FALL 2008 Magazine for Alumni & Friends A New Era Begins The Last Keystone 4.29 TRU World Alumni 1 Thompson Rivers University T 7 ETSXEMÍNTE STSELXMÉM Bridges Thompson RiversTitle University > > > Page Holders of the Alumni Benefit Card receive great discounts on goods and services from these participating businesses: 1-800-Got-Junk A&W Columbia Place Accolades, the TRU Dining Room Audio Video Unlimited, Williams Lake Best Western, Kamloops bookies at TRU BMO Nesbitt Burns Budget Car & Truck Rental Chapters Viewpoint Restaurant City of Kamloops Aquatic Facility Empire Landmark Hotel, Vancouver Fogg n’ Suds Restaurant ICI paints Kamloops Home Hardware Kitchen Encounters Knights Inn, Kamloops Lordco Auto Parts My Travel Seven Seas Oliver Street Bar & Grill Inc., Williams Lake Pro Systems Beauty centre Ramada Inn, Kamloops Residence Conference Centre Runner’s Sole Sandman Hotels and Inns Super 8 Motel, Williams Lake TRU Athletics and Recreation TRU Library Services WolfPack Events Other great benefits include: Mentoring Receive “Bridges” magazine bi-annually Access to the On-Line Community Info on Alumni Events Check our website often for updates on discounts and our current list of participating businessess. Request your benefit card by e-mail at alumni@tru.ca or call 250.828.5498 Check our website for details www.trualumni.ca 2 Thompson Rivers University Inside Fall 2008 contents 8–9 Building a Better Future A new donation paves the way for more trades students. FALL 2008 Magazine for Alumni 16–17 Living Laboratories Profile on the many facets of grasslands research. 14 15 TRU World Alumni & Friends A New Era Begins 6 – 7 A New Era Begins TRU proudly welcomes it’s new President, Dr. Kathleen Scherf. Departments Bridges Cover Stories The Last Keystone 4.29 TRU World Alumni 1 Thompson Rivers University Cover Photo: Bo b Clark The Last Keystone 4 Alumni Chair’s & President’s Message The latest major construction project on campus. 5 On-Campus News 19 11 Athletics One bright alumni shares his thoughts on TRU. 4.29 12 –13 TRU Events Calendar Alumni Life 18 Alumni & Friends in Action 21 Distinguished Alumni 22 Program Profile 23 Stay Connected \ TRU Factoid Canadian researchers and TRU faculty Lynn Wiltse and Julie Drolet were awarded Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grants. Cover Mandarin Text by George Gong (Accreditations Coordinator, TRU World) Bridges Thompson Rivers University Magazine for Alumni and Friends Publisher: Christopher Séguin Editor: Arlene Olynyk Advertising Sales: Karen Gamracy Writers: Christopher Séguin, Arlene Olynyk, Josh Keller 3 Thompson Rivers University Photography: Stephanie Lange, Bob Clark Illustrations: Stephanie Lange Graphic Designers: Cindy Drescher MC82458 Shirley McCaffrey Contact us: Thompson Rivers University Alumni Association House #9, 900 McGill Road, Box 3010 Kamloops BC V2C 5N3 Phone: 250.828.5264 Email:alumni@tru.ca www.trualumni.ca T 7 ETSXEMÍN TE STSELXMÉ M Features Thomp > >son RiversTitle > Page University Alumni Chair’s Message Alumni Welcomes New Allies Since 1991, the vision and enthusiasm of the TRU Alumni Association has moved the association through many changes and initiatives. Our mission to promote relationships that mutually benefit alumni, students, staff, and the TRU community has been their driving force and this year is no exception. Deliberate steps are being made to communicate with, honour and partner with the many community friends and alumni that contribute to the success of TRU. The current partnerships formed with the TRU Advancement office, the Sports Task Force and the TRU Foundation can only help us in our mission to benefit both students and alumni. Through increased magazine distribution, website awareness, alumni chapter initiation and award offerings we are determined to increase the profile of TRU, students, graduates and supporters that make this the University of Choice. Norma Watts, presents TRU Alumni Golf Tournament winners with their Your comments, involvement and support are always welcome. For more information on how trophy. you can get involved, please check out the event listings on pages 12 and 13, and email us at alumni@tru.ca We believe that the Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses and their graduates play a vital role in the lifestyles of these communities and we thank all our alumni and friends for the part you play in making TRU and the student experience the best it can be. Norma Watts, BSN Chair TRU Alumni Association President’s Message First Impressions As I write this, I’m fresh from 2008’s TRU Orientation where I met many of this year’s first year students who, with our support, will come back to our campus in the near future to celebrate homecoming with us as successful alumni. What a privilege it is to be involved in such a transformative experience for these young people! I came to TRU because something special is happening here, and I want to be part of it — I believe that we are changing the undergraduate experience with our learner-centred, comprehensive environment. There’s energy and excitement everywhere — you can feel it when you talk with students and faculty and alumni. I can feel it when I cross the campus, and I can feel it when I speak to people in our community. Already I am impressed by our students. They’re bright, energetic, creative, and committed. Just like you were, when you walked our campus and made your way to classes, to the Campus Activity Centre and the Library. It goes without saying that strong alumni are a crucial part of a great university. Look again at the great public universities in this country; it is their alumni who helped build those institutions with their support and volunteering spirit, and with the conviction that their alma mater is something to be treasured and highly regarded. I know that TRU alumni feel that way and, now, so do I! We are a team, you and I. For this reason, your voice is extremely important to me as we work together to move TRU forward. Thompson Rivers University is your University! Consider giving some of your time and talents to this University. Watch what we’re doing in the media and in the communications you receive and talk us up. I hope you have a chance to visit campus soon. If you don’t, visit us online: www.tru.ca. There’s a lot going on! Photo by Bob Clark Kathleen Scherf, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor 4 Thompson Rivers University > > > Page Title On Campus News > > > Living it Up By Stephanie Lange When looking across the TRU campus, it’s hard to miss the New Residence and Conference Centre. The 11-storey building is not only the tallest on campus; it dwarfs all other buildings in Kamloops. The residence is more than just big. It was recently featured in the Globe and Mail Article “Pimp my dorm” along