document

AGM in Review

C o n n e c t i n g M a c E w a n A l u m n i a n d F r i e n d s W i n t e r 2 0 0 7

Corporate Wellness

Allard Chair in Business

Message from AlumniAssociation President

Suppersfor their

MacEwan alumni make music workSinging

MOV I N G ON M a c E w a n A l u m n i N e w s l e t t e r 1

EditorSarah Edwards

Mailing AddressAlumni Association

Grant MacEwan College P.O. Box 1796, EdmontonAlberta, Canada T5J 2P2

Moving On is the official publication of the MacEwan AlumniAssociation. The Alumni Association

Office provides Moving On three timesa year for alumni and friends of theMacEwan Alumni Association. Theeditor reserves the right to select,

edit, and position submitted copy. Views expressed inMoving On do not necessarily reflect

those held by MacEwan College.

All inquiries and correspondence should be directed to the AlumniOffice at the above address or by calling (780) 497-4273. Alumni are

welcome to visit our offices at: Room 7–103, City Centre Campus,

MacEwan College 10700–104 Avenue,Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Design, Layout & Production Co-ordination

Halkier + Dutton Strategic Design

ContributorsScott Rollans,

Tanya Wold, Alison Gurnham

Advertising & SalesFor information on booking ad space,

call (780) 497-5543

CirculationIn excess of 35,000

C O V E R S T O R Y

2 Letter from the Editor

3 Corporate Wellness at MacEwan Centre

4 What’s Up On Campus

5 A Message from Dr. Paul Byrne

6 Bulletin Board

6 Alumni Chapters

7 Focus on Alumni

11 Benefits Just for Alumni

12 Events in Review

13 WhereAbouts

15 Going Mad - As a Hatter

77

1122

8

8 Singing for their Supper

IssueIn this

2 M a c E w a n A l u m n i N e w s l e t t e r MOV I N G ON

from the Alumni Office

Message from the Executive Director

This issue of Moving On features three of our music grads. The paths that led

them into the Music program all vary. The journey they have been on since

graduating have all been very different. The two things they have in common are

their fondness for MacEwan and their obvious success.

We have also focused on wellness in this issue. Often at the beginning of a new

year we look at changing habits or adopting new ones. You will read about your

fellow alumni all working at the MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness in the

section Focus on Alumni. As well, we have included infomation on the Corporate

Wellness program offered by the Centre for Sport and Wellness.

I hope you enjoy this issue. The best to all of you in 2007.

Sarah Edwards, Executive DirectorGrant MacEwan College Alumni Association

President’s MessageI hope 2007 is off to a great start for you and your friends and family. The

Alumni Association is looking forward to expanding our MacEwan ‘family’

even more this year by continuing to build stronger connections with

existing and new alumni.

In November at the MacEwan Alumni Association’s Annual General

Meeting, I began my term as President of the Alumni Association. I look

forward to working with the Board of Directors and the College to move

ahead with the vision and plans that were established at our retreat in the

fall of 2006. This vision inclued making the Alumni Association a formal

part of MacEwan. Representatives from the Alumni Association Board of

Directors have been meeting with the college administration to make this

transition official as of July 1, 2007. Watch for more details in the next

issue of Moving On.

There are exciting Alumni events coming up in the next few months. On

February 8, it’s MacEwan Day! Join us for breakfast and the College awards

at the City Centre campus. Many alumni look forward to attending,

supporting or volunteering at the annual Mad Hatters Gala. This

spectacular event will be celebrating its 22nd year on Saturday, April 28.

Funds raised through this event support student bursaries and scholarships.

Best wishes for a wonderful 2007. I encourage you to take some time to attend

one or more of the many upcoming MacEwan Alumni and College events.

Scott Kashuba, President

Diplom

aFram

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Frame yourhard-earned

diploma or certificatewith exclusive

MacEwanFrames.

$60 Metal

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$80 Wood

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Available at allMacEwan

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MacEwan Centre offers many options forcorporations, each helping to improveemployee outlook on health and wellnessand the effect it has on everyday life. Byproviding the education and trainingnecessary to inform employees on how tolive better, MacEwan Centre boasts manycorporate wellness success stories and enjoysproviding front-line service and out-of-the-box thinking. Corporate clients includeIntuit, Alberta Medical Association, Al-Pac,Enbridge, AADAC, Alberta Justice, AlbertaEducation and Alberta Advanced Learning.

Companies who want to get involvedwith corporate wellness programs often don’tknow where to start. Offering flexibleoptions and cooperative, synergistic meetingenvironments, MacEwan Centre works witheach organization to help reach their uniquegoals on budget.

PresentationsPresentations are just one of the options

we offer to corporations. Through lunch-and-learns or as part of a Wellness Day,presentations can be brought into theworkplace to help educate employees onhealth and wellness related topics. Examplesinclude:• De-cluttering• Laughing Yoga• Portion Distortion (nutrition

information session)• Stress Management• Sleep Techniques (learn how to improve

your sleep)• Fitness & Active Living

• Ask the Trainer (advice from a personal trainer)

• Ergonomics

Wellness FairsMacEwan Centre boasts experience in

organizing many annual wellness fairs andcorporate wellness retreats. Educationalbooths, presentations, health and fitnesstesting and team-building activities allprovide health and wellness education foremployees. Often, bringing in outsidehealth-related organizations is also animportant addition to these types of events.MacEwan Centre’s strong linkages with otherwellness centres outside of Edmonton mayalso benefit your organization if you’replanning a province-wide health andwellness opportunity for employees.

