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Convocation Day at Algonquin College

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here. As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success. Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the […]

Office of the President

Photos:

November 4, 2020
Revised: November 4, 2020 10:37am

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here.

As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success.

Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the pandemic, climate change, the fight for social justice and equality, or automation and the world of Artificial Intelligence, we come together to celebrate your incredible achievement, which is all the more remarkable given these extraordinary times.

In this age of great uncertainty, I can be certain of one thing…. The steadfast determination you have displayed will serve you well in the new environment being shaped so rapidly before us.

The world you are entering, upon graduation, looks nothing like the world from even a year ago. Yet, along with the challenges that lay ahead, the future holds promise and opportunities the likes of which have not been presented to any generation for a long time.

The door is open for you to really change the world, and not in a clichéd sense, but in real and tangible ways, emboldened with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

It also stands ready for your generation’s champions of social justice, to address issues of inequity, and the lack of diversity and inclusion that recent events have brought to the forefront in ways that can no longer be ignored.

Whatever your path forward, you will have the opportunity to help lead a true transformation –

to recalibrate the socio-economic inequities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour on a scale never seen before. And to reshape the modern workforce and break new ground in your chosen field.

Embracing our community will hopefully be one of the enduring legacies to emerge from these times, and you will be the ones to pass this on to the next generation.

Education, in its many forms, is a significant touchstone. It helps form the solid ground beneath our feet. It allows us to adapt, pivot and anticipate rather than merely react when change inevitably challenges our lives.

The knowledge and skills you have acquired here at Algonquin College are now part of your “tool kit”, helping to “future-proof” your career.

I want to borrow now from my colleague, Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Algonquin’s Vice President – Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization. He often uses the metaphor of arrows in a

quiver. An arrow on its own will snap easily, however when they are bundled together, they are strong and resilient. Having many arrows in your quiver provides strength, and will enhance your confidence when faced with the many challenges set to come your way.

So … going forward … be inspired to learn new things and develop new skills. Fill your quiver with more arrows and make your mark.

Everything of value starts with an idea. What ideas are you preparing to share with the world? What script are you about to write?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the author, Neil Gaiman, and I’d like to borrow what I think is an appropriate quote from his book, Art Matters: “It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is, individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”

So, when you think about your future, where does your imagination take you? The world needs your creativity, your energy and your resiliency more than ever before. It needs you to dream big dreams, and to go forward and be fearless.

Be unafraid to fail and to learn from your missteps. To borrow again from Neil Gaiman: “Now go, and make interesting mistakes…Make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here.” History is filled with the stories of entrepreneurs and leaders in every field whose ideas met with initial dismissal, failure, and seemingly insurmountable odds before they achieved success.

So let opportunity be what defines you. I know you already possess the determination, imagination and innovative spirit to overcome any obstacles in your path.

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Claude Brulé

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Taking care of one’s own mental health should be top priority

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us are struggling with additional feelings of anxiety and isolation this year. That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental […]

Office of the President

Photos:

October 14, 2020
Revised: October 15, 2020 6:54pm

That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental health your top priority.

Six years ago, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a report highlighting how post-secondary student populations across the country are at a higher risk of mental health issues.

The report detailed how half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illness start by 14 years-of-age, and 75 per cent by the age of 24. Half of all Canadians will have, or will have had, a mental illness by the age of 40.

In the intervening years since that report, Algonquin College has taken many steps to enhance its support networks and resources to help our learners and employees look after their mental health.

That work continues with an even greater sense of purpose today, as we now face new personal challenges brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a return to normal still on the horizon, taking care of ourselves has become even more critical.

Algonquin College takes pride in being an inclusive, caring community. We strive each day to support and respect one another – to show kindness and empathy. By doing this, we break down the old and harmful stigmas around mental health.

Building awareness is crucial, and I encourage every learner and employee to take the time to reflect on how they are feeling and coping during these unprecedented times. Part of being aware is accepting that it is okay to be vulnerable. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. Never hesitate to reach out when in need. In addition to the resources referenced above, there are also many apps and online tools available to you, and excellent resources offered by Ottawa Public Health.

