ALUMNI NEWS WINTER 2016-17
Clean Sweep BU alumni hurried hard to get curling past Broomgate
PAGE 10
Warm WUSC Welcome
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President’s Message 4 BU Now 5 Alumni Profile 10 Student Profile 14 Faculty Profile 16 Homecoming 2016 17 BU Research 20 Supporting BU 22 In Touch 24 Snow problem In Memoriam 24 WUSC students find Alumni Authors 25 warm welcome in Brandon. Athletics 26 PAGE 14
20 26 Send us your stories! As alumni, you undoubtedly have much to tell us about the relationships that you developed while at BU. Maybe you met your spouse, a business partner or a great friend?
Please contact the Alumni Office Historic success for Bobcats capture first-ever with your suggestions for outstanding BU researchers MCAC championship alumni you believe should be featured in Alumni News. Brandon University had a remarkable The BU women’s soccer team made history year of research in 2016. this past fall with its tournament win.
Editor – Carla Eisler • [email protected] Advancement & External Relations Staff Alumni News is published twice a year and reaches more than 13,000 alumni and friends of Writers – Tyler Crayston, Carla Eisler, Heather Macdonald, Associate VP (External) Brandon University worldwide. Shawna English, Dr. Gervan Fearon, Grant Hamilton, Rob Henderson Craig Cesmystruk, Web Content Editor To date, thousands of alumni have supported the Brandon Carla Eisler, Alumni Relations Officer University Alumni Association (BUAA) through – Brandon University Athletics, Shawna English, Development Officer participation in alumni programs, affinity products and Photographers service offerings. If you do not wish to be provided with Carberry News-Express, Grant Hamilton, Rob Grant Hamilton, Marketing Communications Officer Henderson, National Research Council of Canada product or service offers or do not wish to receive Alumni Rob Henderson, Marketing Communications Officer News in the future, please contact the Alumni Office. Robyn Long, Stewardship & Information Cover Photos – Curling Canada/Michael Burns Brandon University Alumni Office Management Administrator Phone: 204.727.9697 • Fax: 204.727.4674 Layout & Printing – Leech Printing Ltd., Greg Misener, Web Designer [email protected] • BrandonU.ca/Alumni Brandon, Man. This magazine is printed on Carolyn Vodon, Office Assistant paper stock obtained from sustainable sources. Publications mail agreement #40064061 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
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3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Brandon University is embracing 2017 for us all to recognize the progressive for the Brandon Sun, I recalled a note that with momentum and enthusiasm about possibilities in this disruption and to I received from a Grade 2 student whose our role in post-secondary education embrace ideals and principles that are mother was a scholarship recipient: despite periods of turbulence around the based on our shared humanity. Common “Thank you for helping my mom. You globe. We are busy creating possibilities ground can hold us together as a glue helped me too. You are really nice.” for a new generation of learners and against the wedge of isolationism. researchers. This note was sent to me, but it is really At Brandon University, we work a thank-you and appreciation expressed Facing persistent issues at local and together to be part of the process of to you from a young boy who is gratified global levels, universities today must finding common ground and our alumni for the assistance you have provided to make it possible to learn how to address are the important glue. We can point to his mom. It has inspired hopefulness and these challenges and also to create new many inspiring and progressive alumni, promise into his young mind and heart. ways of thinking about them. We are and we celebrate our many alumni who We are often told to think globally, and surrounded by an ever-expanding are making significant contributions that to act locally. Whether at a local or a body of information and data that we will help define the foundation of society global level, I see Brandon University must translate into understanding, and our institutions for the future. knowledge and wisdom so that alumni who are using their experience we may support the betterment of For instance, alumni recently came of an inclusive, engaged post-secondary inclusive, shared communities and together to support the Dr. Jim Parrott education and applying it to finding society. Critical thinking and analytical Memorial Bursary. Dr. Parrott, who solutions and making contributions for approaches are required, along with a was a renowned heart surgeon, the betterment of our world. shared appreciation of the full diversity graduated in 1964. This bursary will This Alumni News is your testimonial of being and of experiences. be given in his honour to biology to the good things you all bring to students in financial need. Tremendous social changes are being each other and that you bring to our precipitated today by various catalysts. Russell Lusk graduated the next year, communities. Each one of us has There is technological disruption. A in 1965, attending our institution an opportunity to make a positive new generation challenges institutional alongside a refugee student from Hong contribution through our actions. It is norms. Others attempt to hold on to Kong. Today, Mr. Lusk’s donation helps true that we live in turbulent times. their sense of identity and the safety of support a fourth refugee student at BU, However, when you get involved as tradition. Perspective matters, too. From through the World University Service of alumni, you come together and form women’s sufferage to the Civil Rights Canada. I know they, too, will go on to bonds as a team that is making a movement, different people saw the make a difference in our world. difference for us all—and for Brandon movements differently. We can see this University! Many of you have also given back, clash of perspectives in the United States, Europe and, at times, even in Canada especially through donations to our today. The forces of change bump up Annual Fund. These gifts you make against each other and periodically erupt are transformative in the lives of the Dr. Gervan Fearon in disruptive social action. It is important students you touch. In a recent column President & Vice-Chancellor
4 BU NOW
BU graduate working on major archiving project for Truth and Reconciliation centre BU students head to The Hague for Despite veering away from Sask., Miedema is working her original plan to become on a unique project as human rights study a teacher, Carmen Miedema the material includes remains committed to oral traditions and oral A pair of Brandon University students helping others learn. history items that are not have doubled up on their international commonly considered exchange options to earn a coveted A graduate of Brandon semester abroad, studying human rights University, Miedema is in archives. Miedema says and international policy development at her first year in the Archival that the uncommon Studies master’s program at nature of the materials The Hague University, Netherlands. Carmen Miedema has been one reason for a the University of Manitoba And for Ursula Geisler and her recent movement to have (UM), where she received the with it,” said Miedema, boyfriend Drew Spicer, just arranging Archival Studies Entrance Indigenous people working who earned a Bachelor of the exchange provided some lessons in Scholarship for the National on Indigenous archives. Arts at BU, majoring in international negotiation—including a Centre for Truth and Miedema is proud to be History with a minor in virtual stop in Green Bay, Wis. Reconciliation (NCTR). The involved in the effort to scholarship will be worth Anthropology. “I try to bring promote reconciliation Because BU doesn’t have a direct up to $40,000 as Miedema healing to both sides of the between Indigenous and exchange agreement with The Hague works to transfer archives population. Through all of non-Indigenous people. University, Geisler and Spicer first and information about the terrible things that have secured an exchange from BU to the “There’s a push to educate Canada’s residential schools happened, there has to be a University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. the public in general, and not to the NCTR, located at UM. way forward.” Then, as registered students at Green so much about laying blame, Bay, they applied for and were accepted “I was introduced to archives Originally from Peepeekisis but creating understanding,” into the programs they wanted at at BU and I fell in love First Nation, near Yorkton, she said. The Hague. Since the Dutch educational calendar Project at S.J. McKee Archives shines new doesn’t line up precisely with BU’s light on major Manitoba agricultural collection dates, Geisler and Spicer had to very carefully choose which classes they’d take at The Hague, to ensure they’d be Brandon University’s meetings, correspondence, and the Fred McGuinness back in Brandon in time to start their S.J. McKee Archives has photographs, slides, audio Endowment for Rural second semester. been organizing an essential tapes and reel-to-reel Archives. record of Manitoba’s recordings. Also included And, of course, their credits in The agricultural history. in the fonds are books The National Archival Hague first had to be transferred back from the MPE Library, the Appraisal Board declared The project has involved to Green Bay, before being transferred entire run of MPE’s first the MPE fonds to be of appraising, processing, from there back to BU. newspaper, The Scoop Shovel, provincial and national arranging and describing and bound copies of the significance, describing it The courses, they say, are worth all mixed media items from Manitoba Co‑operator. as “clearly one of the most that trouble. the Manitoba Pool Elevator important fonds related (MPE) fonds. These graphic The $10,000 project has “It will be very beneficial,” says Geisler, materials document the been funded in part by a to agriculture existing in who is in her third year of an Applied entire history of MPE, from $4,500 Heritage Grant from Manitoba and one of the Disaster and Emergency Studies 1924 to 2001. The mixed the Province of Manitoba. fundamental collections (ADES) degree—a program she sought media materials are only Additional funds were for the study of the out at BU from her and Spicer’s home in part of a collection that provided by the Eileen settlement and farm Whitehorse. In the future, she says she includes organizational McFadden Endowment for economy of Manitoba in hopes to be involved in an international records, minutes of the S.J. McKee Archives the 20th century.” response team.
