Posted on Saturday, August 31st, 2019
MacLean’s magazine recently released its annual report on the best communities in Canada to live in. 415 municipalities made the list, including three from Renfrew County. Petawawa placed number 120, Laurentian Valley came in at 279 and Pembroke landed at 318 on the list.
Considering there are more than 3,500 municipalities in Canada, these three local communities should be very proud of their standing in this national survey. MacLean’s uses a number of factors as part of its methodology to determine where communities land on the list. One of them is access to post-secondary education.
Given that Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus has been serving the Upper Ottawa Valley since the Ontario college system was founded in 1967, the results of the survey had me thinking about the impact the college had on the scoring.
To better address that question you need to look at how communities receive points in the review. MacLean’s compares communities by awarding 20 points for wealth and the overall health of a city or town’s economy. This category takes into consideration fluctuations in the employment rate, median household income and average household net worth.
Another 20 points is awarded for the affordability of living in the community. That section looks at house prices, rental costs, the value of primary real estate and the ratio of discretionary income compared to the average household income.
Eleven points focus on access to health care, the weather patterns in a region account for ten points and another ten points are awarded for the commute to work. Seven points are awarded for the safety of the community, primarily looking at crime rates and six points are given for the municipality’s demographics, the mix of age groups that support a vibrant community.
The final points come from culture and amenities. This is where having a nearby post-secondary school comes into play. While the value for culture is five points, the amenities section where colleges are found is only awarded 2.5 points.
In Pembroke’s case, I would argue that Algonquin College influences several of the factors in the survey including the overall health and wellness of the region, the housing and labour markets, and the region’s ability to retain youth in the community. For more than five decades the campus has been providing access to post-secondary education for hundreds of people who may not have pursued higher education had a college not been close by to their residence.
The college provides significant employment opportunities through its hiring of administrators, faculty and support staff and the graduates it produces support the local labour market. Think of the nurses who work in our local health care system, the forestry graduates who support one of the largest industries in the Ottawa Valley and the Early Childhood Educators who are vital to our elementary school system.
Finally, think about the pride and prestige that a college brings to our region. Having a post-secondary credential is essential in today’s competitive job market and any student who studies in an apprenticeship, college or university program is proud of their accomplishments. From a community branding and marketing perspective, having a college in a smaller centre is a competitive advantage when attracting new business or new residents.
By placing on the top 415 communities in Canada to live in, MacLean’s magazine has acknowledged that the Pembroke area is one of the greatest places in our country to live in. Algonquin College is a big part of the reason why this is so. The College has proven it’s a major influence on the region’s economic prosperity.
Posted by: Jamie Bramburger is the Acting Chair of Health and Community Studies at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.
Posted on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019
“I’m having trouble making friends in college. I’ve met some cool people in class, but everyone already seems to have their own social circle. On top of that, it’s hard to coordinate schedules and find time to hang out. How do I make closer friendships?”
The paradox of college: despite literally being surrounded by thousands of peers, it can be hard to meet people. These 10 tips will increase your chances of hitting it off with a new crew of friends.
Read more >
– Eliza, Counsellor
Posted on Monday, August 12th, 2019
Meet Angela Plummer, or Angi as she is affectionately called in the Community and Student Affairs Department here at the Pembroke Campus. Angi has been our Marketing and Event Planning Assistant since May as part of her paid co-op with the Business program. Angi has taken over the Waterfront Campus Blog to share a little bit about her AC journey.
“It was a quick decision. I guess some would call it split-second. However you choose to describe it, it altered my life dramatically.
I had been stressed for some time. At work, my supervisor made it her mission to ensure I could not climb the corporate ladder. At home, my daughter, while away at university, was going through some intense personal challenges that required me to re-tie those apron strings and take a leave of absence from work to assist her. During my attempts to help my daughter and put the pieces of her life back together, I did a lot of self-analyzing. I whittled my life’s decisions down to the basic dilemma I was currently facing. I was unhappy—with work and my limited future, with life as I was single and getting older. I could not control the misery my daughter was facing but I could definitely control mine. I needed to take control. I needed a change and I needed it now. So, I applied to college.
It was the second last week of August. School was about to start in just over two weeks. Once I discovered I qualified for financial assistance, I sent in my college application. I knew exactly the program I wanted and I knew precisely where I wanted to go….Business…at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.
But Why?
Why Business? I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so business was a natural choice. Plus, the Business program at Algonquin’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus is condensed. Rather than have four semesters of classes, I would only need to commit to three. As a bonus, there is a paid co-op option over the summer.
