M Alumni News Winter 2012

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2012 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS

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AVENUE MAGAZINE’S TOP 40 UNDER 40

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FITNESS CENTER MAKEOVER

Winter 2012

A Cow on the Prairies,

PUBLICATION AGREEMENT #40063489

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

Painting by Jason Carter Digital Arts & Media 2003

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MacEwan News

MacEwan University joins the AUCC MacEwan University is now a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

“Everyone at MacEwan University is excited about our membership in the AUCC,” said David Atkinson, MacEwan University’s president.

“It’s very gratifying to have our university recognized and we look forward to being a contributing member.”

Membership for MacEwan University was recommended by a visiting committee of university presidents and approved by the AUCC’s Board of Directors and membership on October 24.

“AUCC membership opens up a number of important doors for the university – and for our students and graduates,” added David. “This is a major achievement for the institution, as it constitutes recognition from the Canadian university community that we have successfully made the transition from college

to university. It has been a long time coming, as we began the process almost two years ago.”

Positioned for the future “We’re now part of a family of universities and as such can lend our voice to national conversations and policy development processes,” said Janet PatersonWeir, university provost and vice-president, academic.

“Membership also positions us to move forward with new academic programs. An excellent example is our current proposal for a Bachelor of Social Work degree; the Alberta College of Social Workers requires institutions who offer social work degrees to be AUCC members.”

Janet also says that AUCC membership will also be important as the university applies for membership in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) leagues for its athletics teams.

“We’re very pleased to welcome MacEwan University to membership in AUCC,” said Paul Davidson, president of the AUCC. “We look forward to working with the leadership, faculty, staff and students of MacEwan University to advance higher education.”

A rigorous approval process The mission of the AUCC is to foster and promote higher education, participate in the development of public policy and find solutions to the economic and social challenges facing Canada.

In order for the university to gain AUCC membership, MacEwan University demonstrated through evidence and site reviews that it has the governance, administrative structures and academic goals appropriate for a university. It also met criteria including offering undergraduate degrees to half of its

registered students, faculty qualifications and quality assurance processes.

The university’s policy environment and student services were seen as appropriate, and its libraries and learning environments also reflected the standards expected of member institutions. MacEwan University was granted a baccalaureate mandate in 2004 and began offering Campus Alberta Quality Council approved degrees in 2006.

Change of Season Brings Change of Leadership for Music Programs MacEwan University marks the start of a new era with Allan Gilliland at the helm of its internationally renowned music programs. This fall Gilliland took over as chair of the music diploma and degree programs, in addition to remaining as composition head, a post he has held since 2004.

Gilliland, whos music for solo instruments, orchestra, choir, brass quintet, wind ensemble, big bands, television and theatre has been performed, recorded and broadcast by ensembles around the world, certainly has a lot to contribute.

“If I can be recognizable to people outside the Centre for the Arts and Communications and help promote the programs, students and our amazing faculty, then that is a great thing,” says Gilliland. “So far I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about my appointment from other programs and universities as well as others in the community.”

With the recent launch of the new Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music degree, as well as plans underway for a new building in downtown Edmonton, Gilliland is certainly taking over during a period of change. “It’s very exciting.

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There will be a lot of planning and fine tuning, and every year will bring new challenges,” he says.

“During my time as chair I also want to help raise the profile of our world class faculty. They are very active across Canada, and around the world, and I want to celebrate that with a new faculty concert series.” Gilliland, who accepted a three-year contract as chair, took over from Bob Gilligan, who was with the university for 35 years. “Bob did an outstanding job and I get to reap the rewards of that solid foundation,” he says. One of Canada’s busiest composers, Gilliland holds a diploma in Jazz Studies (trumpet) from Humber College, a Bachelor of Music degree in performing and a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Alberta he is currently finishing a PhD in Composition from the University of Edinburgh.

Gilliland, along with four faculty members and eleven alumni, were honoured at the Western Canadian Music Awards in September, winning Best Classical Composition for Kalla, written by Gilliland and was nominated for Best Classical CD.

regarding advertisements and story ideas should be directed to: Traci Toshack Coordinator, 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.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: MacEwan University Alumni

Front Cover: A Cow on the Prairies, Jason Carter Digital Arts and Media 2003 www.jasoncarter.ca

Music Chair Allan Gilliland

MacEwan Alumni News Winter 2012

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN!

