networkTHOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE • SPRING 2006

A L U M N I

TRU Goes World

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networkTHOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE • SPRING 2006

Editor: Victoria BakerAdvertising Sales: Nancy PlettWriters: April Hoffman, Victoria Baker, Bronwen ScottPhotography: Tyler Meade, April HoffmanArt Direction: Patricia HortDesign: Shirley McCaffrey

I am pleased to bring greetings onbehalf of the TRU Alumni Board ofDirectors. The board is extremely proudof the work of the association over thepast year. In the fall of 2005 wedeveloped a new strategic plan whichwill see the Alumni Association continueto evolve along with British Columbia’snewest university.

In a year of highlights one of the moresignificant events of 2005 was thepresentation of the DistinguishedAlumni Awards during the President’sReception in October. This eventcontinues to grow in scope and qualityeach year and we look forward toseeing it evolve as we honour graduatesand faculty who have distinguishedthemselves in their careers.

Although October is many months awaywe are always looking for suitablenominees who deserve to be honouredas Distinguished Alumni. Please visitwww.trualumni.ca for more informationabout the nomination process.

The Alumni Association has a number ofevents planned for the spring of 2006and we hope to see you there. On April 1st we will sponsor the 2ndannual TRU Campus Classic 5 km and10 km run. You are encouraged to entera team or simply join us for a walk. Allare welcome. The Pineridge Charity GolfTournament in support of the AlumniAssociation is scheduled for Friday, May 12, 2006. This is a greatopportunity to get together with fellowgraduates, catch up on old times and

have fun doingit. Plan to signup a team or two.

There are manybenefitsavailable to TRU Alumni.You can findout more aboutthem by visiting our website or bycalling our office at 828-5498.

Finally, if you haven’t already done so,we urge you to sign up for our On LineCommunity. You can do so by visitingour website at www.trualumni.ca

And above all – Stay Connected!

Thompson Rivers University hasdeveloped into an internationalizeduniversity that provides students with opportunities to broaden theircultural experiences and knowledge in many ways.

Students from over 50 countriesrepresenting every continent come toTRU each year. As they learn aboutCanada’s languages, customs andpeople, Canadian students gain culturalknowledge and forge interculturalfriendships through interaction in andout of the classroom with theirinternational peers.

International initiatives like TRU’s StudyAbroad Centre also foster internationalnetworks and immersion. A newreciprocity-based agreement betweenour university and the InternationalStudent Exchange Program (ISEP) meansTRU students may now choose frommore than 200 exchange destinationsaround the world, and TRU will see manymore students coming here.

Thompson RiversUniversity alsoreaches out tothe world’scommunities,deliveringtraining andmanagingdevelopmentprojects the world over. These initiativeshave given our university a globalperspective, profile and reputation.

I encourage you to read this edition tosee how internationalization has raisedour university’s standing in the worldand enabled our students to developlifelong skills and connections as theyprepare for life and work as citizens ofour global village.

Regards,

ROGER BARNSLEYPresident and Vice-ChancellorThompson Rivers University

contents

A L U M N I

Cover photo: Tyler Meade Photography

Denise Harper, CMC ’74

TRU Alumni Association Board Chair

TRU President and Vice-Chancellor

TRU Goes WorldInternational programs 4 & 5

Profiles:

International Students 6

International Alumni 7

Study Abroad 8

Lorianna BennettAlumni Donor 9

MBA Program 10

Success Stories 12 & 13

Campus News 14

Athletics 15

Pathfinders 16–17

Upcoming Events 18

Continuing Education 18

The Thompson Rivers University Alumni Association gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.

Alumni Network Magazine is published 2 times a year in the spring and fall.

4

by April HoffmanWith over 850 international students representingmore than 50 countries on campus and over 1000students registered in accredited, offshore programs,it’s no wonder that when the transition to ThompsonRivers University occurred, UCC International changed

its name to reflect itsmission, “Where theuniversity meets theworld”. As the universitycontinues to grow, sodoes its internationalpresence -- thanks to the aptly titled TRU World.

“Thompson RiversUniversity is considered a Canadian leader ininternational educationand this has significantbenefits for ourcommunity, our facultyand our students,” says associate vice-president, TRU World,Cyndi McLeod.

The scope of internationalprograms at TRU is wideand contributes a specialquality to the campus life and culture at TRU.

“It’s rare now to have a field thatdoes not incorporate theinternational perspective in termsof research, initiatives oradvances,” says TRU Worldassociate director, Vera Wojna.“Our international students bringan important resource directly intoour classrooms.”

Located in the new InternationalBuilding, TRU World coordinatesinternational initiatives on campus,focusing on major areas such asstudent affairs for academicprograms, institutional linkages

and accreditations, development projects, contracttraining and study abroad.

TRU World also collaborates with over 12 overseaspartner institutions to deliver TRU programmingabroad. One such partnership is with the ShanghaiInstitute of Technology in China where the first twoyears of the TRU business program are being offered,after which students have the option of coming to TRUto finish their degree.

TRU deans and faculty travel to the partner institutionsto monitor the program for quality assurance. Thistype of initiative also provides an opportunity forfaculty to meet their counterparts and to teach at thepartner institution.