One of the recent developments in our continuing efforts around mental health is the expanded partnership Algonquin College has with The Royal. This summer, thanks to a $250,000 contribution from RBC Foundation, more of our learners in need will be able to meet online with a psychiatrist from The Royal and get the support they need through a customized treatment plan.

We also offer a complete range of counselling services and general supports in an effort to cater to the individual needs of every learner, understanding the broad range of challenges and lived experiences across our student population. These services are provided by professionals who can accommodate you virtually from the comfort of your own home.

Like everyone, I am looking forward to the time when we can all safely be together again, enjoying the vibrancy and energy of being on campus. Until then, please know you are not alone. We want you to turn your dreams into lifelong success and are committed to helping you on the journey.

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A farewell to a photography and journalism pioneer at Algonquin College

"Shoot, shoot, shoot and have fun out there." Marilyn Mikkelsen leaves a picture-perfect legacy in Algonquin College photojournalism

Sebastian Menendez

Photos:

April 23, 2024
Revised: April 23, 2024 12:32pm

Marilyn Mikkelsen photographed in a classroom at Algonquin College.

Marilyn Mikkelsen, a founding member of Algonquin College’s photography program for journalism, is retiring. Her departure marks a touching moment for Algonquin College as it bids farewell to one of its most beloved and enduring educators.

Mikkelsen’s passion for photography was joyfully shared with her students, initially teaching night courses predominantly attended by hobbyist photographers. Her transition into the journalism program gave her the opportunity to inspire and nurture aspiring journalists.

Mikkelsen’s legacy is in her enduring presence among colleagues and the wealth of knowledge she imparted to countless students. Her teaching has contributed to the award-winning Algonquin Times, with photography often taking centre stage.

Reflecting on her cherished moments at Algonquin, Mikkelsen’s greatest joy stems from witnessing her students’ enthusiasm for photography and their growth. She fondly recalls students whose professional-level work reflected her dedicated teaching.

“I used to say this at the end of all my PowerPoints: shoot, shoot, shoot and have fun out there. So, basically, the more you shoot, the better you get. The more you take pictures, the better you get to peruse what you like — look at magazines, digital newspapers, whatever. And then, when you see what you like, you can actually learn from that,” Mikkelsen said.

“You had to have all the pictures done. They had to be ready by the deadline. Otherwise, they didn’t get in the paper. So, it was like they were professional photographers and journalists working. It was a great learning curve, a great story, a great learning tool, and we could see it from the very beginning of the first semester,” Mikkelsen said.

Mikkelsen’s impact goes beyond just technical skills; she instilled a passion for storytelling through photography and journalism.

“So, my photography style is photojournalism, and that’s what I do. That’s all I’ve ever done, actually. So that was how I taught it. It was all about people and how you deal with people, how you take pictures of people in journalism and TV, whatever. Of course, I was teaching and then using, obviously, different things like depth of field and the other technical aspects along with that as well,” Mikkelsen said.

As Mikkelsen embarks on a well-deserved retirement, her legacy remains etched in the hearts and minds of her students and colleagues, a testament to her enduring influence on the world of photography and journalism at Algonquin College. Her final piece of advice was very simple: “Shoot, shoot, shoot and have fun out there.”

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Students swarm Student Commons for free poutine

The event started earlier because of the large number of people waiting.

John Hopper

Photos: John Hopper

April 18, 2024
Revised: April 18, 2024 4:23pm

Photo: John Hopper

Zaid Alkhatib, Shivang Jani, and Nirmal Kumar Telagalapalli posing with their free poutine

Free poutine was distributed to students of Algonquin College in E-building on April 11.

The event was organized by the Students’ Association in celebration of National Poutine Day and to serve as a stress reliever for students ahead of exam week.

Amanda Logan, an event planner for the Students’ Association, said that the event was designed to give back to Algonquin College.

