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a Alumni Magazine scent SPRING 2012 Ryan Gomes reaches medal heights in London
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Page 1: CC ASCENT SPRING 2012 FA - Centennial College · Profile: Andrea Beneteau Profile: Ryan Gomes Alumni Events Alumnus of Distinction Awards Student Awards Night 2011 Alumni Benefits

a A l u m n i M a g a z i n escent

SPR

ING

20

12

Ryan Gomes reaches medal

heights in London

Page 2: CC ASCENT SPRING 2012 FA - Centennial College · Profile: Andrea Beneteau Profile: Ryan Gomes Alumni Events Alumnus of Distinction Awards Student Awards Night 2011 Alumni Benefits

] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 1

TABLE of contents

tab

le o

f co

nten

ts32Published by:

Centennial College Alumni Association P.O. Box 631, Station A Toronto, ON M1K 5E9

Managing Editor: Krista Newton 416-289-5218 [email protected]

Director of Marketing and Communications: Shahid Chowdhury

Editor: Carol J. Anderson Wordstyle Productions [email protected]

Advertising: Krista Newton 416-289-5218 [email protected]

Contributors: Alvin Guthrie Ann Buller Krista Newton Leanna RizziMark ToljagicMary Jo BryantPenny Kirlik Vish Amin

ascent® magazine, with a circulation of 65,000, is published semi-annually by Centennial College Alumni Association. It is delivered free of charge to Centennial graduates, students and staff to encourage interaction with each other and the college, and to facilitate lifelong learning and career development. The ideas and opinions published herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Association or Centennial College. All material is ©2012 and may be reprinted with permission of the Managing Editor. Advertising rates are also available from the Managing Editor. We do not sell or rent the alumni database to third parties. Please contact the Centennial College Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 if you do not want to receive the magazine or would like to update your mailing address.

] message from Alumni President [

] message from Centennial College President [

6] alumni profile

Carlos Benevides [

centennialcollege.ca/alumni

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Profile: Andrea Beneteau

Profile: Ryan Gomes

Alumni Events

Alumnus of Distinction Awards

Student Awards Night 2011

Alumni Benefits and Services

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2 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 3

This past year has been a transformative one for Centennial College, marked by the opening of our Library and Academic Facility, as well as the CCSAI’s Athletic and Wellness Centre at the Progress Campus. These two remarkable buildings are connected by way of the new Alumni Courtyard that features a groundwater- friendly surface, sitting areas and our beautiful Alumni Clock.

By design, the courtyard has become a welcome new meeting place for students and staff. Centennial’s Alumni Association generously donated funds to help create the courtyard, and then went a step further by offering the gift of the freestanding clock. This elegant interpretation of a traditional clock forms the focal point of our avant-garde, modern courtyard – lovely symbolism demonstrating new and time-honoured technology co-existing in harmony.

These architectural marvels complement the amazing work being done inside our walls as Centennial College continues to earn civic, provincial and national accolades. In May 2011, both our International Department and our RPN to BScN Bridging to University Nursing program received Awards of Excellence from the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. In addition, Vicki Bismilla, Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer, was inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame in recognition of her years of commitment to education. This past February, the IPAC/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Awards bestowed a national gold award upon Centennial for our Youth and Community Engagement Relationships Model, our community outreach strategy that supports the popular summer HYPE program and First Generation Student project.

As a graduate of Centennial, you can share in these successes. Alumni have an important role to play in our mission, “To educate students for career success,” and our vision of “Transforming lives and communities through learning.” You can share your expertise by participating in advisory committees or being a guest speaker, and you can act as a recruiter for your industry. You can also support Centennial financially. Scholarships generously supported by our alumni allow deserving recipients – like those who benefit from our Youth and Community Engagement Relationship Model – to achieve their educational goals.

When you read the success stories in this issue of ascent, think about how you can help to support the next generation of high achievers. Please continue to stay in touch with Centennial ... you are a vital part of our success story!

