reflections DURHAM COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE
AD GRAD FINDS HER TRUE VOICE
THIS DIAMOND IS FOREVER
FALL 2012 | VOL. 77 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, DURHAM COLLEGE
I am truly pleased to one-of-a-kind facility that will welcome As alumni, you are all important report that this has approximately 900 students when members of the Durham College family. been another very complete. Your contribution will help us Family takes pride in the accomplishments successful year for bring the dreams of a new generation of of its members and takes care to support Durham College, with students to life. each member. I look forward to seeing record enrolments Some dreams have already come true your support for the growth, success and and continued for our alumni, as we look forward to the continuation of the community-minded expansion of our upcoming Premier’s Awards Gala in reputation of the Durham College family. programs and November, where we will celebrate the facilities that will successes of our four Alumni of Distinction Sincerely, enhance career opportunities for our recipients Jim Cook, Kellie Garrett, Jennifer growing Alumni family. The expansion of Iacob and Dan Quinn. our facilities includes the new $20 million As you read through this issue of Centre for Food that will house culinary, Reflections, I believe you will be as proud Don Lovisa hospitality, tourism, agriculture and of our growing alumni family as I am. horticulture programs. From small business owners like Kristina President, Durham College As president of Durham College, I’m Pantaleo and Ron Hooper, to artists and asking for your support in helping us reach musicians such as Ryan Howe and Wade our $5 million fundraising goal for the Woodward, our graduates continue to use 36,000-square-foot centre. Please see the skills they developed at Durham pages 14 to 15 for details on the Get College to find success and their place Involved event the college held for this in the world.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The hot weather and October is once again upon us and even What about you? Our doors are always sunshine of this past now preparations are underway to open, so drop by and say hello, or send us summer seems like a welcome another group of graduates into a message and let us know how you’re distant memory now our growing alumni family – one that is doing. You are an important part of the that we’re busy with now more than 60,000 members strong. Durham College family and we look another academic year. For more than 40 years our graduates forward to sharing your successes, big I hope you enjoyed the have made us proud with their or small, personal or professional. warm rays of the sun accomplishments in their chosen careers, as much as I did. their personal successes and the impact Cheers, The academic year they have made in their communities. As kicked off with Orientation Week and you read this edition of Reflections, you this year for the first time, Alumni Board will learn about several former students, members handed out ice cream bars possibly people you went to school with, to first-year students at the street party. who have taken their college education Lillian Jacoby Students enjoyed their treats, and and have set and achieved professional Legal Administration, class of 1976 who knows, this may be the start of a and personal goals by working hard and President, Durham College Alumni Association new tradition. following their dreams.
2 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 FALL 2012 CONTENTS
4 This Diamond is Forever
6 Mad Mos Take the Lead
8 The World is His Canvas
9 Finding Her True Voice
10 Nursing Abroad
11 Directing His Way to Success
12 Home Schooling
13 Novel Hits Home
14 Celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy gets involved in new Centre for Food
16 Taking the MMA World by Storm
17 Banding Together
18 Dear John…I’ll take the Job
19 More than Two Men and A Truck
20 Just Cruisin’
21 Student by Day – Mommy Blogger by Night
22 Durham College’s Next Top Model
26 Training: the Key to Success
27 Alumni Updates HAVE A NIGHT OUT ON US! Please update your email at [email protected] for an opportunity to win a $100 Keg gift card.
REFLECTIONS ABOUT THIS ISSUE REFLECTIONS IS WRITTEN AND EDITED BY DURHAM COLLEGE PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENTS PUBLISHED BY THE PUBLISHER: DONNA MCFARLANE PUBLICATION AGREEMENT NO. 40064655 DURHAM COLLEGE ALUMNI OFFICE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: GINNY COLLING RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN 2000 SIMCOE STREET EDITORS: AMANDA BOYLE & VICTORIA ALLIN ADDRESSES TO: OSHAWA, ONTARIO L1H 7K4 DURHAM COLLEGE T: 905.721.3035 COPY EDITORS: NICOLE AIR, MAGGIE DARLING, 2000 SIMCOE STREET NORTH F: 905.721.3134 LAUREN HARRISON, LARISSA KAMAKARIS, OSHAWA, ONTARIO E: [email protected] KIERA LAVIOLETTE, MICHELLE LEE, SHAE L1H 7K4 MCCALLUM, BRITTNEY MONGEON, AMBER CIRCULATION: 40,000 E: [email protected] MULDER, KRISTINE NIEUWENDYK, JASMINE REID, STEPH SLAPTSIS, STEPH THOMS, AMY WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA/ALUMNI TURKOVICH, MORGAN CADENHEAD
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 3 S R E L L E W E J
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O T O H P Graduate Ron Hooper (bottom le) kneels next to his mother Lillian and brother Dan (bottom right) during the 65th anniversary celebrations at Hooper’s Jewellers in downtown Bowmanville. Also pictured are additional members of the Hooper family, Ron’s daughter Carrie (top le), his sisters Nancy Hooper and Kathy Brayley (middle), wife Joan, and sister-in-law Cathy Gingell. THIS DIAMOND IS FOREVER
by Lauren Harrison
ANYONE FROM BOWMANVILLE WOULD RECOGNIZE HOOPER’S learned about the business, developed an understanding of its Jewellers, a family-owned business in the heart of downtown that operations and waited on customers. recently celebrated its 65th anniversary. Many would also Hooper’s involvement in the jewelry industry also led him to recognize 1969 Business Marketing program graduate Ron work as a director on the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, an Hooper, not only because he owns the store in partnership with advisory committee for the industry monitoring the ethics of the his brother Dan, but also because he is a local councillor. jewelry trade, as well as supporting their crime prevention Although the location of Hooper’s Jewellers has changed a program. He is also former president of the Canadian Jewelry number of times over the years, the key to success behind the Buying Group. company is the name. Originally started by Ron’s father more than Along with being recognized as a true family-based business, six decades ago, the business is now run by a good portion of the Hooper’s Jewellers is known as a company that gives back to the family, with Ron and his brother at the forefront, and the rest of community. Over the last 10 years, Hooper’s has supported the the family close behind. local hospital by donating approximately $15,000 through their “Both my brother and I were exposed [to the jewelry business] Christmas Angel Campaign, which raises money through the sale all our lives. The whole family was,” Hooper said. “I have a brother of crystal angel ornaments. They also support their local branch of who is a watchmaker, and my sisters worked in the business, as Big Brothers and Big Sisters and other community organizations. well as my mother — so you could call it a real family business.” “Being a part of the community, you want to give back,” said His first exposure to the business that would eventually become Hooper. “They have supported us all these years, so I think it’s his and his brother’s was working there on Friday nights and very important to give something back to them. Maybe that’s why weekends through high school. Under his father’s tutelage, he I’m so involved with life in Clarington.”
