Community Report 2012-2013

C O N N E C T I O N S 2 0 1 2 -2 0 1 3 C O M M U N I T Y R E P O R T

From Iqaluit to India and many places in between, 2012 and 2013 represented a wealth of connections for Langara College. Our Community Report traces the success stories of the past two years: the outstanding work of our faculty, students, and staff; the exciting partnerships that came to fruition; and the inspiring connections that developed on campus and beyond. We invite you to learn about Langara’s effect on local, regional, and global communities.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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BOARD MESSAGE

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STUDENT SUCCESSES

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PROGR AMS AND STUDENTS

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COMMUNIT Y HIGHLIGHTS

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AT H L E T I C S H I G H L I G H T S

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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

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CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS

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I N N O VAT I O N A N D S C H O L A R S H I P

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CONNECT WITH US

04

First and foremost.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Connections are at the heart of the Langara community.

In cities like Iqaluit and London, and countries like

Every day students, faculty, and staff connect with

Costa Rica, Nepal, and Kenya, our students made indelible

one another in simple and complex ways to realize new

impressions through a variety of volunteer initiatives.

ideas. Those ideas spark collaborations, build on existing

We are proud of their commitment to being exemplary

partnerships, and inspire connections to the world beyond

global citizens.

our campus.

These are only a few examples of the exciting connections

We recognize that post-secondary education is changing.

at Langara. Innovation continues to be an integral part

To remain at the forefront of connecting people with

of our campus community. From new programs like

learning opportunities, Langara initiated its first-ever

Bioinformatics and our partnership with the Western

Academic Plan in 2013. When completed, the plan will serve

Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants, to faculty-led, cross-

as our blueprint for delivering high quality, relevant, and

disciplinary research projects and award-winning student

valuable programming over the next five years.

work, Langara is enhancing its reputation as a place for

Over the past two years, we have strengthened our

collaboration and excellence.

existing connections, while continuing to make new

I invite you to connect with us and learn more about our

ones. From India, Langara welcomed the first intake of

College of higher learning.

students from the INSCOL Academy, which offers exclusive opportunities for Indian nurses to become global nurses.

The experience proved to be an incredible learning opportunity for the visiting students, as well as Langara’s domestic nursing students and faculty. From South Korea,

Roy Daykin

30 students participated in the Summer English Language

President, Langara College

Program organized by Langara’s International Education Department. The visit was made possible through our 2011 Memorandum of Understanding with Seoil University.

In 2012, Langara received the largest endowment scholarship in the history of our College. The $1.3 million Jeani Read-Michael Mercer Fellowship for Journalism Students represents more than just new learning opportunities – the generous gift creates an enduring relationship between the Read and Mercer families and Langara. It connects budding journalists with industry professionals, enabling both to pursue excellence in their field.

05

Guiding our interests.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The end of 2013 marked the completion of Langara's fiveyear strategic plan, but our sights are already set upon the future. With the initiation of the Academic Plan, the College begins mapping its priorities for the next phase of growth and development. In the meantime, we continue to build on our past successes and enhance our reputation as a global campus.

Langara values innovation and collaboration and it is important to us that our strategic priorities continue to create opportunities for and access to higher learning. By forging new international partnerships, we open doors for our students and faculty. By maintaining a culture of respect and support, we enable all members of our campus community to do their best work.

Going forward, we will maintain the course we have set and continue to guide the College’s future. We thank you for your support.

2012 - 2013 Board of Governors L to R: Teresa Lu, David Bowra (Vice-Chair), Brian McGibney, Dean Tsatouhas, Anne Lippert (Chair), Zdenka Buric, Jas Sandhu, Kwin Grauer, Stacey Edzerza Fox, Mark Smith, Gerda Krause, Jeff Lowe. Regrets: Megahn McCarthy, Roy Daykin (President)

Board of Governors, Langara College

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

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Making their mark.

STUDENT SUCCESSES

There was a lot for students to celebrate in 2012 and 2013.