Currently, institutional linkages are primarily focused in the areas of business and computing; however, there may be future opportunities to include additional fields, such as respiratory therapy and trades and technology.

TRU has experienced a dramatic increase ininternational demand for specialized programs. Overthe few past years, groups of senior administrators,school teachers, tourism specialists, and universitystudents have studied at TRU from countries such asJapan, China, Taiwan and Chile.

Making a contribution to developing countries is alsoan important goal for TRU World. The university isengaged in a number of development projects whosegoal is to provide assistance and share expertise. Theuniversity has been involved in projects in Indonesia,Slovakia and Nepal, and after being inspired by a

presentation from humanitarian StephenLewis, is seeking ways to play aconstructive role in Africa.

One of the important roles of TRU Worldis ensuring that international studentswho come to Thompson Rivers Universityhave access to support services. To ensurethis goal, TRU World employs a team ofstudent advisors who speak a variety ofdifferent languages and help guidestudents in areas of regular daily life.

“We have a large, dedicated team whowork with our international students. Ourcommitment is to ensure that when we

Thompson Rivers University Goes WorldC

over

Sto

ry “ ThompsonRivers Universityis considered aCanadian leaderin internationaleducation.”Cyndi McLeod,AVP, TRU World

5

invite a student to study at TRU, their experience issuccessful,” says Wojna.

For the more social side of student life, the InternationalStudent Activity Program (ISAP) organizes between 18to 24 activities annually, including horseback riding,skiing trips and an annual Christmas party to helpintroduce students to Canadian culture and theKamloops area. In addition, ISAP helps internationalstudents integrate into campus life. The TRU AmazingRace event, which sees two international and twoCanadian students teamed up to race aroundKamloops, provides a natural opportunity forinternational students to meet Canadian students and learn more about campus and the community.

Canadian students also benefit from TRU Worldprograms. The Study Abroad program offers Canadianstudents the opportunity to study abroad for one or two semesters. As well, students can gain a global perspective on their studies through theirinternational classmates.

Outside of establishing connections between TRU andthe rest of the world, the work done by TRU World isproviding an extra boost to the Kamloops economy.

“In addition to the social and cultural enrichment toour community, there is an economic benefit to ourinstitution and region.” says Wojna. “There arenumerous businesses benefiting from having ourinternational students accessing their services and products.”

Recent studies estimate that international activity atTRU contributes $42 million annually to the localeconomy and is forecast to grow considerably in thenext five years.

Cover Story

TRU Amazing Race

6

Canny WanIn the Chinese zodiac, those who are born inthe year of the dog generally make idealbusiness people. While Canny Wan may not have been born in the year of the dog, her professional career will be and she ishoping that some of that luck will transfer over.

Spring 2006 will mark a new chapter in Wan’s life asshe graduates from TRU with her Bachelor ofBusiness Administration degree with a major inmarketing and a minor in finance.

Originally from Guangzhou, located in the south ofChina near Hong Kong, Wan came to TRU lookingfor a different cultural experience. What she foundwas not only a cultural experience for herself, butone to which she was able to contribute personally.

For the last two years Wan has been involved in theChinese Student and Scholars Association, a Chinesecultural association that hosts events such as the Full

Moon Festival and the annual Chinese New Yearcelebration. This past year she served as president ofthe club, giving her the opportunity to gainexperience in not only the planning of events, but inthe marketing and promotion of them as well.

Before heading back to China, Wan plans to stay inCanada in order to gain much-needed experience inthe workplace, focusing on marketing, sales,promotions and planning.

“The China market is very competitive,” said Wan. “Iplan on working in Canada for a few years to gainthe experience that will give me a competitiveadvantage back home.”

Prof

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International

Students

Kevin WangKevin Wang loves to travel so it was no surprisewhen he made the decision to leave his home townof Taichung, Taiwan to come to Canada and study.But with all the different places to choose from, itwas the relatively small size of Kamloops thatappealed to Wang when he made his decision toattend TRU.

“I didn’t look at schools in big cities like Vancouveror Toronto,” said Wang. “I don’t like really big citiesso the size of Kamloops was just right for me.”

Since his arrival, Wang has made use of his presence

in B.C., travelling all over the province fromVancouver Island to the Alaskan boarder.

“I’ve always liked to travel,” said Wang. “I reallywanted to immerse myself in Canadian culture andto see the country while I was here. I have eventaken trips to the United States.”

After graduating this spring with his Bachelor ofBusiness Administration degree with majors infinance and marketing, Wang will be looking for ajob that will give him the experience he cravesbefore pursuing his dream of becoming a missionaryor pastor in Vancouver.

“I believe that experience in marketing will help meto speak to the public and reach out to them. Thereare a lot of different cultures immigrating toVancouver,” said Wang. “I would like to help.”

During his last year at TRU, Wang held the positionof president for the International Student Ministry ofCanada (ISMC) club.

7

Carlos MartinezJournalism grad Carlos Martinez summed up hisexperience at TRU as coming to study Canadianculture, but instead meeting the world.

“Studying abroad has helped me a lot,” said Martinez.“I got to learn a lot of different cultures … andunderstand different points of view—not just personal, but cultural as well.”

Now working as a researcher for the Los AngelesTimes foreign desk in Mexico City, Martinez creditsthe multiculturalism found on the TRU campus withpart of his success.

