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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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Algonquin College students eager to network at career fair

College connected students with employers at Career Networking Fair

Elyse Barker

Photos: Elyse Barker

February 14, 2025
Revised: February 14, 2025 2:44pm

Photo: Elyse Barker

Representatives from Capilano speak with students at their booth during Algonquin College’s 2025 Career Networking Fair, discussing potential job opportunities.

As Algonquin College’s 2025 Career Networking Fair gave students a chance to connect with employers, many looked forward to building networks and exploring job opportunities.

The fair, held in the DARE District on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., brought together students and recruiters from various industries. It allowed students to meet potential employers, learn about available positions and submit their resumés directly.

A wide-angle view of Algonquin College’s 2025 Career Networking Fair in the DARE District, showing a bustling crowd of students engaging with employers at various booths. — Students and employers connect at Algonquin College’s 2025 Career Networking Fair in the DARE District, exploring job opportunities and industry insights. Photo credit: Elyse Barker

Marie-Claire Uwamaririya, a first-year supply chain management global student, said the fair was valuable for making professional connections.

“I came looking for a co-op, but I found more opportunities available,” she said. “I applied for a job online, and now I see the company here, and they’re taking resumés directly. That’s a bonus.”

Marie-Claire Uwamaririya, wearing an orange shirt, smiles at the camera while attending Algonquin College’s 2025 Career Networking Fair. — Marie-Claire Uwamaririya, a first-year supply chain management student, smiles at the camera during Algonquin College’s 2025 Career Networking Fair. Photo credit: Elyse Barker

The fair featured a variety of companies from different sectors, giving students a first-hand look at potential career paths and industry expectations.

Stephanie Cameron, vice-president of HR at The Minto Group and an Algonquin alumna, said the company is always looking for new talent.

“We offer roles in construction, property management, IT, HR, finance, and marketing,” she said. “Minto is always at this event because we see the value in connecting with students.”

Sephora Revolus, a second-year business management and entrepreneurship student, said she attended the fair to explore work placement opportunities. “I don’t know my exact career path yet, but events like this help me see what’s out there,” she said.

“It also reminds me that we’re all here to grow together,” said Revolus.

If students are looking for more information regarding co-op or career resources available through the college, they can check the college’s website.

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Elyse Barker

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Deepti Vempati chooses herself and she hopes we do the same

Discussing self-love and acceptance, the reality show star appeared on campus and talked about relationships ahead of Valentine's Day

Vasileios Tselios

Photos: Vasileios Tselios

February 14, 2025
Revised: February 14, 2025 2:07pm

Photo: Vasileios Tselios

Deepti Vempati on stage at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Feb. 10.

Deepti Vempati, a star from the second season of Netflix’s Love is Blind, gave a sit-down talk on self-empowerment at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Feb. 10.

The event ran for two hours, which started off with a 40-minute conversation between Vempati and Amanda Logan, the Students’ Association’s event programmer.

Vempati, the author of the book I Choose Myself, emphasized the importance of self-love and self-empowerment, specifically for women.

“The most important thing is to give yourself grace,” she said. “Even the most confident people have self-doubt.”

The conversation touched on topics such as relationships, self-care and confidence.

Deepti Vempati (left) listens as Amanda Logan (right) reads from the book "I Choose Myself" at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Feb. 10. — Deepti Vempati listens as Amanda Logan reads from the book "I Choose Myself" at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Feb. 10. Photo credit: Vasileios Tselios

Vempati became adored by the viewers of Love is Blind when she chose to prioritize herself over a relationship in which she was being mistreated.

Now, she is using her voice to help women who are in a similar positions.

Vempati said her biggest lesson has been vocalizing her wants and needs. She felt content in the past if people liked her, but she never took the time to examine if the person or the situation was right for her.

“You always attract what you think you deserve at that moment,” she said.

Deepti Vempati (left) speaks with Amanda Logan (right) at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Feb.10. Photo credit: Vasileios Tselios

Vempati answered a lot of questions from the audience about Love is Blind and her experience on the show.