The 25th anniversary edition of Pacific Rim Magazine, the Langara Publishing Program’s flagship publication, saw 17,000 copies distributed through the Globe and Mail newspaper in May 2013. Each year, the producing

Langara students have a long history of supporting charitable organizations and 2012 was no different. The Langara Biology Club Evolved presented the Children’s Wish Foundation with a $700 cheque and created three annual scholarship awards of $400 each for biology students.

class continues the magazine’s commitment to exploring

On the performing arts front, Studio 58 had a phenomenal

engaging stories and professional production values.

46th season. From timeless tales to rock musicals, there was

In 2012, the largest endowment in Langara's history was established. The $1.3 million Jeani Read-Michael Mercer Fellowship for Journalism Students creates two $10,000 annual scholarships that encourage students to continue

something for everyone. The 2012 and 2013 seasons featured Julius Caesar, 4Play, Attempts on Her Life, The Government Inspector, Spring Awakening, Balm in Gilead, and the Risky Nights Series.

their pursuit of journalism excellence through mentorship.

As for Langara’s alumni, they continue to be exemplary

Derek Bedry and Carly Wignes were the first recipients of

local and global ambassadors for the College. The annual

the scholarships in 2012, while Steven Chua and Jules Knox

Outstanding Alumni Awards celebrate the contributions

received the prizes in 2013.

of exceptional alumni who have enhanced the reputation

For three successful years, Langara has partnered with advertising agency Rethink to offer a scholarship in Continuing Studies towards the College’s acclaimed Communication Arts Program. The 2012 winners were Stella Gutierrez and Keiko Horiguchi who each won an $18,000 prize.

The work of Langara Professional Photo-Imaging student Jhoana Tamayo was featured on the cover of Applied Arts magazine’s November/December 2012 issue. Her photograph “Painted Lady” was the winning entry in the magazine’s annual Creative Excellence awards competition.

In the fall of 2012, nine Langara students received Irving K. Barber Transfer Scholarships. The scholarships, worth $5,000 each, are awarded annually to undergraduate students who have completed two years of post-secondary education in BC, and who are transferring to another institution within the province to complete their degrees.

of the College through their inspirational careers. The 2012 recipients included director, author, actor, and teacher Carmen Aguirre; former Vancouver mayor, Order of Canada recipient, and philanthropist Sam Sullivan; and renowned public artist Joseph Montague. In 2013, the recipients were Hon. Judge Reginald P. Harris of the BC Provincial Court; journalist and talk show host Simi Sara; and actor, comedian, and author Colin Mochrie.

Read-Mercer, Rethink, Applied Arts Magazine, Studio 58, Outstanding Alumni Awards

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

CNSA National Conference, INSCOL Partnership, Nunavut

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Opportunity knocks.

PROGR AMS AND STUDENTS

Since 2011, Langara has built upon its international partnerships and we continue to expand our program offerings to domestic and international students.

One of the partnerships forged in 2011 was with India’s INSCOL Academy, the education division of INSCOL Hospital, one of the leading healthcare service providers in Chandigarh, India. In 2012-2013, Langara expanded on its INSCOL Academy partnership by offering a Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Management for Internationally Educated Nurses. The program welcomed its first intake and provided an incredible experience and learning opportunity for students and faculty.

Langara's School of Nursing enjoyed national accolades when its student delegates hosted the largest Western/ Prairie Regional gathering in the history of the Canadian Nursing Students' Association (CNSA). The event also marked the first time in 41 years that the conference has been held in BC. In addition to being named School of the Year at the 2013 CNSA national conference, the Langara School of Nursing won the bid to host the 2014 CNSA national conference in Vancouver.

In January 2013, six Langara nursing students travelled with faculty members to India for a six-week internship at the Royal Institute of Nursing, where they held free clinics in local communities and spoke about the importance of health care to residents.

In April 2013, Langara Faculty of Nursing instructor Suki Grewal was honoured by the College of Registered Nurses of BC with an Excellence Award for Advocacy. Suki was recognized for her work in establishing an international practice experience for Langara nursing students in India, and for improving healthcare access for South Asian women in BC.