Why Algonquin College in Pembroke? Have you seen the Campus? Where else could I literally be but a stone’s throw away from the historic Ottawa River every day? Not only is the campus surrounded by parks and natural beauty, but it is also a part of my hometown, my heritage. So, for me the choice was easy.
This Choice was Life-Altering
I admit I was intimidated attending college as a 43-year-old. My anxiety-riddled brain was prepared for an onslaught of millennials giving me weird looks, their probing eyes questioning my existence in their domain. Wow, what a waste of mental energy. My fears were completely unfounded. Not only was my presence never questioned (either subliminally or literally), I was not the only student well over the age of 25. In fact, in my program, one in five of my classmates were over 40!
With seven to eight courses per semester, it definitely took me a couple of weeks to get into the swing of things. Getting back into student-mode, after nearly 20 years, definitely took some adjusting. However, knowing I wasn’t alone, that my professors truly cared about my success eased my worries and helped me forge ahead. I kid you not, it was intense. Nonetheless, I persevered. Two semesters are behind me and my co-op is almost finished– I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. In just over five months it will be all over. I, for the first time in my life, will be a college grad!
5 Reasons Why
So, how exactly was this a life-altering decision? Well, when I graduate, I am going to have immense knowledge, real-life experience, and skills that I would not have otherwise. Truthfully, I cannot say enough about the Business Program. Why? Because:
- Instructors include real-life accountants, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs—people who have ‘walked-the-walk’ so they can honestly ‘talk-the-talk’.
- This past year, the Business Program launched the Ambassador Program—a partnership between Business students and merchants in downtown Pembroke. Student groups work closely with these business owners and develop marketing plans, social media posts, and campus showcase promotions, all using content learned during classes.
- Co-op opportunities provide additional avenues to learn through hands-on learning during paid placements in a variety of business-oriented settings.
- There is a strong community connection between The City of Pembroke and the College. The City is extremely supportive of the College and its endeavours. This type of relationship is relatively non-existent in larger cities.
- Two words—Kim Drake. As program coordinator, mentor and instructor this powerhouse is very involved in her students’ studies. Approachable, intelligent, supportive and caring, Kim will work with you to help you navigate your way through the Business Program.
Mind Your Own Business
I truly believe everyone should take a business program. In every aspect of life, we are exposed to the world of business in one form or another. For example, think of ten items you see around you right now. Maybe you see clothes, a computer, a phone, a car, a mug. Someone had to design, manufacture, transport, and sell each item. When designing that item, someone had to see a need and have an idea, then draw it, discuss its uses, discover the best materials to use, etc. The people involved need a plan involving human resources, marketing, finances and more. Business isn’t just about physical creations either. Service providers such as dentists, utilities, and hair salons all function on business models as well. Having a background in business gives people a better understanding of how the world around them functions. This knowledge could inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and develop creative minds to strengthen our communities through innovation and initiative.
When you’re ready to mind your own (or someone else’s) business and see what the Business Program can do for you, check out Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. After all, it is their mission ‘to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success’.”
Angela graduated for the Business program in December 2019 and was hired immediately to work at Herb Shaw and Sons Limited in the Pembroke/Petawawa area as Receptionist/Accounts Payables. Angela shares, “I completely attribute my current career path to the Business program. Through the program, I strengthened my accounting skills, learned the Sage accounting software and expanded my Excel skills. All of these helped me secure my position at Shaw’s. In addition, knowledge from my courses in operations and supply chains enhanced my understanding of how my employer functions as well.
The Business program offered me the chance to gain the essential skills and knowledge I needed in a shorter amount of time than other similar college Business programs. Plus, it was in my home town which allowed me to stay home and be with my family.
While the world situation today may seem like business is a futile option, the truth is quite the opposite! This program is not necessarily just about “starting your own business”, though it is a great foundation if someone wishes to. When you think about it, the whole world runs on business. From the clothes you wear to the shampoo that you use, to the flowers you plant in your garden–business is a part of every single step. Think about the marketing, manufacturing, and shipping that help an idea become the product that gets into your hands—this program teaches it all! Fantastic program if you want to learn more. After all, business makes the world go ’round!”
Post by: Angela Plummer, former Business student & Marketing and Event Planning Co-op Assistant, Community and Student Affairs Department, Algonquin College, Pembroke and Business Grad.
Posted on Sunday, June 23rd, 2019
Jason Blaine is creating a legacy for himself that may very well be more meaningful than his music career. The Canadian County recording artist and Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Business graduate has now raised more than half-a-million dollars for local causes in his hometown of Pembroke.
