Inaugural province-wide competition encourages leadership and positive world change among B.C.’s tourism students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2012
Morgan Westcott, LinkBC
604-984-1750
morgan@linkbc.ca

‘Project Change’ winners to be announced February 2 in Vancouver Convention Centre ceremony

(Vancouver, B.C .)–Tourism students from across British Columbia will be honoured for their contributions to Project Change, a competition encouraging leadership and positive world change. The February 2awards ceremony at the Vancouver Convention Centre will see these future leaders receive more than $6,000 in cash and prize equivalents for creating positive change in their communities.

Project Change is a simple, yet impactful competition. Working in groups, students identify a community need, and then create a social or environmental stewardship project to address the issue. What began as a single class project in 2009 is now a province-wide competition that has the power to influence real change within communities, and help develop important leadership skills within students.

Coordinated through LinkBC: the tourism education network, the 2011 competition elicited 18 submissions from seven universities and colleges across the province.

“The results have been impressive,” says LinkBC’s Morgan Westcott, competition coordinator. “The original Project Change began as a class at Capilano University and through our network went province-wide to include Camosun College, Douglas College, Native Education College, North Island College, Royal Roads University, and the University of Northern BC.”

As a result of the projects implemented by the students, 2011 Project Change results included:

• 99 meals served to the homeless
• Over 2,000 pieces of clothing, shoes, and coats collected for those in need
• $1,875 in cash donations
• 18 lives saved in blood donations
• 10,000 invasive plants removed from a national historic site
• 341 litres of rainwater collected
• 471 pounds of waste composted
• 211 pounds of waste analysed for future waste reduction programs
• Over 500 community members reached in various environmental and social awareness campaigns

“These results demonstrate that tourism students can be the agents for positive, ongoing change in their communities,” says Westcott. “Also impressive was the tourism industry support for this first-ever competition,” she adds. “Our sponsors contributed cash and prizes valued at over $6,000.”

Prizes will be distributed to the winning teams on February 2 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of sponsors and representation from the NGO community.

For further information about Project Change, please visit www.projectchange.ca.

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Media Note: To attend the awards event, or for more information, please contact:
Morgan Westcott, LinkBC
604-984-1750
morgan@linkbc.ca

 

Plastic Ocean author comes to Capilano University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Contact:  Shelley Kean at 604.983.7596

(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.)—As part of Capilano University’s Neil Brown speaker series, lifelong seafarer and ocean activist, Captain Charles Moore, is bringing his discoveries about how plastic is killing our oceans to two free events at Capilano University on Thursday, February 2. Captain Moore will share a firsthand account of how plastics are pervading our oceans in unimaginable ways at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the North Shore Credit Union Centre for Performing Arts. While both events are open to the public, members of the Cap community (students and employees) will be given priority seating at the 11:30 a.m. event. The centre is located at Capilano University’s North Vancouver campus at 2055 Purcell Way. Captain Moore will also be available after each event to sign his recent book, Plastic Ocean: How a Sea Captain’s Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans.

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Cap U employees tour the new Bosa Centre

Bosa Centre director, Bill Thumm (right), receives a Bosa Centre trophy “in lieu of an Oscar” from Cap president, Dr. Kris Bulcroft.

The field of dreams at Cap’s North Vancouver campus has been filled with an architectural marvel called the Nat and Flora Bosa Centre for Film and Animation and on January 18, 200 Cap U employees took advantage of a fun-filled night to tour the new facility.

Aptly dubbed “the jewel in Cap’s touque” by university president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Kris Bulcroft, the building has everything a regular motion picture studio would have, but with so much more.

Mostly fourth-year Motion Picture Production students greeted guests and enthusiastically showed us what some of the centre’s amazing equipment can do. Employees were also wowed by the 30-foot green screen that draped the walls of a huge warehouse-like space the size of small stadium. It’s actually an 8,000 square foot sound stage, where sets can be built and illusions created.

We donned 3-D glasses to watch clips of fossil-finding in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and also saw some exciting FIFA shots shown an a television screen that is the largest this side of Toronto. We learned how the huge sound board works (well, we sort of learned how it works, because like I said, it’s HUGE) in the sound mixing studio, goofed around in the recording studio, saw the audition room where anxious actors will try to remember lines of words that have a way of disappearing amongst the nerves, gawked at the two visual effects labs, and wished we could start our careers over in the cinematography teaching studio.

