SPRING 2010 SPRING scent a Alumni Magazine
2010’s First Graduating Classes from Cutting- Edge Programs JI.CCA_HA_8.25x10_CMYK_FINAL.ai 1 30/03/09 4:22 PM centennialcollege.ca/alumni TABLE of contents
Published by: Centennial College Alumni ] message from Association P.O. Box 631, Station A Alumni President [ Toronto, ON M1K 5E9 Managing Editor: 2 Krista Newton 416-289-5218 [email protected]
Director of Marketing and Communications: Vish Amin ] message from Editor: Centennial College Carol J. Anderson President [ Wordstyle Productions [email protected] 3 Advertising: Krista Newton 416-289-5218 [email protected]
Contributors: Alan Hare ] alumni profile Alvin Guthrie Ann Buller Samantha Pestano [ Emma Dunk Krista Newton Malcolm Kelly Michelle Francis 7 Vish Amin 8 – Bridging the Gap Between Education & Entrepreneurship
10 – Project Management Grad table of contents Finds His Place at Buttcon
12 – Where Are They Now?
14 – Sports Journalism Program
16 – Esthetician Program ascent® magazine, with a circulation of 60,000, is published semi-annually by Centennial 19 – Student Awards Night 2009 College Alumni Association. It is delivered free of charge to Centennial graduates, students and staff to encourage interaction with each other and the college, and to facilitate lifelong learning and career development. The ideas and opinions published herein do not necessarily reflect those 21 – Alumni Benefits and Services of the Association or Centennial College. All material is ©2010 and may be reprinted with permission of the Managing Editor. Advertising rates are also available from the Managing Editor. We do not sell or rent the alumni database to third parties. Please contact the Centennial College Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 if you do not want to receive the magazine or would like to update your mailing address.
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 1 Alvin Guthrie President of the Alumni Association
Welcome to the Spring 2010 edition of ascent. Since being elected as president in May 2009, it has been so exciting to work with the board of directors. Over the past 12 years, I have been We are always looking for new benefits and involved with the Centennial College Alumni services to offer to our members, and to serve Association in a variety of roles. I have also had you better. If you have any suggestions, please the opportunity to work with many amazing share them with the alumni office. Our strength people, and I look forward to meeting many more is based on our active alumni membership. in the years to come. I encourage you to continue to stay connected Spring has arrived and so has our new fiscal year. with us as your life changes. Keep in touch! Please join us at the Annual General Meeting on June 26, 2010. We have 10 positions that we need to fill this year. Descriptions of these positions are posted on our website, www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni. If you Alvin Guthrie are interested in attending or would like more information, please call us at 416-289-5218.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Graduates of Centennial College are invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Centennial College Alumni Association Saturday, June 26, 2010 10 am–12 pm 2nd Floor Board Room Student Centre, Progress Campus • Free Parking • Light Refreshments AGENDA President’s Report Treasurer’s Report Audited Financial Statement Adoption of 2010-2011 Budget Committee Reports Election of Directors For more information, contact the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 Check the website for more details: www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni
2 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ ]ascent[
ann Buller President & CEO, Centennial College
Over the past year, Centennial College has seen its full-time enrolment expand by a remarkable 24 percent – the highest growth rate among Toronto-area colleges. This growth in enrolment was the result of the current economic downturn, the province’s Second Career initiative for unemployed adults, and unprecedented growth in international student enrolment as a result of Centennial’s growing reputation in such booming education markets as India and China. With so many more students on campus, we are eagerly anticipating the opening of our new Library and Academic Facility in 2011. Construction of the four-storey addition to the Progress Campus remains on budget and on schedule. At the same time, the Student Association is transforming the DEL Gym into the spectacular Athletic and Wellness Centre, also slated to open next year. Centennial is finalizing its acquisition of the Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies, also located at the Progress Campus, to help us alleviate space pressures this fall. Centennial remains resolutely committed to responding to the constantly evolving needs of industry. We are excited about the changes taking place at the College and know that they will help us ensure that our students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Whether it be our unique sports journalism program, our international student projects, or external accreditation for our programs, Centennial College continues to be a leader in post-secondary education. Learning is a lifelong endeavour and Centennial wants to help you succeed long after you graduate. Your alma mater has a lot to offer you, and I encourage you to keep in touch with your Alumni Association.