“I was able to learn a lot about different cultures,helping me to understand [different] mind sets,” said Martinez. “This has helped me with my job in enabling me to analyze news stories in different ways.”

“At first I didn’t understand why an environmentalstory would be on the cover of a newspaper, now I

do,” added Martinez.“This has helped me tounderstand whatAmericans read and do …and look for stories thatwill interest them.”

Next on his list Martinezplans on heading toEngland to obtain hisMaster’s degree inInternational Business.Afterward he would like to start his own publicationin Mexico.

“I’ve always wanted tostart my own newspaperor magazine,” saidMartinez. “I’ve always felt that Mexico needs goodinformation to empower [the] people. If I ever start my own magazine, it would definitely be a political magazine.”

Wayne WeiWhen Wayne Weidecided to attendTRU, he came withthe goal of improvinghis English skills inorder to ensure asuccessful career in internationalbusiness.

“Before enrolling atTRU I had realizedmy horrible Englishskills and becameconcerned about mycareer in the area ofinternationalbusiness,” said Wei.“Everything I wasdoing at my job was basically written in English.”

Originally from China, Wei worked for the Chinesegovernment and then for a private company beforecoming to TRU where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in bothfinance and economics.

“My studies at TRU allowed me to gain the confidenceneeded to perform my job,” said Wei. “I think the keyfor me in gaining that confidence was being able tolearn the language and improve myself.”

Wei graduated in April of 2005, and now works as aregistrar and advisor for Sprott Shaw InternationalLanguage College in Victoria, where he acts as a liaison for students and agencies, both locally and internationally.

While Wei enjoys working at his job for now, he doesplan to continue on his path of self-improvement bycontinuing with his education.

“I am planning on taking my master’s in finance…orgetting my MBA,” said Wei. “I would like to continuemy career in international business and will be watchingthe markets for potential opportunities in case I decideto start my own business.”

International

AlumniProfiles

8

by April HoffmanExploring a foreign land, learning about a new cultureand all the other adventures that come in between arewhat you can expect to read on Justin Daoust's webblog about his experiences while studying abroad.Along with fellow TRU student Ryan Steele, Daoust is asecond-year TRU business student on exchange at theTianjin University of Technology in China. With exchanges available to China, Japan, Austria,Germany, England, France, Australia and many morecountries, the TRU Study Abroad program provides anumber of options available to students who want theexperience of studying internationally.

“The options are almost unlimited,” says Study Abroadmanager Geoff Wilmshurst. “We now have 300 ormore options across every single academic field.

“It's so important for a student's development to havean international experience,” adds Wilmshurst. “Thatexperience is life changing—it’s worth gold.”

Bachelor of Journalism student Ina-Cristine Helljesenagrees with Wilmshurst. Helljesen recently returnedfrom studying abroad in Australia where she was ableto advance her education by taking journalism classesthat aren't offered at TRU.

“It's just a great experience,” says Helljesen. “To beintroduced to a different culture and to meet peoplefrom all over the world. I was introduced to theAustralian news world and was able to take differentclasses other than ones offered here…like broadcast.”

“In my studies of journalism you need to know theworld around you,” says Helljesen. “What better way

than to go to a different country. Theexperience doesn't just relate to journalismthough. It will benefit other [academic] areasas well because of globalization.”

Wilmshurst advises parents of students whoare interested in studying abroad to startlooking into the program early. “Second-year students are preferable because theyhave lots of study options left and don’t need specific courses to graduate,” says Wilmshurst.

For TRU alumni, Wilmshurst’s message is “Getyour kids excited and thinking about it early.”

“If a student is interested then the first step is to take a look at our website and see where you would like to go and understandthe requirements.”

Finally Wilmshurst has a message for parents.“An international education is really one ofthe greatest gifts you can give your child, soplease encourage their interest and givethem a push if they need it.” Wilmshurst ishappy to meet with parents to discuss theirchild’s study abroad options even before they get to TRU.

To check out the Study Abroad web site goto www.truworld.ca/studyabroad.htm Toread more about Justin Daoust's adventuresin China go to www.bluealpha.com.

Stu

dy

Abr

oad

TRU Study Abroad Program

TRU BBA Student Justin Daoust in the historic Bell Tower in Xian, China. (photo contributed)

9

by April HoffmanWhen Lorianna Bennett entered her first year at (thennamed) The University College of the Cariboo, she didso on an entrance scholarship. Years later, whenBennett was contacted and asked to donate to the TRU Foundation, she jumped at the chance to give back.

“When I graduated from high school I had won theUCC Entrance Scholarship,” said Bennett. “That was asignificant financial assistance to me … it paid for mostof my undergraduate tuition. Years later when I wasasked to contribute, I didn’thesitate for a moment becauseit [gave] me the chance to giveback to those students whowere in the same position Ihad once been in.”

Born and raised in Kamloops,Bennett graduated from UCCwith her Bachelor of Science(Animal Biology) degree in1994. She then went straightto the University of Albertawhere she obtained her lawdegree in 1997. Bennett cameback to Kamloops to articleand now works with herbrother, David Paul, at Paul & Company, where she focuses on family law andpersonal injury.

