News
$800,000 Investment in Nautical Institute
Premier Darrell Dexter made a visit to NSCC's Strait Area Campus in February to announce an $800,000 investment in marine programming for the NSCC Nautical Institute.
"Our province has become a centre of excellence for thriving industries like ocean technology," said Premier Dexter. "We're taking an active role in making sure young people know about the thousands of good jobs available, and that they have access to the support and training needed to prepare for those opportunities."
The funding will enable technology investments that enhance the learning experience in Marine Navigation Technology, Marine Engineering Technology and Marine Geomatics.
NSCC Nautical Institute | Marine Programs
Sierra Leone Civil War Survivor Visits Akerley Campus
When students in the Adult Learning Program at NSCC's Akerley Campus read Mariatu Kamara's memoir, The Bite of the Mango, they were empowered to share her story with others. They raised $1,800 to bring the motivational speaker to Dartmouth from her current residence in Toronto.
Hundreds gathered in the Akerley gymnasium on March 26 to hear how the Sierra Leone-born Kamara lost her hands to rebels during the country's civil war, and how she fled to Canada to become the UNICEF Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict.
"People get caught up in their problems and forget how fortunate they are," said NSCC student Michelle Bissette, who was deployed to Sierra Leone as a medic with the British Royal Navy. "Mariatu reminds us of that."
Mariatu Kamara | The Bite of the Mango
New Store Opens at COGS
Good things are in store for students at NSCC's Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS). On April 9, they gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Area 145, the new campus store.
It's a welcome development for students who, for years, have travelled approximately 12K from the centre in Lawrencetown to shop for groceries and other amenities. "We saw a need in our community that we wanted to fill and we were able to do that with the launch of this store," said Isabel Madeira-Voss, Principal, Annapolis Valley Campus.
Area 145 offers students books and supplies for programs, along with groceries, cosmetics and unique college mementos, such as branded clothing and novelty items. The store welcomes product suggestions from students, staff and community members.
Area 145 | Centre of Geographic Sciences
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a tweet from Chris Hadfield.
NSCC's Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) is renowned for its ability to map just about anything. Even tweets. These aren't just any tweets. They belong to Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield, who recently returned from the International Space Station. The Flight Engineer on Expedition 34, Chris is tweeting snapshots of his views from the station as it orbits the earth for his more than 755,000 followers.
Along with NSCC faculty member Dave MacLean, students have mapped the locations of snapshots that are taken daily. "It's been a unique learning experience for students because they get to add state-of-the-art mapping capabilities they will use on the job," says Dave MacLean.
Chris Hadfield | International Space Station View
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Welcome Jane Davies
When Jane Davies became the new Executive Director of the NSCC Foundation last December, she vowed, "You will not find me sitting in my office very often."
Jane is making good on that promise. With equal parts energy and enthusiasm, she is ready to foster relationships and build on the College's legacy of transforming lives and communities. By leading the effort to raise funds for the Foundation, Jane hopes to eliminate financial barriers for anyone who wants to pursue a brighter future at NSCC.
So far, Jane says her experiences at NSCC have been very rewarding, adding, "I am looking forward to connecting with alumni and the opportunities we have to work together to support NSCC and its students."
Jane Davies | Executive Director, NSCC Foundation
Medal-Winning Performance
When it comes to baking, you could say Patrice Burke ('12) more than measures up.
Last November, Patrice, a graduate of the NSCC Baking & Pastry Art program at Akerley Campus, won the gold medal in baking at the WorldSkills Americas competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
"I feel incredibly blessed to have had such great support and wonderful teachers. The college really prepared me for working in this industry. It also gave me confidence and opportunities, like participating in this competition."
Currently, Patrice is putting her culinary creativity to work filling private orders while searching for employment. "Being an NSCC alumnus means a lot to me because my program has an international reputation and that helps in establishing my credentials."
Patrice Burke | Baking & Pastry Art
IBM Partnership
A new partnership between IBM Canada, the province, five Nova Scotia universities and NSCC will make it possible for more IT students and grads to find high-paying, long-term jobs close to home.