In 2013, Langara's Continuing Studies Department launched a Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) Program, the first of its kind at a public post-secondary institution in BC. In June 2012, the Bachelor of Recreation Management Program – the only two-year degree completion program of its kind in Canada – graduated its first class

In July 2012 and 2013, Langara welcomed groups of students from Seoil University in Seoul, South Korea. The visits were made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding with the institution to establish scholarly ties, facilitate academic cooperation, and promote mutual understanding.

The students were on campus to participate in a threeweek Summer English Language Program organized by

of students. The unique degree combines recreation

Langara’s International Education Department.

and business courses into one program to build on

In October 2012, Langara launched its Certificate

students’ understanding of community, recreation, and management theory.

Langara is also the first college in Western Canada to offer a qualification in bioinformatics. Launched in 2012, the Bioinformatics Program applies information technology principles to biology and medicine. The program takes advantage of Metro Vancouver’s position as a major global hub for bioinformatics. The two-year associate degree program allows for efficient transfer into third-year science at BC universities, while the two-year diploma

Training Program for School Community Counsellors in Nunavut. The three-year program, which was the result of an agreement between Langara's Continuing Studies Department and the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Education, began in Iqaluit with 19 students flying in from their communities to take classes together for two weeks. The students attended a welcome event that included a traditional feast, musical performances, and an appearance by the Hon. Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut.

program prepares students for entry-level positions in the burgeoning industry.

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

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Out of this world.

BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

Langara continues its tradition of building meaningful

The previous year was also a busy one for Langara. The

connections on campus and beyond.

College became a Google campus in 2012 and joined a list

In September 2013, Langara organized a panel discussion of elders, Aboriginal community representatives, and residential school survivors to complement nationwide Truth and Reconciliation events. The event, which had more than 150 people in attendance, was moderated by Musqueam Elder-in-Residence Gail Sparrow and created a forum for meaningful and impactful story sharing and progressive dialogue.

Also in 2013, the College launched a partnership with Canuck Place, providing the hospice with fee-waived computer courses for two staff and two volunteers each semester. As Canuck Place’s Official Training Partner, Langara’s gift of education not only supports the organization's development goals for staff, but also expands upon a similar partnership Langara established the year before with the Vancouver Giants. In 2012, the

of some of the world’s leading colleges and universities mapped by the internet giant. Two Google vehicles – a car and a "trike" – mounted with state-of-the-art image capturing equipment photographed Langara as part of Google’s elaborate Street View project. Google users, including prospective students and nostalgic alumni, can now tour the campus online.

In 2012 and 2013, Langara’s Math & Science Division hosted the Careers in Science Speaker Series, a set of one-hour lectures where students were invited to listen to leading industry professionals as they shared their insights into the fields of math and science. Langara also hosted the annual BC Secondary School Mathematics Contest for the Vancouver Region. All BC students in grades 8 to 12 were invited to compete for the top prize in the Junior (8 to 10) and Senior (11 to 12) divisions.

College worked with the Western Hockey League team to

In October 2012, Langara's Fine Arts Department hosted

make post-secondary education accessible to its players.

a public art walk. The event saw more than 70 high

Langara also sponsored the Academic Player of the

school students joining Langara students for a tour of

Month Award, granting $200 prizes to Giants players who

eight prominent public art pieces along the Canada Line

demonstrated academic excellence and achievements off

SkyTrain route. Afterwards, the group participated in a

the ice.

hands-on session on campus where they created their own

Earlier in 2013 Anne Lippert, Chair of Langara's Board of

unique pieces.

Governors, was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II

One of the stops on the tour featured Tread Lightly, a

Diamond Jubilee Medal. The honour recognized Anne's

sculpture created by Langara's public art students. It was

exceptional contributions to Langara, the BC college sector,

the first piece produced through a public art initiative

and the greater community as a whole.

between Langara and InTransit BC. Now in its third year, the community partnership has showcased thoughtprovoking works like Placebo 4.9 and Little Shadow.

