M A G A Z I N E O F T H E S E N E C A C O L L E G E A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N

Top Cop Armand LaBarge p19

BeverlyThomsoncareer best at Canada AM

FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 3

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you’ve worked so hard to establish?

Regardless of your class year, the Seneca College Alumni Group Term Life Insurance Plan

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If you are considering primary protection or need to supplement existing insurance,

Alumni from the ages of 18 to 64 are eligible for up to $500,000 of coverage.

Call Canada Life™ today. Find out how affordable peace of mind really is.

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Consider your FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIESsince the day you graduated.

Features & Profiles

Alumni Association President’s Message 4

College President’s Message 4

Alumni Happenings 10

Cover ProFile: Beverly Thomson gives back 14

ProFile: Armand LaBarge Chief Exceptional Officer 19

ProFile: Pat Larson 21

ProFile: Brian Price 22

ProFile: Rick Leach 24

ProFile: Randy Stein 25

ProFile: Alumni on Campus 26

Your Donation is Worth Twice as Much as You Think 27

Grapevine 28

Alumni Benefits 31www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 3

W I N T E R 2 0 0 3

PUBLISHED BY:

Seneca College Alumni(416) 491-5050 ext. 2960Toll-free: 1-888-ALUMNUSE-mail: alumni@senecac.on.cawww.senecac.on.ca/alumni

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD:Daniel J. Guegueirre (BCS ‘97), ChairAlumni Director, Communications

Mary KokinakisAlumni Relations Coordinator

EDITOR, CO-ORDINATORAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER:Helena MoncrieffH. Moncrieff Communications

DESIGN & PRODUCTIONK9 Design Company Inc.Art Direction: Norm Lourenco, R.G.D.Production/Design: Carmen MatarozzoDesign: Christine Forsyth

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Duff Wallis, CCM ‘02

Brodie Fenlon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSElaine BrodieBrodie FenlonRichard DouglasBeverly Thomson photos courtesy CTV

Seneca Alumni magazine is published semi-annuallyby the Seneca College Alumni in cooperation withSeneca College. All material is © 2003 and may bereprinted with permission.

The ideas and opinions expressed in Alumni do notnecessarily reflect those of the Association or theCollege.

The magazine is distributed free of charge to mem-bers of the Alumni Association. Additional copies maybe obtained by alumni or other interested parties bycalling the Alumni Office.

16issuesixteencontents

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Seneca. Whatdoes thisword mean

to you? For me –your new Seneca Alumni AssociationPresident – Seneca is more than just“a Community College” or “a place Iwent to school.” When I hear SenecaCollege, I associate with it challenge,opportunity and the way of the future.For me, Seneca was the beginning ofa new chapter in my life.

My official term as President start-ed on October 1st 2003, but I havebeen involved with the SenecaAlumni Association for several years.For the past three terms, I haveserved on the Seneca Alumni Boardand I am more excited than everabout the College’s future and theAssociation’s future.

The Alumni Association has grownto over 90,000 members and thatnumber is increasing on an ongoingbasis. The changes at the College fromwhen I was a student are astoundingand improvements continue to evolveeveryday. I would encourage all grad-uates to make a trip back to the

College, just to see the changes. Youwill surely be impressed and proud.

The years ahead hold unbelievableopportunity for the College, Alumni andthe College’s community partners.Seneca has outstanding individualsleading the direction of the College,including Dr. Rick Miner (currentCollege President) and Rajula Atherton(current Chair of the Seneca Board ofGovernors). The countless teams thatwork under their direction – both inter-nally and externally – are all contribut-ing to the advancement of the Collegeas a “Best of Class” institution andenhancing Seneca’s global reputation.

Is it no wonder, then, that I am verypassionate about Seneca and the daysahead? As part of my commitment togetting better all the time, I would liketo invite you to share your ideas onhow our Alumni Association can servethe Alumni membership better. Ourmission, after all, is “to assist ourmembers in achieving their lives’potential and our College in realizingits Mission through fostering mutuallybeneficial relationships.”

Currently, we are focusing on: devel-

oping the MySeneca Portal; enhanc-ing, expanding and launching pro-gram/school specific Chapters; andexploring new ways to bring Alumni“Home” to Seneca. We are alwaysinterested to hear what you would liketo see from your Alumni Association.

I would like to extend my personalthanks to all the members of theSeneca Alumni Board (both currentand past). Without you, our associa-tion would not be where it is today –in a very favourable position, to goforward. I would also like to highlightand recognize all our non-boardmember volunteers who have showntheir support over the years. Yourefforts are greatly appreciated.

And finally, it is my pleasure to wel-come the newest Board members, thenewest Alumni from the October 2003convocations, the new Seneca Boardof Governors, and existing SenecaAlumni, all Seneca staff and friends toa new chapter in the life of theAssociation and Seneca. Thank youfor making Seneca what it is todayand I look forward to meeting as manyAlumni as I can in the days ahead.

Alumni Association President’s messageJohn M Colthart, BAD, ’00, President

Iam going tobreak a long-standing per-

sonal tradition not to make New Year’spredictions. I predict that in 2004, wewill be hearing a lot from (and about)Senecans Beverly Thomson and AlvinCurling.

We have always been proud ofBeverly and her accomplishments,especially the recent announcementthat Beverly will be a recipient of aPremier’s Award.

A graduate of Broadcasting – Radioand Television (1987), she has risento the top of her profession. She hascovered local news, anchored aprovincial newscast, and this fall shetook over the co-hosting duties onthe set of nationally-broadcast,Canada AM.

She has accomplished a great dealin a short time, but she has never for-gotten Seneca. She has been a strong

supporter of the College and contin-ues to sit on the BroadcastingAdvisory Committee.

Beverly has successfully faced thethreat of cancer and has become anadvocate for the Canadian BreastCancer Foundation and other charita-ble organizations.

For all of these reasons, Senecawas proud to nominate her for aPremier’s Award – celebrating Ontariograduates who have succeeded intheir careers and supported the com-munity.

Alvin Curling is a another Senecanwho continues to make history.Originally from Jamaica, he was thefirst Liberal Member of ProvincialParliament to be elected to his ridingScarborough North (now Scarborough-Rouge River), and later he become thefirst black Cabinet Minister in theprovince.

Since his first election in 1985,

Alvin has been re-elected to the legis-lature during every election and hasserved as Minister of Housing andMinister of Skills Development withspecial responsibility for literacy.

Alvin’s connection to Seneca goesbeyond the 1972 diploma he receivedin Municipal Affairs. He was also theCollege’s Director of Student Servicesfor a number of years.

With the election of the McGuintygovernment this fall, Alvin was elect-ed by his peers to become the firstblack Speaker of the Ontario legisla-ture.

It’s always great to hear of aSenecan’s success. It’s the reason Ilook forward to each edition of ourAlumni Magazine. So, I encourageeach of you to share your successesand to continue to be active withinthe Seneca community.

Best wishes to everyone for ahappy and productive new year.

Address to the AlumniRick Miner, President

www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 5

Grads take centre stage at Convocationalumnihappenings

Ontario Liberal MPP Alvin Curling(MAD ’72) has been chosen asSpeaker of the Ontario legisla-

ture. Alvin is the first black person tohold the post. The 64-year-old, a nativeof Kingston, Jamaica, was first electedin 1985 and became the province’s firstblack cabinet minister under then-pre-mier David Peterson.

Shortly before Alvin’s appointment tothe Speaker’s chair, Seneca College’sPresident and the Seneca AlumniBoard of Directors together named hima 2003 Distinguished Alumni Awardrecipient, in recognition of graduateswhose lives exemplify excellence andachievement both professionally and intheir community.

Ontario Liberal MPP Alvin Curling (MAD ’72)

Successful Seneca graduates con-tinued to return to Convocationin 2003 to deliver the Tribute to

the Graduates remarks.For those who are not familiar with

this tradition: At each Convocation,since the spring of 1997, the AlumniOffice has invited a graduate of theCollege to address our newest Alumni.In addition to congratulating them ontheir achievements, Tribute Speakersreturn after 10, 20 or even 30 years, toshare their experiences as SenecaCollege graduates and pass along theinsights that they’ve acquired. Sort of a“Valedictorian – Reloaded” scenario.

The relevance and appeal in theTributes is that these speakers havestood in the graduates’ shoes. Theywent into the working world and com-bined a Seneca College education withtheir own energy, passion and commit-ment to achieve career, personal andsometimes, public success.

We are appreciative to the followinggraduates for taking time to make anaddress at Convocation:

FEBRUARY 2003Sergio Carbone, CVL ‘87Quality Assurance Manager, Dufferin Aggregates(In October 2003, Serge was elected Vice-President of the Alumni Association)

Anne-Marie Clune, FAS ‘81Vice-President, Sonar Communications Group

JUNE 2003 (KING CAMPUS)Josephine Harlow, ECE ‘83Executive Director, Upper Canada Childcare Centres (Josie also spoke at a TorontoCentre for the Arts ceremony thefollowing week)

Kevin Kennedy, SSW ‘91Vice-President, Ontario College ofSocial Workers & Social ServiceWorkers

Desmond Duke, MET ‘92President, Alumni Association

Gary & Joanie McGuffin, ORT ‘81Authors, Photographers andConservationists(Joanie & Gary were Ontario Premier’sAward recipients earlier in the yearand accepted Seneca DistinguishedAlumni Awards at the Ceremony)

JUNE 2003 (TORONTO CENTRE FOR THEARTS)Mariana Lichtenberg, HRM ’94 Human Resources Consultant, Canon Canada Inc.(Mariana graduated the next day withher second Seneca diploma – this timein Adult Training & Development)

Laura Byers, CCMC ‘01Public Affairs Advisor, Canadian Red Cross – Toronto Region

Jeremy Debling, PMTC ‘97Formulation Scientist, Novopharm Limited

OCTOBER 2003Roger Petersen, RTV ‘90Reporter (primarily on BreakfastTelevision), Citytv

Daniel Guegueirre, GBS ‘98Content Managerment Specialist,New Media, Distribution Marketing,Fidelity Investment Canada Limited(Dan had just been elected to the2003-05 Alumni Board of Directors)

If you, or another graduate youknow, would like to participate inConvocation – either to deliver theTribute to the Graduates or assistwith the presentation of diplomas– call David Brown (416-491-5050, ext. 2898) or Alison Gibson(416-491-5050, ext. 2960).

CONGRATULATIONS,

Alvin! Seneca GradAlvin Curling AppointedSpeaker

6 1-888-ALUMNUS

Since late spring 2003, BernardC. Harris Publishing Company,Inc. has been contacting Seneca

graduates to gather information for anAlumni Directory to be published inthe first quarter of 2004.

Some concerns and questions werereceived from Alumni this fall,because of the US return address list-ed on the most recent (and final mail-ing) to graduates. Harris Publishingdoes in fact have offices in New York,Virginia and Texas.

Harris Publishing was contracted tocompile the Alumni Directory becauseof the firm’s expertise and excellentreputation. Harris Publishing has pro-duced over 4,000 directories for a

variety of colleges, universities, highschools and membership associationsall over North America.

Other Canadian clients includeAlbert College, Appleby College,Bishop’s University, Brock University,Concordia University, McMasterUniversity, Ontario College of Art &Design, Queen’s University, RidleyCollege, Ryerson PolytechnicUniversity, The University of WesternOntario, seven faculties and groupswithin the University of Toronto, andYork University.

The purpose of the directory is tohelp Alumni keep in touch with oldfriends and classmates. This directorywill further assist the Alumni Office in

keeping the most accurate and up-to-date records possible, so that Alumnican be informed about what’s happen-ing at Seneca.

