M Alumni News Summer 2013

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If undeliverable, please return to: Alumni Relations and Services, MacEwan University, City Centre Campus , P.O. Box 1796, Edmonton, AB, Canada T5J 2P2

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Mad Hatter’s Gala

Exceling in the Field of Early Learning

Summer 2013

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MacEwan News

Alumnus Brings Coaching Skills to New Role at SAMU perspective to the program and facilitate student success.

“MacEwan has always put students first. I felt that as a student, and now as a staff member.” says Campbell. “When student success is always the driving force behind your decision-making, students feel that.”

Alongside Alan Riley, the Curriculum Coordinator for the Golf Management Program, Campbell began coaching the first ever

undergone in recent years, Campbell aims to create a stable environment and foundation that the student executive and council members can rely on. “I believe stability and continuity must come from the general manager, who is the connection to the executive and has the ability to carry out their strategic plan.”

Campbell is grateful for all of his experiences at MacEwan and hopes to create a culture in the

“I love MacEwan and I am excited to come in at the student level and have the opportunity to affect change and move goals forward.”

Alumnus Jodi Campbell

As the new Interim General Manager of the Student Association at MacEwan University (SAMU), Jodi Campbell is grateful that his path at MacEwan has led him to this new, exciting chapter in his career.

After completing the Professional Golf Management Program

in 2005 and working as an assistant golf professional, Campbell returned to MacEwan University as an advisor in the Golf Management and Management Studies programs. Having experienced the program first-hand, Campbell was thrilled to bring the student

MacEwan golf team in the fall of 2009. Leading their teams to men’s and women’s team championships in 2011, Campbell and Riley were named Golf Coaches of the Year in both 2011 and 2012 by the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conferences (ACAC). In the same years, Campbell was also nominated for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Coach of the Year.

Over the course of his career at MacEwan, Campbell has had many opportunities to foster and enhance his leadership skills: skills he believes will serve him well in his new role. With the many changes that SAMU has

Students’ Association which will promote positive experiences for the executives and council and will allow them to thrive.

“I have a passion for coaching leaders and mentoring students,” says Campbell. “I love MacEwan and I am excited to come in at the student level and have the opportunity to affect change and move goals forward. I look at my education, experience and personality, and I truly believe it’s a great fit.”

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN! Get your paperless copy of M today. If you are interested in receiving M only by e-mail, please send us your name and updated e-mail address at alumni@ macewan.ca. Thank you!

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MacEwan Alumni News We welcome your feedback and comments.

All correspondence and inquiries regarding advertisements and story ideas should be directed to: Traci Toshack Senior Manager, Alumni Relations and Services toshackt@macewan.ca 780-497-5543 MAILING ADDRESS: Alumni Relations and Services MacEwan University City Centre Campus P.O. Box 1796 Edmonton, AB, Canada T5J 2P2 MOVING? Call us at 780-497-4273 or send us an email at alumni@macewan.ca and we’ll make sure that your record is updated.

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Front Cover: 2013 Mad Hatter’s Gala

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Sports

ACCEPTED!

Griffins Make the Grade and Join Canada West

MacEwan University President Dr. David Atkinson (far left) at the championship celebration of excellence during half time of the “White Out” game.

It was a long and detailed process requiring extensive support from everyone from the university Board of Governors right through to the Griffins’ fans, but the hard work has paid off. On May 9, the MacEwan University Griffins earned probationary membership in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA).

The CWUAA is the most prestigious athletic conference in Canada: its membership has won more national championships than any other athletic conference in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) league. Griffins volleyball, basketball, soccer and cross country running will begin competition in the league in September of 2014, after one transition season in their current league, the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association (ACAC).

The Griffins’ bid received the 75 per cent approval required for Canada West membership, making MacEwan University the 17th member of the conference.

As is customary with all new applicants, the Griffins will hold probationary member status for the first three seasons before a future vote determines if the university will receive full membership status.

“May 9 was an incredible step towards our ultimate goal for Griffins Athletics of full Canada West membership,” says Ken Schildroth, director of Athletics.

“Gathering the necessary votes to secure the approval was the culmination of a lot of hard work and incredible support from the university, staff, students, faculty and the Canada West review committee – everyone involved in the process.”

“A key factor in making ourselves stand out was the support we had from everyone involved.

We demonstrated a strong application and our proposal was a fabulous illustration of how the university community was able to rally around the initiative and show Western Canada how great an institution we are and can be. We are also pleased to be an integral part of the university’s overall branding initiative, which will help expand the reach of MacEwan University through Griffins Athletics.”

The application process was initiated 18 months ago with the submission of a letter of intent followed by the formal application.

On January 10, 2012, MacEwan University hosted a fiveperson review committee for an official site visit. A successful “white out” night was attended by 1,300 fans who witnessed the raising of several championship banners during a basketball double-header at the City Centre Campus gymnasium.

This was followed up by the Griffins’ presentation at the Canada West board meeting in February and the vote at the organization’s general meetings in May. Hockey, curling and golf will remain in the ACAC until the full membership vote is complete. Following a favourable full membership vote, MacEwan University will explore moving additional teams into the Canada West league.

Canada West is consistently the most decorated of the four conferences in the CIS, winning 100 national titles over the last 10 seasons. Comprised of 17 schools from the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan,

Alberta and British Columbia, Canada West produces numerous major award winners and Academic All-Canadian student-athletes each year, with many going on to athletic success around the globe in pro leagues and events such as the Olympics, Paralympics or Universiade Games.

The Canada West membership consists of the University of Manitoba, Brandon University, University of Winnipeg, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University (P), University of Lethbridge, University of British Columbia – Okanagan, Thompson Rivers University, University of British Columbia, University of Northern British Columbia (P), Trinity Western University, University of the Fraser Valley and University of Victoria and MacEwan University (P).

The Griffins will open up their 2013-14 season on September 7 when women’s and men’s soccer take on the Keyano Huskies.

Games starting at 2:00 p.m and 4:20 p.m. respectively at Jasper Place Bowl. Visit MacEwan.ca/ Griffins for all the schedules and results throughout the year.