Polar BodyAge AssessmentsProvide Polar BodyAge Assessments for

your employees. Corporations can takeadvantage of this new technology byproviding employees a chance to have theirhealth benchmarked.

Through a series of physical tests andquestionnaires, the Polar BodyAge Assessmentprovides employees with a BodyAge score(biological age of your body, based on howwell you maintain it) and a detailed programto work towards lowering that score – inessence, work to create a younger you.

Heath Testing and ScreeningMacEwan Centre is linked with the

Canadian Diabetes Association and the local

medical community. Blood pressure, bloodscreening and cholesterol and glucose leveltesting are valuable services that keep youremployees’ health in-check. Providing awarenessand education for employees is key as theybegin on their path to health and wellness.

Group Fitness and Exercise ClassesWe can bring health and fitness to you.

MacEwan Centre’s team can design groupfitness classes for your employees. FromCardio Funk to Yoga Strength, classes can bebrought to your employees to help them stayfocused on fitness. Either on-site or off-site,we’ll work to accommodate you.

Personal Training and NutritionCounselling

Whether it’s a small group or anindividual employee that has questions orwants some guidance on matters effecting

Corporate Wellness at MacEwan Centre:Providing Choices forBottom Line Thinking

Encouraging a healthy lifestyle willimprove your bottom line. There isplenty of research to support this claim.

• DuPont reduced their absenteeismby 47.5 per cent over 6 years when29,315 blue collar workers joined afitness program. Participants had145 fewer disability days.

• Dr. Roy Shephard found corporatewellness programs returned acumulative economic benefit of$500 - $700 per worker per year.

• Municipal employees in Torontomissed 3.35 fewer days in the firstsix months of their “Metro Fit”fitness program than employees not enrolled in the program.

story continued on page 14...

MacEwan Centre for Sport & Wellness offers corporate wellness

services to corporations all over Alberta. Employee health and well-being

is top-of-mind with today’s employers as they confront retention tactics

and promote long-term, bottom-line thinking in Alberta’s booming economy.


On Campus

Program in Ukrainian and EasternEuropean studies. The new donationbrings the Kule’s total donation to $1.25 million over two years. Taken together, the Kule’s donations to MacEwan have translated into a$3.75 million endowment because

of matching funds provided by thecollege and the Government of Alberta.These resources are being used byMacEwan’s Ukrainian Resource andDevelopment Centre to fosterinnovation and leadership in Ukrainianstudies and education.

What’s Up

City of Edmonton

Hall of Fame AwardsNominate an Outstanding

Edmontonian!

The City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence Committee is activelyseeking nominations for the City of Edmonton Halls of Fame.

Saluting Edmonton’s most outstanding citizens, these awards arepresented to individuals or groups who, through their participationin arts and culture, community service, or sports, have madeexemplary contributions to the quality of life in Edmonton.

Arts and Culture Hall of FameThis award is presented to individuals or groups whose work in artsand culture has brought recognition to our city.

Community Service Hall of FameThis award is presented to honour outstanding individuals orgroups who have demonstrated significant leadership or providedexemplary service to the citizens of Edmonton.

Sports Hall of FameHonouring our city’s finest athletes and sports builders, inducteesare individuals who have represented Edmonton in athleticcompetition and demonstrated superior sportsmanship, as well asthose who have contributed significantly to the development ofsport in the city.

Deadline for nominations is February 23, 2007

For nomination forms and further information, contact Mavis Sniderat 496-7380 or [email protected]. Nomination formsare also available on the City of Edmonton website at www.edmonton.ca.

A warm MacEwan welcomefor new students

MacEwan welcomed new students in afun, high-energy orientation at the CityCentre Campus on August 28. The newstudent orientation hosted more than1,400 students and was well-receivedaccording to Barbara Scuccato, co-ordinator of the Student SuccessProgram. “New students got goodinformation and tours of the campus,and were able to deal with those first-day jitters,” she said. The success ofthe one-day event can be attributed tothe more than 70 staff, student, alumniand faculty volunteers who supportedthe orientation and provided studentswith positive interactions.

MacEwan hosts specialguests from China

Representatives from Heze MedicalCollege in China visited MacEwan in early October and resided in theMacEwan Residence during their stay in Edmonton. Heze MedicalCollege has given students, faculty and staff from the MacEwanAcupuncture program the opportunityto study in China for the past fouryears. Each year, approximately sixstudents do the practicum componentof the course in Heze.

A new arena equals a newbreed of MacEwan hockey fans

The MacEwan Griffins hockey teamsstarted the season off on the rightskate! After lengthy negotiations, theGriffins have claimed St. Albert’s newServus Centre as their home ice. “Our teams are playing on the best icein Alberta,” said Mark Mahl, MacEwanAthletics director. Along with excellentline-ups and impressive stats, bothteams have an entire community of Griffins hockey supporters – the

City of St. Albert has adopted the Griffins as their home teams. Forgame schedules and updates, visitwww.macewanathletics.ca.

eCampusAlberta spearheadscollaboration betweenMacEwan and SAITPolytechnic

On November 24, eCampusAlbertaannounced a collaborative agreementbetween MacEwan and SAITPolytechnic in Calgary to offer aBusiness Administration, Managementmajor diploma and a ManagementStudies diploma available entirelyonline. “This initiative has allowed ourfaculties to collaborate on thedevelopment of online curriculum and to share in best practices ofdelivering courses,” said Elsie Elford,Dean, MacEwan School of Business.eCampusAlberta was established in2002 as a consortium to facilitateincreased access to high quality onlinelearning opportunities in Alberta.