A Harris Directory was last pro-duced for Seneca in 1993; many insti-tutions produce them every five years.The Directory is produced at no costto the College – Harris Publishingrecoups the cost of contacting Alumniand compiling their information,through hard cover and CD-ROM salesof the Directory: hence the sales pitchon their final call to you.

We wish to assure members thatHarris will publish only the informationthat you authorized – and that the infor-mation is used for no other purposethan to compile the directory (for saleonly to Alumni) and to update Collegerecords. It is worth noting that Alumniwere given the option – from the firstcontact with Harris – to decline furthercards or telephone calls.

Thank you for your co-operationwith Harris. We look forward to seeingthe results of the project in March.

Mary Kokinakis has a B.A.A in Journalism fromRyerson University and is a Certified SalesProfessional. She comes to Seneca, having spent the

last few years managing the Communications Department ata national trade association.

Mary’s role entails responsibility for all Alumni commu-nications, including the magazine, website, MySeneca por-tal, orientation and open house displays, broadcast e-mails, senior officers’ remarks, and specialty publications.She is also the staff ‘point person’ for Alumni events(including the Awards Dinner and Golf Tournament), aswell as the person who will advise and assist AlumniChapters – or groups wishing to form Chapters – to orga-nize reunions or networking events.

You can reach the Alumni staff at:

David Brown – 416-491-5050, ext. 2898 ordavid.brown@senecac.on.ca

Mary Kokinakis – 416-491-5050, ext. 2759 or mary.kokinakis@senecac.on.ca

Alison Gibson – 416-491-5050, ext. 2960 oralison.gibson@senecac.on.ca

The Alumni Office is located at Newnham Campus in Room D2300 and is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The Alumni Office now has three full-time staff members. Mary Kokinakis (right), who recently joined the Alumni Office team as the first Alumni Relations Co-ordinator, is pictured with David Brown (left), Executive Director and Alison Gibson (middle), Alumni Office Co-ordinator.

speakertributeQuestions about the Harris Directory Project

Now We are ThreeMary Kokinakis Appointed NewAlumni Relations Co-ordinator

www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 7

Sergio Carbone (CVL ’87) alsoholds an Honours B.Sc. Degree inEarth Sciences from Brock University.An expert in his professional field,Sergio has been presented thePresident’s Choice Award, CommunityRelations Program and the St. Lawrence Cement President’sAward. He sits on Seneca’s IndustryAdvisory Committee to the Departmentof Civil Engineering.

John Colthart (BAD ‘00) wasPresident of the King StudentAdministrative Council and presidedas the inaugural President for thenewly formed Seneca Student

Federation Inc. He was awarded theW.T. Newnham Award for Excellencein Leadership. In his professionallife, John is a very successfulBusiness Intelligence Consultant,with experience in a variety of indus-tries and technologies.

Luis De Souza (HRA ’97) is a pastpresident of the Newnham StudentFederation Council, past treasurer forthe All Presidents Council and he alsoserved as Student Representative onthe Board of Governors. He works fora technology firm and is currently pur-suing his Certificate in Training andDevelopment from Ryerson University.

Desmond Duke (MET ’92) attend-ed Seneca as a visa student,received two scholarships, playedon the varsity men’s soccer team,served as president of the NewnhamStudent Council, as student repre-sentative on the Board of Governorsand received the Seneca Cup. Today,Desmond has a successful career infacilities management.

Juanita Forde McDermott (CAB’01), also holds a Certificate inFashion Retail Management fromRyerson University and a Certificatein Photojournalism from theUniversity College of the Cariboo,

New Alumni BoardA warm welcome to returning and new members of the Alumni Board of Directors

The School of Business Management (a school that offers an entrepreneurship specialty program) along with ACE-Seneca (a club that promotes entrepreneurship among students) and the Richmond HillBusiness Centre (an incubator that helps individuals start a business) need entrepreneurial alumni to:

• mentor individuals, groups of students or alumni wanting a start in business• participate in a business plan panel review• speak to classes • judge the exhibits of student new venture ideas• provide success stories that can be posted to their website

Different levels of commitment and types of involvement offer you a variety of opportunities to pass on skillsto the next generation of Senecans, be recognized for your achievements, network with otherentrepreneurial people, and learn in the process.

To discuss participation, please contact Jane Forbes today at 416-491-5050 ext. 6544 or jane.forbes@senecac.on.ca.

Join Seneca’s New MentoringProgram For Entrepreneurship

alumnihappenings

8 1-888-ALUMNUS

Kamloops, BC. Her dedication tovolunteer work has benefitted manynon-profit organizations.

Jean Gillis (CRT ’99, RPA ’00) hascombined both her diplomas fromSeneca along with a Certificate in RealProperty Assessment from theUniversity of British Columbia and hasshaped herself a successful career inthe tax assessment field. Very active inher community, Jean was a Member ofthe Education and Training Committeefor the Durham Regional AssessmentOffice and a member of the Sub-Committee on Education for theInstitute of Municipal Assessors ofOntario.

Laurel Goodings (AVPY ’99) isalso a graduate of the OntarioCollege of Art and Design and holdsa BA in Psychology from YorkUniversity. Currently, she is a part-time faculty member at Seneca withthe School of Communication Artsand with the General EducationDepartment.

Daniel Guegueirre (BCS ’98) wasan active College student, takingpart in a mentorship program forhigh school students, being a keycontributor for the development of aweb programming class and hehelped develop content on Seneca’sintranet site. His involvement withthe College continues beyond gradu-ation, as he has organized severalnetworking events and promotedSeneca in his work at a financial ser-vices company.

Ryan Mitchell (IBU ’99, HRM ’00)continued his education afterSeneca, by completing a Bachelor’sdegree in Business Administration atBishop’s University. Today, he isemployed with a trade securitiesfirm. At Seneca, Ryan held variousstudent leadership and governmentpositions, while engaged in varsityand community events.

David Pisarek (CGT ’00) was a con-tributor to Seneca’s CD-Rom year-book, was the Co-ordinator of

Information Technology, Vice-President and later, President of thefirst ever student council forSeneca@York. While he currently isemployed by two post-secondaryinstitutions (developing their webactivities), he is also the proprietorof his own consulting company.

Christopher Shaban (BADE ’01)was involved with Student Council invarious capacities while at Seneca,most notably as President of theNewnham Campus. He has receivedThe Seneca Cup Award as well as theW.T. Newnham Award. Chris has start-ed his own business offering musicartist management services.

Tina Zalac (CCMC ’01) is also aWilfrid Laurier University grad (Com-munications Studies and Psychologydouble major). She was workingwith Seneca College’s Marketing andCommunications department as aCommunications Officer and recentlytook a position with Mercer HumanResources Consulting in Toronto.

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FORM

Keep up with Seneca by staying in touch withyour Alumni Association. Please help us keepyour contact information current:Name: ________________________________________Name while at Seneca (if different from above): ______________________________________________Program(s)/Year(s) Graduated: _________________________________________________________________Address: ______________________________________City/Province: __________________________________Country/Postal Code: ___________________________Home Telephone: _______________________________E-mail Address: ________________________________Additional Post Secondary EducationCollege/University: ______________________________Program/Degree/Year Graduated: _______________________________________________________________Employment InformationEmployer: _____________________________________Position: ______________________________________I can be contacted at work: Y / N Phone number if “yes”: __________________________Family InformationSpouse's Name: ________________________________Is your spouse also a Seneca graduate: Y / N Program(s)/Year(s) Graduated: _________________________________________________________________Are there other family members who are also Senecagraduates?: Y / N Name: ________________________________________Relation: ______________________________________Program(s)/Year(s) Graduated: ___________________Can we contact him/her/them? Y / N Phone number(s) if “yes”: ________________________

[ ] Please let others know where I'm working and living in the Grapevine section.

[ ] Please DO NOT print this information in the Grapevine section.

Is there anything else you want to tell us about your cur-rent activities? Send us a letter, fax or e-mail. Include pho-tos if you wish - we'll return them!

In accordance with Section 39(2) of the Freedom ofInformation and Protection of Privacy Act, the personalinformation on this form is collected under the authorityof the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Act, RSO1990, Regulation 770. The information may be used foradministrative, fundraising, and statistical purposes ofthe Alumni Association or Seneca College, and for notifi-cation of benefits and services available to Alumni.

I have read the above and hereby authorize the release ofinformation contained herein or collected from a thirdparty (such as a family member), to the aforementioned.

Signature:

Date:

Any questions concerning collection of this informationmay be directed to the Seneca College Alumni Office inwriting, by telephone or by e-mail. Please send complet-ed form to:

Executive DirectorSeneca College Alumni1750 Finch Avenue East Toronto, ON M2J 2X5E-mail: alumni@senecac.on.caPhone: 416-491-5050, ext. 2960Toll-free: 888-ALUMNUSFax: 416-491-3723

alumniupdateThe primary mandate of the Alumni Office is to maintain current contactinformation for as many Seneca graduates as possible. Below are just some of the services the Alumni Office offers:• Mailing the semi-annual Alumni magazine;• Sending invitations to networking, social or College

events;• Helping Alumni keep track of classmates;• Allowing faculty, administrators or students to con-

tact Alumni regarding research on graduate successand obtain feedback on College programs

• Providing companies the opportunity to mentor oremploy Seneca co-ops or other Alumni;

• Notifying Alumni of goods and services availablethrough our Affinity Partners.

• Emailing the Seneca e-newsletter and periodic newsupdates

1st annual Seneca Alumni InvitationalScarboro Golf and Country Club September 27, 2004

Join us. Swing, score, dine, relax. Support the next generation of leaders.

WinNet proceeds to support the Seneca Alumni Bursary Fund Ask about sponsorship opportunitiesRegister a foursome now / Find out moreMary.Kokinakis@senecac.on.ca416.491.5050 x 2759

Score on the linksInvest in the future

2004

Seneca Sting win Silver at Men’sSoccer National Championships

The Seneca Sting Men’s Soccerteam had a silver medal finish at theCanadian Colleges (CCAA) NationalChampionships.

The loss to Capilano College Bluesof Vancouver, British Columbia wasthe Sting’s first and only of the season.

Fitzroy Christey and Tim Garzon wereselected for the Championship All-StarTeam for their outstanding play.

Prior to the championships theCanadian Colleges Athletic Association(CCAA) announced individual awards.Seneca’s Parm Dhillon (Rexdale) was

named the Canadian Colleges Playerof the Year and a CCAA All-Canadian,while Coach Vito Coangelo (RichmondHill) was named the CanadianColleges Coach of the Year.

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E C E C h a p t e rT a ke s O f fFirst meeting of ECE Chapter:Great success

Efforts to “formally” re-establishan Alumni Chapter for EarlyChild Education have been

favourably received. The initial chaptermeeting, chaired by Professor/ AlumnaDiane Kashin, was well attended withapproximately 15 graduates and facul-ty members present. Premier’s Awardnominee Josie Harlow and formerProgram Coordinator Carol Paachewere among those at the meeting.

The group appointed officers anddiscussed the purpose and goals of theChapter. The officers are President: Josie Harlow, ECE ‘83Vice-Presidents: Leisl Joe, ECA ’02and Barbara Rudberg, ECE ‘84Secretary: Andrée Perreault, ECE ‘94Faculty Liaison: Diane Kashin, ECE ’86and Liz McBrien, ECE ‘85

The group showed its appreciationto the Alumni Association, by thankingthe Association for assisting in orga-nizing the inaugural meeting as well asthe Reunion in May 2003.

The next meeting of the Chapter willbe held in the classroom of the LabSchool at Newnham Campus onMonday, January 5, 2004 at 7:00 pm.Any alumni interested in joining theorganizing group for the Chapter arewelcome to attend.