Ann Buller

ann Buller President & CEO, Centennial College

Alvin GuthriePresident of the Alumni Association

]ascent[

Graduates of Centennial College are invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Centennial College Alumni Association

Saturday June 23, 201210 a.m.–12 p.m.2nd-floor boardroomStudent Centre, Progress Campus

•Free Parking•Light Refreshments

AGENDA President’s Report Treasurer’s Report Approval of BylawsAdoption of 2012–13 Budget Committee Reports Election of Directors

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

For more information, contact the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 or visit www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni

The Centennial College Alumni Association (CCAA) has been fortunate to see many of its dreams and endeavors bear fruit this year. With the completion of the College’s state-of-the-art library and the Centennial College Student Association Inc. (CCSAI) Athletic and Wellness Centre (AWC), we were able to share in the joys and triumphs by solidifying our space on campus with the Alumni Courtyard, Alumni Clock, and, most recently, the Alumni Media Wall, in the main corridor of the AWC. What better way to show our connectivity than to sponsor the courtyard that joins these two magnificent structures. These contributions are a testament to our ongoing efforts to strengthen the bonds between CCSAI and the Centennial College family.

These key strategic objectives were identified a number of years ago by Board members; their aim was to provide solid benefits to alumni. And, over the years, it has become clear how, together, we can accomplish so much. I encourage you to stay connected, take part, and take advantage of some of the benefits available to you. We’re always working to bring you even more benefits and services.

This year, we were thrilled to host a series of special events that appealed to a variety of alumni. Our outings covered a wide range of themes, including wine tastings at Cave Springs Cellars in Niagara and Ocala Winery in Port Perry, and a ski trip to Blue Mountain. This summer, we are organizing a trip to Canada’s Wonderland on its Family Day, and, in the fall, a Raptors basketball game. And coming in October, we will be hosting Homecoming weekend, which promises to be filled with fun and include a musical “blast from the past” in our Alumni Homecoming Concert.

If you’re interested in playing a more active role in the CCAA, please join us at the Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2012. Make your voice heard and elect the alumni you think can best represent your interests. We are always looking for fresh faces and great ideas — why not yours? Email us at [email protected] and keep in touch!

Alvin GuthriePresident, Centennial College Alumni Association

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4 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 5

Alumni Board Members

Alvin Guthrie President

Shahid Chowdhury Director of Marketing and Communications

Mujibor Rahman Director at Large

Golam Hossain Director at Large

Sharron Reeve Director of Special Events

Munir Ahm Director at Large

Mainul Chowdhury Director at Large

Anna Nawrocki Director at Large

Mary Jo Bryant Vice President

SM Hasanuzzoha (Hasan) Treasurer

The Centennial College Alumni Association (CCAA) is run by a 12-member Board of Directors. On June 25, 2011, the Board held its annual general meeting.

We welcomed five new members: Golam Sohrab Hossain, Mainul Chowdhury, Mujibor Rahman, Munir Ahm, and Shahid Chowdhury. We look forward to them sharing their time and expertise with the board.

During the past year, CCAA achieved many of the goals set out in its strategic plan, including the following:

• TheBoardintroducedanewalumnischolarship for single parents. CCAA now offers 11 different scholarships.

• InOctober2011,weheldourfirstannual Alumni Homecoming, to open the new Alumni Courtyard. The Alumni Clock is a beautiful new centrepiece for the courtyard and it made for a great backdrop for photos taken at convocation.

• TheBoarddecidedtoofferneweventsto alumni in the new year, including a Centennial Colts basketball game, two wine tours, and a ski trip to Blue Mountain. Many of these events sold out quickly; we look forward to holding more in the near future.

For more information about CCAA and its Board of Directors, call us at 416-289-5218, or visit our website: www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni.

Donna Robertson Chair

Joan Healey Secretary

PHOTONOT

AVAILABLE

Hire a Graduate or Co-op Student – We make it simple.