Six years ago Blain
e had a vision to establish his own charitable fund by holding a two-day event that included a concert and golf tournament. In its first year, the event raised $50,000 and it has been hitting new highs every year since including a record $125,000 raised this past June.
It has become a signature fundraising activity in the community that attracts some of the biggest names in Canadian country music. Artists that have performed at the concert include Tebey, Aaron Pritchett, Gord Bamford, Kira Isabella, Dallas Smith, Petric and many more and according to Jason, the party is just getting started. He hopes the event will continue for many more years, proud of the incredible impact his charity is having on the community.
All of the money raised supports local organizations and projects. This year’s recipients are the Pembroke and Area Boys and Girls Club, the United Way’s “After the Floods” campaign to support Renfrew County residents who have been badly impacted by this spring’s devastating floods, and Jason’s endowment fund at Algonquin College. That fund helps students in financial need pay for their educational investment at the college.
There is no question that Jason has been very generous in supporting his alma mater at the college. His charity provided $100,000 in funding to the college’s capital campaign when the new Waterfront Campus was being built and his endowment commitment will provide an additional $100,000 to students who need financial aid help. When you consider the dozens of other organizations that have received micro-grants from his charitable fund, it is clear that this high profile Algonquin alumnus is living the college mission to change lives.
We are very proud of all that Jason has accomplished in his musical career, but we are even more proud of his gift to humanity. As British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Congratulations Jason and thank you from everyone at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.
Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Acting Dean of Pembroke Waterfront Campus
Posted on Tuesday, June 11th, 2019
Algonquin College has a powerful mission statement. It says that the college “Transforms hopes and dreams into lifelong success.” Over the past week, the college has lived that mission statement through a series of celebrations that exemplify the value the college brings to our community.
It started with the Pembroke Campus receiving an Excellence in Education Award from the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce. Through a public voting exercise, the Campus was acknowledged for the impact it has on the community through the provision of providing access to post-secondary education and training. It was the second year in a row that the College had won the award, but it was only an appetizer for what was to come in a very special week.
Two days later, two programs were recognized for their efforts in supporting homeless people in Pembroke. Through its civic awards program, the city honoured the Office Administration-Executive and Carpentry and Renovation Techniques program for the work faculty and students did in bringing more awareness to homelessness in our region by raising money and supporting a building project to house people in transition in their lives.
The following evening, the Business program was highlighted for the work it has done with downtown businesses in Pembroke through a student ambassador program. For the past several months the students have been conducting research and developing marketing materials for seven businesses, helping them grow and provide better service to their customers. The program coordinator, with the help of a participating student, briefed Pembroke City Council on the initiative, demonstrating how college students can be integral to the progression of a business if they have the opportunity to participate in work-integrated learning projects.
The week continued with a very special event in Renfrew where the soon to be graduating class of a Personal Support Worker program celebrated the completion of their studies. The program was delivered at Bonnechere Manor through a partnership that was set up to address a critical shortage of Personal Support Workers in long-term care facilities in the Eastern end of Renfrew County. Many of the students commented on how having the program available in Renfrew made the difference in allowing them to access the training they needed to work in their home community.
The week concluded with a magnificent convocation ceremony at a packed Pembroke Memorial Centre. It was a historical event as for the first time a portion of the President’s message was delivered in the Algonquin language by President, Cheryl Jensen, who has made a considerable effort to ensure the College responds appropriately to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. The President simply said in Algonquin, “For all of us who have worked behind the scenes as you have taken this journey, it is an honour to be with you.”
The valedictorian for the class of 2019 was Winona Brown of the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program. She delivered a powerful address that focussed on the need for people to respect their differences, but to come together to make the world a better place, using education as the driver to understanding. Brown said, “There is no person without value and no person who does not have the ability to teach us something. There is no person who does not have the potential to learn something from us.”
That message captures the values of Algonquin College of Caring, Learning, Integrity and Respect and it underscores the College mission statement to transform lives. This has been a proud week for Algonquin College, but it’s not unique. These special moments happen all the time at the College, a place where we are making a difference every day.
Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Acting Dean, Pembroke Campus
Posted on Sunday, June 2nd, 2019
Receiving an award is always special, but when it is unsolicited and put forward through a community-wide nomination process, it makes the award much more significant. It speaks to how the community views the individual or organization that is receiving the award, and in the case of Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus, it confirms the impact the College has on people’s lives.
For the second year in a row, Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus has received an “Excellence in Education” award from the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce. After nominations are put forward in various categories, the ultimate decision on who receives the award is left in the hands of the public through an online voting system. The Chamber says 114 nominations were received in the 13 award categories and more than 45,000 votes were cast to determine the winners.