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MacEwan News

2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards One of the university’s most highly regarded honours, the Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to graduates who exhibit outstanding achievements or make significant contributions in one or more of the following areas: service to the community, business, the arts, human development, the environment, lifelong learning, post-secondary education, and/or government.

Congratulations to the following recipients on receiving this honour at the 2012 convocation ceremonies.

Beth Allard – Clough Advertising and Public Relations, 1991 Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Dr. Charles Allard, Beth Allard-Clough has continued his legacy of giving. As the current chair of the Allard Foundation, Beth played an instrumental role in a $1.2 million gift that MacEwan University received on behalf of the Allard family. She has invested countless hours building relationships and capacity - all for the benefit of our students. Beth believes in giving back to the community

and in the transformational power of post-secondary education.

In addition to philanthropy, Beth contributes time as a volunteer and ambassador for the university. She serves as a valuable community advisor for the Mad Hatter’s Gala and participates as a special guest at the university’s Allard Chair in Business annual luncheon an event that provides awards to students in the university’s

School of Business. The Allard Foundation provides financial assistance to organizations primarily focusing on healthcare, medical research and education.

Beth Allard – Clough (photo by Leroy Schulz)

CEIBA Association Various Alumni from 2007 - 2010 The CEIBA Association was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate and dedicated MacEwan alumni. CEIBA is an Edmonton-based, non-for profit organization that is passionate for local and global community projects that promote change and social transformation. The association is run by “youth-for-youth,” is 100% volunteer powered, and provides numerous opportunities for youth to participate in hands-on learning projects and programs. CEIBA works with elementary and high schools to create and facilitate educational workshops on leadership, global education, water and food justice, and youth action and engagement.

Recently, the group signed a twoyear contract with the university to

ensure that Project Hope continues to operate. The Project Hope student brigade, which consists of 13 MacEwan students from diverse academic programs and backgrounds, is now co-managed

by CEIBA and the university.

All of Ceiba’s educational activities promote cultural diversity through sharing ideas, inclusive learning, value-based dialogue, and hands-on activities that bring youth together across barriers of language, beliefs and traditions.

CEIBA Association - Back Left to Right: Jessica Marsh, Stephanie Funtazn, Heidi Bergstrom, Andrea Church, Michelle Mahe Front Left to Right: Melissa St. Dennis, Trina Moyles, Christina Kuzyk, Leslie Prenoslo

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

Nargis Jamal Voluntary Sector Management, 2004 Nargis is the founder and president of Women’s Empowerment International Foundation (WEIF), an Edmonton-based organization aimed at improving the lives of women and children in the poorest districts of Central and South Asia. As a 2004 graduate of the Voluntary Sector Management Program, Nargis has used her management and leadership skills to guide a small team of dedicated board members and volunteers to alleviate poverty, promote gender equality, and improve the lives of thousands of individuals through access to education, health services, and economic opportunity.

In the five short years since WEIF’s inception, Nargis has been instrumental in the creation or expansion of 11 educational facilities in India and Pakistan, while courageously pursuing innovative projects in microcredit, health, and rural development.

This past June, WEIF launched a rural development initiative in Dahanu Taluka, India, that provided clean drinking water, tools for income generation, vocational training opportunities, and health education to impoverished and underserved communities. In addition, this year WEIF will prevent the closure of an HIV/AIDS clinic in

Mumbai, and finance the postsecondary education of dozens of talented youth.

Nargis has spread her energy and hope in Canada and abroad, envisioning a world where all children, free from the burdens of poverty and social inequality, can reach their full human potential.

Nargis Jamel

Richard Neidig Audio Visual Technician, 1976 As President of Northern Lakes College, Rick has made a significant contribution to his community and has been a major force in enhancing the post-secondary education opportunities for students in Northwest Alberta. A graduate of the Audio Visual Technician program and a lifelong learner, Rick always had a keen interest in the use of technology to improve instruction.

It was that passion and interest that increased access to learning in small northern communities.

Over many years, Rick, and other like-minded individuals in the north, pursued reliable broadband

systems for educational purposes and were rewarded by the Government of Alberta decision to build the Alberta SuperNet. His leadership and sense of community were also evident when the Northern Lakes Slave Lake campus became the crisis command centre for emergency services during the 2011 Slave Lake fire. He deployed college resources, personnel and other campus space to assist with the emergency -- ensuring that staff, students and members of the community had a safe place to stay during the fire.