5 BU NOW
Black Canadian Studies BU to welcome 2017 Association Conference to be Special Olympics Manitoba held at BU this year Provincial Summer Games
The history, present and future of African Canadians will be explored when Brandon University hosts the 2017 Black Canadian Studies Association (BCSA) Conference. The goal of the conference, held every two years, is to promote dialogue, critical reflection and broad engagement around Dr. Steven Robinson, Vice-President (Academic & Provost) at Brandon University, speaks during a news conference held to announce that BU will developments affecting the Black and other communities in Canada. host the 2017 Special Olympics Manitoba Provincial Summer Games. The 2017 conference, entitled “Blackness, Indigeneity, Colonialism, and Confederation: 21st Century Perspectives,” will take place from Brandon University will be an important venue and May 11-13. athlete’s residence this summer for the 2017 Special Olympics Manitoba Provincial Summer Games. Organizers expect about 200 people to attend the event, with Canada’s 150th birthday forming the backdrop as the participants discuss what “Special Olympics Manitoba is very excited to host our this milestone means to Canada’s diverse Black community in light of 2017 Provincial Summer Games in Brandon,” said Jenn their achievements, challenges and contributions to the country. Campbell, Special Olympics Manitoba President and CEO. “We know that Brandon will be a fantastic host for our “I had the honour of being an invited speaker at the 2015 conference, athletes from across the province!” and I am tremendously pleased that Brandon University will host this prestigious event for 2017,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, BU’s President and About 400 Special Olympics athletes will be coming for the Vice-Chancellor. three-day-long Summer Games this year. They’ll compete in 10 different sports, at BU’s Healthy Living Centre and other venues, while staying in the Athletes Village on Preparing for the worst campus and dining at Harvest Hall. with B.E.S.T. Along with other BU volunteers, the University’s Student Accessibility Services Co-ordinator, Michelle Magnusson, Nearly 80 emergency managers and local government officials from has taken a role as Chair of the Host Committee for the across western Manitoba came to Brandon University for the annual 2017 Summer Games. Brandon Emergency Support Team (B.E.S.T.) conference looking at “These Games will provide the opportunity to promote emergency preparedness. physical activity and sport opportunities for athletes The daylong conference tackled three main topics under the heading in Brandon, Westman and Manitoba. I am excited to help highlight the inclusiveness and team spirit of the “Managing the Future.” Participants looked at climate change athletes, families and Special Olympics in our community.” scenarios with a focus on the Prairies, addressed communications and Magnusson said. “Brandon has a long history of strong dealing with the media, and explored processes to design and develop volunteerism when hosting events and I look forward to emergency preparedness exercises. our community continuing this tradition. There has already “There are many things we can learn about disasters through research been tons of enthusiasm from our community to make these and improve our emergency management practices,” said Jack Lindsay, games a successful and positive experience for everyone chair of BU’s Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies program, and involved.” facilitator at the conference. “Whether it is floods or fires, disease or drought, there are common elements in ensuring resiliency, supplies of food and water, and lines of communication. Conferences like this one help us share best practices and practice some of our skills.”
6 BU NOW
Bountiful harvest for expanded campus community gardens
Green Futures, a pilot project to help grow fresh food on the Brandon University campus for a local food security initiative and the BU student food bank, has harvested huge success in its first year. “We were astounded by the volume of produce that we were able to grow!” says Dr. Serena Petrella, chair of the BU Sociology department and a sustainability and food security researcher who helped organize and start the project. Working with Enactus, a non-profit organization of business students engaged in green activism, Petrella scouted out Green Futures BU volunteers grew an astounding amount of produce for the student food bank and Brandon’s underused green space on campus and Good Food Box program. recruited staff, faculty and student volunteers all his help this past season. He helped us Mental Health Association, with produce. to turn it into a community garden. keep things sustainable by composting all Those boxes, filled with fresh produce from “Our volunteers planted, weeded and watered our green waste. We couldn’t have done it the BU gardens and other local producers, the crops throughout the summer, they without him.” were then brought back to the Brandon were wonderful,” she said. “And a shout- Food grown on campus supplied the Good University Students’ Union food bank so that out to George Manby in Physical Plant for Food Box program, run by the Canadian students could access fresh produce, for free.
Partnership with ACD Systems Capitalizing on broadband boom creates opportunities for requires action in Manitoba: RDI computer science students There’s a cloud on the horizon, have found that particularly and a new report from the in sparsely populated areas, When students in the Systems Srivastava, an Assistant Rural Development Institute both access and use are Programming course at Brandon Professor in BU’s Department (RDI) at Brandon University issues that must be addressed University are looking for of Mathematics and Computer points to a need for rural together to keep up with feedback on their projects, Science. Manitobans to tap in. worldwide trends. they’re now able to go right to “These are third-year the source. Data use and data requirements “Everybody treats broadband students and they’re ready are rising rapidly. Late last year, with a mentality of build it A new partnership between BU for a new challenge. They’ll the Canadian Radio-Television and they will come,” said RDI and ACD Systems International, be communicating with and Telecommunications Research Associate Wayne a software developer with clients professionals in the industry and Commission (CRTC) Kelly. “What we’re finding around the globe, provides applying what they’ve learned.” declared that broadband is a though is that there is a need computer science students with basic service and set a target In the class, students focus on to encourage use so that people valuable hands-on experience. that download speeds of 50 developing code for sharing and can fully take advantage of The students are working megabytes per second (Mbps) syncing media between mobile the availability of high-speed with advanced code from ACD be available to Canadians. devices as well as displaying Internet. This will become Systems for their Systems media on a mobile device. As even more essential as rural Programming projects. RDI is studying the use of they work on their projects, they broadband in rural areas communities get access to the “This is an exciting opportunity are able to get feedback from in Southern and Central level of service recommended for BU students,” says Gautam experts at ACD Systems. Manitoba. The researchers by the CRTC.”
7 BU NOW
Karen Batson of Health Studies faculty elected Chief in Pine Creek
A Brandon University professor has positive change for the entire community with the guidance and made history in Manitoba’s Pine Creek teachings of the Elders and our Anishinaabe culture.” First Nation. Batson joined the Faculty of Health Studies at BU in 2010. She has Karen Batson was elected as Pine Creek’s taken a four-year political leave from her position as an Assistant first-ever female Chief earlier this month. Professor in the Faculty of Health Studies at BU. She said her priorities for Pine Creek will “At Brandon University we are very proud of the contributions be to increase educational opportunities, that members of our faculty make to the various communities they enhance economic development and address serve in addition to their fine work educating our students,” said infrastructure and social issues. Karen Batson BU Dean of Health Studies, Dr. Dean Care. “Karen has brought “I am truly honored and humbled to insight and experience to our Psychiatric Nursing program, be chosen as the first woman Chief of Pine Creek First Nation,” and I’m confident that Pine Creek First Nation will benefit Batson said. “Historically, Indigenous women had power and from her leadership. I congratulate Karen on this tremendous influenced decisions affecting their communities. My community accomplishment.” has bestowed this honor upon me, and I am determined to create Open textbook fills need for Voice scholarship honours Psychiatric Nursing students memory of BU Biology With no textbook available for her third-year Brandon University Professor Emeritus Bill Paton Psychiatric Nursing course, Developmental Challenges, Debra Dusome found the help she needed in her fellow teaching professionals. Dr. William (Bill) H.N. Paton was “I spent eight years asking publishers for a book on supporting people known for lending his voice to a with intellectual disabilities and mental illness,” Dusome told Campus long-running call-in show helping Manitoba, a consortium headquartered at BU that helps students find Westmanites cultivate their gardens. and access educational opportunities at Manitoba’s post-secondary But Paton also had a long history institutions. “There wasn’t one available.” loaning his voice to local choirs Prairie Blend and Bel Canto. Dusome’s fortunes changed when she met Sherri Melrose of Athabasca To honour his love of singing, University, who was also experiencing the same problem. At Melrose’s a new scholarship was formed suggestion, they reached out to their colleagues at universities across in Paton’s name after he passed Canada, hoping to co-author their own textbook. The results were a Dr. Bill Paton was a respected smashing success as they enlisted several other teaching professionals, away suddenly last summer. The Biology professor at BU, and Dr. Bill Paton & Mrs. Eileen Paton his love for singing is reflected including John Simpson, who taught in the Psychiatric Nursing Scholarship in Voice is expected to in a new scholarship. program in BU’s Faculty of Health Studies, before his retirement. provide approximately $475 annually With support from BCcampus, an organization that assists teaching to a promising voice student at Brandon University and learning in British Columbia, they wrote the book on helping Paton joined BU’s Department of Botany (later Biology) in 1974. those with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. “Supporting He taught at the University for 40 years, retiring in 2014 and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Illness” is now in earning the designation of Professor Emeritus. use at universities across Canada. He was a driving force in the establishment of the HortLine, Even better, it’s available for free to students and openly licensed which was launched in 1976 and developed into a popular call-in through Creative Commons (CC-BY). This allows it to be distributed show at radio station CKLQ. to anyone who needs the material, and permits other faculty to adapt it for their own teaching needs. Gifts to the scholarship may be made online at BrandonU.ca/Donate, by phone at 204-727-7374 or toll-free at 1-877-282-4483, “We saw a real need to educate people who don’t have a lot of resources or made out to Brandon University Foundation and mailed to to learn about mental illness,” Dusome told Campus Manitoba. 270-18th Street, Brandon MB, R7A 6A9. “We wanted it to be accessible and have the widest impact.”