4 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 N O T G N I R A L C
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In addition to co-owning a T
F O business, Ron Hooper is a Y S E
municipal councillor in Clarington. T R U
Despite the time commitment O C
O
involved, Hooper finds it an T O H
extremely rewarding experience. P
Aside from his involvement with the jewelry business, Hooper is their respective communities. Honoured with the Award of also a municipal councillor for Ward 2 in Clarington. He was drawn Distinction the year his father passed away, Hooper dedicated the into local politics after sitting as chair of the Bowmanville Historic award to his father’s memory. Downtown Business Improvement Area for more than 10 years, as Today he focuses mainly on his duties as councillor, entrusting well as through the advice of individuals in the political field. the operation of the store to Carrie, his youngest daughter, who “I enjoy it for the most part, but there have been some attended the Durham College Police Foundations program, and his controversial issues,” he explains. “Though I do respect everyone’s brother Dan. Though Hooper is still one of the store’s owners, he is opinions, at the end of the day, it all comes down to a vote — you there on an as-needed basis as council takes up much of his time. put your hand up, or you don’t. And in some way, you are shaping Right now he’s looking to the future and what will be next for his your municipality, and I find this very interesting and rewarding.” father’s cherished business. His community involvement doesn’t end there. A past chair of “My brother and I have talked about moving our generation [of the Clarington Board of Trade, he is also currently a director on the store ownership] to the next one,” said Ron. “Both Dan and I hope Clarington Older Adults Association as part of his council duties. that the next generation of Hoopers will continue on with the He sits on several other boards and committees as well. As a tradition set out by our father and founder, Arthur Hooper.” result of his community involvement, Hooper was awarded the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of Bowmanville for his service to the town. As well, he was the first winner of the Bowmanville High School Award of Distinction, awarded to students who have gone on to make significant contributions to
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 5 MAD MOS TAKE THE LEAD
by Amanda Boyle Bottom left (left to right): School BUMPING INTO PROF. LAURIE LAFRANCE “I share an office with several wacky of Media, Art & Design faculty in the college’s hallways last November members of the School of Media Art & members Phil Raby, Mark Johnson, was always an entertaining experience. Design (MAD) — all male. The excitement Steven Evans, Laurie Lafrance, John Whether it was ‘The Face-off’, ‘The was building about Movember, and I Starling, Wade Clarke, Dan Labecki, Canadian’ or ‘The Comic’, Lafrance was thought it would be nice to be able to and Brent Hudson pose with their sporting a new, self-designed moustache support them,” said Lafrance. “Brent Movember trophy, won by their every day in order to raise awareness for Hudson, one of the MAD co-ordinators, the Movember prostate cancer campaign. sent out an introduction to everyone in efforts to raise money for the the department asking for support, and I campaign. All other photos are of Lafrance, who teaches drawing for thought, what the heck! I can be one of Laurie Lafrance posing in a different multimedia in the Graphic Design program, has donated to other causes in the past the boys!” illustrated moustache. such as Alzheimer’s, breast cancer and This is how the Mad Mo team came the Heart and Stroke Foundation, but it about. On the first of November, while the wasn’t until 2011 that Movember caught men in the office started their Movember her attention. journey with cleanly shaven faces, Lafrance started out with simple black dots, or as she likes to call them, her stubble. From there, her imagination expanded and her daily moustache paintings began. “Each day I did a different moustache. I would draw or paint them on, take a picture, and upload them onto my page on the Movember website,” she said. “Sometimes I did a bunch on the weekends, as the weekdays were a bit hairy, so to speak.” With donations from family and friends, Lafrance raised just over $500 for the Movember campaign. She and her Mad Mo teammates, professors Brent Hudson, Mark Johnson, Wade Clarke, Phil Raby, Dan Labecki, Steven Evans and John Starling, raised a total of $1,688, the most by any group from Durham College or the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).
6 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012
There are many ways of contributing to Movember. Whether it’s becoming a Mo Bro and growing and grooming a lip sweater, becoming a Mo Sista and supporting the Mo Bros in the office, or even just registering as an individual or team online, anyone can be successful in raising funds and awareness for changing the face of men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. “One of the biggest networks on the Movember website was the Big Moustache on Campus (BMOC),” said Derek Fullerton, vice-president of Campus Life, Student Association. “In last year’s campaign there were 547 campus teams, 7,272 members and a grand total of $775,153 was raised. BMOC has been present for a couple years now and is a great competition between various post-secondary faculties, departments and sports teams from across Canada.” The Durham College and UOIT network raised $9,793 in total for BMOC. E
As the Movember campaign continues C N A
to grow worldwide, so do the contributions R F A L from school groups like Durham College. E I R
Students and faculty members alike look U A L
forward to November each year as a way F O
Y to get involved, have fun, and make a S E T R
difference – one lip at a time. U O C
S O T O H P
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 7 THE WORLD IS HIS CANVAS
by Jasmine Reid CANVAS. SKIN. PAPER. LOCAL ARTIST crowd with participants all wearing the helped a girl diagnosed with Asperger’s Ryan Howe uses them all to showcase his mask. Syndrome get accepted into an arts talent. The recent Durham College Whether teaching, designing, program out of high school. Foundations in Art and Design (FAD) illustrating, or tattooing, Howe is driven by “She didn’t really have enough one-on- program graduate can be found inking his love for art. He’s taught part-time at one critical artwork theory,” said Howe, bodies at a local tattoo shop, Lost Anchor, Curry’s art store in Whitby, Bowmanville’s “so I worked on her drawing skills and creating posters for music shows, and Visual Arts Centre and Oshawa’s Arts gave her feedback while improving her teaching at Oshawa’s Arts Resource Resource Centre. Devoted to sharing his skills and letting her know when she did Centre. passion with others, he is especially well.” Howe’s art can be found on posters he’s interested in helping local teens showcase As the founder of the Durham Comics designed for local bars like the Thirsty their creative side. Howe hopes to do this Guild, a group for comic book creators, Monk and the Atria. He has also done by incorporating a program at the Arts artists and writers, Howe discovered caricature work at conventions and events Resource Centre that will provide lessons another way to share his talent and such as Auto Fest as well as during free to teens in the Durham Region. He said teaching skills. After three years the group comic day at participating comic shops in there aren’t enough local opportunities for meetings came to an end, but the Oshawa. The 2011 FAD graduate also young adults to express their talent. members were all able to take the skills incorporates fun into his art. He once In addition to his eagerness to connect they had learned and apply them to their designed a poster for a friend’s concert young people with their artistic abilities, careers. that could be used as a mask. Howe enjoys working with special-needs He said the FAD program was a great “I actually did a zombie face that could kids and hopes to volunteer with Autism building block for his current and future be cut out and worn at the show,” said Ontario and Lakeridge Health to teach one- success. As with any program, you have to Howe as he imagined looking out at a on-one art therapy classes. He has also know what you want going in to gain the most from the experience. “At 25, I decided to go back to school and attend the FAD program and because I knew what I wanted to take away from the program, it has benefited my career. My goal was to build a great portfolio and I was able to because I put the time in.” Howe is considering branching out into either illustration or animation and may go back to school for more training. He said he’s grateful for the skills he gained through the FAD program which have opened a variety of doors for him in the art world. “While in school, Ryan was interested in many aspects of both art and design and wanted to try his hand in as many areas as he had time for,” said Herb Klassen, professor and FAD program co-ordinator. “Ryan is a passionate individual caring deeply not only about his art, but also about the environment and community in A
N which he is creating it.” N E M
I The young artist’s long-range goal D
Y
R is to gain enough industry experience to A L L
I teach in a college setting one day and to H
F
O continue to share his passion for art with
Y S
E those willing to learn. T R U
O “I really enjoy teaching and I C
O
T would love to keep volunteering all of my O H
P life,” says Howe. “It’s all really rewarding.” Foundations in Art and Design graduate Ryan Howe puts his artistic skills to work in downtown Oshawa.