Seneca Sting Women’s Fastball take Ontario Silver

The Seneca Sting Women’s FastballTeam brought home the Silver Medalfrom the 2003 Ontario CollegesAthletic Association (OCAA)Championships. The team entered thesix-team double knockout event as thenumber two seed following an 8-4 sec-ond place finish in the league stand-ings. The Sting played Durham in thefinal game.

Seneca’s Lindsay Greenwell, AshleyMartin, Lindsay Ringle and SandraWright each earned player of thegame honours.

Seneca’s Elizabeth Parker and JennKells were name OCAA League All-Stars for their solid play throughoutthe season.

The Seneca Sting Men’s Rugby Team stays gold

The Seneca Sting Men’s RugbyTeam won the Ontario CollegeChampionship in November, collectingits third consecutive provincial gold.They edged the Sir Sandford FlemingKnights (Peterborough) 15-12 in veryclose, very physical gold medal final.

The Sting now has an undefeatedstreak to 26 consecutive matches,

going back to the 2000Ontario Championships.

Seneca’s Paolo Felice(Woodbridge) was named theChampionship’s Most Valuable

Player, a League All-Star and was theLeague Scoring Champion, with 82 pointsin 7 games.Scarborough’s Arthur Krawczykwas named a Championship All-Star,earned Player of the Game Honours in thechampionship Semi-final, and was aLeague All-Star. Bradley Murrell ofToronto was named as a ChampionshipAll-Star and Matt Walker (Peterborough)was the Player of the Game in theChampionship Final.

Congratulations to Sting medal winners

chapternotes

alumnisports

Congratulations on an excellent 2003 season.

Congratulations go out to Coach BobMcArthur and the entire Sting squad on a dominating 2003-04 season.

Congratulations to the Seneca Sting Men’s Soccer team.

www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 13

Don’t Miss The Boat!Seneca’s first-ever participation in the Toronto InternationalDragon Boat Festival last spring was a huge success! Senecaplaced third in the Community Division races. If you would liketo participate in the next competition - we are putting togeth-er an “all-Alumni” team - call Jill Robertson at (416) 491-5050, ext. 5156 and let her know.

A major Campus-wide PC System ProviderA name that you see EVERYWHERE in Seneca

Exclusive offer to Alumni Members

Save up to 30% OFF on your Personalized PC

Call 1-877-AMSDELL or 905-881-3020 for details

http://www.amsdell.comEmail: general@amsdell.com

14 1-888-ALUMNUS

Beverly Thomson hasattended the Premier’sAwards ceremonies,

been a judge on the selectionpanel and has even beennominated before. But theCanada AM host never imag-ined that she would be cho-sen for honours.

She is a 2003 recipient ofthe Premier’s Award, hon-ouring outstanding Ontario collegegraduates. This is the third year ina row that a Senecan has receivedthe award.

“I just feel extremely humble,”Beverly says adding that she has beenin awe of the accomplishments of pre-vious recipients. “I can’t believe that Iam even in the same company of thepeople on that list. It is a true honour.”

After a few years at York University,Beverly came to Seneca and graduat-ed from Radio and Television Arts in1987. She did a few odd jobs beforelanding her first real broadcasting jobat CKAN in Newmarket, Ontario. Shewas fired a year and a half later butafter a change in management, shewas soon asked to come back. She

was so determined to have a career inbroadcasting, that she agreed. A fel-low Senecan in Belleville, Ontariorecruited Beverly to CJBQ, where shespent two and a half years coveringlocal news.

After 15 years in broadcasting,which has included stints at CFTO andGlobal Television, Beverly has whatshe believes to be the best job ever,co-host of CTV’s national morningshow Canada AM. “I have been veryfortunate that each job through mycareer has been very fulfilling.”

Canada AM launched her arrival witha whirlwind cross-Canada tour thatstarted in Halifax. “I couldn’t believehow many people came out in the darkto watch,” Beverly says, amazed at the

audience support and interest. Beverly and her new team

headed to Montreal and thenhome to Toronto where, onceagain, crowds turned out toDundas Square to watch themorning run of interviews,news and entertainment.Beverly pleasantly recallslooking out into the crowd onemorning, and seeing her for-

mer Seneca teacher Ron Lowe. Hehad come to wish her well. That’s thekind of support Beverly has had, evenin her early days at Seneca College.

She has frequently counted on theadvice and counsel of Ron, whoseopinion she valued when it came topotential career moves. “It washelpful to have people who hadworked in the industry and knewhow it worked.” But the Canada AMjob, she says, was a no brainer.She didn’t need any help to makethat decision.

Seneca has continued to be a partof her life and Beverly is one ofSeneca’s biggest advocates. Just twoyears after graduation, Beverly wasinvited back to Seneca, to sit on the

“I just feel extremely humble,

I can’t believe that I am even in

the same company of the people

on that list. It is a true honour.”

gives back

P R E M I E R ’ S A W A R D W I N N E R

Beverly Thomson

16 1-888-ALUMNUS

Broadcast Communications AdvisoryBoard. “The program today doesn’tresemble what it was when I wasthere,” she explains. “It’s respondedto the advice of people who work inthe industry who made sure thateverything was kept up-to-date and upto speed. “It was a great program andnow it’s even better.”

Beverly has crossed paths withseveral fellow classmates during hercareer. In fact, Canada AM producerKenton Boston is also a graduate ofSeneca.

Beverly’s exceptional rise from alocal radio personality to a nationaltelevision news celebrity is a dreamcome true – and her success is anaspiration for many. Especially thoselooking to break into the competitiveworld of broadcasting. A career stud-ded with hosting duties and communi-ty work for countless worthy causes,

would be sufficient for anyone whobelieves it’s important to give back.And while many people would feel ful-filled with these accomplishments,Beverly Thompson sees no stop-point,when it comes to giving back. Evenwhen Beverly was diagnosed withbreast cancer in 2002, she decided tocontinue her charitable work. In fact,she decided to “strike back”, as sheputs it in speeches to key nationalwomen’s groups.

When Beverly originally told view-ers that she was leaving the air-waves for a few months because ofbreast cancer, she was overwhelmedwith the vast response. She becamedetermined to use her public role tomake a real difference. She startedby creating a documentary of herexperience, Where There Is No Fear,which aired on Global to help easeothers’ fears.

“I received countless cards and let-ters,” she says. “Most had a personalstory to tell, each astonishing, heart-breaking, inspiring. Everyday,strangers stopped me on the street. Iwanted to say thank you, but also totake it a step further. I learned peopleare most terrified of treatment. Iwanted to de-mystify it, to provide

context and let them know they’re notalone – that while it’s not a walk in thepark, it’s the best we have right now.I’ve done it; I played tennis with myhusband every day after chemo. Now,I’ve never felt healthier.”

“I used to do whatever charityevents came up.

Now there’s a focus,”

Beverly Thomson on the set of Canada AM with CTV colleagues Marci Ien, Jeff Hutcheson and Seamus O’Regan.

profile

It took years of hard work to earn your Seneca diploma. Proudly presentand showcase your achievement with the Seneca Alumni framing service.

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Silver frame with single mat: $50.00 tax included

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All frames are high quality, Canadian-made and the acid-free mats are tastefully imprinted with the Seneca College logo in silver. Net proceeds from the Framing Service will be donated to the

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You can pick up your frame at the Alumni Office on NewnhamCampus, or use the Tempo Framing Fulfillment Service.

Call the Alumni Office at 416-491-5050, ext. 2960 or 1-888-ALUMNUS

or e-mail alumni@senecac.on.ca for details.

18 1-888-ALUMNUS

The documentary follows Beverly’sdiagnosis, treatment and the impactit had on her life, her family andher career.

With a supportive husband and twosmall children, she is pleased to sayshe has never let either family orcareer responsibilities slip.

Beverly considers it both a respon-sibility and a privilege to be able touse a public role to do good. “I used todo whatever charity events came up.Now there’s a focus,” she says.

As official spokesperson for theCanadian Breast Cancer Foundation,Beverly makes it her personal businessto help combat breast cancer. Shetakes time to speak at numerous eventsincluding the Women of Influence lun-cheon series and Turn Niagara FallsPink, part of an international cancerawareness event that features celebri-ties colouring world landmarks, suchas Harrods in London.

Beverly’s long volunteer trackrecord had auspicious beginningswhen, as a teen, she received thebronze, silver and ultimately, the goldDuke of Edinburgh community servicemedal – directly from Prince Phillipand former Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Pauline McGibbon atRideau Hall.

She also devotes time to TheHospital for Sick Children, Children’sAid, Charles H. Best DiabetesFoundation, North York Hospital,Juvenile Diabetes Research Found-

ation, and the Muki Baum Association.“It’s important in public life to give

back and go back to the community,”Beverly says. “You can’t tell the storiesby sitting in the studio every day.” S

Beverly Thomson addressing the audience, as emcee for the Premier’s Awards banquet in Toronto for ACAATO in February 2003.

profile

www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 19

His voice is calm and clear, andArmand LaBarge is telling thestory of how once upon a time,

police saw themselves as no morethan law enforcers. “Twenty years agothere was a saying amongst officers,”he recounts. “It was, ‘What do youthink I am… a social worker?’“ Thenhe pauses – reflecting on the present– and suddenly, LaBarge speaks withthe passion of a true leader. “Yeah!”he exclaims, as though giving ordersto those officers from the past. “Youare a social worker!”

Indeed, the times have changed.And happily for the people of YorkRegion, their Chief of Police haschanged right along with them – andhas even kept slightly ahead.

First and foremost, Seneca gradArmand LaBarge is a police officer –infact, the most powerful police officerin York Region. But after spending justa few minutes with him, you soonrealize he’s also equal parts ChiefExecutive Officer, academic, coach,and most strikingly, diplomat. It’s thatrole – as a conduit to his constituents– that makes him more than just theregion’s top cop.

Some might think it just comes withthe territory – both figuratively andliterally, since LaBarge’s purview cov-ers the area north of Toronto growingby almost 40,000 citizens every year.But as far as the Chief is concerned,getting in touch with York Region’sdiverse groups isn’t just his duty. It’s his

passion. “I spend most of my eveningsout in the community, and meeting thecommunity,” he says. “That’s the part ofthe job I enjoy the most.”

And a diverse community it is. YorkRegion has a diversity rate of over 35per cent, one that’s growing with thepopulation. With such a wideningscope of cultures and backgrounds, itdoesn’t hurt that Chief LaBarge wasone of the first people in Ontario toearn a Master’s Certificate from YorkUniversity in Multicultural Studies. Enroute to being named Chief, Labargehelped create an inclusive hiring andtraining program called Recruitingwith a Vision. The initiative aims tomake the region’s police force morerepresentative – and more able tomeet the changing needs of – itsgrowing diversity.

“We’re very multilingual,” heexplains. “We have the ability to com-municate in a whole host of lan-guages.” From a quarter to a third ofhis force’s new recruits are from visi-ble minorities, and LaBarge says theVision program has fostered betterunderstanding and co-operationbetween his officers and the peoplethey serve. “It’s not change for thesake of change,” he says. “It takestime. But over time we’ll certainly seethose changes.”

Of course, his job isn’t all postmod-ern politics. He still has a $118-mil-lion corporation to run, overseeingfive district headquarters, 330 sup-port staff, and 1,000 officers. “Attimes you have to be very diplomatic,”he says, “…and there are times whenyou have to be a disciplinarian.”Indeed, despite holding an executivepost, the Chief isn’t above pullingspeeders or careless drivers off theroad, on his way home from work.