She discussed the process of signing up for the show, her relationship with the producers and other behind-the-scenes secrets.

While answers about the show pleased the audience, the crowd’s questions delved deeper into romantic relationships, race and the empowerment of women.

Rather than asking a question, Rameesha Qazi raised her hand to show her appreciation towards Vempati.

“Thank you, it’s really rare to get depictions of brown women on TV,” said Qazi. “I wanted to say thank you for that.”

Vempati, touched by the sentiment, described the difficulties she faced as a brown woman in reality TV.

Despite the backlash Vempati received from people online who undermined reality TV, she said, “It was really empowering for other Indian women, and I think that’s been the best part.”

Carmen Rochon shared her own personal experience, relating to Vempati’s message. The applause after Rochon’s story marked it as one of the crowd’s favourite moments.

“Having lived (through) a few difficult relationships, I find it is very important to look at yourself in the mirror (and) do that wink, remind yourself that this is what matters,” said Rochon.

“I’m glad that there is an education out there for people to be able to understand and say, ‘maybe I’m not doing this right’,” she added.

Before leaving the stage, Vempati reminded the audience self-confidence does not appear out of nowhere. There are steps and habits that build up a person’s confidence, day by day.

“Confidence takes action,” Vempati said.

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International students form new Diversity Club

Friends from around the world seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome

Kendra Mendrisky

Photos: Linh Ngo, Dev Sharma, Dylan Bimenya and Lucia Ortiz. Bottom left to right

February 14, 2025
Revised: February 14, 2025 2:10pm

Photo: Linh Ngo, Dev Sharma, Dylan Bimenya and Lucia Ortiz. Bottom left to right

The Diversity Club's founders, top left to right

Lau “Ivan” Chun Ngai may be the leader of the Diversity Club on paper, but it was really the collaborative effort of eight friends.

International students Chun Ngai, Aruzhan Tazhigaliyeva, Devansh “Dev” Sharma, Clay Dimara, Dylan Bimenya, Linh Ngo, AJ Cyrill Dy and Lucia Ortiz founded the club at the beginning of this year.

“We made this club to break the barrier, so we can have more connections in the school and be a community,” said Chun Ngai, who came to Algonquin College from Hong Kong.

Sharma, who came to the college from India, noticed there were lots of clubs for different cultural groups, but something was missing.

“If you see other clubs, they are not as inclusive as they’re from a specific country or (about) a specific interest,” said Sharma. “We just wanted to include everybody.”

Students feel like kids again with a game of musical chairs. Photo credit: Kendra Mendrisky

Dy, who came to the college from the Philippines, says the club’s goal is to meet new people and have fun.

“It doesn’t matter what country you’re from,” said Dy. “Even if you’re local, you’re welcome. That’s why we invite everyone.”

The group had a table at Clubsfest in January and more recently handed out posters for their first event to students in the cafeteria.

The Diversity Club’s welcome event took place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in room B184 on Feb. 7.

Students at the welcome event introduce themselves to the group. Photo credit: Kendra Mendrisky

Sharma says the amount of funding the club receives from the Students’ Association depends on how many members they have.

“If you increase to 50 people, I think it goes up to $500,” said Sharma. “But it’s really difficult to get 50 people to join the club.”

Dy is not sure when the club will meet next, but says the group is “definitely planning more events in the future.”

Students interested in the Diversity Club can find it on Instagram and on the Students’ Association’s website.

The club’s welcome event may not have had a big turnout, but Ortiz was still pleased with the outcome.

“I think it’s cute because everyone is having fun and I think that’s the point,” said Ortiz. “We get to know new people, at least I did.”

Ortiz, who came to Ottawa from Peru, credits her friends with the positive impact college has had on her life.

“I’m so happy to be here to be honest,” said Ortiz. “I met those guys and they are like a family here.”

