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
Algonquin College broke numerous enrolment records this fall, seeing increases across the board.
“The numbers are still being finalized, but already we can see that we are on track for a very impressive fall and winter,” said Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. “We know that students have choices when they’re considering their post-secondary education, and we’re proud that so many students are choosing us. It’s confirmation that our programs stand out.”
Among the statistics so far:
the highest level of full-time post-secondary and graduate certificate enrolments in the College’s history (18,758 net registered; 3.8% above last year at same time)
record enrolments for new students and returning students
international enrolments saw a whopping 39% year-over-year increase and domestic enrolments are also ahead of last year
Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, offering more than 185 programs in multiple disciplines.
Patrick Brown, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, visited Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus on Friday to participate in an open Q&A with students.
The forum took place in Minto Hall in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE). The Conservative Party leader fielded student questions on everything from education funding and student assistance to job creation.
“I want as many students to have access to education as possible,” Brown said. “I want to continue to grow our student assistance. I hope, as Ontario prospers, that we have the ability to break down more barriers.”
Brown was joined by Algonquin College Students’ Association President, Victoria Ventura, Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, and Algonquin College President, Cheryl Jensen.
“I know that Patrick Brown is a big proponent of post-secondary schools being responsive to the needs of the workforce, and that’s something we are always trying to be here at Algonquin College,” Jensen said. “Our proposed Centre for Excellence in Heath Education is a great example of this. Just as the ACCE building we are in today has helped us meet the demands of the trades sector, we are now preparing to build a state-of-the art centre that will help us meet the future needs of the health-care sector in new and innovative ways.”
McLeod called Brown “someone who believes in post-secondary educations – in particular, our college system.”
Ventura led the Q&A session, which also focussed on post-college job opportunities. Brown spoke about the need to invest and support innovative job sectors like computer science, tech and engineering – and to provide fast provincial approval for new academic offerings at universities and colleges in order to meet the needs of emerging job sectors.