Chief Exceptional OfficerFor top cop Armand LaBarge, diversity and respect are the law in York Regionby Duff Wallis, CCM ‘02

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20 1-888-ALUMNUS

He also tries to take a hands-onapproach to the force’s operations –with the help of what he calls anexcellent support staff – especiallywith all the crises Ontario has facedover the past year. “In the short timeI’ve been chief, we’ve had SARS, a sig-nificant blackout, and a contract dis-pute,” he recounts, saying the eventsoften kept him at work until threeo’clock in the morning. “You need to

show the leadership.”Chief LaBarge credits much of that

leadership to his time at Seneca. Hegraduated in 1986 in InvestigativeSciences and Police Studies. Besidesupgrading his police education as ayoung officer in the evenings atNewnham Campus, he also took man-agement courses there. His Senecaexperiences fed his hunger for learn-ing, and even today he’s finishing agraduate degree in Canadian Studiesat Trent University. “I’ve always seenlearning as a life-long endeavour,” hesays. “That’s what keeps you alive.”

It seems quite an evolution for a fel-low who started life in small-townOntario as a farmer, and didn’t evenknow where York Region was when hefirst applied to the force. But the Chiefcredits his time at Seneca with broad-ening his horizons, and encouraginghim to learn more – about everything.And it seems the global perspective tolife he’s nurtured over the years hasalso helped him adapt to the increas-ingly global challenges facing thecommunity under his watch.

“We’re more aware of the communi-ties who are fearful because of theworld situation,” he says. “They feelthe pain of a bus bombing in theMiddle East. They feel the pain oftheir families who are around theworld.” It’s apparent how importantfamily is to LaBarge. His wife, Denise,is a front-line Staff Sergeant, and hehas a brother and nephew who alsoserve on the force.

Indeed, helping his region’s familiesgrow up safe and secure in such avolatile world is the Chief’s top prior-ity. And while that certainly involvesthe practical work of enforcing thelaw, for LaBarge it’s just as muchabout fostering the ideals of a trulyglobal community – with an equallyglobal approach to his job. “I feelmuch prouder in preventing a crimethan in catching someone who’s com-mitted one,” he says.

“It’s not just about enforcement. It’sabout helping people – and helpingpeople solve problems.”

If he keeps it up, his fellow officersjust might wonder if he’s a socialworker. Which is just fine with ChiefArmand LaBarge. S

Growth in Public Safety and Police Studies Seneca’s School of Public Safety and Police Studies is Ontario’s most

respected training ground for police and security practitioners – and it start-ed as no more than an idea. When Seneca founder William T. Newnham wasnamed President in 1967, one of his first acts was to phone Toronto’s then-Chief of Police, James Mackey. Newham wanted Mackey’s thoughts on thepossibility of starting a school where Ontario's young people might have anopportunity to get the best police and security training available. A schoolwas set up at the Sheppard Campus (it moved to the King Campus in 1983),and 25 candidates were chosen from a long waiting list.

In the 35 years since, the Law Enforcement program has supplied Ontariowith thousands of its best and brightest police and security practitioners.Partnerships have been fostered with all levels of law enforcement and secu-rity, with the private sector, and with other colleges and universities. The cur-riculum has also grown, and in 1999 the School of Law Enforcement wassplit into two distinct diploma programs: Police Foundations (for prospectivepolice officers) and Law & Security Administration (Private Security).

Earlier this year the school was renamed to better reflect changing timesand realities. Known as the School of Public Safety and Police Studies, its twoprograms now boast over 500 students – and just like in 1967, a very longwaiting list.

Few academic streams at Seneca have as big a graduating class as theSchool of PS & PS, and virtually none receive as many applications.September’s intake of the Police Foundations program alone had over 2,500applicants – for 300 spots. The School’s success and reputation – along witha growing demand for better policing and security in Ontario – have madeKing Campus a popular destination. Like York Region Police Chief ArmandLaBarge (who graduated in 1986), students pride themselves on being life-long learners and global thinkers.

Program Co-ordinator Jeff Agro suggests Seneca’s continued role as a trail-blazer is one of the reasons for the huge popularity. “There are new careersout there that didn't exist two years ago,” Jeff says, explaining that PS & PS’sability to stay current with a constantly changing, post-911 world has beenvital to the success of the program and its students. While still stressing thefundamentals, the school is known for innovations like 2004’s new part-timecertificate program in Applied Forensic Investigative Sciences. Spearheadedby Jeff, it’s the first hands-on course of its kind in Ontario, and will award ajoint certificate from Seneca and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

“We’re one of the originals in the field,” Jeff said, suggesting the School ofPublic Safety and Police Studies is just following a long tradition of servingOntario’s needs – and students – in the best way possible. Just like WilliamT. Newnham and James Mackey hoped it would.

(continued from previous page)

www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 21

If you still picture nurses as allwhite starched linen, movingbriskly through antiseptic hall-

ways, you haven’t met Pat Larson. A2004 recipient of a SenecaDistinguished Alumni Award, Pat isall blue jeans and humour, streetnursing in Toronto’s downtown core.

Pat sits at a desk for our interviewbut reminds us more than once thatshe really needs to be outside to doher job effectively.

So effective is she that a group ofmentally ill and homeless members ofthe Parkdale Activity RecreationCentre pulled together to fill out thepaper work and contact the right peo-ple to nominate Pat for the TorontoStar’s Nightingale Nurse of the YearAward. She was a runner up to anoth-er Seneca alumnus Leanne Quinn.But she was delighted that the drop-inmembers made such an effort to nom-inate her and thrilled that Seneca isadding another accolade.

“But I must acknowledge the workof all of my colleagues,” she insists.“So many people are quietly doingtheir work every day without acknowl-

edgement when we know that every-one’s work is needed.”

Pat has always been very interestedin social justice. Born in SwiftCurrent, Saskatchewan (the birth-place of public health care) into aconservative household, Pat becamea nurse in 1983 and immediatelyheaded to Sierra Leone. After a yearof honing new skills, she returned toCanada and signed up for Seneca’sintensive five-month InternationalHealth Program. She graduated in 1985.

“It was ahead of its time,” she says,“and very grounded in community andcommunity development.”

“A lot of passion was put into it,”she remembers. “Many of the peopleteaching had been overseas and werethrilled to be back here and having theopportunity to talk about how theirexperience changed them.”

“They could have just taught us the skills... ’Here’s X parasite.”Instead, she says, “there was a realwisdom and thoughtfulness and arespectfulness.”

The program emphasized the

importance of housing, nutrition andpeace. And it reminded her that wher-ever we go, it is with our own, usuallyWestern, point of view. “Just becausesomething is so here, doesn’t mean itis so elsewhere.”

She uses her international skillseveryday on the street. “There arepeople in developing countries whomight be better off than some peoplehere,” she says, considering some ofthe really dreadful situations inCanada

When Pat worked in Toronto’s westend she would go with an outreachworker to find those in need of help.“Often those people were very psy-chotic, living in lean-tos at the traintracks, or sleeping outside in the win-ter with no medications and noincome.”

“I probably saw less begging inSierra Leone than here,” Pat says.“And some of the shelters here don’tmeet United Nations refugee stan-dards.”

Pat has brought her world view tomany parts of Toronto. She worked atthe Rexdale Community Health Centreand the Queen West CommunityHealth Centre (now called CentralToronto Community Health Centres).She moved this year to theSherbourne Health Centre downtown.

Pat LarsonStreet nurse extraordinaire by Helena Moncrieff

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22 1-888-ALUMNUS

When the Summer Olympicsopen in 2004, Brian Price(CET ’98) expects to be in

Athens with the Canadian men’seight rowing team. Hard work,focused training, and intense desireare a big part of how he came to bea world-class competitor. But healso says it’s due to two unrelatedevents in his life: A childhood battlewith cancer and a decision to attendSeneca College in 1995.

Brian was just seven when he wasdiagnosed with leukemia. “You say itmust be frightening, but it wasn’t tome because as a seven-year-old, youhave no idea of dying,” he states as amatter of fact.

“I don’t want to sound like it waseasy because it wasn’t easy.” He knew

it could be terminal, “but I neverthought that was going to happen tome. I always fought it.”

After four and a half years, he wonthe battle. However, there was a long-term physical effect. The life-savingchemotherapy affected his thyroid,which prevented him from growing ashe should. As a result, the now 27-year-old, 5’4, 120 pounder has lookedfor sports that don’t require a largestature or girth. Being a coxswain inrowing is one of them.

“Because of cancer,” he says, “I’m atwo-time world champion.”

Brian is the coxswain of theCanada’s men’s eight. Number one inCanada and the world, he hopes andexpects to qualify for the Olympicteam. As cox, he doesn’t touch an oarbut sits at the back of the boat andcalls out instructions to the team.“I’ve only actually rowed about 10times,” confesses Brian, “And three ofthose times it was just to get back tothe dock after winning.”

He’s the quarterback calling theplays, keeping his mind sharp andeyes open to decide when to add legpower, when to pull harder, and keep-ing the team in syncopation. He hasto understand how each guy on the

BrianPriceby Helena Moncrieff

She has been instrumental in devel-oping many primary health care pro-grams – in Rexdale, it was women’shealth, at Queen West it was a nurs-ing outreach program, working off-site where people who are homelessor marginalized congregate. She alsohelped establish a healing centre inParkdale.

She says she’s become a very goodarguer to ensure her clients, thehomeless, the mentally ill, the disen-franchised and the alone have accessto care of all kinds.

“In health care, we tend to think weknow how the world needs to work,”Pat explains. “You need an appoint-ment. You need a health card. Youneed to be quiet in the waiting room.Well, that doesn’t work for everyone.”

She imagines how a homeless per-son would search out a free meal, finda place to stay and get to a designat-

ed appointment in a particular part ofthe city without money for publictransit and without a watch. That’swhere “the system” needs to be moreresponsive in recognizing andrespecting different approaches.

So getting out on foot is important,as are the health buses that movecloser to people in need.

Pat says the situation has worsenedin the past 10 years with the develop-ment of a wider underclass and morepeople who are barely managing. Sothere are more and more people likeher, trying to help. “When you seeinjustices, you do something. Whenyou see someone treated badly, you goup the ranks to a doctor or |city hall.”

In addition to the internationalskills and philosophy she learned atSeneca, Pat says, “Seneca was a bitof a catalyst in that it renewed myinterest in education.”

She went on to earn a nursing

degree from McMaster University inHamilton, Ontario, did a stint inPakistan then earned a graduatedegree in 1997 through theMultidisciplinary Master’s Program inPolicy and Practice from theUniversity of Victoria in BritishColumbia.

It would be easy to become con-stantly enraged working on thestreets and seeing some of our mostvulnerable citizens without care. Butit’s not sustainable and the burn outrate among street workers is high.Pat knows how to heal herself, too.She treasures her personal time withher teenaged daughter Ramata. Shetravels, gardens and enjoys music and massages. And she counts on her friends.

At 42, she has much of the wisdomshe so respects in others. “I set out tochange the world, and the worldchanged me.” S

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An Olympicdream: Priceless

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www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 23

team works and reacts to what hesays. He has to know how to deal witheach personality. When he’s not in theboat, he is training his eye to seewhat happens with each command.

It was while in highschool in hishometown of Belleville, that Brianfirst tried rowing with the QuinteRowing Club. He remembers his firsttime as cox. “When I started rowingand had eight guys in front of me wewere going pretty fast. Then I saidsomething and they did it and we wenteven faster. It was very exciting.”

He enjoyed the sport but never con-sidered a “professional athlete” life,an option. Instead, Brian was headedto college to become a civil engineer-ing technologist. He could havestayed in Belleville to study atLoyalist College but heard thatSeneca College in Toronto was offer-ing a co-op program. That made goodsense to Brian so he applied, wasaccepted and packed his bags.