The Chamber of Commerce is at the core of every business community and while receiving the award was wonderful for the College, what was more striking was the number of Algonquin Business graduates who had become part of the business community in various roles. Throughout the event, there were networking opportunities where graduates shared their Algonquin story of how they had attended the Pembroke Campus and where their career had led them since graduating.
When the time came to hand out the awards, there were several alumni who were highlighted for starting their own business or for helping their organization succeed. Some were now teaching courses at the college and others were active on program advisory councils, sharing insight into how their sector was changing and how the college might adjust its curriculum to meet emerging industry needs.
Given the number of business people who had ties to the Pembroke Campus, it was clear that Algonquin graduates were taking an active role in being business leaders in our community. For example, the President of the Chamber is Meghan Sutherland and the Vice-President is Dez Patel, both of whom graduated from the Business program and are now doing wonderful things in their respective careers and giving back to the community through their volunteer work with the Chamber of Commerce.
Winning awards is an outcome of hard work, efforts that are recognized by others as being exemplary. When Algonquin College wins awards it is an acknowledgement of the efforts of its employees to live the college mission of transforming hopes and dreams into lifelong success. The College has the ability to change lives and that was on display at the Chamber awards night.
It felt great to see these alumni thriving in their careers and watching them take the stage to present or receive awards was a reminder of how important the campus is to the Upper Ottawa Valley. It’s obvious that our community understands this importance and we are very grateful that so many people felt compelled to again recognize the college for an “Excellence in Education” award. It means a lot to the campus to receive this support from our community and we are sincerely grateful. A big thank you from everyone at Algonquin College.
Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Acting Dean of the Pembroke Waterfront Campus
Posted on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019
“I was born and raised in Pembroke, ON and attended Fellowes High School. When I graduated from Fellowes I made the decision to work full-time instead of considering college. After years of working various jobs, I realized I have a passion to educate young minds and shortly after I discovered the Early Childhood Education program at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus” says Amber Campbell, a recent graduate of the Early Childhood Education program.
Amber didn’t have any issues finding employment. She actually secured a full-time job at Wise Owl Day Care Centre in Pembroke before she graduated from her program a couple of weeks ago and she attributes this to the program. Amber shares, “this program has shown me the resources I need to be successful in my chosen profession. I have personally grown from my experience with the knowledge and skills provided throughout my two-year journey. The professors are approachable when it comes to questions and comments related to my program. I enjoyed the hands-on experience through my placements because everything we were taught was fresh in our minds making it a smoother transition into the field.”
Amber also attributes her experience in the Creativity Lab, an Applied Research initiative that provides students with first-hand knowledge through demonstration and observation and provides free creative play sessions for young children, with her transition. “The Creativity Lab in my first semester of year one was beneficial because I was able to get an idea of my comfort level and my abilities at the time. That helped me reflect on my skills and create goals to achieve before I graduate.”
When asked why she chose the ECE program, Amber shares, “I was working in the classroom as an art and jewelry instructor at Michaels Arts and Crafts. I would be in charge of implementing kids club, which is a morning art class on Saturdays and on holidays. I enjoyed the interactions with the children and their families, building positive relationships and having regulars who enjoyed the welcoming environment. I decided to stroll through college websites after a year of working and discovered the Early Childhood Education program at Algonquin.”
This is only the start of Amber’s educational journey, “I want to build my experience in the field and go to University to gain entrance into Teacher’s College. I have an aspiration to be an elementary school teacher. While I wait to start University I have been interested in taking a French course to become bilingual and an American Sign Language course. I have experienced the highs and the lows of college, but it was all a part of the worthwhile opportunity that has made an impact on my future endeavours.”
Posted on Friday, April 19th, 2019
The end of a school year is always special as there are more opportunities for students to showcase what they have learned in their program at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. In the past few days there has been a lot of talent on display and while we can’t highlight all of the great student activities that have been happening, here are a few examples of how students benefit from the practical learning experiences that the campus delivers.
The Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program is relatively new to the Pembroke Campus, but it is generating a lot of interest among employers in the arborist sector. To the program’s credit, it has reached out to these employers and invited them to observe the skills the students have at their annual tree climbing competition. Watching the students navigate high above the ground in large trees, performing tasks safely and with great confidence, is so much more of an indication of their abilities compared to handing in a resume and participating in an interview. The experience is powerful for both the student and the prospective employer, and very quickly you can see the connections that are made at this competition result in job opportunities for the soon-to-be graduates.
