TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine FALL 2010 ISSUE #4 www.tru.ca/alumni No Limits Nootka Trail Pirate Patrol A Picture of Support TRU’s Permanent Art Collection TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 1 Thompson Rivers University Invites You to Our th 40 Anniversary Celebrations! September 8 – 11, 2010 www.tru.ca/40 2010 events www.tru.ca/alumni • www.tru.ca/foundation Sept 11............. Home Care Attendant Chapter Speaker Series ......................10am – 12pm Featuring Susan Ross – www.tru.ca/alumni/chapters 16............. Cultural Event Series – Shane Philips.................................12:30pm (Free) Clock Tower – Alumni Theatre – www.tru.ca/events 18 ............ Soccer – TRU Soccer Alumni Event ................. 11am (women) & 1pm (men) vs Vancouver Island U – www.tru.ca/athletics Oct 1 .............. Sports Task Force Fundraising Night An Evening in Vegas .................. 7pm Providing Student Athletes with Scholarship and Bursary funding www.tru.ca/athletics/events 12 – 15 .... 2010 Ping Canadian College Athletic Association Golf National Championship – Dunes of Kamloops 21 ............ Cultural Event Series – Human Statues ............................. 12:30pm (Free) Clock Tower – Alumni Theatre – www.tru.ca/events 29 ............ Basketball – Home Opener..............................6pm (women) & 8pm (men) vs Alberta – www.tru.ca/athletics Nov 5 .............. Basketball – TRU Basketball Alumni Event........6pm (women) & 8pm (men) vs TWU – www.tru.ca/athletics 12 ............ Volleyball – Home Opener ...............................6pm (women) & 8pm (men) vs Manitoba – www.tru.ca/athletics 26 ............ Volleyball – TRU Volleyball Alumni Event ..........6pm (men) & 8pm (women) vs Alberta – www.tru.ca/athletics Feb Writers start your pens… Enter the TRU 40th Anniversary Writing Contest! 1st PRIZE Publication in Bridges, $200 Donated by TRU Alumni 2nd PRIZE $100 Donated by Chapters Guidelines Send up to 500 words of original, previously unpublished short fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction representing your experience at Cariboo College, UCC or TRU. Send as MS Word file to writingcontest@tru.ca Please put your name on each page of the submission. Deadline September 25, 2010 Shortlisted entries will be posted on the TRU 40th Anniversary website for reader vote. Winners and runners-up in each category will be published either in Bridges or on the Alumni & Friends website. Submission of entry indicates permission to publish online or in Bridges. Breaking news for 5............... TRU Foundation Fundraising Gala – Super Natural British Columbia Proceeds towards financial aid for TRU students – www.tru.ca/foundation 7 – 11 ...... International Days Five Day Festival of World Cultures at TRU – www.tru.ca/internationaldays Community … Students … Culture TRU Athletics Alumni Party • Sept 11th – RSVP Now! Join us to celebrate the TRU 40th Anniversary and re-connect with teammates Details and RSVP information available online at www.tru.ca/athletics Check out: www.tru.ca/athletics/history www.truworld.ca/internationaldays and help us update our team lists. If you know of a missing player or coach please contact: jshephard@tru.ca > > > Page Title contents T 7 ETSXEMÍNTE STSELXMÉM FALL 2010 ISSUE #4 TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine Cover Story www.tru.ca/alumni No Limits Nootka Trail 14–16 No Limits – Nootka Trail Departments Pirate Patrol A Picture of Support TRU’s Permanent Art Collection TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 1 3–5 ......Campus Commons Publisher: Office of University Advancement, Christopher Séguin TRU Alumni & Friends Association, Arlene Olynyk Editor: 12.........Track the ’Pack 7–9 ...... Student Street 13.........TRU World 10–11 ..Insidetru 29 ........Last Word Alumni & Friends Info 2 .......... Alumni Chair’s Message Diana Skoglund 17–20...Alma Matters Co-Editor: Bart Cummins Advisory Board: Roger Barnsley Ulrich Scheck Christopher Séguin Mary Ellen Grant Diana Skoglund Arlene Olynyk Writers: 6...........Research Review TRU Report to the Community 21 25 Diana Skoglund Larry Read Sarah Bruce Bart Cummins About TRU TRU Foundation TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine Photography: Ken Attwood – Cover Bart Cummins Diana Skoglund Graphic Designer: Cindy Drescher Advertising Sales: Karen Gamracy www.tru.ca/alumni Stay Connected Contact us: 900 McGill Road, Box 3010 Kamloops BC V2C 5N3 Phone: 1.250.828.5264 Email: alumni@tru.ca MC103943 Thompson Rivers University Alumni & Friends Association Fall 2010 > > > TRU Alumni & Friends Association Welcome Back TRU Alumni & Friends Association Chair – Susan McIntyre In our busy lives, there are many activities competing for our time. When you have a moment to read this issue of Bridges magazine you’ll get a glimpse of some of the remarkable things TRU Alumni & Friends are doing with their time. They are on pirate patrol over the Gulf of Aden, trekking the rugged trails of Nootka Island to prove that disability is not an inability and combating poverty in a small African village by pigging it forward. This month, it will be worth stopping for the University’s anniversary celebration. Forty years of history for Cariboo College, the University College of the Cariboo, Open Learning and Thompson Rivers University is just the event to attend in 2010. You and your families are invited to share our celebration and recognize the last 40 years. Besides connecting with classmates and faculty, discover TRU as it has grown and evolved today. The new House of Learning will be a highlight for all to see. Friday will be geared towards family activities, including prizes, buskers, tours of the garden, speakers, breakfasts and much more. Spend the day making connections with Alumni & Friends and current students. Stay for dinner, music and a great fireworks display to end the evening. Check the schedule of events at www.tru.ca/40 to see what your faculty is doing. Don’t miss the antique car show and the tool display, courtesy of the School of Trades & Technology. Imagine sharing this history with your kids and sharing your experience. Mark the dates now, and make plans to attend, September 8 through 12. On behalf of the Alumni & Friends Association and Thompson Rivers University, we look forward to seeing you there. Come take a walk with us… Revisit, remember and reconnect. Details on the opportunities listed above available at: www.tru.ca/40 Campus Commons President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Shaver, Announced June 2 The Vice-President Academic and Provost at Dalhousie University since 2006, Dr. Shaver will begin his new position as President and Vice-Chancellor of TRU on December 1, 2010. “There is a pioneering spirit in Kamloops and in the past 40 years it has built an innovative and dynamic institution. Many of the great Canadian universities are founded upon the vision of pioneers such as fur trader James McGill and British colonial administrator Lord Dalhousie. Both believed that society must be built on education and free thought. That legacy of vision and spirit continues at TRU. It is time to take that legacy onto the global stage and continue innovating strategically to build a better world.” Faculty of Science School of Nursing Dean Dr. Tom Dickinson Dean Dr. Barbara Paterson Appointed July 15 Appointed April 1 “I have enjoyed being part of the senior leadership team at TRU and I find the mixture of jobs that make up the Dean’s position both challenging and rewarding. I am looking forward to working with a really fine group of colleagues to deliver what I think is an exceptionally good undergraduate science education.” “I am excited about working with the faculty at Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing because I appreciate their commitment to student learning and to the scholarship of teaching. I am confident that as we work together with our community partners we will contribute to the reputation of the School of Nursing as being among the best in Canada.” TRU World Williams Lake AVP, Dr. Wesley Koczka Director Dr. Ray Sanders “TRU has an excellent reputation around the world for its programs and marketing innovation. I am excited to continue the momentum. The individuals at TRU World who have created an enterprise hosting more than 2,000 students from 90 countries on the Kamloops campus, and has more than 1,000 students enrolled in programs in China, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. “I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the community and to live in Williams Lake. I fully understand the ever changing and transformational role that post secondary schools play in the lives of local citizens. I also understand TRU’s unique role in economic development as it partners with business and industry to provide entrylevel and upgrade-training for workers and employers in the Cariboo.” Appointed May 1 Appointed September 1 www.tru.ca/alumni 3 Campus Commons New academic model for the Williams Lake campus A new academic model is rolling out at the Williams Lake campus. Intended to boost enrolment and student success, the model is the result of extensive community feedback. In September the Williams Lake Campus is offering a new cohort model to guarantee courses in first and second year arts, first-year science and university prep programs. Provost and Vice-President of Academic, Dr. Ulrich Scheck, has put administrative and marketing support toward a model that guarantees courses in the campus’s first and second-year university offerings in arts, first-year sciences and university preparation. “TRU is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable campus in Williams Lake,” said Scheck. “The new roster of vocational, skills-based and academic courses combined with a cohort model, will greatly benefit our students and the Williams Lake community.” The program is detailed at www.tru.ca/williamslake TRU Friends of the Gardens & Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners have teamed up to present… Fall 2010 Master Gardener Basic Training Program at the TRU Horticulture Building House 10. This program will appeal to enthusiastic home gardeners wanting to take their knowledge, passion and love of gardening to new heights.The intensive training program provides information on all gardening basics and trends. The