(P) Denotes probationary membership

Men’s soccer player Andrew Moore (left) presented gift by Cam Leverman,head coach (middle) and Ken Schildroth, Director of Athletics (right)

The Griffin’s Cross Country Team.

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MacEwan News

Hats off

2013 Mad Hatter’s Gala Hats. Simple hats. Dapper hats.

Tiny, feathery fascinators.

Elegant creations that looked like they came straight from Ascot.

Looking out over the crowd at the Shaw Convention Centre, it would be easy to assume that you were looking at a pre-race reception at the Kentucky Derby.

It may not have been the Derby, but it was a night at the races for 720 guests, 50 volunteers and one racehorse at the annual Mad Hatter’s Gala fundraiser on April 27. The cause?

A fundraiser in support of MacEwan University students.

“It’s our goal to give our guests a non-stop, exciting evening,” says MacEwan University’s Michelle Stevenson. And the event delivered from beginning to end. Student performers from the Theater Arts program opened the

evening with a musical number from Guys and Dolls. Guests raced to place bids for the chance to take home one of the more than 80 silent auction items, which included a New York Broadway Experience and an Art Lover’s Tour of Washington, DC. Host Mark Scholz presided over a spirited live auction that featured a VIP jazz and dining experience in New Orleans, tickets to the 2014 Master’s Golf Championship at Augusta National, a trip to experience the 2014 Kentucky Derby, and an original composition by Allan Gilliland, former Composer-In-Residence with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and chair of the university’s Music programs.

Honorary Mad Hatter, Anne McLellan, and Sandra Mattar of Head Case Hats took on the

daunting task of choosing the best of the best from the hundreds of hats on display, and selected Diane Kipnes (as the winner of the Grande Belle award for best ladies hat.

As a souvenir of the evening, guests had the opportunity to have their picture taken with the racehorse (who, fittingly, goes by the name Unbridled Spirit).

In the end, after the gourmet food was enjoyed, the raffles and contest winners announced, and the last dance danced, the real beneficiaries of the night’s activities are the many MacEwan University students who will benefit from the scholarships and awards that will be funded from the money raised through the generosity of the guests and sponsors.

Guests enjoy a “southern inspired” menu compliments of IBM.

This year’s Honourary Mad Hatter, The Honourable Anne McLellan, poses with Sandra Mattar of Headcase Hats.

“As a 2012 Business Degree alumnus, I was thrilled to see that MacEwan offered a discounted rate for alumni,.” Says Matt Burnham (photo right). “As a new business owner attending a fundraiser like Mad Hatters is an absolute must. The networking is invaluable and can play an important role in meeting key individuals in your field of work. I was able to meet many prominent business professionals from around the province, and give back to the University that I love. “ Alumnus Matt Burnham with spouse, Tarilyn Burnham.

Guests enjoy comradery and friendship at the Gala.

MacEwan University President, Dr. David Atkinson, welcomes spon-

Denise Roy, Dean, Centre for the Arts and Communications and

Irv Kipnes joined with wife Diane who was

Allan Gilliland, Music Program Chair takes

sors and special guests in the Sponsor Lounge presented by Wil-

James Brown of Bing Thom Architects take in the evening.

named the “Grande Belle” of the Gala for

home the “Chairman’s Best Prize” for

taking home the prize for best ladies hat.

best men’s hat.

liams Engineering Canada and Stuart Olson Dominion Construction.

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MacEwan News

Hat’s off to MacEwan University’s Student Ambassadors who volunteered throughout the evening.

Alumni Advisory Council member and Bachelor of

School of Business Dean, Elsie Elford with guests

The 2013 Mad Hatter’s Gala presented by Bennett Jones and Deloitte treated guests to

Commerce alumnus Bradyn Arth with guest.

dressed to the highest fashion.

an evening of derby inspired décor and entertainment in support of students.

Hats came in all shapes and sizes at this year’s gal.

Guest don their best vintage and derby hats and attire.

Guests came out in fine fashion to support students.

This year’s ‘Off to the Races’ theme inspired many derby-chic hats and fascinators.

Alumni Relations and Services staff members Rebecca

Vice President, Student Services Catherine Heslep

Mayor Stephen Mandel checks out this year’s silent auction, which boasted over 80

Chelmick (left) and Traci Toshack (middle) with Tim

with spouse Doug McLaughlin.

packages donated by local retailers and service providers.

Rhodes, TD Meloche Monnex (right).

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Sports

FITNESS FEATURE

Tips to Help you Achieve your Health and Lifestyle Goals Keep Fit for the Summer With the summer fast approaching, many of us have already begun training for our summer races, outdoor adventures, or simply our summer body. Often the excuse arises that we are too busy or don’t have time to stay active – at MacEwan University Sport and Wellness, we’re here to encourage you to keep the momentum going and stay faithful to fitness during the summer. If you’re new to exercise, take advantage of the warm weather and start a new fitness routine today!

Start with a schedule.

In the summer, we get busy with extra yard work, nights on the patio, or weekend trips, which can leave physical activity at the bottom of the to-do list.

Treat fitness just as you would any other appointment and pencil it into your schedule – do not make excuses to cancel, no matter how busy you get. Within your fitness plan, be sure to include a balance between aerobic activities and strength training to achieve the full benefits of exercise. Aerobic exercise should be scheduled at least three times a week to help improve heart and lung health.

So start playing outdoor games, dust off your bike, or go for a run in the sun. Add in resistance training at least once a week to improve bone health, body composition and strength.

Stick to your plan.

Plan ahead. Bring your shoes, a change of clothes and a water bottle with you in the morning to use as a friendly reminder of your intent. Go with a set plan to maximize the time you have given yourself for your workouts and keep track of what you have done.

Take your workout plan with you on holidays.

tion will also help maintain your desired body composition as we indulge in the extra food and beverages that tend to be associated with holidays.

Need a plan that travels with you?