Toronto had plenty to offer asidefrom Seneca, including the ArgonautRowing Club. Brian joined the club asa hobby. One of his fellow-rowers hadaspirations to get on the Nationalteam. Spotting talent, Brian’s coachsuggested in 1998, just before gradu-ation, that he go along for the try-outstoo. The rest, as they say, is history.

“So, going to Seneca also lead me tobecome a world champion,” he says.

Although he did graduate, Brianhas yet to look for a job in his field. Incollege, he figured by now he’d have ahouse, wife, and kids. “All my friendsdo. I’m putting a lot on hold to go aftermy own big dream and there are timeswhen I think it would be nice to workand have my own place, but my bud-dies tell me I can work for the rest ofmy life.”

Brian is quick to point out that he’snot living his dream yet. Competing inthe world championships has been agoal. Competing in the Olympics is hisdream that, if fulfilled, will last justfive and a half minutes, about thelength of the men’s eight race.“Someone who dreams of being ateacher can live that dream for most

of their lives,” he explains, “Mine willlast just minutes and it will be over.”

As short-lived as it may be, Brianpursues his dream to fulfill that needfor himself and for all the people whohave supported him, including hisparents, his girlfriend and his ownfuture family. He does it so that kidsat home can say, “Hey look what thisguy from Belleville did.”

Brian takes his inspiration fromTerry Fox. “I see the Terry Fox runand think this is nothing, what I’mdoing… His legacy is phenomenal.”

Brian is Canada’s number oneMen’s Eight cox and has held this titlefor three years. He was on the winning team at the 2002 WorldRowing Championships in Seville,Spain and again at the 2003 Worlds inMilan, Italy.

But he is giving himself just onechance at the Olympics. “I’ll retireafter winning,” he says, with no hintof regret in his voice. “It’s time for meto move on in my life and let someone

else have a chance. It wouldn’t be fairto hog it all for myself. I’d feel betterto let someone else enjoy that suc-cess.” In fact, he’s been mentoringanother cox who could competeagainst him for the spot on theOlympic boat.

And once he’s retired? Brian hopesto try his hand, finally, at civil engineering. “I’m a good team playerand know how to be a leader in many different ways,” he says. “Whoknows, maybe a Seneca Alumni willhire me.” S

The Faculty of Information Arts and Technology and the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology at

Seneca College are pleased to offer employers the opportunity to recruit co-op students from a wide range of IT, Science,

Engineering and Technical Writing programs.

We are currently accepting job postings for the Winter work term, which begins on January 5th, 2004, with most students being

available for 4, 8, or 12 months.

We encourage you to post early for the best selection of candidates. We will, however, post continuously until January 23rd, 2004.

You are encouraged to visit our website,http://cooptechnology@senecac.on.ca, where you will find

information regarding curriculum, how to hire a co-op student and other useful information including the Ontario Tax Credit

information on hiring co-op students.

Contact Elaine Fenner, Cooperative Education Coordinator at

416-491-5050, 3083 or Elaine.Fenner@senecac.on.ca for more info.

“Because of cancer… I’m atwo-time world champion”

24 1-888-ALUMNUS

RickLeachDream job forfire inspectorby Brodie Fenlon

It took Seneca student Rick Leachseveral years to find his calling,but only a few weeks to land his

dream job after graduation.A volunteer firefighter who quit his

day job (at a factory) to go back toschool, Rick now has a career as a fireprevention inspector with the FortErie Fire Department.

“I’m very happy where I am. At theend of the day, it’s a great feeling toknow that I’ve made a couple ofplaces safer for people,” he says.

Fire prevention wasn’t on Rick’s

career radar when he graduated fromhigh school in the early 1990s. TheFort Erie native spent a year atMcMaster University in a commercedegree program, but decided businessstudies weren’t for him. He left theuniversity to take on a customer ser-vice job at a local garage.

A few years later, he was hired as aplant relief worker at a Fort Erie resinfactory. And in his spare time, he vol-unteered as a firefighter with hishometown department.

Hoping to capitalize on this latterexperience and upgrade his skills,Rick left his factory job to joinSeneca’s three-year Fire ProtectionEngineering Technology diploma program.

“Rick brought a lot to our program.He’s one of the best we’ve had,” saysStuart Evans, Co-ordinator ofSeneca’s School of Fire ProtectionTechnology.

“He was a great guy who did anexcellent job when he was here, andhe’s going to do great things in thefuture,” Stuart says.

Within weeks of graduating from

Seneca with honours, Rick was hiredby the Fort Erie Fire Department toreplace an employee on medicalleave. His temporary job was soonmade permanent.

At 30, Rick is one of three inspec-tors responsible for ensuring thetown’s commercial, industrial andmulti-residential buildings meet therequirements of the Ontario FireCode.

On a typical inspection, Rick willexamine building exits, emergencylighting, cooking equipment, ventila-tion, alarms and suppression equip-ment such as extinguishers and sprinkler systems to ensure they areup to code.

He also probes complaints, reviewsnew construction plans, educates thepublic on fire prevention and investi-gates non-fatal fires to determinecauses.

Rick also continues to volunteer asa firefighter with the busy depart-ment, which responds to more than700 fire and medical calls a year.

“The Seneca program gave me agreat base of knowledge for this job,”he says, noting that courses on sprin-kler design, building construction andNational Fire Protection Associationstandards have proven invaluable inhis work.

Seneca’s Fire Protection Technologyprogram has built a reputation as one of the finest in North America,Stuart says.

“The bottom line is that I have more jobs than I have graduates,” hesays. Prospective employers fromCanada and the United States fly toToronto each year to recruit Senecastudents at the school’s annual jobfair, he adds.

Those jobs include work with firedepartments, sprinkler and fire alarmcontractors, engineering consultantsand the insurance industry.

Apart from Rick’s program, theschool also offers a two-year FireProtection Engineering Techniciandiploma, a one-year firefighter-train-ing program, a sprinkler design dis-tance education option and severalcontinuing education opportunities,including certificates in fire safety andfire protection systems. S

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www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 25

by Brodie Fenlon

ASeneca College grad hashelped turn Canada’s advertis-ing industry on its head with

wild beer ad campaigns, a fresh takeon pop culture and a new client-centred business model that has old-school ad agencies taking notice.

Randy Stein, a 1993 graduate ofSeneca’s joint Creative Advertising(CAB) program with York University,is Creative Partner and one of eightfounding members of upstart ad agen-cy Grip Limited.

The small firm, run from a modestoffice in the shadow of Toronto’s CNTower, has made major waves since itopened in January 2002.

Though a private company, GripLimited was born out of the frustra-tion of Labatt Breweries, which hadgrown dissatisfied with its own adagency.

Eight advertising stars from variousfirms, including Randy and Labatt’sformer director of marketing, joinedforces to take over the Labatt accountand its Blue, Blue Light, John LabattClassic, Kokanee and Carlsberg campaigns.

Grip Limited’s mission was to offerworld-class advertising and top-endcreative talent for less money, by cut-

ting out the many levels of administra-tion found at traditional ad agencies.

Gone were the account executivesand directors. Clients had direct com-munication with senior members ofthe creative team, which meant fasterturnaround on projects. Clients werealso given a seat on a client advisoryboard and full access to the agency’sfinances.

“This had never been done beforeand it ticked off a lot of traditionaladvertisers,” says Randy.

“For weeks and weeks, there was alot of negative press about how we’dfail, how we’re bad for the business. Istill read those old articles wheneverI want to get fired up. They’re verymotivating,” he says with a laugh.

Randy and his colleagues pressedahead. In less than two years, theyhave reinvented the Labatt Bluebrand with a raucous series of TVspots in which a gang of male friendstaunt each other with pranks, includ-ing an SUV filled with golf balls and a“wedgie” attack.

Randy oversaw the “Less is More”campaign for Blue Light and its popu-lar “Tube Top” spot featuring a fash-ion designer who wants to savemoney by using less fabric.

Other notable projects include the

new Honda “Civic Nation” campaignlaunched in October, ads for Astroand Lactantia yoghurts, and a ZellersToys campaign in which a child playswith a Barbie and a male doll fash-ioned out of broccoli.

The rapid success of Grip Limitedmirrors the pace of Randy’s owncareer.

After growing up in North York, hegraduated from the CAB program,then spent a year in a copy-writingprogram before getting an internshipat Cossette Communication Group,the largest advertising firm inCanada.

“School gives you an understandingand grounding. It gets you ready tojump in for the internship. In a sense,it lets you know what’s coming,” he says.

After more than two years atCossette, Randy moved out toVancouver with his wife to join adver-tising firm BBDO, and later PalmerJarvis DDB. At 29, he was namedCreative Director, an impressive pro-motion for someone so young.

After five years out West – and justthree weeks after the birth of his boy– Randy received a call asking if he’dlike to uproot and become a foundingmember of Grip Limited.

Randy credits his success to somefundamental values, which he offersup as advice to Seneca students hop-ing to make a similar impact in theworld of advertising.

“Work hard. Be a really decenthuman being. Be positive. And beopen, because you know nothing,” he says.

“Hopefully, five years from now, I’ll look back and think ‘Man, I was so stupid.’” S

“Work hard, be decent,”words of advice from ad pro

Randy Stein

26 1-888-ALUMNUS

Alumni onCampusSome Seneca graduates just

never leave. Estimates suggestthere are 300-400 Alumni who

work for the College – as faculty,administrators, and support staff.

The Alumni Board believes thisgroup should have status as a“Chapter” and the Board wants tohelp organize networking and socialevents to bring this group together.For example, we’re thinking abouthosting a pub night for “Alumni OnCampus,” in the New Year.

We started by taking these photosof some of our “Double Senecans” atwork around the Newnham campus,to raise awareness of your group’subiquity. Thank you to those whoappear in the pictures and specialthanks to those that remained at theirstations to allow the opportunity.Don’t worry if we missed you thistime, we plan to photograph otherareas and campuses of the College inthe New Year. We will keep you posted.Are there lots of Alumni in yourdepartment? Help to make our jobeasier by contacting us at ext. 2960 toarrange for a photo shoot in your area.

We need to know a couple of things:• Who are you? We managed to

locate about 150 of you, twoyears ago – but the list is outdat-ed, and keeps growing anyway. E-mail the Alumni Office (alum-ni@senecac.on.ca) and tell uswhen you graduated and whatyou’re still doing at the College.

• We need a few volunteers to helporganize the first event. If you’dlike to help out, please give AlisonGibson–a “Double Senecan” her-self–a call (ext. 2960).

Oh yes, a name! The Alumni Officehas been calling you “DoubleSenecans” but there must be a betterlabel. York University calls their York-employed graduates “Alumni onCampus.” We’ve also heard “SenecaSquares” or “Bi-Senecans.”

Watch your College e-mail for aname-the-Chapter contest.

ECE ALUMNIClockwise from left: Michelle Marjadsingh, AndréePerreault, Sarah Flint (student),Tanya Farzaneh,Sabrina Mathews, Maureen Manradge and EilonaSkvirsky (student).

FACULTY OF CONTINUINGEDUCATION AND TRAINING ALUMNIFront row, left to right: Elisabeth McConaghy,Jocelyn Dekter,Terry Wood,Back row, left to right: Sheila Ruggiero,Kyle Ledermann, Beverly Hartford, Urmila Chunoo,Morag Stimpfig, Maria Lunardo and Mojiz Janmohamed.

LEARNING COMMONS ALUMNI Front row left to right: Leonie Ng, Azar Ayati,Linda Bowser,Middle row left to right: Maryon Egerton-Jones,Lyn May, Carol Noble,Back row left to right: Maria Busman,Cathy Richardson, Elizabeth Mick, Ourania Korentosand Toby Brown.