IBM is creating a new Canadian Delivery Centre for application services to be located in Halifax with services also delivered from Sydney. They expect to hire up to 500 people over the next eight years in a variety of positions. In parallel, IBM is also working with NSCC and the universities to create a province-wide centre of excellence in analytics education, certification, training and research.
The announcement is good news for Michaela LeBlanc, a second-year student in the IT-Web Development program at NSCC's Burridge Campus. "The doors this partnership will open to new and bigger opportunities for people in our field are definitely exciting."
Adds Don Bureaux, NSCC president: "By working together, we will create a hub of learning and research that provides our students and companies with a competitive advantage in a fast-growing area of the IT sector."
IBM Canada | New Canadian Delivery Centre
Entrepreneurs Sustaining Success
Can you turn your passion for sustainable living into a successful business? NSCC alumnus Joel Flewelling, co-owner of Whet Café FRED, and Chris DeWaal of Nova Scotia's Getaway Farms did, and they told NSCC students, alumni and faculty how, in a unique event called Sustaining Nova Scotia.
Hosted by the College's Y.E.S. (Your Entrepreneurial Self) program, the session was held at the NSCC Waterfront Campus last November and streamed online. It also featured Sandra MacKenzie, Deputy Minister of the Department of Labour & Advanced Education, who showcased the province's jobsHere plan and its goal for a more sustainable economy.
"They say you should determine what you love to do and find a way to get paid doing it," says NSCC graduate Janet Tobin ('06). "It was inspiring to hear from local entrepreneurs and NSCC alumni who've done that."
Sustaining Nova Scotia Video »
Success Found Locally | Joel Flewelling & Chris DeWaal
First-ever Mad Dash Run
As events go, it was pretty dashing. Last November, NSCC students and alumni gathered at the Shelburne Campus for the first-ever MAD Dash Run. Held in support of the NSCC Foundation, approximately 66 people raised more than $1,800 for the campus' student awards program through this 5k/10k run.
"The spirit and energy of the day was contagious," says Nicolle Backman Taylor, Coordinator Student Retention & Employment. "It raised vital funds, but it also gave current and past students an opportunity to connect and share their NSCC experiences. The support was so tremendous we're making it an annual event, with the next MAD Dash taking place Saturday, November 23, 2013."
MAD Dash Run | Next Run: November 23, 2013
International Business Annual Celebration
NSCC International Business program graduates and faculty members expanded their horizons and experienced a bold new world of flavour as they held their annual alumni event last November in downtown Halifax.
The meet and greet took place at Piatto. In between savoury slices of pizza, attendees had an opportunity to reconnect and share news and recent achievements.
"Our network of alumni continues to grow, and these events continue to get better," says Leroy Lowe, faculty member, International Business Program, Truro Campus. "Our alumni are very active, serving as guest speakers, inviting students to their workplaces and offering internships and jobs for our graduating classes. In turn, we keep them informed of job opportunities that come available and offer support such as career advice and references."
International Business | Celebration at Piatto
New NSCC Story Hub
NSCC recently launched a new online story hub called NSCC Now – Stories Worth Sharing. Visit www.nsccnow.ca anytime for the latest stories about students, employees and grads – like you – who are making an impact in their communities, the province and beyond. You can also sign-up for the NSCC Now Newsletter (look for the "Subscribe" button) – another great way to stay connected with the NSCC community.
NSCC Now | Explore Stories
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Meet the Alumni Team
At the NSCC Alumni Relations Office, it's our goal to reach, serve and engage NSCC alumni. We are building programs and services designed just for you. We want to help you stay connected to the college, its communities and each other in fun and meaningful ways. You can help us grow our alumni community – share your story and let fellow alumni know so they can stay informed and get involved like you.
Ashley Power & Lena Stewart | NSCC Alumni Relations Team
Youth Skills Camp in China
Hilary Pelerine ('12) is happy she made the cut. The NSCC Pictou Campus Cosmetology program graduate was one of only 100 youth worldwide invited to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) youth skills camp this past summer in China.
Pelerine says the all-expenses-paid trip was an amazing experience, giving her insights into what life is like in China and an opportunity to visit cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. "You hear about the Great Wall your entire life, and I was standing on it. It's hard to believe I've been there and back."