with other high-end dorms like Campus Common in downtown Toronto and Ecovillage at Nipissing University in North Bay. Like a five star hotel, the residence includes a gym, patios and an oversized double bed in each suite. All that plus the convenience of living right on campus, for only $525 a month. The Residence also doubles as a hotel and conference centre during the summer. For more information on staying at the Centre, visit www.tru.ca/housing Above the Rest Source: TRU Media Release July 2008 “ In a recent survey conducted by the University Presidents Council, graduates from Thompson Rivers University were found to be more satisfied with their education than graduates from BC’s other large universities. With employment rates of 98.5 per cent and high satisfaction ratings for their oral and written communications skills, TRU grads are likely to be excelling in group collaboration and problem resolution in ” their careers. Heather Friesen TRU’s Director of Institutional Planning and Analysis Triumph for Trades Source: TRU Media Release June 2008 Three TRU students brought their skills to this year’s National Skills Canada competition, and returned with two gold medals and one silver. After winning the annual Skills BC competition in April the three went on to compete at the National Skills Canada competition held in Calgary in May; Jonathan MacIntyre won gold in automotive, post-secondary; Mike Gatey, gold in carpentry, secondary and Evan Butchart, silver in welding, post-secondary. It is not only a great win for these students, and trades in general, it also qualifies them for next year’s World Skills Competition. Although MacIntyre will be unable to compete due to his age, winning gold at this level is an impressive start to his automotive career. Outwit, Outlast By Arlene Olynyk Last day of classes... 20 teams, 70 volunteers and 4000 TRU spectators came out to enjoy the TRU Annual Survivor competition. Physical, mental and teamwork challenges were derived by the cunning and diabolical minds that run the campus ISAP, TRU Rec, TRU Wellness and TRU Orientation departments. Students from all corners of the campus formed teams, all with their eyes on the prize money donated by the TRU Alumni Association: 1st place: $400, 2nd Place: $200 and 3rd Place: $100. The energy was high, the stakes were higher and the challenges rocked. If you think you can survive, come join us at The 3rd Annual Survivor on Thursday April 9th, 2009. Who, Whooo’s on Campus? Source: Sadie Cox, Inside TRU Convocation 2008 They’re small, fluffy and famous. The family of Great Horned Owls nested on campus back in March 2008 and have been in the spotlight ever since. The webcam set up by Physics instructor Mark Paetkau and Bob Byrne from Open Learning logged about 30,000 visits in its final week. According to Canada.com, the webcam was the 3rd most popular in the nation, just behind favourites like Hockey Night in Canada and Corner Gas. The owls are still on campus. No word yet on what courses they plan to take in the fall or when they will graduate. Magazine for Alumni & Friends www.trualumni.ca 5 New Era Begins > > > Page Title A By Josh Keller It was standing room only in the Independent Centre, and everyone there knew the agenda. A decision had been made and this would finally be the much anticipated announcement of the next President of TRU. There was an element of theatre and drama to this late-morning production, and it wasn’t by accident. Ron Olynyk, Chair of the Board of Governors, warmed up what could have been a cynical audience by declaring enthusiastically that “the stage is set, and come September the curtain will rise on a new era in the history of Thompson Rivers University”. As he did, a stranger stood amongst the crowd in the far corner entryway, shoulder to shoulder with a Dean, faculty members and other staff who had no idea who she might be. After all, the university today is a much larger place than it used to be, and seeing faces you don’t recognize has become commonplace. When Olynyk asked the gathering to please welcome Dr. Kathleen Scherf, few were prepared for the burst of energy and the genuine emotional responses that followed. The stranger in the corner burst forward in a walk that quickly became a run, A New Era Begins > > > arms waving and a grin that surely suited the occasion. High fives, and hugs - not one, but several - from this energetic stranger for President Roger Barnsley brought the house down with a standing ovation and a buzz that ran through the crowd. It was a highly appropriate introduction of Dr. Kathleen Scherf, who officially assumed her new role as the fifth President of the institution on September 1st. As the former Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Culture at the University of Calgary, communications and theatre have both been front and centre in her world as an educator and as a senior administrator. A glance at her extensive teaching portfolio over the past two decades reveals more than two dozen different courses in English, Theatre and Communications, including most recently teaching the largest first year class in her Faculty at the University of Calgary, where even in a senior leadership position she believed it was important to remain connected to students and the classroom. Her commitment to the student experience - one of TRU’s pillars - is one of the many reasons the Board chose Dr. Scherf to lead the university. So too is her involvement in the global perspectives of post-secondary education, another pillar of TRU today. She is the co-ordinator of a group of academics from eleven different institutions in six provinces working collaboratively to address obstacles to doing academic business in India. Just last May, Scherf was one of only eight Canadian delegates invited to the 5th annual Canada-India Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, India. On her next trip to India later this year, she will go as the President of a dynamic university that has already established an outstanding reputation on the international scene, and her new role can only enhance that reputation. The author of seven books, an impressive list of journal publications, reviews and lecture presentations, and the recipient of an Asia Pacific Foundation Policy Research Grant earlier this year, Scherf was honoured with the Calgary “Woman of Vision” award in 2004 for her leadership and energy in transforming and building the academic and research work of an interdisciplinary Faculty at the University of Calgary, and for connecting its work to the community. For President Scherf, it’s not about having big shoes to fill. The decade of events in the President Barnsley era was unique, and not about to be repeated. In a 21st century world marked by change at every level of society, Thompson Rivers University raises the curtain on a new era of leadership under President Scherf, with new opportunities that haven’t even been discovered yet. Her commitment to the student experience - one of TRU’s pillars – is one of the many reasons the Board chose Dr. Scherf to lead the university. So too is her involvement in the global perspectives of post-secondary education, another pillar of TRU today. 