Rick has been involved in numerous organizations and boards that impact rural Alberta and he has certainly made an outstanding contribution to the post-secondary sector and many Alberta communities.

Richard Neidig

Do you know of an alumnus who has made a significant contribution to our community or who has achieved inspiring success? We are currently accepting nominations for 2013. Details and nomination forms can be found at: MacEwan.ca/Alumni/Distinguished Alumni

MacEwan Alumni News Winter 2012

MacEwan News

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MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40

Graduates Named Edmonton’s Finest

Each year, Avenue Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” recognizes individuals who are leaders in their field, and whose passions and professions have helped raise the city’s profile through growth and change. The 2012 list was announced on November 1 and four of these young and talented individuals are proud MacEwan Univeristy alumni.

Christine McCourt After graduating from the Journalism program in 1995, Christine continued her post-secondary education at the University of Alberta, earning a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communications. Since then, Christine has continued to work in the field of communications and media relations.

Currently, she works as the Communications Coordinator for Kids Up Front Foundation in

Edmonton. The foundation provides access to arts, sports and entertainment events, using tickets that would otherwise go unused to children and youth identified through their network of partner agencies that provide child and family services in the Edmonton Capital Region’s education, health and social service sectors.

them in improving their quality of life, as well as move towards living self-sufficiently and out of harm’s way.

With a passion for youth work, conflict resolution and peace building, Mandy completed a master’s degree in Peace and Development through the University of Limerick, Ireland; focusing a majority of her research on youth engagement, identity formation and civic membership in the prevention of conflict, violence and crime.

Currently, Mandy is the Manager of the

Relentless Youth Outreach Worker Project, as well as the Step Up and Step In Project with YOUCAN Youth Services. YOUCAN is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to building a culture of peace among youth.

They specialize in youth-led methods for non-violent conflict resolution. YOUCAN Edmonton is one of two offices in Canada and has exposed thousands of youth across the Edmonton area to the benefits of conflict management and youth violence prevention.

Since 2007, Christine has dedicated countless hours as a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of her late husband Jon, who passed away in 2005. Christine is also actively involved with the School Council for her children’s school.

Christine McCourt (photo by Trevor Boller, Boller Photography)

Mandy Halabi Mandy Halabi has been a youth worker in Edmonton and abroad for the last fifteen years. Having completed a diploma in Child and Youth Care from MacEwan University in 2001, followed by a degree in Human and Social Development from the University of Victoria, Mandy has worked in a variety of programs, contexts and settings. She has planned and implemented new projects focusing on assisting at-risk families, children and youth in developing, achieving, and maintaining goals to help

Mandy Halabi

MacEwan Alumni News Winter 2012

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MacEwan News

Jason Carter

Jason Carter Jason Carter, a 2003 graduate of MacEwan’s Digital Arts and Media program, is one of Edmonton’s most exciting and prolific contemporary Aboriginal visual artists. Both a celebrated painter and sculptor, Jason’s work can be seen throughout much of Canada.

He was the featured artist at Alberta House during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and was part of the nation-wide Indian and Northern Affairs Public Art Display in Ottawa, Ontario.

Jason has created permanent murals for the Amiskwaskahegan (Beaver Hills Park) in Edmonton and was one of three artists who were part of the LRT/SOUTH Extension beautification project.

Recently, Jason was honored as

an ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ at the Mayor’s Evening of the Arts in Edmonton.

Currently, he is working on the illustration for The Book of Boo, a sequel to his first Children’s book WHO IS BOO: The Terrific Tales of One Trickster Rabbit.

Jason has been commissioned by the Art Gallery of Alberta, The Society of Manufacturing Engineers of Canada, Winter Light Festival, The Works International Visual Arts Society, The Edmonton Arts Council, The Alberta Foundation of the Arts, The Canada Council for the Arts, The Government of Canada and most recently, the Edmonton International Airport, where he created a 100 foot x 7 foot permanent mural entitled Great Mother Bear and Old Man Mountain.

He recently completed an 18-paining series for the Art Gallery of Alberta TREX Program called ‘Urban Animals’ which will tour Alberta for 3 years along with the new children’s book of the same name.

Jason is represented in Edmonton at the Bearclaw Gallery and the Towne Square in Oakville Ontairo. Most recently, he opened his own gallery in Canmore, Alberta where he is excitedly preparing for his next show, “To Dream The Bear: A Series Explored Through Stone’, opening December 1st 2012 at the Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue.

