corpus christi current fall 2014

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THE CATHOLIC COLLEGE IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA IN THIS ISSUE: Q&A with the New President Meet Our Scholarship Winners Bugs and All: A Service Trip to Remember Orientation 2014 Students “Inspired” to Take Action Spotlight on Alumni FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER THE 5935 IONA DRIVE, VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA V6T 1J7 604-822-6862 WWW.CORPUSCHRISTI.CA CURRENT

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News and events from Corpus Christi College, a Catholic Liberal Arts college located in Vancouver, BC, on the UBC campus

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Page 1: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

THE CATHOLIC COLLEGE IN VANCOUVER, BRIT ISH COLUMBIA

IN THIS ISSUE:

Q&A with the New President • Meet Our Scholarship Winners • Bugs and All: A Service Trip to Remember Orientation 2014 • Students “Inspired” to Take Action • Spotlight on Alumni

FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER

THE

5935 IONA DRIVE, VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA V6T 1J7 • 604-822-6862 • WWW.CORPUSCHRIST I .CA

CURRENT

Page 2: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

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Corpus Christi College is Western Canada’s only Catholic undergraduate college offering university-transfer programs in arts, sciences, and business. To find out more, visit corpuschristi.ca.

Q&A with the New President

A highly experienced educator and administrator, Dr. Meehan has played numerous and varied roles throughout his career, including scholar, high school teacher, college professor and administrator, and seminary professor. Prior to accepting his new role at Corpus Christi, he was Dean of of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Seneca College in Toronto.

Both he and his wife Laura are from Toronto. They have four children, two boys and two girls, who are at different stages of elementary and secondary school.

Why do you think Catholic higher education is important?As a teacher, I have always understood that real learning starts with good questions. Curiosity is a sign of an active mind, and as young people leave the security of high school, they don’t stop asking questions, but they do need a different context in which to ask those questions and to pursue answers. Still, if they are to remain positive, and to embrace the responsibility that all adults have to contributing to the greater good, they need an environment, particularly in their early undergraduate years, that

understands them. It must be open and inclusive, not closed or judgmental.

What do you see for the future at Corpus Christi College?My vision of the future for Corpus Christi is of a place of learning, of community and of dialogue that is accepting of all people on the journeys of life and faith. While our mission is specifically Christian, and grounded in the rich intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church, the word “Catholic” is derived from the Greek word “katholikós”, meaning all embracing, universal. Our future will be tied to the need to promote an understanding of Corpus Christi as a place for the many, not the few; an institution in dialogue with the world, but grounded in the Truth of the Gospel message.

This past June, Corpus Christi was pleased to welcome Dr. Peter Meehan as our fourth President.

“While our mission is specifically Christian, and grounded in the rich intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church, the word ‘Catholic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘katholikós’, meaning all embracing, universal.”

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

Dr. Peter Meehan became Corpus Christi’s newest President in June 2014. In this photo, he is joined by Corpus Christi’s 2014-15 scholarship winners.

Page 3: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

3FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER

A highlight of the academic year, and guided by the central pillars of Catholic social teaching, Voices of Hope gives students an opportunity to explore social, political, cultural, religious and environmental challenges from all angles.

An entirely student-organized event, students are either selected to present their research or play a key behind-the-scenes role, such as event planning, marketing or hospitality. High school students and members of the community are invited to attend, with the goal of bringing more awareness to social justice issues and inspire action.

This year’s theme was conducere, the Latin word for “to lead with”. Inspired by the example of Fr. Emil Kapaun – American priest, soldier, and Korean war hero – students explored how certain types of leadership can unite people, giving them hope and inspiring them to go beyond perceived limits to fulfill a common goal.

Student-Led Symposium Tackles the “Hard Issues”VOICES OF HOPE 2014

Student presentations at Voices of Hope 2014 did not shy away from the hard issues. From tar sands development in Alberta to the alarming state of education in Pakistan, the annual student-led research symposium gave voice to some of our most pressing challenges.

“Through Voices of Hope, I learned to think more critically about an issue, looking at all sides and forming my own ideas. It showed me how I can become a leader in my own life.”

— Alexandra Glinsbockel was selected to present her research on “Leadership and the Human Person: Mind, Body and Soul” with classmate Ashley Kumar.