“We know that April is a stressful season because it’s the end of the semester and National Poutine Day is coming up so we thought it would be a great way to give back to students. We booked the date two months ago, but we spent a lot of that time working it out with the talented catering team” said Logan.

“We wanted to do something fun on the last week on campus, and National Poutine Day lined up perfectly,” said Matteo Mongroo, a member of the Students’ Association.

The venue was located at the concourse of Robert C. Gillet Student Commons.

The event was scheduled at 11 a.m., but started earlier because of the large number of attendees.

At the event’s peak, the lineup to receive free poutine grew to nearly 60 metres with the line ending well past the Mamidosewin Centre.

The event was structured similarly to a buffet, with many options for which toppings and condiments laid out in front of guests.

Free poutine day was met with unanimous praise among those in attendance, despite many not being aware of the event before hand.

Jacqui Leroux, a development services worker on campus, said that they only found out about the event by chance.

“I had no idea free poutine day was something that was happening. I just found out about it by running into it. I heard that it was National Poutine Day earlier, but didn’t know about this. I think the event is wonderful. I think it was a great thing for [the Students’ Association] to do,” said Leroux.

Zaid Alkhaftib, a project management student, said that the event took him by surprise.

“The free poutine caught me off guard. I’m pleasantly surprised. Free things are always awesome”. Alkhaftib said.

“I had no idea what free poutine day was, but I can confirm it is delicious”, Nirmal Kumar Telagalapalli, also a project management student, said jokingly.

Free poutine day was a huge success for the Students’ Association as many in attendance expressed gratitude to those who organized the event.

For news on upcoming events on campus, visit the Algonquin Student Association event calendar here.

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John Hopper

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Midday Picnic holds last thrift sale before summer

The event is expected to return this September

Laiyiady Lam

Photos: Laiyiady Lam

April 18, 2024
Revised: April 18, 2024 4:17pm

Photo: Laiyiady Lam

Albert Cadi, the owner of Adonis Jewellery, holds several second-hand leather cowboy boots in brown, black, and khaki at the market.

The midday sun shines through the glass of the student commons, casting a radiant glow on the silver jewelry and second-hand leather boots displayed in the glass cabinet. The reflection in the dressing mirror shows the complex patterns of clothes. Popular music plays loud in the background while students are selecting vintage clothes.

“This event is a sustainable clothing event, vintage curated thrifting event,” said Mark Sola, the organizer of the Midday Picnic.

A person with a brown shirt and blue cap stands in front of a row of second-hand clothes. — Mark Sola, the organizer of Midday Picnic, smiles and stands in front of a row of second-hand clothes on April 10. It was the last thrift market he would be holding before summer break. Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

The last event of Midday Market before the summer break was held at the Student Commons on the afternoon of April 10.

Compared to the general thrift market that usually opens on weekends, this market only opens on Wednesdays.

Sola chose to open in the middle of the week because he wants to make thrift shopping accessible to people who are usually busy and don’t have time to shop for clothes they like.

During the event, various businesses participated in the market. Plato’s Closet, as the only chain company present, received enthusiastic purchases from a large number of students

Chelsea Cochrane, who managed the Plato’s Closet vending space during the event, believes the reason for this is because they have physical stores and promotions on social media. Additionally, all the brands displayed in the shop are trendy could be another reason for attracting students.

Emily Horton, Brogan Stebbing, and Chelsea Cochrane, the staff of Plato’s Closet, were present at the thrift market. Their clothing store was a big success, attracting lots of students to make purchases. Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

Sola said that today is the last market of this semester and he hopes to hold another event in September this year.

Autumn Lapointe, a first-year student of the child and youth care program, bought Lululemon shorts in the market.

She said this kind of event is very exciting and it allows students to save some money. She hopes it can be continued in the future.

“I think they should keep doing it. I like when they do it,” Lapointe said, adding, “my bank account doesn’t like it.”