MacEwan opens multi-faithprayer and meditation room

College representatives, students and community members celebratedthe grand opening of MacEwan’s new multi-faith prayer and meditationroom on November 21. The space,located at MacEwan’s City CentreCampus, is available for individuals on a drop-in basis. The room will alsoaccommodate group bookings forstudent faith-based groups.

Kule family donates an addi-tional $750,000 to MacEwanfor Ukrainian studies

Drs. Peter and Doris Kule have donatedan additional $750,000 to MacEwan tocomplete the Kule Chair endowmentand establish a Visiting Scholars

new programs, courses, workshops and camps


Dr. Paul Byrne

from thepresident

January is always an exciting time for MacEwan students, as they start a new semester and think

about the year ahead. For those starting their last semester of study at MacEwan, it’s an especially

busy time. As alumni, many of you recall the stress and the excitement of writing your last exams, fin-

ishing work placements or preparing for job interviews. You’ll probably never forget the reward and

satisfaction of getting your first job – something 93 per cent of MacEwan grads find within six months

of graduation. And while you’re probably enjoying the benefits of Alberta’s thriving economy, we are

always trying to find ways to help you continually advance in your field.

As you think about the year ahead, do you have specific goals in mind? MacEwan has a number of

post-degree diplomas and certificates designed to complement your existing education and work

experience and enhance your overall career potential. In September 2007, the college will begin

offering its third baccalaureate degree – and plans to add more in the future. With over 70 degree,

diploma and certificate programs in total, we offer you the ability to earn various credentials, through

various delivery methods that suit your busy schedules.

But, whatever your goals may be, MacEwan is proud to be your alma mater and we know you are

making an important contribution to your community. Whether you want to turn over a new leaf,

strive for that promotion or head back to class, I wish you luck with all your personal, career and

educational endeavors in 2007.

Sincerely, Paul Byrne President & CEO


upcoming events, not to be missed

On CampusBulletin BoardCrazy For YouJan.26–Feb. 3, 2007John L. Haar Theatre

Guitar Band ConcertMarch 3, 2007John L. Haar Theatre

The Full MontyMarch 9–17, 2007John L. Haar Theatre

Love’s Labour’sLost/WoyzeckMarch 14–18, 2007Theatre Lab

Jazz Choir/Jazz ComboConcertMarch 18, 2007John L. Haar Theatre

Composition ConcertMarch 24, 2007

John L. Haar Theatre

Percussion ConcertMarch 25, 2007

John L. Haar Theatre

Chapter ContactsMassage Therapy ProgramCharlotte Bowman: [email protected]

Music ProgramSue Stollings:[email protected]

Special Needs EducationalAssistant Program (formerly Teacher Assistant)Vickie Grafton:[email protected]

To learn more about the SpecialNeeds Educational Assistant chapter,please refer to their website.www.macewantachapter.net

Information Management &Library Technology ProgramCarol Fowler: [email protected]

Fine Arts ProgramRose Clancy: [email protected]

Accounting and Strategic Measurement ProgramAllen McQueen: [email protected]

Therapist Assistant ProgramBrenda Heffernan:[email protected]

Students’ AssociationBrent Meyer: [email protected]

Human ResourcesManagement ProgramLisa Galloway: [email protected]

Alumni chapters are an excellent way to getinvolved and provide an opportunity to giveback to the college. They also allow alumni tostay in contact with fellow graduates andtogether make an impact on their community.Call (780) 497-5543 for more information.

Alumni Chapters

!

Songwriters’ ConcertMarch 31, 2007John L. Haar Theatre

Jazz Band ConcertApril 2, 2007John L. Haar Theatre

Design Studies Grad ShowApril 2007, Details TBA*

Fine Art Grad ExhibitApril 14–19, 2007Studios 106,109 & 113*

*no charge for these events

Advance Tickets at Tix on the Square:

Music Concert Prices: Jazz Bands, Showcase Band: $10 – adults, $8 – students/seniors;

Month of Music Concert Prices(performances applicable to March 3, 18, 24, 25 & 31) :$7 – adults, $5 – students/seniors.


“Fitness helps keep mecentered, grounded andexcited about life.”

“All my life, I’ve beenphysically active in one way

or another. For me, fitnesshas been the onlycomponent of my lifethat has remainedconstant. As a matter offact, fitness has gotten

me through a lot of upsand downs in my life

because it has always been therefor me – always a positive

component of my life. Fitness is so muchmore than simply exercising and beingactive. Fitness increases my well-being, self-care and my ability to live better. Whatmotivates me is concentrating on how I feelduring and after a workout or even when Itake my dog to the park. Fitness keeps mecentered, grounded and excited about life.”

Katie Metez, Early Childhood Development,1980. Current Occupation: Fitness andLifestyle Consultant, MCSW

“A workout partnerwill keep youmotivated.”

“In the past, myexercise and fitness came

from group practices andgames. Now that I have

graduated from college sports, I find it easiest to stay accountable if I planmy workouts with a friend. A workoutpartner will keep you motivated and willlessen your chance of cheating on days when

you don't feel like doing anything. A fitnessbuddy will cheer you on and give you thatextra push to achieve your fitness goals.”

Kristin Pool, Information Management and Library Technology, 2002. CurrentOccupation: Aquatics Supervisor, MCSW

“It’s a choice…so make it for you.”

“I see friends Igraduated with inhigh school who areoverweight and getwinded with minimalexercise. I am as active now as I was when Iwas 18 - but in order to stay this way, I haveto work on the one part of my body thataffects everything… my mind!

By staying disciplined, eating healthy,exercising regularly, stretching and doingcardio, we all can reach any physical goal wemay have. But it starts with commitment…and I believe everyone out there has a NewYear’s resolution coming to them!