To maintain your strength and fitness, you don’t need to bring the gym with you. Although the equipment at the gym may be the best for seeing results quickly, you can maintain strength and endurance with little to no equipment necessary. This can be done through a structured plan that uses body weight exercises or small portable equipment such as a TRX or a resistance band.

These exercises can target your full body and can be completed in a short time. Exercises such as lunges, squats, step-ups or Bulgarian split squats can all be used to challenge the legs without any equipment. Likewise, various push-ups, dips, planks and pullups can all be done to target the upper body and can be adapted to meet anyone’s fitness level.

While on holidays, be sure to keep up with your running, walking and other outdoor activities to maintain your progress.

For a detailed and personalized fitness program you can take with you on holidays, come to MacEwan University Sport and Wellness to meet with one of our highly qualified personal trainers.

Piston

Plyo

Jeremy Potter, a Bachelor of Physical Education graduate and a personal trainer at MacEwan Sport and Wellness, is certified as a personal trainer with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiologists. He specializes in strength and power training, especially for individuals with sport-specific goals.

Many of us take summer holidays from work and go on vacation.

This doesn’t mean you should take a vacation from your fitness routine too. Activity should be maintained on holidays, doesn’t take long to backslide and start losing the health benefits you have worked so hard to achieve.

In fact, research has shown measureable reductions in aerobic capacity performance and physiological function after as a little as one to two weeks’ break.

Reductions in strength take a bit longer to occur, but are still significant after only a couple of weeks of inactivity. Maintaining a fitness routine while on vacaPushup Plank

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child’s play

Exceling In Field of Early Learning on the position of project manager for a new and innovative model of service delivery known as Head Start Child Care in Edmonton.

With a wide array of quality experience under her belt, Ferguson was the natural choice for the job at ARCQE. Ferguson’s journey into the realm of early learning began with her applying to MacEwan while only 16 and still in high school.

While this application was initially declined, a last-minute cancellation got her an invitation to join the program midway through the first month. Although slightly

guson and her colleagues have faced an uphill battle in regards to recognition and understanding for the nature of the profession with the broader community.

“Many people still think this line of work is just glorified baby sitting.

Pay for early learning professionals has traditionally been quite low and at one time was lower than parking lot attendants.”

Fortunately, the importance of the profession is becoming more widely understood, and salaries for Alberta’s Early Learning professionals has improved significantly over recent years. In fact, the suc-

“I honestly wake up each day excited to go to work”

Alumna Corine Ferguson

The potential of young minds to learn and adapt is nothing short of remarkable. This human quality continues to amaze and inspire MacEwan University graduate Corine Ferguson. Since earning her Early Childhood Development diploma in 1985, Ferguson has enjoyed a rewarding career in the exciting and challenging field of early learning and care.

Since its inception in 2004, Ferguson has served as the executive director of the Alberta Resource Centre for Quality

Enhancement (ARCQE); a facility dedicated to providing support and training for the early learning and care sector in Alberta.

“Creativity is crucial for staff here,” she remarks. “There are no clear specifics about your job, so it is more about devising new ways to fulfill your community’s needs.”

Prior to working at ARCQE, Ferguson spent six years after graduating working in the field before taking her first administrative role. After having successfully overseen many projects, she took

intimidated at first, Ferguson quickly felt right at home. “I loved it. There was something about being there that sparked the passion for this work that persists to this day.”

In recent years, the program’s name has changed to Early Learning and Child Care, a reflection of the growing understanding of the importance of the educational component of the profession. With 90 per cent of brain development occurring within the first five years of a child’s life, the learning potential becomes very evident. “We should not be waiting until kindergarten to begin facilitating children’s learning,” says Ferguson. “When you think of the development taking place in those first formative years, you realize the kind of impact early education can have on young children.”

Yet despite the growing body of evidence that highlights the importance of early learning, Fer-

cess of many play-based education programs implemented by early learning professionals has drawn the attention of Alberta Education. “Play is a huge component of early learning. While the school system has always taken a more structured approach, they are starting to see the value of play as a learning tool, and it is wonderful to see.”

Ferguson’s passion for education is not limited to young children. In 1999, she enrolled at the University of Victoria, taking courses on top of her already busy schedule. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2011, Ferguson is now nearly completed her Master’s degree from the University of Alberta. “My kids are always wondering why I’m still in school when I don’t have to be,” she laughs. “Whenever one of them is graduating, it seems like their mom is too.”

Although she indeed loves to learn, Ferguson stresses

that it was the two years spent at MacEwan that gave her the tools necessary to succeed in her career. “The program truly prepares students to work in the field. What made it stand out is the immersion into the working world, with every second week being spent in practicum settings.” Citing the employment rate of graduates approaching 100 per cent, Ferguson herself has looked for MacEwan University graduates when hiring new staff.

On occasion, Ferguson is invited to speak to students in the Early Learning and Child Care program, “People seem unaware of the vast opportunities available to those with a diploma. I’ve been fortunate to be in so may roles that people didn’t even know existed.

Every position offered to me was based on the experience from my diploma, before they even knew I was in graduate studies.”

While reflecting upon her journey, Ferguson reveals a ceaseless enthusiasm. “I honestly wake up each day excited to go to work,” she laughs. Yet the credit for her continuous desire to learn and grow is given to the children themselves. “We forget what it is that sparks our interest in learning. Watching children explore makes you realize it all over again.”

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DESIGNED FOR SUCCESS

Turning Digital Arts into a Digital Media Agency Have you ever really thought about the websites you visit? Why is that there, why is it that colour, how does it work, and how is it updated? These questions fill MacEwan University alumnus Steve Mebs’ day and, as the owner of successful web design studio Box Clever, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Mebs has always been artistic, sketching and painting throughout his youth, but he never considered an artistically focused career. In fact, his first plan was to major in psychology and earn his masters. During a year off from his studies at the University of Alberta, Mebs found the Digital Arts and Media program in a MacEwan publication.

It sounded perfect. Photography and video editing were what he had been doing for fun in his year off. Looking back, Mebs says he is glad he left university to attend MacEwan, “I feel very fortunate that I can come into a job that I love every day. I’m always surrounded by creativity and exciting projects.”