Jerrold Dubyk

Jerrold Dubyk

Winner of the 2009 “Jazz Recording of the Year” for his sophomore CD The Maverick, Edmonton-based saxophonist Jerrold Dubyk is becoming recognized as one of the finer exponents of contemporary jazz in Edmonton and is starting to receive national recognition.

A 1993 graduate of the Music program, Jerrold has been pursuing music with a newly acquired spirit that led him to New Jersey/ New York where he completed his M.M. in Jazz Studies at Rutgers University with his mentor, saxophonist Ralph Bowen.

Performances on the east coast at The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard, Sweet Rhythm, Smoke, Cecil’s,

Ortlieb’s and The Candlelight Lounge with Victor Lewis, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Stanley Cowell, and many other distinguished jazz musicians in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia area inspired him to pursue his own sound. Touring the major jazz festivals across Canada has inspired him to pursue his music at the highest level and to gain national recognition. Locally, Jerrold teaches part-time in the Music program at MacEwan Univeristy and is focused on making the Edmonton jazz scene an even more important destination for worldclass jazz.

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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Sports

MacEwan Makeover – Fitness Centre Edition

Sport and Wellness Expands and Updates Fitness Centre Do you remember the fitness centre at City Centre Campus?

You probably recall the bright space, friendly, knowledgeable staff and the older cardio and strength equipment with the 5,000 square foot space.

Have you been there lately?

It’s has gone through a few significant changes. They have retained the bright and friendly atmosphere, but have updated all their cardio equipment to state-ofthe-art machines complete with TVs and iPod docks. Plus they added weighted bars, updated the dumbbells, and incorporated all-new strength machines and benches.

The new strength equipment is located in 2,000 square feet of new exercise space, referred to as the Performance Zone.

It features three lifting racks and an official Olympic lifting platform for deadlifts, squats and other powerlifts.

The new space also features spin bikes, Krank machines and treadmills to help with warming up for workouts; three functional fitness pulley machines; open floor space for plyometrics; a wall designed for medicine ball throws; a TRX mount; and a ladder in the floor for agility training.

The Performance Zone is also home to fitness classes and personal training that incorporate specialty equipment such as ViPRs, heavy ropes, sandbells and kettlebells.

The expansion and equipment upgrade is part of a larger project that includes the fitness centre expansion and a pool retrofit, which will wrap up in February 2013. At that time, the swimming pool will reopen with mechanical, lighting and air handling renovations and upgrades.

MacEwan Alumni News Winter 2012

Another part of the centre’s upgrade is new seating, flooring and lighting in the gymnasium, home to the MacEwan University Griffins men’s and women’s volleyball and basketball teams.

The Griffins are in action October to March and all home games are free for MacEwan University alumni.

If you’ve been away for a few months – or a few years – come see the exciting new Sport and Wellness centre and “find your fit” with affordable alumni memberships, specialty fitness classes, personal training and free member parking.

Performance Zone area

TRX mount

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MacEwan News

Massage Therapy Graduate wins Award For most students, studying a rare disorder using an innovative, but unstudied, method would present an overwhelming challenge.

For Nicole Riou, it was an opportunity to excel. Riou, a recent graduate of the Massage Therapy diploma program, was awarded bronze in the Massage Therapy Foundation 2012 Student Case Report Contest for her report detailing the use of massage to treat a condition called Essential Tremor.

Riou is thrilled to win, “Bronze is pretty awesome,” she says, “It’s an international case report.

I don’t know how many reports were submitted, but if it’s international I can only imagine.”

The contest was presented to Riou in a clinical studies course in her last year of studies. As a final project, students work with a patient and complete a research report. Riou’s report was chosen by her instructors and submitted to the competition.

The condition Rious’s client suffers from causes bothersome tremors, in this case in the hands and head. Rious’s interest was piqued right away: “I have personal ties to the condition.

It’s in my family. I found very little research on it, so it was something that intrigued me.”

For most, a lack of existing solutions and research would seem an insurmountable barrier.

For Riou, it was an opportunity to try something new for a client with few treatment options.

Massage therapy had a relatively uncharted potential to alleviate her client’s tremors.

The condition is exacerbated by stress: Riou decided to treat it with relaxation-based techniques such as Swedish massage, myofascial release and hydrotherapy.

