ISSUE 33 • 2015
NEW Adventure Expeditions at Simcoe/Norfolk Campus (Page 4) I N SI D E: Remarkable Friendship Lasts Test of Time (Page 10) Claire Burgess, Self Employed Artist (Page 18)
Table of Contents: Publication Date: Spring 2015 Executive Editor
Catherine Finlayson
Managing Editor
Joanne Wallace
Graphic Design
Si Design
Fanshawe Photographers
John Sing Agata Lesnik
Alumni PERKS
Tim Ambrose
Alumni Associate
Renee Crowe
Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus Renovation Complete.................................................................... 4 4
Fanshawe EMS Grad Perry Prete pens thriller trilogy ............. 9
Alumni Board of Directors: Gail Malcolm (President), John Yandreski (Past President), Colleen Breen (Vice President), Veronica Barahona, Mandy Bennett, Colleen Douglas, Joseph Dunlop-Addley, Catherine Finlayson, Brenda Fontana, Kacey German, Matt Stewart, Jordan Hobbs, Vaughan Scriver and Tim Wharton.
Remarkable Friendship Lasts Test of Time and Distance.......10 Fanshawe Grad Curates Eric Atkinson Exhibition.................... 12 Alumni Profile: Claire Burgess, Self-Employed Artist ............ 18 6
The Story is the Star in Fanshawe’s New Marketing Campaign.......................................................... 26 Ahhh…Student Massage Clinic Welcomes Alumni................. 28 28
Keep in Touch/Class Notes......................................................... 29
About our Contributors:
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written consent. Cover photo courtesy of Robin Tapley. Fanshawe College Alumni Association Room K1011, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P. O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, Canada N5Y 5R6 Tel: 519-452-4285 Out-of-town: 800-661-ALUM Fax: 519-452-1051 E-mail: alumni@fanshawec.ca Website: www.fanshaweforever.ca Mailed under Publications Mail Agreement Number 40063557
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Finally, a College Credit in Beer.................................................. 21 Alumni @ Work............................................................................ 22
Alumni News is published twice a year by the Fanshawe College Alumni Association and the Fanshawe College Office of Advancement & Alumni. It is distributed free to Fanshawe College alumni. Others may subscribe for $10 per year, plus HST. This publication is available in an alternate format. For information, please contact the Alumni Office. Publication of information about individuals, organizations or companies does not imply endorsement by Fanshawe College or the Fanshawe College Alumni Association. We welcome, but cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or artwork. Please enclose a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for return.
Who’s Ready For An Adventure?................................................ 6
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Joanne Wallace is an award-winning copywriter and editor whose client list includes the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, the Universities of Toronto and Waterloo, and many organizations in the not-for-profit and charitable sectors.
Andrew Gunn is a graduate of Queen’s University and McMaster University. He is currently the Regional Advancement Coordinator at Fanshawe College. In his spare time, Andrew operates the online magazine Canadian Interviews.
Nancy Delorey is a graduate of Fanshawe’s Broadcast Journalism and Corporate Communications and Public Relations programs, and currently serves as the College’s Alumni Relations and Communication Coordinator.
Kyle Rooks is a storyteller who spends his days sharing compelling stories of Fanshawe students, employees and alumni. He holds a BA in Journalism from Carleton University and a Masters in International Public Relations from Cardiff University. He joined Fanshawe in July 2014.
A LU MN I O F F IC E
Milestones: construction, renovations, growth! After wrapping up a tremendous year, Fanshawe College continues to grow significantly, and all thanks to our Alumni, friends and supporters. We are embarking on yet another remarkable year with construction beginning on our newly acquired property in downtown London, formerly the Kingsmill building. We see continued growth at both our new aviation building at the London International Airport and downtown at the Centre for Digital and Performance Arts. While we are always looking to the future of Fanshawe and our Alumni we also take time to pause and reflect on some of our current projects, which include the conclusion of the renovations at the Simcoe/Norfolk Regional campus. In the pages ahead you will see what a difference the renovations have made for the students and staff of the campus. We also highlight one of the exciting new programs running out of the campus, the Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership program. As we keep reaching milestones in our current $100 million Remarkable campaign, I am happy to announce that we are currently at 90% of our goal, which would not have been possible without the help of generous supporters and Alumni just like you! Reaching all of these remarkable accomplishments and seeing our campaign nearing completion – we have our Alumni Board volunteers to thank. They dedicate countless hours to the success of events, campaign initiatives and keeping our Alumni engaged. As always, we thank all of our Alumni who stay engaged and help ensure the success of future Fanshawe College Alumni.
Catherine Finlayson
Executive Director Advancement & Alumni
Stay in touch! • Email us at alumni@fanshawec.ca • Call us at 519-452-4285 • Update your address and submit a class note at www.fanshawec.ca/alumni @fanshawealumni facebook.com/fanshawealumni Are you a writer? We’re accepting story pitches!
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SIMCOE/NORFOLK REGIONAL CAMPUS RENOVATIONS COMPLETE
By Andrew Gunn
This is an exciting time to be studying or working at the Simcoe/ Norfolk Regional Campus of Fanshawe College. With a major renovation project now complete, students and staff are ready to embrace new opportunities to make Fanshawe a more dynamic contributor to the local economy and culture of Simcoe and Norfolk County.
Now That the Dust Has Settled … There is a renewed sense of optimism in the hallways at the Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus of Fanshawe College. Staff and students have recently been through a major renovation and lived to tell the tale. Visitors to the campus will be impressed by the contemporary feel of the facilities. The James N. Allan Building on Ireland Road now features revitalized classrooms, an expanded welding lab, flexible learning environments, and a spacious multi-purpose lab. While the final results may look terrific, the journey to this particular destination certainly had a few rocky moments.