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Human remains found in the Ottawa River in Clarence-Rockland

Local Ottawa Citizen: Human remains were found in the Ottawa River in Clarence-Rockland earlier this week. An individual who was at the Edward Street boat launch was fishing when the remains were found and called the police. There are no concerns for public safety as the Ottawa Provincial Police have begun an investigation. “An investigation […]

Isabella Disley

Photos:

April 17, 2024
Revised: April 17, 2024 4:58pm

Local

Ottawa Citizen: Human remains were found in the Ottawa River in Clarence-Rockland earlier this week.

An individual who was at the Edward Street boat launch was fishing when the remains were found and called the police.

There are no concerns for public safety as the Ottawa Provincial Police have begun an investigation.

“An investigation by the Russell County OPP and Russell County OPP Crime Unit, with assistance from the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit, is underway, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner, to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death,” said the OPP in a news release.

National

CBC: Richard Neil, also known as the “woodland rapist,” faces 20 charges in connection to three 1990s assaults in southern Ontario.

Neil was arrested on March 3, in Toronto and charged with 20 counts including kidnapping, sexual assault with a weapon and making child pornography.

The victim spoke out for the first time explaining how the police were able to identify the suspect using DNA.

“I was shaking when I received the call,” said the victim whose identity is covered by a court-ordered publication ban.

The victim led police to the scene of the assault the day after. The police took multiple soil samples for DNA testing, leading to the attacker’s profile.

International

CTV: Anthony Albanese, Australia’s prime minister, is grateful for the construction worker who intervened in a stabbing attack at a shopping mall in Sydney on April 13.

Security camera footage showed Damien Guerot, a French construction worker, with a plastic post as protection as he approached Joel Cauchi who stabbed six people to death.

Cauchi was later shot and killed by a police officer.

Guerot, now nicknamed “Bollard Man” on social media, is working in Australia on a work visa, which was due to expire in July.

“I say this to Damien Guerot, who is dealing with his visa applications, that you are welcome here, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like. This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France,” said Albanese.

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Isabella Disley

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Pink Comedy Night brings comedian Julien Dionne to Algonquin College

Dionne, originally from New Brunswick, is well known in comic circles around the country

Ben Fleguel

Photos: Ben Fleguel

April 17, 2024
Revised: April 17, 2024 3:42pm

Photo: Ben Fleguel

Julien Dionne jokes about how often people are on their cell phones.

Julien Dionne came to the college with fellow comedian Ben McKay on April 10 to support Jack.org’s initiative to raise mental health awareness.

“I was happy to come out and entertain in the name of raising awareness for a good cause,” said Dionne.

McKay, a fellow comedian originally from Toronto, said he hadn’t heard of Algonquin College. He looked it up and found that the college was described as “affordable.”

“That’s what I say, too,” joked McKay. “You could probably afford me.”

He broke the ice and quickly had the crowd laughing. McKay, who only has five years of experience, much of it being during the pandemic, did around 15 minutes of material and thought it went well.

However, both comedians commented during their performances that the atmosphere was different than what they were used to, on a Wednesday at 7 p.m., with the sunlight still creeping into the room around the hung black sheets.

McKay wrapped up his act and introduced Dionne, who has toured across Canada and even spent some time practising his craft in New York.

“You know it’s a packed house when you can hear individual answers,” said Dionne as he heard the crowd tell him variations of how their day was.

The Corner Lounge in the E-building might not have been full, but the 25 or so students who attended the event filled it with laughter.

Dionne took the opportunity to do many bits with specific audience members, and they joined in with some lighthearted heckling.

“You look like a clean Frank Gallagher,” said one audience member, referring to the character from the TV show Shameless.

“You look like the guy that sells weed to the Toronto Raptors,” retorted Dionne.

Dionne was ecstatic when he made a new female friend from the audience, whom he believed was hitting on him during her heckle.

“Is anyone recording this?” said Dionne. “My mom won’t believe it.”