Faced with very little research precedent, Riou decided on an innovative research method; she quantified the progress of her client through dynamic movements. “Things that have intention

are affected by the tremor,” She explains, “I used an action-based chart. Pre- and post-treatment we did things like touch your nose with your finger, pour a cup of water, and I had her draw an Archimedes spiral using her right hand and her left hand before and after treatment”.

The spirals, included in the report, are often askew before treatment, and much more accurate after treatment. They are a powerful indicator of the progress in the client’s symptoms. This inventive and effective research method won significant praise for Riou’s project, and set a precedent for research into treating such tremors with massage. “There is room for people to reproduce what I’ve done, to validate my results,” says Riou.

“There’s a lot of potential.”

Riou, a mature student and single mother, graduated from the university past summer and began her employment at the Salutaris Centre in August.Her award includes a cash prize, publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and a poster presentation at the 2012 American Massage Therapy Association National Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina which was held in October.

Alumna Nicole Riou

Patient drawings

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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Business

Window Of Opportunity

Management Studies Graduate Turns Garage-Based Business Into Province-Wide Success

There are those that travel on wellworn roads, and there are those that pave their own. From an early age, it was clear that Landon Croome was one of the latter. Having both an eye for opportunity as well as the work ethic to turn potential into reality, this Management Studies program graduate spent many childhood days shovelling snow or selling lemonade to make pocket money.

Now as the co-owner of Solaris, the 29-year-old entrepreneur shows no signs of slowing down.

Solaris specializes in creating comfortable outdoor environments, selling products such as retractable screens, sun shades, and awnings, amongst others.

The company boasts a distribution network that stretches all across Northern Alberta, with Solaris branded retail outlets from Calgary to Grande Prairie.

Croome’s journey into the world of retractable screens started while he was still in high school. His uncle had developed a “knock-off” of the industry leading Phantom Screens brand, and was looking for someone to move the product. With Croome’s father too busy with his plumbing company to keep the new venture going, the enthusiastic teen convinced his family to allow him to make a go of it.

Determined to make his new endeavour a successful one, Croome tirelessly delivered flyers throughout his community to generate awareness of his fledgling business. After a few years of dedicated work, the former summer job had grown to the point where the family garage had become completely overrun with boxes of screens. “There came a point when my dad really got tired of parking on the street,” laughed Croome. Evidently, it was time to relocate his operation into his very own shop.

It was at this time of transition that Croome decided to enroll in MacEwan’s Management Studies program. With no designs on putting his business on hold, Croome was pleased with how well the program fit into his busy life. “What really appealed to me was the flexibility of the program.

I was able to organize all my classes in the morning so I could run the company in the afternoon.”

Not only was he able to manage his time effectively, Croome was able to use his own business as the subject of his course projects, tailoring his educational experience to his personal needs.

Of all experiences at MacEwan, Croome sites the mentorship of instructor Lynne Fisher as among the most valuable. Seeing great potential in his business, Fisher encouraged Croome to take his operation to the next level and propose a deal with the wholesale chain Costco. Emboldened by his instructor’s confidence, Croome took the necessary steps and landed the contract that changed his company forever.

“The Costco contract changed everything almost immediately,” remarks Croome. “I went from working by myself part time in the shop

to having three full-time employees and a secretary. I had no management experience or even any software before then, but the company quadrupling in size meant that I had to figure it out pretty quick.”

Shortly after Croome graduated in 2008, Solaris faced an economic climate that had much of the world fearing that many hard years lay ahead. Having been directly competing with Phantom Screens since operating out of his father’s garage, Croome joined forces with Phantom owner Tim Houle, merging the company into Solaris Products. Now carrying the industry’s top product while retaining the Solaris namesake, the new company was able to press on with far more certainly in the unforgiving marketplace.

After four years of growth in a difficult economy, Croome credits his educational experience as being critical to his success.

To those considering investing in themselves through education, he offers the following advice: “Going to school is worth the commitment. Although it is up to you to make things happen, don’t be afraid to keep on learning.”

Alumnus Landon Croome

It’s no secret that our people love golf. What you may not know is that Golf Town is a place where golf enthusiasts can put their love of the game to use, building and sharing their knowledge of the latest industry trends.

Our grass is greener.

We work together in a highly professional environment, spreading passion for the game through our Green Jacket Experience, giving our customers the best advice, equipment, apparel, and accessories. Our retail stores are a golfer’s paradise and we are currently seeking the following for our Edmonton locations including our new Sherwood Park store, opening soon...