This coming year, Voices of Hope will focus on “Finding Meaning”, which is also this year’s academic theme. This student-led social justice symposium is open to all Corpus Christi and Saint Mark’s students and their families, Saint Mark’s Parish and community members, alumni, UBC students, invited high school students and other invited guests.

For more information, contact Maria Sarte at [email protected] or call the College at 604-822-6862.

2014 Speakers List

Clement Chou Living with Blindness: Advocacy and Inner Freedom

Klaudine Esperat and Dalena Tran Economics for Real People: Initiatives that Remedy Poverty

Julius Francia and Gelsey Latonio Young Heroes of Pakistan: Education in the Face of Oppression

Alexandra Glinsbockel and Ashley Kumar Leadership and the Human Person: Mind, Body and Soul

Susana Martinez Tar Sands: Is it Worth the Cost?

Clare-Anne Queenan and Irene De Souza Right to Life: The Fundamental Human Right

Douglas Pham “Conducere”: Leadership that Inspires Others

Johan Rego Tolkien’s Vision of Servant Leadership

Paul Vo Freeing the Children in Kenya

Preview: Voices of Hope 2015!

Page 4: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

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Jonathan WuSTUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, ELECTED VALEDICTORIAN,

PEER COUNSELLOR, ASPIRING TEACHER

High school alma mater: St. Patrick Secondary

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? The pro-life movement.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?I was accepted at UBC.

Why Corpus Christi?The opportunity to become a leader and the feeling that I’m much more than ‘just a number’.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

Corpus Christi prides itself on its scholarship awards program. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the College is forecasting disbursements of close to $143,000 to deserving students this coming year. Along with academic merit, the awards recognize service to the community, leadership, and social justice advocacy.

SPOTLIGHT ON INCOMING STUDENTS:

Meet our Scholarship Award Winners for 2014-2015!

Shadae KishorPEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOUNDER,

CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAM MANAGER, EVENTS

ORGANIZER, ASPIRING DIFFERENCE-MAKER

High school alma mater: Immaculata Regional High School, Kelowna, BC If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? Problems with how our food is processed, for example GMOs and the mass production of food by large corporations. Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?I did not apply anywhere else. I knew Corpus was the place for me. Why Corpus Christi?For the small classes, sense of community, and family feel.

Gabriella LombardoSTUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, CHOIR MEMBER, TIMBITS

SOCCER COACH, EDUCATION ADVOCATE, ASPIRING

CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER

High school alma mater: Notre Dame Regional High School

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? Girls’ education. Everyone is entitled to an education, and females are just as important as males in society.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?SFU (Criminology and Business) and Douglas College.

Why Corpus Christi?The presentations made by Corpus Christi staff at my school were welcoming and homey.

Meet this year’s crop of budding mentors, social justice advocates, and change-makers. These students are already making a difference in their schools, parishes, and neighbourhoods.

Katherine FigueiredoTRAVELER, YOUTH MENTOR, COMPETITIVE KAYAKER

AND BC GAMES ATHLETE, SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE,

ASPIRING TEACHER

High school alma mater: Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? The challenges faced by inner-city schools.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?Dalhousie University, University of Victoria, and University of the Fraser Valley.

Why did you choose Corpus Christi?Because it is a small faith-based community that I found very warm and welcoming.

Page 5: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

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Maria WilsonYOUTH MENTOR, RETREAT TEAM LEADER,

COMPETITIVE BOWLER, BULLYING PREVENTION

ADVOCATE, ASPIRING ENTREPRENEUR

High school alma mater: Little Flower Academy

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? Having experienced bullying first hand, I recognize it is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?UBC (Faculty of Arts).

Why Corpus Christi?Coming from a small high school, I appreciate having the ability to foster more personal relationships with peers and faculty.

FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER

Ysabel SisonTRAVELER, STUDENT COUNCIL LEADER, SPECIAL

EVENTS PLANNER AND MC, ASPIRING FILMMAKER

AND PSYCHOLOGIST

High school alma mater: J.N. Burnett Secondary

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? Gender. The number of women who have lost their lives simply for being a woman is incredibly hard for me to comprehend.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?Langara College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Trinity Western University.