It’s a choice…so make it for you!”

Neall Alden, Public Relations Program, 2003.Current Occupation: Owner/Operator/Adventure Architect, Backside Tours Inc.Mountain Adventures for Groups

“Join a recreationleague to holdyourselfaccountable.”

“I believe stayingactive is essential fora healthy lifestyle.

The biggest challenge is finding an activitythat you enjoy enough to do on a regularbasis. This new year, make some realisticresolutions that you can stick to. I enjoyvolleyball, whether it be jumping in the gymto play pepper or playing ladies league eachweek. Volleyball helps me stay active whileenjoying time with my friends. Joining arecreation league is a great way to holdyourself accountable and there are manysports and skill levels available. Staying activehas helped me focus mentally, emotionally andphysically in my day-to-day life.”

Kylie-Joy Berg, Bachelor of Physical Educationuniversity transfer, 2005 and Griffin Women’sVolleyball alumni. Current Occupation:Customer Service Agent , MCSW andAssistant Coach Griffin Women’s Volleyball

“Make time for yourself bydoing something active,fun and enjoyable.”

“Being active is partof a happy, well-rounded lifestyle. Youhave to find ways toincorporate activitiesthat you enjoy suchas walking, sleddingand skiing into yourday. Make time foryourself by doing somethingactive, fun and enjoyable! Byparticipating in activities you enjoy, it doesn’teven seem like a workout!”

Heather Knowles, Bachelor of PhysicalEducation university transfer, 2005. CurrentOccupation: Recreation Assistant, MCSW

Reduced rates for MacEwanalumni are available atMacEwan Centre for Sport & Wellness. Go towww.MacEwanCentre.ca

for membership details.

Staff and members of MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness want to wish you all

a happy, healthy new year. It’s resolution time, and we hope the following tips and

quotes will help you on your path to health and well-being in 2007. Hope to see you

around the centre soon and often!

focus onAlumni


Suppfor their

MacEwSinging


Of course, it won’t be an easy road. For every millionaire popstar, there are thousands of singers who work hard for every pennythey earn. They drive used cars to their weekend gigs, hold downday jobs to help pay the bills and patiently raise funds to self-produce CDs.

Moving On recently chatted with three female MacEwangraduates who became honest-to-goodness professional singers,and who can’t imagine a career without music.

Ann VriendAnn Vriend pours coffee in the kitchen of her cozy Inglewood

bungalow. She’s relishing having a place to call home, after yearson the road interspersed with periods spent crashing with friendsand family. “I finally got all of my things out of storage,” she marvels.“I keep finding things that I forgot I even owned.”

Like most singers, Vriend loved music as a kid. “And I wasalways writing stuff,” she says. “But I never thought it would bemy career.”

She studied some music at university, but it wasn’t her primefocus. “It didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t as disciplinedas you have to be for classical music. So I made music my minorand majored in English.”

Then, when she was just three courses away from her degree, fateintervened. Vriend went to see a friend compete in a battle ofthe bands and ended up being blown away by one of theother contenders. “They were all really young—like my age. I found out they were students atGrant MacEwan. And I thought, well, that’s thekind of music I want to do. I didn’t know youcould formally study it.

“I called the next day and they still had oneaudition day left for the vocalist program.” Vriendlearned Lullaby of Birdland with the help of her roommate, aclassical pianist who played the sheet music note for note. Whenthe audition accompanist swung into the tune, it didn’t seem likethe same song at all. “But I did say to myself, “If I do get in, I’mgoing to take it as a sign and drop out of university.”

by Scott Rollansers

At this very moment, somewhere in

Alberta, a youngster is warbling away in

the shower, dreaming of becoming a

professional entertainer. If he or she

follows that dream to MacEwan, there’s

every chance that it will come true.

wan alumni make music work

Left to right: Ann Vriend, Julie Mahendran and

Anna Beaumont


After switching to MacEwan, Vriend worriedthat she had made a horrible mistake. Shehated the ordeal of performing day in andday out. “It was one of those things where itgets worse before it gets better. And it gotbad. It got really bad. By the end of the firstsemester, I was just miserable.”

Vriend decided to stick it out for the restof the year because she had paid in advance,but she gave up the notion of a musicalcareer. “I think what I needed was just thatattitude change. To not have that pressure.Because things started turning around and Istarted to enjoy myself.”

Among Vriend’s fond memories of herMacEwan teachers, the late Rick Garn reallystands out. “Just before you’d go onstage,you’d be all nervous, and he’d come right upto you, nose to nose, and go, ‘Don’t @#$%up.’ That would always make me laugh. I still hear that in my head sometimes.”

Anna BeaumontAnna Beaumont took a more direct route

to MacEwan. She spent much of her teenyears onstage with Edmonton MusicalTheatre, where her father was a regular leadactor. Straight out of high school, Beaumontasked herself, “Is there a music school in thiscity? Oh, then that’s where I’m going to go.”

Beaumont enjoys her own memories ofMacEwan teachers, people like Bob Gilliganand Tommy Banks, and sees herself as partof a rich MacEwan legacy. “Edmonton has ahuge music community thanks to MacEwan,and they’re such great players. Lots of reallygood friends.”

Early on, however,Beaumont’s career wasn’t sowarm and fuzzy. Aftergraduating, she hit theroad with a bar band,covering Heart tunes.“We did the whole

yellow school bus thingand slept in a lot of crappy band

rooms. It didn’t take me long to get turnedoff from the road.”