Ann Buller
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 3 Alumni Board Members
Alvin Guthrie Amanda Baker Donna Robertson Mary Jo Bryant President Vice President Treasurer Chair
Vish Amin Carla Reid Joan Healey SM Hasanuzzoha (Hasan) Director of Marketing Director of Special Events Secretary Director at Large and Communications
Marcus Haddad Christina Gauthier Jason Moseley Anna Nawrocki Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large
The Centennial College Alumni Association’s You can also take advantage of specially priced Board of Directors works on behalf of the insurance through Johnson Insurance, get a CAA college’s 65,000-plus alumni around the world on Membership, buy discounted tickets to a variety a wide variety of initiatives. We are always of events, get diploma frames, find rewarding looking for new projects to take on, so feel free volunteer opportunities, gain access to computer to share your ideas with us. Call 416-289-5218 or labs and the new AWC and Library and Resource email us at [email protected] Centre, find networking opportunities, and much more. Make sure we’re up to date—CCAA needs your current email address and contact info so that we can keep sending you ascent. Your ideas and expertise make a difference to us.
4 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ Go Green! Have your say! Take our survey and let us know Centennial College Alumni Association is how you’d like to receive your looking for your opinions. Complete the survey magazine. We’re pleased to offer at www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni/survey you the option of receiving ascent by July 30, 2010, for your chance to win a gift electronically. certificate for dinner and a movie.
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 5 BECOME The Future of Learning THE NEW YOU. Looking to advance your career, start a new career path or even learn a new hobby? Take a course at Centennial College. We Offer: • Accelerated Programs • Distance Learning Options • Evening and Weekend Courses • Abundant Subject and Discipline Choices
Begin your transformation today, ENROL NOW.
For more information, visit us online at centennialcollege.ca/parttime or call us at 416-289-5207
6 ] ascent [ profile writing, conceptualization, andediting.She delivery, anddirects herco-Preditor inscript spots, from conceptiontoschedulingfinal Samantha overseesallaspects ofon-airpromo Kimmel, andDisney. and forclientslikeAbsoluteComedy, Jimmy shows—Supernatural, Smallville,60Minutes— promos andcommercials forawiderangeof sales department.Shehaswrittenandedited promotions department;shealsoworksinthe Preditor (producer, writer, andeditor)inthe Samantha worksatSunTVastheirLead an award-winning screenplay. advertising. Herreal goal, however, istowrite the televisionfieldandhopingtomoveinto program in2006.Sheiscurrently workingin from Centennial’s Radio,Television andFilm (all types)andahugeBeatlesfan,graduated Samantha Pestano,amovieandmusiclover by Vish Amin pestano samantha know, andshowingwhatyoucando.” a combinationofwhoyou know, what you your competition.Getting thejobyouwantis anything thatcanputyou astepheadof reading, anddon’t forgettonetwork— can helpyougetthere. Take acourse,dosome find yourdream jobrightaway, findajobthat graduates: “Useyourtimewisely!Ifyoucan’t She hasonepieceofadviceforother ahead ofthecompetition. gained inhercourseworkkeptastep confident inherabilities.Theknowledgeshe she neededtomakeherfeelcomfortableand both theconfidenceandhands-onexperience Her timeatCentennialhelpedgiveSamantha voice-overs ofherown. directs thevoice-overtalent, anddoesafew also creates herownpromos andcommercials,
and Film Radio, Television profile at SunTV Lands aSpot Persistant Grad ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ [ Forever Alumni First, Centennial ] ] ascent [ 7 Bridging the Gap Between Education & Entrepreneurship
Michelle Francis featuring
learning, and a positive corporate culture. The project is supported collaboratively by academia, government, industry, and the community. It attempts to bridge the gap between education and entrepreneurship. Achievement is realized through PRONET™ mentorship, training, scholarship opportunities, and leadership development.