Philip Race, whose late father John made a substantial gift to support the Simcoe/Norfolk campus renovation, celebrates at a special event with chair Donna Gates.
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After a long period of planning and consultation, construction began in May 2014. The hope was that necessary work could be completed in time for the first day of school in early September. This timeline proved to be a touch optimistic! With students set to return and construction workers still populating the halls, staff members had to scramble to manage schedules and arrange alternative classroom and meeting spaces. “We are very excited to have the renovation project completed,” says Donna Gates, chair of the Simcoe/Norfolk Campus. “It was a challenge at times, no doubt, but we made it through and now can turn our attentions to the future. We are focusing on showcasing the new facilities to prospective students, and exploring what new initiatives we can undertake to serve our community.”
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Thanking the Community Local philanthropist John Race was a passionate supporter of the Simcoe/Norfolk renovation project from the outset. Although frustrated to some extent that the project had been slow to begin, Mr. Race made a generous gift of $50,000 to Fanshawe shortly before his death on April 16th 2014. This wonderful gesture was formally recognized with an event at the Simcoe/Norfolk campus on the morning of October 7th 2014. Chair Donna Gates welcomed the assembled guests. Philip Race, son of the late John and the late Hazel Race, spoke memorably about the relationship between his father and mother, their shared commitment to philanthropy, and how his father truly viewed Fanshawe as an integral part of the community. Dennis Travale, Mayor of Norfolk County from 2006 to 2014, attended the ceremony and shared his memories of John Race, as did Catherine Finlayson, Executive Director of the Fanshawe College Foundation.
After a tour of the renovated campus, Philip Race joined a group of roughly twenty Fanshawe staff and supporters for an afternoon visit to Long Point Eco-Adventures [see story, page 6]. The purpose of the trip was to learn more about the Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership program now housed at the renovated campus, and to have lunch and some time to chat at the nearby Burning Kiln Winery. This turned out to be a very fitting and enjoyable celebration of the gift made by John Race. Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to reflect on how this kind of generosity can impact a community, and to consider what new programs could be developed at the Simcoe/Norfolk campus. Now that the renovations are complete, the future is wide open!
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WHO’S READY FOR AN ADVENTURE? By Andrew Gunn
Photo courtesy of Robin Tapley
At the newly renovated Simcoe/Norfolk Regional campus, Fanshawe’s unique Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership program prepares students to work in the fast-growing eco-tourism industry. Ontario’s Norfolk County is blessed with a combination of natural beauty, biodiversity and tourism amenities, making it the ideal setting for Fanshawe’s exciting new Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership program. Launched in September 2013, this two-year co-op diploma program attracts those who crave genuine challenge, love the great outdoors, and have a desire to travel. Students train to work in the eco-tourism industry as interpretive naturalist leaders, developing the skills they need to guide others through outdoor activities designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of our natural environment. Graduates may pursue careers in the fields of natural history, adventure program development, environmental research, and attraction development. 6
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Careers in these fields offer limitless possibilities. One of the main draws for students is the fact that graduates can find employment locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Responding to consumer demand and preparing entrepreneurs Robin Tapley is the program coordinator, and a remarkably enthusiastic promoter of this type of education. He has built a long career in designing exceptional adventure experiences. Robin notes a growing demand for exciting, innovative activities – whether for individual travel or corporate retreats. The challenge has become how to deliver these memorable moments in a hands-on, participatory fashion. Robin teaches students how to plan and present these experiences to customers.
An essential feature of the program is a close relationship with Long Point Eco-Adventures, one of Ontario’s leading outdoor adventure companies.
While the program’s emphasis may be on having a great time outdoors, it delivers much more than a walk in the park. Students also develop the knowledge and skills necessary to operate an eco-tourism business. Areas of study include marketing, business, communication strategies and media, ecological practices and principles, flora and fauna, geology, wilderness first aid and more.
An essential feature of the program is a close relationship with Long Point Eco-Adventures, one of Ontario’s leading outdoor adventure companies.
This close relationship between Fanshawe College and an exceptional local business is one reason prospective students are beginning to recognize Norfolk County as a premier destination for eco-tourism education.
Long Point Eco-Adventures concentrates on providing guests with unique experiences, which might include kayaking, fishing, zip-lining, camping, and stargazing. Fanshawe students have access to the Long Point Eco-Adventures site southwest of Simcoe and learn the finer points of how to develop, operate, and manage such an attraction.
It is also significant that the Long Point Eco-Adventures site is located close to the UNESCO Long Point World Biosphere Reserve, one of the grandest examples of a Great Lakes coastal eco-system. Students in the ‘Adventure Expeditions’ program at Fanshawe are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn in such an environment.
Long Point Eco-Adventures a willing helper
Steve Martin is the General Manager of Long Point Eco-Adventures, and also serves as a Business and Marketing Instructor in the Fanshawe program. “The relationship between my role as General Manager at Long Point Eco-Adventures and the students has been unique as well,” Martin comments. “Being a potential employer for some students as well as hiring a few of them for contract positions as their own boss right after their first year worked out well for both sides!”
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The Long Point Eco-Adventures site offers students an unparalleled learning experience with its proximity to one of the grandest examples of a Great Lakes coastal eco-system.