Beaumont took a job at the EdmontonPolice Service, overseeing the drugs and drugmoney the police seized in raids. Onweekends, she sang at La Ronde in theChateau Lacombe. It sounds like themakings of a good movie—drug squad byday, chanteuse by night. Laughs Beaumont,“You wouldn’t have to spice it up much!”

While at the police service, she landed a

role in the Stage West 60s musical Beehive.The play put her onstage alongside ex-Supreme Mary Wilson. Wilson ended uphiring her for a tour of Europe and the U.S.with other soul legends like the Commodoresand Edwin Starr. “Depending on where wewere playing, we were billed as ‘Mary Wilsonof the Supremes,’ or as ‘Mary Wilson andthe Supremes’.” laughs Beaumont.

“That was pretty exciting. Butthat’s also where I realized thatstardom’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

Instead, Beaumont began to focusmore on her parallel path as a healer. “Iwent back to school and took somethingcalled integrative body psychotherapy. It’slike trying to return to the authentic placeinside of us.” Not surprisingly, hertechniques focus on music. “Definitely, voicetraining is a really big part of it. Our voices arethe representatives from the depths. It justdepends on how far you’re willing to go down.”

These days, Beaumont often works withgroups of eight to twelve in workshops shecalls “Express Yourself.” She’s evenexperimenting with the downtown officecrowd with weekly noon-hour sessions. Bygiving office workers a chance to recharge,she hopes to spread the energy far beyondher little group. “One person’s energy affectsanother person and another person. I just sortof drop little pebbles into ponds and see howthey ripple. And I’m doing more and more of it.”

Over time, Beaumont’s paths haveconverged. “I’m doing concerts alongside theworkshops. So the roles are merging, whichis a nice thing. I’m not divided anymore. I am one person!”

Julie MahendranListening to Julie Mahendran’s warm,

playful jazz vocals, you can’t picture herslaving away over spreadsheets. But, for awhile at least, she toyed with the idea ofbecoming an accountant.

While studying business at the U of A,however, Mahendran she joined the U of AMixed Chorus. It didn’t take her long tofigure out where she was most comfortable.“The chorus was basically my whole sociallife,” she recalls. “I didn’t really have a wholelot to do with the other business students.”

After completing her degree, shecontinued to gravitate towards music. “I went down to Waterton Lakes andwaitressed at the Prince of Wales Hotel.There was a piano player in the dining room

who played jazz standards and he was veryencouraging. He gave me some sheet musicto look at and learn and he let me sit in andsing a few tunes during the dining hours. I just loved it. I don’t remember being allthat nervous or afraid.”

Even so, she flirted with yetanother career before finallychoosing music. After a year off to travel, she applied to (and wasaccepted by) the U of A’s lawprogram. “I hadn’t done myaudition at MacEwan yet,”she explains. “I wasn’t sure

what was going to happen.”Like Vriend, Mahendran had a

memorable audition. “I sang TheloniousMonk’s ’Round Midnight. I thought nothingof it at the time but in retrospect, forsomeone who hadn’t sung a lot of jazz, it wasdefinitely a tricky song to choose.”

At MacEwan, Mahendran studied fortwo years under Chandelle Rimmer. “Shegave me a really good foundation for singingin general. To be able to use properbreathing techniques and things like that.She was a great friend as well.”

After MacEwan, Mahendran worked inEdmonton for a year. She was saving up tostudy music at Boston’s prestigious BerkleeCollege. Since graduating in 2000, she haslived in Toronto.

Edmonton remains a musical touchstonefor Mahendran, however. In the summer of2003, during a three-week visit home, shedecided to finally record a full-length CD. “I thought I’d put together a band, findsome studio space, and just go and record an album. I figured it was now or never.”

The result, Never Do Without You, featuresone original song by Mahendran, a challenge shehopes to explore more. “Songwriting is tough.It’s the thing I feel the least naturally gifted at.But I want to go more in an original direction.”

That direction will likely involve more of agroove, suggests Mahendran. “I feel inspiredwhen people are moved to dance when I’mplaying. I’d like to have that in my own solocareer as well.”

She has definitely landed in the rightfield. After all, people rarely dance for their accountants.

Hear these amazing MacEwanvocalists at their websites:www.annvriend.comwww.annabeaumont.comwww.juliemahendran.com


preferred rates for home, auto, life, and health insurance, theatre discounts and more

annum fee. Alumni can have borrowing privileges and access to computers (computer use after 4:00 p.m. weekdays and anytime on weekends). For further information,call Margaret Lariviere at (780) 497-5852.

Access to College FacilitiesThere are special facility rental ratesfor MacEwan alumni. Take advantageof reduced rental rates when holdingmeetings, workshops, seminars, publicforums, conferences or specialactivities at the college (John L. HaarTheatre, MacEwan Centre for Sportand Wellness, and Conservatory ofMusic excluded). Call (780) 497-4273for information or to request a guideto facilities and services.

Manulife FinancialThe Manufacturers Life InsuranceCompany (Manulife Financial) is theunderwriter of your Grant MacEwanCollege Alumni Association Life andHealth Insurance group policy. Call 1-888-913-6333 for more information.

The alumni association provides opportunities foralumni to maintain an activeaffiliation with the collegeand its communities. As astudent who has completed a MacEwan diploma, university transfer or certificate program, you area member of the AlumniAssociation and can beinvolved in several ways:

• run for any position on the board of directors and participate in thecontinued building of the association;

• form or guide the AlumniChapter representing yourMacEwan program ordivision, and keep intouch with your fellowgraduates; or/and

• enjoy the activities andprivileges the MacEwanAlumni Association offers you.