Bennett started donating to the Foundation in 2000,when she was asked to sit on the Foundation Boardof Directors. In 2002, Bennett lost her father, Ronald

Paul, to cancer. It wasn’t long afterward that theRonald Paul Memorial Award was established, going to

a deserving student enrolled in theelectronics program.

“I was already involved with theFoundation so I was aware ofmemorial awards,” said Bennett. “Iwas looking for something to do in[my father’s] memory so I talked to myfamily and we thought it was a goodidea … my dad had a career inelectronics for most of his life."

“Birthdays, Christmasand Father’s Day … themoney that we wouldnormally have spent onDad gets put into thefund,” added Bennett.“It has the personalizedbenefit of keeping Dad’smemory alive. Last yearwas the first year wehanded [an award] outand it was veryrewarding. It was alsovery emotional to see a deservingelectronics student with my father’sname on his tag.”

Both Bennett’s brother, David, and herhusband, Sean, are also alumni, and shehopes that one day her son will begoing to TRU as well.

“Another reason we like to donate to the university is that, sooner or later, our children will be going [to TRU] and applying for scholarships,” said Bennett.“The money they may be awarded has to come from somewhere.”

Lorianna Bennett

TRU Grad Gives Back

“I was looking forsomething to do in[my father’s]memory so I talkedto my family andwe thought it was agood idea … mydad had a career inelectronics for mostof his life."

Lorianna Bennett

I am pleased to support TRU and students through my gift to the TRU Foundation.Please find my donation enclosed:

$50 $100 $250 $500 Other________ OR I would like to make a monthly donation of $10 $25 $50 Other_________Payment Enclosed:

Cheque (payable to the TRU Foundation) Mastercard Visa Credit Card Number______________________________ Expiry Date_____/_____Name ______________________________________________________Address ______________________________________________________ City ______________________________ Postal Code ______________Email ______________________________________________________I would like to designate my donation to:

Alumni Endowment Fund Financial Need Award – Unrestricted Fund Specific Program_______________________________________“Leave a Legacy” – please send me information about including TRU in my will or designating TRU as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

Send donations to: TRU Foundation, Box 3010, Kamloops, BC V2C 5N3

All donations are fully tax deductible. A receipt will be issued for all donations over $10.250.828.5264 Thank You! www.tru.ca/foundation

Lorianna Bennett

10

by April HoffmanWhen the University College of theCariboo sought full universitystatus, academic deans knew therewould be a natural expectationthat the university would offermaster’s programs. Flash-forwardto the 2005-06 academic year andThompson Rivers University offersstudents a unique Master ofBusiness Administration program. “The [development] process tooktwo-and-a-half years,” said Dean ofBusiness and Economics MurrayYoung. “[Our first cohort] startedSeptember 1, 2005, and we have27 full-time students who stay withus for 16 intensive months.

“I say intensive because instead ofthe usual four classes a semester,our students take five and continuestraight through for the entire 16months—there is no summerbreak,” added Young.

Aside from the shorter time frame,

other unique attributes of theprogram include cohort learning, abusiness research and consultingrequirement, and no prescribedamount of work experience. Thenew master’s program alsoprovides an internship option that helps to bridge the gapbetween the program itself and the workforce.

“It introduces students whograduate from the MBA programto the workforce, and not at thebottom but with access to theboardroom,” said MBAadministrative assistant Margaret Hohner.

For MBA student JessRothenburger, the attraction wasmore along the lines of locationand cost, as he did not want torelocate to the coast.

“The program offers excellentvalue. You get a lot for what youpay for. I most enjoy working with

my counterparts; we are a prettydiverse group of people from allover the world,” saidRothenburger.

Of the 27 students currentlyenrolled in the program, eight ofthem are international students.

“I think we are very fortunate to beable to work hand-in-hand withTRU World,” said Hohner. “Theinternational presence has addedperspective and dimension to thestudents’ experience. Business isglobal now.”

While some students may be waryof entering a program in its firstcouple of years, Young believes itmay be the best time to enter.

“Being part of the early years of aprogram is always an importantdecision,” said Young. “The peoplewho step out early probably getthe benefit of a lot of new ideasand enthusiasm, and the interest ofthe administration.”

International student RaghuKadambi agrees.

“Being a part of the first years of aprogram has its advantages.Because you are the firstgraduating class they want to[promote] you more,” saidKadambi.

While the MBA program may bethe first of its kind at TRU, thedeans of other academic areas aregetting set to follow suit in thecoming years as TRU continues todevelop its mandate as Canada’smost comprehensive university.

“Proposals for master's degrees inEnvironmental Studies and inEducation are currently beingreviewed by the Degree QualityAssessment Board of the provinceand master's degrees in Tourism,Social Work and InterdisciplinaryStudies are also being developed.”says Mark Evered, Provost and VP Academic.

Master of Business AdministrationPr

ogra

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TRU MBA Students Raghu Kadambi and Jess Rothenburger

11

If you are poised for the next step in your career or if you want tocontinue your education through to a Master’s Degree, then the TRUMaster of Business Administration isthe program for you!