After entering the financial services sector in 1999 as a financial planner, Michelle became a certified human resources professional. But the catalyst to become a teacher of adults really began with her enrolment at Centennial in 2006. Michelle then explored the world of learning and performance consultancy, in both the private and not-for-profit sectors.
“The program at Centennial gave me the added confidence needed to create a learning Learning with Michelle Leong Francis curriculum that drives results in sectors like financial services, marketing, and Michelle Leong Francis is the CEO and Senior entrepreneurship,” Michelle says. “It has made Consultant at TTG Consult Inc., an educational an incredible difference in my practice and my consulting firm. sustainability in recessionary times.” These days, her passion for adult education has been channelled into an initiative called PRONET™, which supports workers in professional service sectors. She takes people on an educational journey that highlights the benefits of diversity, self-promotion, financial literacy, business management, lifelong
8 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ michelle francis Teacher/Trainer of Adults, 2008
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profile
As a first-generation Canadian and the At Habitat, her love for construction gave her a youngest child of well-established immigrant way to help support those in need of housing. parents, Michelle learned the importance of She is also collaborating with Habitat for professional image portrayal, accountability, Humanity to create a Woman in Insurance and life-long education in building an build event (demonstrating the importance of excellent reputation in one’s field. disability protection and the opportunities that the trades present to women). She has also experienced the challenges inherent in entrepreneurship. Now, though, Michelle’s advice for others contemplating Michelle understands the benefits of being going back to school? “Embrace continued able to access leaders in industry and education, and love yourself enough to government, and to engage and take continue to grow in your learning. You are advantage of informal and formal mentorship never too old or too ‘stuck’ to take a step that opportunities. may forever change your life.”
In her personal life, Michelle has been able to apply those same transferable skills to her interest in corporate citizenship, as a volunteer crew leader for Habitat for Humanity. Michelle has always been interested in building structures, ideas, and even minds. file pro
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 9 Project Management NAISHAL DESAI
Grad Finds His Project Management, Place at Buttcon 2009
by Krista Newton
profile
Naishal Desai was born and raised in India, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in early 2008. He came to Canada in September of that year. “It required a great deal of determination and strength to survive halfway around the world (almost 11,000 kilometres!), away from the comforts of my home and the warmth of my family.” He went from being very sheltered and pampered by his parents to a life of responsibility and individuality—now, he has to make his own decisions. “A strong desire to define my individuality and to establish myself in Canada helped me through the transition. I matured as a person and became very independent.” The move to Canada also exposed him to many different cultures and traditions.
Naishal came to this country full of hope to build a career as a professional engineer. Things did not go always as he had planned, however. For the first six months, for example, he found himself “constantly adapting to new things.” He landed in Toronto in September, and by that time, postsecondary admissions were finished for the first semester. So, for three months he worked on his public relations skills and did some research into what courses might be best for him to take. He also began working as a cashier in a convenience store, where he got to meet a lot of interesting people and gain confidence in himself.
profile
10 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ naishal desai Project Management
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profile
After all this research, Naishal settled on In his third semester as an intern student at Centennial College as the best option for him. Buttcon Limited (the general contractors for He enrolled in a Project Management program. the AWC), Naishal impressed everyone with At first, it was difficult to handle both school his professionalism, knowledge, and positive and work responsibilities. Naishal recalls that attitude. He was hired full-time at the he was just an average student in his first company. He is now concentrating on getting semester, but by the time he finished the professional experience in Canada and building second semester, he had learned to balance his career. work and school. New friends and his professors also helped and supported him in “I believe that no one has reached the top his studies. without hard work—that is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but should get you pretty near your goal.” file pro
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 11 WHERE are they NOW?
