the

‘learn by doing’ philosophy integrated into the college’s programs.

Assiniboine’s program leadership in agriculture and environment education began in the 1980s with farm production and agribusiness management programs. In 2011, a certificate in Horticultural Production program was developed around four key sectors of production horticulture: greenhouse, nursery, fruits and vegetables, and parks and landscape. Four years later, a postgraduate program in Sustainable Food Systems was introduced, emphasizing innovation in food production, food security, and post-harvest management to address a gap in hands-on training related to food production safety in the Prairies.

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the college recently received $950,000 from the Ag Action Manitoba Program for industry-driven applied research. This research contributes to the development of agricultural knowledge and skills and improves competitiveness and sustainability in Manitoba’s agriculture, agri-food and agriproduct sectors.

NEW PARTNERSHIP OFFERS 200+ ONLINE COURSES New online programs and courses from Continuing Studies at Assiniboine are meeting learners at home.

The new online learning pportunities, in partnership with academic organizations UGotClass and Ed2Go are enabling learners to develop their skills at time and pace which suitable to their lifestyle.

These courses intend to help community members expand their knowledge and transferable skills in key areas without any financial limitations.

Through these partnerships, Assiniboine is offering over 200 course topics from Ed2Go and ten certificate programs from UGotClass, in addition to existing online programs and courses.

“The expanded selection of online courses offered through Continuing Studies can provide learners with pathways to building credentials for either personal or professional reasons,” said Diane Shamray, Vice President, International and Acting Director of Continuing Studies at Assiniboine.

“Learners will have the opportunity to take a single course or take a cluster of courses that can lead to a credential in a particular field.”

Online UGotClass programs: • Accounting and Finance for Non-Finan-

Top left: Baljeet Singh BSc, MSc, PhD instructs a class of students during a field trip.

Above: Sajjad A. Rao BSc, MSc, PhD in the North Hill campus sustainable greenhouse.

Left: Poonam Singh BSc, MSc, PhD with a crop of tomatos from the North Hill campus sustainable greenhouse.

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cial Managers Business Writing Coding Data Analysis Graphic Design Software Essentials Management Online Teaching Project Management Web Design Workplace Conflict Solutions

Learning online is an accessible way for individuals to invest in their professional development, explore career options or expand their list of credentials.

These learning opportunities are also responsive to local employers’ needs as noted in the Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Skills and Opportunities Roundtable Summit report.

“We have heard from local employers that along with skilled labour, they’re looking to employ individuals with strong and relevant soft skills,” said Cathy Snelgrove, president of Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

“Learning online and taking on the challenge of expanding your knowledge are an excellent place to acquire these soft skills that employers so desire.”

To learn more about Continuing Studies’ online offerings and academic partnerships, visit assiniboine.net/learnonline.

Assiniboine programs: • Cannabis Industry Specialization • Prairie Horticulture • Administrative Assistant Online Ed2Go course interest areas: • Arts and Design • Business • Computer Applications • Information Technology • Teacher Professional Development • Health and Fitness • Language • Writing 27

200+ online courses & programs now available!

EDUCATION DESIGNED FOR TODAY Invest in yourself with Assiniboine’s newest online programs and courses!

Get the education you want—in the way that you need.

Continuing Studies at Assiniboine now offers hundreds of online programs and courses at assiniboine.net/learnonline.

Follow your passion, upgrade your skills or embark on a whole new career path—these flexible learning options let you set the pace while providing the support, guidance and expertise integral to your success.

assiniboine.net/learnonline