Why Corpus Christi?I got drawn into the community feel within the walls of the school.

Mariana BerlangaCLUB PRESIDENT, SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE, LEADER

OF ARCHDIOCESE-WIDE PRO-LIFE CONFERENCE FOR

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, ASPIRING BIOLOGIST

High school alma mater: Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? The use of fair trade clothing to ensure what we wear is made under safe conditions and without the use of child labour.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?I didn’t apply anywhere else.

Why Corpus Christi?The supportive community and learning environment.

Austin VazCLUB LEADER, PRO-LIFE ORGANIZER, SCOUT AND

OUTDOORSMAN, ASPIRING FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT

AND INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

High school alma mater: Holy Cross Regional High School

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? Genocide, whether the slaughter of the Tutsi in Rwanda or the crisis of Catholics in Iraq being threatened by ISIS.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?Trinity Western, Simon Fraser and Douglas College.

Why Corpus Christi?I chose Corpus Christi because I’ve always enjoyed being part of a community. After only the first week, I already feel at home with the other amazing students I’ve met.

Alessandro SalvinoASSISTANT CATECHISM TEACHER, YOUTH MENTOR,

SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE, ASPIRING HUMANITARIAN

AND PSYCHOLOGIST

High school alma mater: Saint Thomas Aquinas

If you had to choose only one social justice issue to focus on, what would it be? General apathy towards homelessness.

Were you accepted at other colleges or universities?UBC (Applied Biology) and Capilano University.

Why Corpus Christi?The happy, faith-based atmosphere stood out to me as compared to the large, faceless masses found in some other institutions.

Need Money for College?At Corpus Christi, we don’t think money should stand in the way of a student’s dreams. Every year, we offer numerous scholarships, bursaries, and grants to incoming students, to ease the burden of paying for post-secondary education.

• Automatic Entrance Awards (No application required)

• Merit-Based Competitive Scholarship Awards

• Needs-Based Bursaries

• Grants for First Nations Students

Students are welcome to apply for more than one award, grant or bursary to cover the cost of up to a full year’s tuition. Find out more and apply online today: corpuschristi.ca/fees-aid/scholarships.

Page 6: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

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A group of eighteen Corpus Christi students, faculty, and staff traveled to the Northwest Territories this past summer on a mission of encounter and friendship. The First Nations or aboriginal people in this area are known as the Dene. They are scattered in small villages across a land so immense that many are not connected by road.

Their communities are largely Catholic, due to the evangelizing efforts of the Oblate Missionaries over the last 200 years. Sadly, many also struggle with addiction, the legacy of residential schools, and, presently, the rapid erosion of their culture and traditional ways.

Along with planned service activities like helping to paint a church building in the village of Dettah, we also exercised availability, flexibility, and trust, which enabled us to do things we hadn’t planned. Like travelling on motorboats for five hours on the Mackenzie River to the remote Dene community of Jean Marie, which was hosting an annual assembly of regional leaders. Once there, we helped local women prepare food in the cookhouse, served food to the attendees, watched a talent show, and baked bannock.

The Northwest Territories is the mosquito and horse fly capital of the world this time of year, and the near-constant sun also means that the land bakes and reflects its heat to the inhabitants who walk its surface.

This was no pleasure cruise, no “service tourism”. Many of us came home swollen and bug-bitten, and, I might add, exhausted and a little retina-burnt. Never has the darkness of night been so welcome. At the same time, I think it may just have been the best service trip I’ve been on.

In the Land of the Midnight Sunby John D. O’Brien, S.J.

SUMMER 2014: SERVICE TRIP TO THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

A service trip is a little like being on a retreat. Your ‘normal life’ recedes quickly as you leave behind routines, comforts, and habits. Plunged in a different land, you are faced with new challenges – above all, those within yourself.

“The experience took me out of my comfort zone in many ways, but gave me a deeper understanding of myself. Being of service to others gave me a great sense of accomplishment.”