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Students work with pork council to produce Super Bowl favourites

The pig is up. The Canadian Pork Council collaborates with Algonquin College's culinary program to showcase Canadian pork in Super Bowl cuisine

Joshua Peachey-Leigh

Photos: Miguel Castillion, Jason Bikow and Nicholas Belanger.

February 14, 2025
Revised: February 14, 2025 10:08am

Photo: Miguel Castillion, Jason Bikow and Nicholas Belanger.

The creators of the Holy Mole chili

Together with the Canadian Pork Council, Algonquin’s College’s Restaurant International hosted a pre-Super Bowl gathering on Feb. 7, bringing the local community together to appreciate the versatility of pork and skill of culinary students.

The star of the event was the chili contest, where teams of culinary students, from first to fourth level, created and cooked unique chili recipes. One team, made up of fourth-level culinary students Nicholas Belanger, Jason Bikow and Miguel Castillion, were proud of the reception of their chili, which they called the Holy Mole.

Starring mole, a spicy and savory Mexican sauce made with chocolate, the Holy Mole took some time to perfect.

“Everyone else was going with a classic. We wanted to try something different,” said Belanger.

“It took a lot of experimentation and trying different spices,” added Bikow.

The Canadian Pork Council represents the pork industry across Canada.

The event featured dishes from all around the world, made with Canadian pork. With so many dishes available, including three other chilies, competition was fierce.

“We have two kitchens going, I’m not even sure of everything we have here. There’s a lot going on,” said Sarah Corimorr, a second-level culinary student.

Corimorr ran the bossam station with her partner Princewill Nwaiwu. Bossam is a Korean dish of pork belly wrapped in lettuce with pickled vegetables.

Sarah Corimorr and her station partner Princewill Nwaiwu.

Canadian produce is something the Canadian Pork Council and Canadians are focused on, as talks and concerns around U.S. tariffs continue between the two countries.

“I think people will appreciate good Canadian produce,” said Nathan Buschmann, the Students’ Association’s manager of culinary operations. “We’ve recently switched to a dairy provider from Quebec. It’s a bit more expensive but it’s worth it.”

Peter Gareau, a local drawn in by the chili contest, was impressed by the food prepared by the culinary students.

“It’s all good food, but I would expect nothing else here,” said Gareau.

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Women’s volleyball: Wolves eliminated from playoffs in the first round

The Wolves’ offence comes up toothless against the shield of Cambrian

Vasileios Tselios

Photos: Vasileios Tselios

February 14, 2025
Revised: February 14, 2025 9:37am

Photo: Vasileios Tselios

Wolves middle Riley Lancia hits a spike against Cambrian Golden Shield on Feb. 8 in the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

The Wolves women’s volleyball season ended on Feb 8. after they lost at home in the first round of the playoffs against the Cambrian Golden Shield.

The Wolves’ regular season ended with an impressive 12-6 record, granting them home court in the first round of the playoffs.

Going into the game, the hosts led the visitors in most regular season statistics, including kills per set, aces per set and digs per set.

Cambrian had their two best players, Carlie Pappano and Mackenzie Selk, in great form. Pappano, third in the OCAA for kills, and Selk, second in the OCAA for digs, found themselves in the middle of everything positive for the Golden Shield.

Wolves middle Isabella Tourangeau hits a spike against Cambrian Golden Shield on Feb. 8 in the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. Photo credit: Vasileios Tselios

The Wolves struggled to find their footing in the first two sets, as their opponents carved out big leads early on in both sets. Carys Tenthorey and Grace Pate were consistent sources of offence for the Wolves, as they tallied 14 and 10 kills respectively.

Cambrian’s offence quickly smothered the Wolves’ comebacks, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in sets.

“We came out really flat and nervous. (We) made things difficult for ourselves,” said Wolves coach Everton Senior.

The third set was more effective for the Wolves as their net play hit a new level. Isabella Tourangeau really came into her own, recording 11 kills.

“I think this was one of my best games. I have been in my head a little bit,” said Tourangeau.