All Positions

(part-time/full-time/management)

We’re looking for experienced business professionals who have a passion for golf. Imagine a work environment where foursomes are discussed openly and nobody looks at you funny for practicing your swing in the mirror. You belong here.

If you dream of a year-round career in golf and improving our customers’ game, show us your drive.

For more information on this and other opportunities, please visit our website.

www.joingolftown.com MacEwan Alumni News Winter 2012

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Business

Business Continuing Education Adds Three New Certificates The new school year brought a few additions to MacEwan University’s Business Continuing Education department.

“We are very pleased to have added three new professional development certificates to our roster,” says Janine Loewan, continuing education supervisor.

“Our instructors are industry professionals and subject matter experts, and they use case studies, exercises and real-life examples to make the material interesting.”

The Management Essentials certificate is geared for people aspiring to a role in management, or who want to ensure they have the

“Whether someone is looking for a new job, or wanting to advance with their current employer, showing a commitment to lifelong learning may open new doors for them.”

Joining the course lineup are the Management Essentials, Administrative Excellence and Microsoft Essentials professional development certificates. Each of these certificates is made up of a selection of one or two-day courses that address a particular subject area or competency. The certificate courses can also be taken individually to build skills in a specific area you wish to improve.

“All of our courses and certificates provide students with practical, relevant information and tools they can apply immediately in the workplace or their personal lives,” says Loewan.

skills and competencies required to succeed in a managerial position.

Loewan says that, when taken together, the seven courses in the certificate will help students develop and enhance their ability to achieve goals through relationship building, critical thinking, problem solving, and managing projects.

“We also wanted to provide an administrative excellence professional development certificate for office administration professionals who are looking for opportunities to strengthen their skills in certain areas like minute taking, business writing, or managing projects,” says Loewan.

The five courses in the Administrative Excellence certificate can also be taken independently if you wish to develop certain skills like time management, or need some new minute-taking tips.

This is also true of the seven courses available in the Microsoft Essentials professional development certificate, which includes two levels of Microsoft Word, three courses in Excel (including a first level, a focus on analysis and charting, and one on databases and macros), PowerPoint, and Microsoft Access.

The three new professional development certificates recognize the ever-changing face of the workplace, in both technology and methodologies of doing business.

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

Dance, Gladys, Dance

Professional Writing Graduate Publishes First Book Cassie Stocks, a graduate with distinction from MacEwan University’s Applied Communications Degree in Professional Writing is dancing with joy. Stocks first novel, Dance, Gladys, Dance, was purchased by NeWest Press and is now selling across Canada in bookstores and online.

Before her time at MacEwan, Stocks wore many hats, including a biker chick, a university student, an actress, and a rich man’s gardener; she’s worked as a waitress, an office clerk, an aircraft cleaner, and has raised chickens.

In 2002, Stocks was accepted to the Writing With Style Workshop at the Banff Centre, where she received support and encouragement from her instructors. Upon

her return to Edmonton, Stocks quit her job at a steel fabrication plant and applied to the Applied Communications Degree in Professional Writing Program.

Stocks credits her time at the university with helping her reach her goal as a published writer. ” The skills I learned in my courses were invaluable for my career.

Business writing classes showed me how to be economical with words. Poetry and creative writing classes taught me how to use words to the best effect.”

“And,” she says, “The encouragement and constructive criticism I received from my instructors and classmates improved my writing skills and taught me how to look at work objectively.”

The Globe and Mail said of Dance, Gladys, Dance “…(it’s) a quirky blend of comedy and tragedy with an intriguing dose of the otherworldly.” Prairie Books Now said “… increasingly suspenseful storylines tackle serious subjects such as arts funding, drug use, and feminism all in comical contexts.”

Stocks was a winner in the CBC Alberta Anthology Short Fiction contest and a student writer for the Edmonton Voices portion of the Canadian Authors Series.

Her short story “The Painter” aired on CBC Radio One. Information about Stocks and her upcoming projects can be found on her website: cassiejeanstocks.wordpress.com Alumna Cassie Stocks

Grad School Spotlight THE “CORNER LOT”

Izabela Bienko – Bachelor of Child and Youth Care

Current real estate trends and tips from alumna Melody Wilson (Asia Pacific Management, 2000) who is a Realtor with RE/MAX Excellence.

How’s the market? This is a question that is commonly heard around water coolers and conversations all over Edmonton.

Here are some quick facts and figures regarding the fall/winter real estate market in our city.