While in the program, Mebs got the opportunity to do things he hadn’t previously thought of. “When you are told that your homework for the week is to go take some cool pictures, that’s exciting,” says the 2004 grad. He and fellow student Jared Robinson (now the video producer in the Digital Media Unit for the Edmonton Police Service) even won an award from Apple for a music video produced as the final project in his first year of the program.

Ironically, Mebs opted out of taking a web design class, Mebs got his start designing websites when his brother Chris was a high school teacher. Thanks to a background in programming, Chris had built a website that allowed teachers to log in and update their own content. Although it was functional, it looked awful. So Mebs helped his brother to create a better design.

After that, another school wanted a website,

Alumnus Steve Mebs

Box Clever

and then another, and another. Eventually, all these side projects were taking up more time than the brothers had anticipated, which led them to start Box Clever in 2005.

The product that allowed the teachers to edit their own content was a simple content management system (CMS). “We had great feedback from our clients on how userfriendly it was, including a project for Alberta’s Centennial where students as early as Grade 1 were using it without training.” says Mebs. “It made sense to keep developing the product, and it is now Box Clever’s proprietary CMS, WebGuide, which is continuously tweaked and improved with our growing team. Our clients absolutely love it because of how easy it is to use.”

Box Clever has grown out of a two-man show working in a basement to a ten-person digital media agency. The agency’s clientfirst approach helps distinguish them from its competitors. “We really care about our

clients. We want to know them, figure out the best way we can help them, and stay involved with them after the project is complete. Our clients really appreciate that, and many are on their second or third website with us,” says Steve. When asked what he’s proud of most, Mebs shares that every school he attended growing up will have a Box Clever website after this fall. “Growing up we moved around Alberta quite a bit.

We have clients in every town and city I lived in, so it’s been awesome going back to those towns to work with our clients.”

A Certified Graphic Designer with the Graphic Designers of Canada, Mebs admits he didn’t realize that he’d made a career as a business owner until they started hiring staff. He credits the inclusion of business instruction in his program for preparing him to own a business. “Estimating and project management seemed dull at the time, but they gave me a good base of knowledge,”

says Mebs. “I assumed I would always be the one designing our projects, but my role has definitely transitioned away from that.

My days used to be filled with the actual design, but now I barely do any design work.

I focus on meeting with potential clients, project management, contracts and art direction – and I really enjoy it.”

Now married with three small boys, Mebs says that a good day at work for him is launching a website that the whole team can be really proud of. “My kids are really into construction and get ‘website’ and ‘worksite’ confused, so they’re pretty impressed when I come home and tell them I was working on a new website,” he jokes. www.boxcelever.ca

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A LOOK BACK WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Updates from alumni who served as student representatives on MacEwan’s Board of Governors.

Peter Dent, Law Enforcement 1984

Alumnus Peter Dent

Peter Dent graduated from the Law Enforcement program in 1984 at the height of the Alberta bust in the 1980s. With no police jobs to be found, Dent went on to the University of Alberta to do a degree in sociology, focusing on criminology.

Dent joined the York Regional Police Force in 1988, and spent a little over two years as a constable before returning to university, this time to do a business degree, with the intent of going back to policing with a focus on economic crime. It was there that he was

exposed to forensic accounting and decided that he would become a chartered accountant, focusing in the area of financial crime investigation and prevention.

Dent joined Deloitte LLP in 1992 in Edmonton. He became a CA in 1995 and began focusing on financial crime almost immediately afterward. “My experiences at MacEwan University and the police force provided me with a jump start in credibility when conducting financial investigations,” he says. “I became the leader of Deloitte’s

forensic accounting practice in Edmonton and was then recruited to the World Bank’s investigation group in 2000.” He then went on to spend four years at the World Bank investigating allegations of fraud and corruption in World Bank-financed projects all over the world, particularly in South East Asia. He returned to Deloitte in 2004 as a partner, leading the Toronto forensic accounting practice and was appointed as Deloitte’s global financial crime leader that same year. Today, Dent continues to focus on large and complex transnational fraud and corruption investigations. He became the national leader of Deloitte’s investigative and forensic accounting practice in 2009, and was elected to the Board of Transparency International – Canada: he continues to hold both positions.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Dent met his wife of 24 years at a bake sale in 1983 at MacEwan’s Millwoods campus. Also an alumnus, Cathy Dent graduated from the Criminal Justice program in 1983 and went on to earn her degree in family studies.

“My time at MacEwan includes many of my fondest memories as a student and I was on the Student Council for both of my years at MacEwan. I had a lot of fun.

Some might argue that I had too much fun… but I digress, says Dent.

“There isn’t an aspect of my work life thus far that hasn’t been influenced by my time

on the Board of Governors,” he says.

“It was a tremendous learning, growth, and maturing experience for me that aided me from my time as a police officer to the present day. Having such enormous responsibility at such a young age was, in retrospect, a real gift. Looking back, I was likely too young and immature to do the job justice, but it has left an enduring legacy on me. As a police officer, one has to enter a crisis situation and immediately assume a leadership role. Self-confidence is critical in such situations and, deservedly or not, my experience as the student representative to the Board was helpful.”

Throughout Dent’s work as an investigative and forensic accountant, his work has placed him in front on some of the most senior business and political leaders around the world. “The MacEwan Board experience was invaluable, it was my earliest experience in dealing with senior executives and directors and provided me with an insight into their expectations and challenges.”

Brent Meyer, Police and Security 2000 Brent Meyer is currently at the rank of Sergeant and detachment commander of the Desmarais RCMP detachment, which serves the communities of the Bigstone Cree Nation reserves and the hamlets of Wabasca, Desmarais, Chipewyan Lakes and Sandy Lake. A part of this community over the past five years, Meyer came to the Demarais detachment from the Slave Lake detachment, where he was posted after graduating from the RCMP Training Academy in 2004.