“I said I need to show up for my team today and I think I did a pretty good job.”

Tourangeau and Pate teamed up on the final two points of the third set, giving the Wolves a set.

In the fourth set, the Wolves’ libero Jordan Faig tried her best to keep Cambrian’s offence at bay, but Cambrian would ultimately win the game.

The Wolves joined Seneca and Durham as three of the top four teams in the eastern conference who suffered a home loss in the first round of the playoffs.

Golden Shield libero Selk was exceptional, seemingly covering every inch of the court with her digs and receives.

“She is insane, she is the heart and soul of the team defensively,” said Cambrian coach Dale Beausoleil. “We love her to death.”

Selk said she grew into the game as she got more touches on the ball.

“I started a little bit shy, but as the serves kept coming, I was like, yeah give it to me, I’m going to keep passing this stuff,” she said.

Although Algonquin’s playoff ambitions came to an early end, Senior is still proud of his team’s performance.

“One match shouldn’t define our season and we had a good season,” said Senior. “We started most of our matches with three rookies, which bodes well for us next season. With a year of experience, we can be that much better.”

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Vasileios Tselios

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Driver rams through Munich crowd, injuring at least 28 people

Top stories in your community and around the world by Algonquin Times journalists

Jaiden Martin

Photos:

February 14, 2025
Revised: February 14, 2025 7:47am

Local

CBC: A snowstorm hit the city of Ottawa Thursday, causing delays across the entire city.

The Ottawa International Airport recorded 27 centimetres by 9 a.m., leading to school buses being cancelled and some schools closing for the day. The majority of the schools that are affected are located outside of the city but in the Ottawa area.

Canada Post reported that mail delivery for Feb. 13 was suspended for the day across Ontario.

OC Transpo reduced transportation for the day, and riders also reported platform closures during the storm as well.

National

CTV: Canada beat Sweden 4-3 in the first game of 2025 Four Nations Tournament, hosted by the NHL.

Hosted at the Bell Centre in Montreal, all nations were celebrated before the start of the game. Teemu Selanne, Mario Lemiuex, Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Ritcher, all legends for their respective countries (Finland, Canada, Sweden and U.S), received a standing ovation.

Canada came out hot with a two-goal lead going into the second period. The final buzzer went off, and the game needed overtime after a hard-fought battle by the Swedes to tie the game 3-3.

A pass back into the neutral zone from Canadian captain Sidney Crosby to Mitch Marner ended the game after Marner used the Swedish defender to his advantage to hide his shot.

International

CBC: A driver drove into a crowd in Munich, injuring over 28 people.

The attack happened at around 10:30 a.m., with the driver overtaking a police vehicle following a labour union demonstration, ramming into the back of the participants.

Some people from the crowd were seriously injured, including children.

The suspect was a 24-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan, according to Christian Huber, the deputy police chief.

Germany has faced several attacks involving immigrants in recent months, but this attack does not seem influenced by government decision-making. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as “a terrible attack.”

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Jaiden Martin

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OC Transpo reducing bus service on Thursday in response to forecasted snowstorm

Top stories in your community and around the world by Algonquin Times journalists

Kendra Mendrisky

Photos:

February 13, 2025
Revised: February 13, 2025 11:57am

Local

CTV: OC Transpo is reducing bus service and parking “many articulated buses” on Thursday in anticipation of the winter storm expected to hit Ottawa with up to 40 centimetres of snow.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for the nation’s capital, and the city declared a “Significant Weather Event.”

OC Transpo is implementing a severe storm schedule for buses on Thursday, according to Transit Services general manager, Renée Amilcar.

Amilcar says bus service will follow a “reduced schedule in order to provide safer and more reliable service during the winter storm and to allow the entire network to recover more quickly.”

O-Train Line 1, Line 2, Line 4 and Para Transpo service will not be reduced.

National

CBC: Influenza is “widespread” in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

While cases of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus are decreasing, Canada’s winter respiratory virus season is in full swing, officials say.

