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Algonquin College student wins Gold in Skills Ontario Competition

A student in Algonquin College’s Automotive Service Apprenticeship program took home a gold medal during the 2023 Skills Ontario Competition at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Learner Ferdinando Pluviati placed first in the Automotive Service Technician competition due largely to the skills he gained at Algonquin College. His detailed knowledge of steering suspension, drive train functions and engine, brake and fuel systems helped him excel in the competition.

In addition to Pluviati’s win, fellow Algonquin College students Trystin Gunraj (Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician) and Duncan Thompson (Truck and Coach Apprenticeship) won silver and bronze, respectively.

A total of 13 AC students competed at the event, which was the first to be held in person in more than three years. Many past competitors from the College have gone on to nationals and even world-level competitions in their chosen fields.

“The accomplishments of our learners at the Skills Ontario Competition are a testament to the excellence of our skilled trades programs,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “We are immensely proud of all the wonderful students who participated in the event.”

The Skills Ontario Competition is an annual event that gives students the chance to shine in their respective fields, offering the chance to win medals, scholarships, job offers, prizes and the possibility to represent Team Ontario at Skills Canada’s National Competition.


Algonquin College Celebrates Indigenous Graduates at Honouring Ceremony

Indigenous graduates from Ottawa-area post-secondary institutions, including Algonquin College, were celebrated on Saturday, April 29, during the Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony (IGHC) at the Canadian Museum of History.

Students from Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité and the University of Ottawa gathered at the museum’s Grand Hall to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony which included Indigenous guest speakers, ceremonial drumming and musical performances.

Eric Johnson, Manager of the Mamidosewin Centre at Algonquin College, Claudette Commanda, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, and Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, were among the invited speakers. Kahente Horn-Miller and Darren Sutherland acted as the Masters of Ceremonies for the event.

The Eagle River Singers drum group provided an honour song for graduates as they entered the ceremony space. The evening also saw a performance by Inuk DJ Uyarakq.

Two graduates, Randy Kakegamick and Paula Macdonald, spoke about their academic and personal journeys during the ceremony. These speakers were community-nominated and selected.

“Inspiration may come from your peers, look beside you. Success is within you all,” said Kakegamick.

More than 100 graduates, 40 from Algonquin College, took centre stage among elders and other invited community representatives during the Honouring Ceremony to acknowledge their accomplishments. Algonquin College Indigenous Counsellor Jackie Tenute provided the closing prayer.

“Algonquin College takes immense pride in the successes of the Indigenous learners that walk through our doors,” said AC President and CEO Claude Brulé. “We are thrilled and deeply humbled to have played a small part in the lives of these wonderful students and the accomplishments that received recognition during the ceremony.”

Algonquin College thanks the IGHC organizing committee and its partner institutions, and acknowledges all the graduates, their families and all the work and support that helped make this ceremony possible.


Six Honorary Degrees Awarded to Community Leaders at Algonquin College Spring 2023 Convocation

For Immediate Releasesix headhots of three women and three men who will be receiving honorary degrees at convocation

April 24, 2023 OTTAWA – Claude Brulé, President and CEO, Algonquin College, announced today six names of regional community leaders who will be awarded honorary degrees at the College’s Spring Convocation ceremonies in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth.

“We are proud to acknowledge and honour this group of community leaders for their achievements and contributions”, said President Brulé. “Their leadership in their individual fields have touched the lives of many and we are pleased to recognize their incredible accomplishments.”

Perth campus ceremonies will take place June 7, 2023 and Pembroke ceremonies will occur on June 9, 2023. Ottawa Campus and AC Online Campus ceremonies will take place between June 20, 2023 and June 22, 2023.