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A LU MN I P R O F ILE
Fanshawe EMS Grad Wears Many Hats – Including Author and Publisher Perry Prete says his mother was convinced he’d grow up to be a lawyer. “She always said I had the gift of the gab, and could convince anyone to do anything.” Turns out this skill set is good for other careers as well. At age 52 Perry’s mastered several: television editor and switcher, paramedic, business owner, author, and – most recently – publisher. From TV broadcast technician to paramedic
The Sudbury native moved with his family to London in the mid ’70s, and first came to Fanshawe to study television broadcasting. He loved the course and the work he found in Sudbury after he graduated. But he realized quickly that making a career of it would require moving to a big city – something he wasn’t prepared to do. And then, as sometimes happens, fate stepped in. “I was working for the summer in a factory after I’d come back to London and happened to get injured. It wasn’t anything serious, but at Emerge I bumped into an old buddy from high school. He was a paramedic and told me what a great job it was.” Perry returned to Fanshawe for what was then an intensive one-year program and graduated as a paramedic in 1983. He found work the next year with the Leeds Grenville Paramedic Services in Brockville where he’s been for 30 years. From business owner to author
In 1987 Perry launched Sands Canada, a manufacturer and distributor of emergency supplies for EMS, fire departments and police services across Canada and around the world. Although his hands were pretty full with this enterprise and full-time ambulance work, he decided to launch yet another venture – writing a novel – when a broken elbow benched him for six weeks. Always an avid reader, Perry had dreamed of writing. So, following the adage to “write what you know,” he penned All Good Things, a murder mystery about an Ottawa-based paramedic named Ethan Tennant.
The series has expanded to include three titles, with a fourth due for publication next fall. In each story Ethan stumbles upon a mystery. What fascinates Perry about his success is the reaction from readers within the EMS community to the subplots – which are about Ethan’s day-to-day ambulance work. “Paramedics have a very high burn-out rate,” says Perry. “It’s a tough job, and emotionally draining – some of the readers who write to me say they really appreciate seeing their day-to-day struggles dramatized in such a compassionate way.” Self-publisher and mentor to budding authors
It’s clear Perry’s novels have found their audience, but getting published was a bit of an uphill battle. So much so that in the end he simply launched his own publishing company. Sands Press is a self-publishing – or, as Perry prefers to call it – an “assist-publishing” company offering editing, proofreading, layout and design, and a full slate of marketing services to new authors. Upcoming offerings range from children’s books to poetry, along with what Perry calls a spine-tingling ghost story. As for what’s next for Perry, he’s looking forward to retiring from EMS work, moving someplace tropical, and dedicating himself to his writing. Find Perry’s Ethan Tennant books All Good Things, The More Things Change, and The Things That Matter Most (Part 1) at Amazon, Sands Press Canada, or your local independent bookstore. Look for Things That Matter Most (Part 2) in fall 2015 and a to-be named volume of supernatural short stories in 2015. FANSHAWE COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS ISSUE-33 2015
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Remarkable Friendship Lasts Test of Time and Distance
By Kyle Rooks
Joe Chalmers has a special place in his heart for Fanshawe College. It’s where he gained the knowledge and expertise to become a successful entrepreneur in his native Montserrat. It’s also where he developed a remarkable friendship with now-retired professor Ron Hansen. This friendship has seen Ron and his wife visit Joseph and his family for 35 consecutive years. One of Fanshawe’s first international students
A spirit of hospitality
Joseph Chalmers was born and raised on the tiny mountainous Caribbean island of Montserrat, and was one of only two international students enrolled at Fanshawe between 1969 and 1971. He came to Canada to study Electronic Engineering Technology, and made the most of his two-year stay in Canada by participating in student politics, joining the College’s symphonic chorus, and more.
After that, Ron and Joseph made the 80-kilometre trip to Ron’s home in Seaforth for many a weekend. Joseph speaks fondly of those trips, especially the going-away party the Hansens and their neighbours threw before he returned to Montserrat. “I told them if they ever found themselves in Montserrat, I would love to return the favour,” he says.
Ron Hanson recalls stopping Joe Chalmers in the hall one day to see how he was enjoying Canada. Ron says, “Joseph told me there was one thing missing: he wanted to meet more Canadians.”
At that time Ron Hanson was working as one of Fanshawe’s inaugural staff members. He recalls stopping Joseph in the hall one day to see how he was enjoying Canada. “Joseph told me there was one thing missing: he wanted to meet more Canadians,” says Ron. “I told him my wife and I could certainly take care of that.” 10 ISSUE-33 2015 FANSHAWE COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS
Ron and his wife were no strangers to the Caribbean, having travelled regularly to St. Vincent at the time. “One year, we thought, ‘Why don’t we take Joe up on his offer?’” says Ron. “So we did – and we had such a wonderful time, we never went back to St. Vincent.” 2014 visit takes place in London
By 2014 the annual visit was a cherished tradition for both Ron and Joseph. So, when health issues prevented 80-year-old Ron from making the 3,400-kilometre trip, Joseph came to London instead. “It’s a pleasure to see him again,” said Joseph, sitting on a bench next to his wife, Mary, outside F building on a sunny July day. “Ron is a great man. We’ve come to love him a lot.” While in town, Joseph made a point of touring the London campus. It had been a while since he walked the halls of the College – he’d been back just once, in 1995 – and he was amazed at how much has changed. “I’m impressed and pleased with the school’s progress,” he says. “When I attended Fanshawe, there were three buildings and maybe 1,000 students; now there are 17,000 students. That’s more than the population of Montserrat.”
Alumnus Joe Chalmers and his wife, Mary enjoy a sunny day at Fanshawe College, London campus. The College has certainly grown since the days when Joe was a student, but it’s the friendships and skills he took away from Fanshawe that he cherishes most.
Entrepreneurial dream comes true
During his annual visits to Montserrat, Ron grew to love the picturesque island and its culture. But he also got to see first-hand how Joseph was putting his education to work. Joseph originally used his Fanshawe skills to find work at the Caribbean’s most powerful radio station. Afterwards, he applied for and was awarded a Radio Shack franchise. Ron encouraged him because Radio Shack was a “good Canadian company.” Still later Joseph opened an independent electronics and department store that his family operates to this day. Joseph is thankful to Fanshawe for providing him with the skills and confidence to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. “I owe a tremendous debt to Fanshawe,” he says. “Everything I have been able to accomplish with my business is a result of the education and experience I received at Fanshawe.”