Grant MacEwan CollegeAlumni Association Homeand Automobile InsuranceProgramMeloche Monnex offers preferredrates for home, automobile, travel andsmall business insurance to MacEwanalumni. To request an on-line quote, visit: www.melochemonnex.com/macewan or call 1-888-589-5656.

Student Resource Centre Alumni have access to the followingservices: Job postings are now onlineat www.macewan.ca. Check out thejob postings by clicking on students,college resources, then MacEwan JobBoard. This service is available 24 hoursa day, 7 days a week. Postings areupdated daily. If you are an alumnuswho graduated in the past two years,you can take advantage of morepersonalized services, such as resumecritiques (individual appointments toassist with resumes), interviewpreparation and job search strategies.

Moving OnTo keep our alumni up to date on fellow graduates and college

programs, the MacEwan AlumniAssociation sends out this newsletterthree times a year. If you areinterested in submitting an article that might interest our alumni, or you would like to be included in the "WhereAbouts" section of themagazine, please contact the editor at (780) 497-5543 for more information.

Centre for Sport and Wellness Discount memberships are availablefor MacEwan alumni. As well, alumnican see Griffin basketball games forhalf price. Call (780) 497-5300.

Diploma FramesSpecially designed frames with theMacEwan logo can be purchased atConvocation, through any campusbookstore or by contacting the AlumniAssociation Office at (780) 497-5543.

LRC Computer and Material AccessMacEwan alumni who have graduatedfrom a MacEwan program or havecompleted a two-year university transfer program have the option ofpurchasing a LRC card for a $60 per

just for alumniBenefits


A glance at alumni and college events

EventsinReview

Alumni at the 2006 AGM

Alumni trio sponsored by TD Meloche Monnex

Christine Wengrzynski, an alumna ofMacEwan’s Holistic Health program, treats aguest to a relaxing treatment at the October 5MacEwan alumni event.

UpcomingEventsConvocation April 20 & 21, 2007. For moreinformation or to volunteer, call 497-4273.

Mad Hatters GalaApril 28, 2007. For moreinformation or to volunteer, call Sangelle at 497-5054.

Tournament of AcesJune 13, 2007. For moreinformation or to volunteer, call Sangelle at 497-5054.

2006/2007Board of DirectorsPast President Andrew Ross (University Studies 1999)

President Scott Kashuba (General Studies 1985)

Vice-President Linda Warner (Travel Consultant 1992)

Secretary Rhonda From (Advertising & Public Relations 1990)

Treasurer Doug Anderson (Audiovisual Communications 1991 & University Transfer 2002)

Members-at-LargeAlva Shewchuck (Voluntary Sector Management and Public Relations 1999)

Patricia Feduk (Social Work 1994)

Joan Goodman (Social Work 2000)

Jocelyn Kaup ( Public Relations 2002)

Alumni talk about WellnessOn October 5, MacEwan alumni visited the MacEwan Centre forSport and Wellness for a Wellness Walk and Talk Alumni event.Murray Chrusch, who is the wellness consulting and diseaseprevention manager for the MacEwan Centre, shared throughsong and dance his passion for creating a balanced lifestyle andimproving one’s health through physical activity. Alumni snackedon nutritious munchies and sipped at healthy beverage bars.Alumnae from the Holistic Health program, Dinah Bear andChristine Wengrzynski, treated guests to free reiki, massage andreflexology. Thank you to the MacEwan Centre for Sport andWellness and its staff for their help in educating MacEwan’salumni on wellness.

Annual General MeetingOn November 1, the Alumni Association held itsAnnual General Meeting in partnership with theMacEwan Bookstore. Alumni came out to say goodbyeto outgoing board members, elect new boardmembers and look back on the accomplishments ofthe association for 2005/2006.

The rest of the evening was spent mingling withfellow alumni who took advantage of the specialalumni discount the MacEwan Bookstore extendedthat evening.


keeping track of macewan alumni

1980Jeffery StrangmanDesign Arts (Environmental Design)1983

Upon Jeffery’s graduation at GrantMacEwan College, he continued hisstudies in Visual Communications in Calgary and graduated from ACAD in 1987. In 1991, he worked with RHYand Studio 3 Graphics in Edmonton for 5 years and has since owned his own firm.

Today, Jeffery is living his life long career ambition as a designeducator at the NAIT Digital ArtsInteractive Media Design/GraphicCommunication program.

Shelley Ferguson-HardingeMusic (Vocal Performance) 1987

Shelly sings with Gerry Perkin and ‘The Majestics’. The Majestics are ablues band based out of Brandon,Manitoba. They will be playing at ablues festival in Mazatlan, MexicoJanuary 24 & 25th, 2007! Her husband,Richie Hardinge completed the firstyear of the music program (bass) in

1986 before heading off to Europe toplay for The Southlanders based out ofLondon, England.

Shelly and Richie got married inLondon, England in 1988 and enjoyed acareer in cabaret. In 1992, they movedback to Manitoba and started a family:they have 3 children Djavan (now 14),Genevieve (12) and Leighton (4).

Shelly is very proud of her current bandas Ritchie plays the bass, the formermayor of Rivers Manitoba, Dave Oakeyplays the blues harp and keyboard, andRandy Lawrence from Winnipeg is thedrummer. Richie and Shelly live in Hamiota and their band leader, Gerry Perkin, is renowned aroundwestern Manitoba. Shelly will singsongs by Shamekia Copeland, IrmaThomas, Susan Tedeschi and a feworiginal songs. If any Alumni are inMazatlan on those dates, make sure todrop in to a club called Canucks. Shellywill be there wailing out the blues!