“My experience at MacEwan was exceptional,” says Meyer. “The people working there—from Johnny in parking to Jerry in security, and specifically Joy Shaw at the Students Association and vice-president Student Services Cathryn Heslep— embodied Dr. MacEwan’s belief of ‘leaving his vineyard better then they found it’. I

have fond memories of so many people during my time at MacEwan. People like Dr. Paul Byrne who I saw more then once picking up litter as he went to meetings.

He was always genuine and led by example.”

As a MacEwan board member, Meyer learned the power of collaboration, the importance of effective presentation skills, and how to listen to others reasoning and conclusions.

“My classes and instructors were excellent. Even more cherished are the people I went to class with, who are some of the most effective police and enforcement officers I have ever met. My education, employment and role as a board member at MacEwan definitely helped me get to where I am today.”

Alumnus Brent Meyer (left) at a recent awards ceremony.

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Trina Moyles, Bachelor of Arts 2010

Alumna Trina Moyles

Since Trina Moyles involvement with MacEwan’s Board of Governors, she’s made a life in non-profit organizational management and international development, working with grassroots NGOs in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Canada in the areas of youth leadership, human rights, sustainable agriculture, water justice and food security Moyles is the co-founder of NGOs in Canada and Latin America, including Ceiba Association (Edmonton-based) and FundaOGI (Costa Rican-based). She enjoyed five years working with the Change for Children Association in Edmonton as the

International Projects Assistant, supporting education, water, health and food security projects in Latin America. She then went on to coordinate a Sustainable Agriculture and Permaculture Internship Program in Cuba for Canadian students via the University of Alberta and The Urban Farmer. In 2011, Moyles was recognized as one of the recipients of the MacEwan University Distinguished Alumni Award through her involvement with Ceiba Association.

Today Moyles is living in the East African nation of Uganda, and working as a Development Consultant for the Kigezi Healthcare Foundation (KIHEFO) - a Ugandan-based

non-profit organization working to fight poverty, disease and ignorance in the Kigezi region. Her work is diverse. “One day, I may be interviewing subsistence farmers about access to water, or doing needs assessments at local primary schools, and the next, helping to organize the logistics of HIV/AIDS testing clinics in rural villages.”

Moyles is also a freelance writer, focusing on rural development, sustainable agriculture and food security. She publishes weekly stories about her experiences working in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America through her blog, The Bean Tree.

In addition, she is currently developing a social-enterprise in Uganda called Omusiri (Garden) The Organic Farmer’s Resource Centre, to provide consultation and workshops on sustainable agriculture practices to local and international students and small-farmers.

While at MacEwan, Moyles served as vice-president of Operations & Finance of the Students’ Association in 2008, and additionally, as the Board of Governors student representative. “It would be an understatement to say the experience was formative to the person I am today.

Looking back, I can say that it was, by far, the most challenging aspect of my role as a student leader.”

Through her participation as the “student voice” she was exposed to the complexity of managing a major educational institution, and the difficulty of balancing the competing

needs of students, faculty and operational realities. “As a young, twenty-something female representative, I felt somewhat out of place sitting around the board table with powerful, influential movers and shakers of the Edmonton community. I learned how to share my voice in an environment where I didn’t feel 100 per cent comfortable; after all, this is the reality of working in the public sector. Challenging yourself to find means of cooperating versus competing, exercising diplomacy – and speaking with honesty for the populations you advocate for.”

Though the experience wasn’t easy, she is appreciative of everything it tested and strengthened in herself: confidence, control and self-awareness. “These three qualities, I believe, are integral for succeeding in any line of work – and particularly in the sphere of community development.”

Moyles’ only regret was that she never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Grant MacEwan. “In his personal creed, he vowed: ‘I promise to leave the Vineyard better than I found it.’ These words inspired me during my days at MacEwan, and they continue to inspire me, in my work and life, today.”

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

A MATTER OF FACTS

An educational and enlightening feature sharing facts and figures about MacEwan University

Career Services

Of appointments are for resume or cover letter reviews

Employers actively recruiting on Career Link

Of all applications on Career Link have been Alumni

Full-time job postings in the past year

Exhibitors at the Get to Work Career Fair in January 2013 needed for Career Week September 2013 GUEST

after graduation you can access Career Services for career planning, resume reviews and job search strategies

SPEAKER PANELS

Peryear year--you youare are per welcometo tothem themall! all! welcome

CAREER SERVICES

Your Career Connection

Career Services provides career education and employment services to help MacEwan University students and graduates make a meaningful connection between their education and the world of work.

As a MacEwan alumnus, you have access to the following: • • •

Exclusive access to Career Link (online job board) Access to career fairs and other networking events Opportunities to mentor and provide career advice to current students

Graduates within the last two years can also book appointments with a career advisor for: • • • •

Resume and cover letter reviews Mock interviews Work search strategies Career planning

Contact us today at 780.497.4041 careerservices@macewan.ca Or connect with us on Facebook: MacEwan University’s Career Services

IN THEIR WORDS

What is the best part of your job?

Huong: Hearing the success stories from the students and graduates that came through our career centre.

Melanie: Meeting a wide variety of students, graduates and employers that come in.

Karly: Identifying the needs of students and graduates, and connecting them with the right employer.

Cynthia: Helping students and graduates to navigate the next career-related turn in their lives.

Eyobe: Seeing students and graduates excited about the next step in their lives.

Madison: Spreading the word about new jobs on social media.

Sandra: Planting the seed of curiosity in people through my creative work.

Taylor: Helping students and graduates to discover their personal strengths and turn them into professional skills.

MacEwan Alumni News Summer 2013

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MacEwan News

JUNIOR GRIFFINS’ SUMMER DEVELOPMENT CAMPS This summer the MacEwan University Griffins will be re-introducing summer sport development camps for boys and girls between the ages of 11-17 with a basketball camp.

“We are excited to be offering camps this summer,” said Griffins men’s basketball

coach and camp director, Eric Magdanz.

“The camps are designed to focus on individual skill development within team concepts, while providing an opportunity for our Griffins athletes to interact with young athletes in the community and future Griffins

fans.” The two week-long co-ed camps will take place in August from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and split into age appropriate categories.