Joseph enjoyed his international-student experience so much he hopes one of his three grandchildren may follow in his footsteps. “It’s too early to speak, but I hope at least one of them will be able to come to Fanshawe.” Ron couldn’t agree more. “I would hope so. Then (Joseph) would visit more often too.”
When I attended Fanshawe, there were three buildings and maybe 1,000 students. Now there are 17,000 students. That’s more than the population of Montserrat!” Electronic Engineering Technician ’71 grad Joseph Chalmers, on returning to Fanshawe in summer, 2014
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Journeys through the Landscape
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Fanshawe Grad Terry Graff Curates “Eric Atkinson: Journeys through the Landscape” at Beaverbrook Art Gallery By Joanne Wallace
Back in the early ’70s, Terry Graff was an eager young art student at Fanshawe, and “Ricky” Atkinson was his teacher and mentor. Today, Terry is Director, CEO and Chief Curator of one of Canada’s most important art collections, where he recently mounted a retrospective of Ricky’s greatest works.
Eric Atkinson (left) and Terry Graff at the opening of Journeys Through the Landscape at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, June 2014. The work in the background is Eric’s painting titled Mendelsohn Songlines, 2000 (borrowed from a collection of the McIntosh Gallery)
Not everyone knows that famed Canadian landscape painter Eric “Ricky” Atkinson was also the founding Dean of Fanshawe’s first fine art program. Nor do most people know that London, Ontario was a hotbed of arts innovation in the late ’60s and early ’70s – or that this excitement was further fuelled by a revolutionary shift in visual art education first brought to Canada from the U.K. by Ricky himself, who had been at the centre of the storm at Leeds College of Art in England. But one man in certain possession of both these facts was Terry Graff, Fanshawe fine art grad (’76), former student of Ricky’s, and now Director, CEO and Chief Curator of the Beaverbrook Gallery in Fredericton, N.B. Last spring Terry was researching the radical shift in arts education centred in Leeds and Newcastle in the late ’50s and 1960s, and reached out to his old teacher for a front-line perspective. One of the things that came out of this reconnection was Journeys through the Landscape, an exhibition of Ricky’s work at the Beaverbrook Gallery this past summer and fall. Assembling the exhibition gave both mentor and mentee a chance to reflect on their connection to one another, and to the far-ranging impact of their time together at Fanshawe.
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“British Invasion” in Arts Education Starts at Fanshawe In the mid-1950s an English artist and teacher named Harry Thubron pioneered a new way of teaching art. Building on ideas from the German Bauhaus movement, Thubron advocated teaching the underpinnings of all art, which meant teaching foundational skills such as visual literacy, use of colour, establishment of form, construction of space, etc. This was in addition to the old academy-style art education, which concentrated on teaching specific skills, like drawing, painting and sculpting, and was viewed as a radical departure at the time. Thubron, who was Head of Fine Art at the Leeds College of Art in Yorkshire, England at the time, eventually handed the reins to a bright young artist named Eric Atkinson, who took over as head in 1962. Atkinson, steeped in the ways of Thubron, brought these revolutionary ideas to Canada when he was invited to establish a fine art program at one of the country’s brand-new community colleges in London, Ontario.
Famed “Fanshawe Scroll” Still Honours Ricky’s Contribution
It wasn’t easy teaching in those early years. When Ricky arrived to teach his first class he found no art library and no slide projector. Undaunted, he sat his students down on the floor, taped a long roll of paper along the classroom walls, and began drawing the history of art, from Classical Greece to Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock. He chuckles today, remembering the students seemed shocked to discover he could draw. This sheet of paper is preserved at Fanshawe and is known as the “Fanshawe Scroll.” It hangs in the visual art hallway today as a testament to Ricky and his influence on generations of art students.
Atkinson, aka “Ricky,” came to Fanshawe in 1969 and immediately set out replicating the Leeds experiment. It was perfect timing. Canada’s new community colleges were just establishing themselves, and Fanshawe intended to be a leader in this new kind of “hands-on” arts education. Over the next decade Ricky established not only the visual art program, but the MIA, Radio and Television Arts, Design, Film, Hotel Management and Hospitality, and Foods programs as well.
When Ricky arrived to teach his first class he found no art library and no slide projector. Undaunted, he sat his students down on the floor, taped a long roll of paper along the classroom walls, and began drawing the history of art, from Classical Greece to Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock.
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Eric Atkinson: Art Visionary In 1942, a 15-year old Ricky Atkinson was working as a Civil Defence Messenger, delivering notes between air raid posts during German bombing raids on the North of England.
• Born Hartlepool, England, 1928
During this time Ricky was billeted at an art gallery in his hometown of West Hartlepool, where he had plenty of time to absorb the paintings and drawings in the gallery’s collection.
• Head, Fine Art Department, Leeds College of Art 1962 – 1969
Ricky began drawing for himself as a way to pass the long lonely nights spent in the neighbourhood’s air-raid shelters. That’s when he discovered he wanted to be an artist.
• Elected Member of the Royal Canadian Academy 1978
Today, Ricky is well known as one of Canada’s leading artists, producing expressive abstract landscapes. He is known for incorporating sand and inscribed markings in his work – a habit he acquired after one of his paintings blew off the easel, landing face-down in the sand on the beach he was painting.
• Exhibits in group shows across Canada, Europe and the United States 1952 – 1988
The sand stuck to the wet paint, and Ricky suddenly thought “why am I trying to replicate the landscape, when I can use part of the landscape in the painting?”