MIXED ALUMNILeft to right: Ian Greaves (BADE ‘03 also currentPresident of S.S.C. Newnham), Angie Williams,Dave Mol, Sue Taylor, Iscenty Benjamin and Doug Orr.

REGISTRAR’S AREA ALUMNISitting left to right: Daniela Zarpellon, Molly Van,Robert Lerit, Monisa Cheung and Annie Tran,Standing, left to right: Karen Chamberlain,Marcie King, Maureen Massicot,Wi-Hsin Ouyang,Angela Gayman, Paul Bishop and Kimberly Cho.

ITT ALUMNIFront row left to right: Ida Milios,Yohannes Gigar,Sajid Patel,Middle row left to right: Carol-Ann Roberts,Louis Koutsovitis, Cherryl Ramesar,Back row left to right: Ahmed Chakera,Ari Hatzipanagiotidis and Frank Sturm.

profile

www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 27

Your Donation isWorth Twice as Much as You Think

Who can resist the temptationof an offer of “two for one”?Or the opportunity to imme-

diately have your financial investmentdouble in value.

Such potential becomes reality asthe Ontario government launchesPhase II of the Ontario StudentOpportunities Trust Fund (OSOTF).

There has never been a better timeto donate to the Seneca AlumniGeneral Bursary and offer promisingstudents in financial need the chanceof a post-secondary education andhope for a challenging career. Everydollar donated to bursary funds atSeneca during the OSOTF Phase IIcampaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the provincial government,automatically increasing the value ofyour financial contribution.

Seneca is committed to providing theopportunity of a post-secondary educa-tion either through a diploma programor the College’s new bachelor degrees.One way we do this is through the annu-al award of bursaries to students infinancial need. These awards make thedifference between graduating anddropping out; the difference of a promis-ing future or giving up on dreams.

Over the years, many have donatedgenerously to bursary awards andscholarships to assist in the post-sec-ondary careers of our students. Withthe launch of Phase II of OSOTFmatching funding, there is an extraor-dinary chance to leverage the finan-cial contributions of Seneca alumni insupport of students at the Collegetoday and into the future.

“This is a wonderful opportunity forAlumni to build and increase the valueand capacity of the General Bursary”,says Shirlene Courtis, Vice President,Resource Development. “Every dollardonated in support of the bursary

immediately becomes two in supportof qualified students.”

By increasing the value of theendowment, Seneca increases thenumber and the value of the awardsavailable to students in perpetuity.

There is power in participation.During the course of the OSOTF’s three-year matching timeframe, ResourceDevelopment hopes to raise more than$1.5 million through an every alumnuscampaign. If every alumnus made athree-year pledge commitment at alevel at which they were comfortable,the power of that support would bemaximized when matched dollar fordollar. Additional matching opportuni-ties are available through corporatesupport if alumni happen to work for“matching gift” companies.

As a graduate of Seneca College,you’ve probably had many opportuni-ties to reflect on your education andthe value it has added to your life.

Have you ever imagined what your lifewould be like now if you couldn’t comeup with the funds you needed to com-plete your education?

If you value your Seneca educationand are committed to the education ofthe next generation of Seneca alumni,please consider making a donation.Give as generously as you can, desig-nated towards bursaries to help today’sstruggling students. All donations willbe gratefully received and appreciated,automatically increasing in value and,more importantly increasing the valueto students in need of support.

Making a donation has never been eas-ier. Choose from one of the three optionslisted in the story below. All donationswill be gratefully thanked and receipted.

Seneca College abides by the codesof ethics of the Association ofFundraising Professionals and theCanadian Centre for Philanthrophy

Zohren Fayaz, Accounting and Finance, (left) receives aSeneca College Alumni Association Bursary presented byAlumni Association representative Sergio Carbone.

Olubunmi Tosan (left) receives a bursary funded by an affinitycredit card program. Alumni Association representative SergioCarbone (right) is pleased to present the award to her.

HOW TO STRETCH YOUR $20 DONATION TO$80 WITHOUT SPENDING A PENNY MORE?

The provincial government’s Ontario Student Opportunities Trust Fund (OSOTF) makes it easy foryou to turn an annual $20 pledge to Seneca’s general bursary into $80, at no extra cost to you.

For example, let’s say you pledge $20 each year to Seneca for three years. OSOTF will automati-cally double the value of your donation to $40. Over three years, your $60 investment will bematched by OSOTF for a total donation of $120.

If you happen to work for a company that matches employees’ donations to charities, the value ofyour gift will be stretched even further. Your annual $20 pledge, matched by your company,becomes $40. The OSOTF will match that $40, thereby quadrupling the value of your initial invest-ment. In three years, your personal gift of $60, matched by your company and OSOTF, will gener-ate $240 in revenue for Seneca’s bursary programs.

It even gets easier. You can pledge your support in three simple ways:

1. Online at www.senecac.on.ca Click the “donate now” tab.

2. By phone or email to: Lisa Mills, CFRE, Executive Director of Resource Development 416-491-5050 Ext. 6414 (in Toronto) or 1-800-COLLEGE (in Canada) or lisa.mills@senecac.on.ca

3. Mail your cheque payable to Seneca College to: Office of Resource Development, Seneca College,1750 Finch Avenue E., Toronto, ON M2J 2X5

Be part of Seneca’s Legacy of Learning and support the Alumni Bursary Fund , OSOTF Phase II Campaign

The partners in our students’success include those we don’t

often see … our generous donors.

28 1-888-ALUMNUS

Spider Jones RTV 1983Leading a very troubled early life,Spider Jones fought poverty, violence,illiteracy and racism before becominga highly respected community leader.Married with four children, Spiderhosts his own show on CFRB, TheSpider’s Web, he is a widely respectedinspirational public speaker and mostrecently, an author. In November,Spider launched Out of the Darkness –The Spider Jones Story, which depictshis miraculous life story. Spider con-tinues to wow the crowds, as his con-fidence and determination keep bring-ing him great accomplishments.

Joe BavaroRPA 1985Joe Bavaro is the owner and propertymanager for Oshawa PropertyManagement. The company providescomplete management services forproperty owners (including evictionsand inspections). Joe is married withfour children and lives in Whitby. Hewould be happy to hear from you. Call(905) 728-2969.

Jane McMillanSSW 1986Jane is currently working at NorthYork General Hospital as a ProjectManager, Informatics for DiagnosticImaging. She credits the SocialService Worker program for providingher with indispensable skills that haveproved valuable in both her profes-sional and personal life. Jane keepsbusy as a mother of three “hockey”boys – ages 12,11 and 8. She lives in

Whitby, Ontario. Jane would love to re-connect with fellow Sheppard Campusgraduates. She can be reached atjanemitchell2@hotmail.com.

Frances Flint RNR 1989Frances Flint was recently promotedto Acting Chief Nursing Officer atSunnybrook Women’s Health SciencesCentre in Toronto. After Frances grad-uated from Seneca she went on topursue further post-secondary stud-ies at the University of Toronto.Seneca is a family tradition for theFlints. Frances’s husband, Alan, is apart-time faculty member in theSchool of e-Business and Marketingat Seneca, while their daughter isenrolled in the ECE program.

Jeff CampbellBAD 1998Jeff is the franchise owner of theEast Side Mario’s Restaurant inNewmarket. He lives in nearbyAurora with his girlfriend,Catherine. He would love to hearfrom some of his friends from theStudent Council as well as his long-lost friends from his program ofstudy. Feel free to email Jeff (camp-belljeff@sympatico.ca).

Jenny KanRMT 1999Jenny works for J.D. Barnes Limitedin the company’s Geodetic &Engineering Survey department. Sheand her common-law husband don’tplan to get married and “we do notwant children,” she says. They are liv-

grapevineAll about our AlumniAlumni Grapevine is your opportunity to let former classmates know whatyou’ve been up to! Just send us a letter or fill out the Alumni Update Form(see page 10) indicating you wish to share this information with othergrads. To protect alumni privacy, we will not publish addresses or phonenumbers unless you make that request. If you want us to publish a picture,it must be a least 3” x 5” and in focus.

ing happily with their cat, Winni. Jennywould love to hear from any RMT ’99grads or from others who’d like to gether thoughts on Seneca. Please contacther at jkan@jdbarnes.com or call 416-491-8925 weekdays, after 5pm.

Brad HumberRTVR 2001

Brad Humber and a well-known femmefatale, about to board the DisneyWonder cruise ship, which sails regu-larly between Florida and theBahamas, and on which Brad puts hisSeneca education to good use as theall-purpose Disc Jockey.

Michael WeintraubHRM (’98)Michael Weintraub has been in theSales, Marketing, Business Developmentand Recruitment industry for overfive years. After graduating fromSeneca’s Human Resources Manage-ment Post-Diploma program, hewent on to attain a Bachelor of Artsin Psychology from York University(1997). Soon after, he found a jobwith one of Canada’s leading technol-ogy staffing agencies. Eventually,he accepted a job with aManhattan-based executive searchfirm. After job insecurity became afactor in New York, Michael decidedto return to Toronto. Currently,Michael is married and works as anAccount Manager for Drake

(continued on page 30)

f i r s t a n n u a l s e n e c a d i s t i n g u i s h e d

ALUMNI AWARDS DINNER

For more information, to order tickets or to contribute an item for silentauction, visit www.senecac.on.ca/alumni or call .. .

An official receipt for income tax purposes will be issued for the maximumallowable amount for individual ticket purchases.

A project of Seneca Alumni and Seneca College. Net proceeds to benefitthe Seneca Alumni Bursary Fund.

p l e a s e j o i n u s

date April ,

reception: pm – : pm Followed by Dinner, AwardsCeremony & Silent Auction

locationHilton Suites, Warden Ave.Markham, Ontario

tickets per person , for a corporate table

30 1-888-ALUMNUS

International, which specializes inStaffing and Human ResourceStrategy.

Michael is very interested in build-ing his professional relationships. Hewould like to start a HumanResource Management Alumni chap-ter, which would focus on starting upa regular networking group. Benefitsof such a group would be: network-ing, future employment opportuni-ties, mentorship, friendship andunderstanding market trends, etc. Ifyou are a Seneca College graduatewith a diploma in Human ResourcesManagement and are interested inhelping to grow this chapter, pleasesend Michael an e-mail so that he

can properly update you on theprogress and invite you to future

events. Send an email to weintraub-mike@hotmail.com

grapevine

In Memoriam(William) Eric Ebert,Aviation & Flight Technology program, class of ‘89.Eric Ebert died suddenly on July 16, 2003, at the age of 36. While fighting aforest fire in eastern British Columbia, Eric’s water bomber crashed nearCranbrook, and the four-engine Lockheed Electra exploded after hitting theground. The resident of Elmira and Toronto, is lovingly remembered by hisparents, his sister and her family. Eric was predeceased by his older brother,Brian (Bert) in 1995. He is greatly missed by his many aunts, uncles andcousins, as well as many friends from Canada and around the world.

In Eric’s memory, donations to the Canadian Outward Bound, 1367 WestBroadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9 or charity of your choice would be appre-ciated and may be arranged through the Dreisinger Funeral Service, Elmira,519-669-2207.

We’d love to add you to our volunteer list or put you in touch with the right person at the College who can help you stay connected. Just clip this form and return it along with your contact information by mail (to Seneca Alumni Office, 1750 Finch Ave.E., Toronto, Ontario, M2V 2X5) or by fax (416-491-3723) or by email alumni@senecac.on.ca.

Ways to Stay InvolvedWith Seneca

Staying connected with Seneca can help enrich your personal and professional life through the many contacts you’ll make, the current information you’ll be exposed to, and the volunteer skills you’ll develop. And it doesn’t have to take a lot of your time.