The camps will take place at MacEwan City Centre Campus and will include sessions on skill development, physical training, sport

psychology and nutrition within a positive, encouraging environment. Athletes of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.

For more information or to register contact Eric Magdanz at magdanze@macewan.ca

Our camps are designed to provide participants with a complete athletic experience emphasizing skill development, healthy living and sportsmanship.

August 12-16 (Ages 11-14) August 19-23 (Ages 15-17)

For more information please contact Eric at MagdanzE@MacEwan.ca www.MacEwan.ca/SportCamps

AUGUST 19–25, 2013 Royal Mayfair Golf Club

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER

FOR MACEWAN ALUMNI Save up to 20% on daily tickets and up to $100 on weekly Clubhouse Badges.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Enter promo code CADDY at CNcanadianwomensopen.com 1-800-571-6736 Offer expires 08/18/13

Azahara Munoz

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

FROM MACEWAN STUDENTS TO MACEWAN STAFF This year marked the fourth annual staff alumni wine and cheese mixer, an appreciation event for staff who are also MacEwan University graduates. “At our first staff alumni event, we had 311 staff who were also graduates and this year we have over 600. ” Said Traci Toshack, Senior Manager, Alumni Relations and Services. “It really is a substantial amount of growth in a relatively short time frame. I also think it’s a reflection of the affinity our alumni have for this wonderful instituation we all work for.”

The short program featured alumna Ashley Benson (Travel, 2009) owner of Bloom Cookies Co. and the music duoThree Sea Sun, made up of Stephanie Urquhart, entering her third year in MacEwan’s music degree program, and music program alumnus Alex Lakustra. Dr. David Atkinson, President of MacEwan was also present and

addressed the crowd “It’s great to see so many staff that are alumni. The fact that so many of our students choose to continue to be part of the MacEwan community is a testament to the special place we know as MacEwan University.”

Staff had the opportunity to network and talk with fellow alumni while enjoying hors de’oeuvres, wine and freshly squeezed lemonade.

MacEwan Alumni Relations and Services were delighted to be able to recognize and celebrate this special group.

President of MacEwan University, Dr. David Atkinson

Christopher Markin, ASL-English Interpreter 1999, (left) Rosie Colangelo, Office Assistant 2008 (right)

Left to right: Ashley Benson, owner of Bloom Cookies Co., Travel 2009, and alumna Kimberly Tavares, Travel 1998,

Left to right: Anna Korus, Fine Art 2012, and Library & Information Management 1993, Ceine Miller, Secretarial

Nicole Deck, Management Studies 2006

Studies 1988, BJ Anderson, Office Administration 1999, Lindsey Van Driel, Design Studies 2007

Bernadette Rath, Correctional Services 2005 (left), staff member Henry Seggumba (middle), Susan Hartung,

Fresh baked cookies provided by alumna

Bachelor of Applied Communications in Professional Writing 2012 (right).

Ashley Benson of Bloom Cookies Co.

MacEwan Alumni News Summer 2013

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MacEwan News

Trevor Beck (left) and Colin Babiuk (right), graduates of Advertising & Public Relations, 1989

Students’ Association staff members, with Tim Rhodes, TD Meloche Monnex (far right)

Traci Toshack, Senior Manager, Alumni Relations and Services

Music duo, Three Sea Sun. Stephanie Urquhart, entering her third year in MacEwan’s music degree

and Dr. David Atkinson

program, and music program alumnus Alex Lakustra

IN ONE WORD . . .

Dara Cop

Bachelor of Arts, 2011 If I could dine alone with anyone from any period in history, it would be: Andy Warhol

If I could be one age for the rest of my life it would be: 25

One book everyone should read: Angela’s Ashes

by Frank McCourt

Cats or Dogs? Cats

One movie everyone should see: Silver Linings Playbook

Greatest accomplishment since graduating: Getting accepted to Law School at University of New South Wales

One song that would be on the soundtrack of my life: Sun is Shining, Wolf GangGartner Remix

If I could eliminate one insect from the earth, it would be: Mosquitoes

Favorite place on campus: The comfy couches connecting the buildings on the second floor.

My favorite childhood television show: Care Bears

Favorite place traveled: Zanzibar Island in Tanzania

My MacEwan experience in one word: Enlightening

One thing I never leave home without: MacBook Air

IN ONE WORD is a fun feature that attempts to capture an alumnus in a short interview with one word responses. Interested in being interviewed? E-mail alumni@macewan.ca.

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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Business

RENAISSANCE MAN

Business Consultant, Trainer and so much More With limitless energy and enthusiasm, Dune Nguyen is probably one of the most upbeat people you’ll ever meet. They call him Smiley, but after hearing his life story of incredible danger and strife, one has to wonder how Nguyen was ever able to smile again. But this MacEwan University Business Continuing Education and Corporate Learning trainer brings optimism and passion, along with a wealth of knowledge and experience, to the classroom.

At age 13, Nguyen made the unbelievably courageous decision to leave war-torn Vietnam and make his way to a country thousands of miles away. His journey included seeking shelter in two Indonesian refugee camps as one of the “boat people” in the early 1980s. He learned early on what true hardship was and found a deep appreciation for each day of his new life in Canada.

Looking back at Nguyen’s career path, you could tell at an early age he was focused and driven. In grade 10, he was already a paid computer programmer and continued on as a software developer until the mid ‘90s when he decided to move into corporate training, project management and business analysis. He worked with clients from all across North America and remembers his most exotic locale as Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2006, he founded his own leadership and management advisory firm based in Edmonton.

Nguyen wasn’t always just working; he also accumulated an impressive list of credentials including a Master of Business Administration, a Project Management Certificate, an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management and a Diploma in Computer Systems Technology. He is also a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), an Information Systems Professional (ISP) and a Project Management Professional (PMP).

When asked what drove him to earn so many designations, Nguyen replied, “Everything I do, I go deep in there. I can’t live without constant learning and while I don’t believe credentials are everything, I do believe they are relevant. I just didn’t want a lack of certification or formal education to be limiting in any way.”