program emphasizes environmentally responsible, sustainable gardening practices. Open to all, the course runs every Saturday from September 11 to December 11. Email: plants4@telus.net 4 Bilingual signs stop traffic at TRU Estil, is the Secwepemctsin word for ‘stop’. The bilingual signs are the first significant public indicator that TRU is located in the heart of Secwepemc territory. Search www.tru.ca/newsroom for the audio clip to learn how to say ‘Estil’ in Secwepemctsin. Pig it forward by Wendy McKenzie Thank you “Bridges” Your article and cover photo in the Spring 2010 issue of Bridges led to the ICU nurses at Royal Inland hospital holding a quick fundraiser to purchase piglets for the “Pig it forward” Project in Lesotho. Wendy McKenzie, My previous Nursing Educator,School of Nursing, Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing international practise group started a pig project in Lesotho to combat poverty, and support education and community development. I am pleased to report that the pigs are alive and well and delivered piglets of their own in Aug 2010. These piglets will be given to other village members to raise until everyone has a pig, then pigs will be forwarded to the next village. There is also an expectation of mentorship for the appropriate knowledge and skills to be learned to ensure the well-being of the animals. The new project placed two pigs with a child-led household in a village near Maseru. Supported by community mentors to provide agricultural and business assistance enables the children to learn new skills, attend school and combat poverty. It is from these children that we will buy future pigs for the program. I would like to thank all alumni members for their continued interest and support in this very exciting project. Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2010 Bridges survey and congratulations to Erin! A TRU app for that Simply enter “m.tru.ca” on your mobile device browser, and you’ll have instant access to campus services including TRU News and Events, Food Services Information, WolfPack updates, Computer Lab Availability, Wireless Printers, Campus Maps, Telbook and Security contacts. iWin! As the Grand Prize winner of the Bridges Magazine Survey Contest, Erin Lowe, a 2009 Animal Health Technology Diploma grad was presented with an Apple iPad. The Alumni & Friends Association will use data collected from the survey to improve the quality and relevance of Bridges Magazine. New season for Actors Workshop Theatre Fresh off the recent Mainstage Festival in July, TRU Actors Workshop program coordinator, Wesley Eccleston is eager to begin the new term with students and community. “This year we are honouring the theatrical past and present. Our 2010–11 season includes classics and contemporary productions that will showcase the depth of our acting base, and appeal to the general public.” Based in part on the need for some of the productions’ larger cast numbers, AWT is experimenting with their casting methods and inviting TRU community members past and present to join their ranks. Contact Eccleston for more information on casting call dates and times at 250.828.5020. One would think they have their hands full, but AWT is still providing an encore Dr. Lorne Cardinal receiving his honorary degree from or two. The program is Chancellor Nancy Greene Raine formally partnering with in 2009. Western Canada Theatre, on and offstage. Their February production of “Wit” will also feature university actors. Canadian acting celeb, Lorne Cardinal, performs in “Thunderstick” at WCT, and will be guest lecturing at TRU about the acting scene. For tickets call the Box Office at 250.377.6100 2010 – 2011 Season > The Tempest > Antigone – by William Shakespeare Directed by James Hoffman – by Jean Anouilh Directed by Heidi Verwey October 28–30 November 4–6 March 10–12, 17–19 Matinee: Friday, November 5 > 12th Annual > Tales of the Lost Formicans Matinee: Friday, March 18 Directors Festival April 11–16 – by Constance Cogden Directed by Robin Nichol January 13–15, 20–22 Matinee: Friday, January 21 www.tru.ca/alumni 5 Research Review TRU Science grads among nation’s best “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the scholarship recipients from Thompson Rivers University. This achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication and the high-calibre education you have received from TRU.” Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops– Thompson– Cariboo. Six 2010 graduates from Thompson Rivers University’s Faculty of Science are among the winners of some of Canada’s most prestigious graduate student research awards. Announced recently by the federally funded research agency (Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada), the awards are for high-calibre scholars at the master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral levels, as well as investments in a wide range of research projects in areas such as computing science, environmental sciences, life sciences and engineering. Eight TRU students applied for scholarships this semester, six were successful – an exceptionally high success rate of 75 per cent. MD/PhD program where she’ll be working practical research projects en route to becoming a physician. The criteria for selection given by NSERC is that the student must have a first-class standing in each of their last two years, and only the best will be selected. Once academic excellence is established, the other criteria are research potential/ability and communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities. This information is gleaned from the student’s application, and the letters of recommendation written by faculty who have first–hand knowledge of the student’s abilities. Without exception, the successful students have worked on research projects one-on-one with TRU faculty – one of the major benefits of the educational experience at TRU. Scott Foubister is a physics major whose research projects have been supervised by Dr. Normand Fortier. He is heading to the University of Waterloo (UW) for a research position at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) for a Master of Physics degree in quantum information. At the IQC he will be part of a multi-disciplinary group researching quantum devices and their applications. He has been offered $21,000 plus a $10,000 entrance scholarship from the IQC. Plus the NSERC — that’s nearly $45,000 for his first year at UW! Samantha Keller (far left) is one of five students who have won an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship of $17,500. Supervised by Dr. Kingsley Donkor and Nela MoraDiez, Sam has majored in organic chemistry and is heading to the University of Calgary where she will study Physical Organic Chemistry research related to solar energy materials. Marisa Azad, graduate of cellular and molecular biology, is the recipient of NSERC’s prestigious Julie Payette Research Scholarship of $25,000. Awarded to only 24 of the most outstanding graduate students in the country, Marisa’s research projects at TRU have been supervised by Dr. Heidi Huttunen-Hennelly and Dr. Cindy Ross Friedman and focused on the discovery of a protein design that promises to deliver new drugs. Marisa is heading to McMaster University for a combined 6 Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 Alysa McCall, a biology student has spent summers studying small grassland mammals (deer mice, voles). Her more current work has been researching spadefoot toads under the supervision of Karl Larsen. This fall at the University of Alberta, Alysa will turn her attention from small mammals to the largest carnivores on the continent, polar bears. Kendra Robinson, who majored in biology and conducted research supervised by Dr. Lyn Baldwin, has been accepted into the master’s program at the Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation laboratory at UBC. Very much interested in salmonid ecology, the offers of additional scholarship incentives helped her along with the graduate school decision. Brittany Dever, a Brocklehurst Secondary grad in 2006, has been accepted to the University of Alberta. Her analytical chemistry research on lantibiotics with supervisor Dr. Kingsley Donkor, has secured her an $11,000 Queen Elizabeth ll entrance scholarship as one of the top four students applying to the Chemical Biology PhD program. Student Street Green dreams The green dream home started with Jody Martens, a firstyear student in the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program. Her design won the Equilibrium™ House Design competition, earned her a handsome scholarship and was used as the blueprint to build the 2010 Training House at Sun Rivers Golf Resort Community. Just over a year later, a 3,000-square-foot home stands at 1858 Ironwood Terrace in Sun Rivers and is so loaded with energy-efficient features that the estimated net cost for a year’s worth of electricity will be zero. An extended list of features, ranging from 2.5–cm-thick recycled rubber shingles to a living-room waterfall that balances interior humidity, make it one of the most technically complex and modern homes in existance. The house is the product of a collaboration among several organizations, including the Canadian Home Builders Association, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. and Thompson Rivers University, and is one of 15 CMHC supported ‘Equilibrium’ green home projects that are either complete or underway across Canada. TRU’s construction trades programs provided the student labour to build it. Lindsay Langill, Dean of the School of Trades & Technology, noted that the university has partnered with Canadian Home Builders on housing construction projects for 19 years. “There is no other home or project being done anywhere I know of, to this magnitude, where students learning the trade in the foundation program are getting exposure like this,” Langill said. Trades students – carpenters, electricians and plumbers – are all promptly hired because of their familiarity with the green materials and building practices. The house at 1858 Ironwood Terrace in Sun Rivers is open for tours until November 25, 2010. Tickets to win the home can be purchased at: www.kamloopsy.org TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 7 Student Street Fair Trade Kamloops Adina Gray and Jane Komori, from Sa-Hali Secondary man the Free Trade