8 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 FINDING HER TRUE VOICE by Victoria Allin
Imagine having something in common formed a ‘chick’ band
with over 120 Grammy Award winners called Paperback E G E L
and famous singers including, Michael Summer. She was L O C Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer the backup singer M A
Hudson, Rhianna and Kelly Rolland. For and guitarist. They H R U D
Advertising graduate Kristina Pantaleo, performed at venues F O
that connection is a reality. throughout Durham Y S E Region, including T After graduating from Durham College in R U O
opening for Canadian C
2007, Pantaleo followed her passion for O Idol runner-up Rex T music. Today she’s owner of TrueVoice O H Singing Lessons™ in Ajax, where she Goudie at the P teaches using the Speech Level Singing college’s E.P. Taylor’s method. Learning and teaching the same Pub and Restaurant. method used by multiple Grammy Award While in the band, winners, Pantaleo, 27, is able to promote she and the lead her business based on a technique she singer thought they strongly believes in. should take a few singing lessons to
“I love that I am able to sell a method O E L
tune up. A
to people that I know works,” she said. T N A P
“Seth Riggs, who is the creator of Speech “I decided to take A N I
Level Singing™, and who also taught vocal lessons while I T S I R
Michael Jackson for over 21 years, is was in the band K
F O now in his 80s, and his voice is still in because I was a Y S E immaculate condition — that’s how I backup singer that T R U know the method works.” did harmony, but I O C
O Operating since February 2011, wasn’t confident with T O H Pantaleo’s business has been growing my voice,” she said. P steadily. Two of her 22 students have A short time later received lead roles at Oshawa Little the band members Theatre and the Whitby Courthouse decided to go their Theatre with the help of Pantaleo’s separate ways. teaching method. Speech Level Singing™ Pantaleo said she Advertising graduate Kristina Pantaleo, teaches the Speech teaches singers to use their vocal cords continued the Level Singing method used by Grammy Award winners. and sing in a manner that has the same lessons because she how to create her own ads due to her ease as talking, without strain and tension. wanted to continue developing her voice. former education in advertising, which Pantaleo finds students start seeing Her ear for detail when it came to singing would help her business succeed. improvement after just one lesson. prompted her teacher to suggest she get “Although I decided not to continue pre-certified and start teaching. “Before I started singing lessons my down the advertising path, it has helped voice was kind of squeaky and breathy,” Prior to becoming a pre-certified teacher me get where I am today — a TrueVoice said Madison, 13, an aspiring with Speech Level Singing™, she heard singing teacher,” said Pantaleo. “Ever since singer/actress. “After a few lessons, I about The Ontario Self-Employment I was a little girl I have been singing. But already noticed my voice changing. Kristina Benefit Program, which trains being someone who was afraid of singing taught me how to get into my head voice entrepreneurs and provides income publicly her whole life, I find it incredible and sing higher notes that I couldn’t have support while they set up their businesses. that I have accomplished all of this.” sung before. Lessons at TrueVoice Singing In order to get in, she had to write a Lessons have really helped me with the market research paper to prove her confidence I need for auditions, and even business would work. Pantaleo said her getting a lead role in a Whitby Court House advertising background helped when she Theatre play this year.” had to present her business idea to a panel Before launching her teaching career, of judges. She told them she would be Pantaleo and two of her close friends able to market herself and would know
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 9
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O T O H P by Nicole Air Nursing graduate Nancy Kelly worked at King Faisal Hospital in Saudi Arabia, treating young children who had cancer.
RAISED IN A FOSTER HOME FOR MOST opened a new children’s cancer centre. “Being a nurse comes with many of her childhood, Nancy Kelly didn’t have Kelly was also trained in adult intensive challenges,” Kelly said. “You always have anyone to tell her she could amount to care and interventional radiology. For a to be alert. Some of the patients I work anything — until she met a teacher couple of months she travelled with the with now go through many challenges. You who changed how she perceived her Royal Al-Saud family as a private Intensive have to know every physical condition of life completely. Care Unit nurse. all your patients, as well as their mental Born in Windsor, Ont., Kelly attended “The intensive care unit in King Faisal status so you can assess them St. Mary’s Academy where she met the Hospital had the best doctors from North appropriately and know when teacher who told her she could do America and Europe, and they treated the interventions are required. I really do love anything she put her mind to. Until she nurses with the utmost respect and vice the challenges though, because I was 32 years old, she didn’t accept that. versa,” said Kelly. “The hospital considers absolutely love what I do.” But once she did, she enrolled in Canadian and American nurses the most When she returned home from Saudi Durham’s registered nursing program. qualified nurses in the world. They taught Arabia, she picked up a new hobby, writing After graduating in 1985, she began her me so much while I was there and children’s books. Her first self-published career at the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital because of the people I met working in book, Bryce Likes Trains, is a story about and for several years stayed in Ontario the hospital, it was the best experience her grandson. Her goal is to write a book while raising her children. I’ve had as a nurse.” for each of her grandchildren. Kelly has In 1996, Kelly landed a job that she In 2001, Kelly felt her time in Saudi almost completed her second children’s never imagined possible. She set sail for Arabia had come to an end. That’s when book, titled Ashton Likes Georgia Peaches. Saudi Arabia and spent five years working she joined Cross Country Travel She is currently writing a self-help book at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Corporation as an international nurse. for teens in foster-care that have suffered Research Centre. Some of the greatest Over a period of seven years, she travelled abuse and neglect. Her books can be professors in the world were hired to through many states including Nevada, found on Amazon and a few other online teach nurses new courses in anything they Wisconsin, Florida, New Hampshire and sources. desired to learn, she said. While in Saudi Tennessee. “Because of the many challenges I faced Arabia, Kelly became certified to give Today, she is back at the Whitby in my childhood, I want to help other kids chemotherapy to adolescents. With the Psychiatric Hospital, now called the build confidence in themselves. I want to certificate, she volunteered for seven Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health show them that they have a purpose in life weeks at King Faisal Hospital to give Sciences. and that they can do anything they desire treatment to children while the hospital and put their heart into.”