The TRU Master of Business

Administration has

its’ advantages…

• fast-track (16 months)

• optional post-graduate Internship program

• designed for entrants who have limited businessor work experience

• part-time options available

• Pre-MBA program available

• GMAT preparation program

• New facilities

Our applied curriculum, internationalfocus and highly qualified facultyprovide unique and relevantskills that will help propel your career forward.

So take the next step in your careerand education goals, visit ourwebsite at: www.tru.ca/mba/ugrad/

and find out why you need to make your next career move with a TRU MBA!

MBA Office:250.852.6267e-mail: mbaugradr@tru.ca

Ready for a Career move?

“ The students are so full ofenergy & eager to learn! It isamazing to see the integrationof the students’ creativity andenergy with the tools that theylearn in their courses – it isa very powerful combination!”

MBA Professor, Brock Dykeman

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Stuart ChambersBorn and raised in Kamloops, B.C.,Stuart Chambers attendedKamloops Senior Secondary School.After graduating in 1999,Chambers entered TRU with a fullentrance scholarship where heobtained his Bachelor of Science,majoring in chemistry andminoring in physics. Today,Chambers is at the University ofAlberta working toward his PhD in Chemistry and was recentlyawarded a prestigious AlbertaIngenuity Fund Studentship.

After making it into the top fourper cent of the Alberta IngenuityFund’s criteria and marking scalefor 2005, Chambers was requiredto put forward project ideas thatcould stem off his research, as wellas give a detailed explanation of his

research and how he was going to go aboutaccomplishing his goals. The reward: an allowance of$22,000 a year plus $1,500 a year for travel andequipment guaranteed until 2009—the year Chambershopes to graduate.

So what type of research is Chambers working on?Described as a project that is both novel and potentiallyvery useful, Chambers’s work involves a system toseparate different chemical species in liquid samplesinto their individual components. In lay terms, it can bethought of as a filter purification system that wouldnever require the filter to be changed.

“So far, the first results we have obtained are verypromising,” said Chambers. “Ultimately, if everythingworks, a version of the system could be used to desalinate salt water, making it usable for human consumption.”

After graduation, Chambers would like to become a professor of chemistry at a smaller university oruniversity college. While attending TRU, he worked for the Eureka! Science program for a summer allowinghim to gain experience creating a science program for children.

“I had to come up with chemistry projects for childrenas well as chemical demonstrations that could bedemonstrated by a professional to a live audience,” said Chambers.

“I originally thought I was going to be a high schoolteacher, but I liked learning and research too much,”added Chambers. “So being a professor at a smalleruniversity or college seems like a great option.”

Jeff GuthrieFrom over 100 applicants, TRU alumnus JeffGuthrie was one of the 19 lucky recipients of anaward from the 2005 Alberta Ingenuity Fund.

Guthrie graduated from TRU in 1999 with hisBachelor of Science degree, after which hecontinued on and graduated with his PhD fromCarleton University in 2004. Now a postdoctoralresearcher, Guthrie is at the University of Albertaworking under the supervision of Dr. X. Chris Lefrom the Department of Public Health Sciences onthe development of ultra-sensitive bioanalyticaltechniques for the study of DNA damage by environmental agents.

The fellowship awarded to Guthrie provides himwith $48,000 a year, with an additional $7,000 peryear research allowance, over two years.

Guthrie is currently working on two separateprojects under Dr. Chris Le. The first looks atdetermining how arsenic exposure (found incontaminated drinking water) affects DNA damagecaused by products of incomplete combustion,such as those from cigarette smoke and automobile

exhaust. The second project is studying a syntheticcyclodextrin-oligonucleotide complex (a cyclicsugar compoundbound to a smallsynthetic DNAfragment) as apotential therapeuticagent.

“Both areas arecompletely differentfrom the research Idid as a PhD studentin Ottawa,” saidGuthrie. “I knew Iwanted to dosomething different,something morebiochemistry- relatedto broaden myeducation. So far it’sworking out quitewell for me.”

Guthrie credits Continued page 13

Three Alumni – Three Sciences

13

Kevin FrenchKevin French loves nature. In fact, he is so passionate about itthat he decided to pursue it as a career. French graduated fromTRU in 2003 with his degree in Natural Resource Sciences. Morerecently, he defended his thesis and received his Master’s degreein Rangeland Ecology and Management from Oregon StateUniversity.

“I have always enjoyed the outdoors and I have always wantedto work in the Natural Resource field and try to ensure thatresource development is sustainable for years to come,” saidFrench.

In September of 2005, French received a Savery OutstandingMaster’s Student Award. Based on academic achievement andthe benefits of his work on sustainable agriculture in Oregon,French received the award for his research on the effects ofcattle grazing on sage-grouse nesting habitats within sagebrush ecosystems.

“Sage-grouse were petitioned to be a listed endangered speciesdown in the U.S.,” said French. “So there was an urgency todetermine if grazing can coexist with sage-grouse populations ina manner that doesn’t have a detrimental effect.”

Now living in Calgary and working with Sustainable ResourceDevelopment as a rangeland agrologist, French is contemplatingcontinuing his education and getting his PhD.

French isn’t the only one in his family pursuing a love of theoutdoors as a career; his younger sister Terri is currently finishingher fourth year of the Natural Resource Sciences program atTRU, and won a prestigious scholarship from the WorldPetroleum Council this past winter.