— Gelsey Latonio, one of 18 Corpus Christi Students who traveled to the NWT for a summer service trip (pictured in white, middle photo)

John D. O’Brien, S.J., is a former instructor at Corpus Christi College who is now pursuing graduate studies in Toronto. This article was adapted from the author’s blog posts. To read more, go to: www.ibosj.ca/2014/06/in-land-of-midnight-sun_20.htmlwww.ibosj.ca/2014/07/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-fire-of-grace.html

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

PHOTOSLEFT: The local pastoral leader of a church in the village of Dettah invited students to join some local First Nations people to paint the inside and outside of one of their buildings, which normally weathers months of minus 30 degree weather.

MIDDLE: Students shared meals with local residents, including members of the Dene First Nations community.

RIGHT: For four days, students lived at Trapper’s Lake Spirituality Centre, a lodge with cabins located a few minutes drive from Yellowknife. A few weeks before they arrived, ice still covered the lakes, but the group baked in the dry heat and basked in the nearly 24-hour sunshine.

Page 7: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

7FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER

STUDENTS “INSPIRED” TO TAKE ACTION BY INSPIRE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

24-Hour Famine Shines a Spotlight on Abortion, Poverty and War

Organized by a group of Corpus Christi students this past spring, the “be[CAUSE]” 24-hour famine was held to create more awareness about abortion, poverty and war – and, in the process, raise funds towards building a school in Sierra Leone. One of several leadership projects undertaken by students enrolled in Corpus Christi’s non-credit INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program, the event encouraged

students to learn more about the issues as they spent an entire night listening to speakers, playing games, watching videos, and dancing.

“We focused on having an apologetics pro-life conference, and raising awareness for the relevant social justice issues of war, poverty, and abortion, because we are all very passionate about these issues,” says Clare-Anne Queenlan, who helped organize the event along with classmates Heather Barlow, Irene De Souza, Gabrielle Mustapich, Camille Porcioncula and Mark Christopher Vaz.

One significant achievement was securing speaker Stephanie Gray to speak at the event. Gray is co-founder and executive director of the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform and a well-known pro-life advocate. She flew in from Toronto at the request of the group and spoke to attendees at no charge.

The bulk of the event’s proceeds were donated to Free the Children’s “Brick by Brick” foundation, to help build a school in Sierra Leone. Funds raised purchased the equivalent of 150 bricks for the foundation.

It was a marathon event with a jam-packed itinerary of speakers, videos, music, dancing, crafts and games – but the social justice issues highlighted were not treated lightly.

What Is the INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program?

Last year, Corpus Christi launched the INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program, a non-credit program offered to all students at Corpus. The program proved popular with students, who learned concrete leadership skills from well-known community leaders. Along with hands-on leadership training and access to key resources, students developed a leadership activity of their own choosing.

Here is a sampling of those projects:

• Prison Pen Pal Program: to foster a Christian-based fellowship between parishioners and prison inmates

• “Water Walk”: to highlight the lack of access to clean water around the globe

• Evans Lake Retreat: to develop a deeper understanding of the world, our vocation, and the connections necessary to thrive in the academic world

• Pilgrimage to the Abbey in Mission: to take students away from the noise of the regular world so they can better listen to God and their own thoughts

• Yoga Retreat: to teach breathing, meditation and focusing techniques for studying more efficiently, as well as nutrition tips for healthier eating

• Halloween for Hunger: to collect canned food on Halloween night to distribute to the food bank

• Raise for Hope: to raise money to send to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan

For more info on this program, contact [email protected].

“I credit Corpus Christi’s INSPIRE Leadership Certificate program and the opportunity to be a student ambassador in helping me get involved with Bishop’s Residence Leadership Community, Events Committee, Students Representative Council, and other clubs.”

— Heather Barlow, Corpus Christi alumni (successfully transferred to Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec)

“Employers are impressed by the program, and want to know more about it. I have received multiple internship and employment opportunities. The INSPIRE Leadership program is much to thank for that, as it has given me the tools and credibility to be a leader and a team player.”

— Gabrielle Mustapich, Corpus Christi alumni (successfully transferred to Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Communication)

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Page 8: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

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Making the transition from high school to post-secondary can be scary. How would I balance the academic workload with work, family, and a social life? Fortunately, Orientation Week at Corpus Christi put my fears to rest. From the warm welcome I received from faculty and staff, to the tips they imparted about how to succeed, to all the new friends I made throughout the week – my Orientation experience confirmed my decision to attend Corpus.