8 BU NOW
BU welcomes expert on multiculturalism in the arts for public lectures and performances Brandon music students earn An expert in the relationship between “Dr. Attariwala is a leading authority on multiculturalism and arts funding is visiting Canadian cultural policy as it relates to third-place finishes Brandon University this semester. multi-culturalism and arts funding,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of Music at BU. “While at National Festival The School of Music is hosting Dr. Parmela in residence here at Brandon University, Attariwala as this year’s Stanley Knowles her teaching, research collaborations, public Distinguished Visiting Professor. Attariwala performances and lectures should provide is conducting public lectures in conjunction significant opportunities to consider the with the Institute for Research in Music and evolution of both our musical community and Community (IRMC) and will perform at the our curriculum.” BU New Music Festival on March 26. Attariwala’s final lecture will be held on Tuesday, March 21, and her insights have fit in well with the IRMC’s mandate of studying the relationship between community and music. Jammie Lee, right, and Kayla Solomon have earned “The Institute for Research in Music and many honours for their performances, including Community is about music-making in third-place finishes at the National Music Festival. its infinite array of styles and how we as performers, composers, listeners and scholars While many eyes were on the Olympic share sounds and ideas with each other,” athletes at Rio last year, two Brandon said Dr. T. Patrick Carrabré, Director of the students were among 55 of Canada’s IRMC. “Dr. Attariwala creates and performs best young musicians performing and across an incredible range of genres, from competing at the National Music Festival classical and avant-garde to fiddling, free in Edmonton. improvisation and rock. She is also one of the Jammie Lee, on piano, and Kayla most thoughtful commentators on how public Solomon, on trumpet, are Brandon policy impacts the types of music we get to students who were among those chosen hear. The IRMC is honoured to have her with to represent Manitoba at the national Dr. Parmela Attariwala us this semester and host her public lectures.” competition. Solomon and Lee returned with the National Festival equivalent of bronze medals: each placed third in their category. Rare and fully-restored grand piano A native of Winnipeg, Solomon is in centrepiece of presentation and concert her third year of Brandon University’s Bachelor of Music program. The winner Last year an authentically-restored, century- replacement of the piano’s delicate of many scholarships and awards, she old grand piano was featured onstage at soundboard, which is considered the heart studies trumpet with Dr. Ed Bach, himself Brandon University. of the piano. an award-winner at the National Festival in earlier years. She was accompanied by This rare Blüthner grand piano, made of “The original soundboard was so badly pianist Danielle Guina in Edmonton. exotic Rosewood, was built in Leipzig, cracked reusing it simply wasn’t an option,” A Grade 10 student at Vincent Massey Germany in 1905. Blüthner pianos, known says Mark Cramer, Brandon University’s High School, Lee has been nationally for their singing-tone, featured a mysterious, resident piano technician, who directed the restoration. “The art of restoring pianos of recognized before. In 2011, then aged patented over-string that adds a unique 10, Lee placed second in his age category silvery-quality to the sound. this vintage, is to have a guiding-vision of the instrument’s original tone and touch, so that in the Canadian Music Competitions at Over the course of a year the instrument we can hear music today, the way it would the finals in Montreal, playing a Mozart underwent extensive renovations, including have sounded over a century ago.” piano concerto.
Clean Sweep
BU alumni hurried hard to get curling past Broomgate National Research Council of Canada
10 As a world champion curler, Nolan Thiessen knows exactly what a 20 kg chunk of polished granite should and shouldn’t do as it slides down a sheet of ice. Thiessen knew that the things that he and other top curlers were able to make a rock do last season shouldn’t be possible.
“I think everybody more or less could see where the sport was going and I don’t think anybody was really comfortable with it going there,” said Thiessen. National Research Council of Canada
Dr. Christa Homenick is not a Dr. Christa Homenick, BSc ’04, is a materials expert who helped design the scientific tests that turned innovation into data. professional curler like Thiessen, but she also heard the curling club chatter at her recreational games about the Ottawa, Homenick graduated from BU By that time, Thiessen and his controversial brooms that were giving with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) teammates had already been approaching sweepers too much control over the in 2004 before going on to earn her the problem from another angle. Many paths of the rocks. PhD from McMaster University and of the top teams agreed that they complete her post-doctoral fellowship wouldn’t use the brooms in question and Despite attending Brandon University at University of Western Ontario. Her lobbied curling’s governing bodies to and Brandon’s Vincent Massey High expertise in materials and faith in her make changes. School at the same time, Homenick and colleagues at NRC told her they could Thiessen didn’t meet until they ended help the sport of curling. Those governing bodies took the requests up partnering on a project this year that seriously and the WCF booked North helped curling get its house in order by Grenville Curling Club in Kemptville, brushing aside a raging controversy that “The curlers needed Ont., for a Sweeping Summit in May 2016, became known as Broomgate. assembling 11 elite curlers, four NRC to bring things back so scientists and a team of support staff for Both took very different paths to get to it was actually about three days of on-ice testing. that point. After receiving his Bachelor their athleticism again of General Studies from BU in 2001, The first thing they needed to do was Thiessen left for the University of and their skill.” figure out exactly what the problem was. Manitoba to complete his Bachelor of Commerce degree. While there, he A sheet of curling ice is coated with reconnected with his roots briefly, joining “The curlers needed to bring things back water droplets that freeze to form a a team skipped by BU’s Mike McEwen so it was actually about their athleticism pebbled surface. Friction causes the to win gold for Canada in curling at the again and their skill,” she said. rocks to curl, following the direction 2003 Winter Universiade, basically the of a rotation applied by the curlers Olympics of university sport. Thiessen’s Homenick enlisted an ice expert at NRC, who deliver the shots. Rocks travel in career as an accountant took him west to physicist and former competitive bobsled a straight path while moving fast, but Alberta, but he continued to work his way racer Dr. Louis Poirier. Together they begin their curl as they slow down. into curling’s elite, playing lead for teams went to the Brier when it was in Ottawa that won three Brier Canadian men’s in March 2016 and met with Curling Sweepers aren’t just there to make the ice championships and the 2010 world title. Canada, which put them in touch with look nice on TV. Their brooms remove the World Curling Federation (WCF), debris that could send a shot off course A polymer chemist at the National the agency that sets the rules for the and heat up the ice, reducing friction Research Council of Canada (NRC) in sport internationally. and allowing the rocks to maintain
11 momentum. Sweep hard all the way up “I looked at it from So what’s the problem? More control the ice and the rock will travel faster and over the rocks equals better shots and straighter; stop sweeping and the stone a view from 30,000 better curling, right? will curl to a halt sooner. This delicate feet, saying this is Indeed, shotmaking percentages were interaction between shooter and sweepers how far the game through the roof, but the sport had allows teams to pull off clever tricks like has come in eight gone to great lengths in recent decades drawing a rock safely behind another to increase offence. Now, curlers were stone guarding the front of house, making months.” suddenly able to knock rocks out of it virtually impossible for the other team the house that were previously well to remove the rock in the rings. protected or place their final rocks different kind of housework emerged. That’s basically the way the game has virtually anywhere, sapping the drama Manufacturers of modern brush-style out of many games. been played since at least the 19th century. curling brooms have experimented with But brooms have changed dramatically different fabric, waterproof coatings, “I looked at it from a view from 30,000 feet, since Manitoba’s Gordon Hudson and his ridges and inserts such as foil and plastic. saying this is how far the game has come in team became the first winners of back- The prevailing theory among curlers was eight months. If we do this again the next to-back Brier titles with brooms that that the direction of rocks was altered year and then in the Olympic year (2020), looked as though they could have been by tiny scratches on the ice left by these people are going to have this so figured out whisked straight out of a hallway closet. brooms, giving the sweepers serious that every score is going to be 2-1 because Since then, brooms designed for a whole influence on the rocks. there’s no offence,” Thiessen said. National Research Council of Canada
These graphics, supplied by the National Research Council of Canada illustrate how the distance and direction of rocks could be affected by using certain models and colours of brooms versus brooms with the yellow fabric that were approved by the World Curling Federation following the sweeping summit. Techniques included sweeping in the direction of the rocks’ curl, against the curl, full face (90 degrees in both directions in front of the rock) and snowplowing (in the same direction as the rock is travelling).