Truth and Reconciliation, Canuck Place, Vancouver Giants, Google, National Geographic November 2012 saw hundreds of people gathering at

Other unique collaborations in 2012 included one between

Langara to hear Steve McCurry, the famed award-

the Langara Professional Photo-Imaging Program and the

winning photojournalist behind the iconic National

City of Vancouver Archives, which produced a limited run

Geographic “Afghan Girl” image, speak as part of the

of calendars and greeting cards based on an acclaimed

College’s Photography Masters Series. The popular

student exhibition called “Merging Time”.

event has welcomed a variety of high profile speakers since it began in 2011, including photographer Edward Burtynsky, Canadian gallerist Stephen Bulger, and social documentary photographer/filmmaker Phil Borges.

In support of Vancouver’s creative community, Langara was a three-time sponsor for CreativeMornings. The popular monthly breakfast lecture series for people interested in creative industries began in New York, but

Langara’s second art and design auction, “Art-fully Yours”,

now has chapters all over the world. Vancouver speakers

brought together students, employees, alumni, and the

have included Flickr co-founder Stewart Butterfield,

community for a spectacular evening in December 2012.

communications and cultural strategist Amanda Gibbs,

The event featured over 100 one-of-a-kind pieces including

and Juno Award-winning musician Bif Naked.

paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, crafts, and more. The event featured a new art market with smaller gifts and works that were perfect for the holiday season, and over $11,000 was raised for student scholarships.

Langara was also an active community participant at the World Community Film Festival, South Hill Community Festival, and Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver and Surrey.

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

Coach of the Year, Provincial Championships, National Championships, Olympics

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Winning ways.

ATHLETES ON THE PODIUM

There were some standout performances by Langara's

2012 and 2013 were also banner seasons for Langara’s

athletes in 2012 and 2013.

badminton team. The squad won a team bronze (2012)

The Langara Falcons men’s basketball team made history by bringing home 20 victories in the regular season – an unparalleled achievement for a Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) team. They capped off the spectacular run with a 2013 PACWEST championship and a bronze at the 2013 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championships. The team closed out the year by representing the College and Canada

and team silver (2013) at the PACWEST provincial championships. In 2013, Jason Sun won the men’s single title and was named Player of the Year by the conference, while Ashley Jang and Matt Downton took home gold in mixed doubles. In 2012, Alisa Young won silver in the women’s singles event and Luke Couture captured the men’s individual PACWEST title. Luke also won bronze at the 2012 national championships.

at the 2013 Kainan Basketball Tournament in Taiwan.

Former Langara student-athlete Tobias Ng represented

Falcons coach Paul Eberhardt was also named the 2013

Canada at the London Summer Olympics in 2012, competing

CCAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.

in badminton. In London, he played alongside Calgary’s

In soccer news, seven Falcons team members were

Grace Gao as Canada’s mixed doubles pair.

among the winners at the 2013 PACWEST Soccer Awards.

Midfielders Ramsey Alfantazi and Carlos Marquez, defenceman Arved Poetter, and veteran forward Brett Wiens from the men’s team were named 1st Team AllStars. Defenders Lena Soutar and Olivia Kappelli from the women's team were named 1st Team All-Star, with forward Amrit Berar named to the 2nd Team All-Star. Both “Rookie of the Year” titles were also awarded to Langara, with the honours going to Marquez (men's) and Kappelli (women's).

In addition, men’s soccer coach Marc Rizzardo was named PACWEST Soccer Coach of the Year.

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

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Beyond the classroom.