Day 1: BodyAfter a few icebreaker games, we were put into different teams for an ‘Amazing Race’ scavenger hunt around UBC and downtown. We had to work as a team to find places like the Irving Library and the Olympic Torch and ‘prove’ we’d found our destination by sending a picture to an unknown caller, who revealed our next stop. We ended the day at Jericho Beach for a BBQ, team tug-of-war, and a very entertaining (and sometimes very messy) egg toss.

Day 2: MindThe second day of orientation was more focused on what to expect from our first year at Corpus. Gabriel Pillay, Dean of Student Services and Registrar, gave us some practical tips on how to have a successful first year. This was our first LION Lecture, which will be held throughout the year to help us with note taking, time management, and goal setting.

Gabe also outlined the many opportunities available to us outside the classroom – internships, the INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program, and service opportunities on the Downtown Eastside and in the Northwest Territories. But the best moment of the day was when Corpus Christi’s new President, Dr. Meehan, faced off against a student in the inflatable Gladiator Jousting Tournament. Who would have thought he would actually do it?

Day 3: SoulFor me, the highlight of the entire week was when we set off on a tour around the Downtown Eastside, capped off by a visit to the “Door Is Open”, a drop-in centre where Corpus Christi students regularly help serve meals and snacks to those who are less fortunate. Although it was hard to see people facing difficulties, I began to appreciate the different outreach activities that Corpus Christi offers.

I started out the week feeling pretty nervous, but Corpus Christi’s strong sense of community is giving me the confidence I need to smoothly transition from high school to first-year college – and help make a difference along the way.

Brenna Maduro graduated from Holy Cross Regional High School in Surrey. She plans to be an educator within the Archdiocese of Vancouver, so she can “inspire kids and make a positive impact on their lives just as my previous teachers have had on mine”.

We asked new student Brenna Maduro to recount her experiences at Orientation Week. The theme this year was “Body, Mind and Soul”. Keeping those three aspects in balance is an important focus at Corpus Christi.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

Taking Care of Body, Mind and SoulBy Brenna Maduro, first-year Corpus Christi student

ORIENTATION 2014

Above: Brenna Maduro gets ready for another Orientation activity. Right: New students break the ice at Orientation 2014.

Page 9: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

9FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER

Dr. Mary Ann King will never forget the first day she taught at Corpus Christi.

“I remember passing out the syllabus and every student without exception said ‘thank you’. The cordiality was striking,” she remembers.

King began teaching psychology at Corpus Christi in 2006. She also teaches in the psychology department at UBC, and has been a print and web-based course writer for both UBC and Thompson Rivers University’s Open Learning Division.

“It’s always a privilege to be around young people, but I have most appreciated the opportunity to interact with students in a smaller setting. That civility I noticed on my first day is easier to sustain in an environment where you feel like you are known as a person.”

King began her university studies at the University of Prince Edward Island and

completed her MA and PhD at UBC. She has published a number of studies on the sensitive issues of child victims and their testimony.

“Every academic thinks their subject matter is important, but Intro to Psychology is pretty

interesting and relevant for young people, and a great vehicle for teaching critical thinking,” comments King, adding. “There are always pedagogical issues, and students come with a range of abilities. Figuring out the best way to engage them is always worthwhile.”

Highly skilled and dedicated faculty members are an essential building block of any university-transfer college. At this year’s convocation, Corpus College recognized Dr. Mary Ann King for her teaching excellence.

Celebrating Teaching Excellence at Corpus Christi CollegeFOCUS ON FACULTY

Corpus Christi Psychology Instructor Dr. Mary Ann King advises students to understand course material well enough to “explain it to your grandmother”. To reinforce the point, King brought a giant ‘grandma doll’, made by her own mother, to class one day. King was recently recognized by Corpus Christi for her teaching excellence.

Every year, Corpus Christi College faculty members choose a common theme for the upcoming academic year, along with a common reader. This year’s theme is “Finding Meaning” and the reader is Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation by Eboo Patel.

Acts of Faith is a autobiography by an introspective young adult who struggles to find meaning in religion. Inspired by Dorothy Day’s Catholic Worker movement in inner-city Chicago, Patel undergoes a conversion experience that leads him on a spiritual journey to combine social justice and interfaith dialogue. Encountering committed Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians and Muslims, Patel comes to

realize that religious diversity does not threaten his own Muslim identity, but enhances it.