12 The roaring game was in jeopardy of becoming the boring game.
Try to take a favourite broom away from curlers, however, and some of them are bound to bristle. Thiessen heard from many colleagues that new sweeping techniques were the problem—that a return to old sweeping methods would fix it—but after watching video of old competitions he remained unconvinced.
“A lot of us athletes had done a lot of testing and could do a lot of things with the brooms,” Thiessen said. “But we needed science to back it up and prove what we were saying was too much.” National Research Council of Canada
That’s where Homenick, Poirier and their team came in. They installed speed Dr. Christa Homenick and Dr. Louis Poirier traps along the ice to make sure the velocity of the rocks remained consistent throughout testing. The rocks were In some instances sweepers were actually “They (the WCF) put a lot of faith in us also fitted with sensors to track their able to make the rocks “back off” or as athletes to make recommendations rotation and position. The scientists even curve slightly in the opposite direction and it was pretty cool that they backed measured how hard each player swept from their natural curl. us up,” Thiessen said. “I think the results and had WCF experts monitor their this year bear out that the game is in a Materials and waterproof coatings were better place now.” performance throughout the summit put under scrutiny. Even the colour of the to make sure the curlers were getting brooms made a difference as darker fabrics The project isn’t quite over for Homenick enough rest to stay safe and keep their exaggerated the effect of the brooms. and Poirier, though. While the WCF sweeping consistent through long days got the data they needed to make their of testing that lasted up to 13 hours. What they finally settled on was decisions, the scientists still have plenty something called Oxford 420d fabric to brush up on, with a paper planned for They also played a few tricks on the in mustard yellow, with no waterproof the coming year. curlers, in the name of science of course. coatings allowed. The group submitted In the meantime, she gets the satisfaction “Nolan, he’ll joke that he got mad at us a series of recommendations, and the of knowing that her team carved out its and the athletes were frustrated with WCF wasted no time putting them in own little spot in the history of one of us because we were putting in placebo place for major competitions this season, the iconic establishments of Canadian effect tests on them because we needed including the Canada Cup of Curling culture. controls,” Homenick chuckled. “We that was held in Brandon in November needed to know that what we were and early December. “One of the reasons I made the decision seeing was real.” to become a government scientist is Ironically, Thiessen hasn’t had to worry that I like that the research that I do about the new regulations. He decided What they saw was that while sweeping is for Canada and not just for my own to step away from competitive curling technique did indeed play a role, the personal interest,” she said. “Working on last season and moved with his family to effect of the brooms was remarkable. the curling project is perfect because I’m McKinney, Texas. Thiessen has remained In one instance, by combining certain helping a sport that is huge in Canada.” brooms and techniques, a rock that close to the sport though by working as should have ended up in the rings right a consultant with Curling Canada, work With estimates that anywhere from two- on the tee line that runs up the middle that brought him back to Brandon for the thirds to more than 90 per cent of the of the ice, could be swept over to the Canada Cup, and he likes what he’s seen world’s curlers live right here, it doesn’t sideboards well short of the rings. on the ice so far. get much more Canadian than that.
13 STUDENT PROFILE
WUSC Students Rakan Al shblak, Ahmad Al Masri and Okash Abdi Snow Problem WUSC students find warm welcome in Brandon
With big, beaming smiles, Thanks to World University Service students say would have been difficult of Canada, and our local WUSC to imagine. they’re standing in the snow committee at BU, these students have for a photographer. It’s warm been sponsored to come from around the “The weather in Brandon is completely for January in Brandon, world, some from refugee camps, to do different from where I came from,” says their post-secondary studies in Brandon. Rakan Al shblak, who was originally from and the snow is soft, so the Daraa, a city in Syria near the border with photographer suggests they This year, thanks to ongoing fundraising, Jordan. “Actually, I had got an idea about and one couple’s donation in particular, the weather in Canada before I came. But get playful: “How about a BU has been able to welcome a fourth I did not expect a temperature degree like snowball fight?” sponsored student, for the first time. -40 or at least I did not know what such a degree meant! I am surprised at having “I’m very impressed with all the There’s a pause. a thick layer of snow and not melting for students. They have such enthusiasm three or four months.” Maybe it’s a language barrier, maybe and their commitment is apparent,” says it’s cultural. Do they know what a Russell Lusk, BA ’65. He and his wife, Al shblak, who is studying English snowball is? They do now! A few Corinna, committed to sponsoring a literature with plans for graduate school, moments of miming helps the WUSC student this year, and recently says that he and his fellow WUSC communication click, and the photo re-committed their sponsorship for students are getting adapted gradually. shoot takes on new laughter. the 2017-2018 academic year. Volunteers have been helping introduce In some ways, these students are just like The Lusks’ donation, along with those them to Canadian culture. In the winter, any other: Going to class, writing papers, from other donors and fundraising that has included sledding and skating sitting for exams. But moments like these efforts by students, staff and faculty at and now snowballs. remind us that the route they took to BU, has been transformed into these come to Brandon University is more than smiling faces, learning to toss snowballs “Skating was hard! Sledding was easier,” a little unusual. in the air. It’s a transformation that the says Okash Abdi, who is originally from
14 STUDENT PROFILE
Somalia. “The WUSC volunteers are in attendance, had been the first WUSC “It has been such an incredible always around to have some fun around student at BU. So, when he reached out experience to help the students on the city. They’re mentors.” to the University, he had some idea that their journey learning about Canadian sponsoring a student might be possible. culture, from skating, to Thanksgiving “Skating was something new for me,” supper, to crazy things like trying “I was pleasantly surprised to learn Al shblak agrees. “I went skating twice. bubble soccer,” she says. “It is always At first, it was a frightening experience of the extensive work that WUSC an experience and so great to get the but was worth trying. I could not was involved in,” he said. “There was chance to learn about their culture, count the number of times I fell but an established program under which too. I strongly encourage others to they were too many. The second time WUSC, the umbrella organization, reach out and get involved with our I noticed I had improved. Skating was vetted potential candidates, interviewed group or help any other newcomers really fun. I would never spare any those meeting their criteria and to Brandon.” chance of skating.” worked with Canadian government representatives responsible for She said it’s easy to find out more Of course, it’s not just winter sports that approving the admission of refugees to require some adjustment. information about their activities on Canada. With that structure in place, Facebook, in the “Brandon University “It is different,” says Abdi. “Coming to the sponsorship by my wife and myself WUSC” group. It’s a way for people a new area, there is a hypothesis you was greatly simplified.” everywhere to keep up to date on the form in your mind. You’re facing a Donations cover the many expenses support that the students are receiving. new environment. I feared it would be required for each student, including “All refugees admitted to Canada need different.” travel to Brandon, books and school the support of people in the community supplies, a laptop, clothing, towels, “It is the best chance ever I could think where they are settled. Initially, we were toiletries, proper winter wear, of to be accepted by a university in a concerned about how that support could emergency funds and a monthly Western country known for its high- be provided,” Lusk says. “However, upon allowance. The University provides the quality education,” Al shblak adds. their arrival in Canada, the day-to-day tuition, residence and meal costs for “I thought it would take a lot of time to support of the students was carried each student. get adapted. Brandon is a friendly setting. out by the WUSC Committee at BU. People are quite helpful.” Essentially, all expenses are covered Having met with the Committee and the four sponsored students, it appears Lusk says he’d like to see even more for the student for the first year, notes that the Committee members have people pitch in to help bring refugees to Angie Nor Addin, president of the provided great support, and continue to study at BU. student WUSC Club at BU. Students each pay a levy of $11.05 to help fund do so. That is reassuring and I take my “In the midst of the devastation in Syria, the sponsorship. hat off to all of them.” my wife, Corinna, and I decided to do something to assist Syrian refugees,” he said. “Knowing the many benefits that higher education can provide not only to the recipients, but to their families and communities, I approached Brandon University with the idea of sponsoring a student refugee. We were of the view that the presence of refugee students would also benefit BU students by providing them with an opportunity through association to broaden their outlook and education by learning of the students’ particular experiences and perspectives.”
Casting back to his time as a BU student himself, he remembered that Tony Members of the Brandon University WUSC committee with donor Russell Lusk ’65 (second from right) and the Chow, a student from Hong Kong then student he sponsored from Syria, Rakan Al shblak (far right).