ENHANCING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Langara recognizes the importance of providing

In March 2013, Langara hosted the Vancouver School

opportunities for students to grow and excel beyond the

Board's District Science Fair, one of the largest science

traditional curriculum.

fairs in Canada. Over 200 students exhibited their projects

In 2011, Langara established a partnership with the C.A.R.E. Society to offer the C.A.R.E. Langara Global Travel Award Volunteer Program. The program provides international volunteer opportunities for students to

to nearly 100 judges and were treated to a science magic show by Langara's Chemistry Department, as well as presentations on 3D printing, endangered species, and microcomputers.

develop their leadership skills, civic engagement, and

March 14 was a popular date at Langara. Hundreds of

community-based learning. In 2012 and 2013, participants

students participated in Langara’s annual Math & Science

spent three to eight weeks in destinations like Costa Rica,

Open House, where they challenged themselves with math

Nepal, India, Peru, and Kenya where they volunteered in a

puzzles, played with giant bugs, witnessed chemistry

rehabilitation centre, a school, a monastery, an orphanage,

experiments, tasted fresh ice cream made with liquid

an animal rescue centre, and with local nutrition and

nitrogen, and attended a chemistry/physics magic show.

soccer programs.

The open house culminated in a Pi(e) Day giveaway at precisely 3:14 pm, when students and employees gave out 314 slices of apple and pumpkin pie. Students were also invited to enter for a chance to win $314 in tuition.

C.A.R.E. Society, District Science Fair, iLead Langara held the first-ever iLead Student Leadership

saw a dramatic increase in its list of active student clubs,

Development Conference in October 2012. Designed to

increasing from nine to 40 in 2012. The new clubs represent

support and enhance the culture of student leadership and

a diverse set of areas, including fitness, politics, religion,

engagement at Langara, the conference saw 50 students

and volunteering. As a result, Langara has expanded to

attending to hear from prominent leaders, including

two Clubs Days per year with additional events happening

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Music Director Bramwell

every week.

Tovey, Station X Vice-President of Digital Services Wayne Carrigan, and Beauty Night Society Executive Director Caroline MacGillivray.

Since its launch in January 2012, Langara’s Student Engagement Centre (The Hub) has seen consistently increasing traffic through its doors. The one-stop shop

Langara continued to see record-breaking attendance for

connects students with activities and free resources,

its New Student and Parent Orientations, with over 1,000

including public computers, cell phone chargers, and

new students attending group activities, faculty and staff-

multimedia space. The Hub is also home to Langara’s Co-

led presentations, and campus tours. As well, the College

operative Education Department, and the VOLT student volunteer program.

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

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LEEDing by example.

CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS

Langara is continually looking for ways to enhance our

A complementary virtual Learning Commons is also being

learning environment and support our growing student base.

considered to connect students with one another, as well

In December 2013, Langara held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Science and Technology Building. Slated for

as teaching and learning partners, in an online interactive environment.

completion in early 2016, the building will be home to modern

Langara’s School of Nursing celebrated the opening of

science (biology, chemistry, and physics), nursing, and

their beautifully renovated, state-of-the-art simulation

computer science labs, as well as offices and collaborative

lab in the fall of 2012. The new Nursing Simulation Centre

study spaces. The new Science and Technology Building is

is home to 27 electric beds equipped with oxygen, air,

part of the College's 25-year master plan.

and suction ports, as well as privacy curtains to mimic

In 2012, Langara achieved the gold standard when the College unveiled prestigious LEED® Canada Gold Certification plaques from the Green Building Council of Canada for its Library/Classroom Building and Students’ Union/C Building complex. Since opening in 2007 and 2009 respectively, the two structures have won numerous awards and accolades for their impressive green elements, including the incorporation of wind energy to provide ventilation, the use of fly-ashinfused concrete in construction, and the introduction of the revolutionary Thermenex energy exchange system.

Langara also established a Learning Commons in 2012, a dynamic space designed to support diverse learning styles and encourage opportunities to collaborate, create, and explore. Located on the first floor of the award-winning Library Building, the Langara Learning Commons features: • Expanded and enhanced work spaces and study rooms for both group and individual use • Technology-enhanced tables (Smart Tables) to plug into and share content using laptops and mobile devices • A flexible tutoring space which integrates the Writing Centre and peer tutoring offered by various academic departments

real hospital environments. There are two simulation suites – a community one and an acute care one – as well as the simulation lab and skills lab, which can be opened up to form one larger room to accommodate a bigger learning environment if necessary. The flexible lab space and enhanced equipment, including mannequins with heart, lung, and breath sounds and high-tech human patient simulators, provide students with experiential and supported learning of nursing skills in a more realistic environment.