Throughout the year, both faculty and students will be encouraged to incorporate the theme both inside and outside the classroom. The goal is to intentionally and consciously question how each new area of study, new methodology, new concept, and new topic will help students find meaning – not only in their ‘home discipline’, but in the world around them.

The theme and reader will also form the foundation for Voices of Hope 2015, Corpus Christi’s student-led social justice symposium.

“Finding Meaning” Chosen as this Year’s Common Theme

Page 10: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

10 CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

FOCUS ON ALUMNI

Spotlight on Alumni: Where Are They Now?

Corpus Christi is proud of our alumni and pleased to showcase their accomplishments. In this section, we invite you to meet a few of our outstanding alumni as they share their thoughts on the highlights of their Corpus Christi experience.

Jessica Noujeim

Jessica transferred to UBC and recently graduated with a BA in Religion, Literature and the Arts, with a minor in German Studies. As part of her degree, she studied for one semester abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland.

During her first year at Corpus, Jessica founded a successful esthetics business, which she continues to grow. She has also published poetry, co-founded a vocal ensemble, and travelled throughout Europe and the UK.

Corpus Christi Highlights? “The main thing that stands out to me is each instructor’s genuine passion and expertise in their subject area. The professors don’t just push you to do well – they teach you the necessary skills. That attention to each person’s development is something you don’t get in a lecture hall of 300 students.”

Nicco Bautista

Nicco transferred to UBC and earned an Honours BA in Political Science. After earning a law degree from the University of Manchester, he returned to UBC to pursue a JD/MA in Law and Asian and Policy Studies.

Now a lawyer with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin specializing in estate planning, trusts and tax, he also does pro bono work for the Coast Domestic Workers and sits on the board for the Hoop Law Society, which organizes the legal community’s largest one-day fundraiser.

Corpus Christi Highlights?“I was impressed by the extent to which all the advisors and professors cared for their students and truly wished them to succeed. Another major highlight was when our Model UN team won Honourable Mention at the renowned National Model United Nations competition in New York. The satisfaction of a small college team from Canada performing at such a high standard within such a short period of time – that was rewarding.”

Gelsey Latonio

A graduate of Little Flower Academy, Gelsey chose to stay at Corpus Christi for her second year of studies. Her goal is to transfer in her third year, to pursue a career in speech pathology to “help children with speaking difficulties regain their confidence”.

Corpus Christi Highlights?“I came from a competitive high school where many strive to attend a large university. While that holds a lot of value, I believe that not everyone has to take the same route in their first and second year. I was looking to broaden my skill set, discover what I was truly interested in by trying out different classes, and be a part of a well-supported community where everyone knows my name.”

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11FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER

Gabrielle Mustapich

Gabrielle transferred to Simon Fraser University and is pursuing a major in Communications, with a minor in Business. She plans to pursue a career in NGO management, a goal “rooted in a passion for positive change”.

Corpus Christi Highlights?“The INSPIRE Leadership Certificate program turned out to be one of my best experiences at the College. It helped me discover and grow new strengths, and potential employers are always impressed by the program and want to know more about it. It’s led to multiple internship and employment opportunities.”

Heather Barlow

Heather transferred to Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Economics.

Corpus Christi Highlights?“What drew me to Corpus Christi was its supportive environment and small class sizes. The transition to a larger university has been easier because of the confidence I gained from being able to raise my hand during class and share my opinions, which I would not have felt comfortable doing in a large lecture hall in my first year.”

Jeffrey Li

Jeffry is currently is his third year at the Sauder School of Business at UBC, with a focus on Finance and Real Estate. He hopes to pursue a career as a financial analyst or in commercial law.

Corpus Christi Highlights?“I expected Corpus Christi College to be a place where students were somewhat detached as they waited to transfer after their first year. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the College has a very active student life program. Social and service events organized by Corpus Christi students and the College help instill school pride and promote a strong sense of community.”

Alumna Jessica Wu (Corpus Christi 2010) is the 2014 recipient of the University of Waterloo’s Master of Public Service (MPS) Excellence Award, for receiving the highest overall average in her graduating class.