When you work with Centennial we will:• advertise your job postings• provide you with résumés of

qualified candidates• arrange interviews• Provide recruitment opportunities such as

career fairs & networking events

Additional bene�ts include:

• Also available over 25 co-op programs offered

in different disciplines

• Access to a $3,000 refundable coop

tax credit

Contact us today.Career Services & Co-operative Education

[email protected]: 416-289-5233

HIRE THE BESTThe Future of Learning

centennialcollege.ca

• Over 100 programs provide qualified graduates with leading edge skills

Show your Alumni Card and with a purchase of any service over $20, receive a free eyebrow wax (valued at $11). Give a SASS gift card for any special occasion!

to book an appointment please contact416.289.5000 | ext. 3530 or sass @centennialcollege.ca

summer hours | monday - friday | 10 am - 6 pmfall/winter hours | monday - friday | 10 am - 7 pmcentennial college athletic & wellness centre, upper level941 progress avenue | toronto, on | m1g 3t8

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6 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 7

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 profile

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Ask Carlos Benevides what led him to a career in radio and he’ll tell you that he just knew it was the path he was meant to take. And by studying broadcasting and film at Centennial College, Benevides, now the morning-show host at Kitchener’s 91.5 The Beat, was able to pursue his calling.

“Being a radio announcer was always my dream job,” Benevides says. “It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid.”

Although he periodically took other career paths, Benevides was always lured back to his first love. He spent four years at Carleton University studying psychology and English,

but never lost sight of his goal. When the timing was right, he left Ottawa and applied to Centennial’s Broadcasting and Film program in 1995.

“Centennial’s reputation is excellent, and it was definitely the best school for me,” Benevides says, crediting the school’s emphasis on hands-on learning with its four-month field placement program as the biggest selling point. “Learning about the industry first and then going into the field to really learn about the profession hands-on was very important to me.” Benevides was also impressed with the College’s use of the latest equipment and technology.

A Radio VoiceReaches Into the Community

By Leanna Rizzi

Benevides also had an interest in film and television, and appreciated the attention that Centennial’s program gave to all three broadcasting media. He even did his field placement at a film company, Mbz Productions, instead of at a radio station. But he soon began to miss his first love.

In August 1998, Benevides found a job at Toronto radio station The Edge 102.1, just two months after graduating from Centennial. Six months later, he took hold of the microphone on the overnight shift. Benevides eventually landed a morning spot on The Beat Breakfast with Kitchener’s 91.5 The Beat. And last November, it became apparent to him that radio wasn’t his only passion.

“At Centennial, we were taught to always have a positive attitude and to work as hard as possible.” Benevides heeded that advice and took on a personal challenge inspired by a New York radio DJ to complete 30 deeds in 30 days. In the spirit of the holiday season, Benevides worked at a different community organization in the Kitchener-Waterloo region every day for a month, to help raise awareness of community services and volunteerism.

From serving up hot meals at St. John’s Kitchen, to mulching trees for Evergreen, to spending quality time at the KW Lions Club with seniors who have no family, Benevides cheerfully worked with each organization in whatever capacity they needed him to fill.

“My goal was a call to action, to show that it’s easy to donate your time—even if it’s just an hour a week,” Benevides says. “As a public figure, it is important to give back and to be a leader by motivating and inspiring others to do the same.”

Benevides documented all 30 of his experiences on his blog and spoke about them on his morning show. “This is why I do radio: I get to speak about my amazing experiences and influence listeners to do the same. I am very fortunate.”

In recognition of his dedication to this unique project, Benevides recently received The Care Forward Award from the United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo & Area. When asked if he will do it all again next year, Benevides declared without hesitation, “Definitely!”

profile

carlosbenevides

Radio, Televisionand Film, 1995

Carlos BenevidesRadio, Television and Film,1995

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8 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 9

Andrea says that what she learned at Centennial was crucial to her success. “The clinical portion of the course was extremely helpful. It allowed me to apply all my skills and knowledge in real-life situations. And it taught me how to talk to patients, as well as treat them. Part of the program required us to ride out for 220 hours with a paramedic tutor crew and ‘live the life,’ so to speak. And most of our teachers were paramedics themselves, which made the theory so much easier to absorb.”