Paula Stamp Legal Assistant, 1996
Paula is the founder of Accident Resolution Group (ARG) and a member of the Paralegal Society of Ontario, the Institute of Law Clerks, the Law Office Managers Association, and the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. ARG (www.accidentresolution.com) provides services to clients involved in car accidents. She is also CJ’s mom and a fundraising volunteer for autism research. In 2009, Paula was the top fundraiser for Walk Now for Autism Ontario— Team CJ. Shiv Harrilal Broadcasting and Film, 2006
Shiv emigrated from Trinidad in 1999 and enrolled in the Broadcasting and Film program at Centennial in 2003. He credits the experience he received through his placement in helping him get his current position as an editor for Relish Inc., where he edits music videos and commercials. His advice for others trying to make it in the field? “Stay motivated.” Adelaida Tapel Law Clerk, 2004
Adelaida has been a Program Administrative Coordinator for 10 years at Centennial College’s Centre of Entrepreneurship. Adelaida also runs a part-time business as a paralegal and law clerk, completing legal paperwork for divorcing couples and preparing affidavits, among other things. Adelaida believes that her success has shown the benefits of hard work, perseverance, and, of course, a solid education from Centennial.
Graduates are welcome to submit an announcement, personal news, or professional update. Please write a brief (75-word) summary. Include your full name, program, and year of graduation. Send your article to [email protected] or fax it to 416-289-5237.
12 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ Turn your diploma inTo a degree
To learn more about how you can earn your degree in as little as two years at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, please visit www.uoit.ca/pathways, e-mail [email protected] or call 905.721.3190.
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] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 13 SPORTS JOURNALISM PROGRAMSports by Malcolm Sports Kelly Sports
And…They’re Out! Congratulations, Sports Journalism Graduates!
The first sports journalism class graduated this year from The Centre for Creative Communications at Centennial College. They are now taking the first This first class of 24 graduates completed three steps on their new career path. full terms comprising 12 courses and a six-week professional placement, between January and It’s been three years since the idea was first December 2009. Those placements were spent hatched to do something that has—from what we everywhere from the Miami Herald, to 24 in can tell—never been attempted before: turn out Vancouver, to The Fan 590 radio. CBC’s sports journalists with a full toolbox of skills, Sportsweekend, Hockey Night in Canada, including print, online, photographic, television, the Hamilton Bulldogs, XM Satellite Radio, radio, podcasting, and videocasting. daily newspapers around southern Ontario, the St. John’s Telegram, and others also opened Other schools in Canada have sports broadcasting up spots for students. programs, but none has put together this full skill group as a way of meeting journalism’s new The students were taught by some of the best challenges—challenges that require new journalists people in the business, including Karen Sebesta, a to be able to do so much more than I did at the long-time producer at CBC Sports; Scott Russell, a beginning of my career, 30 years ago. veteran host at the same network; and Teddy Katz, from CBC Radio Sports.
14 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ SPORTS JOURNALISM PROGRAMSports Sports Sports
Scott Morrison, now of Hockey Night in Canada The class of 2011—25 students who will come to and a Hockey Hall of Fame writing legend; Barb Centennial from as far away as Phoenix, Arizona; DiGiulio, of The Fan 590 radio; broadcaster Erin Caracas, Venezuela; and Mexico City—have begun Paul; CBCSports.ca senior writer Tony Care; their studies and have already turned heads by The Fan 590 journalist Sara Buchan; and Shi covering every event at the Winter Olympics for Davidi, senior baseball writer at Canadian Press the Toronto Observer website. sports, also worked as instructors in the program. Rounding out the crew were veteran television As the program matures, we hope to attract a producer and director Joe Recupero; long-time growing number of international students who sports researcher Dale Wilson; and Brad Watters, will take what they learn back home and inspire former president of the Toronto Argonauts and good sports journalism around the world. And we Toronto Rock. continue to improve our current program, to make it even better.