10 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 DIRECTING HIS WAY TO SUCCESS
by Amber Mulder R E D L U M
R E B M A
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O T O H P Lon Appleby brings his print and broadcast journalism experience into the classroom. WHILE YOU WERE AT HOME BECOMING Diaries. Appleby worked on the show as friends and able strangers to participate by thoroughly engaged in an interesting an executive producer for four years. live-streaming lectures. His global classes television show or arguing with the “I spent many weeks at the Toronto Zoo have included people like Canadian film television over the abrupt ending of your going from pavilion to pavilion and getting director Jennifer Baichwal and American favourite series, Lon Appleby was to know all of the zookeepers and their ecological scientist Jason Bradford. feverishly working behind the scenes to animals,” said Appleby. Appleby has electronically connected his produce quality shows and documentaries One of his most memorable moments students to students in Korea, India, and to satisfy your entertainment needs. took place while hanging out with Charles the United States for these classes. A freelance print and broadcast journalist the gorilla. “It wasn’t anything terrible or Although he says he’s completely for more than 30 years, Appleby’s strange. It was just that it was the first immersed in life as a teacher, that hasn’t documentaries and articles have taken him time I had been so close to a gorilla. deterred him from pursuing his passion for all over the world. A lifelong learner, the Whenever anybody new goes in there, he writing. On the side, he is currently Durham College professor follows world wants them to see him and he wants to be completing a novel, Beyond Elephant Hill, events in detail and has a deep interest in noticed and he wants you to come straight set in Toronto, Spain, and India. The book society, history, and globalization. to him. He did exactly the same thing with was selected for development by Humber Following a stint as a youth reporter at many others, including Tom Cruise and College's School for Writers, whose recent CityTV, Appleby wrote and produced the Nicole Kidman. He wanted to make sure graduates include a winner of the two-hour CBC special, Runaways: 24 that his hair was flattened out. He kind of Scotiabank Giller Prize. Hours on the Street, which became the had a sense that these were celebrities. Appleby is also developing a feature highest-rated documentary in the history Having a 400-pound gorilla come to the bar documentary on boxing world champions of Canadian television and won many and wait for you with those hands that of Jewish decent during the 1920s and major prizes, including a Michener Award could just crush your head – that was a 1930s called Ghetto Wizards. for excellence in broadcast journalism and very powerful moment with a force of “There are some incredible stories about a Gemini Award for Best Documentary nature.” these great Jewish boxers who influenced Program from the Academy of Canadian Now a professor at Durham, most of modern boxing too with their modern Cinema & Television. Appleby’s time is taken up by teaching. His techniques. But it’s the [personal] stories After building a solid reputation for previous work as a producer, writer, and about what happened to these guys who himself, he was later approached by a director has influenced the way he teaches were fighting that is the most compelling senior editor at the Life network who was his classes by incorporating his idea of The part, because in some ways it defies the interested in creating a television series Global Class into his lessons. This creative stereotype of how we often look at Jews about zookeepers and animals at the approach to learning brings an outside in history." Toronto Zoo. That idea turned into Zoo perspective to class discussions by inviting
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 11 T O N Y H W
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S O T O H P Online Business Administration program student Suzanne Clark, marketing co-ordinator, says online courses Lori Anne Whynot balances a full-time job, being are becoming increasingly popular. a mom and a student working on several online business courses.
HOME SCHOOLING MORE STUDENTS ARE CHOOSING ONLINE LEARNING FROM HOME
by Brittney Mongeon
IT’S A SUNNY MONDAY MORNING AT online. When enrolment in Durham courses queries,” said Whynot. “I think an online 7:30 a.m. The birds are chirping and Lori from other colleges is added to the mix, platform requires the student to be Anne Whynot is studying in the comfort of the number of students taking online prepared to search out alternative ways to her own home completing online courses courses through Durham almost doubles. grasp some difficult concepts as there is a as part of Durham College’s Business “With our hosting activity and our great deal of self-directed learning.” Administration diploma. registrations, we are the top college (in the Demand for online courses is continuing “These days, it’s all about expanding consortium) at 14,379 course enrolments,” to increase because the courses are your knowledge and increasing your skills,” said Ann-Marie Bennett, program officer for convenient and easy to access, Clark said. said the 45-year-old mother. This semester Distance Education. Anyone with a computer connected to the she’s getting an overview of the business Online subjects range from accounting Internet can sign up. Students have the world from her four courses, Statistics II, to French, event planning and psychology, a convenience of working on their courses Economics II, Cost Accounting 1 and high-demand course that attracts 300 to from home or their workplace. And they Stress, Wellness and Nutrition. 400 students. are able to work at their own pace, some “In our last school year, we had 7,880 E-courses draw a wide range of people, taking on multiple courses each semester students enrolled in online courses,” said most of whom are working towards a in order to complete their program faster. Suzanne Clark, marketing co-ordinator for diploma or certificate. Currently there are “Continuing Education recognizes the Continuing Education at Durham College. 21 staff members in Continuing Education needs of today’s adult learner by offering “Online courses are growing in Continuing on the college’s main campus to help flexible learning through a variety of Education. Approximately 42 per cent of organize courses and answer any delivery formats to ensure learning is Durham College Continuing Education questions students may have. accessible to all,” Clark said. students choose online learning.” “I enjoy the flexibility of the online With online courses, you are in control of Durham is a member of Ontario Learn, a program and find the professors very when and where you want to learn. consortium of colleges offering courses approachable and quick to respond to my
12 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 NOVEL HITS HOME
by Larissa Kamakaris T L
Graduate Mike Arsenault is hoping to hit U A N one out of the park with the release of his E S R A debut novel 60’6”: Balls, Strikes, and E K I
Baseball Mortality. M
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This novel was inspired by his Y S E experiences with baseball and his love of T R U the game. The story takes you through a O C
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season with the main character, Gord T O H
Mattis, and the trials and tribulations of a P left-handed pitcher in Single A baseball. Sports Business Management graduate Mike Arsenault, a freelance sports “I want to thank all of my past reporter who plays baseball for the London Majors, recently released his teammates and coaches who have inspired first novel. the concoction of stories and characters that created 60”6’: Balls, Strikes, and Baseball book every single day. And that’s what I did Mortality, from my humble beginnings in the for eight months until it was finished.” Oshawa Minor Baseball Association, to my post-secondary career at Queen’s University By 2010, when he had completed the first and Durham College, my summer seasons draft, Arsenault had taken the story to heart. in the Ontario Senior Baseball Association He had a strong season that year playing for and the Greater Toronto Baseball League, the Greater Toronto Baseball League and and finally to the London Majors of the won Pitcher of the Year yet again. So he Intercounty Baseball League,” notes decided to push himself and see how far he Arsenault in his acknowledgments . could take his baseball career. Throughout his college career, he pitched In November of that same year, as a southpaw playing varsity baseball for Arsenault created the website I Dream of both Queen’s University and Durham Long Bus Rides: One Man’s Quest to Play College and was named Pitcher of the Year Professional Baseball. This weekly column three out of five seasons. During his one showcased his physical, mental, and year as a student in Durham’s Sports psychological journey pursuing his dream Business Management graduate certificate of playing pro baseball. From there, he program, he and a friend started a blog went to the United States and attended called Talkin’ With Tewks. He wrote for this independent league tryouts in Florida and blog from 2008 to 2011, with the posts Massachusetts, where he was told he becoming more and more frequent. This didn’t throw quite hard enough. is where he really started to notice his love After that, Arsenault decided to stay for writing. local, playing for the London Majors of the After his father read some of his blog Intercounty Baseball League. With all of articles, he pushed Arsenault to start this experience under his belt, he pitched writing this book. the I Dream of Long Bus Rides website to “60’ 6” takes you inside the locker Metro News (a newspaper in London, “I thought about what my dad had said rooms, on the fields, and behind the Ont.). He offered to write a weekly column and started coming up with the idea for the scenes in minor league baseball. Long bus for them providing an insider’s look at novel,” said Arsenault. “So I started putting rides, road food, dreams shattered. A minor playing for the London Majors. pen to paper and just wrote very league ‘Field of Dreams’,” says Tim Gordon infrequently for a few months, (producing) Currently, Arsenault freelances for the of General Store Publishing House. maybe 20,000 words. Once I was there I Metro News and the Sports Xpress as a The book is available through: thought, ‘This could really be something.’ reporter/photographer, and his book was www.mikegarsenault.blogspot.com . From there I told myself I was going to published recently by General Store buckle down and write 500 words on this Publishing House.