15 FACULTY PROFILE
Caribbean Classroom When most people visit a tropical island, they’d rather not spend their time wondering, “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Yet a group of Brandon University students went to Jamaica for a recent two-week field course specifically so that they could ponder that question. Far from being pessimists, the six students are members of the Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies (ADES) program at BU. Envisioning worst-case scenarios and learning how to manage them is what they do. Participants in the Field Studies in ADES course met and exchanged ideas with disaster management professionals in Jamaica, including a visit to the Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management. The trip, in August 2016, was for the course Field Studies in ADES, taught by Dr. Balfour from the typical dangers of the industry to “Because we spent most of our time in Spence. Raised in Jamaica, Spence taught issues such as an uneasy co-existence between residential areas we were incorporated into it,” at the University of West Indies in Jamaica the mining companies and squatters. said ADES student Danielle Currie. “There’s for 16 years as well as in the Philippines and almost this glass wall between the tourist and The students also visited a small-scale Indonesia before arriving at BU in 2008. residential areas, and we were able to go on mixed farming community in the With ADES attracting students from across the other side of the glass wall.” Canada and around the world, and graduates foothills of the Blue Mountain Range, scattered in a similar manner, Spence says providing them with insight into Thanks to a recent memorandum of there is great value in studying emergency international cooperation in emergency understanding between the institutions, management around the world, where management. They learned about the the BU contingent was joined by a group from potential disasters and the infrastructure in challenges of subsistence agriculture Jamaica’s University of Technology, which place can be much different than in Canada. and the intervention of the Canadian arranged for their transportation. A further government in mitigating landslide risks partnership with the University of West Indies “We need to understand the disaster and promoting livelihood sustainability in allowed the BU group to stay at residences management landscape beyond Canada,” the rural community. Among the methods there, providing significant savings for the Spence said. “When something happens here for landslide prevention was the planting students, who paid their own way on the trip. it affects more than Canada. When something of pineapple plants, whose roots provide happens in a developing country, it affects us support to the soil of the farms. More than just cost savings, the partnerships in Canada because we have become globalized allowed the BU students to share ideas and economically, socially and environmentally.” A visit to the impoverished community of experiences with their Jamaican colleagues. New Haven, which would rarely be seen by Learning to take into account the differences The students made the most of their time tourists or even most Jamaicans, introduced between communities and regions continues in Jamaica, traveling all over the Caribbean them to issues heightened by economic to shape the students’ outlook following their island. Based out of the capital of Kingston, distress. As an informal settlement return to Brandon. in the southeast, they visited Negril on the New Haven has virtually no official west coast and Ocho Rios on the north infrastructure in place, leading residents “It’s about learning to look at things from shore. Along the way they visited Jamaica’s to come up with their own measures to another perspective. You can even do that in Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency support one another during disasters such Canada,” said ADES student Shelae Richards. Management, learned how climate change as frequent floods from the Duhaney River. “Dr. Spence can show us pictures, and we can is threatening some of the country’s tourist Their local initiatives include a hand-drawn understand, but actually being there gives you centres and studied mining hazards ranging disaster awareness map. greater perspective.”
16 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Homecoming 2016 Highlights and Awards
Brandon University alumni and friends reunited during Homecoming Weekend, held October 14 – 16. A number of events were held, including class reunions, campus tours and the Alumni Dinner & Awards evening, recognizing alumni for their outstanding contributions. For more Homecoming photos, go to BrandonU.ca/Homecoming/Gallery .
Alumni Call For Nominations Award The Brandon University Alumni Association is accepting nominations for Recipients the following awards:
►► Award for Exceptional Wall of Fame Award Distinguished Award for Service ►► Distinguished Alumni Dr. Cheryl (Pizzey) Craig, Career Achievement BA ’76, BEd ’85 Mitch Taylor, BSc ’65 Award for Career Achievement ►► Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service ►► Distinguished Young Alumni Award ►► Wall of Fame Award ►► Excellence in Teaching Award
Deadline for Awards: April 1, 2017. For more Distinguished Award for Distinguished Award for Distinguished Young information visit Career Achievement Community Service Alumni Award BrandonU.ca/Alumni/Awards Dr. Allan Ryan, BGS ’75 Barbara (Robertson) Martin, Assoc. ’65 Whitney Kreller-Lamont, BSc ’07, or call 204‑727‑9697. BEd (AD) ‘09 Class Photos Class of 1951 – Celebrating 65 Years Class of 1956 – Celebrating 60 Years
Back (L-R): Lorne Day, Joan (Cressey) Meyers, Jean (Hannah) McIntosh, Margaret (Basham) Gustafson, Marina (Townsend) Laking, Harold Stewart. L-R: Gerald Jerrett, Pat (Magnacca) Coleman, Angus Juckes, Bill Fraser Front (L-R): Hilt Stewart, Allan Johnson
17 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Class of 1956 Bachelor of Paedagogy 1966 Teacher Training Class
L-R: Enid (Watt) Graham, Marguerite (Blain) Yung, Carol (Waldon) Milne, Carole (Pearn) Sangster, Linda (Johnson) Downey, Barbara (Burton) Brown, L-R: Ben Ward, Verda (Peden) McDonald, Allen Hattie Agnes (Finlayson) Moir 1956 Teacher Training Class Class of 1976 – Celebrating 40 Years
Back (L-R): Gerald Brown, Anna (Rempel) Eaton, Delce (Haslen) Shanks, Derlene (Armstrong) Olson, Janyce (Mote) Fraser, Shirley (Armstrong) Langan, Shirley (Ivey) Welch, Mary Ellen Roach. Front (L-R): Liz (Smith) Hinch, L-R: Lori Kiesman, Joyce McGinnis, Lesley (Shamray) McFadden, Colin Cassidy, Marg (Kinnaird) Simms, Janice (Gusdal) Ward, Eileen (Simpson) Campbell, William Hargreaves, Bruce Craig, Cheryl (Pizzey) Craig, Irene (Belisle) Coderre, Clara (Mansfield) Ramsay, Leona (Hutton) Kucher Suzanne (Poirer) Hasiuk, Debra (McLenehan) Carnegie Class of 1966 – Celebrating 50 Years Dedication of the McCutheon Alcove Pat Bowslaugh, TTC ’60, BA ’71, BEd ’76, Dr. Heather Duncan, Dean of Education, and Dr. Gervan Fearon, President and Vice-Chancellor, cut the ribbon for the official dedication of the McCutcheon Alcove in honour of Dr. Wilfred McCutcheon (1919- 2008), a project spearheaded by Gerald Brown, TTC ’56, BA ’63. Dr. McCutcheon served as Dean of Education from 1954 – 1967 and was instrumental in the formation of the first Teacher Training Back (L-R): Donna (Zimmerman) Kennedy, Mel Montgomery, Pat (Carter) Psaila, Program at Brandon College. Diane (Lytwyn) Fox, Rodney Mykle, Colleen (Clark) Miller, Carol (Johnson) Smith, The Alcove is located on the main Cyril Fox, Henry Klassen. Front (L-R): Al Josephson, Terrilyn (Moore) Kerr, floor of the Education Buidling. Bill Sparling
Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies 15th Anniversary
During Homecoming Weekend, BU’s Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies department (ADES) welcomed a dozen alumni and many current students to an all-day workshop to mark the 15th anniversary of the program. The participants discussed how their ADES degrees have influenced their professional careers. ADES grads are working in emergency management careers across Canada and overseas.
18 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Presentation of the Senior and Lady Sticks For decades, the Senior Stick and Lady long, topped in silver, and covered in silver Stick had gone missing, and last year a group Stick were two of the most senior roles in rings that bore the name and year of every of alumni decided that it was an important the student executive at Brandon College, previous officeholder. After the positions were symbol and had a replica produced. Both the generally seen as president and vice-president phased out in 1967, when Brandon College Senior and Lady Sticks were presented back of the entire student body. Not just a title, became Brandon University, the staffs were to the University and will be on permanent each Stick also carried an actual stick — a placed on display in a custom-made case in the display in the library once again and used for ceremonial wooden staff, about three feet university library. At some point, the Senior ceremonial purposes throughout the year.