7 Thompson Rivers University > > > Page Title Building a Better Future By Christopher Séguin There are certain students at Thompson Rivers University that defy the backpack, textbook and laptop stereotypical image. These students still master areas of physics, mathematics, chemistry and engineering, but they often accomplish this dressed in a pair of coveralls. TRU is the proud home of one of the best trades programs in the country and this year saw us make massive leaps in making trades education more accessible for all. Thanks to an incredible gift from the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT) students entering a wide range of trades, and technology programs will receive $1.3 million in support over the next three years. This will mean that every trade’s class for the next three years will have students that will receive bursaries to help them cover the costs of their education. Hundreds of awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be adjudicated to trades students in financial need. Last year TRU was able to offer close to $40,000 towards direct trade’s student assistance; but for the next three years we will be able to offer over ten times that amount on an annual basis. In one single donation SIDIT will create balance between trades and academic support at TRU. “For over 40 years experts have been warning us about the future shortage of a skilled workforce,” said Jim Thomson Chairperson of SIDIT. “Well the future is here now and the reality is that there are few industries or businesses today whose capacity is not being restricted or limited due to a shortage of skilled people.” “With these contributions from SIDIT, TRU can offer a student assistance program that will offer trades and technology students opportunities for inquiry and innovation that will not only transform industry but also transform the lives of those involved,” said Dr. Roger Barnsley TRU President and Vice-Chancellor. One gift will empower thousands of students; one gift offers hundreds of opportunities to those who could not afford to advance themselves. While this was a major gift, there are hundreds of donors throughout our community that also make contributions. Many community leaders, businesses and organizations give to student assistance, research and capital projects every year. Whether it is a million dollar endowment or a fifty dollar annual gift, donors to education make a difference*. “Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world.” (Nelson Mandela) These donors give students a chance for a better life and a chance to change their world. * For more information contact the TRU Advancement Office phone: 250.828-5264 www.tru.ca/foundation 8 Thompson Rivers University > > > Page Title Building a Better Future > > > Illustration by Stephanie Lange “Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world.” Nelson Mandela \ TRU Factoid Students now have the option of pursuing their Bachelor of Trades & Technology Degree which will provide Industry with “competent qualified supervisors, superintendents and managers”. T&T has trade entry and apprenticeship programs in Construction & Mechanical Trades including a new Glazier and Industrial Electrician programs. Magazine for Alumni & Friends www.trualumni.ca 9 bookies Ad here bookies has deals for Alumni! > 15% off crested clothing, giftware and art supplies >A large selection of Alumni frames and rings For instore specials & seasonal sales visit us in the CAC, first floor or go to our website www.bookies.tru.ca Thompson Rivers University Career Education Department “ The Career Education Department helped me see the potential and skills I already possess and showed me how to organize them and put them to use to impress prospective employers.”  º*((0LJMLgmjakeKlm\]fl Alumni Employers œ ;mklgear]\YkkaklYf[]oal`ogjck]Yj[` j]k]Yj[`$hdYffaf_Yf\\g[me]fl\]n]dghe]fl œ 9[[]kklggn]j)($(((klm\]flkafgn]j .(hjg_jYek œ Af\ana\mYdar]\dYZgmjeYjc]lYfYdqkak œ >j]]bgZhgklaf_kgfgmjo]Zkal]Yf\bgZZgYj\k œ ;gehj]`]fkan]]ehdgq]jaf^gjeYlagf œ =p[]dd]fl[g%ghYf\hjY[la[meghhgjlmfala]k afemdlahd]hjg_jYek Invaluable assistance with your career goals… œ J]kme]Yf\[gn]jd]ll]j^]]\ZY[c Flexible recruitment solutions for your organization… œ 9[[]kklg]p[]dd]flbgZhgklaf_k œ 9kkaklYf[]oal`kljYl]_a]klgeYc]e]Yfaf_^md [gff][lagfkoal`klm\]flk œ Afl]jna]ohj]hYjYlagf œ ;gdd][lagfg^j]kme]kYf\Yhhda[Ylagfk œ 9f\em[`$em[`egj] œ 9kkaklYf[][ggj\afYlaf_afl]jna]ok[`]\mdaf_$ Zggcaf_gf%[Yehmkafl]jna]ojggek$ na\]g[gf^]j]f[af_$]l[& œ Klm\]flkYnYadYZd]^gjhYjl%lae]$^mdd%lae]$ k]YkgfYd$Yf\_jY\mYl]]ehdgqe]fl œA^qgm\gf¿lk]]o`YlqgmYj]dggcaf_^gj`]j]$ [gflY[lmkYf\o]oaddogjcoal`qgmlg\]n]dgh k]jna[]klge]]lqgmjgj_YfarYlagf¿kf]]\k 10 Thompson Rivers University’s Alumni & Friends Magazine For More Information Contact Our Office Today! H`gf]2*-(&+/)&BG:K$=eYad2[Yj]]j]\m[Ylagf8ljm&[Y$Nakal2ooo&ljm&[Y'[Yj]]j]\m[Ylagf 10 Thompson Rivers University Athletics > > > Global Teamw rk By Patrick Johnston Johnston was a student athlete at TRU in 2006/07 and is currently studying journalism at Western. What happens when you take four international students speaking three different languages, team them with a solid core of Canadian talent and throw the mix onto a volleyball court together? You win a Bronze medal at the 2008 CIS National Championships and find the perfect ending to an underdog season. The success of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Men’s Volleyball Team is a Cinderella story. Entering Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) in 2005/06, the ‘Pack’ improved from one win in their first year, seven in their second year, and thirteen this past season. With each win, TRU’s profile within CIS and the sporting community gained momentum. What is the catalyst to success? The unprecedented recruiting done by Head Coach Pat Hennelly is certainly a talking point in the league. How do you draw National team players from all over the world? Hennelly gives credits elsewhere when it comes to the acquisition of 6’7” French National team star and CanWest 06/07 Rookie of the Year Robin Schoebel. “A good friend was playing in Cannes and Robin was training with the team, he gave Robin a good recommendation”. People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care. ” Another international student playing a pivotal role is the towering 6’9” Martin Korsbak of Denmark. Hennelly gives credit to his assistant coach Chad