Ken PartingtonBusiness Administration 1989

Since graduation, Ken furthered hiseducation through NAIT (architecture)and University of Alberta (engineering).He has also traveled extensively overthe years (Asia, Africa, South America and Europe).

Michalakis (Mike)Aristocleous Management Studies 1989

Mike (foreign student from Cyprus) willnever forget the wonderful time that hehad as a student in Edmonton.

He is now the Technical Director of anengineering firm back home in Cyprus.

Although he and his family wereaccepted to come back to Canada aslanded immigrants in 2004, theydecided to stay at home after Cyprusjoined the European Union.

To all of Mike’s former classmates, hesays "hellow" and would like to hearfrom them.

1990Gail Powlik (nee Fortier)Early Childhood Development 1991

In June 2006 Gail was awarded theAlberta Child Care Professional Awardof Excellence in recognition of her workand contribution in a Rural Family Day Home program. The awards galawas held in Calgary and the

presentation was made by HeatherForsyth, Minister of Children'sServices. Congratulations Gail.

Susanne Ritchie (nee Hube)Visual Communications(Environmental Graphic Design) 1992

Susan has worked a variety of jobssemi-related to graphic designincluding a t-shirt printing company, a

Whereabouts

Henry VandenbergheGrant MacEwan College sadly announces that Henry Vandenberghe, whoworked at the Western Canada Theatre (WCT) in Kamloops since 1988,passed away. Henry passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 atthe age of 61 years after being attacked at the bus station by strangers.He would be remembered as being the ‘heart’ of WCT by his family atWestern Canada Theatre.

Barbara PergentileHuman Resource Management 2003

On December 16, 2006, Mrs. Barbara Anne Pergentile passed awaypeacefully after a courageous battle with brain cancer at the age of 47years. Barb was born in West Vancouver in 1959. Her family moved toKamloops and Barb eventually ventured further east to Edmonton in 1978.She started work with Miller Office Group (now known as CorporateExpress) where she met her sole mate and love of her life Nathan. Theywere married in 1979 and had two beautiful boys: Jesse in January of1981 and Corey in December 1985. In her career as the Human ResourcesManager and in her life, Barb touched many people with her kindness andcompassion and made many friends. Barb will be sorely missed by all whoknew her. Barb will be lovingly remembered by her family; husbandNathan of 27 years, sons Jesse and Corey, mother Marg Fyfe, brotherDerek (Cathy), as well as numerous relatives and dear friends.

Shauna Seneca Youth Development ‘77

On December 14, 2006, at the age of 49, Shauna passed away fromcomplications after knee surgery. Shauna co-founded the Bent ArrowTraditional Healing Sociaety and helped thousands of aboriginal children,youth and families. She was honoured by MacEwan for her work in thecommunity with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000.

She leaves behind her husband Brad Seneca and her son David McNicoll.She will be missed.

In Memoriam

ReunionEarly Childhood DevelopmentClass of ’82 is planning a reunion.

The reunion social is to celebratethe 25th Anniversary of our class.It is planned for Saturday, April28, 2007 from 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. at MacEwan City CentreCampus. Contact the alumnioffice for more information 497-4273.

An ECD Class of ’82 Las Vegastrip is also being planned for mid July 2007.

Please contact Jo-Anna [email protected] for furtherinformation and/or if you are aclassmate of the Class of ’82.


Whereaboutsphotocopy shop and the LeducRepresentative newspaper in theComposing department. She iscurrently self-employed in Leduc,designing logos, ads, eventprograms and brochures, as wellas creating pencil portraits andcaricatures at parties andfestivals. She has been marriedsince 1995 and is a proud parent oftwo: Lauren (August '99) and Evan(December 2002).

2000Mary HeideOffice Administration/ MedicalSecretary 2000

Mary has been working at GreyNuns Hospital since October 2000.She is currently responsible forphysician credentialing for the GreyNuns, Misericordia and EdmontonGeneral Hospitals. She finds hercareer is more than she could everhave anticipated and theresponsibility is exciting and verychallenging. She says the time shespent at MacEwan definitely gaveher a leg up and is very happy withthe results.

Milusha Petrica (nee Ravi)Visual Communications 2000

Milusha married Mark in Augustand then decided they needed achange of scenery. They wanted tolive and experience different parts ofCanada so they drove across Canadafrom Edmonton to Ottawa over thecourse of 6 days. It was wonderful!They have now settled in Ottawa,Ontario.

Kent SutherlandArts & Cultural Management2001

Kent started his own company,Sutherland Productions, in January2006. The company focuses on event planning/management,media relations, PR and volunteermanagement.

Alex NeilsonBCom Transfer 2001

In January 2006, Alex was afinalist for the 2005 UnitedCampaign Chair of the Year in theEdmonton Capital Region, PrivateSector. Congratulations Alex.

health and nutrition, MacEwanCentre provides the attentionand expertise needed to helpemployees make great healthand wellness decisions.

Reduced Membership RatesOnce a company has worked

with MacEwan Centre onCorporate Wellnessprogramming, a reducedmembership rate is extended toemployees of that specific company.

Unique IdeasTailored to fit your

employee’s or organization’sneeds, we offer many types ofpackages. We work one-on-onewith you to come up with greatideas that fit your organization’sgoals and budget.

Examples include:

• Incentives to helpemployee’s reach theirhealth and fitness goals.

Al-Pac provided incentiveprograms for employees.Employees pay a fee toregister for subsidized fitnessprograms. If employees

reach their health andfitness goals and sustainthem for a set period oftime, employees will receivefinancial rewards as a bonusfor reaching and sustainingtheir goals.

• Make health and wellnessfun, interactive andexciting.