“This award recognizes Jessica’s diligence and hard work in all aspects of the MPS program. She is one of the strongest students we have encountered and an excellent representative of the program. We look forward to following her success in public service,” says Daniel Henstra, MPS program director and political science professor at Waterloo.

After earning a Corpus Christi Diploma (equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree) in 2010, Jessica went on to earn a BA from UBC in 2012 before entering the MPS program. While at Corpus, Jessica was president of the student association (CCCSA) from 2009-2010, as well as Newman Club president from 2010-2012.

Currently, Jessica works as an Administrative Assistant to Legislative Services and Elections Assistant for the City of Waterloo.

Have you achieved something special? Or how about one of your former Corpus Christi classmates? We want to hear about it! Send us a quick message at [email protected] or call us at 604-822-6862.

Corpus Christi Alumna Earns Master of Public Service Excellence Award

Page 12: Corpus Christi Current Fall 2014

12

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Message from Our Development Office Corpus Christi College, similar to Saint Mark’s College, is a private not-for-profit post-secondary institution committed to maintaining an affordable and competitive tuition model. Because Corpus Christi receives no government funding, we rely on the generosity of donors to provide worthy students an education infused in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and focused on purposeful development of student leaders. We help students flourish in small-sized classes, supported by faculty and community, opening the path for intellectual and spiritual exploration, transformation, and growth.

Your support helps achieve our mission to educate life-long learners to take on the intellectual, professional and social challenges of our times. We believe it’s important to inform our donors as fully and transparently as possible. On the left, please see a chart showing your donation dollar at work. All figures are from fiscal 2013/14.

We are now enjoying the fruits of our collaborate work as a community that has been together for 15 years. In the previous pages of this issue, we have included a small sample of some of our alumni, at different stages of their educational and professional journey. Their leadership and contribution to society continues on, with even greater things to come.

To our donors, we owe tremendous gratitude! Special thank you to the Archdiocese of Vancouver for their valued support over the last many years.

Hilda Abi-Rached and Family

John Auersperg

The Basilian Fathers of Toronto

Belcum Foundation

The Boardwalk

Pamela Brammall

Dr. Paul Burns

Dr. Raul and Christine Carvalho

Michelle Chang and Lawrence Chan

Monica and Francis Cheung

Anonymous

Rob and Laura Cruickshank

Cullen Family

Bruno and Dianne De Vita

Teresa and Emmanuel Domingo

David and Joan Dumaresq

Felix Durity

Elite Management

Neysa Finnie and Gordon Brown

Gail Fosbrooke

Magdalen Fung

Caroline Fung

Anonymous

Dr. Val George

Elizabeth Gordon

Harris Family

Jack and Donna Herb

Chris and Rita Ireland

JVR Realty Associates

John Kettlewell

Andrew Lai

Peter and Leonie Mahony

Henry and Patti Man

William McCarthy

Maria Micallef

Ivana Micallef and Patrick Johnston

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB

Liam and Joya O’Loughlin

Oliver Capital

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

Raymond and Ann Paris

Guido and Laura Pela

Pontiac Holdings

Jim and Penny Rogers

Saint Augustine’s Parish

Saint Mark’s Parish

Saint Patrick’s Regional Secondary School

Dale and Lynnis Rondeau

George Sanders

Sook Ching Foundation

Bonnie Staniszkis

Dr. John and Mary Stapleton

Anne Marie Sweeney

Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester

Joseph and Elizabeth Tan

Mimi and Douglas Tang

Telus – Employee Matching Program

Thomas Rondeau LLP

Franco and Donna Trasolini

Vancouver College

Don and Bonnie Vicic

Dr. Gernot and Norma Wieland

We wish to recognize the following donors, who gifted $1,000 or more to Corpus Christi and Saint Mark’s Colleges during the 2013/14 fiscal year:

To learn more about creating a legacy or to make an impact gift, please contact Florence Allaye-Chan, Coordinator of Development at 604-822-6862 (x119) or [email protected].

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

Program Curriculum & Delivery$502,350

Library Services$65,900

Scholarships, Bursaries & Grants

$143,000

Academic Advising

$135,300

Campus Ministry& Service Outreach

$38,300

8%

57%

4%

15%

16%