Dionne performed nearly 45 minutes of comedy for the students before calling it quits, as he and McKay were on a tight schedule. They had to attend a comedy night at the Absolute Comedy Club, which was to be MC’d by McKay.

In an interview after the show, McKay said he always enjoys doing college gigs because it’s good to see what young people are like.

“Sometimes clubs are full with people a little bit older, so it’s nice to come and see how the material works with students,” said McKay.

Jack.org club leader at the college, Shannon O’Donohue, said it was the perfect way to help students who may be going through a tough time.

“I like the saying that laughter is the best medicine,” said O’Donohue.

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Liberal government’s housing plan promises to expand GST exemption to new residence buildings

The exemption may have positive implications for the Algonquin College Master Campus Development Plan

Ben Fleguel

Photos: Ben Fleguel

April 17, 2024
Revised: April 17, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Ben Fleguel

According to Ryan Southwood, the F-building is the most likely site for any potential new residence building. This is due mostly to its proximity to the R-building.

The federal Liberal government is proposing to extend the exemption on the five per cent GST for purpose-built rental housing to new residence buildings.

The Liberals announced the new policy proposal on April 12 in a series of pre-budget events leading to the unveiling of Budget 2024 on April 16.

Algonquin College is considering a new residence building for next year’s Master Campus Development Plan. The college is aware of the need for more student housing, but funding is an issue.

“The college doesn’t have the ability to go into deficit on this,” said Ryan Southwood, executive director of Facilities Management.

The college currently has $60 million in deferred maintenance backlog, and the projection for 2032 leaves the college liable for $300 million.

Southwood said the college is looking for partners to make providing additional housing opportunities for students feasible. A GST exemption may help convince potential partners to work with the college, according to Southwood.

The exemption applies to buildings that begin construction on or after Sept. 14, 2023, and before Dec. 31, 2030. Buildings must also finish construction before 2036.

A new residence building would have to break even and, ideally, make money like the current one, said Southwood.

Right now, R-building can house 1,050 students and it costs $4.57 million to run over the 2022-2023 school year. The building made $9.89 million in revenue and paid $1.29 million in interest on debt and $2.8 million in principal debt. That brings the college’s net profit to $1.22 million.

That sounds profitable, but according to Brent Brownlee, director of campus services, it’s not near the amount required to run the building in the big picture. Brownlee said the R-building is about to undergo an HVAC replacement that will cost the college $14 million over the next three years.

Brownlee said there may be a need for more student housing.

“We are seeing extremely high demand,” said Brownlee. “There’s a large number of students interested in moving into residence for the upcoming academic year.”

Students are already being referred to the wait list when they inquire about living on campus.

The college is considering multiple locations for a new residence, according to Ryan Southwood. He said the F-building is a primary redevelopment candidate for residential or mixed use purposes.

Southwood says before the college starts building, things need to be properly planned out. He said that’s why the college is putting so much time into the next phase of the MCDP; once it’s done, they can get to work.

“This is a critical piece to make sure we don’t have an impact on the future in a negative way,” said Southwood. “It’s a way of addressing this appropriately, making sure we’re making the right investments at the right time.”

Southwood pointed out that buildings are a 50-year asset, and when you start putting them in the wrong place, it may limit development. He said it makes sense to take time to plan something that takes a long time to come to fruition.

“Even if we decided today that we were going to build a residence, and it’s funded, and we’ve got the right space, it’s going to be 18 months for design, it’s going to be 18 months for construction,” said Southwood.

Southwood said the college is also looking for student housing opportunities off-campus. The college would need a partner, and the right space would have to become available, but Southwood said it would be a benefit to students.

“Not everybody wants to be in the residence,” said Southwood. “People want to live out in the community, or closer to work.”

Southwood said the college is in the midst of a housing study that is using methods such as student surveys, interviews, and focus groups to determine the exact needs of students.

“We’re looking at getting a report in June that will identify, as best we can right now, what we think the demand is. And what the gap is between what we can offer in residence and what Ottawa can offer in the local area,” said Southwood.