Alberta Medical Associationhas partnered with MacEwanCentre to provide a WellnessDay for their employees. Ahealthy living themedscavenger hunt is going tohave employees running allover town while they learnthe benefits of healthy livingand fitness in a fun,interactive setting.

• Lunch-and-Learns – Part ofyour employee’s workday

Intuit chose a uniquecorporate wellness package -part of which includes newLunch-and-Learn sessionon-site (at Intuit) eachmonth for interestedemployees.

Call 497-5134 for moreinformation on CorporateWellness options.

Corporate Wellness continued from page 3


from the foundation

The MacEwan Fund Development Office is very excited to be working with the

Alumni Association and Students’ Association on our recent matching gift campaign

in support of scholarships, awards and bursaries. Thanks to the generosity of our

partner associations and the provincial government, donations made in response to

the recent correspondence sent to alumni will be quadrupled with matching gifts.

If you have already responded with a contribution, thank you. Your gift makes a

big difference in the lives of MacEwan students. You, as alumni, have the power to

affect the future.

If you have not yet contributed, some good news may help influence your

decision: it was recently announced that the matching donation program will be

extended until February 15, giving you the opportunity to make your donation

grow before your very eyes.

If you would like more information about the matching gift campaign, contact

Cindi Berg at (780) 497.5590 or at [email protected]

Watch your donation grow...

o YES, I’m interested in supporting the Alumni Scholarship Fund with my donation of:

o $25 o $50 o $100 o Other: $_____________

o YES, please direct my donation of:o $25 o $50 o $100 o Other: $_____________ to the area of most need in the college.

Please make cheque payable to Grant MacEwan College Foundation.We invite you to call the Foundation office at (780) 497-5590 for more information.

Name: _________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City/Town: ______________________________________________

Province: _______________ Postal Code: ____________________

Telephone: _____________________________________________

o Visa o MasterCard Expiry date: _________________________

Credit card number: ______________________________________

Cardholder name: ________________________________________

Please clip & send your completed form to: Grant MacEwan College Foundation, P.O. Box 1796Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2P2 or, Fax to: 497-4435

Reach out to future MacEwan alumniF O U N D A T I O N

and grow...and grow...

One of the don’t-miss events on

Edmonton’s social calendar is MacEwan’s

very own Mad Hatter’s Gala in support of

the college’s scholarship, award and bursary

programs. This year’s gala — the 22nd annual

— will be held on April 28, 2007.

“Community support drives this event,”

says event co-chair Gurvinder Bhatia. “And

we are thrilled with the level of response we

are seeing from the community. We have an

impressive list of sponsors for this year’s gala

– Bell Canada has come on board as our

presenting sponsor for the next three years.

Two Silver sponsors — McLean Budden and

Kasian Architecture Interior Design and

Planning Ltd. — have joined us, as has

Bronze sponsor, CJ Woods.”

“And the list is growing nearly every day,”

adds co-chair Harry Bensler. “We were

happy to welcome Don Wheaton Ltd. as a

Gold sponsor in December.”

With the event moving to the beautiful

new Hall D in the Shaw Conference Centre,

there is a lot of buzz about the gala, which

has resulted in very brisk advance ticket

sales. “You can look for some surprises this

year,” adds Bensler. “This years’ Mad

Hatters will really have people talking.”

For more information about this year’s

event, or to buy your tickets ($300 each),

call 497-5013.

Going MadAs a Hatter


o I would like to receive Moving On,(FREE of charge). Please send to the address below.

Detach and return form to:

Fax: (780) 497 4658 Email: [email protected] MacEwan College Alumni AssociationGrant MacEwan CollegePO Box 1796, Edmonton, AB T5J 2P2

macewan.ca

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MacEwan announces Campaign ChairGrant MacEwan College President and CEO Dr. Paul Byrne and Vice President of Fund Development Dale Bayley are pleased to announce the naming of Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakaias Chair of the MacEwan Front and Centre fund development campaign.

Dr. Collins-Nakai is a prominent Edmonton cardiologist, educator and community leader. She has earned a reputation as a medical innovator and builder, and as a caring mentor of young people. She has served numerous roles at provincial, national, and international levels, including President of the Alberta and Canadian Medical Associations. She was named one of Alberta’s Physicians of the Century during Alberta’s Centennial and has also previously held many voluntary positions within the community.

Dr. Collins-Nakai is also a long-time friend of Grant MacEwan College, having served two terms on the college’s Board of Governors (2000-2006). She led the development and building of the MacEwan Residence and is currently leading the team that designed and is building the college’s new Robbins Health Learning Centre at the City Centre Campus.

The MacEwan Front and Centre campaign is focused on raising funds to support student scholarships and bursaries as well as the building of a new Centre for the Arts at the college’s City Centre Campus.

MacEwan is proud to have a leader of Dr. Collins-Nakai’s distinction as Chair of the Campaign Cabinet.

DR. RUTH COLLINS-NAKAI

Box 1796Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2P2

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Bachelor of Child and Youth Care(with diploma exit option)

MacEwan's Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (with a diploma

exit option) prepares you for a rewarding career helping at-risk

youth and their families manage emotional and behavioural

problems. With diploma and degree options, you can choose

your own path - and reach your full potential.

Child and Youth Care diploma graduates are eligible to transfer

into year three of the program. Graduates with a related

diploma may be eligible to transfer into year three with some

upgrading. Third and fourth-year students may complete the

program on a full or part-time basis.

Prepare for advanced child and youth care practice, or entry

into Child and Youth Care graduate programs.

Build relationships that change lives.

Call (780) 497-4646 or visit www.MacEwan.ca/cyc

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