Currently working as a hairstylist at the Head Shoppe in New Glasgow, Pelerine says the trip was made possible in part through her gold-winning performance in the hairstyling category at the 2011 Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City, QC.
Hilary Pelerine | APEC Youth Skills Camp
Grad Delivers Keynote at World Congress
Educators from around the world gathered in Halifax this past May for the 2012 World Congress. Hosted by NSCC, the event is a forum for colleges and polytechnics to come together and explore the trends, ideas and research that are impacting the sector.
Nicolas Mendoza, a 2012 graduate of the NSCC Waterfront Campus Business Administration program, delivered the keynote address for the event, sharing his journey to Nova Scotia from his native Colombia with an international audience. He also networked with educators, government representatives, entrepreneurs and leaders from around the world, such as former President of Mexico Vicente Fox.
"NSCC prepares students for real-life situations and challenges that professionals in all fields face every day," says Mendoza, who now operates JDM Services, a Halifax company that provides maintenance services to commercial buildings. "It was a great honor to be there."
Nicolas Mendoza | Keynote at World Congress
Cabinetmaking Program Inspires Crafty Business
Jana Bookholt had never worked with wood until she enrolled in the Cabinetmaking program at NSCC's Pictou Campus. "I had bought a house that needed work and that led me to the college."
Today, Bookholt works with wood all the time, crafting beautiful handmade cutting boards through her own company, Swaine Street Woodworking. Bookholt had not planned to be an entrepreneur after graduating in 2010, but a couple of local craft fairs, and a deluge of orders, convinced her to make a go of it.
"Having access to the campus workshop was crucial because I learned the basics of using the machinery, which made starting this business possible."
Bookholt is currently focused on getting her cutting boards, and her beeswax and rosemary and lemon polishes, into stores nationwide. "This has turned into a career for me, and I absolutely love it."
Jana Bookholt | Owner of Swaine Street Woodworking
COGS Alumni Celebrate 25 Years
Alumni and friends came together in Halifax this past June for a celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the College of Geographic Sciences (COGS).
More than 100 people attended the event, which was held during Geomatics Atlantic 2012. Highlights included the many speakers who shared their recollections of COGS, such as outgoing Principal Jim Stanley and new Principal Isabel Madeira-Voss. Attendees also had an opportunity to take in revolving slideshows showcasing COGS' history and to use Google Earth to locate fellow grads unable to attend. Sisters Cassie and Maggie MacDonald performed music during the event and Heather Craig and Corey Nelson won door prizes.
Originally known as the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute, COGS was renamed in 1986 and later became part of NSCC.
College of Geographic Sciences (COGS)
CRVS Carpentry Grads Honour Former Faculty
Cedric Hughes is a familiar name to many former Canso Regional Vocational School (CRVS) students. From 1971-1986 this carpentry instructor engaged young learners, putting them on the path to a rewarding career. This past June, more than 100 alumni and guests reunited at NSCC's Strait Area Campus to celebrate Hughes and share memories.
Carroll MacIsaac was among the attendees for the event. Now a faculty member at the Strait Area Campus, MacIsaac says Hughes had incredible passion for the trade and his students. "His energy was instilled in us and this is evident today in the success of his former students."
"It was an honour to have the support of NSCC to help bring this wonderful group of CRVS Carpentry grads back together," says Hughes.
Canso Regional Vocational School (CRVS) Reunion | Cedric Hughes
NSCC Pursues Patent
NSCC is pursuing a patent for a new wheelchair anti-slouch device developed by four NSCC Waterfront Campus Mechanical Engineering Technology program graduates.
The idea for the device originated with Gail Giffin, a senior occupational therapist at Northwood, a Halifax continuing care facility. She approached Applied Research at the College for assistance and the graduates, all second-year students at the time, created and tested a prototype.
"We've potentially improved the quality of life for patients, for continuing care assistants and physical therapy assistants," says Josh Matthews ('11), one of the students involved in the project. "It also showed me there is a market for people with my skills and qualifications in the medical equipment industry."
Are you developing a new/improved product or service? NSCC Applied Research may be able to help. For more information, contact .
Wheelchair Anti-slouch Device
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First Book Published
Having a book published was number one on Tom Ryan's ('01) bucket list, and he still can't believe it happened so quickly.