• $382,384 is the average price for single family homes (as of September ’12) • Home prices are up 2.78% for a single family home (since January ’12) • $229,246 is the average price for a condominium (as of September ’12) Izabela Bienko

Izabela Bienko was attracted to MacEwan University because of the practical, real-life knowledge, skills and training offered by the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program. She appreciated that smaller class sizes gave her opportunities to stand out as an individual, and that faculty and staff were approachable if she had questions.

After completing her degree in 2010, Bienko enrolled in the Masters of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria where she’s expected to graduate in 2013.

Currently, Bienko is working as a mental health therapist at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in the department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. “Working

MacEwan Alumni News Winter 2012

in the mental health setting allows me to work with children, adolescents and families on a one-on-one basis,” she says.

“This experience grounds my education and research, which has primarily been in psychology and child and youth care.”

Furthermore, working at the Glenrose has allowed her to continue her work in children’s mental health. “Working with the kids and their families provides me an opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary team working towards mutual goals.”

Bienko has a passion for helping children and their families who are currently using the health care system. She would

like to pursue doctoral research based on considerations and implications of implementing integrative services for pediatric patients at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, from the perspective of complementary and alternative practitioners. ”Through research in pediatrics, I can be an advocate for a wider scope of children and their families,” says Bienko “Offering a more child and family centered approach in their own treatment, health and well being.”

• the market has seen more multiple offers. This could be the result of the mortgage rule changes that are coming or changes in weather.

• Third quarter residential sales are up by nearly 10%

Tips for selling your home this winter.

• Keep your walks shoveled and clear of ice • Interview a number of realtors; hire one you are confident will sell your home • Provide good quality photos and video of your home for online viewing • De-clutter the inside and outside of your home • Work with a professional home stager consultant – provides quicker sales and better results Do you have real estate questions for Melody?

If so, email alumni@macewan.ca with “Corner Lot” as the subject line.

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MacEwan News

A MATTER OF FACTS

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

MacEwan University Website Statistics Our main website, MacEwan.ca, helps us share information about our great university with prospective students and many others.

Our portal, myMacEwan.ca, connects MacEwan students and employees with secure applications that require users to log in.

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mymacewan.ca Busiest time of day is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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The two most popular pages are: macewan.ca/programs macewan.ca/careers

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Quietest time of day is between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

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IN ONE WORD . . .

Sheldon Belanger Audio Visual Communications, 1999 If I could dine alone with anyone from any period in history, it would be: Grandparents One book everyone should read: Siddhartha

by Hermann Hesse One movie everyone should see: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

One thing I never leave home without: Wallet If I could be one age for the rest of my life it would be: 30 Cats or Dogs? Dogs Greatest accomplishment since graduating from MacEwan University: Friendships

One song that would be on the soundtrack of my life: Fix You by Coldplay

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

Favorite place on campus: Library

My favorite childhood television show: The Cosby Show

Favorite place traveled: Indonesia

My MacEwan experience in one word: Coffee

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

14

Arts

Making Tracks

Former Arts Students Open Music School For Megan and Justin McDonough, waiting for opportunities to present themselves was never an option. Instead, these two former MacEwan University students rolled up their sleeves and built their very own music school, quite literally from the ground up.

Open in September, Resonate Music School & Studio offers both private and group lessons for students of any age. With a qualified teaching staff, including many other MacEwan University graduates, the school provides instruction in everything from group activities for toddlers to advanced digital production.

Getting started, however, was by no means an easy process, with construction of the building itself among the greatest challenges. “Our families and friends would be painting from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.,” recalls Megan.

Despite postponing the launch date, Resonate opened their doors on September 17, 2012.

With student enrolment higher than initially projected, these young entrepreneurs are already seeing their hard work materialize.

Many of the programs offered at Resonate are made possible due to Justin’s vast scholastic and professional experience. Having

MacEwan Alumni News Winter 2012

earned music diplomas from the university in both performance and composition, Justin is also a graduate of the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART). With this knowledge underscored by several years of real world experience, Justin is able to effectively guide students towards achieving their musical potential.

Reflecting on his time in the music program, Justin identifies the immersion into a community of dedicated artists as the greatest benefit to his personal growth.

“The constant connection to others on a musical level was so great,” states Justin. “The ability to play in different scenarios and network with artists is so important in this industry.”