Grimm for helping solidify this recruit. Korsbak, former Danish National team middle sees some dissent in the league. “I know some people dislike non-Canadian players, like me, on the TRU team. TRU has many international students; I feel it is only appropriate the varsity sport teams reflect the multicultural diversity of our university. Canada is a country built by and for immigrants,” said Korsbak. Behlul Yavasgel, the ‘Turkish Delight’, played for his Youth National team. “TRU International was in Turkey recruiting students and discovered Behlul, who dreamed of getting a Canadian education. Kamloops was a completely different world for Yavasgel who was not accustomed to the chilly Canadian weather and did not speak a word of English. “I remember Behlul blowing into his hands and complaining about the cold in September, when it was 15 degrees and sunny,” recalls Hennelly. This year, the international talent at TRU continues to grow. After sitting a year out, former Danish National team member, Martin Stenderup, will be joining the WolfPack as a setter for the 08/09 season. Add the international flair to the solid core of Canadian athletes and it is easy to see how the TRU WolfPack has rightfully earned powerhouse status. Canadian Youth/ Junior National team alumni Colin Jaggard, Stefan Savoie and Gord Perrin top up the talent pool. Perrin, CanWest 07/08 Rookie of the Year, recently returned from the North, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation Qualifying Tournament in El Salvador. The Junior National team won Silver and Perrin was awarded Best Blocker honours. Photo Credit > All from Sports Task Force “ “Athletic Director Ken Olynyk mentioned we had the opportunity for international scholarships through TRU World. I immediately sent out an email to all the guys I knew playing professionally in Europe to see if they knew any student athlete prospects”. The ‘Pack’ is poised for a title run this season and Kamloops has climbed on board the WolfPack train. Hennelly notes “We are among the leaders for attendance in our league and have had the highest numbers attend home openers the past two years. I see the support from the Kamloops community and the media coverage we receive as very positive and helpful to our program”. It is easy to love an underdog story. When asked what motivated Hennelly to create such a powerful program out of mere obscurity he simply quoted his favorite saying, “People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care”. For information on games and events visit Photos: from top to bottom: Robin Schoebel, Behlul Yavasgel and Martin Korsback gowolfpack.tru.ca Magazine for Alumni & Friends www.trualumni.ca 11 TRU Events Calendar October events 2 .......... Fall Convocation ...........................................Gym 4 .......... Soccer Home Game vs VIU (formerly Malaspina) .......................12pm (W) 2pm (M) 5 .......... Soccer Home Game vs Capilano ...........................................12pm (W) 2pm (M) 17 .......... Foundation Kick Off Breakfast .......................Grand Hall 23 .......... Cultural Event Series Canadian Folk Artists ....Clock Tower .....12:30–1:30pm 24 .......... Basketball Home Game vs UCFV ...........................................6pm (W) 8pm (M) 25 .......... Basketball Home Game vs UCFV ..........................................5pm (W) 7pm (M) 24 & 25 .. Foundation Phone Bank ...............................TCC 25 .......... Distinguished Alumni Awards .......................Indy Hall .........5:30pm 31 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Lethbridge ..................................6pm (W) 8pm (M) *** President Lecture Series will fall in October but date is TBC November rsit ive Un rs ive sents e nR pso n Pr io om Th ndat Fou y K OR K Y R W NE W YO NE la Ga 09 20 9 ay 200 urd y 7, Sat ruar Hall Feb and Gr ^ TRU c\kGXib`e d MX e kX`cj i lZk`f `ee\ ek8 J`c\ ij\; :fZb -gd fl m\  d Zlk` k,: fl e^ .gd XeZ` d d; ('g ats. d or se ble tru.ca tt@ ur ta e yo Elliott ail: glellio serv ys To re ct: Glad1.5714 Em ta Con e: 250. 37 tion t Auc . .ca Sileneciated shaw n of ard@ atio tly appr d goth ar don The s is gream Goth Email: jim item tact: Ji 2.5594 Con 250.37 Phon e: Phon 1 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Calgary .......................................5pm (W) 7pm (M) 5–9 ..... Soccer Mens and Womens CCAA Nationals 7 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs UBC .............................................6pm (W) 7:30pm (M) 8 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs UBC .............................................5pm (W) 6:30pm (M) 12 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Simon Fraser ...............................5pm (W) 7pm (M) 14 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Alberta ........................................6pm (W) 7:30pm (W) 15 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Trinity Western ............................1pm (W) 3pm (M) 15 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Alberta ........................................6pm (W) 7:20pm (M) 17 .......... TRU Foundation Annual Awards Ceremony ...Gym ................5pm 21 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Regina ........................................6pm (W) 8pm (M) 22 .......... Sports Task Force Dinner ..............................Grand Hall.......6:30pm 22 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Brandon .....................................5pm (W) 7pm (M) 27 .......... Cultural Event Series Dramatic Play ..............Clock Tower .....12:30–1:30pm 28 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Saskatchewan ..............................6pm 7pm (M) 29 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Saskatchewan ..............................5pm 6pm (M) Many Thanks to Loyal Sponsors and Volunteers On behalf of the Thompson Rivers University Sports Task Force Society (STF) I would like to thank all those dedicated Alumni and Friends that have supported the STF in the past either as event volunteers or participants or our loyal sponsors. Since 1981, our fundraising efforts have annually created numerous awards and bursaries for deserving student athletes, which would not be possible without your involvement in these programs. As we begin the new season we would like to extend an open invitation to join us as an event volunteer or planning director. We are always looking for assistance with our Gala Fundraising Dinner (Nov), Awards Event (March) or the immensely popular Mike Bartram Memorial Sports Task Force Golf Tournament (June). If you would like to volunteer, and we hope you will, please contact us through the TRU Advancement office at: advancement@tru.ca or call Wanda at 250.828.5267. Thank you again for your support in the past. We look forward to meeting you all in the future. Sincerely, Kelly Shantz President , TRU Sports Task Force Society Asst. Coach, TRU WolfPack Women’s Soccer 2008–2009 December a www.trualumni.c ation www.tru.ca/found 4 .......... Williams Lake Awards Ceremony January 2 .......... Basketball Home Game vs UBC ............................................. 