Some of us would rather leave the difficulties and embarrassments of our teen years in the past. Not Tom Ryan. Reconnecting with his adolescence resulted in his first novel, Way to Go, about a Cape Breton teen with a dangerous secret.
The book was inspired in part by Tom's experiences as a former NSCC Student Pathways Coordinator, and his own youth spent in rural Cape Breton. He also credits the Screen Arts Program for helping him frame his story. "By observing and making films, I learned about the structure of good storytelling, whether that is on screen or on paper."
Tom Ryan | Class of 2001
Students & Alumni Celebrate Entrepreneurship
NSCC students and alumni gathered at the World Trade & Convention Centre (WTCC) in Halifax on April 18 to celebrate entrepreneurship. Co-sponsored by NSCC's Alumni Relations Office and the college's Y.E.S. project (Your Entrepreneurial Self), guests participated in a speed networking exercise to share, learn and foster the spirit of entrepreneurship. They later attended a keynote address by businessman Robert Herjavec also held at the WTCC.
"To interact with some of NSCC's alumni was enlightening," said Adam Hayter, one of several students who participated in the event. "It's one way NSCC is preparing today's students for Nova Scotia's economy of tomorrow."
NSCC alumnus Joel Flewelling, co-owner of Fred, a Halifax salon, gallery and cafe, agreed. "It affirmed that what I am doing as an entrepreneur can be helpful to those who are finishing school. It was an honour to be among the other NSCC alumni in attendance."
Y.E.S. | Your Entrepreneurial Self
Truro Campus Hosted Mawio'mi 2012
It was a day of drumming, dancing and crafts as the Tourism Management program of the NSCC Truro Campus played host to Mawio'mi 2012.
A Mi'kmaq word meaning gathering, Mawio'mi is a unique opportunity for the community and alumni to experience and learn about Mi'kmaw and First Nations traditions and way of life.
"Sharing culture through such a moving experience goes a long way to help foster understanding and acceptance," says Chasity Meuse, the event organizer and coordinator of Aboriginal Student Services for NSCC Truro and Pictou campuses.
Mawio'mi 2012
Business Workshop & Networking in Pictou
Current and prospective students of the School of Business at the Pictou Campus joined alumni on March 1 to celebrate Y.E.S. (Your Entrepreneurial Self).
Through workshops and networking, guests shared a wide range of invaluable ideas and insights on small business ownership with other entrepreneurs and anyone interested in starting their own company. The entrepreneurship panel consisted of 4 NSCC alumni - Zelda Crossman ('97), Matthew Campbell ('09), Damian Welsh ('11) and Trudy Vince ('78).
"It was a reminder to new grads, and all those who use social media, the vast opportunities available to small businesses and individuals," says Lorna MacIsaac ('04). "The event was so professional it made me proud to be an alumnus of NSCC."
Networking in Pictou | Y.E.S.
Welcome to the first edition of the NSCC Alumni Newsletter.
We are delighted to have a network of alumni who identify as proud graduates of NSCC and our predecessor schools. I encourage each of you to catch up on the latest NSCC community news, events, and stories.
I believe NSCC is a special place to work and learn, and our graduates, play an important role in our continued vitality. Many of you give back to NSCC as mentors, advocates, community leaders, employers, volunteers, and donors and we truly appreciate all you do to make a difference.
Thank you for being part of NSCC – Don Bureaux, President | NSCC
NSCC Alumni News | Don Bureaux Welcome
Waterfront Campus Applied Arts Reunion & Social
On May 12, Waterfront Campus Applied Arts students, alumni and faculty gathered at the Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club in Dartmouth for their first reunion and social. Guests were able to network and reminisce before dancing the night away to the sweet sounds of current NSCC Music Arts students who showcased their R&B, Funk and Blues ensembles.
Applied Arts | Waterfront Campus
International Experiences & Internships
NSCC International helps to connect our alumni to international experiences and internships. This year alumni have applied for placements in the Caribbean, Vietnam and Tanzania. "These are amazing opportunities for our grads to become engaged in important work with NSCC partner organizations around the world", says NSCC International Director Katie Orr. NSCC alumni are invited to learn more about these and other opportunities through NSCC International.
NSCC International
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