Here are 10 suggestions for how you can remain involved and help your College: ■■ Recommend myself or another graduate as a

Profile subject or contribute an article to the magazine.

■■ Deliver the Tribute to the Graduates or assist withdiplomas at Convocation.

■■ Join an Alumni Association committee or advisoryboard (e.g., Communications, e-Communications,Volunteer Development, Chapter Development,Events, Awards & Grad Research, MemberServices, Affinity Partnerships).

■■ Receive information on School or Program Chapters – or learn how to start a Chapter or organize a Reunion.

■■ Assist with Alumni projects or events.

■■ Contribute time or expertise to mySchool/Program (e.g., Curriculum AdvisoryCommittee or guest lecturer).

■■ Be a mentor for current students or recent graduates (see page 27).

■■ Speak to high school students about Seneca and my program.

■■ Involve Seneca in my trade or professional association.

■■ Discuss co-op placements at my workplace.

1010

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www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 31

ON-CAMPUS BENEFITS

BookstoresIn appreciation of our alumni, the Seneca book-stores offer a 10 percent discount on all clothingand insignia items. To receive your benefit, sim-ply present your Alumni card to the cashier.

Career ServicesCareer Services offers assistance to Alumniwith their job search including access to ourcentre’s information resources, assistance inthe preparation of resumés and cover letters,as well as employment interview preparation.We also provide you with access to Canada’spremier on-line employment site for collegegraduates at www.workopoliscampus.com(access code: saacoln).

We are pleased to introduce you to SenecaCareerLink, our recently launched on-line job-posting site at http://www.senecacareerlink.com.As a graduate, you can access jobs on SenecaCareerLink for as long as you have an activeSeneca College email address and password.

As well, we would encourage you, as anemployer to work with Career Services and ourexpert staff to help you meet your recruitmentneeds. For your convenience, you can easilyrecruit Seneca grads by posting, free of charge,any full-time, part-time or summer positionsdirectly on-line athttp://www.senecacareerlink.com. Our CareerService staff look forward to assisting you.

Changing Faces BoutiqueChanging Faces Boutique, operated by FashionMerchandising students at Newnham Campus,gives Seneca students working under the direc-tion of faculty the opportunity to do the buying,sales promotion, accounting, inventory controland point-of-sale service necessary for a smallstore. The boutique is open Monday to Friday,mid-September to mid-May, and offers anassortment of ladies wear and accessories.Upon presentation of your Alumni card, you areentitled to a 10 percent discount off the regularprice. Please phone 416-491-5050 ext. 2191 toverify hours of operation. The boutique stafflooks forward to serving you.

Convocation VideosThose of you who have not yet ordered a video ofyour Convocation may still do so by call“Memories Forever” Video Productions. The cost,including taxes is $25. Don’t pass up yourchance to obtain the precious video, which con-

tains scrolling titles and graphics, candid shots,coverage of the entire ceremony, including close-ups of the graduates as they receive their diplo-mas and awards, and a special message fromthe graduate staff.

Please note videos are available only from1995 to June 2002.

Videos can be ordered by calling “MemoriesForever” at 905-427-3855.

ECE Lab SchoolChild CareChildren of alumni can now benefit from bothKing Campus and Newnham Campus Child Careand Lab Schools, which provide excellent, bright,clean and well-equipped child care facilities,professional, dedicated staff and the resourcefulEarly Childhood Education faculty. Interested inlearning more about the programs, or enrollingyour children in one of our child care centres?Please call June at 416-491-5050 ext. 4710 orPam at the King Campus Daycare, ext. 5063.

Eaton Hall Inn & Conference CentreLocated on the grounds of Seneca’s KingCampus, Eaton Hall Inn & Conference Centre isan ideal location for your next meeting, trainingprogram, or special event. We provide high qual-ity service while offering warm and comfortablesurroundings for you and your guests. The per-fect setting for weddings, birthdays, andanniversaries, Eaton Hall can handle banquetgroups of up to150 people. Visit our website atwww.senecac.on.ca/eatonhall to view our facili-ties and obtain information on our capacitiesand pricing. Ask about our incentives to SenecaCollege alumni who book functions. Call us at905-833-4500 to book your special event.

Esthetic ClinicCome and visit us at the Seneca Esthetic Clinicfor full esthetic services, including skin treat-ments, manicures, pedicures, hair removal andmuch more, or enjoy a complimentary skin analy-sis and consultation with one of our highlytrained students. To book an appointment, call416-491-5050 ext. 2680, or come to room 3340at Newnham Campus. During the summersemester the clinic is only open on Thursdays. InSeptember appointments are availableThursdays and Fridays. Look for exciting newspecials and events every semester. Gift certifi-cates are available. To find out more about theclinic go to http://www.senecacac.on.ca/fashion/clinic/index.html

alumnibenefitsIt’s good to be a Seneca grad!

Faculty of ContinuingEducationMany alumni have continued their contact withthe College through the Faculty of ContinuingEducation and Training and are taking advantageof the “Saturday Success Seminars,” a variety ofseminars available free-of-charge to members ofthe Alumni Association. To see which seminarsare offered this semester, please visit the Facultyof Continuing Education and Training web site at:www.senecac.on.ca/parttime and click onSaturday Success Seminars located underProgram Offerings.

Learning Commons(Library Resource Centre)Seneca Alumni with valid Alumni Associationmembership cards have access to library collec-tions at each campus Learning Commons (for-merly known as Library Resource Centres). Ourcollections include books, periodicals, CD-ROM,and other electronic resources, films and video-tapes.

Alumni must show their Alumni Card and oneother piece of identification with name and cur-rent address to use these services and activatebook-borrowing privileges.

For more information, please call the AlumniOffice at 416-491-5050 ext. 2960. Read allabout library services, collections, and hours onthe web at http://learningcommons.senecacol-lege.ca

Outdoor Centre at King CampusThe Outdoor Centre, located on Recreation Islandat King Campus, offers group development pro-grams for schools, academic programs andteachers. The King Day Camp, which operatesduring the summer months and provides outdooradventures for children ages four to sixteen years.For more information, please visit our website atwww.senecac.on.ca/recreationservices

32 1-888-ALUMNUS

Seneca College Residence and Conference CentreTake advantage of special Seneca College Alumnirates when your trip brings you to the GreaterToronto Area. Book your stay at the SenecaResidence and Conference Centre, a 15-storycomplex at Newnham Campus, or the King CityResidence and Conference Centre, located at thescenic King City Campus just north of Toronto.All air-conditioned suites feature two privatebedrooms with oversized double beds, a wash-room, and kitchenette complete with fridge andmicrowave. Enjoy full housekeeping service anda complimentary continental breakfast. Visit uson the web atwww3.simpatico.ca/clcseneca/alumni.htm. Formore information and reservations call 877-2-ALUMNI (877-225-8664). Special alumni ratesare also available at similar facilities inBrampton, Calgary, Hamilton, Kitchener, London,Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara-Welland, Oakville,Oshawa, Ottawa, Scarborough and Windsor.

The Fitness CentreSince 1989, Seneca’s 6000 square ft. FitnessCentre at Newnham Campus has offered pro-grams designed to meet your fitness needs andthe professionals to help you achieve your per-sonal best. The Fitness Centre is fully equippedwith treadmills, elliptical crosstrainers, stair-climbers, bikes, rowers, weight machines, pul-leys, squat racks, and free weights. Your mem-bership includes use of all equipment, fitnessclasses, fitness testing, and personalized pro-gramming. Located on the lower level of theSports Centre (room 1617), the Fitness Centre isopen seven days per week. A special rate hasbeen negotiated for alumni members. For addi-tional information, contact the Fitness Centre at(416) 491-5050 ext. 2976, or stop in and see us.

Varsity AthleticsVarsity Sports Seneca has 15 teams participat-ing in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Associationand an open invitation is extended to all alumnito come out to the Sports Centre and catch thegreat action! Basketball, volleyball, hockey,softball and soccer are just some of the sportsthat our teams compete in. Skiing and bad-minton are also popular at Seneca and have hadgreat success winning Ontario and Nationalmedals! Admission is free to all home games,and alumni receive special discounts for tourna-ments and championships hosted by theCollege. Next year, Seneca plays the proud hostto the OCAA Men’s and Women’s VolleyballChampionship February 26-28, 2004. Call theAthletic Department at (416) 491-5050 ext.2309 for an updated schedule.

alumnibenefitsOFF-CAMPUS BENEFITS

Alamo Rent A CarYour Seneca College Alumni is pleased toannounce the Member Benefits Program withAlamo Rent A Car Inc. The program entitlesmembers to:Save up to 5 percent off Canadian daily andweekly rates*• Save 10 percent off retail rates at Alamo’sInternational and United Kingdom locations*• Save up to 10 percent off Alamo Rent A Car onRetail Daily and weekly Rates and 10% off week-end specials for travel in the U.S.*• To take advantage of this special offer, callyour travel agent or Alamo at (800) 354-2322 atleast 24 hours in advance of your date of travel.Be sure to request code “BY” and useMembership I.D. #265722 for your reservation.

*Percentage discount applies to base rates only.Rates are higher for renters under the age of 25.U.S. residents cannot drive an Alamo car fromthe United States to Canada. Canadian resi-dents cannot drive an Alamo car from Canada tothe U.S. A 24-hour advance reservation isrequired. Availability is limited.

AmsdellA major Campus-wide PC system providerA name that you see EVERYWHERE at SenecaCollege.

Exclusive offer to alumni members:Save up to 30 percent OFF on your personalizedPC by calling (877)AMSDELL or (905)881-3020.

CAA Central OntarioCAA Central Ontario (Club 282) covers the City ofToronto, north to Barrie and Orillia, parts of SaultSte. Marie, east to Oshawa (as well as clubs inPeterborough, Kingston and Belleville), and westto Mississauga, Brampton, and Windsor.As Seneca alumni living in the Central OntarioClub 282 area, you are entitled to enjoy the spe-cial Group Membership Rate that the SenecaAlumni Association has established. Find out more about CAA services on the CentralOntario Chapter website at www.central.on.caa.caand call the Seneca Alumni office (416) 491-5050ext. 2960 for your CAA group application form.

Canada Life AssuranceCompany - Term Life InsuranceChances are, you’re one of the many SenecaAlumni who has taken advantage of our term lifeinsurance offer. The attractive rates have led toparticipation far exceeding our expectations!

Enrolment is open to all alumni of SenecaCollege and their spouses between 18 and 64 yearsof age. The insurance is available in threeamounts: $50,000, $100,000 and $150,000 (addi-tional amounts are available on request, subject tocomplete underwriting requirements). In the major-ity of cases, no medical exam will be required.

To take advantage of this offer, please contactCanada Life at 800-387-0649 or emailalumni_service@canadalife.com

Carlson Dunlop HomeInspection10 percent DISCOUNT for Seneca Alumni!Buying a home? Selling a home? Living in a home!

Let Carson Dunlop help, as we have helpedthousands of homebuyers and homeowners since1978. We identify problems and provide solutionsthat save you money, protect your investment andimprove your life style. We also provide free con-sulting for as long as you own your home.

At Carson Dunlop, the inspection is only thebeginning!

For information about Carson Dunlop inspec-tion services and homeowner benefits, call 1-800-268-7070.

Discount Car & Truck RentalsWe are pleased to announce that as a SenecaCollege Alumni Member, you can take advantageof special discounted rental rates from anyDiscount Car & Truck Rentals location acrossCanada.

Over and above the significant savings,Discount Car & Truck Rentals will offer:• Free customer pick-up and return• One, Two, Free Weekend Program. Rent a caror mini-van for any two weekends and get thethird weekend FREE!