Students in the Carpentry and Renovations Techniques program have also been catching the attention of the community for their work in renovating an older building to accommodate a transition house for homeless people in Pembroke. The century-old home needs a lot of work and the students are essentially gutting it and re-building the inside of the home, by installing new interior walls, insulation, drywall and more. It is a wonderful culminating experience that has allowed the students to pull together all of the skills they have learned over the past several months in their shop classes.
One more example we will share is our Office Administration-Executive students who recently won a Changemaker Award from the College’s Board of Governors for their work in bringing awareness to social issues in Renfrew County. Each year the students work on a community project that allows them to emphasize the organizational skills they have acquired through their studies. This year they have entitled their project, Raise A Flag, an initiative that shines a spotlight on mental health. It is both a community awareness effort as well as a fundraiser for the Robbie Dean Centre in Pembroke.
As our students look forward to becoming graduates and starting their careers, these demonstrations of what they have learned in their programs remind us of why having a college in our community is so important. It changes lives and helps us build stronger communities.
Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Acting Dean of the Pembroke Waterfront Campus
Posted on Monday, March 25th, 2019
Please find below information regarding three scholarships/awards being offered. The deadline for application submission is April 5, 2019. Applications are available from Sharon in Room 215.
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THE ANGUS CAMPBELL SCHOLARSHIP
Terms
This scholarship is awarded to two students entering the second year of a post-secondary program or the third level of a non-semestered diploma program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley. This cash award will be awarded to two applicants who have demonstrated academic promise and financial need.
The money will be given in the recipients’ third semester.
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ANNUAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Terms
This cash award will be presented to a graduate at the annual Graduation Exercises.
The award will be based on the following two criteria. These two criteria will receive equal weight in the selection process.
1. Scholastic Achievement
2. Demonstrated Leadership Ability and Community Participation
Any student may apply who will graduate from a program of studies (of at least thirty weeks) by the date of the annual Post-Secondary graduation.
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THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD
Terms
This cash award is granted to a student graduating from a program of thirty weeks or longer delivered at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley.
The award will be granted to a graduate who exemplified the greatest concern for the Algonquin College community while at the College.
Any student may apply who will graduate from a program of studies (of at least thirty weeks) by the date of the annual Post-Secondary graduation.
Posted on Tuesday, March 19th, 2019
As hockey fans prepare for the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Algonquin College Speaker Series explores how the CBC lost control of its most treasured television program, Hockey Night in Canada. Author and Globe and Mail sports journalist, David Shoalts, has written a new book called Hockey Fight in Canada and will be at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus on Wednesday, April 3 to talk about the backroom maneuvering that led to the biggest sports broadcasting deal in Canadian history.
In 2013, Rogers Communications shocked the broadcasting world when it paid $5-2-billion for exclusive national television rights to broadcast NHL games. The deal ended a 60-year relationship between the CBC and NHL, and resulted in wholesale changes to the way games were presented on television.
Not all of those changes were well received by hockey fans, such as the failed move to replace longtime Hockey Night in Canada host, Ron MacLean, with George Stroumboulopoulus. After two years, MacLean was brought back in as ratings slipped and fans protested the removal of MacLean who with Don Cherry are the face of the Saturday night national broadcasts.
Rogers did negotiate an agreement with the CBC to continue carrying NHL games on Saturday nights, but as part of the agreement, the CBC lost all of its ad revenue that had been generated through Hockey Night in Canada. That loss amounted to millions of dollars, money that had helped fund other CBC programming for decades. In his book, Shoalts reviews how each of the major sports broadcasting entities approached the negotiations with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and why Rogers won, and the CBC and Bell Media lost in this high stakes game of poker that has changed the relationship between professional sports and its media partners.
This thought-provoking talk will provide information that hockey and CBC fans have never heard before, about how there were warning signs for the public broadcaster that this would be a very different round of negotiations than previous contract talks. Shoalts writes that a confrontational exchange between Bettman and MacLean during a 2010 interview during the Stanley Cup Final set the tone for those talks and contributed to the ultimate decision to replace MacLean. The presentation will also cover the devastating impact the loss of controlling Hockey Night in Canada has had on the CBC.
Shoalts joined the Globe and Mail in 1984. He has been covering the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL since 1990 and has written three books. Shoalts has also won several awards including the 2009 Outstanding Sportswriting Award from Sports Media Canada.
Register today for this Speaker Series!
Finally, think about the pride and prestige that a college brings to our region. Having a post-secondary credential is essential in today’s competitive job market and any student who studies in an apprenticeship, college or university program is proud of their accomplishments. From a community branding and marketing perspective, having a college in a smaller centre is a competitive advantage when attracting new business or new residents.