Following a successful alumni fundraising campaign to replicate the missing Senior Stick, Class of 1966 Senior Stick Bill Sparling and Lady Stick Terrilyn (Moore) Kerr present the symbolic Senior Past Senior and Lady Sticks. Back (L-R): Ron Keeler ’62, Verda (Peden) McDonald ’55, and Lady Sticks to BU President Dr. Gervan Fearon and BUSU Elaine (Fraser) Rust ’58, Jean (Hannah) McIntosh ’56, Russell Lusk ’65, Anne (Franklin) Taylor ’65, President Mr. Nick Brown during the Homecoming Dinner and Terrilyn (Moore) Kerr ’66, Bill Sparling ‘66. Front (L-R): Alixe (Meadows) Ryles ’42, Awards Ceremony. Pat (Magnacca) Coleman ’51, Angus Juckes ’51, Verna (Moore) Keeler ‘63 Dick & Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame Inductees The Wall of Fame is named in honour of Verda McDonald and her late husband Dick. 1996 CIAU National Championship Team Individual Inductees
1996 Bobcats Men’s Basketball Team. Back (L-R): Roger Martin, Larry Dudevoir, Greg Walker, Mark Plamondon, Garfield Parke, Shawn Gray, Keith Vassell, Jason Scott, Donald (Tex) Phillips. Front (L-R): Neil Kordalchuk (Manager), Back (L-R): Kerri (Robertson) Hayhurst, Glennis Scott, Alan Murdoch, Brett Nohr (Assistant Coach), Jerry Hemmings (Coach), Bill Gordon (Assistant Coach), Allan Robertson. Front (L-R): Keith Vassell, Verda McDonald (previous inductee), Dean Oakden (Adopt-a-Cat program), Erin Mills (Sports Information Coordinator). Shawn Gray.
19 BU RESEARCH
Historic success for BU researchers
Associate Vice-President of Research Dr. Heather Duncan speaks to the audience at the Celebration of Research in October.
Brandon University had “This year we have had nine new Tri- at BU have generated $6,252,230 in federal Agency grants announced to support Tri-Agency grant money. BU researchers’ a remarkable year of projects based right here at BU” said Dr. work based at other universities would research in 2016. Heather Duncan, Dean of Education and increase the total value well beyond Associate Vice-President, Research. “This that figure. This past fall BU held an event to recognize is our greatest success since the current In addition to driving innovation and 34 researchers working on projects grant programs were introduced, and it is providing insight on key issues, the projects funded by national Tri-Agency grants. only the tip of the iceberg in projects by also provide BU students with valuable These grants from the Social Sciences and BU researchers. Our faculty members are research experience. Humanities Research Council of Canada, also playing key roles in other important Natural Sciences and Engineering Research research projects being carried out at In many cases, they are able to do research Council of Canada and Canadian Institutes universities across Canada.” at an undergraduate level that might only of Health Research support a wide range of be available to them through post-graduate cutting-edge research. New and ongoing research projects housed work at other universities. Students get boost with Banner year for graduate scholarships Faculty of Arts Five Brandon University students have been rewarded for their research with BU Brandon University scholars in the Manitoba Graduate Scholarships worth Faculty of Arts had a momentous year $15,000 each. in 2016. Twenty-one faculty members were recognized at a Nov. 18 event for Kathryn Barr, Jillian Perreaux and their active research nationally and Shawna Philpott of the Master of Science abroad, awarded international grants (Environmental and Life Sciences) program and Tri-Council grants. Some of the received scholarships along with Master of faculty members secured residencies Rural Development students Naomi Finseth and fellowships, others published books, and Eva Therese Goulet. edited collections and wrote plays. Funded by the Province of Manitoba, the The members of the Faculty of Arts Members of the Faculty of Arts were recognized scholarships are awarded to students who for their research, publications and other shared short snapshots of their work at accomplishments in 2016. have demonstrated academic excellence and the special celebration. research potential.
20 BU RESEARCH
New publication highlights innovative research projects at BU Researcher’s project helps new mothers form bonds with their babies A new mother sees a smile on her baby’s face and smiles back. Subtle interactions like this are vital to a baby’s development, but can be difficult for mothers with postpartum Dr. Rachel Herron’s work on dementia care in rural areas was featured in the first issue of depression (PPD). Research Connection. Brandon University Dr. Penny Tryphonopoulos is working on research to help A new periodical publication is reporting brief researcher Penny mothers with postpartum summaries of the ground-breaking research Tryphonopoulos is depression connect with working on a project their babies. being achieved at Brandon University. that uses video feedback to help women with PPD see and understand “Research Connection” is a new two-page format that’s designed to how positive interactions benefit their babies. highlight and help researchers distill their findings into a quick-to-read Tryphonopoulos and Nicole Letourneau of the and easy-to-understand digest. The summaries, which help promote University of Calgary are leading the project, which research results to readers throughout Manitoba, are produced and is being funded by a Canadian Institutes of Health printed approximately twice a month. They are be housed online at Research grant of nearly $570,000. BrandonU.ca/Research-Connection. “Postpartum depression is experienced by about one “Of course, we will always point people to the full publication of any in five mothers and also affects their families,” says research, so those who want to learn more can dig into the details,” Tryphonopoulos. “Research has shown the early said Dr. Karen Rempel, Director of BU’s Centre for Aboriginal and months of babies’ lives are extremely important in Rural Education Studies, who spearheaded the launch of the new their development. publication. “But now it will be possible for everyone to get a quick sense and understanding of some of the research that’s being done “By encouraging and enabling positive interactions without needing to read all of the background and work their way between moms and their babies, we can help to through what can be specific, technical language.” foster a new generation of happy and healthy children.” For Dr. Serena Petrella, who is featured in one of the issues discussing the positive impacts of community gardening, pausing at the end of a Nurses use a video system Tryphonopoulos has project to take a broader view was a valuable way to take stock. dubbed VID-KIDS to record interactions between mothers and their babies. In a supportive fashion, a “After spending much time putting together the surveys and nurse can review the footage with a mother to show interviews, it was rewarding to step back and review just how much her the signs of healthy interaction. we had done, and why it was important,” she said. “We found that Brandon’s community gardens helped build food security, helped Researchers at universities across North America are neighbours meet and interact, and strengthened family bonds. That’s working on the system, although for now the trials information that can be directly useful not just to city planners or will take place at Calgary Public Health facilities, activists involved in the food security and sustainability movement where Tryphonopoulos built many contacts while in our city, but to everyone who is struggling with their family food working on her PhD. If the trials are successful, budget, or interested in making a difference in their community and the researchers hope to expand the system, and being a good neighbour, or simply improving their family time. And Tryphonopoulos would love to make it available to that’s everyone.” mothers in Brandon and the surrounding area.
21 SUPPORTING BU
New bursary to honour renowned heart surgeon
Brandon University lost alumnus and with the BU others to achieve their education, an friend Dr. Jim Parrott in October 2016. Alumni Wall of endowment has been created to fund the Raised in Oak Lake, Man., in the years Fame Award. Dr. Jim Parrott Memorial Bursary. It will following World War II by a single In a past interview, be awarded on the basis of financial need mother on social assistance, James (Jim) Dr. Parrott to a Biology major, with preference to a Parrott persevered to graduate from recalled, “I didn’t student in the Biomedical Science stream. Brandon College in 1964, becoming a have the money distinguished heart surgeon, medical for my second teacher and politician. His career In Jim’s memory, friends and former Dr. James (Jim) Parrott year of tuition … accomplishments include a research classmates are welcome to contribute fortunately, the to the fund. Gifts may be made online fellowship at Stanford University, being Science Dean, Dr. Henry Stewart Perdue, at BrandonU.ca/Give/Donate, by head of cardiac surgery at the Health heard about my situation and pulled phone at 204-727-7374 or toll-free Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, and together the cash.” He added that he at 1-877-282-4483, or made out starting the New Brunswick Heart became the first in his family to obtain to Brandon University Foundation Centre. In 2010 Dr. Parrott was elected a university degree. and mailed to 270 18th Street, to the Legislative Assembly of New Brandon MB, R7A 6A9. Brunswick and in 2015 he was presented In keeping with this theme of helping
Kelvin Colquhoun Memorial Nursing students to benefit from Physics Scholarship legacy gift in memory of Norma
A Physics and Mathematics major, June Freeman Brandon native Kelvin Colquhoun ’90 graduated with honours from Norma June Freeman was Brandon University. He married born in 1932 in Franklin, the love of his life, fellow BU Man. In 1955 she graduated graduate Melanie (née Caryk) ’90, from the Brandon General in 1989 and their son, Jarod, was Hospital Nursing program, born in 1997. Kelvin Colquhoun ’90 with son, Jarod, and wife, Melanie which was the precursor Kelvin enjoyed a successful career (née Caryk) ’90 to the present-day nursing as a Professional Geophysicist programs at BU. She went starting with Shell Canada in 1990 and then Apache on to become an operating Canada in 1999. He was passionate about his profession. nurse specializing in both eye A lifelong learner, he devoured technical journals and took and open heart surgeries and courses to stay on top of the latest developments in his provided aid to assisted living Norma June Freeman field. Over the years, he mentored several colleagues and patients at the Eisenhower contributed to several major discoveries. Hospital in Palm Desert, Calif. He loved to travel, ski, golf, trap shoot, mountain bike, hike She married David George Wilton. Through a gift of stock and play guitar. Later in life he obtained his pilot’s license valued at $15,400, their only child, Christy Ann Fitzpatrick, has and amassed hundreds of hours flying. established two awards in her mother’s honour, the Norma June Freeman Memorial Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing Bursaries. Kelvin passed away in July 2016 at the age of 47 following This contribution has been matched by the Manitoba Scholarship a battle with cancer. He will be remembered through the and Bursary Initiative. Fitzpatrick has also established a bequest Kelvin Colquhoun Memorial Physics Scholarship, which will which will provide additional funds for these awards in the provide approximately $1,350 annually to an outstanding future, with the intention that each of the bursaries will provide major in Physics. the funding required for a student’s tuition, books and housing.