Andrea continued to work as a paramedic for the next five years. At that point, she decided she wanted a career change, however, and set her sights on becoming a firefighter.

This new journey was not an easy one for Andrea. She felt that the odds were stacked against her right from the start: Markham Fire and Emergency Services, to which she had applied, had never hired a female firefighter before. Writing the exams was a straightforward process, and although the physical test was very challenging, she knew that a lifetime of being involved in sports and fitness pursuits gave her an edge. The interview however, was intimidating: “I think we all feel a bit uncomfortable when being questioned by anyone in a uniform, especially when it is for something you want so badly!”

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By Krista Newton

Andrea became the first female firefighter to be hired by Markham Fire and Emergency Services. She worked there for 12 years before she became the designate fire captain—the first female fire captain in Markham’s history, a position she has held since 2007. Andrea manages a crew of firefighters. Her job is different every day: she mentors, counsels, leads, educates, and encourages the firefighters in their jobs, and shares her knowledge and experience with her colleagues.

In her spare time, Andrea is a referee for varsity basketball: While a student at Centennial, she was actively involved in sports and played on the women’s varsity basketball team.

Her advice for other graduates? “Don’t give up on your dreams—anything is possible. Be successful in the classroom and network whenever you can. You just never know what’s around the next corner.”

profile

Pre-Hospital Ambulance & Emergency Care, 1991

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andrea beneteau

 profile

Andrea Beneteau

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In the late 1980s, Andrea Beneteau’s dream was to become a paramedic. So she enrolled in Centennial’s Pre-Hospital Ambulance & Emergency Care program. Right after graduation, she was hired by Toronto Ambulance—luckily, just before a huge hiring freeze took effect.

By Krista Newton

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Ryan Gomes graduated from Centennial’s two-year Aircraft Maintenance program in June 2010 and is currently working in the aircraft industry.

Nine months before London, England, hosts the world at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, another international competition wrapped up in the British capital— WorldSkills International. Team Canada distinguished itself with a fine performance that included a medal win by Ryan. CCAA sponsored him at Worldskills London 2011 by purchasing the tools he needed to compete, including his toolbox.

After four days of grueling competition, the 30 young men and four women who made up Team Canada at WorldSkills London 2011, held last October, took home an impressive four medals and 17 Medallions of Excellence. It was the biggest WorldSkills competition in the event’s 60-year history, with almost 1,000 young people from 51 nations showing off their acquired skills in everything from robotics to web design to cuisine to landscaping.

Ryan Gomes earned a bronze medal in Aircraft Maintenance. It was a long journey to London for Ryan: He qualified for the WorldSkills competition after winning gold medals at both the Ontario Technological Skills Competition and the subsequent Canadian Skills Competition last year.

According to Skills/Compétences Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, Ryan’s win at WorldSkills London 2011 contributed to Canada’s best overall performance at any WorldSkills Competition. Canada also won 13 Medallions

of Excellence at the 2009 WorldSkills Competition held in Calgary.

“Preparing for WorldSkills London 2011 has been an intensive two-year training process for the 34 young competitors who make up Team Canada,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer of Skills/Compétences Canada. “With ongoing support from the Government of Canada, industry leaders, and educators, these talented young people represent a bright future for Canada’s skilled trade and technology workforce. We couldn’t be more proud!”

Aircraft Maintenance, 2010

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ryangomes

 profile

Ryan GomesAircraft Maintenance,

2010

By Mark Toljagic

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12 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 13

Alumni EventsAlumni events

Cave Spring Cellars Tour

A beautiful day awaited the group of alumni as they got off the bus in Jordan on February 4th. Jordan is in the heart of Ontario’s wine country, and the group had come here to experience both the village itself and its main winery, Cave Spring Cellars.

After a tour of the village and a light lunch at the funky Zooma Zooma Café, the group gathered at the winery for a 20-minute guided tour around the cellars. The tour was followed by a wine and cheese tasting, after which each alumnus received a $5 voucher for the wine shop. Many people in the group had never been to the Niagara area before and were very pleased with the opportunity to experience its charms.