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 13 CELEBRITY CHEF JAMIE KENNEDY GETS INVOLVED IN NEW CENTRE FOR FOOD The evening of September 27 marked another Donaldson said, “most importantly, the students are important milestone in Durham College’s history going to benefit tremendously. The new Centre for when it officially launched the public phase of its Food will provide such an incredible environment for $5 million Growing for our Future fundraising students to learn, grow and gain unbelievable campaign in support of its new Centre for Food. experience. I can’t wait for the new centre to open The 36,000-square-foot centre being built on the and for classes to begin.” northwest corner of campus is designed to accommodate approximately 900 students studying The college’s Culinary Skills students, just four in culinary, hospitality, tourism, agricultural and weeks into their program, had opportunities to horticulture programs. interact with Kennedy, one of Canada’s most critically-acclaimed chefs. Titled Get Involved, the event saw close to 150 community leaders; business partners; faculty; staff; “The Centre for Food is designed to create a students; alumni; board members; and donors join unique learning environment for students, capturing Durham College President Don Lovisa and guest the spirit, innovation and progressiveness of the celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy to watch the college’s local food movement,” said Kennedy who has Culinary Skills and Hospitality Management – dedicated his career to sustainable agriculture and Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism students showcase the local food movement, both key elements of the their talents while learning more about the Centre Centre for Food. “I know students from across the for Food. country will be attracted to the centre as they learn about growing, harvesting and preparing food.” Second-year Hospitality Management – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism program student Kelsey
To find out how you can get involved and to make a donation, please visit the Office of Development’s website at www.durhamcollege.ca/givingprojects, or call Kathy Haines, 905.721.2000 ext. 2112 for more information and help make the Centre for Food a reality! “This comprehensive approach to culinary education is absolutely fabulous and represents a convergence of sensibilities at the centre. I’m happy to support Durham College and the new Centre for Food.”
JAMIE KENNEDY O
TAKING H L A V R A C
O I
THE MMA N O T N A
F O
Y S
WORLD BY E T R U O C
S O T
STORM O H P Police Foundations graduate Antonio Carvalho trains with Justin Bruckmann, by Kristine Nieuwendyk owner of Bruckmann Martial Arts. Recently Carvalho had his debut fight as part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
GROWING UP HE WAS A FAN OF BRUCE The strategy worked. He earned the title the gym and a lot of tedious work, so all Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme movies, of the No.1 ranked lightweight Shooto the glory people see on TV isn’t the reality never expecting that some day he would fighter in the world (equivalent to the – that’s just one moment,” said Carvalho. become one of the men he loved to watch featherweight division in North America). What a moment it is. “Don’t get me on TV. After graduating from Durham This title gained Carvalho much attention in wrong,” said Carvalho. “That one moment College’s Police Foundations program, the MMA and now, with his first UFC fight when you are exhausted at the end of a Antonio Carvalho found himself living a life under his belt, the whole world is taking fight and it’s you getting your hand raised he had only dreamed of as a Mixed Martial notice of this Durham College graduate. is probably one of the greatest feelings Arts (MMA) fighter. “I didn’t want to finish my career you could have, but it’s also short-lived.” Now, after almost a decade of travelling without going to the UFC. When I got He also cautions newcomers that around the world to perfect his craft, there, I realized everybody was just so nice “People see the glory and they want the Carvalho is competing at the highest level and happy to be there. It’s like a well-oiled money and if you go into it for those of MMA in the world with the Ultimate machine and the reason is because reasons you aren’t going to make it. Do it Fighting Championship (UFC) organization. everyone there is friends and everyone is because you love martial arts, because you While he was at Durham, MMA was supportive,” said Carvalho. love the camaraderie of the sport. Simply Carvalho’s hobby but never much more “I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially learn the art form, learn martial arts.” than that, but soon after graduating, an going to Rio de Janeiro to fight Felipe These days Carvalho spends most of his opportunity to fight professionally Arantes on his home soil, but I realized it time working as the chief striking presented itself and Carvalho couldn’t would have been a disservice to me and instructor at Bruckmann Martial Arts in resist. The rest is history. everyone who has helped me get to this Oshawa and with the UFC newly added to “You don’t know what the hell is going point if I hadn’t fought in the UFC. I don’t his resumé, Carvalho plans on fighting as to happen once you get out there, you go regret anything now. It was a great long as his health allows. On July 21, through so many different emotions. I experience and I’m pretty happy despite Carvalho fought Daniel Pineda in front of a think that’s what I liked about it — it’s so the unfortunate loss of my first fight.” hometown Canadian crowd and won. His real. You start questioning how much With the UFC going mainstream, next fight is in Montreal, Q.C. on you’ve trained or if you have the heart it showcasing top-ranked fighters from November 17, against Brazilian, Rodrigo takes to dig deep and fight hard,” said across the world, more men are getting Damm. Carvalho. “As a person you always involved with the MMA than ever before. The 32-year-old often jokes that he is an question yourself and what you decide to But with a pro MMA record of 13 wins, old dog in the sport of fighting, but for do about it shows what kind of person you five losses and zero draws, Carvalho will anyone who has the pleasure of sitting are when you are fighting.” be the first to tell you it takes a special down and getting to know this master of Until last year MMA was illegal in kind of person to make it to the top. martial arts, they will tell you his passion Canada, so in 2006 Carvalho moved to “A lot of times today everyone keeps for the sport and heart in the ring will Japan for two years. He knew fighting the trying to find the short cut and there is no certainly outlive any old bones. best would help him to become the best. such thing. There’s a lot of time spent in
16 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 over 30 shows with audiences ranging from 30 to 3,000 people at venues including the Thirsty Monk in Oshawa and Echo Beach in Toronto. They’ve also gained a fan-base on Facebook of over 430 people that continues to grow. Despite the ups and downs the band faces from time to time, their commitment to their music is unwavering. “I think that’s the most difficult part – finding people that are on the same level and wanting to take it to the same level as you,” Woodward said. “You have to trust that they want to go as far as you want to go.” The Colts won’t deny they’d love to see their popularity skyrocket, but what makes them stand out is their approach to creating music and why they do it in the first place. Many bands will form with hopes to score a big record deal, make millions of dollars and bask in fame and fortune. The Colts, on the other hand, work hard at what they do for one reason only N
E — because they love to do it for E R G
themselves, and for their fans. E N N
A “It’s not about how cool we look up E D
F there. It’s just about the song and how O
Y
S people will take it. It’s about having fun E T
R with the fans, not about writing the next U O C
Grammy-award winning song,” said O T