“I am proud of my sister for her accomplishments,” said French.“It’s great to see that she has the same aspirations anddedication to education.”

French attributes both hissuccess and that of hissister’s to the excellentteaching staff at TRU.

“They have presented uswith an excellentopportunity to learn,” saidFrench. “I strongly believethis program is one of akind for both professorsand the opportunities theycreate.

“I believe it can [also] beattributed to our parents.They brought us up beingoutside all the time,whether it was camping inthe Rockies, fishing orhiking. We have alwaysspent time in theoutdoors,” added French.

“Both Terri and I enjoy allaspects of nature and value the resource and appreciate theneed to manage it properly so that it can be enjoyed forgenerations to come.”

Order your

TRU products

online at

www.bookies.tru.ca

TRU Bookstore, TRU Campus Activity Centre • 250.828.5141OPEN YEAR ROUND • PUBLIC ALWAYS WELCOME • M–Th 8-5pm • F 10-4pm

Jeff Guthrie From page 12

TRU assistant professor of chemistry Dr. Sharon Brewer inhelping to prepare him for his present success.

“I found that my undergraduate research project with Dr.Sharon Brewer was helpful in that she gave me a taste ofwhat research was like,” said Guthrie.

While Guthrie’s future plans are still up in the air, he doesfigure that his focus will remain related to the environment.

“For the last couple of years I have been leaning heavilytoward an academic career as a university professor, butemployment in industry or government is still a possibility,”said Guthrie. “If I [do] end up as a professor with my ownresearch group, the research will likely have anenvironmental flavour to it.”

14

You can build on your diploma and your working experienceto complete a TRU degree without having to take time awayfrom your career.

As BC’s Centre for Open Learning, TRU now offers over 400 distance courses and a variety of degree programsthrough Distance and Online Learning that are designed for the working adult.

Find out more today. Start any time you choose.

tru.ca/distance1.866.282.2268

From Diplomas to Degrees

The Kamloops campus is bustling withactivity and it is not just the studentsracing between classes. BC’s newestuniversity is growing with multipleconstruction projects, including a multi-million dollar campus project underwayin Williams Lake.

The most visible project on the mainKamloops campus is the construction ofa new 587-bed student residence. At 11-storeys, it will not only be the tallestbuilding on campus, but also in the city.The university has partnered withDaycon, and its subsidiary, CampusLiving Centres, to build the $44.5million facility with completion slated for September 2006.

Just below the site of the City of Kamloops’ multi-million dollar upgrade to Hillside Stadium, constructioncrews are also hard at work building the BC Centre forOpen Learning. The building will facilitate the physical relocation of TRU’s open learning division from Burnaby to Kamloops and is expected to becompleted in early 2007.

A new warehouse facility is being built behind theTrades and Technology buildings to provide thenecessary storage space required for OL coursematerials and to upgrade the Purchasing and Storesfacilities; as well, the significant expansion toaccommodate the high printing demands of distancelearning programs is almost complete at Print Shop.

In Williams Lake, the former Anne StevensonSecondary School is being transformed into a brand

new campus for that community.Expected to be ready in the late fall of2006, the new campus will bring theprograms and administration of TRUWilliams Lake back together underone roof and will include automotiveand welding shops, an office complexand a Student Street. TRU WilliamsLake will also boast of a few optionsrare in smaller post- secondaryfacilities--a gymnasium and sportsplaying field.

Building a UniversityC

amp

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New

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Artist rendering of BC Centre for Open Learning

Artist rendering of new residence

15

The lead story of the WolfPack’s inauguralseason in Canadian Interuniversity Sporthas to be the fact that our women’sbasketball team is the only team to havedefeated SFU in conference play, when itdowned the Clan in the WolfPack’s firsthome game of the CIS season last October.The win was heralded in newspapers acrossCanada and trumpeted in The Province as“Thompson Rivers Slays the Giant.”

The women finished their regular seasonwith a 2-18 standing. The women foughthard throughout the winter semester,holding onto a chance at the playoffsalmost to the end of the conference seasonwhen the ‘Pack lost to the University ofVictoria Vikes by only six points.

The men’s basketball team also finished itsfirst CIS season 2-18. The team steadilyimproved throughout the season, despitenumerous mid-season injuries, losing itsfinal game of the conference season againstSFU by only a ten-point spread. Alreadycommitted to play with the ‘Pack nextseason are 6’3” 185 pound Lucian Sauciucof Centennial Secondary in Coquitlam andAA shooting sensation Siggy Skagfeld ofCedar Senior Secondary in Nanaimo.

Our women’s volleyball team also went 2-18 this season. The women had somedefinite highlights in the winter semester,taking a set away from the Trinity WesternSpartans, ranked #1 in the Canada Westconference, in a nailbiter set that saw theteams battle it out to a 30-28 score for theWolfPack. The team also showed its mettleagainst SFU with a narrow loss in hard-fought five-set match followed by a win infour sets the next day.

Three outstanding BC athletes havecommitted to playing with the WolfPacknext season. Left side Ashley Koehn ofLangley, a 6'0” honour-roll scholar fromPacific Academy, all-around student athleteKatrina Beitel, a 5'10" setter fromRevelstoke who was MVP at the junior clubprovincials, and Richelle Walton, a 5’7”outside hitter currently playing forMalaspina University College who is in 2ndplace on the BCCAA stats leader board.