information booth at a Saturday Farmer ‘s Market. When she enrolled in the Master of Business program two years ago, TRU student Adina Gray (BBA ’05) expected a degree with typical lectures on corporate finance and strategic management. However, a Business Ethics course taught by TRU Professor, Dr. Andrew Fergus inspired Gray to focus her thesis on fair trade, a system allowing poor farmers from developing countries to receive a fair price for their crops –coffee, cocoa, tea, rice, sugar, etc. and to access global markets on better terms than those offered by conventional trade. In December 2009, Adina travelled to Peru where she spent two weeks visiting a fair trade coffee cooperative, learning about its business practices and interviewing coffee farmers. Moved by their hard work and appreciation of a fair trade system that allows them to feed their families and educate their children, Gray returned determined to share their stories and encourage Canadians to support the system by choosing Fair Trade Certified products whenever possible. With the help of a few enthusiastic volunteers, Gray founded Fair Trade Kamloops, a local advocacy group committed to increasing Fair Trade awareness in the community. The group’s first project included an audit of all local grocery stores, resulting in a list of fair trade products available: coffee, tea, chocolate, rice, sugar and many others. “It is now easier than ever for consumers to make the right choices and this is only the beginning,” Gray said. A new campaign initiated by the group aims to bring Fair Trade bananas to Kamloops. How can you support fair trade? > Purchase products with the Fair Trade Certified Logo > Ask your coffee shop, restaurant or hotel to offer fair trade options > Educate your friends, family and community groups about fair trade Volunteer with Fair Trade Kamloops by contacting them on Facebook or by emailing fairtradekmaloops@gmail.com Photo: Nick Procaylo/ Vancouver Sun Summer Setting 8 Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 Greg Stewart (r), practices with the Canadian Paralympic sitting volleyball team preparing for the world championships held in Edmond, Oklahoma in July. He’s also a 7’2” post with the WolfPack men’s basketball team. It was an experience of a lifetime for Colin Carson. The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack setter was part of Canada’s silver medal winning national junior men’s team at the NORCECA tournament. Carson and the team earned a berth to the 2011 FIVB Junior Championship. Research on Campus IN JO Mentoring for Success Thompson Rivers University student Hayley Bennett (BA ’10) was one of the first to sign up for TRU’s recently launched Career Mentoring Program. With her studies this spring, Bennett faced growing indecision about her degree choice. She opted to take an extra step to explore her career options and signed up for the Career Mentor Program. “As an arts student everybody was asking me what I was going to do with my degree,” said Bennett, a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in psychology. “After a work placement in mental health, I knew I had to explore all the options available to me.” Norma Watts (BSN ’95) and Hayley Bennett (BA ’10) To become a mentor please contact: With an initial goal to become a clinical psychologist, Bennett had what many undergraduate students entering university from high school have, “premature occupational tracking”. “Grade 12 students are typically familiar with about 20 different career choices,” said Susan Forseille TRU Student Employment Coordinator. “They often enter university and choose a degree based on this limited list. “Through the Career Mentoring Program, our students have access to wonderful TRU Alumni & Friends as career advisors who know the labour market intimately and can provide a glimpse of aspects of careers that we (employment councilors) are not always able to provide.” TRU Alumni & Friends Association 250.828.5498 alumni@tru.ca For students and mentors who are apprehensive about one-on-one mentoring relationships, the program “Networking 411” has been set up to allow mentors to work in pairs and students to meet them in small groups. Taking on the form of speed dating, this program introduces both the mentor and the protégé to the how-to and benefit of mentor relationships. TRU Career Education Department The main thing Forseille advises the students/protégés is to be committed and take the opportunity to ask questions. “Find out what your mentor did to get to where they are. What mistakes did they make? What would they do differently if they had the chance? Is it the job they thought it was?” 250.371.5692 sforseille@tru.ca Join D BUIL the TRU Career Mentor Program… Through short, casual one-on-one meetings, students can R TO N ME > LINK your education and career > PREPARE for today’s job market PREPA RE Volunteer as a Professional NETWORK LINK > BUILD job search strategies > NETWORK with industry professionals Join FREE as a TRU Student and or recent Grad call 250.828.5264 or check www.tru.ca/alumni/mentoring TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 9 insidetru A Picture of Support Permanent art collection helps graduates build resume by Sarah Bruce Each year TRU supports graduating Visual Arts students by selecting a few masterpieces to add to the permanent art collection. “It is important because it helps build an artist’s resume to have had work purchased for the university’s permanent collection,” said Ernie Kroeger, a TRU Visual and Performing Arts assistant professor. Each year TRU spends $1,000 to $2,000 on pieces created by the graduating students whose final semester is in directed studies. The art is chosen from the graduating students’ year-end exhibiton. Over 100 pieces make up the collection that was started in 1994. The mediums represented are diverse and include etchings, drawings, paintings, photographs, lithographs and silkscreens. There are also several pieces of sculpture and ceramics which are in storage because of limited display space. This year the committee purchased eight pieces from four students. Three of those pieces were Fraser Hallett’s. His oil on canvas painting evokes a French film noir style. They can be displayed individually or as a group. Fraser Hallett, Fine Arts graduate 2010, sits in front of the TRU arts building while reflecting on his art success up until now. “They purchased a series of three entitled ‘The Watcher’,” Hallett said, a TRU Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate. “It’s mostly about artificial light and shapes and things that can be mistaken in the darkness; the feeling I get when I’m out at night and constantly see things different the closer or farther I get to it.” “I had different ideas and imagery floating around my head, so I thought that was a good place to go, because something interesting was coming from our common experiences interpreted by the unique machine of my brain,” Hallett said, explaining his inspiration for the paintings. And still inspired by art, Hallett plans to apply for UVIC’s education program this winter. Fraser her – by The Watc 10 Hallett Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 “Apparently they have a dedicated art teacher program instead of just an all inclusive education program,” Hallett said, explaining his hopes of wanting to be a high school art teacher. “I really want to focus on skill building. I think one of my biggest frustrations as a high school student was the lack of direct instruction on how to achieve a specific affect, so I’d like to be a lot more handson and direct.” Research on Campus Insidetru Matthew Tremblay, Fine Arts graduate 2005, working at the Kamloops Art Gallery, displays the art piece that was bought by TRU when he graduated. The Preparator Another Visual Arts alumni succeeding in the art world is Matthew Tremblay, who graduated from the TRU Visual Arts program in 2005. He also had several pieces bought for the permanent collection in his graduating year. Tremblay is now a preparator at the Kamloops Art Gallery. “I basically do all the technical aspects of show construction: anything that needs to be installed, built or ordered,” he said, explaining that he enjoys still being able to work with art for his career path. “I do a little bit of everything.” “Buying pieces for the collection is kind of like speculating,” Kroeger said. “You look for the strongest, most interesting pieces. It’s a nudge to a student, to go further and become a successful artist or educator. As a teacher you want your students to succeed.” Pieces from TRU’s permanent collection are on display in several locations around campus including: Arts & Education, Advising, Registrar’s Office, Open Learning, Advancement Office and TRU World. Special Offer for TRU Alumni! Cantharellus infundibuliformis etching – Matthew Tremblay Ski & Stay to SAVE 15% discount on accommodation* 10% discount on lift tickets** BC’s 2 Largest Ski Area nd with 3 mountains and 3678 acres. Choose from a selection of ski-in, ski-out hotels, lodges and townhomes. Call 1-800-807-3257 or book online at www.sunpeaksresort.com/packages† * Some blackout dates apply, 2 night minimum required ** Lift tickets must be booked in conjunction with accommodation † Must enter promo code TRU Photo credit: Adam Stein TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 11 Track the ’Pack Adopt an Athlete The program is as simple as its title. Student athletes make a great sacrifice in order to perform both in the classroom and on the court, pitch, ice or diamond. Striving for excellence in both realms, leaves little time to work part-time jobs. The Adopt an Athlete program links individuals and businesses with student athletes in various programs. “Some of our benefactors have been involved for years,” says Athletic Director Ken Olynyk. “We don’t tie our benefactors into specific totals. We are grateful for whatever they can contribute.” Since each team is involved in Adopt an Athlete, benefactors can specify a sport. The money will go directly to an athlete with that team. Dispersing of the funds falls on the shoulders of the team’s head coach. “Asking for help financially is a very personal thing,” Olynyk explains. “That is one of the reasons why we stress anonymity on both sides.” Pride of the ’Pack www.tru.ca/athletics However, there is the opportunity for the benefactor to be