There were costumers building more of their gorgeous creations, film editors working on enormous monitors, animators animating in rooms built specifically for their needs. We saw the place where grips store some of the best equipment money can buy, and wandered by classrooms where late night students were scrambling to meet deadlines. We even marveled at the railings in the stairwells. It’s easy to see why Canadian Architect Magazine called this building “a machine for film . . . based on an understanding of where architecture and cinema merge.” No detail has been left untouched by the hand of class in this facility, and it will be sure to continue to draw awe in the years to come.

We did all this (or, at least I did all this) while munching on tasty hor d’oeuvres and sipping wine. Oh, and I can’t forget the amazing 200-seat high definition 3-D theatre that is right off the entranceway. Student films were been screened, while visitors enjoyed the sounds of a lively student band in the main hall.

Of course, this centre wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for the tenacity of its director, Bill Thumm, who never said never (sorry JB) and kept the dream alive through moments that were probably more like a nightmare. His vision was supported along the way by countless people that included former Cap president, Dr. Greg Lee, who took up the initial reigns of leadership and passed them along mid-dream to current Cap president, Dr. Kris Bulcroft. Finance and Administration VP, Cindy Turner, and Contract Services and Capital Planning director, Mark Clifford, kept the management of the project on course, which, as anyone who has done even the smallest reno can agree, was an absolute mammoth task. Yes, there are many more people who played a role in the completion of the magnificent structure, but we’ll save those accolades for the official opening that will take place on February 17.

In the meantime, the employee event was a fantastic night, organized by the North Shore Credit Union Performing Arts Theatre general manager, Julie Vanderyagt, with assistance by Zoe Quinn, and it is easy to say that a great time was had by all. Thank you to everyone who worked on it and welcomed us so generously. And a particular shout out to the student greeters who were placed by the doors on one of the coldest nights of the year.

Capilano University gets its fleece on

A Capilano University employee keeps warm by wrapping herself in a soft fleece blanket provided through a unique program sponsored by BC Hydro and FortisBC.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Contact:  Shelley Kean at 604.983.7596

(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.)—With many power-challenged communities in British Columbian feeling the pinch of Old Man Winter over the past few days, Capilano University has found an innovative way to stay warm while doing its part to conserve energy.

Get UR Fleece On is a unique campaign being run only at Capilano University where employees are given a free fleece blanket to wrap around their shoulders, lap or feet while at their desk. The university has handed out 200 blankets at its North Vancouver campus since the campaign began last December. That number is expected to grow once a new batch arrives and when the university’s regional campuses receive their share during the first week of February.

“We have continued to have an overwhelming response to this initiative and await another shipment to keep up with demand at all our campuses,” says the university’s energy manager, Laura Williams. “The energy management team is providing a fleece blanket free of charge to any employee, who is then encouraged to hand in their space heaters.”

BC Hydro and FortisBC have partnered with Capilano University to provide the blankets that are made from 100% recycled material. The ultimate goal is to eliminate all space heaters at all three campuses.

“Capilano University is striving to become an environmentally-responsible institution and actively promotes conservation-minded and sustainable behaviours among its students, employees, and the broader community,” Williams said. “Since the inception of energy management at Capilano University in August 2008, the institution has realized more than $424,000 in energy savings and raised more than $1.3 million in external funding (more than 50% coming from BC Hydro). The university is close to reaching its five-year goal of a 25% decrease in energy consumption, set in 2008.” 

In 2010, Cap’s buildings’ energy consumption represented 94% of its total greenhouse gas emissions. As the university strives towards continuing reductions to its carbon footprint, this will also result in decreasing costs for mandatory offset purchases, as required by LiveSmart BC, in order to be net zero. In 2010, carbon offsets cost Cap $54,000.

Capilano University is a learner-centred university that serves the communities of the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast through campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt. Opened in 1968, enrolment today totals 7,500 students in credit programs each term with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Capilano University offers a complete range of preparatory courses, university-level arts and science courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.

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Capilano Universe rises again!

The second season of this public Capilano Universe presentation series by Capilano University faculty members starts on Tuesday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at the Lynn Valley Main Library located at 1277 Lynn Valley Road.

Cap Psychology instructor, Dr. Leonard George, will be inviting us to journey in imagination to Renaissance Florence to consider some long-neglected ideas about human nature (accompanied by beautiful pictures and lovely music, mainly to help us pretend that we’re not in North Vancouver in mid-January!). The presentation is titled The Heavens in Their Wholeness are Within Us: The Cosmic Psychology of the Renaissance. It’s free and seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.