Men’s volleyball ended its season 1-19.Season highlights include a win at its firsthome match of the season last fall, andtaking a set from the University ofManitoba Bisons, ranked fourth in CanadaWest in its final match of the season, a

great ending to the CIS season in front of a big home crowd. Committed to WolfPackmen’s volleyball for next season is AAAProvincial High School ChampionshipsMost Outstanding Player Kyle Donen.

The season saw a major increase in fansupport across the board. It was great to

look out atthe standsand see lotsof orange in support of the home team.The wintersemester alsomarked the firstappearanceof our newWolfPackmascot.

WolfPack fans should mark their calendarsfor the Sports Task Force golf tournamentfundraiser, to be held June 2nd. The ‘Packwill also hold its annual Sports Camps againthis summer, with registrations beginningin mid-April.

TRU Athletics

WolfPack Season Finale

• Basketball• Volleyball• Soccer• Baseball• Swimming• Football• Golf• Gymnastics• Lacrosse• Track and Field• Tennis

Main Camps

TRU Sport Camps

All camps allow for children to participate based on age, ability and camp intensity.

For more information about these camps please contact:

Sport Camp CoordinatorPhone: 250.377.6117 • Fax: 250.371.5672email: trucamps@tru.ca

Mornings, Afternoons, Full Day & ResidentCamp Formats

www.tru.ca/sportcamps

Learn to Run with the Pack!

• Wrestling• Alternate Camps

Mornings & Afternoons• Specialty Camps• Special Needs

Sport Camp• Resident Camps• Team Camps• Traveling Camps• Biking• Casual Resident Camp

• Mountaineering• Fit Camps• Aerobic Camps• BMX• Fishing• Paintball• Rugby• Yoga• Ball Hockey• Camping• ECE Camps

16

Tom MacDougallBA, 1995After graduation, Tom was the editor ofthe Burns Lake News, then transferredto Vancouver Island where he took upeditorship of the Parksville-QualicumReview. In 2003, he moved to EastCentral Alberta with his wife Vivian (BA’96) and three children to take aposition of editor of a trio ofcommunity weeklies, the StettlerIndependent, the Bashaw Star and theCastor Advance. He has won severalawards as editor of those papers,including the Charles HawkinsMemorial Trophy from the CanadianCommunity Newspaper Association.

Sharron LaddBSc Animal Biology, 1997After graduating, I enjoyed doing somefield work in the forests of beautifulBritish Columbia. In 1997, I moved toToronto, where I worked as ManagingEditor for a brand-new publicationcalled Geriatrics & Aging. After gettingmarried in 2000, my husband and Imoved to sunny Tampa, Florida. I'vebeen working at the University of SouthFlorida for five years in the Anatomyand Dermatopathology departments,as a Biological Scientist andHistotechnologist. I am currentlyworking on a Master of Science degreein Health Systems through an onlineprogram at the University of Medicineand Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).We became home owners six monthsago and I am thrilled to have my veryown tangerine tree. I'd love to hearfrom my classmates atsharinflorida@yahoo.com.

James MirtleBA, 2002James completed grad studies atRyerson’s journalism school and is nowthe CIS reporter for the Globe andMail’s sports section.

Hsin-Kang Hsieh (Sidney)ESL/ Biology, 1998I was an international student fromTaiwan and spent my first Canadianexperience in Kamloops. I reallyappreciate the great environment andteachers that helped to settle my life inCanada. After two years in UCC, Irelocated to Montreal and gainedHonours in Immunology from McGillUniversity. Currently, I am finishing myMSc of Neuroscience from McGill andmoving to San Francisco for a researchposition in UCSF. Hope I can get incontact with my former classmates andfriends and hope everyone has a greatyear in 2006!(h_sidney18@hotmail.com)

Shimpei OishiBachelor of Tourism Management, 2000After graduated I joined an organizingcommittee for the World Games, whichis a mega sport event featuring 179sport disciplines and over 4000 athletesand officials from 92 countries. My jobwas to communicate with the Olympiccommittee and international sportfederations and to produce guidebooks and media books. Living andstudying in Canada fully prepared meto pursue my dream, to be a bridgebetween countries. Over the past threeyears by working closely with thesecond-level government of Japan,Quebec Zoo and Warner Brother'stheme park in Australia, I became acoordinator and established afriendship concord to conserve theenvironment and to have culturalexchanges. As a symbol of ourfriendship, an orphaned polar bear cubcame to a new aquarium which weconstructed by following Canadianregulations. Many professionals andofficials worked together and will worktogether for years to come. It is also agreat opportunity for local children; not

only they can grow up with the cub,but they will be more sensitive to theenvironmental issues and will be more responsible for their decisionsand actions.

Tanja Hasler MizherBSc Mathematics, 1999Right after graduation I moved back tomy second country of nationality,Switzerland. Here I met and marriedAdnan and we have started a successfulbusiness together that took four yearsof research and development prior tobeing operative. We offer spinerehabilitation for all types of back painthat brings excellent results for ourpatients: www.dynasom.com.