recognized, and supporters will be issued a tax receipt. Student athletes write a thank you letter which finds its way to contributors. “ I don’t know where I would be without the help I received from the Adopt an Athlete program,” said one athlete. “ Just knowing there is a program around I can turn to if I run into financial difficulty, gives me great piece of mind”, says another. If you are interested in the Adopt an Athlete program please contact the TRU WolfPack Athletic Office at 250.828.5009, email cdahl@tru.ca or a WolfPack coach. Information is available on the Athletic website: www.tru.ca/athletics “Kids Club” at every Wolf Pack home game. Join the fun brought to you by Tim Hortons and Blackwell Dairy. > Sign up at the Aberdeen or SaHali Tim Hortons on Saturday September 25 between 10am and Noon NEW Faces, NEW Direction Women’s volleyball and men’s basketball each hired their second-ever head coaches in Keith Lundgren and Scott Clark respectively. Keith replaces interim coach Cal Wolford and Scott is in for interim coach Thom Gillespie. Rounding out the trio of newcomers is Lorne Cumming, at the helm of the men’s hockey team after a first season headed up by Chris Hans. Hans will still be around as he continues working with the collegiate hockey society. Since their appointments, the three amigos have been assembling the pieces they hope will transform their programs into perennial powerhouses. Coach Clark is optimistic about his rookie season with TRU, saying it’s full of potential. “We have a blank canvas and the challenge of building from the ground up was something that intrigued me. I felt the community would continue to support the team and my being integral to growing that support is something that is appealing and a lot of fun.” 12 Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 L to R: Keith Lundgren, Scott Clark and Lorne Cumming “We have a blank canvas, and the challenge of building from the ground up – was something that intrigued me,” Scott Clark Lundgren is equally excited to be in the WolfPack family saying, “I’m a believer in continuous growth, I’ve seen that trait in the WolfPack culture and I felt it was a great fit for me as coach.” With spots to fill on each roster coupled with the fierce competition around recruiting high-calibre student athletes, it’s been anything but a summer of tubing the South Thompson for the three new faces. They’ve been tapping their contacts and casting wide nets for the right combination of skills and character. TRU World Global Competency Thompson Rivers University recently announced its approval of a new Global Competency distinction that will become part of the official transcript of graduating students. Newly minted BBA grad Megan Lepp is one of the first students to apply for the recognition of Global Competency. The distinction represents a unique advantage for TRU students — one that is designed to formally recognize international skills and experience students acquire during their time at TRU. For Megan, her international experience came from a five-month Study Abroad program in global business at Austria’s FH Joanneum University. “Businesses now are likely to have branches and contacts around the world,” Megan said during a phone interview, just before starting her day as Account Coordinator at Pulse Group in Kamloops. “The new global competency distinction shows that I can adapt in the global business model”. “For me, it’s also to show potential employers that besides my business acumen, I am well rounded. Many students graduate with BBAs, but not all of them take the initiative to learn more about business outside of their hometown.” Beside Study Abroad, other eligible qualifying categories include foreign language study or other course work with a distinct crosscultural or international focus, as well as participation in field schools, and international volunteer opportunities. Global competency is best understood as a body of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes reflecting a capability for global citizenship — that is, a capacity to engage effectively in an international environment. In today’s globalized world, where economies and societies interact with one another on many levels, this capacity is ever more in demand. “The opportunity to create their own, unique university experience is attracting students from across Canada and around the world to Thompson Rivers University. The international aspect has become a very important part of that experience,” said Josh Keller, TRU’s Director of Student Recruitment and Liaison. “The employers of tomorrow want individuals with a global perspective, and TRU’s new Global Competency distinction will give our graduates the advantage of being able to demonstrate this in a meaningful way.” TRU is a Canadian leader in internationalization in higher education, and the new Global Competency qualification reflects both the university’s commitment to global citizenship and its capacity to establish institution-wide internationalization initiatives. The Global Competency distinction is available to all TRU students, regardless of their program or field of study. Those meeting the criteria will have it recorded on their official university transcript. “The new global competency distinction shows that I can adapt in the global business model” TRU’s history of international engagement dates back over 30 years. International projects and linkages currently extend to more than 45 countries with students from more than 70 nations enrolled at the main campus in Kamloops. For more info, email global@tru.ca Megan Lepp, BBA ’10 13 Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 13 Cover Story No Limits –Nootka Trail Greg Simmonds, Christine Selinger and Chelsea Selinger A true adventure Adventure tourism graduates help first paraplegic to take on Nootka Trail by Sarah Bruce I magine a grueling eight days hiking through thick forests with barely a trail to follow: trudging along damp beaches avoiding the tide and climbing vertical cliffs to carry on through rugged coastal bluffs. Now imagine you don’t have use of your legs and you are the first paraplegic to hike the Nootka trail. The 35 kilometre route encircles a remote island off the west coast of northern Vancouver Island and is accessible only by float plane or boat. Christine Selinger, a young paraplegic and her sister Chelsea Selinger, a student in TRU’s Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM) program along with Greg Simmonds, a BTM grad and current Master of Environmental Science candidate, set out in late May to hike the Nootka trail. Also along was Patrick Lindsay for Adventure Tourism savy and Nursing grad Roland Moonie for medical support. The trail is for advanced hikers, Simmonds explained. “Most websites will say it’s only for experienced hikers and even experienced hikers should expect to come out with minor injuries. It definitely is not the easiest trail I have done.” A native of Sooke, BC, Simmonds has hiked the majority of trails in Western BC, including the West and North Coast trails as well as the Juan de Fuca Marine trail. “The terrain is a bit of a West Coast nightmare,” Simmonds said. “It’s not a very popular trail so it’s not very well developed, and it was early season so even the people who would go in hadn’t really opened the trail up very much. There were a lot of mud puddles, and by mud puddles I mean you step in them and you are up to your calves. It’s a really narrow trail through the forest, and the beaches vary from nice bedrock, which was perfect, to big boulders or pea gravel, which was a nightmare out there.” A true adventure More about the trek at nootkanolimits.com When the group ran into some locals living on the island they admitted they hadn’t hiked the trail themselves and said they had a name for those who had, Simmonds said. “They wouldn’t tell us what it was but you could tell they were thinking that ‘you guys are nuts and I have no idea why you would try and do this’. ” Despite the physical challenges, the travellers agreed it was a rewarding expedition. “It was crazy, but amazing,” Christine Selinger said. “Really difficult, but at the same time, it was beautiful and great.” “It was more challenging than I expected but that kind of adds to the whole experience of it, if it hadn’t been challenging it wouldn’t have added to the accomplishment,” Chelsea Selinger said. Christine was in a repelling accident in 2006, when she was 19, and sustained a spinal cord injury. However, her sister said this has not slowed her down. “They always wanted to do the West Coast trail, but then they decided to start with something smaller and potentially easier,” Simmonds said. “Through coffee shop talks it somehow turned into the Nootka trail which is not necessarily smaller or easier.” “Christine started out really gung-ho and for the first two days she pretty much moved all by herself through the forest, which was hard because she pretty much resorted to crawling or sort of scooting, which was a term we came up with to describe how she moves,” Simmonds said. “Once she got to the beach where we were able to use a special three- wheeled (hand-cycle bike) , she was good about peddling or steering while we pulled – depending on what obstacles there were. She was very dedicated. “I can’t imagine trying to use only your arms for eight days straight,” Simmonds said, and “she was always with a smile on her face.” Her sister recalled: “As soon as she figured out how to adapt and move around she took the bull by the horns.” “The biggest physical challenge for me was having to move fast and never being able to move fast enough,” Christine said. “For the first few days we had to walk through dense forest and I wanted to move on my own but there wasn’t enough physically in me to move that fast every day.” One of the biggest obstacles the travellers faced were the pocket beaches. Simmonds discribed them as short, frequent expanses of shoreline broken up by forests and cliffs. “We’d walk up a cliff, walk through the forest for maybe 200 metres, then go down a cliff and then walk along a pebble beach for another 200 metres. Then go up a cliff, across, down and across the beach, and we’d keep repeating that.” “Fortunately Chelsea, Patrick and myself went through the adventure guide program so we had the rope skills,” Simmonds said, summing up how they would strap Christine to a harness with another climber to get her up and down vertical cliffs. On one day the travellers came across a black bear which spooked Christine. “You know how they say you only have to outrun the slowest person…,” she said, not needing to finish the sentence. But the group was always there to help the slowest person. Christine never had to ask for help. The others travelling would just offer aid; whether it was picking her up and carrying her or pulling her bike like a dog sledding team through deep sand. “We had an amazing team,” Chelsea said. “They were a great group of people and I wouldn’t have wanted to share it with anyone else. “No matter how much we hurt, or how long of a day we had, it was fun to get to know each other and just be there and enjoy that we were able to do this and see everything,” Christine said. “There are not a lot of [disabled] people who have done it, but I think a lot of this is because people think they can’t and I think that is part of our mission statement that you can; you don’t have to hide away.” continued > Corey, Christine, Chelsea and Patrick traverse one of the dozens of pocket beaches on the Nootka Trail. 