On the way home, snacks and water were shared and a few prizes were handed out. The day ended with a promise of more fun to come on upcoming tours.

CCAA Hosts Colts Varsity Basketball Game

On January 25, 2012, the Centennial College Alumni Association (CCAA) hosted an alumni night. The men’s and women’s Colts varsity basketball teams took on rival Seneca College. All alumni were presented with free Colts T-shirts, and many other prizes were handed out over the course of the night.

This is the first season that the Colts have played in the new Athletic and Wellness Centre (AWC) at Progress Campus. The men’s team finished the regular season as East Regional Champions (18–2), earning a spot in the quarter-finals. The women’s team finished the regular season with four wins and 12 losses.

The women’s team fought hard but ultimately lost 66–30. The men’s team played a great game, winning 77–55 over Seneca College. Between the two games, CCAA drew the names of four lucky alumni to participate in a shooting competition and a chance to win an iPad 2. Sarah Nualan was the lucky winner. The other three participants didn’t walk away empty-handed, though—they were all given alumni gift packs. We hope to see more alumni come out to support the Colts next season!

On October 17, 2011, the Centennial College Student Association Inc. (CCSAI) hosted a grand opening of the brand-new Athletic and Wellness Centre (AWC) at Progress Campus. The event was a way to thank family, friends, and all the people involved in bringing the AWC dream to life.

The evening began with a ceremonial tip-off that included past CCSAI presidents, past alumni Board members, and members of the College’s executive. Inspiring speeches were made by Ann Buller, Centennial College’s President; David Garner, Board of Governors Chair; Alvin Guthrie, the Alumni Association President; and Karan Warraich, the Student Association President. Guests enjoyed food stations set up by School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture students.

The new AWC is a great example of what a group of people can do when they work collaboratively. The College’s students, staff, alumni, and community have been looking forward to the opening for four years, and they were not disappointed: the beautiful new LEEDs Gold building can be used for many different purposes.

The Centennial College Alumni Association (CCAA) was honoured when it was asked to participate in this project. Our alumni are proud of their contribution to the new courtyard that stretches south of this building all the way towards the new library and the alumni clock.

Once the AWC was open, CCAA decided to sponsor the media wall, located in the main hallway to the gym. The new Alumni Media Wall comprises 13 55-inch televisions that support high-resolution images, videos, and graphics.

Grand Opening of the Athletic and Wellness CentreRecent Events

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Alumni AAward winners

liz West

The Alumnus of Distinction Award honours alumni who have completed a post-secondary program at Centennial College, shown extraordinary career success, and volunteered with a charity, non-profit organization, community organization, or at the College.

Each year, five awards are presented in each of the following areas: Applied Arts: Creative Arts and Design; Applied Arts: Community Service; Business; Health Sciences; and Technology. In 2011, the Centennial College Alumni Association (CCAA) added a new awards category: International Alumni. In June 2011, CCAA presented six alumni with this prestigious award during the convocation ceremonies at Progress Campus.

Liz WestSchool of Communications, Media and Design: Corporate Communications, 1984

Liz is a businesswoman and TV personality, known nationally and in Toronto as a news and entertainment reporter. She has served as a correspondent for CityNews, CP24, and Canada AM. As a journalist, Liz knows how to find the facts; as a professional, she understands business; and as a mother of two children, she relates to working families across our community.

Liz is committed to using her communications expertise to champion concerns at city hall too: she was a candidate in the recent Toronto municipal elections. Liz lends her support to several charities, including Rethink Breast Cancer, Habitat for Humanity Toronto, SickKids, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, Look Good Feel Better, Canadian Blood Services, and Voice-Print. Liz teaches in Centennial College’s Public Relations and Corporate Communications program at The Centre for Creative Communications.

ALUMNI HOMECOMING

October 13, 2012

Concert

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WILL BE HOSTING IT’S 2ND ANNUAL ALUMNI HOMECOMING CONCERT IN THE ATHLETIC & WELLNESS CENTRE AT PROGRESS CAMPUS.