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• Educated at West Hartlepool College of Art and the Royal Academy Schools in London, England • Senior Lecturer, Leeds College of Art 1956 - 1962
• Dean, Faculty of Applied Arts, Fanshawe College 1969 – 1980
• Professor, Fine Arts Department, Fanshawe College 1979 – 1994
• Many solo shows in Europe and North America • Work hangs in dozens of public and private collections around the world Fanshawe Alumni in the London area can see Ricky’s work at The McIntosh Gallery at UWO, Fanshawe College, McMaster University Art Museum and Thielsen Galleries.
Terry Graff: Distinguished Curator
In 1973 an 18-year old Terry Graff knew for certain he wanted to be an artist, and hoped to attend OCAD, the Ontario School of Art and Design. But one day, in his high-school guidance office, he noticed a flyer for a new program at Fanshawe College. It sounded very progressive, so he sent off an application. Some weeks later, he was invited to come for an interview and bring a portfolio of his work. “It was Ricky who greeted me,” says Terry today. “He took me to his office and set all my work up against the wall and gave me a mini-critique of what I was doing. It was a heady feeling – being taken seriously as an artist, even though I was just a kid.” Terry says after touring the facility he was just bowled over, especially with the fact that all the instructors were working visual artists. “When Ricky offered me a spot in the program, I just jumped at it.” Today, Terry is one of Canada’s foremost curators and senior arts administrators, a gifted artist, writer and teacher. He currently serves as Director and CEO/ Chief Curator at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, home of one of Canada’s most important collections. Among his many accolades, one of which he is especially proud is Fanshawe’s Distinguished Alumni Award, awarded in 2011.
• Born Cambridge, Ontario, 1954 • Educated at Fanshawe College (1973 – 1976), Jan Van Eyck Academie, Netherlands (1977), University of Guelph (BA in Fine Arts, 1981), Wayne State University (post-graduate studies in Art Education, 1984 – 86), Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (MA in Art Education, 1991) • Taught visual arts at both secondary and university levels, 1986 – 1991 • Distinguished curatorial and administrative work at many of Canada’s most renowned galleries, including Confederation Centre Art Gallery (Charlottetown, PEI), Rodman Hall Arts Centre (St. Catharines, Ontario), Mendel Art Gallery (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), and Beaverbrook Art Gallery (Fredericton, NB), 1991 – 2014 • Creator of multi-media installations Tantra Mantra, Cosmic Sea, Ecotopia, Duck Decoy #4, and more • Curator of such exhibitions as Hot Pop Soup: Neo-Pop Trends in Contemporary New Brunswick Art, Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and Eric Atkinson: Journeys Through the Landscape (co-curated with Ted Fraser)
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A LUM N I P R O F ILE
Claire Burgess Fashion ’93
Claire Burgess • Fashion Design, 1993 • Raised in London • Currently lives in Toronto • Self-employed artist/ craftsperson • Portfolio includes: designing, sculpting, sewing and detail work involved in building lifesize mascots, puppets and plush toys
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Photo courtesy of Roberta Baker
Seamstress, sculptress and all-round fabric artist, Claire Burgess runs her own one-woman studio where she builds life-sized foam-and-fabric mascots for sports teams, corporations, conventions, special events and stage productions around the world. Q: How on earth did you start making mascots? A: I t’s a little-known fact that Toronto is a global centre for mascot-making. The city houses seven or eight companies making mascots for clients all over the world. I spent eight years as a production manager with one called Loonie Times, and after a while decided to open my own studio. Now I sub-contract with my previous employers as well as many of Toronto’s other mascot-makers. Q: Is this what you imagined you’d be doing, after graduating with a diploma in Fashion Design? A: O ddly, it’s not too far off the mark! I’d originally chosen Fanshawe for its strength in hands-on training, because I was interested in a career in theatre or TV. I didn’t want to be a fashion designer so much as I wanted to make awesome costumes. At Fanshawe they put a lot of effort into teaching the mechanics of garment construction, which I think sets it apart from other fashion schools. Q: Tell us about your typical day. A: I n the trade I’m known as a “coverer,” meaning somebody else carves and hollows out the mascot’s head, and then it comes to me to be covered with a fabric “skin” and have its facial features brought to life. After that I build the soft-foam body, much of which is sewn by hand. If the mascot is wearing a costume (like Snap, Crackle or Pop, or Dora the Explorer) I then sew the clothes for it. I also build puppets and “plushes” – soft fabric dolls in whatever style the client wants. I once did a series of hornets for a kids’ soccer team. I work by myself in my own studio, and one of the things I love about that is being able to choose my own hours. I’m often most productive in the evening, so that’s when I tend to do much of the hands-on
work. But I also live and work close to some of my major clients, so in the daytime I’m often visiting or working onsite in their workshops as well. Q: What are your greatest challenges? A: I think the biggest challenge of any selfemployment is that little worry about where the next contract is coming from. I’ve been lucky; in my six years of working for myself I’ve always had enough work. Another challenge is the work is seasonal – in my business it always slows down from January through to about March. Q: W hat’s the craziest thing you’ve ever made? A: Th at’s a tough one, I’ve made some pretty crazy stuff! But I think it would probably be Scholastic Book’s old mascot, Miss Spider. She had six legs, moving eyes, long sweeping eyelashes, and eyelids that had to blink. But the real kicker was she had a pocket full of baby spiders! A nother project that meant a lot to me was creating mascots for a kids’ TV series called Ned’s Newt. My older brother Michael was an animator, and had created the original characters. Sadly we lost Michael to cancer, and some years later I was asked to build the mascots for the series. It was so moving when they brought me the artist’s sketches for the project, and I saw they were my brother’s drawings. Q: What’s next for you? A: I don’t think I’d ever go back to working for someone else, although I might branch out into other kinds of sewing. I do occasional film and commercial work, and enjoy that as well. For now I’m content to stay where I am. The business seems to be pretty much technology-proof. The mascots are pure fun – and wanting to entertain people and make them smile never goes out of style. FANSHAWE COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS ISSUE-33 2015
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REMARKABLE LEARNING. REMARKABLE RESOURCES. REMARKABLE RESULTS. THIS IS OUR VISION.