About one out of every three tests sent for influenza in Quebec currently comes back positive, reflecting the intensity of the flu season, according to Dr. Jesse Papenburg, an infectious disease specialist at Montreal Children’s Hospital and an associate professor of pediatrics at McGill University.

“My recommendations for families is, it’s not too late to get vaccinated,” says Papenburg.

International

CTV: If Hamas does not free hostages this weekend, “all hell will break loose,” said Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, on Wednesday.

“If Hamas stops releasing the hostages, then there is no deal and there is war,” said Katz during a visit to a military command center.

Hamas said on Saturday it would delay the next hostage release, accusing Israel of not following through on commitments under the truce, including the delivery of tents and other aid.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to resume fighting if Hamas does not follow through and called for troops to be strengthened around Gaza.

Mahmoud Merdawi, a Hamas official, said there were “positive signals” the three hostages will be released on Saturday, but the group had not yet received a commitment from Israel that it would stick to the deal.

Israeli officials had no immediate comment, but the country says it is fulfilling its obligations under the deal, which went into effect on Jan. 19 and paused the 16-month war in Gaza.

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Kendra Mendrisky

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Baking for a cause: Students raise money for Christie Lake Kids

Child and youth care students baked treats for a cause close to home

Nicklaus Korim

Photos: Nicklaus Korim

February 13, 2025
Revised: February 13, 2025 11:49am

Photo: Nicklaus Korim

Some baked goods at the sale

The passionate group of child and youth care students at Algonquin College set out to raise money for the Christie Lake Kids Foundation (CLK) Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 near Savoir Fare with some tasty treats.

Benjamin Rose handing out a cookie at the bake sale Feb. 6. — Benjamin Rose handing out a cookie. Photo credit: Nicklaus Korim

Abdulsalam Hussein, one of the Level 1 students in the child and youth care program, was especially excited about the fundraiser.

“I’ve been with them before. I used to go there as a kid,” Hussein said about CLK.

Hussein attended the summer camp when he was younger and knows how much of a difference the CLK programs can make.

“When I was a kid I was getting into trouble,” he said.

“I want to support kids that were going through what I was going through.”

Abdulsalam Hussein beside the CLK sign at the bake sale on Feb. 6. — Abdulsalam Hussein beside the CLK sign at the bake sale. Photo credit: Nicklaus Korim

The CLK will be accepting donations to help fund their Skills Through Arts and Recreation programs (STAR). According to the CLK website, the STAR program is an after school program supporting Ottawa’s low-income children and youths.

Violet George, a Level 1 child and youth care student, was the head coordinator of the fundraiser. George and her classmates were tasked with running a fundraiser for their community service learning class.

The goal of the bake sale was to help fund their end-of-term fundraiser on March 17 at Boston Pizza in Barrhaven — any extra money goes straight to the CLK. The class will be hosting a ticketed trivia night, where all the proceeds will go to CLK. The tickets for the trivia night will cost $10 each person and $25 for a team of four.

George said they will collect “as much as we can raise.”

The bake sale, which was the first fundraiser the class held before the trivia night, included cookies, muffins and cupcakes — just about everything a sweet tooth on campus might crave.

“No one’s going to turn down a good-looking cupcake,” George said with a chuckle.

Nancy Palanuk, a child and youth care student in her final year of the program, came across the bake sale looking for a treat, unaware students from her own program were organizing it.

Palanuk, who contributed to her own classes fundraiser when she was in Level 1, was overjoyed the program is still doing yearly fundraisers. She was also excited to learn this group shared the same zest for working with kids as she does.

Nancy Palanuk showing of her oreo cheesecake from the bake sale infront of savoir fare Feb. 6 — Nancy Palanuk with her Oreo cheesecake. Photo credit: Nicklaus Korim

Benjamin Rose, another level 1 first-year student on shift at the bake sale, was eager to help.

Rose went back to school after spending four years working in construction.