2pm (W) 4pm (M) 3 .......... Basketball Home Game vs UBC ............................................. 1pm (W) 3pm (M) 16 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Brandon ........................................ 6pm (W) 7:30pm (M) 17 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Brandon ........................................ 5pm (W) 6:30pm (M) 23 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Victoria ........................................ 6pm (W) 8pm (M) 24 .......... Basketball Home Game vs Victoria ........................................ 5pm (W) 7pm (M) 29 .......... Cultural Event Series Slam Poetry .................... Clock Tower... 12:30–1:30pm February 6 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Regina .......................................... 7pm (W) 7 .......... Volleyball Home Game vs Regina .......................................... 7pm (W) 7 .......... Gala (New York New York) ................................ Grand Hall March 12 .......... Cultural Event Series Percussion Performance .. Clock Tower... 12:30–1:30pm > No scheduled games at this time \ TRU Factoid In addition to Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas, TRU now offers Masters in Business Administration, Environmental Sciences and Education, with another MEd beginning in 2009. \ TRU Factoid TRU Williams Lake Campus provides Weekend University post-secondary education opportunities to working adults of the Carrier, Chilcotin, and Northern Shuswap Bands, with 15 First Nations Bands spread over 69930 km2. Student Support for Student Success On behalf of the 69 dedicated TRU foundation volunteers, I would like to thank you for your support in the past and invite you to join us in future campaigns. The Foundation reached new heights by raising $1,348,000 for students, an increase of 16% over the previous year. Our volunteers are committed to supporting TRU students on their journey towards success by creating fun, successful and amazing fundraising events. Both the Gala dinner (Feb) and the golf tournament (Sept) were sold out last year. This year on Oct 17th we will kick off our annual campaign breakfast which will focus on the New House of Learning (see page 15). This capital campaign is dedicated to the conception of TRU’s New Library. Please support the Foundation and the Advancement Office by attending or volunteering at one of our many fabulous events listed above. With your help and support in our mission, this is going to be an amazing year. Sincerely, Daniel Dallaire Chair , TRU Foundation > > > TRU World Alumni By Christopher Séguin This summer saw the very first TRU Alumni events overseas. I travelled to Beijing and Shanghai on a whirl wind tour visiting our partner schools, attending convocations and meeting hundreds of alumni. This was a fantastic opportunity for TRU Alumni overseas to reconnect with each other and touch base with their institution. “ It was amazing to see everyone come together to celebrate their common experience. ina s in Ch t n e v e , it was mni g u l n i a y f e i t h T ra mely g nect with our e r t x e n were to reco how TRU has l u f r e wond d learn nd careers. n a s e t a gradua d their livesod ce y Mcle – Cind influen “ ” TRU hosted a reception in the BC Olympic Pavilion where 82 TRU alumni came and enjoyed an evening of networking and fine British Columbian Wine. Nancy Greene, Roger Barnsley and Deputy Premier and Education Minister Shirley Bond spoke at the event describing some of the fantastic partnerships BC, Kamloops and TRU have made overseas. Then it was on to Shanghai where TRU hosted an amazing dinner at the Jade Garden. Close to 100 alumni arrived and shared a meal of prawn, ginger chicken and a dozen different delicacies. This dinner brought together TRU Kamloops Alumni living overseas and many alumni from our partner programs who studied TRU curriculum in China. ” These two gatherings brought together alumni of many ages, backgrounds and social circles. It was amazing to see everyone come together to celebrate their common experience. It was fantastic to see these alumni enter the room as strangers and leave as friends. We were also able to create two chapters, one in Beijing and one in Shanghai. These chapters will give us the ability to call these alumni together for more social functions and keep them informed of the happenings at TRU. Please phone the TRU Alumni Office for contact names and additional information. This year China, soon TRU will take the world! 14 Thompson Rivers University “ This y ear soon T China, take th RU will e worl d! ” > > > The Last Keystone By Christopher Séguin TRU will be the home of a brand new House of Learning within the next two years. This new facility will be built to LEED Gold construction standards* and the architectural concept for the House of Learning will reflect the spirit of Thompson Rivers University, which can be described as exuberant optimism coupled with deep respect for the region’s natural and aboriginal heritages, and responsive to the needs of all members of the TRU community. This 3,803 square metres building will house not only the library information and learning commons, but will include “ a tiered lecture theatre, and 1,556 square metres for First Nations business, technology and leadership programming. “The creation of TRU as a university in 2005 has already had a positive impact on the Interior, ensuring a wide variety of programs are available for this vibrant and growing region of our province,” said Campbell. The total cost for this core structure will be $29.3 million. Gordon Campbell announced, earlier this summer, the government’s contribution of 18 million dollars and the remaining funding will be generated from TRU and donors. “When we transitioned to a university, we identified the need to improve our library and First Nations learning spaces,” said Roger H. Barnsley, past president and vice-chancellor of TRU. “We have a strong mandate to serve our region, and this new funding means we can continue to offer high-calibre, diverse educational opportunities for our students. These new facilities will mean a lot to our community.” This new building will be the final core building that will satisfy many of the needs created by TRU’s growth. It will reflect the innovation that is possible when people interact with each other and with technology. A new library and First Nations learning building will support the continued growth of TRU and help ensure Kamloops continues to be a centre of educational opportunities. – Gordon Campbell \ ” - TRU Factoid Note to Readers Two gold LEEDs certified “Gathering Places” will be created at Kamloops and Williams Lake and are being designed by the Kamloops based Owen & Hunter architectural firm in the style of the local Aboriginal “kekuli” or “pit house”. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Magazine for Alumni & Friends www.trualumni.ca 15 Living “Grassland ecosystems are becoming increasingly threatened across the globe, not just here in British Columbia,” says Canada Research Chair in Community Ecology, Dr. Lauchlan Fraser, who is involved in nine research projects related to the impacts of cattle grazing, climate change, and other factors on grasslands and wetlands. Dr. Fraser was recently in China to address a group of international scholars and others on grasslands management as a representative of The University President’s Council of BC (TUPC). The knowledge that Dr. Fraser and his colleagues gather in the living laboratory surrounding TRU is of great importance around the world. Canada is blessed with both the natural environment and the scholarly resources to make major contributions to the understanding of these global treasure-houses. Fraser’s colleague, Dr. Wendy Gardner, an Assistant Professor in TRU’s Natural Resource Science program, was also in China this year to share her findings with others at the International Rangelands Congress and International Grasslands Congress. Gardner, TRU’s Bert Brink Endowed Professor in Grassland Ecology and Conservation, is the principal investigator on three projects involving the reduction of Spotted Knapweed, the impact of wildfire and seeding on range plant communities, and the impact of habitat condition on the health of the South Thompson Bighorn Sheep herd. She shares her knowledge at the local level as well. A long-time board member of the Grasslands Conservation Council and current member of its monitoring committee, Gardner is also chair of the 16 Thompson Rivers University Laboratories By Bronwen Scott technical research committee on mine reclamation, a member of the Kamloops Food Policy Council, and a member of the Range Management School, coordinating and lecturing at one-day field schools for farmers and others, held at three locations in the province each year. Education transfer operates on many levels, and is an important component of grasslands research. “There’s a lot of science going around, and producers need all the help they can get. They need access to the information, and so we facilitate education transfer to them,” she says. “Our work in this province contributes to an increased understanding of not only the importance of these systems, but also the patterns and processes that guide their functioning,” says TRU associate professor Karl Larsen, adding, “By linking our projects, or at the very least keeping the information flowing between them, we foster a better understanding of how the various components of grassland ecosystems interact.” Dr. Larsen, who studies snakes, squirrels, goshawks and small mammal species, is currently involved in ten research projects related to wildlife communities in the arid grasslands. One of these, conducted by research associate Jeffrey Lemieux, involves a study of grazing effects on tiny grasslands species like beetles and mice. “By studying a season of grazing and its effects on grasslands, we hope to evaluate how groups might be affecting one another or changing together,” Dr. Lemieux explains. “We are seeking alternatives to cattle exclusion as a method of mitigating impacts on biological diversity and ecosystem processes. > > > Page Title Living Laboratories > > > Photos by Stephanie Lange This is a novel approach and one intended to recognize both industrial and conservation priorities.” Along with undergraduate research assistant Michele Waring, Dr. Lemieux heads up the Lac du Bois road every morning to check the catch in his tightly meshed insect traps. Meanwhile, down at the base of the hill, Dr. Tom Dickinson is conducting another study related to restoration of the Tranquille Wildlife Management Area. Dickinson, an associate professor of biology at TRU and adjunct professor at UBC, has dedicated decades to ecosystem research and management. He is a director of the BC Interior Science and Innovation Council and has been a member of the planning, implementation and monitoring committees of the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan since 1992. Dickinson, who can whistle the song of any bird species you might care to name, studies birds and the impact that management activities and agriculture have on their distribution and abundance. He pursues his research with the aim “to provide a greater understanding of the complex network of interactions that are involved in these fragile ecosystems,” and he’s now also a member of the Canadian Intermountain Joint Venture, an alliance led by the Canadian Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited Canada to coordinate the conservation of grasslands in the great basin region of BC. It’s all about co-ordination for conservation. The abstract notion, “All things are connected,” is proven in practice through grasslands research. All human and natural activities have an impact on all grasslands life. By linking knowledge from many diverse studies in this living laboratory, a coherent picture emerges. \ TRU Factoid The first cohort of TRU’s Master of Science in Environmental Sciences includes Amber Greenall, a recipient of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) national award. “ Grasslands are important to people, both economically and culturally, “says Dr. Larsen. “Grasslands researchers at TRU share a common vision of making TRU a centre of excellence and the ‘go to’ location for grassland research. ” Magazine for Alumni & Friends www.trualumni.ca 17 > > > Alumni and Friends in Action Bill Uren Donna Lasser Bill Uren (Communications Media – class of 1973–74) has successfully avoided prison for 34 years. He is currently not serving time for fraud, embezzlement, assault or manslaughter; he has, however worked in Alberta since 1976… considered a crime to most British Columbians. A fierce advocate for animals, Donna Lasser (UCC Animal Health Technology Program 1999) was so moved by the death and displacement of thousands of animals after Hurricane Katrina that she vowed to help. With the support of the Granville Island Veterinary Hospital and the community of Vancouver, she was able to send over 80 Vets and Technicians to areas in Texas and Louisiana to help with the rescue effort. She then went on to create the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT). CAAT has since been involved in spay and neuter projects