The honorees are:

  • Perth Campus

John Stewart, former Chair, Perth Heritage Commission

  • Pembroke Campus

Wendy Jocko, former First Nation Chief, Pikwakanagan

  • School of Health Studies

Mark Barnes, Owner Respect Rx

  • School of Hospitality

Deirdre Freiheit, President & CEO, Shepherds of Good Hope and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation

  • School of Wellness, Public Safety and Community Studies

Elizabeth Manley, Olympic Silver Medalist, Mental Health Advocate

  • Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence

James (Jim) Taggart, Chair Taggart Group

More information is available on the Algonquin College convocation page


Media Advisory: Leading-edge applied research event at Algonquin College

(OTTAWA – April 11, 2023) – The RE/ACTION Showcase highlights leading-edge applied research done in collaboration with industry, institutional, and community partners, providing a glimpse into the future of technology and the current state of innovation. Over 50 student-driven applied research projects will be exhibited, ranging in topic from robotics to web design, building science to social innovation and everything in between. The showcase also provides an opportunity for employers to engage talent and collaborative opportunities in support of their businesses’ growth and impact.

Date: Friday, April 14, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Awards presentation: 1:40 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
Location Algonquin College, Ottawa Campus, DARE District (C Building)
1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8

Select research projects are highlighted below. For the full agenda and further details about the RE/ACTION Showcase, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/arie/re-action. Continue reading Media Advisory: Leading-edge applied research event at Algonquin College


WEATHER UPDATE – Message from the President (April 6)

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

I know many in our College community have been impacted by yesterday’s ice storm, with many across our region still without power. College leadership has been monitoring the situation, and would like to provide the following updates:

  • All College campuses – Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth are open and all classes are running on normal schedules.
  • AC Online continues to operate on normal schedules.
  • We understand that some learners and employees are still struggling with the after effects of the storm, including power outages and connectivity issues.
  • For learners in need of academic support, please connect with your teachers and program coordinators when you are able to discuss options. Please continue to monitor your College email, social media and Brightspace for any updates.
  • For employees impacted by the storm, please connect with your supervisors when you are able to discuss how you can best be supported at this time.
  • For learners on co-op work terms with employers or on placements, your safety is the top priority – if you are unable to attend due to safety issues, or other circumstances due to weather conditions you are not required to attend. When/if you are able, please contact your co-op employer and your Co-op Department contact, or placement coordinator, for updates to make them aware of your situation.
  • The Early Learning Centre at the Ottawa campus is operating on its normal schedule.

I want to thank our entire College community for your resilience, patience and flexibility. I also want to offer our thanks to Hydro Ottawa, Hydro One, and telecommunications companies that have been working around the clock to restore power and connectivity. I also want to acknowledge and thank the many employees who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to provide support.

 

Thank you and stay safe,

Claude Brulé

President and CEO


WEATHER UPDATE – Message from the President (April 5)

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

College leadership has been monitoring the forecast today (April 5) with rapid accumulation of freezing rain and ice in parts of our region continuing into this afternoon and evening. As a result, please be advised of the following updates to this morning’s message:

  • All remaining in-person classes at the Ottawa and Perth campuses this afternoon and evening (April 5) are cancelled.
  • All classes at the Pembroke campus have been cancelled today (April 5) and the campus has also been closed for the remainder of the day.
  • Learners will not be penalized for missing any classes and should monitor their College email accounts and Brightspace for updates on accommodation and scheduling.
  • AC Online programming continues as scheduled.
  • Your safety is the top priority. As such, the Ottawa and Perth campuses remain open.
  • Learners can either go home, or stay on campus.
  • Any employee that is non-essential to operations may also go home, or stay on campus. If you have questions, please check with your manager/supervisor.
  • Please note, that Human Resources will be also providing an update to People Leaders.
  • The main Ottawa campus cafeteria will remain open.
  • The Early Learning Centre will close today (April 5) at 4 p.m. For parents unable to arrive by that time, employees will be on site to accommodate later pick-ups.
  • For learners on co-op work terms with employers or on placements, your safety is the top priority – if you are unable to attend due to safety issues, or other circumstances due to weather conditions on April 5, you are not required to attend. When/if you are able, please contact your co-op employer and your Co-op Department contact, or placement coordinator, for updates to make them aware of your situation.

We are committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for our College community and will continue to monitor this situation. We ask everyone to take extra caution as you make your way to and from the College. We will all need to show understanding, patience and flexibility.