O McDonald. “We’re not out there to be H P famous. We’re just having fun and doing Durham College graduate Wade Woodward, second right, sits with his band what we love, and that’s what music The Colts who have played a variety of gigs including opening for ‘80s band should be about.” Platinum Blonde. Their light-hearted and no-nonsense approach to making music has played a large role in gaining the attention they’ve received in just less than two years. Last BANDING TOGETHER July, their infamous performance at Echo Beach had them opening for ‘80s band Platinum Blonde at the last minute. They by Morgan Cadenhead jumped at the gig and played for more than 3,000 people in the pouring rain. SOME OF US PLAY IT, OTHERS SING IT , schooling and jamming with The Colts Woodward says it’s been a highlight of his all of us listen to it – and then there are weekly. Despite his busy schedule, his music career to date. those who create it. Music. It’s something insatiable appetite for music means there’s With The Colts’ latest song, Countin’ (123), everyone can enjoy in one form or another, always time to write a song, play a show, already a favourite among fans and a full but few have the talent and passion to or jam with his bandmates. album due out this year, Woodward’s singing take it to the next level. Wade Woodward, “If I can write something, post it, days are far from over. Whether it’s at a local lead singer of Oshawa-based band The perform it and get a reaction from people bar or on the radio, he sees himself making Colts, has that extra something that and they actually appreciate that song, it’s music this way for years to come. makes his songs not just music, but works kind of hard to stop,” said Woodward. “I see myself doing the same thing,” of art. His band, The Colts, is composed of four said Woodward. “I see myself having a Woodward, 24, has been playing music members: Woodward on vocals, Shawn successful family and home life and still since he was a child, owning his first drum McDonald on guitar, Brendon Ross on being able to have a successful music kit at roughly the age of 10. The Durham bass, and Bill Cramp on the drums. They career. If I’m constantly putting out new College Water Quality Technician graduate form a band with a bit of blues, country music and playing shows, I’m happy.” currently juggles working for his mom’s and overall feel-good rock. Together for daycare business, attending further almost two years, the Colts have played
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 17 DEAR JOHN...I’LL TAKE THE JOB
by Stephanie Slaptsis
BEING A TEENAGER IS STRESSFUL awards in the past for his work in the he was never taken seriously by enough, but being a teenaged parent is community including an Outstanding employers, he said. He began a job even more stressful. At 19, Paul Dobbs was Leadership Award from United Way and a placement program at the John Howard a high-school dropout and teen parent Special Appreciation Media Award from Society and went through life skills and facing many decisions about his future. With the Canadian Mental Health Association. goal planning workshops, which eventually the help of the John Howard Society (JHS) His first contact with the John Howard helped him decide to go back to school. In and their employment services, he was able Society came many years before he January 1992, he enrolled as a mature to begin the journey that would eventually worked there. Dobbs became a parent at student into the one-semester General become a successful and rewarding career 17 and dropped out of high school to work Arts and Science program at Durham, then — at the John Howard Society. and support his new family. By the time he used his good marks to launch him into Before landing the job with the society, was 19 he needed a more secure job, but the Environmental Technology program the the Durham Environmental Technology without a formal education or experience following fall. graduate worked for a number of “College was an important companies in his field including foundation for my achievements,” Dupont and Paintplas. In 2001, while said Dobbs. “It doesn’t matter that searching for his next job, he I’m not employed in my field of discovered a posting for a community study. It was the training and outreach worker at John Howard to development of analytical skills, help promote their employment communication, critical thinking, services to youth. He applied, but in an documentation techniques, team unconventional way, by making a video work and more that the college application. This got his foot in the door experience paid back in.” and ultimately landed him the job. His taste for a not-for-profit job “I was hired for what was supposed may have begun after graduation to be a five-month project. Here I am when he worked for The Friends of 10 years later, manager of Technology Second Marsh from January 1997 and Community Development,” said to July 1998 as a co-ordinator of the S
Dobbs. “I take care of all our I Watershed Monitoring Program. S T information technology, promotion and P A “For me, non-profit is the richest L S
public relations, special events and E I place for the soul to work. You feel N
fundraising. It’s a nice diverse mix that A H real, in-depth, accomplishment on P E
keeps every day interesting.” T
S many levels and learn to do much
F O During his decade at the John with your wits, not a corporate Y S E
Howard Society, he has won a number T wallet,” said Dobbs. “The people I R U
of awards for his work. Most recently O get to work with at JHS are as C
O
he received a Media Award from the T important to me as family. I spend O H
Durham Region Employment P five days a week with them, Network’s Accessibility Awards in June Graduate Paul Dobbs displays one of the many sometimes more, because they make 2011 for his work in producing videos awards he has won as manager of Technology my job a great place to be.” showcasing award winners. He has and Community Development for the John also received a number of other Howard Society
18 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 MORE THAN TWO MEN AND A R E
TRUCK O B
E D
E V E T S
by Maggie Darling F O
Y S E T R U O C TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® OSHAWA O T has moved its way into the headlines, O H becoming a household name throughout P Graduate Steve de Boer (second left) accepts a community service award Durham Region. In just five years, it has from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Canada on behalf of his Oshawa and grown from a distant possibility into a successful, reliable company that has Toronto East franchises. received numerous awards for its customer service. That dedication to quality service has In 2009, only two years after opening Owned and operated by Human twice earned de Boer’s company the the Oshawa location, de Boer opened a Resources Management graduate, Steve Franchisee of the Year award from the second location, Toronto East, in de Boer since 2007, the company credits Canadian corporate office. Also awarded Scarborough. Adding an additional four its reliable employees for its rapid Business of the Month in April 2009 by trucks to the original two-truck operation. success. The Oshawa franchise employs the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, the Both territories work together, performing up to 50 local moving experts to pack, Oshawa location is recognized as the most moves throughout Durham Region and the transport and unpack household, business, community-engaged franchisee among Greater Toronto Area. Since opening in senior and specialty moves. 200 locations worldwide. 2010, the Toronto East location has developed a loyal customer base. As a About 85 per cent of the business is “Getting involved in the community has result, they won the GOLD award in the residential. For that reason de Boer said always been one of my favourite tasks,” Toronto Sun Best of Toronto Reader’s meeting the needs of all residential said de Boer. “Paying attention to charities Choice Awards. customers is important. To guarantee and events within the community is top-notch service, TWO MEN AND A important because, after all, these people “Owning and operating this company TRUCK® has created their Customer’s are our customers. We want to give back definitely puts all my education and Bill of Rights – a contract between as much as we can since we do work in experience to work,” said de Boer. employees and customers outlining this community. It is one of our core “Every day is different and it’s a constantly accepted standard practices. principles to give where you live.” growing company. I’m confident that my time at Durham College created the “TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the only The Oshawa franchise has worked foundation for where I am today. The high- transportation company in Canada alongside Habitat for Humanity providing free paced, fast-track program demonstrated equipped with defibrillators in all vehicles,” moving services to all new homeowners. the importance of time management and said de Boer. “All employees are trained in During the past Christmas season, drivers prioritizing tasks in order to move forward how to use them, which is an essential dedicated their time and trucks to assist in a and achieve your goals.” service to both employees and customers, Christmas Swap which delivered more than especially since we conduct moves for a 600 meals to less fortunate families lot of senior citizens. We are now also in throughout the Durham Region. the business of being first responders and hopefully saving lives.”
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 19 S R E T E P
A D N A M A
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S O T O H P Amanda Peters, 2010 Public Relations graduate, is making waves as an events director on a cruise ship.