across Becky and Clay Fadden In January 2008, Becky Fadden (CSOM, 1999), and her husband, Clay Fadden (CSOM, 1998), were awarded the Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s 2007 Volunteer Achievement Award for acting as a team to organize and manage a large number of running and triathlon related training programs, races, and community events. Their goals are to help regular people realize their athletic potential, and to ensure that Fort McMurray has plenty of quality, fun and rewarding activities for everyone to enjoy. Canada and internationally, worked with Emergency Services in several communities, as well as pet rescue services for the city of Vancouver. Visit www.caat-canada.org today for more information. Dayna Schweizer Dayna Schweizer (UCC 1999) was received into the Fellowship of Actuaries at a ceremony in Quebec City on June 19, 2008 and is now an actuary certified in both Canada and the US. While at UCC, Schweizer played 4 years of soccer at UCC winning 3 National Silver medals with her team. She was selected All Canadian 1996 and garnered numerous All-Star Awards. She is currently the captain of the Westsyde Ladies Soccer Team playing in the Vancouver Premiere Ladies League. Lori Rilkoff Larry Read On July 24, 2008, TRU’s Sports Information Officer, Larry Read was presented with the MS Society of Canada’s John Alexander Media Award for The Faces of MS, a broadcast story about the Faces of MS Public Education Project, an exhibit on Kamloops, BC residents affected by multiple sclerosis. Lori Rilkoff (BBA 1995) wrote and contributed case studies for two textbooks by TRU’s Dr. John Bratton. The case studies appear in “Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice” and “Work and Organizational Behaviour”. Read, who is the Honorary Chair of the Kamloops Rona MS Bike Tour, marked the occasion by donating the $500 Award back to the MS Society in support of the tour. t n a w We stories! your 18 Thompson Rivers University If you or an alumnus you know has a great story, we want to hear about it! Send your submissions to alumni@tru.ca. Please keep your stories to under 80 words. Thank you! > > > Page Title nyk ne Oly By Arle After 5 years of study and research as an undergraduate Timothy Graves earned a cumulative GPA of 4.29, the highest in his graduating class and was the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal. We caught up with Timothy and discovered the person behind the GPA. If you are really Although I was very anti-social (at least, that’s what I’m told) and I like to spend my lunch hours reading about particle/nuclear physics in the library (is something wrong with that?), I remember wanting to be a high school science teacher, mostly because I liked school so much I never wanted to leave. smart, but completely anti-social, go to a smaller university like TRU. Professors are more likely to notice you and give you lots of cool opportunities and give you good advice on your future plans. For example, my professors persuaded me to turn to the darkside (a.k.a. mathematics) away from computing science; it’s not as evil as it sounds. I had amazing opportunities as an undergrad: Second year, (NSERCfunded), supervised by Rick Brewster, researched edge-colour permutations of edgecoloured graphs. Third year (NSERC-funded), supervised by Rick Brewster, researched Restricted Homomorphism Problem. Fourth year (CUEF-funded), with Richard Taylor, researched regularization techniques for complex systems. Design concept based on Timothy Graves’s “Quantum Computing” Undergrad Research Poster. 19 Thompson Rivers University Fifth year, honours thesis, supervised by Rick Brewster, researched Quantum algorithms. Timothy’s next goal is to go on to grad school and becoming a professor. He credits the environment at TRU for helping him solidify his future plans. I love to teach Sunday school, using some combination of stories, crafts, puzzles, games, and candy. (The techniques involved in teaching Sunday school and giving a lecture on an obscure topic like t-transitive graphs and stabilizer sequences are strikingly similar. Both require special skills to keep their attention.) Every Wednesday, my brother and I join volunteers in a program called “Kids Life”. To put on a night of music, fun and activities for children, we bring our guitars, drums and vocals. Magazine for Alumni & Friends www.trualumni.ca 19 Distinguished Distinguished Alumni AwardsAwards Dinner Alumni Dinner 2008 Saturday Oct 25, 2008 Campus Activity Centre - Independent Centre Cocktails at 5:30pm - Diner at 6:00pm Saturday October 25, 2008 Awards Ceremony at 7:00pm - Dessert Reception at 8:30pm Campus Activity Centre - Independent Centre Theme this year is Black & White at 5:30pm • Dinner at 6:00pm Cocktails Tickets are $75 per person Awards Ceremony at 7:00pm Dress theme this year is Black & White For tickets contact TRU Alumni Association at 828-5264 or email alumni@tru.ca Tickets $75 per person For tickets contact the TRU Alumni Association at 250.371.5714 or email alumni@tru.ca Sponsored by: Sponsored by: TRU Crossword 1 2 5 3 Across 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 2. “Beautiful Mind” student and Governor General’s Silver Medal winner, Timothy ____ 14. Mysterious or specialized knowledge (plural) from Merriam Websters Dictionary 4. TRU ____ increasing elementary students excitement toward Science & Engineering 16. TRU continues to produce national ____ award winning science graduates. 5. Canada.com reported that TRU's ____ cam was the 3rd most popular in the nation. 18. Only ___ of its kind in Canada, TRU's Bachelor Trades & Technolgy 10. The Alumni Association Board is proud to be working for you with the new __________ staff. 20. Acronym for BC's leading distance education provider. 11. Dr. Kathleen ____ sets the stage for TRU's next era as new President! 21. Two Aboriginal Gathering Places, designed as "kekulis", will be Gold ____ Certified. Down 21 1. Physics instructor Mark ___ set up a nature webcam bringing the world to TRU. 6. ____ Fraser is TRU's Canada Research Chair in Community and Ecosystem Ecology 7. Valedictorian Ryan ________ convocated with Bachelor of Admin Finance AND Computing Science 3. New degree Fall 2008 is Bachelor of Interdisciplinary ____ 8. Dr. Jann Bailey, Kamloops Art Gallery, was awarded Doctor of Letters, honoris _____. 4. Dr. Trevor Chandler and Dr. Colin James were designated this 9. TRU Varsity Athletics ____ Pack can be tracked online www.tru.ca/athletics.html 12. Governor General's award recipient is from _____, BC. 20Thompson Thompson Rivers University Rivers University’s Alumni & Friends Magazine 20 13. TRU’s Office of ___, Innovation Transfer and Graduate Studies research ensures scholarly activity of TRU is a catalyst for development. 