15 Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 Surefooting on the smooth, slippery rocks. For the complete album of the trip go to Cover Story KenAttwoodPhotography.com continued > Nootka Trail Expedition “It was crazy but amazing, really difficult, but at the same time it was beautiful and great.” – Christine Selinger Who? (L to R front row) Chelsea Selinger, BTM ‘08 sister to Christine Christine Selinger paraplegic star Roland Moonie, BSN ‘06 medical support (L to R back row) Greg Simmonds, BTM ‘09 What? The 35km Nootka Trail through rugged coastal wilderness. When? For eight days in late May 2010. island expert Patrick Lindsay, Adventure Dip ‘04 pack horse Ken Attwood photographer 16 Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 Where? Nootka Island off the coast of Vancouver Island. Why? For the love of the outdoors and to prove a disability isn’t an inability. “I can’t imagine trying to use only your arms for eight days straight.” – Greg Simmonds Alma Matters Pirate patrol By Sarah Bruce When thinking of pirates, treasure, ships and skulls and crossbones come to mind. One might not realize that pirates are still an issue on the seven seas and that Adam Carlson, patrolled to keep the oceans safe. Alumni & Friends Successes Major Adam Carlson pilots the CH-124 Sea King as the rest of the crew conducts a hoist transfer from the helicopter to the flight deck of the Fredericton with a guide line. This training is to allow the flight crew to pickup or transfer a person to another vessel without a landing area or an area fouled with debris making it very dangerous to land the aircraft. Carlson attended high school in Kamloops and began his computer science degree in 1991 when the university was called UCC. He was accepted into the military in 1992, “Though went on to complete his degree and join it seems like small the air force. In April 2009, Carlson was promoted to major and deployed to begin preparing for Operation Saiph, a six-month maneuver launched last fall to counter piracy and terrorism in the Middle East. gestures, these little things made a big difference to those of us away from home,” – Mjr. Adam Carlson “Our Air Detachment is made up of 11 technicians, eight aircrew and one helicopter,” Carlson said. “We were very fortunate to be able to fly almost every day. We would offer a visible deterrent to piracy as well as a bit of flag-waving and reassurance to the merchants sailing through the Gulf of Aden. Photo : Cpl. Peter Reed, Formation Imaging Services, Halifax, Nova During our deployment there was not a single act of piracy within our assigned sectors, which I think means we were an effective deterrent.” The highlights of the operation were the places his squadron visited and the support they received from home. For Christmas, the squadron received t-shirts from the police and fire department as part of the hero to hero campaign. “Though it seems like a small gestures, these little things made a big difference to those of us away from home,” Carlson said. Membership has its benefits > 1800GOTJUNK? > Falcon Lanes > Best Western, Kamloops > Frankly Coffee > Budget > Kamloops Dunes > Empire Landmark Hotel > Frick and Frack > Panago > Sandman Inn > TRU Library > TRU WolfPack Games > Western Canada Theatre (Convocation Photography) Request your Benefit Card by email or pick it up in person. For more info and discount updates visit > Sun Peaks > TRU Residence and Conference Centre www.tru.ca/alumni TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 17 Alma Matters One degree closer to Med School by Elise Desjardine, Editor, Open Learning It takes more than an impressive résumé to be accepted into the competitive echelons of higher education’s med schools. With an acceptance rate below 15%, Morgan Evans had to make every effort to remain competitive. To broaden his academic knowledge and to edge out the competitors, Evans enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts, Psychology program through Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) to add to his Bachelor of Science Honours degree from Queen’s University. “The non-paced nature of Open Learning courses allowed me the freedom to study around my other commitments such as work, travel and volunteering opportunities,” Evans said, describing the many extracurricular endeavours needed to supplement his CV for medical school. He’s become a fan of the small, neat package of course materials, lack of line-ups for books and instructors. “Course help is available when you need it, the academic counsellor support is very knowledgeable and acquiring transcripts and official documents is quite effortless.” Although he completed many courses in less than a month, the real expedience was being able to gain two years of credits towards his TRU-OL BA, Psych—completing his degree in half the time expected. “The independent nature of Transitioning from traditional Open Learning encourages time instructor-led courses – where management, prioritizing skills, didactic lecturing is the norm staying caught-up and on top of to the independent nature of Open Learning, was initially one’s workload and effective usage quite difficult for Evans. The of available resources. Completing course format and faculty my second degree through support helped him adjust quickly. Open Learning helped me to refine my study techniques and encompass these skills.” Thank You sponsors and friends for participating in our 17th Annual TRU Alumni Golf Tournament. Now in his second year at medical school at UBC, Evans recently completed a required rural family practice elective in the Northwest Territories. “I was very fortunate to have been chosen to travel to Inuvik to complete my elective. I worked with a number of general practitioners and several specialists in the hospital clinic, emergency room, operating room and on maternity and long-term care wards. It was a fantastic adventure and rich learning experience.” With two years of undergraduate level medical school to go, Evans embarks upon his clinical training year with gusto as he is well-prepared for the challenge ahead. Presenting sponsor MC10-0088 Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 13, 2011. 18 Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 Research on Campus Alumni Successes Liberal arts undergrad education key to lucrative post grad Andrew Bratton believes he owes the landing of a lucrative doctoral research opportunity in Scotland to the rich blend of Liberal Arts and business courses during his days at TRU. This study builds on his Masters research at Edinburgh where Bratton examined how HR in the city of Glasgow could shape green initiatives. Beginning this fall, Bratton embarks on a three-year scholarship at Strathclyde University in Glasgow where he will attempt to decipher the role human resource departments can play in the greening-up of workplaces. Specifically, he will look at what’s being done in Glasgow, Copenhagen and Vancouver (BC). The scholarship is valued at $100,000 Canadian. Bratton recognizes there were equally qualified candidates for the award and believes it was his Liberal Arts courses that put him a peg or two ahead. “Understanding your environment is one of the most important things to being successful in business,” says Bratton. “Management does not take place in a vacuum. Therefore, the study of management needs to attend to historical, political, and comparative processes,” says Bratton, explaining how the likes of history, philosophy, political science, and sociology courses are relevant and often lend understanding to the business world. Bratton completed his studies at TRU in 2007 and along the way, served on the TRU Board of Governors and on the executive of the TRU Students Union. So how did those arts courses make him a better candidate for the research scholarship? Those arts courses and their standard volumes of reading, researching and writing honed his debating and critical thinking skills. Through that process, he became better tuned to how the nuances of world trends like gender, ethnicity, inequality, and the environment interact to trigger and shape world events. It’s the ability to spot the trends that better equip individuals to make informed decisions whether they’re operating on the ground floor, in middle management or in the CEO’s chair. Take advantage of your purchasing power. TRU Alumni & Friends Association has negotiated group discounts and savings with selected companies – affinity partners. In return our partners support students and Alumni & Friends programming. Order your card today! Accommodation in Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Burnaby and Kamloops On-site Convocation photos Home, Car, Travel Insurances, Membership and Travel Discounts Discount on tours and cruises for TRU Alumni & Friends card holders www.tru.ca/alumni/affinity TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 19 Alma Matters 2011 TRU Friday, April 8, 2011 TRU Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize the remarkable people who have achieved outstanding success in their careers or communities. Call for Nominations in the following areas: > Public Service > Professional Achievement > Student Leadership Award > Community Service > Academic or Athletic Achievement > Community Award To nominate a classmate, colleague or community member who has brought honour and prestige to TRU submit a completed Distinguished Alumni Award package available online at www.tru.ca/alumni/daa > Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2010 For more information: alumni@tru.ca or 250.828.5498 2010 TRU Winners Community Service Professional Achievement Lorianna Bennett Nick DeCicco Public and Community Service BSW, Grace Chronister Dean Fortin 20 Congratulations! Thompson Rivers University • Spring 2010 Twyla Russell Student Leadership Shannon Brooks Community Leadership Interior Health Authority A Report to the Community Thompson Rivers University began as Cariboo College in 1970 as a community college, delivering career-technical and two-year academic university transfer programs. Originally located at the Kamloops Indian Residential School , there were 30 faculty serving 367 full-time and 200 part-time students. Today, Thompson Rivers University is BC’s fourth largest university, with nearly 14,000 students on campus, and another 11,000 registrations for distance and on-line courses. Alongside 2,234 aboriginal students – one of the largest percentages of Aboriginal students in B.C.’s post secondary system – we host over 2,000 international students from 90 countries. This incredibly diverse student body is served by some 1,058 faculty and 667 staff. The Key founding principles remain; practicality, accessibility and quality programming. TRU offers over 100 different undergraduate and graduate degree and post-baccalaureate diploma options, including four Masters Degrees and over 75 different professional career diploma and job-entry certificate programs. A list that includes trade-entry and apprenticeship training, university preparation and upgrading for adults. Program choice is augmented by opportunities for co-op education, internships or practicum placements, a Study Abroad program with exchanges to more than 30 different countries. And, in September 2011 students will begin studies at the TRU School of Law, the first new law school in Canada in over 35 years. TRU is an integral part of the region and a cornerstone for debate, dialogue and celebration in the communities it serves. As a venue, the University hosts dozens of events each year that range from academic conferences to the BC Lions training camp; from political caucus gatherings to professional associations; and from high school graduations to weddings. TRU Connects to the Community by… … lending a hand The Residential Construction program partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a residential duplex in the McDonald Park neighbourhood of Kamloops’ North Shore. Last year, the School of Trades & Technology and the School of Advanced Technologies and Mathematics, in association with the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) Central Interior Chapter, was chosen to build one of three new CMHC Sustainable Housing Demonstration Homes in Canada. The home is now complete and is part of the Kamloops YMCA’s annual fundraising. A portion of the proceeds will go towards scholarships for TRU students and tools for the School of Trades & Technology. … improving health Students and faculty from the School of Nursing stepped in and lent their hands and expertise to the community at the height of the Province’s initiatives during this fall’s H1N1 immunization clinics. Several flu clinics were held on campus and coordinated by nursing faculty. … giving financial support In the last two years the United Way campaign at TRU has garnered more support, earning the committee the 2009 United Way Community Spirit Award. During November’s 27th Annual Foundation Awards Ceremony, $409,000 was awarded to 470 students through 254 donor-sponsored awards. It’s expected $1.42 million will be given to students throughout the year in the form of scholarships, bursaries and awards from the TRU Foundation and internal university funding. … offering expertise Business students in marketing, human resources and other disciplines under the mentorship of TRU faculty liaised with a variety of local non-profit groups to develop marketing plans, workplace safety policies and wellness programs. The project, now in its fourth year, has included more than 45 projects with the likes of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, SPCA, Circle Day Care, Secwepemc Cultural Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Child Development Centre. In addition, the accounting students offered free tax-preparation workshops to community members. … inspiring ideas Through the President’s Lecture Series and the TRU Students Union Common Voices Series, the community was invited to hear distinguished Canadians John Ralston Saul and Stephen Lewis. The Science Seminar series, co-sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, ran each Thursday throughout the year. The featured topics ranged from Antarctica to sustainable seafood, the ecology of antibiotics and designing the next generation of membrane systems. … playing the game In 2009–10, over 260 athletes and coaches represented TRU. In five years the athletic program has grown to include 11 sports and includes four teams competing in the top echelon of university sports; Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). This spring, TRU played host to the 2010 CIS National Men’s Volleyball Championships. TRU athletes and teams efforts in community involvement were recognized by the Canadian College Athletics Association with the 2009 Community Service Award for activities such as the Terry Fox runs in elementary schools, charity soccer clinics, Wendy’s Dream lift and Raise-a-Reader. … making a greener world TRU has adopted 20 actions to be completed by the end of 2011 in its Campus Sustainability Action Plan. So far the purchase of disposable water bottles has been reduced by 15% through the distribution of 4,500 refillable water bottles to incoming students, and six new water refilling stations and an education programme by TRUSU. TRU is committed to cutting its carbon footprint through a campus wide paperless office initiative. … bringing honour and recognition nationally > Multiple medals at Skills Canada trades competitions > Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada awards and research scholarships > Business students score high in national competitions > Culinary arts students working at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games … creating and teaching knowledge Since 2007, TRU has received nearly $20 million in external funding for research. Like all fine universities TRU is now creating knowledge as well as teaching it. Our faculty’s research reflects their passion for where they work and live and for TRU’s and the community’s place in the world. TRU research is examining: > climate change and rural BC > rural tourism post-pine beetle > the ecology of our grasslands > best practises for a sustainable cattle industry > endangered species > innovation in culture and arts in Canada > e-learning practises > potential new antibiotics from soil microorganisms, lantibiotics and plants > walking, health and civic landscapes > communication, education and new media > international sustainable development > community-based youth health Research on Campus Economic Driver Total Revenue by Source (% of total) TRU, now Kamloops’ third-largest employer with over 1,100 full-time employees, significantly contributes to regional prosperity and growth with an overall economic impact upwards of $500 million a year. Indirect economic impacts also include research and development, student and faculty studies and business support, graduate start-up enterprises, a diverse and accessible labour pool, and community promotion through national and overseas initiatives. For the year ended March 31, 2010 Tuition Fees Domestic 15% International Acitivity 13% Access Fees and other income 7% Other Capital Grants 2% Sales and Service (Ancillary) 9% Investment Income 2% Other 8% Specific Purpose and Sponsored Research 6% Amortization of Deferred Capital Contributions 2% Unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments 2% Ministry Operating Grant 42% Summary Financial Report 2009/10 For the year ended March 31, 2010 Year Ended March 31 ($ Million) 2010 Cost of Materials Sold 4% 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 Total Assets 228.1 203.1 201.2 189.4 160.3 108.6 Property, Plant and Equipment 145.4 138.7 140.6 142.3 113.8 78.4 Investment and Marketable Securities 48.9 45.3 36.5 38.7 34.9 23.5 Long Term Debt 15.8 17.4 17.4 12.9 13.8 13.8 Capital Lease Obligation 40.7 41.1 41.4 41.8 25.9 Total Revenues 158.7 143.9 138.5 130.6 126.6 96.5 Government Grants and Contracts Revenue 78.0 53.2 Student Tuition Revenue 44.3 39.5 35 33.9 31.6 26.7 Operating Unrestricted Fund Balance (Deficit) 2.0 -2.5 -1.3 -3.9 -3.4 -6 Internally Restricted Reserves 21.2 16.5 13.1 9.8 6.9 6.6 75.7 73.9 69.9 Total Expenses by Type (% of total) 72 Amortization of Capital Assets 6% Building, Equipment, Operations and Maintenance 5% Professional Fees and Contracted Services 7% Travel 3% Supplies, Postage and Freight 4% Advertising and Public Relations 3% Other 6% Other Bursaries, Awards and Scholarships 1% Computer Supplies and Licences 1% Leases and Rentals 2% Interests on Capital Lease 1% Salaries and Benefits 62% Bank Charges and Interest 1% Interest on Long Term Debt 0% Thompson Rivers University Foundation This year the TRU Foundation is celebrating 28 years of raising funds for TRU and its students. Through the work of many dedicated community volunteers and the generosity of thousands of donors, the Foundation has raised over $25 million for student awards, programs and new buildings at TRU. We are pleased to report on the past year’s results. Through the contributions of our donors, over the past year the Foundation has provided financial aid and scholarship funding to more than 800 students and raised $2.7 million. The current value of the Foundation’s Endowment fund is $10.2 million. We are grateful for the strong community support and countless hours of work by Foundation volunteers. We look forward to continuing to make a difference in developing the leaders of tomorrow and supporting our University as it grows. TRU Foundation Board of Directors 2009|2010 John O’Fee, Chair Jeff Glaicar Frank