JUST CRUISIN’
by Kiera Laviolette
TESTING THE WATERS BY TAKING A She knows everything about the Before applying for the job, Peters didn’t cruise worked in Amanda Peters’ favour. comedians, including their schedule. She know if life on the water was for her, so The recent Public Relations graduate also ensures signage is current and placed she did a lot of research. That research landed a job as an events director for around the ship in designated locations, included signing up for a cruise in January Carnival Cruise Lines, but the job manage the lounge and takes care of 2011, meeting with the cruise director to opportunity didn’t just float her way — crowd control. gain insight into the job, and most Peters had to work for it. Although she is on the go day and night, importantly, making sure she could handle Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships are referred she has a strong appreciation that hard being at sea. to as “fun ships,” Peters said. The action work pays off by making sure the guests A little research went a long way onboard any of Carnival’s vessels is known are having the time of their lives while because not only did Peters make to be full of high-spirited fun, which fits aboard. She does get a few perks for her contacts, but she also experienced the her personality perfectly. efforts. Employees of Carnival get thrill of life on the ocean first-hand. When “Carnival lifestyle is much like you would discounts at the bar, discounts on she returned home she immediately find in Las Vegas — glitzy and fast-paced,” excursions and Peters’ favourite – applied for an event director position. said Peters. “This job is ideal for me.” exposure to many cultures. After she made it through a two-step She recently fulfilled two six-month Six months on the ship flew by for process and submitted medical, drug and contacts travelling to places like Cozumel, Peters, so she wasn’t homesick for her criminal record checks, Carnival flew her Mexico; Grand Cayman; Nassau, hometown of Bowmanville. to Tampa Bay, Fla. where she attended Bahamas; and Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and “Where I come from everything stays Carnival College for three weeks before Cape Canaveral, Fla. the same, so I don’t feel like I’m missing being assigned to their Sensation cruise “The event director position is a busy out on anything being onboard,” she said. ship. job that requires an outgoing personality,” “I feel like I have found myself and am Peters enjoyed her first stint at sea she said. “My job requires me to run making something of myself. Most people so much that she signed another six- various events and activities to ensure in town only dream about achieving goals month contract with the company earlier guests have an absolute blast on their like this.” this year. dream vacation. I run game shows, Getting paid to see the world and meet “Living life aboard the ship is not for activities like bean bag toss, music trivia, and entertain people from all walks of everyone, but if you do get the chance to gender show-down, and contests.” life is a pretty cool job, she admitted. experience it, you won’t regret it,” she said. She is also the Punchliner Comedy Club Plus, you never know who will come Host, Master of Ceremonies and manager. onboard and whose business card you’re going to collect.
20 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 STUDENT BY DAY – A N N E M
I D BLOGGING Y R A L I H
F O
MOMMY Y S E T R U O C
O
BY NIGHT T O H P Hilary di Menna takes a break from being a journalism student, blogger and by Amy Turkovich freelance writer to cozy up with her daughter, Patience.
SHE’S A FULL-TIME STUDENT, FREE- autobiography, which is a detailed look writing certainly shows off her personality. lance writer, author of a parenting blog, at how she dealt with mental illness, Her pieces are witty, emotional and local support group writer and most Di Menna found a new outlook on her relatable, making readers both laugh out importantly, a mom. own writing. loud and cry at the same time. A third-year Journalism student at “A lot of people call her indulgent and “I wrote a piece for PFLAG or Parents, Durham College, Hillary Di Menna now full of herself, but I really liked reading her Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays. more than ever understands the book. It was so relatable and the They had an event called An Evening of importance of time management. Since comforting relief she gave me, I want to Hope. There was a man who shaved his becoming a student she has been able to be able to give to people,” she said. head for breast cancer and the way that develop new skills and expand on her The Journalism student’s creative mind all his co-workers were and how beautiful writing styles. She enjoys writing about doesn’t stop in school. With her parenting of a family environment it was, I cried social issues but since becoming a parent and journalism skills she currently has her over that. It was so emotional and so she has shifted her work to something own blog and writes for many other beautiful. And I like things that leave me that more people can relate to. sources. Besides the school paper, The in tears. I love to write things like that,” “I found that a lot of social issues kind Chronicle, she also writes for OshaWhat said Di Menna. of blend into parenting. A lot of small Magazine, Suite 101, the online Downtown The self-proclaimed misfit’s blog things like taking the bus, there is a Oshawa News and DTF News. The features many stories about her daily life, classism issue there. Moms getting on publications feature local stories along with daughter and parenting. With many with strollers are treated poorly,” said Di upcoming events and community activities. pictures of Di Menna and three-year-old Menna. “I’m going to write about The 23-year old also began a writers’ daughter Patience hugging and being silly parenting, but social issues will creep their group in Oshawa called Write-On. The together it is easy to see that she not only way in there I think.” group has a variety of writers with enjoys being a parent but is good at it too. Being naturally curious, Di Menna said strengths in non-fiction, poetry and To check out Di Menna’s blog go to writing comes easy. She has a drive to journalism. The group members write and www.misfitmatraich.com . want to know everything possible and a critique each other’s work and help to passion for educating people. keep one another inspired. Inspired by author Elizabeth Wurtzel’s Di Menna is easy-going, funny and her
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 21 Opposite page bottom left: DURHAM Journalism student Chealse Howell posing in COLLEGE’S Spain while attending the Miss NEXT TOP Intercontinental pageant. All MODEL L L
E other photos are W
O portfolio and H
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L editorial A E
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O in Chealse’s AS A GIRL, CHEALSE HOWELL WOULD WALK Y S
E professional
T down a long road near her home in Lindsay, R
U modeling look O fantasizing every strut as a choreographed C
S book.
O routine in her very own music video. Her title T O
H win as Miss Intercontinental Canada 2011 could P be the result of a bigger dream that started at the tender age of seven. Today she’s a busy and ambitious third-year Journalism student and model, but you’d never know it. Howell still walks the school halls fresh-faced, nails unpolished, hair down, and in the most casual attire. If you pass her by, she looks and acts like any other excited and motivated student. “Modelling isn’t just a job for me but a way to see the world and experience new things,” Howell said. Recently, she walked and posed for her first major catwalk and editorial shoot in Las Vegas for a New York-based clothing line. Her first job outside of the country, it is the highlight of her modelling career thus far. “I’m still working in Canada, but now that I’m working outside of Canada, that’s a huge deal for a model. And now I get more support from other people.” From taking pictures for free with a family friend, to creating an online modelling profile account, and accepting other photographer requests, Howell has now reached a level of professional success. To date, she has done major editorial shoots, fashion jams and several hair shows. Although she recently probed the pageant world, she has been scouted for pageants since she first started dance as a child. However, dancing was her only interest at the time. For Howell, it all started with dance, a passion that gave her a taste of the spotlight. Within the first year of joining her dance team, she was dancing competitively and continued until she was 18. At age 12, she held her first job at a local general store scooping ice cream to help support her passion for dance. Later, she began working at a seniors’ centre, which eventually helped fund a spontaneous start in modelling.
22 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 Howell continued to work until 2011, when she was scouted for the Miss Intercontinental Canada pageant. Without any expectation of winning but hoping to do her best, she won. As the crowned representative for Canada, she was able to go to Spain for the 2011 Miss Intercontinental pageant. Along with her success, many people, both good and bad, have come into her life. However, Howell has only one important entourage that supports her, her family. “Family is a number one thing to me. I choose family over friends any day. I come from a big family of six and we’re really close. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my supportive family, especially my mother. She was the one who always took me to dance class and drove me to my part-time jobs. She is my biggest fan and believes in me more than I do.” Howell also said she considers her modelling agent, her boyfriend, Jeremiah, and her pug, Lacona important members of her family. Although, she has accomplished so much at such a young age, for her this is only the beginning of a much bigger picture. Continuing to pursue her passion for writing as a journalism student while modelling, Howell hopes to eventually merge both worlds by working on a talk show. In the meantime, she plans to join Armstrong Studios, an acting studio for up-and-coming artists located in Toronto, taking one more step to make her dream a reality. She said her motto has always been, “Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it.” For her, it appears to be working.