After all, you are only as good as your last at-bat.
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 15 ESTHETICIAN PROGRAMEsthetician by Alan Hare Esthetician First Graduates from Cutting-Edge Program in 2010
The Centennial College esthetician program’s What are the program’s facilities like? first class will graduate this spring. Canada is experiencing unprecedented growth in the Our students work in commercial-level professional spa and wellness industry—according to one facilities, so that they can develop the professional report, spa visits are now Canadians’ fourth- skills they need for career success. largest leisure activity. Thousands of jobs are The Centennial esthetics lab was designed from generated yearly in the industry. the ground up by industry experts. We provide What is Centennial’s esthetician program? professional-quality equipment in an environment designed for effective teaching and learning, and Centennial College’s esthetician program’s cutting- that is architecturally and aesthetically pleasing. edge curriculum integrates theory and skills development in practical spa applications, skin What kind of treatments are available to care, and business. Courses include infection the public? control, pharmacology, wellness, computer lab The Censation Esthetics Student Clinic offers software, and many hands-on subjects, such as clients high-quality, professional treatments at microdermabrasion, photo facials, and laser. excellent prices. Modern facilities, state-of-the-art Placement in both working clinics and established equipment, and professionally trained students businesses allow students to build the confidence combine to assure our clients receive a positive, and skills they need to enter this challenging relaxing experience. All treatments are performed industry. by students under the direction of qualified instructors.
16 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ Esthetician Esthetician
CENSATION ESTHETICS Client Testimonials
I have visited the Censation Spa at Centennial College several times. The The clinic runs during the fall and winter students have given me the best facials I semesters, within designated hours (find out more have ever had. They are knowledgeable at centennialcollege.ca/censationesthetics). Clients about the products they use and easily must make an appointment, although we do try answered my questions. The hand and to accommodate those who drop in during regular foot massages during manicures and clinic hours. pedicures are incredible.… I recommend We offer a wide range of treatments, including: the Censation Spa to everyone!! ~ Gwenda Bartley • Censation Signature Treatment: cleansing, gentle exfoliation, soothing steam with a At the beginning of the year, I decided to scalp massage, extractions, face and treat myself every week to various esthetic décolleté massage, mask, plus a hand and treatments. My experience has been arm massage. For all skin types. wonderful! The highly trained and • Hydration Treatment: A deep hydrating talented students have spoiled me with boost providing a fresh feeling for the face, wonderful and relaxing facials, manicures, neck and décolleté. Special ampoule and a and pedicures. I have recommended the customized mask treatment. Head, Spa to my friends and family who have shoulders, as well as hand and arm massage. also had terrific experiences. Keep up the • Microderm Abrasion Treatment: Resurfaces great work—your professionalism and the skin gradually and safely with the use of talents are appreciated! crystals to exfoliate. The outer layer of dead ~ Lorraine Gilks cells is removed, leaving the skin radiant and youthful.
You can find out more about our treatments at www.centennialcollege.ca/schs/censationmajortreatments.
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 17 support the dream to succeed!
as an alumnus, you can make a difference for the next generation of centennial’s students.
Your gift will provide funding for scholarships, bursaries and awards ensuring that today’s deserving students have every opportunity to pursue studies at Centennial College and become successful leaders of tomorrow.
invest in the future of tomorrow’s leaders – today!
“My goal is to give back to Centennial one day so that more students can have a chance at achieving their dreams for the future.” – Nicole Allong, Centennial’s Child & Youth Worker program student and Mary Anne Chambers Award recipient
For more information on how you can support today’s students at Centennial College, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at 416.289.5000 or visit our website at www.centennialcollege.ca.