Luciani Stella Black, Vice Chair Les Consenheim Roxanna Ferguson John Sparks, Secretary Alison Stewart Karl de Bruijn Cameron Gatey Dr. Gautam Parghi Havovie Suraliwalla Dr. G. Bas Gowd Eric Putoto Christopher Seguin TRU Foundation Funds Raised Rob McDiarmid, Q.C. Ka mloops B ar Ass Roger H. Barnsley, Pre ociati sident an on a d Vicend Chan cello r Mark & Ellen Brown – a story of a gift Thompson Rivers University celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2010. The increasing level of support from the community is clearly a nod to a post-secondary institution that is coming of age. In February of this year, Mark and Ellen Brown stood in front of 350 guests at the TRU Foundation Gala and announced their $2 million donation to TRU. Earlier that day prior to the announcement, Mark and Ellen reflected on their 20 years of life together as coworkers, husband and wife, parents – now grandparents. Out at their ranch, to the east of their yard stands a trampoline, outdoor hockey rink and a basketball hoop. At the front door a Tonka truck and loader sit idle waiting for the grandchildren. In 1979, Mark Brown sold his house in White Rock and moved to Kamloops with great ambitions. He established his own company with a pick-up truck, hydraulic jack, and a business license to operate the company Kamloops now knows as Northern Trailer. Additionally, Mark Brown owned and operated Northern Tree Service, a company specializing in dangerous tree removal and custom falling. “Something that I have never forgotten,” Mark says, leaning forward and gently folding his hands together, “is back in the early 80s, interest rates had soared and the economy had slowed right down.” His start-up company was failing. That same day that he thought his fledgling company was done, a friend called him to dismantle a tunneling camp used on the massive Tumbler Ridge project. Since then, he has never looked back. By 1989, Northern Trailer was comprised of a handful of strategic people including carpenters, truck drivers, sales staff and an office manager. The trend was to buy used industrial trailers, renovate them and resell; from there the company thrived. Now with a work force of 325, Northern Trailer builds camps for the energy, forestry, mining and oil and gas sectors as well as a variety of specialty modular projects including housing developments and educational facilities. Over the years, the employees of Northern Trailer molded the business from a service company to what has been recently honoured by the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce as Best Manufacturer of the Year for two consecutive years. Northern Trailer is committed to ongoing professional development of their employees, and since establishment has sponsored many of their employees with educational bursaries. Northern Trailer is currently sponsoring 33 registered apprentices in variety of trades, including electrical, carpentry, plumbing and sheet metal through the Industry Training Authority and Thompson Rivers University’s Trades & Technology department. Twenty-six years later Horizon North Logistics Inc. of Calgary made Mark and Ellen an offer they accepted. The little company that he started with a jack and pick-up truck is now part of a group of companies publicly traded with Mark Brown remaining as President of Northern Trailer. “It is our hope that this gift to TRU will make a difference through education to many people in this community and in our region,” Mark told the guests at Gala. “We have never lost sight of the employees and the community of Kamloops that have helped to make our business successful, and this is our way of thanking the people of this community and the province for their role in our success.” Claire Quilter – a story of thanks Thank you so much for choosing me for this bursary. What an amazing and generous gift! I am so grateful for it and cannot thank you enough. I am in my final year of the nursing program at TRU and this bursary has taken care of my tuition for the whole year. When I was notified that I had received an award through the TRU Foundation and opened up the award envelope – I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. This bursary was such a wonderful surprise at a time when I was in great financial need. I am now confident that I will be able to complete my degree without financial pressure. Thank you to donors like the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation for contributing to my education and helping me graduate with a nursing degree. Claire Quilter, TRU Nursing Student, Oct. 2009 Donor List Contributions made this past fiscal year April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010 Thank You! Visionaries – $500,000+ Mark & Ellen Brown Minerva Foundation for BC Women Alvin Grunert Muriel M. Morgan Leaders – $100,000+ Eric & Lori Putoto – Platinum Realty Inc. Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust United Food & Commercial Workers Union 247 Ambassadors – $50,000+ BC Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum Ron & Rae Fawcett Kamloops Bar Association Kamloops Daily News Kenneth & Maureen Lepin The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group Robert L. Conconi Foundation Rotary Club of Kamloops Aurora Royal Canadian Legion Foundation Scotiabank TRU Faculty Association Urban Systems Ltd. The Zawaduk Family Sharon E. Brewer British Columbia Lottery Corp. British Columbia Lung Association Broatch Construction John & Judy Brunette CALAS-Pacific Chapter Mary P. Cameron 974668 Alberta Ltd Larry Campbell A & W Restaurant Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors Partners – $10,000+ Alcon Canada Ltd. Al & Dawn Gozda Jason M. Brawley 762044 Alberta Ltd Actua Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Inc. James M. Brady 12 Stones Chapel United Food and Commercial Workers 1518 Walter Frymire Tony & Phyllis Bradwell Tracey Burston Aberdeen Medical Centre Bernard Betzema James & Evelyn Bowersock Supporters – $500+ The Stollery Charitable Foundation ARAMARK Canada Ltd. Bondar Forest Planning Inc. Len Bosch With the generous support of Bill Bilton Sr. and Bill Bilton Jr. TRU is teeing up its third golf team this season. The WolfPack came out of the gate in 2008–09 with a bang, winning the Canadian College Athletic Association Championship. Daniel & Catherine Dallaire Errol & Joan Frazier Dana Hospitality Inc. Fulton & Company LLP Dawson Construction Limited G & T Metallurgical Services Ltd. Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3500 Maury Dawson Capital City Construction Ltd. Matthew Dean Capital Power Corporation Delta Hotels & Resorts Anchor Equipment (2005) Ltd. Cariboo Woodlot Education Society Delta Sun Peaks Resort Andrew Sheret Ltd. David Carlson Animal Health Technologists Association of BC Daniel & Miriam Cavani Abstract Registry Services Ltd. Advantage Travelwise ARC’TERYX Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital Ltd. DC Consulting Mike Dewar Ambo Dhaliwal Ravinder Dhaliwal Mark & Susan Dixon GALA Kamloops Anders Ganstal Don Garrish Greg Garrish Cameron Gatey John & Heather Gervais Gillespie Renkema Barnett Broadway LLP Jeff & Jane Glaicar Shane Doan Artistic Signs Services Ltd. Certified General Accountants Association Ashcroft & District Health Care Auxiliary Certified Prosthetics & Orthopedics Domtar Pulp & Paper Products Inc. Boston Pizza, New Westminster CFDC of Thompson Country Lorraine Drdul Knights of Columbus Council 8132 Dave’s Cleaning Service Albert Chan Duffy’s Pub Peter Aylen & Moira Bennedette Fiona Chan John & Susan Dumbrell KPMG Marie-Claire Baril Michael Chan Susan M. Duncan The Frank & Shirley Luciani Families Ed & Dianne Barker Patrick Chan DW Builders Thomas Barley Shawn Chisholm Larry & Cheryl Dyck Dr. Roger & Paula Barnsley Brian Christianson Eagle Point Golf & Country Club Alf Bawtree City of Kamloops Earl’s Restaurant Harrison Industrial Contracting Ltd. BC Chapter SRM Dr. Michael & Gerrianne Clare Sean Easton Richard J. Heney BC Council of Garden Clubs Troy S. Clifford Echo Valley Ranch & SPA Heritage Office Furnishings Ltd. TRU Student Union BC Northern Real Estate Board Coast Canadian Inn Edwin Mark Law Corp. Marilee A. Hermiston Vancouver Foundation BC Society of Respiratory Therapists Coca-Cola Bottling Company Tony & Winona Embleton Highland Valley Copper Contributors – $5,000+ Harvey & Barbara Comazzetto Gloria L. Beaver The Hills Health Ranch Commodore Ventures Ltd Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Cooper Market Ltd. Wilf Epp BDO Dunwoody LLP Belkorp Environmental Services Inc. CN Dino Bernardo Coster and Singer BC & Canada Surveyors Evergreen Development Corporation Daley & Co Chartered Accountants LLP Joe Bifano Council for Exceptional Children Excelsior Rebekah Lodge No. 23 Big League Experience Ltd. Michael & Ila Crawford Matthew & Stephanie Feeney Dr. James & Marie Christine Bilbey Credit Union Central of BC Trevor Finch Christine Cross First Nations Tax Commission Holloway Lodging LP (Kamloops) Cummins Western Canada Leslie M. Fisher Hot Nite in the City Society Russell Cundari Flynn Mirtle Moran Ltd. HPF Engineering Ltd. Cundari Seibel LLP Focus Norman V. Daley Leah Fraser Hub International Barton Insurance Brokers Indo Can Links Kamloops Blazers Education Society Kamloops Blazers Sports Legacy Fund Merck Frosst Canada RBC Royal Bank Rotary Club of Kamloops The Sprott Foundation TB Vets Charitable Foundation Armstrong Family Foundation Evening Auxiliary Royal Inland Hospital Rick Hallett Kamloops Aberdeen Lions Club Kamloops Woodworkers Guild Lafarge Canada Inc. Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing Argo Road Maintenance Bilkey Law Bill Bilton, Sr. & Bill Bilton, Jr. Biology Undergraduate Society Dr. Stella Black Annette Dominik GlaxoSmithKline Inc. Glover Prescriptions Ltd. David A. Gore Chris & Bonnie Goss Gouthro Enterprises Ltd. Dr. Bas & Shankaramma Gowd Great Canadian Railtour Company Ltd. Alan & Hazel Green Barbara Gregson Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada Inc. Maurice Hindle & Sydney Johnsen Ken Hitchcock HMZ Law John D. Hole Richard Hunter Tracy MacKenzie Hon. Mr. Justice Bob Hunter & Jo-Mary Hunter David & Penny Marr iCompassTechnologies Inc. Independent Order of Foresters – Kam. Branch 1108 Interior Savings Credit Union Interior Science Innovation Council Progressive Step Orthotics & Bracing Ltd. Pronto Enterprises Ltd. Lorne T. Marshall Dr. Glenn & Mary Martin Myrna Mason Provincial “AA” Basketball Tournament Committee Dr. Barbara Prystawa Anne McBlane Public’s Own Market Joe McGarry Frank J. Quinn Tom & Bonnie McInulty Investors Group Financial Services Inc. Dr. Alex & Lynn McLean Dr. Nancy Greene Raine & Al Raine Gordon & Cathy McLeod IRL Idealease Ltd RCMP Allan & Cathy McNeely Jeff Isfeld David McPherson Regency Towers (Owen Sound) Ltd. Barbara Jackson Roy & Deborah James Rod Michell Harvey & Diane Janzen Kathleen G. Mitchell Jasper Engines Transmissions NW L.L.C. Jockvale Technology Inc. Joanne A. Jones Jones Packaging K & P Construction Ltd. Kamloops & District Kennel Club Mortgage Alliance Kamloops Kamloops Blazers Akbal S. Mund Kamloops Chartered Accountants Assoc. Judith Murray Kamloops Estate Planning Council Kamloops Exploration Group Society Kamloops Farmers Market Society Kamloops Film Society Kamloops Ford Lincoln Ltd. Bruce G. Roberts Shaun Roberts Brian & Anne Ross New Gold Inc. Rotary Club of Kamloops Daybreak Norgaard Ready-Mix Ltd. North Shore Repair Rocky Mountaineer Vacations Richard Vander Mey Dr. David & Lois Williams Tk’emlups Indian Band Tobiano Gerry Toews Kamloops Home Hardware John & Daniela O’Fee Ulrich Scheck TRU Residence & Conference Centre Kamloops Medical Imaging Inc. Colin & Margaret Oloman Dr. Tim Schmidt Kamloops Paddlewheelers Lions Club Ron & Susan Olynyk Schoening Funeral Service Ltd. Kevin O’Neil Derek & Lynn Schreurs Kamloops This Week Chris Ortner Earl L. Schuk Kamloops Youth Soccer Assoc. Dr. Ross Outerbridge Christopher Séguin Kim Kaufeld Overwaitea Food Group Kemp Concrete Products Pacific Bentonite Ltd. SEI Investments Canada Co. Kiwanis Club of Kamloops BC Dyne Parker Hans & Margarete Kögler ServiceMaster Contract Services Marnie K. Parker Terry & Lisa Lake Antonin Sevelka Pasa Enterprises Andre Larouche Dr. Randall & Carol Patch Kelly & Heather Shantz Helen E. Legg Margaret H. Patten Jonathon Shephard Alana M. Lesueur Gordon & Mary Ellen Patterson John E. Sherwood Richard Lewis PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. Riley Shields Linda Turner Personal Real Estate Corporation Ross Perkins & Allison Slater Shoes, R, Us Ernest & June Phillips Shuswap Naturalist Club Maria A. MacIntosh Pollard Family Foundation Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC Kent Walmsley Andrew Wild Sanford Investment Group MacGillivray Brampton Sean & Lynn Wallace Tenisci Piva Chartered Accountants Pat & Evelyn O’Brien Diane H. Pitts Russell Walker Westwood Fibre Ltd. TRU Board of Governors Michael D. Luck Nels Vollo TD Waterhouse Dr. Wendy & Dan Sanford Harold D. Lockwood Voda Computer Systems Christopher & Diane Wells Oatway Contracting Ltd. Kamloops Home Based Business Assoc. VitalAire TD Bank Financial Group Lynne Totten Kamloops Foundation Grant Veale Mark Vike Gordon Tarzwell Robert & Patricia Ryan O.A.P.O. Branch 93 Doreen Veale David Hunter & Bev Wassen-Hunter Eleanor Thompson Royal Canadian Legion Br. 52 Jeff & Lynn Vanjoff Dave Tanner Therapeutic Laser Center Runnymede Development Corporation Ltd. Northern Development Initiative Trust Vanbots Soroptimist International of Kamloops Blake Tancock Paul Roberge Claire Muzzillo Nancy Van Wagoner Gord Sookaveiff Ann Tancock Riseform Flyfishing Ventures Grant R. Robertson Valley First Credit Union Robert Smillie Jennifer Takahashi Rinaldi Investment Group The Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of BC Valhalla Pure Outfitters Alison Slater T.E. Wealth Rivershore Golf Course Rob K. Morrison Diana Skoglund Surplus Herby’s Rich Services Rudy Morelli USM Capital Inc Sun Country Toyota Dr. Peter & Jill Riben Morelli Chertkow Lawyers LLP Upper College Heights Siwash Lake Ranch Todd & Chantelle Stone Luz Reyes Robert Moonie June Simms Stantec Architecture Ltd. Retired Teachers Association Moly-Cop Canada University Womens Club of Kamloops Rob Splane Dr. Russ Reid MJB Mgmt Corp. Dr. Dave & Nancy Twynam Simmons, Black & Emsland Insurance Services Spectra Energy Bruce R. Reid Merial Canada Sikh Cultural Society A B. Tucker Tulo Centre Of Indigenous Economics R. A. Williamson Marty Winters Vera Winters Douglas G. Wittal Cal Wohlford Dr. Kitson & Miki Wong Paul & Robyn Wright YMCA of Greater Toronto Peter Young Cheryl Zawaduk Mitchell Zulinick Ronald J. Zwarich Scott & Kathryn Tupper Mitchell Zulinick Twin Anchors Houseboats Ronald J. Zwarich Stollery Foundation Bursary recipients: Karri Andriashyk and Ashley Buckmaster with Spencer & Janet Bryson All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy in this list. If an error or omission has occurred, please call the Foundation office at 250.828.5264. ce …for familie s o …t a differ make e n …for res ear ch Your Gift Matters... Your support is important to TRU Education can change a person’s life. Gifts to student awards ensure that no student is denied a quality education due to their financial ability to pay. Your gift can provide scholarships and bursaries for students, fund new buildings or support one of the many outstanding research projects at TRU. To learn more about out the many ways you can contribute now or plan a gift for the future while maximizing tax savings go to: www.tru.ca/foundation Donate now online at: www.tru.ca/makeagift For more information contact Karen Gamracy, Development Officer Thompson Rivers University, Foundation Phone: 250.371.5715 • Email: kgamracy@tru.ca MC103943 …as a legacy Leave a lasting legacy Last Word > > > President and Vice-Chancellor’s Message In September 2011 students will begin studies at the TRU School of Law, the first new school of law in Canada in over 35 years. Connecting Community to Campus Alumni are as vital to a university as its students, faculty, and staff. The accomplishments of the graduates of Thompson Rivers University bear testament to the value and prestige of a TRU education and play an important role in shaping TRU’s reputation, profile and legacy. Our University has a 40-year history that includes Cariboo College, University College of the Cariboo and the BC Open University. In that time approximately 40,000 students have graduated, each of them representing and contributing to the achievements of Thompson Rivers University. A few examples demonstrate how our Alumni contribute to TRU’s reputation. Ross Spina completed University Transfer in 1971 and then transferred to a teacher education program. Ross began teaching at John Peterson Junior High, this year he retired as the Assistant School Superintendent from School District #73. He has been an exceptional educational leader in this community and has always been the first to champion his alma mater. For Craig Jones (BGS‘95) the credential he earned by distance through Open Learning, gained him entry to law school and then to the Harvard School of Law where he completed a Master’s degree. In addition to authoring two books and numerous articles, Jones has been involved in litigations involving the powers of the government, the application of the Charter of Rights and is involved in the Province’s litigation against the big tobacco companies and the impact their product has on the Province’s health care costs. Craig is the Supervising Counsel of the Constitutional and Administrative Law Group of the Ministry of the Attorney General in Victoria. Dr. Timothy Kieffer, (ScDip‘87) leveraged the credential he earned at Cariboo College to UBC to complete a BSc and PhD and subsequently, a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kieffer is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Medicine in UBC’s Departments of Physiology and Surgery making outstanding contributions in the field of diabetes research. Dr. Elspeth M. McDougall, (UT‘73) is a faculty member at University of California Irving. She is internationally recognized for her laboratory and clinical research in urologic laparoscopic surgery and for teaching courses on fundamental and advanced endourological and laparoscopic techniques. Dr. McDougall completed her first year of sciences at Cariboo College before going on to the universities of Alberta and Ontario. Her peers recently chose her one of the top ten American physicians. These are just four of TRU Alumni, a group comprised of leaders, researchers, and explorers. Many more have established themselves in their careers and are poised to take on leadership roles in their organization and in society. They also possess the willingness to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, and navigate across geographies. The TRU experience does not end upon graduation. As alumni, your University continues to be proud of your accomplishments. At TRU we are delighted by your success and we value the role Alumni play in establishing the reputation of Thompson Rivers University. TRU will always be your University – I invite all Alumni to stay connected – and get involved. Start making that difference today! Roger H. Barnsley President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim) TRU Alumni & Friends Magazine www.tru.ca/alumni 3 e story: e story: TRU Morgan completed his bachelor’s degree and got into medical school. A Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) degree is credible, respected and full of potential. Like Morgan, you can realize your educational goals through the flexible approach to education offered by TRU-OL. Apply your current TRU credential toward a new degree or take a course for professional development and get started on your path to career enhancement. The Open Learning Division of TRU is one of Canada’s largest online and distance education providers, offering over 400 courses and 53 programs including degrees and post-baccalaureates. Admission to a course or program is available throughout the year and the distance mode of delivery means you can study at a pace and place that suits your lifestyle. For a complete list of Open Learning courses and programs please visit our website. To read more about Morgan turn to page 18. Read more TRU-OL success stories at www.truopen.ca/truestory MC#103921 www.truopen.ca Unlock the possibilities 1.888.434.6736 Register anytime throughout the year • Study at a pace and a place that suits your lifestyle • Over 400 courses and 53 programs • Online or distance 10% Publication Agreement #40040090 Return Undeliverable address to: Cert no. SW-COC-002226 Thompson Rivers University 900 McGill Road, Box 3090 Kamloops, BC V2C 5N3