Something truly remarkable is happening at Fanshawe College. Our downtown campus is taking shape in the heart of London. Increased student enrollment and successful graduates are strengthening the economy throughout the region. Researchers – in touch with industry – are developing innovative responses to real-world challenges. Building on this momentum, our historic 100 million dollar Campaign will allow us to take the next step - but we can’t do it on our own. Your support will help us provide the best tomorrow for our students, communities and region. Learn more and donate at fanshawec.ca/remarkable
fanshawec.ca
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Founded in 1967, Fanshawe College has more than 200 diploma, degree and apprenticeship programs; 18,000 full-time students, 26,000 part-time students and 160,000-plus alumni living and working around the world.
FINALLY, A COLLEGE CREDIT IN BEER Now in one place: everything you always wanted to know about beer but were afraid to ask. Fanshawe’s School of Continuing Education now offers a three-level Beer Enthusiast program, perfect for those in the hospitality industry, or who just want to know more about their favourite brew.
By Nancy Delorey
Beer, the beverage we know and love, has come a long way. Once the medieval drink of choice for the simple reason that it was safer than water, beer has exploded in popularity in recent years. That’s because the drink itself has changed. The beer of our fathers and grandfathers has morphed into a sophisticated brew that now has its own subculture of experts and connoisseurs. Keeping up with this booming industry, Fanshawe College has recently introduced a sommelier-style Beer Enthusiast program in collaboration with Prud’homme Beer Certification. Prud’homme was developed in 2009 by Canadian beer education company Thirst for Knowledge and is the first and currently only beer certification program in the country.
Fanshawe’s program is offered through the School of Continuing Education and Career Advancement, and offers an in-depth look at beer history, styles and taste profiles, as well as advice on cooking with beer and pairing it with your favourite foods. Beer Enthusiast – Level One is the introductory course, and covers brewing ingredients and processes, tasting concepts, pouring and serving concepts, and food pairings. Two more levels, Beer Specialist and Beer Expert will complete the program for graduates seeking certification. Perfect for everyone from the hobby enthusiast to the hospitality professional, this is one college credit that shouldn’t be too tough to obtain. Besides, the homework will be fun. For more information, visit Fanshawec.ca/ce/ prudhommebeer. FANSHAWE COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS ISSUE-33 2015
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A ALUMN LUMNII P@R O WO F ILE RK
Why one successful London business counts on the skill-set of Fanshawe grads to build its brand. Leavens Volkswagen is a proud supporter of Fanshawe College in many different facets. They contribute to the athletic scholarships offered to student-athletes and have an award for students in the Automotive Service Technician program. Leavens also provides unwavering support to the Athletics department. And above all they believe in the education that Fanshawe provides. Leavens has been hiring our graduates for years. We went to visit the folks at Leavens and they had nothing but praise for the education at Fanshawe College. Dave Graham, the General Sales Manager and also an alumnus says, “We have found that Fanshawe graduates come to us with a great work ethic and the skill sets needed for today’s customer focused automotive retail and service industry”. Adding, “Fanshawe provides new-hire graduates with the most current knowledge and training needed for a seamless transition into today’s workforce. They come with a readyto-work attitude which I feel is the greatest asset they bring to our team here at Leavens Volkswagen”. Clinton Smith, one of their newer hires explains how Fanshawe prepared him for the work force, “Fanshawe prepared me greatly as it provided me with a hands-on approach to learning. The Business program set me up to be prepared for when I decided to take the jump into a career. You cannot find institutions that truly will go above and beyond to help each individual reach their highest level of success. Every faculty member is in a position to openly welcome each student and help them as much as possible as long as the student is ready and willing to absorb all of the knowledge they have to give”. *You could be our next stop for our “Alumni @ Work” tour. If you know a business that hires Fanshawe grads, please email us, alumni@fanshawec.ca
Leavens and Fanshawe – an exceptional partnership!
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ave Graham, D General Sales Manager, Leavens Volkswagen (Fanshawe College Graduate – Business Marketing, 1998)
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Clinton Smith, Sales and Leasing, Leavens Volkswagen (Fanshawe College Graduate – Pre-Health Science, 2011; Business, 2013)
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arin Koprowski, D Financial Services, Leavens Volkswagen (Fanshawe College Graduate – Business Marketing, 1998)
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A lex Cano, Technician, Leavens Volkswagen (Fanshawe College Graduate – Automotive Service Technician, 2012)
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ey e on siv m clu ve ex ts! Sa ith un w sco
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PLANNING A HOLIDAY? THERE’S A PERK FOR THAT! As a Fanshawe alum, you’re entitled to exclusive money-saving discounts, including these awesome travel services, activities, attractions and more: Budweiser Gardens
InTravel.ca
Choice Hotels Canada
Johnson Insurance
Delta London Armouries
National Car Rental
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Ontario Science Centre
The Grand Theatre
Royal Ontario Museum
Great Wolf Lodge
VIA Rail
Hockey Hall of Fame With more than 50 exclusive offers for our Alumni, Fanshawe has PERKS for everyone!