Megumi Noguchi Resort & Hotel Management Diploma, 2002After completion of Diploma Programof Resort and Hotel Management atUCC, I have worked at a 5-star hotel inTokyo called Sofitel Tokyo. I started offin F&B and now I am working as aJapanese Guest Relations Officer atSofitel Bangkok. The experiences andknowledge that I gained at UCCbrought me to where I stand today. Iseek for more opportunities in thefuture in the hospitality industry.

Keep In Touch with your Alma Mater!Don’t forget to update your address to receive all the latest news, reunion information, benefits cardupdates and more! You can submit an update online at www.trualumni.ca or call us at 250-828-5498.Change of address cards can be sent to TRU Alumni Association, Box 3010, Kamloops, BC V2C 5N3

Pathfinders – where are they now?

AppointmentsThe TRU Alumni Association is proud toannounce the following appointments:

TRU Board of Governors:Brian Christianson, University Transfer ‘83Karl deBruijn, University Transfer ‘74

University Council:Cathy Ferguson, BSN ‘91

Planning Council for OpenLearning:Darlene McBain, University Transfer ‘86

17

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or call 1-800-884-3199A portion of these sales support the TRU Alumni Association.

Showcase your Degree, Diploma or Certificate with Distinction

Sign up on the TRU Online Community Today!• Get a permanent trualumni.ca email address• Access Travel and Relocation advice • Online Career Mentoring• Find old friends and classmates • Post your Business Card

It’s FREE and only available to graduates and current students!

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Want to connect

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Contact the AlumniAssociation for informationabout how we can assistyou in planning an alumnisocial in your area or a class reunion.

Assistance is available withcontact lists, event planningand invitations and yourevent may be eligible toreceive partial funding.

For more information,contact us at250-828-5498 or email alumni@tru.ca

Thais celebrateties with TRUTRU President and Vice-Chancellor Roger Barnsley receives an honorary Doctor ofEducation degree from Saint John's University in Bangkok, Thailand, for his outstandingknowledge, leadership and expertise throughout his long and distinguished career in public education.

photo submitted

18

ContinuingEducation at TRUWith the addition of many newdistance and online options throughthe TRU Open Learning Division,students and alumni now havehundreds of options to add coursesor credentials needed to advancetheir career. Whether choosing theflexibility offered by DistanceLearning, enabling students to studywhen and where it fits their busylifestyle, or courses offered throughContinuing Studies, TRU offers avariety of courses, certificates,diplomas and degrees for continuing learners.

Open Learning DivisionDistance and Online courses andprograms in:

• Adult Basic Education

• Arts and Sciences

• Business and Management Studies

• General Studies

• Health and Human Services

• Information Technology

For more information on distanceoptions through Open Learningcheck outhttp://www.tru.ca/distance

Continuing Studies• Professional Development

• Carpentry

• Driver Training

• Mechanical

• Business and Management

• Computer

• First Aid

• Health and Safety

• Teaching English as a Second Language

• Bartending

For more information on coursesoffered through Continuing Studiescheck out their website athttp://www.tru.ca/conted/

TRU Campus Classic 5/10km RunSaturday, April 1 – Mass start at 10am

TRU Campus

$15 for high school and TRU students • $25 for TRU alumni and general public

Entertainment, great food and participant prizes. A prize will be awarded for the best “April Fool” costume. TRU student are eligible to win 1 of 2 – $250 cash awards.

Registration:online at www.finishlinepromo.com

or in person at Runner’s Sole, 74-1395 Hillside Dr, Phone: 250-377-4055

13th Annual Pineridge Charity Golf Tournament

in support of the TRU Alumni Association

Friday, May 12

4:00pm Shotgun StartTeams of 3, Texas scramble

$65 per person includes 18 holes of golf,

great BBQ dinner and a chance at great prizes

To register, call Pineridge Golf Course at 573-4333

Upcoming Events

TRU Run Dave Eagles photo

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Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: TRU Alumni Association, Box 3010, Kamloops BC V2C 5N3 Publications Mail 40040090

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Provincial health plans

cover less than you think

Alison Naimool Product Manager – Manulife Financial

The days when an employeeremained with one company for acareer span of 25-30 years are longgone. Self-employment is on therise†. As a result, the loss of healthbenefits that corporations providefor employees and their families is leaving many Canadians withoutenough health and dental protection.

Most people assume they arecovered sufficiently under theirprovincial health plan. What theydon’t realize is that provincialhealth plans cover less than theymay think. To ensure your healthand dental needs are covered,consider the Alumni ExtendedHealth and Dental Plan.

Dental care, prescription drugs*,alternative therapies (massagetherapy, chiropractors, naturopaths,etc.) and vision benefits – these healthcare items and services are essentialfor the well-being of your family.Unfortunately, they are not coveredunder provincial health plans.

The Alumni Extended Health andDental Plan features a variety ofoptions to fit all needs and budgets.The value-added ManuAssist™, a24-hour emergency travel assistanceprogram, is included at no additionalcost to you. ■

† As of January 2005, there were 2.47 millionself-employed Canadians out of a total of16.057 million in the labour force. There was also a 1.6% increase in self-employment from January 2004 to January2005. Source: Statistics Canada’s Labour ForceSurvey, February 2005.

* Not available to Québec residents.

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