“Screw it, I’ll go back,” Rose said with a laugh.

After attending an open house, Rose found child and youth care on the list of programs.

“I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” Rose said

“As soon as I saw it just clicked.”

Now 22 years old, Rose was excited by the prospect of being able to work with children in need. Rose, who struggled in his own youth, was raised with a military family and was never able to get his footing anywhere his family moved.

“I don’t want to say I was a troubled child, but I was a troubled child,” Rose said.

Excited for the bake sale, Rose found himself with one setback — he lacked the culinary prowess.

“My lovely mother baked some cookies, then I slapped my name on it and gave myself credit,” Rose said.

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Spiritual readers share their gifts at fifth Mystical Haven Wellness Fair

Psychics, mediums, tarot card readers, energy healers and reiki masters were at the Nepean Sportsplex on Feb. 8

Kendra Mendrisky

Photos: Kendra Mendrisky

February 13, 2025
Revised: February 13, 2025 11:54am

Photo: Kendra Mendrisky

Lesley Hervey, a tarot card reader, has used this deck for the last 35 years.

At the age of seven, Tristen Sky could see things other people couldn’t.

“For instance, I would see the colour blue for my sister and then I’d see her that day and she’s wearing blue,” said Sky.

After graduating high school, Sky started university, like many others do at 18. But unlike other 18-year-olds, Sky was also learning reiki, a type of energy healing.

“I’m a highly sensitive person, so I’ve always been really sensitive to energies,” said Sky.

Now 28, Sky is a professional psychic medium and reiki master who uses their gifts to help people heal.

They recently gave people readings at the Mystical Haven Wellness Fair held at the Nepean Sportsplex on Feb. 8. Dozens of vendors were at the wellness fair.

At the Ottawa Interfaith Spiritualist Church, Sky often acts as a medium to connect people with their deceased loved ones.

“I help a lot of people and it’s very rewarding,” said Sky behind their white, floral-clad partition. “It’s such a deep soul level and it really touches my heart.”

Tristen Sky was in such high demand at the fair, they didn't have time to eat lunch. Photo credit: Kendra Mendrisky

When they aren’t helping people at the church, Sky connects with clients over Zoom. While new clients are often hesitant about the legitimacy of Sky’s online services, Sky says “once you know, you know.”

“You don’t have to be in front of the person because you’re reading spirits and they travel,” said Sky.

A few booths down from Sky sat Lesley Hervey, who runs Wyse Woman Words with Lesley.

Hervey was doing tarot card readings.

“I’ve been reading tarot for probably the last 45 years,” said Hervey. “I got into reading tarot, I guess, simply because my mother read tarot.”

At 25 years old, Hervey started working with cards, which she says allowed her to keep her mind open.

“I use this as a medium because I find it easier to connect to the person I’m reading for, rather than just talking to them and doing it directly that way,” said Hervey. “I can do it that way, but I just find this tells me a lot more information.”

Hervey calls herself a “wyse woman” because she comes from a Celtic background and has expanded her gifts through a variety of teachings and trainings.

As a heyoka empath, Hervey is able to pick up on feelings, thoughts, information and emotions from people and the environment around her.

“For me personally, I don’t read somebody unless they’ve given me permission to do so,” said Hervey.

Lesley Hervey was an Elder in the Wicca community in Toronto. Photo credit: Kendra Mendrisky

According to Hervey’s information sheet, heyokas “open people’s minds to new perspectives by acting as a mirror.”

On Friday afternoons, Hervey travels from Lyndhurst to Brockville, Ont. to do readings at Zen Acres.

“The money is not my motivator, I’m more interested in helping people,” said Hervey. “This is part of who I am and what I do, but it’s not my job.”

Aside from those sharing their gifts, the wellness fair at the Sportsplex featured vendors selling everything from crystals and jewelry to microsilver body care and homegrown catnip.

Fionna Wallace’s business is called Foraged Flora by Fionna.

Wallace’s three-month-old business grew from the desire to support her family’s health and wellness using natural products.