4570 CC Ascent Ad V2.indd 1 4/19/10 11:42:01 AM 18 ] Centennial First, Alumni ForeverCMYK [ Student Awards Night 2009
Student Studentby Emma Dunk ]ascent[
The annual event is held at the Centennial College Residence and Conference Centre and brings scholarship donors, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends together to celebrate their achievements. Six hundred people attended the dinner and awards ceremony over the three evenings. The dinner was catered and served by students from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture. Awards worth $157,000 were presented to 210 recipients by 77 donors at this year’s event. Centennial College Alumni Association (CCAA) paved the way for future alumni at Student Awards Night 2009, which was held November 17–19, 2009. CCAA President Alvin Guthrie and Chair Mary Jo Bryant presented $14,000 worth of scholarships to ten Centennial College students. The students were recognized by the CCAA for their academic achievement and contributions to their programs and the community. The scholarships will help pay for the students’ expenses while at Centennial College. The recipients were:
• CCAA Tuition Scholarship: Michael Kocalevski • CCAA Athletic Scholarships: Eldridge Masuka and Julieta Demilto-Calderon • CCAA Schools Entrance Scholarships: John Currie, Nathan D’Souza, Salza Khakoo, Nadine Ouderkirk, Natalia Stanichevsky, Naran Thilaganathan, and Ruth Ventura
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 19 JI.CCA_HA.MEDOC8.25x10_CMYK_FINAL.ai 1 30/03/09 4:26 PM
20 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ Alumni Benefits and Services ]ascent[ Offsite Onsite
Alumni Discounts Computer Labs Looking for a discount when you’re out on the town? Graduates who do not have access to a computer Call the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 to get your can use the PCs in the general access lab on Progress Centennial College Alumni Member ID access code. Campus. Computer access is free and is available on It lets you take advantage of great savings on movie a three-month basis to graduates with a Centennial tickets, theatre productions, popular attractions, for Life card. To apply for access, please call and more. 416-289-5218 or e-mail [email protected]. Personal Health and Dental Plan Diploma Framing Designed with you in mind, the Johnson Personal Display your diploma or certificate in a customized Health Plan is an affordable health and dental benefit Centennial College frame. The high-quality frames plan, offering you both an Optimum Plan and a are all made in Canada, and the acid-free mattes are Preferred Plan. The Optimum Plan provides a broad tastefully imprinted in gold. Sale proceeds support range of extended health and dental benefits, the Centennial College Alumni Association scholarship including prescription drugs. The Preferred Plan program. Contact the Alumni Association at provides the most economical coverage for extended 416-289-5218 for details. health and prescription drugs. For more information, contact Johnson Inc. at 1-800-461-4155, or visit Massage Therapy Clinics www.johnson.ca/personalhealth. Centennial College Massage Therapy Clinics are staffed by second- and third-year students of massage Residence and Conference Centres therapy. The clinics offer everything from Swedish Are you planning a vacation and looking for massages to hydrotherapy and wax baths. inexpensive accommodation? Centennial alumni can Call 416-289-5353 for more information stay at college residences across Ontario. For or to book an appointment. information, including a complete list of destinations, visit www.stayrcc.com or call toll-free 1-877-225- Student Centre at Progress Campus 8664. Be sure to mention that you are a graduate of Save 15% on room rentals in the Student Centre at Centennial College. Progress Campus, courtesy of the CCSAI. The Student Centre is a great place to hold your wedding, next Softmoc annual general meeting, or any event for 10 to 300 Looking to purchase a new pair of shoes? Centennial people. For availability and cost, please call College alumni receive up to 20% on regularly priced 416-289-5000, ext. 2659. merchandise and 10% on sale priced merchandise. To receive your instant discount code, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni.
For complete information on all of our benefits and services, contact the Centennial College Alumni Association at 416-289-5218 or visit www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni.
] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 21 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Centennial College Alumni Association P.O. Box 631, Station A Toronto, ON, Canada 41297514 M1K 5E9
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