Please call the Discount location nearest toyou (refer to your local Yellow Pages). To guaran-tee your special discounted rates, present thecoupon below or your Alumni AssociationMembership card at time of rental. Certainterms and conditions apply

Holiday Inn Hotel & SuitesThe Holiday Inn is located just minutes awayfrom Newnham Campus at Highway 404 andSteeles Avenue and is ready to offer you specialSeneca College Alumni rates. Your accommoda-tion includes large working desks, hairdryers,coffeemaker with complimentary coffee/tea, ironand ironing board, complimentary newspapers,complimentary parking and one-way shuttleservice to the Newnham Campus, Monday toFriday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Holiday Inn alsooffers Quincy’s Market Restaurant, The Lobby

www.senecac.on.ca/alumni 33

alumnibenefitsBar, Fitness Centre, Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna andGames Room. For more information please callour Reservation Department at (905) 474-0444or 1-800-387-3303. Please note that roomrates are subject to applicable taxes.

Home Loans CanadaMortgage ProgramCanada’s largest mortgage brokerage, HLCHomes Loans Canada (2002 sales of $6.3-bil-lion) has teamed up with Seneca CollegeAlumni to present an alumni affinity mortgageprogram that goes the extra mile.

HLC Home loans Canada is your one-stopshop to an unprecedented array of mortgageproducts and home financing solutions.Whether you’re buying your first home, consid-ering a renovation or looking into your next pur-chase, they have the options, choice and flexi-bility to meet our graduates’ needs.

• Better Rates• Choice & Flexibility• Cash Up Front• Specialized Mortgage Solutions• On-line Convenience

To calculate your savings and learn more aboutthe HLC menu of products and extremely com-petitive rates for Seneca Alumni, please visittheir web site atwww.hlcmortgages.com/senecalumni or callthem at 1-800-663-4819.

Seneca College AffinityMasterCardMBNA Canada introduces the Seneca CollegePlatinum Plus® or Preferred MasterCard® creditcard.

• No annual fee• Low introductory interest rate for cash

advance cheques and balance transfers• High credit line, up to $100,000 with the

MBNA Platinum Plus MastCard®

• Toll-free Customer service, 24 hours a day,365 days a year

• Fast credit line increase decisions – with-in one hour

• Immediate cash access at more than430,000 ABMs worldwide

• Optional MBNA Payment Protection Plan™can provide extra security (subject to cer-tain costs)

• Around-the-clock fraud protection• Privacy Protection

And the best part is that a portion of all Alumniexpenses on Affinity MasterCards are donatedback to the College’s Alumni Bursary Funds, andMBNA supports Student and Alumni activities.

MEDITrust PrescriptionDrug BenefitsPrescription drug costs have gone up 11.5 per-cent per year for the past ten years, but there is

a service that reduces the high cost of prescrip-tion drugs and makes them affordable –whether or not you have a drug benefit plan.MEDITrust Pharmacy Inc. offers a low dispensingfee, an effective patient history managementsystem, a pricing policy that passes on the sav-ings of bulk buying, and they will provide a 90day supply of most ongoing medications for asingle dispensing fee instead of charging multi-ple fees. Call (888) RX2-DOOR (792-3667) forassistance with your free registration or for afree price quote. There are no administrationfees and delivery is free anywhere in Canadaand you can re-order prescriptions by e-mailingorders@meditrust.com. This benefit is avail-able to all alumni and their families.

MEDITrust now has a full service retail phar-macy adjacent to their new mail order facilityin Richmond Hill at 9665 Bayview Avenue,Units 27 and 28. The retail portion is openseven days a week so alumni can come intothe store from 9-9 weekdays, 9-6 Saturday and12-5 Sunday to pick up their prescriptions orjust come by to shop for any other drug storeitem they need. If they come by in June theywill get a 10% discount coupon for regularpriced store items.

Odyssey Adventure ToursStart packing! Seneca Alumni is launching theSeneca Alumni Travel Program. A new benefitfor our College community, it will include pack-aged travel deals to must-see destinationsaround the world.

Details will be online soon atwww.senecac.on.ca/alumni.

Seneca’s Alumni Office is working with atravel partner selected for an established rep-utation, exclusive educational programs,proven dependability and superior customerservice. The agency has already booked thou-sands of university and college alumnithrough similar programs.

Explore exciting destinations, discover inter-esting getaways, relax at a resort, dance on acruise ship, or pamper yourself at a spa. Anddo it all among friends. You’ll travel in thecompany of fellow alumni, faculty and friendsof the College. Reconnect with old friends andmake new ones!

Paramount Canada’sWonderlandCanada’s premier theme park features morethan 200 attractions, including 65 thrillingrides, North America’s largest variety of rollercoasters, Splash Works! – a 20-acre water park,live shows, Speed City Raceway (go-carts) andmuch, much, much more! Paramount Canada’sWonderland opens to the public in early May,and is open daily at 10 a.m. Closing times varythroughout the operating season. For moreinformation call (905) 832-7000, or consult thewebsite at www.canadaswonderland.com

Special discount ticket prices have beenar-ranged for Seneca Alumni and will beavailable in mid-May from the NewnhamCampus Cash Office.

Odyssey Adventure ToursStart packing! Seneca Alumni is launching theSeneca Alumni Travel Program. A new benefitfor our College community, it will include pack-aged travel deals to must-see destinationsaround the world.

Watch the Fall 2003 issue of Alumni maga-zine for full details.

Seneca’s Alumni Office is working with atravel partner – Odyssey Adventure Tours –selected for an established reputation, exclu-sive educational programs, proven dependabili-ty and superior customer service. The agencyhas already booked thousands of university andcollege alumni through similar programs.

Explore exciting destinations, discover inter-esting getaways, relax at a resort, dance on acruise ship, or pamper yourself at a spa. Anddo it all among friends. You’ll travel in thecompany of fellow alumni, faculty and friendsof the College. Reconnect with old friends andmake new ones!

SoftMoc Inc., an upscale comfort lifestylefootwear provider, is offering Seneca CollegeAlumni (and family) a Corporate ClubMembership to SoftMoc Shoe Stores and InternetShop. Alumni save an additional 15% off allpurchases (including all regular price and saleitems). Quote Seneca College Corporate ClubAccount #888000012387 at any SoftMoc Store inCanada, prior to making your purchase. If youare shopping online (www.softmoc.com), simplyenter the Corporate Club Account Number at theend of the checkout process (just before youpay). Call 1-800-833-4439 to find out wherethe nearest SoftMoc store is near you or emailchris@softmoc.com. SoftMoc reserves the right to modify the termsof this agreement at any time without notice.Membership good until November 11, 2005.

34 1-888-ALUMNUS

Primus CanadaThe smarter way to communicate.Seneca Alumni have access to long distance,paging and internet services through theworld’s fastest growing CommunicationsCompany, Primus Canada, which offers SenecaAlumni unlimited internet for $19.95 a monthand paging packages starting at $9.95 amonth including a free pager.

Pay 5 cents a minute, evenings and week-ends to the U.S.A. and Canada and overseasrates like Hong Kong for only 7 cents a minuteon the Primus Everywhere Long Distance plan.

Earn 1 AIR MILES® reward mile for every $5,in total monthly spending. Primus Canada takespride in offering special programs and excep-tional customer service to partners like SenecaCollege. The best part is, while you save moneyon your communication needs, a portion of yourmonthly billing is contributed to support theSeneca College Alumni Endowed Awards Fund.

For more information about how Primus Canadacan help you stay in touch with family and friends,call (888) 274-7920 and start saving today.

® Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Usedunder license by Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc.and Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc

The Global GroupThe Global Group office furniture manufacturer ispleased to be partnering with Seneca Collegeand its Alumni Association to provide excellentservice and quality products in a timely and costeffective manner. If you require additional infor-mation about us, please contact (416) 650-6500ext. 6505, or visit our websites at globaltotalof-fice.com or globalcontract.com

Toronto Board of TradeThe Toronto Board of Trade is the champion of acompetitive and vibrant Toronto. Membership inthe Toronto Board of Trade means that you arepart of the largest local Chamber ofCommerce/Board of Trade in Canada. Board ofTrade members enjoy a variety of innovative andvaluable business services that contributedirectly to your business success. The Board ofTrade is Toronto’s premier venue for Businessand Business Networking events. In addition,members enjoy global connections through theWorld Trade Centre, access to key businessinformation resources, professional developmentopportunities, group benefits programs, meetingand board room access, member only restau-rants, access to WORKSITE (your office awayfrom the office) and much more. Get Connectedwith the Toronto Board of Trade!

Now Seneca Alumni can save you $100 offthe annual Executive BOT membership price.

Call Keith Paterson of the BOT membershipdepartment at his direct line of 416-862-4501for more information on the benefits of mem-bership and the Seneca Alumni advantage, orcheck out the Board of Trade website atwww.bot.com

Wild Water KingdomWild Water Kingdom, Canada’s largest waterpark, located at Highway 427 and Finch Avenue,offers something for everybody!

Fill your day with thrilling water attractions,including: a mini-golf complex offering two 18-hole fantasy courses, The Enchanted Fortress,Shipwreck Fall, and batting cages that challengeeven those Blue Jay hopefuls! Recharge andrelax on the Lazy River or visit Caribbean Cove, atropical paradise, with a 6,000 square foot swim-ming pool complete with waterfalls and sur-rounding lush landscaping. Book CaribbeanCove for a delightful evening of fun, where yourgroup will be treated to sumptuous food,Caribbean entertainment and pulsating music!

Your Alumni Association has negotiated a spe-cial discount coupon program with Wild WaterKingdom as well as special group rates. Simplyshow your Alumni Card at the Guest Servicesbooth, and you and up to five guests will receive adiscount of $3.00 each (Monday to Friday only) offthe regular price. For group bookings or moreinformation, please call (905) 794-0565.

alumnibenefits

Start packing! Seneca Alumni is launching theSeneca Alumni Travel Program. A new benefitfor our College community, it will include pack-aged travel deals to must-see destinationsaround the world.

Details will be online soon atwww.senecac.on.ca/alumni.

Seneca’s Alumni Office is working with a travelpartner selected for an established reputation,exclusive educational programs, proven

dependability and superior customer service.The agency has already booked thousands ofuniversity and college alumni through similarprograms.

Explore exciting destinations, discover interest-ing getaways, relax at a resort, dance on acruise ship, or pamper yourself at a spa. And doit all among friends. You’ll travel in the companyof fellow alumni, faculty and friends of theCollege. Reconnect with old friends and makenew ones!

The Seneca Alumni Travel Program is yours! Help us shape it by letting us know how you like to travel.You could win a trip for two to Montreal just by participating in this survey.

All returned surveys will be entered in a draw for a VIA 1 rail trip for two to Montreal, with an overnight accommodation.

1. Would you consider participating in an Alumni trip? YES NO

2. Which would be the most important factors to encourage you to participate:Travelling with graduates and faculty from your own school? VERY SOMEWHAT NOTThe destination? VERY SOMEWHAT NOTThe price? VERY SOMEWHAT NOT

3. Would you consider participating in an Alumni trip within the next two years? YES NO

4. Would you prefer programs that include travel with children? YES NO

5. What is the optimum duration of a trip for you? WEEKEND WEEK MORE THAN A WEEK

6. What destinations would interest you most?Ontario/Quebec Other in Canada Cities ResortsCaribbean Europe CruisesOther – please specify:

7. Do you prefer active programs? YES NO

NAME:

TELEPHONE: E-MAIL:

PROGRAM: YEAR OF GRADUATION:

Return to Seneca College Alumni, 1750 Finch Avenue East, North York, ON M2J 2R5 or fax: 416-491-3723 or complete on-line at www.senecac.on.ca/alumni/travel survey.

Coming Soon2004 TRAVEL PROGRAM

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