In 2010, Nguyen was looking for more flexibility in his work schedule and the ability to reach more people. Teaching was a natural progression for him and he immersed himself completely as he had done with his previous career choices.

Dune Nguyen

“I am passionate about people,” states Nguyen, “and I love the diversity of the participants in my courses.”

Nguyen found a way to inspire and impact more people by instructing many courses through MacEwan University Business Continuing Education. His vast knowledge and practical experience in leadership, project management and business analysis has allowed him to develop the curriculum for some courses.

Nguyen also instructs for the new Business Analysis professional development certificate, a recent addition to Business Continuing Education department. Business Analysis is a relatively new discipline, but one that Nguyen fees very strongly about. “Organizations need to clearly understand their business requirements and priorities,” states Nguyen, “and business analysis is crucial. I am grateful that the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), established in 2003, has helped significantly advance the visibility and professionalism of business analysis throughout the world in just ten years.”

Business Analysis professionals are proficient at defining business requirements, recommending solutions, and helping improve organizational effectiveness. “I predict that in ten years, there will be more Business Analysts than Project Managers.”

There’s no reason to doubt his prediction just as there’s no reason to doubt that in ten years Nguyen will still be the same highly motivated, personable, grateful person he is today.

His teaching style is a reflection of his personality and one can’t help but be drawn into his circle of optimism.

Nguyen’s former students can attest to his infectious enthusiasm. A Basics of Business Analysis student wrote: “Nguyen is extremely knowledgeable and highly focused! His teaching style is very professional and direct.

He kept everyone captivated with his well-honed teaching skills.”

So what does such a welledu¬cated businessman and instructor do in his spare time?

Plays guitar of course. Nguyen can be seen at local venues strumming and humming tunes. With a constant desire to learn new skills in all areas of life, Nguyen has recently started writing and performing original songs.

But that’s only when he’s not spending time with his wife and two sons. This busy, self-made businessman and teacher will always find time for the things that are most important to him; just as he always finds time to be grateful for the opportunities he’s been given.

MacEwan Alumni News Summer 2013

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MacEwan News

DISCOVERING HER PASSION

Career Coach’s Journey to the UK

As an experienced coach and trainer, Dawrant provides one-on-one telephone coaching to clients internationally and facilitates workshops across Europe.

Alumna Sarah Dawrant

Sarah Dawrant, a 2004 Public Relations graduate, career coach and corporate communication skills trainer says keeping a sense of humour has been paramount to her success. She’s even performed stand-up in London about the challenges she experienced as a “bubbly and ‘positive’ Canadian trying to adjust to a more reserved England.

Like all good comedy, Dawrant’s story leads with observations: “This massive city seemed so huge, unmanageable and unfriendly,” she says of moving to London.

“It was also hard to fit in professionally. As a coach and trainer, I got feedback that my positivity came across as insincere and patronizing. I had to find a way to fit in culturally while still being myself.”

Dawrant grew up in Edmonton and completed a degree in sociology and English at the University of Alberta. In her first job after university, Dawrant remembers thinking, “I learned so much in university, but at the same time I had no practical skills.” It was at this point that she decided to attend MacEwan. “I wasn’t sure exactly where my diploma in Public Relations would take me, but I knew I would learn some extremely valuable skills that I could use in many different areas.”

Dawrant fondly remembers her writing and editing classes, then taught by Murray Page “He taught me how to think fast and type fast at the same time. I remember my time at MacEwan being full of hard work and so all consuming.

I was often working on projects until 11 p.m. While I felt busier

than I had ever been, I also felt completely engaged and so alive.

I loved that year. Even now, when I am incredibly busy, I reflect on my time at MacEwan and remind myself how being incredibly stressed and busy actually made for a really memorable year.”

After working in public relations for a while, Dawrant decided to take a sideways step and use her skills in career coaching to help clients identify what they are best at, what makes them feel alive, and what they do better than anyone else.

It was coaching that lead Dawrant to move across the Atlantic.

“I realized that I was working with my coaching clients and challenging them to listen to their guts and be authentic, but I realized that I was not doing what I most wanted to do. So, I saved some money, rented out my condominium and told everyone that I may, or may not, be back in six months. I didn’t have a plan, I didn’t have a job, and I didn’t know where I was going to live.

All I knew is that I had to be here.”

As an experienced coach and trainer, Dawrant provides one-onone telephone coaching to clients internationally and facilitates workshops across Europe. She has trained for companies from all sectors including BMW, Transport for London, Roche, Panasonic, London Fire Brigade, Warner Brothers and the Ministry of Justice for the country of Georgia.

“I am really happy here and am completely established, both personally and professionally.

England is now home.”

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

Grad School Spotlight

Tara Forbes, Bachelor of Arts Honours

Tara Forbes’ experience at MacEwan University was nvaluable in for preparing her for graduate school. “The professors sought to help me succeed,” says Forbes.

“The smaller class sizes and personalized attention really contributed to my learning.” Forbes was amazed at how supportive her faculty members were as she tried to narrow down potential programs suitable to her learning interests and offered her useful tips as she tackled graduate school and scholarship applications.

While attending school, Forbes heard about the $17,500 JosephArmand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship opportunity through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). She inquired about it while meeting with Dorothy Ritz, the university’s Graduate School Liaison, and decided to apply.

When she heard that she actually received the highly sought-after scholarship, she was surprised and thrilled. “Sharing the news with the faculty members who had tirelessly reviewed numerous versions of my application was the most satisfying part.”

Forbes was accepted into the Master of Arts in English Literature program at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. “This past year has been a whirlwind,” she says. “I moved across the country, made new friends and expanded my field of study.”

At the end of this summer, Forbes will graduate with an MA and will take valuable experiences from Queen’s with her. “I met incredible faculty members and fellow graduate students doing research in similar fields. They motivated me to be a better scholar.”

This September, Forbes will attend Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan to study toward her PhD in English Literature.

“I’m excited because Wayne State has the Reuther Archive, which is a wealth of labour-related archival materials.” Forbes loves what she does, and is pleased that she has the chance to keep doing it.