A PORTION OF YOUR PERKS PURCHASE SUPPORTS TODAY’S STUDENTS Tim Ambrose Alumni Outreach Coordinator
Every time you access a PERKS offer, a portion of your purchase is given back to Fanshawe College by our PERKS partners.
Corporate Communication and Public Relations ’05
Those funds support awards and bursaries, student and alumni events, and other Fanshawe activities. You get a great deal, and today’s students get your caring support. Thank you!
Not signed up yet? Get your PERKS card today at www.fanshaweforever.ca
For a complete listing of Alumni PERKS, please visit: http://www.fanshawec.ca/alumni/benefits-services/perks
FANSHAWE COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS ISSUE-33 2015
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THE STORY IS THE STAR IN FANSHAWE’S NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN Fanshawe’s recent ad campaign features real-life students and alumni, and is aimed at building brand awareness and attracting new students. Fanshawe alumni have the opportunity to share their stories globally in the College’s first-ever brand campaign, the most ambitious marketing effort in its near-50-year history, aimed at building awareness and attracting prospective students to the College. Targeted at both high school students and mature learners, Your Story is an interactive and engaging multi-year campaign with the tagline “Your story is our story.” The campaign is focused on telling Fanshawe’s story through the stories of the 43,000 students, 2,500 employees and 160,000 alumni who have experienced the College first-hand. “Everyone has an interesting story to tell, whether it’s overcoming challenges, doing something they never thought possible or helping others succeed,” says Tony Frost, Fanshawe’s Executive Director of Reputation and Brand Management. “Stories
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are a powerful medium because they capture our attention, tap into our emotions and ultimately drive our behaviour. We want to harness that power to get students thinking about Fanshawe.” Frost says the Your Story campaign marks a significant departure from Fanshawe’s typical approach to marketing, noting it’s a “natural progression” that has seen many organizations investing in brand campaigns to help build and maintain their reputations with key audiences. “Until now, our promotional activities focused on a specific program or school. Now, the conversation begins with the College as a whole – telling our brand story and building pride and a connection with the College by sharing compelling stories of how Fanshawe educates, engages, empowers and excites in everything we do.”
At the heart of the campaign is a website (www.fanshawec.ca/yourstory) where students, staff and alumni are encouraged to submit their stories, share with their contacts, read other submissions and nominate others to share their own stories. Three feature stories kicked off the campaign including the inspirational story of Stephanie Keenan, a 20-year-old Automotive Service Technician student who isn’t letting stereotypes define her as she looks to carry on a family legacy by working in the traditionally male-dominated world of auto mechanics.
Campaign advertising featuring Stephanie and the representatives of the other two groups – Professor Liz Gray and alumnus Brandon Doneff – began appearing in key markets in November, covering a range of channels including print, cinema, billboards, bus shelters and digital media. In January, that advertising was refreshed to feature three stories submitted during the first two months of the campaign. “We plan on refreshing our advertisements throughout the campaign, meaning everyone who shares their story will have an opportunity to be the face of Fanshawe,” says Frost. “How often do you have the opportunity to see yourself on a billboard?”
Alumni are encouraged to submit their stories to www.fanshawec.ca/yourstory
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Ahhhh…
Student Massage Clinic Welcomes Alumni Need a little TLC? Fanshawe’s massage therapy students can help. MEND, the new student massage clinic, is now looking for clients who can help them refine techniques learned in the classroom
Second- and third-year students in Fanshawe’s new massage therapy program are eager to gain practical experience in both technique and customer service. The question is, where to find a steady supply of customers needing massage-therapy treatments?
“It’s wonderful to see the students gaining confidence in their skills, overcoming their initial nervousness and really building their technique,” says Wendi.
The answer? A fully-equipped on-campus clinic where students can practice their technique, and customers enjoy great service. Customers also get a great price, and if you’ve got an alumni card you qualify for an even steeper discount: $12 for a 45-minute treatment.
The clinic is often looking for customers with specific issues. “Recently our students were learning about tendonitis and bursitis,” says Wendi, “so it’s helpful to have customers book treatments for those specific issues. It gives the students reallife opportunities to practice what they’re learning in the classroom.”
The clinic opened this past September, and program co-ordinator Wendi Rosco says business has been brisk, with both students and customers loving the experience.
Appointments at MEND are available Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6 and 9 p.m., and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. They can be booked online at www.mendmassage.ca.
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KE EP IN TO UC H
What’s new with you? We’d love to hear from you with anything you’d like to share with your former classmates.
s age
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Keep in touch with us and please send in any address updates! Web: www.fanshaweforever.ca E-mail: alumni@fanshawec.ca Phone: 519-452-4285 Toll Free: 1-800-661-ALUM Mail: Fanshawe College Alumni Office K-1011, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London Ontario Canada, N5Y 5R6 Follow us: facebook.com/fanshawealumni twitter.com/fanshawealumni Richard Dakin (Legal Office Administration ’76) Richard attended Osgoode Hall Law School and graduated in 1985, was called to the Bar in 1987 and is now Senior Legal Counsel at Intact Insurance Company, Mississauga, Ontario. Liya Matveev (Travel and Tourism ’12) Liya has just begun a new job in Dubai with Emirates Airlines. She loves to travel and says, “It doesn’t feel like a job because every flight is a new destination with new people. It’s an amazing opportunity.” Dan Morand (Developmental Service Worker ’95) Dan is back in London after spending 10 years in Eastern Canada, where he set up a long-term residential program for men with addiction issues. “There is no bigger reward than helping hundreds of people move forward in their lives.”