For more information, contact the Alumni office at 416-289-5218 or visit www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni

SAVE THE DATE!SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2012

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16 ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ ] Centennial First, Alumni Forever [ 17

Alumni AAward winners

david Peck

Dave PeckSchool of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Mechanic: Advanced, 1978

Dave is the owner of Peck Brothers Automotive in Thornhill and Uxbridge. He always had an interest in cars. At the age of 21, Dave was the owner of a gas station with a two-bay garage, and had one technician working for him and his brother, who was a partner in the business. Dave realized that he would need proper training to run the business, and so he enrolled at Centennial College. In 1974, Peck Brothers purchased a Shell four-bay gas station in Uxbridge. Dave also became a licensed independent dealer of used cars. He later acquired Enco Auto Trim and Glass, which he combined with the Thornhill business to make it a one-stop shop: automotive trim and glass, mechanical repair and service station, and used-car sales. Dave has built a successful business through his ambition, hard work, talent, and great customer service.

lisa McNee Baker

Lisa McNee BakerSchool of Community and Health Studies: Developmental Services Worker, 1984

Lisa is the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Durham, where she successfully led the agency to attain a High Five® accreditation with Parks and Recreation Ontario. She was lucky enough to graduate at a time when sweeping change was happening in the province in terms of how how people living with disabilities were being supported.

Lisa began her career as a developmental nursery school teacher and soon thereafter became a residential counsellor. She held a few positions before landing her current job. Lisa volunteers with many school community councils and fundraising committees, and has always been a fierce advocate for some of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in our society. Lisa has received the Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer Award, the Scouts Canada Volunteer Award, and the Palmerston Avenue Public School Volunteer Award.

Ernie LynchSchool of Engineering Technology & Applied Science: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, 1978

In April 1987, Ernie started Lynch Fluid Controls from his kitchen table with a phone, calculator, notebook, and a lot of courage. A year later, Lynch moved to a 1,200-square-foot commercial space. Today, Lynch occupies a 60,000-square-foot facility, employs 75 people, and ships products to nearly 50 countries. Its products can be found in mines around the world, on battleships, in naval submarines, plastic moulding machines, aircraft assembly plants, and even in Broadway shows. Ernie is also a director with the Ontario Aerospace Council and a board advisor at Women in Aerospace Canada, and serves on numerous advisory Boards at Centennial College. Ernie also regularly contributes lab equipment to the College. Ernie is not the only Centennial graduate at his company. “Some of our most highly skilled, creative, and innovative people have come from Centennial. We are very proud of them.” ernie Lynch

Alumni of Distinction

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Student Student]ascent[

Student Awards Night 2011

Students Awards Night is an annual event held at Centennial College. The November 17 event, brought together scholarship donors, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends to celebrate the award winners’ achievements. There were $200,000 worth of scholarships presented to 230 recipients by 94 donors during the evening.

Centennial College Alumni Association (CCAA) President Alvin Guthrie and Vice-President Mary Jo Bryant presented $15,000 worth of scholarships to nine Centennial College students. CCAA scholarship recipients were recognized for their academic achievement and contributions

to their programs and the college community. The scholarships will help pay for the students’ expenses while attending Centennial. The recipients were:

• CCAAAthleticScholarship: Kadeja Hughes, Esau (EJ) Powell, and Ashton Vaz

• CCAASchoolsEntranceScholarships: Katayan Deans-Simpson, Michael Deleon, Tenzin Rigdol Oshoe, Thishalini Thavarajah, and Kaitlyn Williams

• CCAASingleParentAward: Candace Washington

If you have a family member who will be attending Centennial College, be sure to have them apply for the CCAA Tuition scholarship or one of the many other scholarships offered at Centennial. For applications and more information, please contact the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 or visit www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni.

tim Gu

Edward CruzSchool of Community and Health Studies: Bridging to University Nursing, 2006

Edward is a faculty member and the coordinator of the Bridging to University Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses Program at Centennial. He began his career in the Philippines as a doctor of Dental Medicine and as an educator. He emigrated to Canada in the hopes of practising nursing. Edward enrolled in the program at Centennial even though the College of Nurses of Ontario had already deemed him eligible to write his Canadian nursing registration exam. Edward became a full-time faculty member in 2009. In 2010, he became the coordinator of the program and is heavily involved in marketing it, including speaking to ethnic community centres so that he can connect with internationally trained professionals. Edward is also a member of many committees, and won the Lise Perault Scholarship, International Consortium of Parse Scholars, in 2010.

