AC was Named Top Employer in the National Capital Region for a fifth consecutive year.
A surprise secret announcement was made by Cathy Frederick, Vice President, Human Resources, at Tuesday’s Take 5 staff singing event. The winners were officially announced Jan. 31 in a special insert in the Ottawa Citizen, which recognizes the 2018 National Capital Region’s Top Employers. Continue reading AC Named Top Employer in the National Capital Region for fifth consecutive year
Jan. 22, 2018 (OTTAWA) — Algonquin College has launched a new, innovative Bachelor of Public Safety (Honours) Program.
Natural, technological, and human-induced emergencies and disasters are increasingly common in the current global climate. The College recognizes there is a growing need for well-trained, educated, and experienced public safety professionals.
This new program offers a unique combination of security and emergency management, and takes a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure students are earning a credential that prepares them for the evolving fields of public safety.
Jan. 17, 2018 (OTTAWA) — Earlier today, a student was injured at Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus. The accident happened in a stairwell in the College’s C Building.
Emergency crews were called immediately when the accident was discovered just before 4 p.m.
The male student was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.
The circumstances of the accident are not known at this time.
“Our thoughts are with this student and his family at this time,” said Algonquin President Cheryl Jensen. “This is an extremely difficult situation and we are still gathering information to determine what happened.”
The Ottawa Police Service is continuing their investigation. Further information will be made available, as possible, pending the police investigation.
Jan. 15, 2018 (OTTAWA) — Algonquin College and The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre are proud to unveil a ground-breaking new health-care classroom and learning environment.
The classroom, which is on site at the Perley Rideau, allows Algonquin’s Personal Support Workers to take part in a full work-integrated learning environment, experiencing their field in a professional setting with experienced mentors.
“There is no substitute for hands-on, experiential learning,” says Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. “This classroom provides an unparalleled opportunity for our students to prepare for their careers. Together with our Perley Rideau partners, we are preparing these healthcare workers of the future by setting the highest standards in education and training.”
A year ago, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding that outlined their joint plans to create and consult on the delivery of educational programs, clinical services and research initiatives. Under the new agreement, the College’s Personal Support Worker students work with the Health Centre’s senior clients and have access to its expertise and resources.
“This enhanced relationship with Algonquin College immerses students in all aspects of the Perley Rideau Village to help improve the lives of residents while supporting volunteers and staff,” says Perley Rideau CEO Akos Hoffer. “It is this type of innovation with a strong partner that helps to ensure future healthcare workers acquire the skills needed to benefit the larger healthcare system.”
The Algonquin College Personal Support Worker program prepares students to work in a health-care setting with individuals who require assistance to remain as independent as possible.
The Perley Rideau is a long-term care home with a long and honoured tradition of serving War Service Overseas Veterans, and that also welcomes seniors from the community. The motto, “Together, we improve the well-being of the people we serve,” reflects a commitment to providing safe, top-quality care for all.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Jay Innes
Director of Communications
Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre
613-526-7171 ext. 2207
613-608-3497 jinnes@prvhc.com
Algonquin College
Ruth Dunley
Communications Manager
Algonquin College
613-727-4723 ext. 6452
613-406-0970 dunleyr@algonquincollege.com
Attention: College Faculty, Staff and Students What: Scheduled Maintenance of Blackboard When:Friday, Dec. 29 2017 starting at 8 a.m. until Saturday, Dec. 30 2017 at 4 p.m.
Please note that Blackboard will be unavailable from 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29 to 4 p.m. Saturday Dec. 30 so that ITS can perform a software upgrade. A notification will be sent out as soon as the upgrade is complete and Blackboard is available.
If you have any questions, please contact the ITS Client Care Group at ext. 5555 or at 5555@algonquincollege.com
Please note that all College Campuses will be closed for business commencing Friday December 22, 2017 at 10:00 p.m. until Tuesday January 2, 2018 at 6:00 a.m.
During this time the following entrances at the Woodroffe Campus will be left unlocked while the remainder of the College entry points will be locked, secured and proper signage will be displayed thereon:
A team of Developmental Services Workers and Algonquin College graduates have won first prize in the Ontario colleges’ William G. Davis Innovation Fund contest.
Their groundbreaking health initiative, DSW Cooperative, topped nine other finalists for the $15,000 prize, which was announced Sunday by Colleges Ontario.
The DSW Cooperative is building a worker-owned cooperative to provide high-quality, person-directed support to community members who have developmental disabilities. It will connect patients and their primary caregivers with developmental support workers, and improve professional development and networking opportunities for workers.
The cash prize puts the DSW Cooperative’s dream one-step closer to reality. “We’re looking to transform the way developmental services are offered across the province,” said Lisa Murray, one of the co-founders of the cooperative. “With the support of Algonquin College, we have proven the idea works in the community and can make a tremendous difference in the lives of families and workers.”
Murray says there are no cooperatives in Ontario that serve the interests of developmental services workers, or the people they support: “By design, the co-operative will give frontline DSW workers the opportunity to drive the direction of the business, and enables these workers to become integral in all major decisions.”
The DSW Cooperative project finished ahead of 82 proposals from colleges across Ontario. In October, 10 semi-finalists were announced for the Innovation Fund – as determined by a panel of experts and through online voting. The top two finalists were judged based on criteria that included the idea’s impact and originality.
“DSW Cooperative is a powerful demonstration of both the commitment our graduates have to improving our communities, and the innovative thinking emerging from the programs in our School of Health and Community Studies,” said Cheryl Jensen, President of Algonquin College.
The William G. Davis Innovation Fund launched in February as part of the celebration of the Ontario colleges’ 50th anniversary. As a tribute to the former premier’s vision in creating Ontario’s college system, the fund encouraged students and alumni across Ontario to submit innovative and creative proposals that competed for cash prizes.