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 23 ENTER TO WIN AN IPAD
VISIT THE OSHAWAOSHAWWAA AND WHITBY CAMPUSES AND THE PICKERING LEARNING SITE DDISCOVERISCOVER s -EET STUDENTS AND FACULTY DDURHAMURHAM COLLEGE s ,EARN MORE ABOUT OUR 33ATURDAY .OVEMBER ATURDAY .OVEMBER PROGRAMS AM TO PM AM TO PM s !TTEND INFORMATION SESSIONS ON ADMISSIONS CAREER PLANNING AND FINANCIAL AID s 4OUR OUR NEW AND UPGRADED FACILITIES
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24 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 PATHWAYS PROGRAMS uoit.ca/pathways
Turn your Durham College diploma into a UOIT degree in as little as two years.
New graduates, you have access to Career Services free of charge for two years after graduation! HIRED .DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA
WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 25 TRAINING: THE KEY TO SUCCESS
by Laurie Izgerean, curriculum designer, Durham College Corporate Training Services
When an organization embraces and On the positive side, the benefits of Corporate Training Services (CTS) of supports a continuous learning training from an employer’s perspective Durham College has been actively environment or a culture of learning as will most likely result in: involved in developing and delivering part of their daily operations, business • Higher quality of work/service; training for more than 30 years to performance goes up as does the job • Increased innovation; companies that value third-party training satisfaction of every employee. for their employees. Through consultation • Creative problem solving; In any given industry the work day is with clients we have provided • Competitive advantage; already full of responsibilities and duties comprehensive, specialized training that for managers and employees. There are • Increased employee can improve their business’ performance reports, meetings, sales, customers, attraction/retention; and prepare their employees to become phone calls, emails, service-related tasks • Ability to adapt to change; highly skilled representatives of their and endless paperwork to do. With only • Fewer communication barriers and company. One example of our long-term so many hours in the work day in an errors; and association with our clients is the General exceptionally busy work culture, how can • Increased motivation. Motors ProductPlus training. For more than 17 years, CTS of Durham College has an employer afford to set aside valuable Everyone is in business to make money. been developing and delivering product, time and precious financial resources to But if you can create an atmosphere technical and soft-skills training nationally provide ongoing training for its workforce? where human resources are inspired, in both official languages to General Let’s look at it another way. Here are challenged and motivated while they’re Motors dealership sales and service some of the liabilities to consider, if a making money, aren’t they going to work personnel. Whether it be classroom, company does not offer the opportunities better and more efficiently? Won’t that video, online or webinar training, CTS has for upgrading skills and professional make for better customer service? And addressed the needs of companies in development/training to their human won’t that result in an increase in various business sectors from health care resources: business? to energy. From driver training and • Decreased productivity; Let’s face it. Learning and change go backflow prevention to management • Low levels of customer satisfaction; hand in hand and most of us learn all the business training, CTS helps employees • Lack of repeat/referral business; time, even without doing so on purpose. reach their full potential. However, quality learning doesn’t just • Loss of profits/poor bottom line; Continuous improvement has become happen. It’s planned, well thought-out, it’s • Poor quality/service; the buzzword in the last decade as it individual, it’s creative and it’s measured. relates to better manufacturing processes, • High employee turnover; Whether an organization provides the cost-saving measures and state-of-the-art • Negative work environment; and training as part of a professional technologies. Now it’s time to apply that • Inability to adapt to an ever-changing development program, or an individual continuous improvement philosophy to marketplace. takes the initiative to seek professional our greatest asset; our employees. Business change is constant therefore development on their own, the first step in education and training should be too. adapting towards a learning culture at work is to determine what kind of training you need and for whom. 26 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2012 ALUMNI UPDATE
1975 1996 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK RICHARD KOROSCIL (Air Transport CONNIE STEPHENSON (Interior Design) www.facebook.com/durhamcollegealumni Technology) lives in Ancaster with his two lives in Toronto with her family. She works as a children, 19-year-old, daughter Katya and senior designer in Cricket Design in Toronto. 12-year-old son Misha. Richard just retired as president and chief executive officer of the Hamilton International Airport with 36 years 2000 in the aviation industry. He has started a new ADAM LEBRUN (Sports Administration) lives It’s your call strategic consulting company and is finding in Guelph with his wife, Kim. He works as more balance in his life. managing director, Championships and Events for the Professional Golfers’ Association of Say yes to the 1976 Canada in Acton. KPI telephone survey.
CINDY FULLER (Advertising) lives in High River, Alta. with her husband Brent and their 2002 Take part in the Graduate daughter Tonya. Fuller is a case manager at MELISSA HOUGHTON (Business Employment and Graduate Manulife Financial in Calgary, Alta. Administration - Information System) lives in Satisfaction surveys that Uxbridge with her husband, Kevin and their will be conducted by 1989 two children, six-year-old daughter, Kaleigh and four-year-old son, Everett. Houghton works as a phone this November. MINETTE WALKER (Nursing Diploma) lives process analyst at State Farm Insurance. They are part of an Ontario in Delta, B.C. with her husband Ed and their government accountability two children, 14-year-old daughter Katie and initiative called Key 11–year-old son, Jeremy. Walker works at 2010 Providence Health Care as a regional heart Performance Indicators RYAN BROWN (Mechanical Engineering failure co-ordinator. Technology) lives in Fingal. He works at Tripp- (KPI). Please allow your Vogt-Trottier Ltd. in Tillsonburg as a mechanical immediate supervisor to be 1992 engineering technologist. contacted for the Employer
LINDA BRODIE (Nursing) lives in Pontypool Satisfaction survey. Your with her husband Keith. Brodie works at 2011 employer will NOT be asked Lakeridge Health Corporation in Bowmanville GREGORY FARRELL (Police Foundations) to rate your performance, as a registered nurse. lives in Ajax and is currently working with but will be asked how well the Toronto Police Lifeguard Services as a JAMIE BROHM (Sports Administration) your Durham College lifeguard. lives in Keswick with his wife Dawn and their education has prepared you two children, three-year-old daughter, Amelia JERON KERR (Graphic Design) lives in Ajax. for the workforce. and two-year-old son Andrew. Brohm works at He works at Mayhew in Thornhill as a graphic Toronto Transit Commission as a supervisor. designer. To view the graduate or 1995 IN MEMORIAM employer survey, visit MARTY SAVOY (Sports Administration) www.collegekpi.com . JOHN BROWN a 1978 Business – lives in Burlington with his wife Julia and their Accounting graduate passed away suddenly four children, nine-year-old daughter Curran, on May 26. six-year-old daughter Taylor, five-year-old daughter Parker and one-year-old son Dillon. Savoy works with the Ontario Junior Hockey ROBERT BROCK a 2006 Construction and League as the commissioner. Maintenance Electrician - Advanced level graduate passed away suddenly on June 17 at the age of 41.
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