Recently, she learned that she was awarded an SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship for four years, so she has a great opportunity to pursue her education further.

Forbes states that moving forward into a scholarly career

direction is a good place to be.

“A lot of people go into PhD programs with the intent of becoming a professor, but I’m not sure if that’s where my career path will take me. I’m definitely open to exploring various options.

The great thing about studying something that you enjoy is that you don’t have to know your exact plans. There is value in accessing opportunities so that you can discover what you want to do.”

Alumna Tara Forbes

MacEwan Alumni News Summer 2013

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MacEwan News

“THE CAREER CORNER” Career tips, tricks and trends from Karly Gerlach, Employer Relations Specialist at MacEwan University Career Services.

Have news to share?

Let your classmates know what you have been up to by sharing your stories and successes in the CLASSifieds. Submissions can be sent by e-mail to alumni@macewan.ca or by mail to:

Alumni Relations & Services, MacEwan University, PO Box 1726, Edmonton, AB T5J 2P2 High resolution photos are welcome and will be used when space permits. We reserve the right to edit submissions for content, length and clarity.

1986 Kerry Heisler (Music) Kerry has been teaching music at H J Cody School in Sylvan Lake for many years. She is currently living in Benalto with her husband and daughter. Kerry developed a choral warm-up program that is being used in many schools, and recently launched her choral app, designed so signers are able to have this program available to them regardless of location. She is proud to say that her own choral group has grown to 55 members.Kerry says she wouldn’t have reached these goals without the education she received at MacEwan.

2001 Eshwinder Dhaliwal (Accounting and Strategic Measurement) As an international student from India, It was a different experience for Eshwinder to study in Canada.

Eshwinder felt that MacEwan didn’t just provide him with an education, it provided, life experience, friendships, job opportunity, and dealing with culture shock, The Faculty in Business and the International student office were extremely helpful, and the professors were always ready to help. Eshwinder looks forward to coming back to further his studies.

2006 Iris Dias (Public Relations) Iris recently moved from a top Vancouver reputation management agency to the public relations department of Emirates Group at its headquarters in Dubai. Her role is a hybrid role, combining corporate responsibility and media relations for dnata - one of the world’s largest air services providers with businesses in 38 countries across five continents.

2012 John-Paul Hermano (Bachelor of Arts, Sociology) Since graduating in 2012, John-Paul, has moved back to his hometown of Calgary and is working with Volunteer Calgary - a capacity-building organization which services Calgary’s non-profit community, providing member organizations with a number of organizational effectiveness resources, courses, and services. Within his role as stakeholder relations, John Paul’s daily work involves supporting Calgary’s non-profit communities, connecting them with Volunteer Calgar y resources, training courses, and consulting ser vices. He is also responsible for coordinating the “Calgary Corporate Volunteer Council” - a group representative of community investment professionals from over 25 Calgary corporations who cultivate learning around corporate social responsibility. He has been able to draw upon the skills he learned in his studies and involvement with the Students’ Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) while building relationships among Calgary’s communities.

2013 Brian Christensen (Music) Brian recently returned to St. Michaels University in Victoria to have his first orchestral piece performed by the orchestra he played in from the time he was in Grade Four.

Whether you just graduated this year or have decided to take time off between jobs, you may have been bitten by the TRAVEL BUG! Instead of backpacking, why not volunteer, intern or work abroad? Most countries have websites dedicated to expatriate jobs but read more online to get started: • http://www.international.gc.ca/experience/index.aspx • http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/jobs/abroad.shtml • http://www.vergemagazine.com/ • http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/ • http://www.swap.ca/out_eng/index.aspx

Tips for demonstrating experience abroad on your resume: • Avoid long gaps on your resume by getting involved in the community or taking a language class • Communicate skills often associated with travel such as ability to be adaptable, resourceful, take initiative and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds • List languages and how you developed respect and knowledge of other cultures • Expand on your professional and educational skills such as research, negotiating, interpersonal, planning and/or diplomatic skills depending on the circumstances If you have questions regarding this topic or any career related questions you would like answered, please email alumni@macewan.ca with “Career Corner” as the subject line.

ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIAN LAUNCHES SECOND CD Chloe Albert graduated from the Music Program in 2004 and remembers it as the best two years of her life. “I majored in voice and I learned a lot of practical skills as well as how to get work as a musician,” says Albert.

“A lot of the faculty at MacEwan have been doing exactly that for most of their lives and they were really inspirational.”

Albert began her musical career at the age of five when she began taking piano lessons and she later easily transferred those skills to guitar. By her teens, she was performing at open-mic events and jamming with other musicians. While attending MacEwan, she applied for a grant to fund the development of a debut CD which was launched in 2008 entitled “Dedicated State.” It was well received and garnered

great acclaim on the music scene including a nomination for ‘New/Emerging Artist of the Year’ by the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Albert began booking her own shows and travelling across borders, singing at folk festivals and concerts across North America including stops in Nashville where she wrote music and performed. Her silky, smooth voice thrills audiences and has caught the attention of other musicians, such as well-known Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo who recently stated on CBC Radio , “I’d personally love to hear more of Chloe Albert...she’s got a real interesting sound.”

Albert has recently produced a second CD entitled Dream Catcher, which launched on May 26.

Inspiration for her soulful melodies comes from everyday occurrences. “I get most of my inspiration for writing from reallife experiences,” she concludes. “It may be something I’ve encountered myself or it may be a friend or an acquaintance. That’s what often gets the song started and next thing you know, I’m singing it.”

Her songs can be heard on CBC2 across Canada, on CKUA and at her many live performances. For information on Albert’s upcoming performances visit her website at: www.chloealbert.com

Alumna Chloe Albert MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

A PHOTO FINISH

“Chicago” Pedro Escobar, Design Foundations, 2012. Do you have a talent for photography? The alumnus who submits the published photo will receive a $100 gift certificate for MacEwan Bookstores.

Photographs can be submitted to alumni@macewan.ca. For more details visit www.MacEwan.ca/Alumni

MacEwan Alumni News Summer 2013

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