Nominations open for Capilano University’s 2012 Alumni Awards of Excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Contact: Janis Connolly at 604.990.7968

(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.)—Nominations are currently being accepted for Capilano University’s 2012 Alumni Awards of Excellence. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of alumni, employees and friends of the university, and celebrate a spirit of community and lifelong connection to Capilano.

The four categories included in the Alumni Awards of Excellence are the Distinguished Alumni Award, the One to Watch Alumni Award, the President’s Service Award, and the Award for Excellence in Empowering Learning. Nominations for all awards close February 1, 2012 and recipients will be recognized at the Alumni Awards of Excellence celebration in May 9, 2012 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.

Nomination forms and guidelines, as well as a list of previous recipients, can be found at capilanou.ca/alumni/awards or by contacting Janis Connolly, alumni relations officer in the University’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, at 604.990.7968, or jconnoll@capilanou.ca.

Now in its sixth year, the awards program has honoured more than 60 individuals and organizations who have distinguished themselves and Capilano University through their contributions and achievements. Previous recipients have included Dr. Thomas Kerr, world renowned HIV/AIDs research pioneer, and best-selling author and playwright, Anosh Irani.

The Distinguished Alumni Award honours Capilano alumni of integrity and stature who have had more than 10 years of experience in their field prior to the award year. 

The One to Watch Awards honour Capilano alumni who have distinguished themselves early on in their professions and who have attended Capilano within the last 10 years of the award year. Previous recipients include Toronto’s Sound of Music and Rock of Ages star, Elicia MacKenzie, and award-winning documentary film maker, Dianne Whelan. 

Capilano University’s 2012 Alumni Awards of Excellence celebration will also recognize individuals or organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mission of Capilano University through the President’s Service Awards.  Former recipients have included acclaimed jazz vocalist Dee Daniels, founding performer of the popular Capilano Jazz Series, and RBC, a significant supporter and mentor of Capilano University’s emerging artists programs.

Alumni of Capilano University are also invited to nominate exceptional faculty, staff and administrators who have made significant contributions to learning through the Award for Excellence in Empowering Learning. 

“Our past recipients have inspired and supported countless others in their endeavours,” said Capilano University president, Dr. Kris Bulcroft. “I strongly encourage people to nominate a deserving alumnus, individual or organization for recognition.”

Capilano University is a learner-centred teaching focused university that serves the communities of the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast through campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt. Opened in 1968, enrolment today totals 7,500 students in credit programs each term with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Capilano University offers a complete range of preparatory courses, university-level arts and science courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, diplomas, certificates and statements of completion. More information can be found at www.capilanou.ca

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Capilano University’s Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal recipient for 2011

Capilano University Legal Administrative Assistant student, Graham Caulfield, is the 2011 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal.

Capilano University Legal Administrative Assistant student, Graham Caulfied, found the 2011 Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal to be a tasty treat at November’s convocation ceremony.

Established in 1979 by the Ministry of Advanced Education, the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal is awarded to a student in a vocational or career program of less than two years duration who has excelled in his or her studies and who has contributed in a positive way to the life of their post-secondary institution or their community.

In his own words, Graham says:

“I returned full-time to Capilano University back in January after having been away for nearly 15 years. I spent the majority of that time working in the restaurant industry as well as for a ticket broker during the Olympics. It was during these formative years that I gained a wide range of experience in administration, customer service while dealing with the public, and developed strong interpersonal skills through the management of human resources.

After the Olympics concluded, I took an intensive three-week long Career Exploration Program that was instrumental in my realization that a career in the legal world was something that excited me and that I became very committed to undertaking.

The Legal Administrative Assistant Program at Capilano University turned out to be the perfect fit for me. I achieved Dean’s List for both the spring and summer terms and was awarded one of the top scholarships provided by Davis LLP. One of the most appealing aspects of my studies was the variety of areas of practice covered throughout the program and the incredible support and encouragement I received from my instructors. The time I spent at Davis during my two-week practicum at the end of August increased my interest in all aspects of the legal field.

As a result, I am pleased to be continuing my education in legal studies here at Capilano University having been accepted into the two-year Paralegal Diploma program that started in September. I’m very much looking forward to continuing down this path towards a fulfilling and meaningful career in the legal field.”