14. New Bridges magazine is brought to you by YOUR ____ Association 15. TRU is THE university of ___ for students in their ___ (same word) for career success. 17. Lynne Wiltse and Julie Drolet join Will Garrett_Petts with ___ award. 19. The acronym for one of TRU's Schools embracing "internationalizing curriculum". Distinguished Alumni Sharon Simpson, RN Honourary Distinguished Alumni For 35 years Sharon has inspired, collaborated, developed, pioneered, implemented and impacted all aspects of the nursing and wellness professions not only locally at TRU but provincially, regionally, provincially and nationally. Her strong presence and advocacy for TRU students and alumni will always be treasured. Jo Berry Grace Chronister TRU BSW Grace Chronister TRU BSW Distinguished Alumni Award Jo is being recognized for educating people for personal change and growth, developing community, delivering services to all ages, pushing our BSW professional ideals out of the box and being a fabulous alumni and advocate for TRU. As a founder of the Kamloops Runclub and co-founder of the Daily News Boogie the Bridge, she is an inspiration to all. Dr. Nikita Vizniak Distinguished Young Alumni After graduating from TRU in 1998 with a B.Sc. in Animal Biology, Dr. Nikita has become not only an excellent physician but also a world renowned author. His texts are required reading at numerous colleges and universities around the world and his international reputation, significant achievements and contributions to his medical profession that brings honour and prestige to TRU and the Alumni Association. Craig Jones Distinguished Open Learning Alumni The Bachelor of General Studies Craig Jones gained from TRU, Open Learning (formerly the British Columbia Open University) in 1995 was the foundation for everything he’s done since, including completing law school at both UBC and Harvard. Currently, Jones is the Supervising Counsel of the Constitutional and Administrative Law Group of the Ministry of the Attorney General, Victoria. In addition to authoring two books and numerous articles, Jones has been involved in litigations surrounding powers of the government and the application of the Charter of Rights. Dr. Katherine Sutherland Distinguished Alumni Dr. Katherine Sutherland taught at UCC/TRU for 17 years before accepting her current position as Associate Dean of Arts. Her teaching and publishing have been focused around Postcolonial and Gender Studies. Additionally, for the past 10 years she has also researched and taught in the field of Sports Culture, focussing on hockey, motorcycle racing, and most recently, soccer. Magazine for Alumni & Friends www.trualumni.ca 21 How to Stay Connected in 8 easy steps Step 5 - Volunteer with the TRU Alumni Association Step 1 - Update your email and address with us Help us help you stay connected after moving into your new home. Keep up with TRU news via your mailbox and inbox. www.trualumni.ca VOLUNTEER Step 6 - Join us for the Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner Step 2 - Join the Online Community Share photos and updates with your classmates on the exclusive TRU Alumni Online Community. www.trualumni.ca Step 3 - Get discounts on goods and services Make sure you get your Alumni Benefits card. It’s free, and has great deals on products and services. NEW CARDS available January 2009. Page 24. Step 4 - Share news & achievements with fellow grads Send your stories to “Alumni & Friends in Action” in Bridges TRU’s Magazine for Alumni and Friends. Prizes for stories that we print! Page 18. Celebrate the accomplishments of TRU graduates, and community leaders on Oct. 25/08. Nomination deadline is May 30th each year. rM pte a Ch Step 7 - Organize your local inu TRU Alumni Chapter Network Form a network of other graduates in your area. If you have a brilliant idea for an event, we can help. See “TRU China” for our recent chapter success. Page 14. Step 8 - Take part in TRU Alumni Events 3 10 For more information on staying connected contact your TRU Alumni Association phone 250-828-5624 email alumni@tru.ca or visit our website for more information www.trualumni.ca Help a student through our mentoring program or help at an event. We’ll be glad to see you. Check out our website for more details. 4 Every year your Alumni Association offers lots of great events. Check our website often to see what’s coming up. 11 Pages 12 & 13. www.trualumni.ca. > > > Page Title Distinguished Alumni The ace up your sleeve. The TRU Alumni & Friends Card NEW! The TRU Alumni and Friends Card provides alumni and friends with access to many on and off-campus services and discounts. Benefits of the TRU Alumni and Friends Card > Discounts at many local service providers on and off campus. > Affinity program access > TRU Alumni Special Event Access To apply for your TRU Alumni and Friends Card Fill in the application form available: > By Phone: 250.828.5264 > In Person: House #9 on the Kamloops Campus > Online: www.trualumni.ca > By request: alumni@tru.ca 23emailThompson Rivers University Please include a Photo Drop by the office at House #9 across from the Campus Activity Centre on the Kamloops Campus, or add it to your online application at www.trualumni.ca or email us at alumni@tru.ca, attach it with your name. Add your Business to the list If you would like to provide a product or service discount for TRU Alumni and Friends Card holders, please contact us at alumni@tru.ca. Get a complete list of current TRU Alumni and Friends Card benefits and discounts check the website at www.trualumni.ca The TRU Alumni and Friends Cards is offered FREE for a limited time. Get yours today! A greener way to stay connected / œ“«Ãœ˜Ê,ˆÛiÀÃÊ1˜ˆÛiÀÈÌÞÊÀiVœ}˜ˆâiÃÊÌ iÊi˜ÛˆÀœ˜“i˜Ì>ÊV >i˜}iÃÊv>Vi`Ê LÞÊVÕÀÀi˜ÌÊ>˜`ÊvÕÌÕÀiÊ}i˜iÀ>̈œ˜ÃÊ>˜`ÊÃÌÀˆÛiÃÊ̜ÊÃÕ««œÀÌÊ>ÊÃÕÃÌ>ˆ˜>LiÊvÕÌÕÀi°Ê Following the ethic of environmental responsibility, TRU offers over 400 courses and 57 programs through our Open Learning division. The distance option we provide helps reduce our environmental impact by minimizing personal dependency on fuel and energy consumption.* Distance learning course delivery also helps to minimize energy expenditure and produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions on a larger scale.* All of our Open Learning courses and programs are available for enrolment throughout the year. No fixed schedule means you can study at a pace that suits your lifestyle. For a complete list of courses and programs, please visit our website. Challenge the Norm UÊ œœÃiÊ"«i˜Êi>À˜ˆ˜} ÜÜÜ°ÌÀ՜«i˜°V>ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ1.866.434.6736 * Roy, R., Potter, Yarrow, K., and Smith, M. (March 2005). Towards Sustainable Higher Education: Environmental impacts of campus-based and distance higher education systems. Design Innovation Group, Factor 10 Visions project: Higher Education Sector.