Science and Technology Building, LEED, Learning Commons, Nursing Simulation Centre

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

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Knowledge sharing.

INNOVATION AND SCHOL ARSHIP

Innovation is an integral part of Langara’s learning community and academic successes.

In 2013, the college initiated its first Academic Plan and when completed, the plan will outline strategies for the development of learning pathways and focus on delivering high quality, relevant, and valuable programming. Implementation is expected in mid-2014.

Also in 2013, Langara established an emeritus program to recognize the distinguished service of retiring and retired faculty members and professional staff who have made outstanding contributions in teaching, research, service, and leadership at the College. The first emeritus designees were former Dean of Continuing Studies Doug Soo, Studio 58 founder Antony Holland, and pioneering biology instructor Michael Holmwood.

Over the past two years, Langara has seen an enhanced profile in the research community. The College received funding eligibility approval from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This eligibility opens numerous opportunities for the Langara community to pursue individual scholarship, academic research, and industry collaborations.

Academic Plan, NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, Research Ethics Board Langara was also formally recognized as a receiving institution by the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfers (BCCAT) in 2013, and is a part of the newly

• Investigating and comparing computerized systems that have math equation editing and solving capabilities, and determining suitability for diagnostic testing

Innovation Network (BCARIN). The latter connects 11

• Planning and implementing an on-site Student Leadership conference that enhances student experience and development

colleges with the intent to develop a collective culture of

• Piloting online tutoring through the Math Help Centre

applied research and innovation.

• Creating opportunities for situated learning with mobile devices and for shared learning through the offering of open seminars

established British Columbia Applied Research and

As part of its scholarly activities initiative, Langara established a Research Ethics Board in September 2012 to review “human-based” research conducted by its faculty, staff, or students. The board meets bi-monthly and has reviewed and approved seven research proposals so far.

A separate approval process is currently being developed for “course-based” research involving humans solely for pedagogical purposes.

Now in its third year, Langara’s Innovation Fund continues to provide resources for new and existing programs, activities, or service opportunities, including those that are cross-disciplinary. The following projects were awarded funds in 2012 and 2013: • Facilitating an international practice experience for Term 8 nursing students

• Creating an orientation video for new nursing students, as well as faculty and staff • Visiting a Kenyan university and conducting a feasibility study about the local context of community nursing practices and assessing student learning opportunities for clinical practice • Piloting a mentorship program in the Film Arts curriculum as a way to increase employment opportunities for students • Determining the appropriate tools for diagnostic testing in an online environment

After a successful inaugural launch in 2012, the College held its second Langara Research Showcase in November 2013. The event aims to promote past and present applied research projects conducted on campus.

• Enhancing the development and learning of Fine Arts students through the organization of a Youth Public Art Walk experience and public lecture

Langara College | 2012-2013 Community Report

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Connect with us.

L ANGAR A AND YOU

Langara's Social

MAIN SWITCHBOARD Do you have a general enquiry about Langara?

604.323.5511 | www.geninfo@langara.bc.ca

FACEBOOK facebook.com/langaracollege

TWITTER twitter.com/langaracollege

www.langara.bc.ca/about-langara/contact

ALUMNI Looking to connect with fellow Langara alumni?

604.323.5948 | alumni@langara.bc.ca

FLICKR flickr.com/langaracollege

YOUTUBE youtube.com/langaracollege

INSTAGR AM instagram.com/langaracollege

GOOGLE+ langaracollege

ADVANCEMENT Interested in making a difference in a student’s educational future through Langara’s Scholarship and Bursary Program?

604.323.5674 | advancement@langara.bc.ca