22 SUPPORTING BU
Creating Choose Your Area of Support Yes! I want to help create opportunities for BU students. Opportunities ►► Area of Greatest Need $ (Unrestricted Gift) ►► Scholarships & Bursaries $ ►► Aboriginal Student Success $ ►► Faculty of Arts $ ►► Faculty of Education $ ►► Faculty of Health Studies $ ►► School of Music $ ►► Faculty of Science $ ►► Library $ ►► Athletics $ ►► Other (specify below) $ L-R: Jaqueline Sinclair – BEd ’17, Seth Friesen – BSc ’19, Ashley Taron – BBA Honours ’19 Total Gift $
Name Address City Prov. Country P.C. Telephone (h) ( ) (c) ( ) (w) ( ) Email
Titus Lee – BMus ’17 Stanley Akhile – BN ’17 Via: n Cheque n Post-dated Cheques (payable to Brandon University Foundation)
OR please charge my: Thank you, BU alumni, for contributing more than n MasterCard n Visa n American Express $110,000 through the Annual Fund appeal since its Name on Card launch in the fall. Card Number Expiry / Signature If you haven’t yet made your gift, please consider doing so today. Your contribution will make a difference to students like I would like to pay in installments of $ Stanley, Titus, Jacqueline, Seth and Ashley. As they and their fellow n Bi-weekly n Monthly n Quarterly n Annually students go on to become doctors, teachers, nurses and business Number of installments: beginning people, they will reflect on how your generosity impacted them, D/M/Y much like donor support impacted your Brandon College or n My employer has a matching gift program. Contact me University experience. for details. n Please check here if you wish to remain anonymous. Whether you make an undesignated gift or direct your donation Charitable Number: 88953 5449 RR0001 to a specific scholarship, bursary, faculty or program, you are providing exceptional opportunities for BU students. Please return to: OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS For more details call 204-727-9715 or go to: 270 18th Street, Brandon MB, R7A 6A9 BrandonU.ca/Give/Annual-Fund Call 204.727.7374 Toll-free 1.877.282.4483 (BU.2.GIVE) [email protected] Give online at: BrandonU.ca/Give/Donate All donations are tax deductible. THANK YOU.
23 Mark Your Calendars Stay connected with University In Touch friends and classmates. Toronto Robert Lane, BSc ’57 Provincial Park, west of St. Albert. MONDAY, MARCH 6 | 7 PM – 9:30 PM – Robert and his wife, Their son, Christopher, is a lawyer Alumni Reception Gail, have been and was recently awarded the Q.C. Birreria Volo | 612 College St. | Toronto regularly involved designation. They have two mature A night of specialty beer and live Jazz featuring with community and grandchildren, Carlie and Jared. Greg Gatien, Dean of Music on saxophone. environmental Terry McNamee, BA ’76 – Terry activities. Robert is on the graduated from BU in 1976 as one TUESDAY, MARCH 7 | 6 PM – 8 PM Environmental Advisory Council for of the first students in the four-year Alumni Reception the City of St. Albert, Alta., and is a Bachelor of Arts (Specialist) program. Kingsway Room | InterContinental Hotel Toronto Vice President for an environmental In 1979, she moved to Ontario and Centre | 225 Front St. W. group that cares for the Lois Hole has been there ever since. She has Hosted by BU and the U of M in conjunction with the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada International Convention, March 5 – 8. All are welcome. In Memoriam
Vancouver ALUMNI Kay (Russenbolt) Neubuhr, BT ’76 Donald Boguski, BSc ’66, BEd ’76 January 9, 2015 THURSDAY, MAY 4 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM July 29, 2015 Alumni Reception Brian Parker, BSc ’62 April 1, 2016 Royal Vancouver Yacht Club | 3811 Point Grey Rd. Lynne (Ferguson) Cheslock, TTC Network with fellow alumni and friends as you ’66, July 1, 2013 , BSc ’64 enjoy appetizers, refreshments and the beautiful James W. Parrott October 4, 2016 view at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. Kelvin Colquhoun, BSc ’90 July 5, 2016 Murray Patterson, TTC ’58, Brandon BA ’69, BEd ’70 Janice Cullen, BA ’94 MONDAY, JUNE 12 | 5 PM – 7 PM September 20, 2016 May 13, 2016 Brandon University Alumni Association AGM , BA ’81 William Graham, BSc ’55 Myrtle Refvik Louis Riel Room, BU April 2, 2016 April 19, 2016 All alumni are invited to attend the meeting followed by a reception. Darren Gusdal, BGS ’84 Douglas Reynolds, BEd ’73 June 21, 2014 October 1, 2016 Winnipeg Dahl Allen Harvey, BSc ’53 Hazel Rose, Assoc. ’78 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 | 5 PM – 7:30 PM March 31, 2016 May 3, 2016 Alumni Reception Kenneth Hughes, Assoc. ’54 Douglas Stoski, BSc ’86 St. Charles Golf & Country Club June 10, 2016 August 13, 2016 100 Country Club Boulevard Catch up with old friends and learn about what’s David Hughson, BSc ’73 John Templeton, BA ’72 happening at your alma mater. July 14, 2016 March 20, 2016
Homecoming Alasdair Kellie, BSc ’66, BEd ’76 Robert Whitmore, BSc ’91 July 7, 2016 October 5, 2016 OCTOBER 13 – 15, 2017 , BEd (AD) ’94 Celebrating the class years of 1957, 1967, 1977 and Douglas Kutcher FACULTY/STAFF August 28, 2016 1987. Plan your reunion now for your class, group, Dr. Hans W. Burmeister, or club! The Alumni Association can help. Audrey (Morrison) Martin, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts Assoc. ’70 1969 – 1995, April 24, 2016 For more information or to register for these events October 31, 2016 contact: [email protected] | 1.877.282.4483 | Melville Lall, BrandonU.ca/Alumni. Please send us your email Elaine (Cameron) McCrorie, BSc ’55 Professional Associate III, 1983 - 2014 address so we can communicate electronically. September 12, 2016 October 10, 2016
24 ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
spent nearly 30 years working as a served on the Executive of the Alberta community newspaper journalist for Schools Athletics Association. He coaches Alumni Authors several different newspapers. Terry is a various sports and has taken students on Life Member of the Canadian Kennel school trips to 15 foreign countries. Daryn Club and does art and photography is an avid traveller and was recently Carol Rankmore, featuring dogs, horses and wildlife. married. BA ’66
Dave Botterill, BSc ’87 Guillermo Rosabal- Journey with Carol – Dave has been living in Coto, BMus ’01 – Rankmore as she Calgary for the last 25 Guillermo recently tells her story from years. He owned a earned a Doctor of Music polio survivor to the computer company for in Music Education previously unknown several years, which he condition now called Post-Polio degree from the Syndrome. Her sensitive memories of sold to Telus in 2001. He now works as an University of the Arts Helsinki-Sibelius childhood coupled with wry humour account manager for NetApp. Dave is Academy (Finland). He is now a professor and historical background make this married and has three daughters. He at Universidad de Costa Rica. book a must-read memoir that has enjoys giving his time to charity and has major implications for aging polio been building houses in Tijuana for the Steven Leveque, BGS ’08, BEd (AD) ’10 survivors today. – Steven is currently a grade one teacher. last five years. He is also involved with his Despite her medical trials, Carol’s own group (friendsofhaiticanada.com) He says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without attaining my education memoir is one of hope. With frank which raises money to help with insights into the challenges of PPS, this education in Haiti. at BU. Thanks to all my professors and book offers the possibility of managing colleagues.” it successfully through careful exercise, Kenneth C. Stelnicki, BA ’92 – a determination to never give up and a Following graduation, Ken joined Ryan Henry, BSc ’09 – Ryan is among positive attitude. Polio Child will prove the Treasury Department at HudBay three professors from Indiana University an invaluable resource for those living Minerals Inc. where he held a number to receive a $1.8 million National Science with—or care-giving for someone of positions within the company. Foundation grant to protect security of with—Post-Polio Syndrome or other After receiving his Certified General “internet of things” technology. For more disabilities. Accountants designation in 2004, Ken info visit news.indiana.edu. FriesenPress.com worked for Enbridge Pipelines and became Sr. Manager of Business and Emily Diehl-Reader, – Emily Terrilyn Kerr, Commercial Services. Ken also served BMus ’14 completed her BMus in BA ’66 on the Board of Directors for the CGA of Vocal Performance at BU Saskatchewan during this time. In 2014, in 2014. She is currently a Terrilyn is a published Ken started his own business, Red Roan Master’s student at the author who began Consulting. He is currently working for writing several years Desautels Faculty of Music at the RBC Financial as a Commercial Account ago. She has written University of Manitoba. Emily most Manager, in the South Saskatchewan a play, poetry, several recently appeared as First Lady in Region. Ken and his wife Angela are short stories and Manitoba Underground Opera’s horse enthusiasts and enjoy their time two children’s books: production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. The Little Red Marble riding and showing their horses. and The Little Red Marble: Adventures Previously, she appeared as First in the Ocean. Daryn Galatiuk, BA ’94 – Daryn began Bridesmaid in Manitoba Opera’s The his teaching career in South Korea where Marriage of Figaro in November 2015. he taught for three years. Upon his return, She took the stage this past fall in the Terrilyn lives on Prince Edward Island and is inspired every day by the sights he taught in Oxford House, Manitoba for chorus of Falstaff, also with the Manitoba and sounds of the Island waterways two years. For the last 16 years, Daryn Opera. Emily’s recent awards include and shores. Terry is involved with has been teaching at Glendon School in runner-up in the 2016 Winnipeg Rose an Island environmental group and Northeast Alberta. He is currently the Bowl (as well as the Doris Mills Lewis keeps busy in the community teaching Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Memorial Trophy for outstanding J. S. traditional rug braiding, participating and teaches physical education and Bach aria), and winner of the Orville J. in an artisan’s group, kayaking social studies. He is the President of the Derraugh Memorial Scholarship in 2016 and gardening. For a copy email: [email protected]. NorthEast Athletic Association and has and 2012.