While housing will be a focal point of the MCDP, there are other campus needs it aims to address.

“We have a number of facilities on our campus that are reaching end of life,” said Southwood. “They’ll have to come down or need significant investment in them to maintain.”

One of these facilities is the north part of A-building, which Southwood said has aged past the point of economic viability.

Ryan Southwood says the north part of the A-building is no longer cost-effective and outdated. It may need redevelopment, the 2025 MCDP will determine how to address this. Photo credit: Ben Fleguel

Southwood says that the MCDP will also attempt to address the need for additional space in S-building, home to the transportation technology program. The current concept is to give that program extra space and free up other spaces around the college by moving in programs that may benefit from being in the same building.

Southwood said that all plans are currently just concepts, and nothing is set in stone. The MCDP is slated to go before the Board of Governors again in February 2025.

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Ben Fleguel

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Student project raises over $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada

A charity board game night organized by the project management program raised money through ticket sales and a silent auction

Cole Crossthwaite

Photos: Cole Crossthwaite

April 15, 2024
Revised: April 15, 2024 10:31am

Photo: Cole Crossthwaite

The Make-A-Wish board game night kicked off in full force with a packed house at Level One Game Pub on April 5. The student-organized event raised money for Make-A-Wish Canada through ticket sales and a silent auction.

A group of students enrolled in Algonquin College’s project management program raised over $1,000 for charity through their group project: Make-A-Wish Board Game Night. The student-organized board game night was held April 2 on the second floor of the Level One Game Pub in the ByWard Market. The event raised funds for Make-A-Wish Canada through ticket sales and a silent auction of donated goods.

The event, serving as a final project for the students, was initially anticipated to attract 40-45 attendees but ended up selling 60 tickets, surpassing the initial maximum of 50 and requiring special permission from the pub owner.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., people enjoyed various board games, food and drinks while also having the opportunity to participate in a silent auction.

The silent auction featured a variety of goods donated by local craft market vendors, many of whom were Algonquin College alumni. Vendors were given the opportunity to include business cards with the donated items, valued at approximately $250, for advertising purposes.

The project management students responsible for organizing the Make-A-Wish board game night gather for a photo with with their professor before the night kicks off. The event, held at Level One Game Pub on April 5, raised over $1000 for Make-A-Wish Canada through ticket sales and a silent auction. Photo credit: Cole Crossthwaite

Under the guidance of Prof. David Solomon, the project management graduate certificate program oversaw 22 student projects across various fields, including seven charity events with the goal of raising a minimum of $1,000 for the selected charity per event. Students were given the opportunity to choose from a list of three charities: Make-A-Wish Canada, Legacy of Hope Foundation and Heart and Stroke Foundation.

By 8 p.m., the Make-A-Wish Board Game Night had already raised over $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada, making the event a clear success. Student organizer Katy Anderchek expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you to everyone who came out to show support for this really important charity that helps the children in our community.”

Reflecting on the success of the event, Solomon expressed his delight with the outcome saying, “It’s wonderful seeing the students celebrate their success, apply what they’ve learned and support a beautiful cause,”

Events like the Make-A-Wish Board Game Night reflect the collective efforts of the students, professors and program in organizing and executing course projects.

“I’m so glad, everyone seems so happy and our profit was for a good cause which also brings happiness for children,” said Yuki IIda, one of the event’s student organizers. “Everything goes to happiness.”

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Cole Crossthwaite

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Wander The Forest raises money and awareness for Indigenous students

The event was a night of cultural celebration and charitable giving

Korbin Amaya

Photos: Korbin Amaya

April 12, 2024
Revised: April 12, 2024 4:24pm

Photo: Korbin Amaya

Before the end of the "Wander the Forest" event, Mariyam Chougaipova (1st), Jinxuan Tang (3rd), Phuong Thanh Nguyen (4th), Bernardine Cadiz (5th), and Eric Johnston (6th) pose together.