“This project will make a real difference in improving care for people with disabilities,” said Fred Gibbons, the chair of Colleges Ontario and president of Northern College. “It is a meaningful example of how colleges prepare graduates to launch their own ventures and bring imaginative and essential problem-solving ideas to the workplace and community.”
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Algonquin College celebrated 10 distinguished individuals and organizations at its inaugural Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala.
Jerry Popowich, Chief Creative Officer of Mercury Filmworks, was named Alumnus of the Year, while the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club was honoured as Alumni Employer of the Year.
“From health-care pioneers to entrepreneurs, and award-winning artists to community builders, these alumni are innovators and difference makers,” Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen said. “They are breaking new ground in their fields and industries. They are champions of change in fields ranging from technology and animation to health sciences. From inspiring corporate citizenship, to helping our most vulnerable, they are making their mark. They are giving back.”
Presented by Johnson Insurance, the Sept. 27 gala honoured the important social and economic contributions that Algonquin College graduates make to the community, Canada, and around the world. The gala took place in Minto Hall at the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE), and was hosted by Algonquin alumni Angie Poirier and Stuntman Stu, radio show hosts on MAJIC 100.
In accepting Alumnus of the Year honours, Popowich said Algonquin College convinced him to pursue his dream career. “There are other jobs out there, but drawing is pretty fun, and you can make a living at it,” he said. The Animation grad was lauded for his team’s work on properties ranging from Tangled and Mickey Mouse Shorts to The Simpsons, and for his ongoing support for the College’s aspiring student artists.
Representing the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club to accept Alumni Employer of the Year were the organization’s Digital Media Strategist, Matthew Perry, and Community Relations Coordinator, Matthew Wason — both Algonquin grads. The Senators employ 50 Algonquin College alumni, take on numerous co-ops from the College, and offer support through annual student endowment funds and fundraising efforts.
The Creative Arts and Design award went to Trent Correy, an award-winning character animator at Walt Disney Studios. “I can draw a decent snowman but I could probably use a few more Algonquin English courses,” joked the Animation grad, who was part of the Oscar-winning teams behind the movies Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia. Giving credit to his amazing professors, he added, “I’ve worked alongside most of them. They really did help me get into the industry here.”
The Community Service award was given to Peter Tilley, Executive Director of the Ottawa Mission. Under his direction, the organization has expanded their services in the areas of mental health support, addiction and trauma service, hospice care and housing outreach.
Tilley said he was fortunate, “to serve the most valuable people in this community” through his work at the Ottawa Food Bank and Ottawa Mission.
The Business award recipient was Loring Phinney, VP Corporate Marketing, Bell. A Public Relations grad, his role at Bell encompasses sponsorship and events. “To this day I believe my success was based on the co-op program here at Algonquin – one of the first of its kind in the country,” he said.
Health Sciences honours went to Fred Montpetit, a Nursing grad who has made an impact across Canada, including his current work for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and as Nunavut’s former Chief Nursing Officer. “I am the nurse I am today because they invested in me,” he said, while praising the many talented nurses the College has graduated over the last 50 years.
The recipient for Technology was Steve Barkhouse, President of Amsted Design Build. The award-winning company has offered opportunities to countless college students, and Barkhouse helped raise millions of dollars to build ACCE, the site of the gala. “Thank you to Algonquin for giving me the tools I needed,” Barkhouse, a Business Administration Human Resources grad, said in a pre-recorded acceptance video.
Recent Graduate award honours went to Sutton McKay, an entrepreneur who co-owns Luxus Auto Care and Millen Solutions. He thanked the College for being a place that “welcomes entrepreneurship and innovation.”
The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Rena Bowen, an inspector with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. A Nursing grad, Bowen’s years of involvement with the College include as past chair of the Algonquin College Alumni Association, current chair of the Alumni and Friends Network Advisory Committee, and a member of the Algonquin College Foundation Board of Directors.
“The College taught me to give back to my community,” Bowen said. “All alumni have an opportunity to nurture and support… think about volunteering. We do need you.”
Michelle Valberg, president of Valberg Imaging, garnered the Changing Lives Award. The photographer was heralded for her artistic creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment.
“Giving back has been especially important to me,” Valberg said of her three-decade career, while recognizing the teachers who “fostered” her gift for photography at the College. “I am so proud to stand next to so many amazing graduates.”
The event included a three-course meal, live entertainment, and design elements inspired by the College’s new Coat of Arms.
Jensen called the award recipients, “a truly inspiring representation of what makes Algonquin College so special.”
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Algonquin College is celebrating 10 distinguished individuals and organizations at the inaugural Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala (presented by Johnson Insurance). The event will bring together business and community leaders as we honour the important social and economic contributions that Algonquin College graduates make to the community, Canada and around the world. The gala awards show includes live entertainment, and features Algonquin alumni Angie Poirier and Stuntman Stu, radio show hosts on MAJIC 100, as emcees.
6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Awards: Alumna Volunteer of the year, Community Service, Business, Creative Arts and Design
8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m., Awards: Alumnus of the Year, Changing Lives, Alumni Employer of the Year
Where: Algonquin College Ottawa Campus, Minto Hall, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE)
Award Highlights:
Creative Arts and Design: Trent Correy, Character Animator, Walt Disney Studios
Alumnus of the Year: Jerry Popowich, Chief Creative Officer, Mercury Filmworks
Community Service: Peter Tilley, Executive Director, Ottawa Mission
Alumni Employer of the Year: Ottawa Senators Hockey Club
RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend the event can RSVP Communications Officer Chris Lackner at lacknec@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 (ext. 2091). Advance interviews with award recipients are also potentially available.
Parking: Parking is available off College Avenue Extension