Carlie McGhee (Broadcast Journalism ’03) Carlie now works as a Marketing and Communication Specialist with Elle Canada. Paul Papineau (Physical Fitness Evaluator ’82) Paul attended UWO after Fanshawe, and coached college and university volleyball after graduation. He played beach volleyball around the U.S. and Canada for five years, then moved to Ottawa and then California to pursue work in the high-tech sector. He has two daughters, who both played high-school volleyball. Paul visited Fanshawe in 2008 and had a beer at the Ceeps – “Wow, Fanshawe has really expanded!” Bob Miller (Architectural Technology ’03) Bob is married with two boys and says he has a great job and a great life! “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Architectural Technology program at Fanshawe.”
Steve Brazier (Business Administration Marketing ’82) Steve is a Chartered Accountant providing professional tax and accounting services in London, Ontario for more than 20 years. He also holds a BA from UWO, and teaches Principles of Accounting 1004 at Fanshawe. “As an alumnus, it’s an exciting opportunity to help educate the next generation of bright accounting students.” Married to Rosie, Steve has two children and a grand-dog named Phil. Rob Gilgan (Music Industry Arts ’80) Rob continued in the music business for a dozen years, then went into journalism/publishing, and now works in alumni engagement at Red Deer College. “Three grown kids, in a great relationship, life is so good and so much better than I deserve. It’s a rare day I don’t use something I learned at Fanshawe.”
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Michael Callihoo (Respiratory Therapy ’11) Michael is currently working full-time as a Registered Respiratory Therapist for the Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre, and is proud to hold the Certified Respiratory Educator (CFE) designation from the Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, and to contribute regularly to the newsletter of the Respiratory Health Educators Interest Group. Kim Hall (Child and Youth Worker ’91) Kim is a Fanshawe Child and Youth Worker grad and spent 21 amazing years working in children’s mental health before coming back to Fanshawe as full-time faculty in the Child and Youth Worker program. “Doesn’t get more full circle than that! Loving it!”
Sheila Saarela (RPN ’78, St. Thomas campus) Since moving to Timmins in 1986, Sheila has specialized in Occupational Health Nursing and works for a large international gold mine employing 700 people. Sheila and her husband hope to return to London when they retire in the next seven-to-eight years. “Our class has its own reunion every five years – how memorable they are!” Harold Gilpin (Broadcasting Radio ’94) Harold retired (2008) a proud grandfather of two grandsons (Jacob, 7 and Joshua, 6) and one granddaughter (Jennifer, 20 months). “Fanshawe College was the best three years of my life. Would not have been possible without the guidance and friendship of the late Mr. Barry Sarrazin, Fanshawe Radio Boss! R.I.P., my friend.”
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Marcello Bigotti (Marketing, Computer Support Specialist, Computer Support Specialist Advanced ’90) Marcello works as an eLearning Manager for one of Canada’s top five banks, where he is able to combine his twin passions for creativity and technology. “I get to work with great people every day and make a difference in people’s lives, both in the organization and in the communities we serve.” Juan Gamez (Architectural Technology ’97) Juan is currently working for Google Support in El Salvador as Technical Specialist, Google Apps.
Brought to you by… Your Alumni Board!
Your Alumni Board: 1st row: Gail Malcolm (President), John Yandreski (Past President), Colleen Breen (Vice President), Veronica Barahona, Mandy Bennett. 2nd row: Colleen Douglas, Joseph Dunlop-Addley, Catherine Finlayson, Brenda Fontana, Kacey German. 3rd row: Matt Stewart (FSU President), Jordan Hobbs, Vaughan Scriver, Tim Wharton.
Join the conversation and stay in touch • Follow us on Twitter @ twitter.com/fanshawealumni • Become a fan on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/ fanshawealumni
•S hare the latest issue of AlumniNews online @ http://issuu.com/fanshawealumni •U pdate your address at www.fanshaweforever.ca
For more information on the board and on volunteering, contact Timothy Ambrose at t_ambrose@fanshawec.ca or 519-452-4430 x4711.
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AS A MEMBER YOU GET MORE. THEN YOU GET MORE.
Fanshawe College Alumni members enjoy discounts, personalized service and additional coverage. Plus, get a home, auto or travel insurance quote for a BAHAMAS $5,000 chance to win BIG and win MORE – a TRIP foR CASH Two new BMW 3 Series, PLUS a dream trip to the Bahamas, PLUS $5,000 cash.* Visit www.johnson.ca/getmore for details.
Home+Auto Insurance1 Call 1-877-742-7490 (Mention group code FL.)
MEDOC® Travel Insurance2 Call 1-855-733-6817 1 Johnson Inc. (“Johnson”) is a licensed insurance intermediary. Home and auto policies are primarily underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company (“Unifund”). Unifund and Johnson share common ownership. Auto insurance not available in BC, SK or MB. An alternate plan is available in QC. Eligibility requirements, limitations, exclusions or additional costs may apply, and/or may vary by province or territory. 2MEDOC® is a Registered Trademark of Johnson Inc. MEDOC is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada and administered by Johnson Inc. Johnson Inc. and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada share common ownership. *Contest runs from Aug 1/14 to July 31/15. Contest open to persons who, at the time of entry, are: (i) members of a participating Johnson affinity group, (ii) residents of Canada (excluding QC, NU) and (iii) of age of majority in their province of residence. No purchase necessary. Eligible policyholders automatically entered. Limit of three (3) entries per eligible person. Chances of winning depend on number of entries received. A time limited skill-testing question is required. Total prize value is approx. $60,000 CAD. Vehicle may vary from illustration. BMW Canada Inc., including its parent company, subsidiaries, divisions and other operating entities, has neither authorized, sponsored, nor endorsed this contest. BMW, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks and images are the exclusive property and/or trademarks of BMW AG. Full contest details at www.johnson.ca/getmore. MVM.11.14
Alumni! Please send in your address changes: www.fanshawec.ca/alumni