Algonquin College’s Restaurant International was packed with 54 people on April 5 as guests gathered for Wander the Forest, a charity event dedicated to supporting Indigenous students through the Mamidosewin Centre.

At 5:30 p.m., Eric Johnston, the manager of the Mamidosewin Centre, opened the event with a speech where he discussed how crucial the centre has been for assisting Indigenous students.

“The Mamidosewin Centre for me, it’s been very helpful finding a place to study, interact with other Indigenous students, and also get help when I need it,” said Randy Blue Kakegamic, a talented performer who mesmerized the audience with his Indigenous dance, singing and rhythmic drumming after Johnston gave his opening speech.

Randy Blue Kakegamic before he gets into action by singing, dancing and rhythm drumming at the "Wander the Forest" event. Photo credit: Korbin Amaya

“Initially, at the beginning of my schooling here, I didn’t really know anything about how to get online or how to apply, and it was the help of the Mamidosewin Centre. Now I’m a graduate, and you know, I’m doing really well,” said Kakegamic.

Attendees dined on a luxurious three-course dinner celebrating regionally grown foods, such as three-sister soup, roasted Alberta beef striploin, grilled Atlantic salmon and mushroom pappardelle, all topped off with apple cranberry tart for dessert.

Mariyam Chougaipova, the finance manager for Wander the Forest, later said, “we wanted to make sure that the theme tied together, which is why Wander The Forest is incorporated with the land, especially since it’s very significant to Indigenous people.”

The ambiance was enriched by live music played by Talia Aoude, an incredible soul singer/songwriter who captivated the audience with her powerful voice and stage charisma.

“Since it’s quite a deep topic about truth and reconciliation, we wanted somebody with high energy and charisma to try and lift the experience for all the people attending here tonight,” said Chougaipova.

A highlight of the event was the charity auction and raffle, which featured an array of attractive prizes generously donated by local businesses and organizations.

“The funds are going to the charity, so ticket sales are going to the charity. And then, basically, all of our auction items, sales, and raffles will all go to the charity,” said Chougaipova.

Melissa Lord, who attended the event as a guest, admired the organizer’s efforts to portray and advocate the cause of Indigenous students and create an inclusive space for all.

“I think it was a really good event to enjoy, even if you’re not Indigenous. It’s good to know about it and explore it,” Lord said.

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Korbin Amaya

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Caribbean Night raises money for Immigrant Women Services Ottawa

Algonquin College's Restaurant International became a lively Caribbean escape for fundraiser

Korbin Amaya

Photos: Korbin Amaya

April 12, 2024
Revised: April 12, 2024 4:16pm

Photo: Korbin Amaya

John Wolfart playing blues music during the Caribbean Night event.

Algonquin College’s Restaurant International transformed into a vibrant Caribbean paradise on April 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Students and guests gathered for “Caribbean Night,” a fundraiser featuring tropical moods, mouthwatering cuisine, live music and charitable giving.

Organized by Gabe Brocardi and Kree Charles, alongside their dedicated team of fellow Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM) students, this event was not only an in honour of Caribbean culture, but it was also a fundraiser in support of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO).

It was lively as guests dressed to impress in their beachwear, sipped unique cocktails like the “paradise punch” and feasted on a three-course meal inspired by the Caribbean that Restaurant International’s culinary specialists expertly prepared. Sweet treats like lemon crème brûlée and strawberry mango coconut parfait were served after appetizing entrees including West Indies yam and pumpkin soup, Jamaican spiced roasted chicken, Bajan salmon fillet and Caribbean vegetable korma.

There was live music from an up-and-coming Ottawa band, which included Owen Bueckert on piano, Marko Cuf and Vaughn Hall on saxophone, John Wolfart on bass, and Konrad Zetzsche on drums. Throughout the evening, the band maintained a high level of energy by performing Caribbean shore blues and Miles Davis sax covers, effectively transporting visitors to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean.