25 ATHLETICS
Bobcats capture first-ever MCAC championship
The Brandon University women’s soccer team made history last fall by capturing the program’s first-ever Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) championship. The Bobcats beat the Red River College Rebels 3-1 in the final to cap off an Brandon University Athletics undefeated season with an overall record 2016 Bobcats Women’s Soccer Team of 9-0-3. It was BU’s third consecutive have achieved something as a team, there is Castle with the tournament’s most valuable appearance at the Final Four tournament, no better feeling than that, especially when player award. She finished the regular which included a runner-up finish in 2015. we came so close last year.” season tied for the team-lead with eight “I am just incredibly happy for them that goals and she added three more at the The title game was a rematch of last year’s they can experience winning a league Final Four tournament. Castle scored once final where Brandon dropped a hard-fought championship,” said Bobcats’ coach Rainer in the final and twice in the Bobcats’ 2-0 2-1 decision against the Rebels. Schira. “When it all comes together and the semifinal win over St. Boniface. final whistle goes and you know that you The conference recognized Bobcat Jaycee Hundreds return for Bobcat BU celebrates as Isabela hockey reunion Onyshko goes for gold in Rio Ninety-three years of hockey “This event was a long time When Westman’s Isabela Onyshko competed in the history were celebrated at Brandon coming for our hockey alumni,” women’s all-around gymnastics finals at the Rio University and BU Athletics was said Paddock. “The bond Summer Olympic Games, she had the support of thrilled with the exceptional created by our hockey alumni friends and family cheering her on as they watched live turnout of familiar faces. is unbreakable and the reunion at Brandon University. shows that. They have a special BU welcomed home over 270 place in our history that deserves Onyshko entered BU in the fall to study in the Faculty alumni and guests for a special full recognition.” of Science and BU rallied behind one of our newest Bobcat men’s hockey reunion students with public viewing of the Olympic broadcast from November 4-5. Among Former players, coaches and staff from Rio de Janeiro. the activities were a pair of travelled near and far to attend the alumni games at the Sportsplex, festivities, including Rod Winkler. A great crowd showed up to watch the gymnastics including a 50-and-older game He played with the Bobcats for finals as they were projected onto large screens in and a 49-and-younger contest. two seasons from 1979 to 1981, Harvest Hall for the public viewing. before going on to a professional “I am so excited for Isabela, and I am thrilled that Hockey on campus first started career in Norway. He travelled all everyone here at Brandon University is so excited and in 1909 at Brandon College and the way from Europe to attend. continued until the university supportive as well,” said BU Associate Professor Kelly “I wanted to see some of the best Saunders, who is also board president at the Brandon program came to a close in 2002. guys I have been around on and Eagles Gymnastics Club where Onyshko trains. Bobcat and Brandon College off the ice,” said Winkler, who “She’s unbelievably talented, intelligent, and most of Caps alumni left a lasting legacy lives and works in Asker, Norway all, she’s a lovely, lovely young woman,” Saunders said. and BU Athletic Director Russ and Geneva, Switzerland. “Just “It’s one of the great things about BU, that we have such Paddock said it is important to seeing the guys one more time, it amazing people in our midst.” celebrate their accomplishments. is a hard thing to pass up.”
26 ATHLETICS
Bobcats who blazed a trail – Gladwyn Scott
Gladwyn Scott’s legendary Scott poured his heart and soul into the public school system for 60 years. He stature on the western started teaching in Hamiota and later Manitoba sports scene grew Carman. Scott also served as school from humble roots. His division superintendent living in Souris and Warren. tenure at Brandon College He made sure sports were prominent in helped lay the foundation school and community. Scott coached for his lasting legacy. seven provincial championship teams in a five-year stint at Hamiota, including three Scott was a multi-sport star in football and titles in one season. hockey with the Brandon College Caps. He played the 1953-54 season and returned for The Manitoba High Schools Athletic two more years from 1959-61. Association (MHSAA) was also co-founded by Scott. “They were memorable and definitely Carberry News-Express a highlight,” Scott said. “You take your “You always look courses and some you enjoyed and some His parents, Jim and Merle, provided a of them you were happy when you were forward to going to positive message and Scott passed along done. You always look forward to going to practices and playing those same words of wisdom to his practices and playing games. It was a good games. It was a good children. situation for a small town country boy.” situation for a small His son, Rick, is the head coach of the Scott was a member of one of the most town country boy.” Dalhousie Tigers women’s volleyball team successful hockey teams in the history of and is a former Atlantic University Sport the College Caps era in 1960-61. He helped coach of the year. Like father like son, Rick the club capture the Southwest Hockey “You were helping kids and hopefully followed in his dad’s footsteps. teaching them skills and making them feel League’s regular-season pennant with a “My dad has had a huge influence on my good about themselves,” Scott said. 19‑6 record. life and in sports,” said Rick Scott. “I am He and his brother Glennis tied for third Scott’s contributions have been well very thankful and appreciative of having in team scoring with 47 points that year. recognized. He is a member of the Brandon his guidance and leadership of the value The season was also highlighted by a 4-3 University Sports Wall of Fame, the of sports and the importance of making a road win over the Saskatchewan Huskies. MHSAA Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Sports difference in young people’s lives.” Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Baseball Hall of The prestigious Jim Casey Award was Gladwyn Scott’s guidance is second nature Fame, the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame presented to Scott in his senior season, thanks to the strong support he received and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. and his College Caps career was impacted growing up. It has led to a rewarding by iconic figures including Doug Clark, His long list of accolades is a reflection of run as a role model in teaching, coaching R.H. Doc Hannah and H. Stewart Perdue. a positive upbringing on a small farm in and sports. McConnell, Man. “They are very memorable in my life,” he said. “If your parents and family are supportive “My recollections at Brandon University were “Our parents taught us to work hard and do that is going to be a big motivator. There is likely the best recollections.” whatever you could.” no doubt about it.”
27 Sharing our successes
A MADE-IN-BRANDON SUCCESS STORY
Brandon University is proud to help all students develop their full potential, and early results from our SucceSS1 program show we’re on the right track. Designed right here at BU, soft-launched last year, and expanded this year, SucceSS1 offers fundamental skill-building courses, academic advising, coaching sessions and workshops that are designed to help students make a smooth transition to university. It’s working: SucceSS1 has helped us improve our retention rates for students who enter BU with high school grades under 70 per cent. The best part? We’re sharing our program with universities across Canada. Now that’s success.
BrandonU.ca/Success1
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