She makes teas, salves, oils and more using herbs from her sister’s farm in Embrun, Ont.

Fionna Wallace's 11-year-old daughter, Mira Wallace, was selling her creations, including bracelets, dehydrated apples and bath soak. Photo credit: Kendra Mendrisky

There were 42 vendors at the Nepean Sportsplex from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the event’s organizer, Rachelle Ten Oever.

Ten Oever is the co-founder of One Wellness Ottawa, which hosts retreats, sound baths, meditations and festivals.

She says her fifth wellness fair has been “fantastic.”

Rachelle Ten Oever discovered sound healing through yoga and meditation. Photo credit: Kendra Mendrisky

“I think people just like the idea of something that’s wholesome, holistic,” said Ten Oever. “The world is kind of opening up and awakening to just, hey, we’re not going to do what society thinks we should be doing to heal ourselves and there’s other avenues out there that we can go down.”

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Kendra Mendrisky

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Kendra Mendrisky

Algonquin College students call for action on Black representation and support

Students voice concerns over campus' lack of Black student association

Elyse Barker

Photos: Elyse Barker

February 12, 2025
Revised: February 12, 2025 5:26pm

Photo: Elyse Barker

Eza Kathia and Joan Akhuetie pose in Connections - The Campus Store.

Algonquin College students in Ottawa question Black History Month commitments, saying support for a Black student association that recognizes Black culture and achievements is lacking.

February is Black History Month.

Sam Celian, a recent graduate and trainer at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre, said the college is failing to acknowledge its diverse student body.

“We can’t ignore that a large portion of this school is Black,” she said.

Sam Celian stands in front of a vibrant green campus wall, smiling warmly as she reflects on her role in the school's ARC and her efforts to create a more inclusive environment for students. — Sam Celian smiles confidently after her work in the school's ARC, where she actively engages in student initiatives and discussions. Photo credit: Elyse Barker

Eza Kathia, a second-year computer system technician student, said there is little visibility for Black students on campus with hopes of a Black student association being implemented.

“We noticed that there wasn’t much related to Black people here, and we didn’t feel safe enough to voice our opinions, so we didn’t feel the need to speak up,” said Kathia.

Joan Akhuetie, also a second-year computer system technician student, said she wants the school to create spaces for Black students to connect.

“If there were something dedicated to Black students coming together, we would definitely go. We’d make so many friends we can relate to. The school needs to take the initiative,” said Akhuetie.

As students express their distaste for the college’s inaction, some have gone as far as to compare the school with Black student associations at other Ottawa institutions.

When asked about the school’s commitment to Black representation, the Algonquin Students’ Association responded in an email: “We appreciate the opportunity to engage in this important conversation and to continually reflect on how we can better support and celebrate the African, Caribbean and Black communities at Algonquin College.”

The SA said, “The Students’ Association is committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that our events and initiatives reflect the diversity of our campus. This Black History Month, we have organized several events across all campuses to celebrate Black culture, history, and achievements,” and the organization pointed to a list of events.

For some students, words aren’t enough.

Omoome Edelifo, a first-year interactive media design student, compared Algonquin to Carleton University, where she previously served as co-president of the Nigerian Association and was shocked to see the lack of representation when coming to the college.

“I’ve seen what it looks like when Black students are represented. Like Carleton, this school also has a lot of Black students who deserve to be appreciated. A Black student association allows us to feel safe and represented. Give us seminars, put up posters, just do more,” said Edelifo.

Omoome Edelifo smiles brightly in front of a green campus wall, wearing black ear muffs as she reflects on the importance of better celebrating Black History Month at her school. — Omoome Edelifo stands in front of a campus wall, smiling after sharing her perspective on the need for greater recognition and celebration of Black History Month at her school. Photo credit: Elyse Barker

For students, without meaningful action on campus, the lack of recognition will continue to foster feelings of isolation and neglect. If changes were to be made, it would need to happen now.

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