Please continue to watch the College’s social media accounts, your email account and Brightspace account for any updates.

Thank you and please stay safe,

Claude Brulé
President and CEO


Weather Update (April 5) – Message from the President

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for our region this morning (April 5). College leadership has been monitoring the forecast, which indicates a rapid accumulation of freezing rain and ice in parts of our region. As a result, please be advised of the following:

  • All classes at the Pembroke campus will be cancelled today (April 5). The campus has also been closed for the remainder of the day. Pembroke learners are advised to monitor Brightspace for updates, and will not be penalized for today’s class cancellation.
  • Ottawa and Perth campuses currently plan to remain open, and classes are proceeding as scheduled. However, safety of employees and learners is the top priority. College leadership will continue to monitor the situation. Should the forecast change to predict greater storm impact, further announcements may follow.
  • AC Online programming continues as scheduled.
  • Learners who are scheduled to be on campus are strongly encouraged to monitor their College email accounts, social media and Brightspace for any updates on scheduling.
  • Learners who are unable to attend campus due to weather conditions should contact their program coordinator and/or teacher to discuss accommodation.
  • Employees scheduled to be on campus who cannot attend due to weather conditions, should contact their manager/supervisor to discuss accommodations.
  • For learners on co-op work terms with employers or on placements, your safety is the top priority – if you are unable to attend due to safety issues, or other circumstances due to weather conditions on April 5, you are not required to attend. When/if you are able, please contact your co-op employer and your Co-op Department contact, or placement coordinator, for updates to make them aware of your situation.

We are committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for our College community and will continue to monitor this situation. We ask everyone to please allow extra time for travel and to take extra caution as you make your way to and from the College. We will all need to show understanding, patience and flexibility.

Please continue to watch the College’s social media accounts, your email account and Brightspace for any updates.

Thank you and please stay safe,

Claude Brulé
President and CEO


Federal Budget Pledges New Investments in Applied Research

OTTAWA (March 31, 2023) – The federal budget released this week outlines investments related to the post secondary education sector, including $108.6 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to expand college applied research funding through the College and Community Innovation Program. The program is administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

“Algonquin College is proud of the many partnerships it has forged with industry leaders in the research and technology fields, and the many opportunities these relationships provide to our learners,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “It is encouraging to see the federal government continue to place emphasis on applied research, and the significant role it plays in the economic growth of Canada across many sectors. New funding is critical to help us continue working with businesses to help them access the talent they need to innovate and grow.”

Last fall Algonquin College announced it had received $1.5 million in funding from NSERC to establish a Research and Development Institute. In January, Algonquin announced it was ranked third in partnerships in Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges in 2022 by Research Infosource inc. Continue reading Federal Budget Pledges New Investments in Applied Research


Algonquin College expresses disappointment after Colleges shut out from new Provincial skilled trade sector funding

Algonquin College, along with its sister colleges across the province, is expressing disappointment at being shut out of the Ontario government’s recent announcement to invest $224 million to build and upgrade private training centres, and spend another $75 million on their operations and programming.

“Algonquin College prides itself on providing the best opportunities to prepare students for careers in the skilled trades,” said Algonquin College President and CEO, Claude Brulé. “It is surprising and unfortunate that the College sector was excluded from this announcement, given the major role we play in providing the talent pipeline to the skilled trades sector.” Continue reading Algonquin College expresses disappointment after Colleges shut out from new Provincial skilled trade sector funding


Algonquin College and UPES University launch World Design Challenge

(OTTAWA – March 20, 2023) – Algonquin College, UPES University in India and World Design Organization (WDO)® have partnered to collaboratively host a World Design Challenge to design interventions that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Launched on March 6, 2023, the international competition includes learners from Algonquin College’s School of Media and Design and UPES School of Design. Participating programs from Algonquin College include Graphic Design, Interior Design, Interactive Media Design and Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design.

WDO supports over 190-member organizations worldwide, representing designers and their contributions to economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. Both Algonquin College and UPES University are WDO members.

Continue reading Algonquin College and UPES University launch World Design Challenge