Despite the festivities, the real purpose of the occasion was to help IWSO, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrant and racialized women in the Ottawa area. In the middle of the event, Rajneesh Sharma, an IWSO representative, gave a presentation, outlined the organization’s goals and the essential services it offers, such as support for employment, gender-based violence awareness and prevention initiatives, crisis intervention and counselling, interpretation and translation services, and assistance with settlement and integration.

Leading Coordinators of "Caribbean Night".JPG — Kree Cearles (left) and Gabe Brocardi (right) stand smiling as their lively event proceeds successfully. Photo credit: Korbin Amaya

In an interview, Brocardi discussed the meaning behind Caribbean Night and how it aligns with the program’s goals.

“Kree and I were drawn to the idea of celebrating Caribbean culture, given our personal connections to the region,” explained Brocardi. “We wanted to create an event that not only showcased the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean but also supported a cause close to our hearts.”

Brocardi also underlined the importance of collaborating with nearby companies and organizations.

“Without the support of our local community, this event wouldn’t have been possible,” he said. “From donations for the silent auction to sponsorship and venue support, the generosity of our partners played a crucial role in raising funds for IWSO.

Guests enjoyed entertaining activities all evening, such as Shantal Gonzalez’s Caribbean-themed trivia.

“It’s really exciting because these people have little clues to the trivia on their table, and they don’t even know it. I’m really excited to host it and put a little fun into their evening,” she said.

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Korbin Amaya

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Police foundations students impress with showcase presentations

About 150 Level 4 police foundations students presented their final research on April 5

Zhiqi Zhou

Photos: Zhiqi Zhou

April 12, 2024
Revised: April 12, 2024 3:59pm

Photo: Zhiqi Zhou

Kaydence Stevenson used classic bristol board to create her final project and display it at the T- building.

Fourth-level police foundations students received high praise from law enforcement agencies, Carleton University professors and other attendees on April 5 when they delivered their final presentations during an event in the T-building.

This was a “walk about” and networking event where Algonquin College students shared their research with guests from school and beyond.

“This is a great event because you get really nice feedback from other students from all of our guests today,” said Alyssa Ferns, lead professor of the police foundations program.

“It’s a nice capstone or a nice celebratory event where all of the students are on the cusp of finishing their diploma. They’ve all worked really hard on their topic,” said Ferns.

Students chose their topics and conducted extensive and detailed research for their presentations.

Kaydence Stevenson focused on the layers of gender representation in policing in Canada, and her project was inspired by her love of policing as a profession.

“I want to be a police officer and I know that being a woman in policing can sometimes be a difficult subject,” said Stevenson, “so I thought it would be an interesting subjective research to get more information as to why there’s not enough females in policing.”

Harshdeep Singh is a student from India and his topic was understanding the impact of sexual assault on adult survivors in Canada. Singh said that the topic first came to his mind because there are a lot of such issues in India. His research compared the issues in India with the situation in Canada.

“I would also tell people around me about the data from these studies, but they are indeed very shocked when they hear Canada also has a very serious problem in this issue,” said Singh.

Harshdeep Singh made two boards to display his findings at the T- building. — Harshdeep Singh made two boards to display his findings at the T-building. Photo credit: Zhiqi Zhou

Sameer Sharma, an Ottawa police staff sergeant who works in outreach and recruiting, was impressed with the students who researched social media and mental health issues prevalent in the present era.

“I like this because this is the direction we are going with policing. When I first got into the profession, there wasn’t even Facebook, but now we find everything online,” said Sharma. “So, I like where education is going. You can see if it’s matching up with where our vision is going in policing and we see it going in the future.”

The students’ good status and excellent research made police foundations professor Tori Semple proud.

“They showed up looking professional and they knew a lot about their topic. So I’m really proud of all of them actually,” said Semple.

It was the second year of this type of event and Ferns said it will continue in this format for the next year.

“It looks like a big success. I imagine we’ll continue to do it,” said Ferns.

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Zhiqi Zhou

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