With their General Manager and business partner Michael Cathrea, taking care of the managerial side of the studio, running the school falls upon Megan’s shoulders. With the experience in both administration and customer service, she is able to keep the school operating smoothly.

As a performer, she understands the importance of a comfortable environment to inspiring creativity.

With this in mind, Megan takes care to ensure a warm and welcoming experience for all students.

From her time in the universities Theatre Arts program, Megan is most appreciative of the strong work ethic that the program fostered. “I learned quickly that there are no guarantees. If you get lazy, you might not get a part in the next production.” Whether on stage or in the management role, this commitment to hard work continues to serve her well.

As this young couple encounters the demands of business ownership, Megan finds comfort in the example of one of her instructors. “I was taught that you have to learn to love the process,” she remarks. “I discovered that you can’t just live for the applause at the end of the show. You have to love dancing even when you have sore feet.” With this mentality, these young entrepreneurs are certain to succeed.

Resonate Music School & Studio owners Justin and Megan McDonough

Alumnus Justin McDonough in studio

15

Sports

Swinging Into Action Alumna Hosts Junior Golf Team

As the Griffin men’s golf team was preparing to attend the 2012 Canadian University/College Championship at the Cordova Bay Golf Course in Victoria, BC, Barb Boisvert was making plans to ensure that MacEwan’s team was assigned to her.

Boisvert, a 1976 graduate of MacEwan’s nursing program, who recently retired after 36 years in the operating room, volunteered with the championship after taking up golf as one of her retirement activities.

“When I noticed that MacEwan would be attending the championship, I immediately put in my request to have the team assigned to me.” Boisvert opened up her home to the team, providing a home-cooked meal, fresh-baked cookies, and great conversation.

Though the team did not rank in the final placings, Boisvert followed them through the 18-hole course, cheering them on at each hole. “I was very proud of this team, their skill level, and their athletic conduct,” said Boisvert, “MacEwan should be very proud of these young men, and their coaches.”

Photo Caption from left to right: Jodi Campbell (coach), Kevin Piper, James Charpentier, Austin Breure, Barb Boisvert, Adam Bruce, Cody Hancock, Alan Riley (coach)

1984

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.

Marion Boon (Occupational Health Nursing) received the Canadian Award for Emergency Management in 2012 from the Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness..

what was then Grant MacEwan Community College. Dev looks forward to re-connecting with folks who graduated from the Microcomputer Management program in 1989.

1998 Elizabeth Collicott (Volunteer Management Certificate) was re-appointed to the position of Chairperson of the Five Hills Health Regional Health Authority Board by the Government of Saskatchewan on September 30, 2012 for a threeyear term. She and her husband, Herb, moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from the Gibbons area in June, 2007. The Five Hills Health Region is currently in the planning stages for a new $101M Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, with construction expected to be completed in early 2015. 2008

1989 Dev Dhindsa (Microcomputer Management) s a Master Principal Sales Consultant and a certified Oracle Enterprise Architect based out of Victoria , BC. Dev joined Oracle in 2006 after a 13-year career in the IT Systems Integration and Consulting field, a career he credits to the knowledge and training he received at

Scott Smith (Advertising & Public Relations) is currently writing the imaging for Canada’s largest Classic Rock Station as well as the Charles Adler Show. On a freelance basis Scott provides commercials for a station cluster in the Cayman Islands, has appeared in an episode of Flashpoint, and has voiced several cartoon characters. Scott has just completed writing his first novel and is working to get it published.

Accomplishments: Radio & Production Magazine - Winner Best Commercial 2004 - Radio Marketing Bureau Crystal Awards - Bronze - Station Single 2011 New York Festival - International Radio - Bronze - Station Promo 2011 - Corus Radio - Creative Spark Award (national corporate award) 2011 - Crystal Awards – Bronze

2005 Eric Outman (Bachelor of Applied Communication) has recently retired to the sunshine coast of British Columbia and currently writing movie scripts. His first movie is currently undergoing final rewrite for the producer. Second and third movies researched and in writing process.

2012 Cindy Medynski (Bachelor of Commerce) was recently hired with Investors Group as the Business Development Coordinator, a new position with opportunities for community involvement.

Cindy will be focusing on marketing, social media, client relationship management, recruiting, and event coordination. She looks forward to the possibilities ahead.

MacEwan.ca/alumni

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MacEwan News

A PHOTO FINISH

“What you looking at?” by Shauna Nahajowich, Bachelor of Arts, 2000. 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 Winter 2012