Algonquin College’s Path to a Life of Leisure

Recreation Leadership grad finishes career where it began

Rick Baker took the long road back home to Algonquin College.

The 1972 grad gives whole new meaning to recreational pursuit. After a wide-ranging career, Baker returned to campus in 2014 as a professor and co-op officer. For the life-long learner, that also meant revisiting the site of his first of many post-secondary degrees.

“I have a great combination of professional and volunteer experience, but it all harkens back to the great work that happened here at Algonquin College where I took Recreation Leadership,” says Baker, who now works for the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management program [a forerunner to the current HTM program]. “That basically gave me the groundwork and framework for working with people, and its been part of my mantra and my business for some 40 plus years.”

Most importantly, Algonquin developed Baker’s interpersonal skills. Courses were “very relevant,” he adds, combining “work experience” with theory, and practical knowledge. Read more >

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Algonquin Nurses a Passion for Patients

Registered Nurse grad gives College a healthy diagnosis

As an Algonquin nursing student, Pat Hamilton was prescribed the right academic medicine.

“Algonquin provided a lot of hands-on (experience),” the 30-year nursing veteran explains. “You were at the bedside for the last (year of) training…. You really came out feeling like you had a concrete experience to go from, and built the self-confidence you needed to continue.”

Hamilton graduated from the College’s Registered Nurse Program in 1986, and found immediate work at the Ottawa Hospital. Her diverse, three-decade career has included stints in the dialysis unit, and neurology division.

She also credits her professors’ encouragement and “great feedback” for giving her a well-rounded nursing education: “We had a great group of teachers at the time.” But it isn’t just the professors and patients who made an impact; her classmates were at the heart of her educational experience. Read more >

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Top 10 Reasons to Live in Residence – and How to Win your Res Room!

Are you considering living in residence next year? What are you waiting for? Here are our Top 10 reasons why you should apply today!

Convenience

If the idea of rolling out of bed and into class appeals to you, you can’t get much closer than living in residence. Living in residence is the most convenient option for students who want easy access to classes, campus living, and friends. You will be steps away from the College, transportation, restaurants and shopping.

All-inclusive fees

Avoid the hassles of renting. Don’t worry about having to arrange for your own electricity, cable and Internet. In residence, that’s all included. You only pay for your room from September-April, avoiding a 12-month lease. There is experienced maintenance staff on-site and bi-weekly housekeeping services for the common areas in your residence room.

Safety and security

Living on campus gives you the benefits of being out on your own, but with a safety net. We have Residence Advisors, Residence Life Coordinators and Residence Service Representatives who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address your concerns or answer your questions. Campus security is always on the job to ensure a safe environment here on Campus.

Support for your education

There are countless opportunities for academic support available to you right on campus. Studies have shown that students who live in residence have a higher GPA and a higher graduation rate due to the support that is available to them on campus. Residence also offers study lounges for group or individual studying.

New friends

In residence, you’re part of a community right from day one. You’ll meet lots of new people. It’s one of the best things about residence life and some of those friendships will last your lifetime.

Delicious Food

You will never get tired of the food options on campus! Located in the residence building, 35th Street Market Café offers a large variety of hot meal selections, grab-and-go options, fresh baked goods, grocery items and fresh fruits and vegetables. You will also be steps away from several food outlets that offer anything you could ever want, from pizza to sushi!

Get involved

You’ll find it easier to participate in groups and clubs. You’ll make stronger personal connections simply because you see these people every day. These opportunities will help you grow both academically and personally by introducing you to other cultures and ideas.

Extra Amenities

In addition to your apartment style room, you will have access to several lounges including a sports lounge, a movie lounge, a calm room and a study lounge. Whether you are looking to socialize, work out, relax or study, there is something for everyone! There is also an on-site fitness room, laundry facilities and multiple kitchens.

Residence Events

Throughout the year, your Residence Life Team hosts a variety of educational and social events to bring students together and give you an opportunity to learn, grow and most importantly, have fun!


Don’t just take it from us – check out this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6DaItt29I8) to find out what our students have to say about living in residence!

Are you ready to apply? If you apply by May 1st, you could have a chance to win your room for 2017-2018! Click here for our contest information and apply now!