Capilano University to benefit from $13M in new skills training programs

Students in Capilano University’s 12-week Business & Culture for Foreign-Trained Professionals and their instructors, Leslie Kozak (second from left, sitting) and Kathy Danford (second from left, standing at back), share some time with North Van-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite (third from left standing), West Van-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan (fourth from left, standing), West Van-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre (fourth from right, standing) and Catherine Vertesi, Cap’s vice-president of international programs (fifth from right, standing). This class of students is comprised of new immigrants from Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Russia, Macau, Philippines and Mainland China. Some of their professions in their home countries include computer engineer, lawyer, architect, biomedical engineer and software technician. (Photo by Ken Barbour.)

An announcement made on December 9 by Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto will see more funds coming to Capilano University for its tuition-free full-time Employment Skills Access programs.

ESA skills training programs are primarily focused on preparing participants for entry-level employment in industries, sectors or occupations that are currently experiencing or are projected to experience labour or skills shortages.

ESA programs at Capilano University include:

• North Vancouver campus:
  • The popular 12-week Business & Culture for Foreign-Trained Professionals, which starts up again January 9 and offers Canadian business perspectives, intercultural interaction, business communication, accounting, MS Word & Excel and Canadian work experience; 
  • Introduction to Trades, a six-week program starting January 30, that will provide trade certification, such as Forklift, Confined Space and WHMIS;
  • And the eight-week Retail and Hospitality Customer Service program that provides B.C. tourism certificates and cashier training, and begins February 6.
  • At Cap’s Squamish and Sunshine Coast campuses, programs include:
    • WorkStart Essentials, an eight-week program beginning January 23, that will provide certification in Word and Excel, WorldHost, and Occupational First Aid. Completion of this program then leads to either Business and Computer Essentials or Introduction to the Trades.   

Participants in programs must be unemployed individuals who have not established an Employment Insurance claim in the past three years, or five years in the case of maternity/parental leave.

“Higher education is key to our province’s growth and prosperity as we develop the workers of the future,” Yamamoto said. “Under the BC Jobs Plan, we’re working with our quality post-secondary institutions to increase learning and employment opportunities, building the foundation for a stronger economy.”

The Employment Skills Access Initiative is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

Over the next decade, British Columbia is projected to have more than one million job openings. A new wave of economic growth stimulated by the BC Jobs Plan will further increase the number of jobs. The BC Jobs Plan will ensure the more than $500 million provided annually for labour market and training programs is targeted to meeting regional and industry labour market needs.

More information about Capilano University’s ESA training programs can be obtained by e-mail at esa@capilanou.ca or by visiting this website.

Capilano University students win B.C. Aboriginal student award

Three Capilano University Aboriginal students are recipients of an Irving K. Barber Aboriginal Student Award from the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society. The Cap recipients are: Sage Birley from Baldonnel in the Peace River District, Sheila Hantan from North Vancouver, and an unnamed recipient from Langley.

The B.C. Aboriginal Student Award is funded from the returns on a $10 million endowment fund established by the province of B.C. in 2007 as part of its strategy to improve Aboriginal achievement and access to education. Awards of $1,000 – $3,500 are given annually to Aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education in B.C.

“Through the Irving K. Barber B.C. Scholarship Society, we are supporting Aboriginal learners to take post-secondary education and training so they’re ready to fill the jobs of tomorrow, which is an important part of the BC Jobs Plan,” said Naomi Yamamoto, minister of advanced education. “Congratulations and best wishes to the recipients as they continue their studies.”

The Irving K. Barber BC Scholarship Society works with the Victoria Foundation to provide scholarships to students attending public post-secondary institutions throughout the province and internationally. To date, the Society has awarded more than $3.8 million from its six scholarship programs.

“Our society board has adopted steps to ensure a stable level of awards each year regardless of market conditions,” said Hugh Gordon, society chair. “It’s part of our commitment to ensuring access to education for deserving students from throughout the province.”

To make a donation or to find out more about the B.C. Aboriginal Student Award and the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society, visit http://www.bcscholarship.ca/web/ or call the Victoria Foundation at 250.381.5532.

 

Capilano University tourism students accept first place award from B.C.’s Minister of Environment

Left to right: MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour Jane Thornthwaite, B.C.’s Minister of Environment Terry Lake, Capilano University tourism degree students Louise Wirtz, Nada Mher Al Saadi, Frankie Aeng and Nic Alder, and Minister of Advanced Education and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale Naomi Yamamoto are all at Cap on Nov. 25 to see the four students accept awards for their first place finish at the Tourism & Hospitality Case competition held in October. More information can be found on Capilano University’s newsroom blog. Photo by Ken Barbour.