Tim GuSchool of Hospitality, Tourism & Culture, Hospitiality & Tourism Administration: International Alumni, 1997

Tim is the owner of E. Star International, which he established in 1999. Tim came to Canada as an international student at Centennial College and knew he wanted to work in an industry that would allow him to do business with his country of birth, China. E. Star International started as a trading company but soon became a major player in the manufacturing of private-label apparel, Midland Clothing. Tim was chosen to supply apparel for the Olympic Games in Beijing, and he was the major supplier of apparel for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Tim’s private label is also a supplier to major Canadian and American retailers such as Walmart, JCPenny, Target, Marks & Spencer, and many others. He is also a vice-president of the Scarborough York Region Chinese Business Association.

edward Cruz

Alumni of Distinction

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Alumni Benefits and Services

Offsite

Alumni Discounts Looking for a discount when you’re out on the town? Call the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 to get your Centennial College Alumni Member ID access code. It lets you take advantage of great savings on movie tickets, theatre productions, popular attractions, and more.

CAA Membership Apply for Basic CAA Membership and, in addition to the roadside assistance benefits of CAA, you’ll be able to take advantage of many great offers. For more information, visit: www.centennialcollege.ca/development/caa.

Personal Health and Dental Plan Designed with you in mind, the Johnson Personal Health Plan is an affordable health and dental benefit plan, offering you an Optimum Plan and a Preferred Plan. The Optimum Plan provides a broad range of extended health and dental benefits, including prescription drugs. The Preferred Plan provides the most economical coverage for extended health and prescription drugs. For more information, contact Johnson Inc. at 1-800-461-4155, or visit www.johnson.ca/personalhealth.

Hockey Hall of Fame Are you an avid hockey fan? The Hockey Hall of Fame is a great place to explore the history of hockey and the great players who played the game. Before you head there for the day, be sure to call the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 to get the group sales code.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Interested in learning about natural history, world cultures, and more? The ROM is one of the world’s leading museums, with an impressive array of artifacts on display. To purchase discount tickets, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/development/rom.

Onsite

Athletic and Wellness Centre (AWC) Graduates looking for a state-of-the-art fitness facility can now join the AWC at Progress Campus. The AWC is equipped with full cardio and weight-training equipment, and a running track. Alumni can join at a discounted rate. For more information, call the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218.

Computer Labs Graduates who do not have access to a computer can use the PCs in the general access lab on Progress Campus. Computer access is free and is available on a three-month basis to graduates with a Centennial for Life card. To apply for access, please call 416-289-5218 or e-mail us at [email protected].

Diploma Framing Display your diploma or certificate in a custom Centennial College frame. These high-quality frames are all made in Canada, and the acid-free mattes are tastefully imprinted in gold. Sale proceeds support the Centennial College Alumni Association scholarship program. For details, contact the Alumni Office at 416-289-5218 or email [email protected].

Employment Resources Graduates can access the Employment Resource Centre to get help with writing cover letters and resumes, building their portfolios, and accessing job postings. The Centre also offers workshops on success and job searching. For more information, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/employment.

For complete information on all of our benefits and services, contact the Centennial College Alumni Association at 416-289-5218 or visit www.centennialcollege.ca/alumni.

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Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Centennial College Alumni Association P.O. Box 631, Station A Toronto, ON, Canada M1K 5E9

05/12

Complete your BComm degree in 12 months...

Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce for Centennial College Business Graduates

Tutorials and classes at Centennial Progress campus in Scarborough

Apply now through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (www.OUAC.on.ca) to start classes in September 2012

To request an information package, please send an email to [email protected] and visit us at www.nipissingu.ca/cpp


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