Latest news with #BrockUniversity
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
From doubt to degree: students rewarded after post-COVID pivot
Before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, both Jennifer Breddam and Deanna Garand never dreamed they would go to university — let alone graduate. Breddam, 37, stepped out of her wheelchair she uses due to chronic back problems and walked across the stage to receive her labour studies degree Wednesday at the University of Manitoba spring convocation ceremony. Garand, 32, was handed her degree in nursing a day later. 'I feel I can do a lot of good through a public policy lens,' said Breddam, who will begin a masters degree program in social justice and equity studies at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., in the fall. Garand said she told people many times through the years that she would never set foot in a university. 'People who know me can't believe I was in university,' she said laughing. 'My aunts are nurses, my grandmother was one too, and they were surprised when I said I've been accepted into nursing — but they were all excited.' Breddam and Garand are two of the 2,934 graduating students receiving their diplomas this week at the U of M Fort Garry campus convocation. The convocation began Wednesday and continues to Friday. The ceremonies have already seen Dave Angus, who was president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce for 17 years before becoming president of Johnston Group, an employee benefits company, be installed as the university's 15th chancellor. Four people will receive honorary degrees, the university's highest honour. They include: former Manitoba premier Greg Selinger; Sister Lesley Sacouman, who joined the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary when she was 17 and went on to co-found Rossbrook House and Esther House; Rosanna Deerchild, host of CBC radio show Unreserved and a Cree storyteller from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation; and Catherine (Kate) Bowler, a Winnipeg historian and New York Times bestselling author who wrote several memoirs after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at 35. Breddam, who had injured several discs in her back years earlier, was working in human resources with Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority when the pandemic hit. 'With my job, I was in the car for long periods of time, doing visits within the health region, and I had constant back pain,' she said. 'Then, in 2020, one day I couldn't get up — I couldn't stand or walk. For about eight months (during COVID-19 lockdowns) I was pretty much bedridden. I even needed help with dressing and showering. But, when I was lying down, I was not in a lot of pain and my fiance recommended that, to distract me and give me something to work towards, that I register for online courses at the university. 'I knew it wasn't going to be a quick recovery, so I did.' When lockdowns were lifted, Breddam switched to hybrid courses, with some online and others in person. While in university, Breddam became involved with organizations supporting and advocating for people living with disabilities. She has been chairwoman of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities for two years. She also served as president of the Labour Studies Students Association. There's only one downside to the two-year degree program she is about to start. 'My wedding for this July has been put on hold — that really sucked — but, while I have received scholarships, I needed the money for my education. My fiance fully supports me.' Garand, who is Métis, was working as a makeup artist and manager with a retail cosmetic company and cannabis outlet when the pandemic shuttered all that. That's when she began looking at her options. 'I never really wanted to go to university, I didn't want to go to school for any reason,' she said. 'But once COVID started, and I couildn't work anymore, my family and friends said why don't you go to school? Maybe you'll find something you like.' Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. Garand said she 'hemmed and hawed' but submitted her application on the final day. 'I thought, if I ever go back to school, now is the time.' With a nursing job in the community waiting for her, she is thanking the university and the Indigenous Student Centre for the support she was given. 'If I had gone back to school when I was younger, I wouldn't have been able to finish,' Garand said. 'I think a little bit of life experience helped. 'I'm glad I did.' Kevin RollasonReporter Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press's city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin. Every piece of reporting Kevin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Helping Ontario Students Succeed: ONCAT Funds Innovative Projects to Support Postsecondary Learner Mobility
TORONTO, June 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Dr. Adrienne Galway, President and CEO of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), announced funding to support projects that help students access postsecondary opportunities across Ontario's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, ONCAT awarded $2.04 million in funding for 29 institutional projects. "ONCAT's funding for institutional projects will reduce barriers and smooth transitions for learners," said Dr. Galway. "We prioritize innovative initiatives with the potential to scale or be adopted across institutions, that help learners successfully navigate their academic journey and receive appropriate recognition for previous academic and work experience. Our mission is to ensure that learners complete their postsecondary credentials and transition successfully into the workforce." "Our province's postsecondary education programs are building Ontario's workforce of today and tomorrow," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Our government is proud to support ONCAT and their critical efforts to reduce barriers for students looking to get the training they need to begin successful careers that meet our province's labour market needs." "ONCAT's funding empowers institutions to collaborate and innovate in support of student success," said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College, and Co-Chair of ONCAT's Board of Directors. "These projects provide practical solutions that make it easier for learners to move forward with confidence," added Dr. Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University, and Co-Chair of ONCAT's Board of Directors. "Together, we're building a more connected and responsive postsecondary system that puts learners at the centre and helps them reach their full potential." ONCAT-funded projects showcase innovative approaches to enhancing learner mobility across Ontario's postsecondary sector. Examples of institutional projects and collaborative initiatives include: Building Pathways: Kinesiology to Massage Therapy Lead institution: Ontario Tech University Partner organization: Durham College Builds pathway opportunities from Kinesiology to Massage Therapy programs. By developing new course materials, the pathway will reduce the time required to complete a second program—helping learners enter the labour market sooner. Creating Engineering Pathways for Military-connected Learners Lead institution: Lakehead University Partner organization: Georgian College Develops specialized pathways for military-connected learners to enrol in accredited Bachelor of Engineering programs. By recognizing the skills and experiences from the Canadian Armed Forces, the project will expand access to programs that support in-demand labour market sectors. Embracing A Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Lead institution: Brock University Project summary: Implements culturally relevant assessment practices for admission and advanced standing. By creating resources that support Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, the project will increase opportunities for Indigenous learners to access postsecondary programs. Improving Program Delivery to Enhance Learner Mobility Lead institution: St. Clair College Improves program delivery to enhance accessibility and learner mobility. By modularizing courses, standardizing assessments, developing bridging resources and leveraging online platforms, the project will create flexible pathways that support student success. Developing Evidence-informed Practices for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Lead institution: Humber Polytechnic Develops evidence-informed resources for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. By implementing new strategies and practices for PLAR advising, this project will help more learners access postsecondary opportunities that advance their professional goals. Improving Transfer Opportunities for Francophone and Bilingual Students Lead institution: Laurentian University Reviews a framework for articulation agreements between institutions that deliver French-language programs. By updating credit recognition analyses, the project will facilitate more opportunities for Francophone and bilingual students to pursue their educational and professional goals. Engaging Faculty to Support Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Lead institution: Loyalist College Creates resources that support faculty engagement with policies and practices related to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. By expanding PLAR awareness across the institution, this project will promote flexible, responsive and equitable access to postsecondary education. About ONCAT Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to support students seeking to move between the province's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. ONCAT partners with postsecondary institutions to help establish academic pathways, facilitate recognition of prior learning, and support learners' transition into the labour market. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario. To learn more, visit
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Niagara ready to host 2025 Ontario Parasport Games
Port Colborne and other Niagara municipalities are gearing up to welcome some of Ontario's top parasport athletes this weekend as the city plays host to sledge hockey competitions during the 44th Ontario Parasport Games, running Friday through Sunday. Vale Health and Wellness Centre will be one of several venues across the Niagara region participating. The Games are expected to draw more than 500 participants and will feature more than 10 adapted sports, including wheelchair basketball and goalball. While Canada Games Park in Thorold and Brock University in St. Catharines will host several events, Port Colborne's role as a Games co-host offers a unique opportunity to shine. Admission to all venues will be free, giving local people a chance to experience high-calibre competition and cheer on athletes representing communities across Ontario. The Games are being organized by Sport Niagara, a non-profit legacy group formed following the 2022 Canada Summer Games. Its goal is to build on Niagara's momentum as a host for provincial and national sporting events. 'Niagara has such a rich parasport history,' said Jeff Tiessen, a three-time Paralympian and chair of the Games steering committee. 'I'm excited for these Games to create even more adapted sport opportunities for individuals with disabilities.' Since its inception in 1975, the Ontario Parasport Games has become a key event in the province's adaptive sports calendar. Events include boccia, swimming and others, though Port Colborne's hosting will be focused on sledge hockey. Information on the sledge hockey schedule and the full Parasport Games schedule can be found on the organization's website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
27-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Alzheimer's walk at Brock University deemed a ‘big success'
Education, in-home support services and wellness programs offered by the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region got a financial boost thanks to the 21st annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's . 'The sun was shining and it was a big success,' said local Alzheimer society chief executive officer Teena Kindt following the walk at Brock University on Sunday. Kindt said more than 300 walkers took part in the event and they reached their fundraising goal of $180,000. 'That's fabulous news,' said Kindt who noted the support programs they provide do not receive government funding and all the money raised stays in Niagara. 'It's great to see young kids with their grandparents (taking part).' Kindt said the Brock walk was one of more that 150 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's events across Canada on May 24 and 25. 'You come out and you hear people's stories,' Kindt said. 'These are your neighbours.' The walk began in the Guernsey Market in the university and then went outside for a two-kilometre walk around the campus. During the walk, participants were encouraged to stop at each of the 11 stations that provided food samples and information on healthy brain strategies. An online auction in support of the event is open until 7 p.m. on June 8 and it can be accessed via . The Alzheimer society said there are 12,097 people living with dementia in the Niagara region and Kindt said that number is underestimated.
Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
‘I totally believe in this': Annual Rankin Cancer Run draws thousands to Brock University
For Kim Sackfie the annual Rankin Cancer Run is much more than a community event. 'I am a 12-year breast cancer survivor,' said the St. Catharines resident and day-one Rankin run participant who was among hundreds of cancer patients and survivors wearing orange T-shirts at the 18th annual event held on Saturday and for the first time at Brock University. Breast cancer survivor Kim Sackfie was among some 3,000 participants in Saturday's Rankin Cancer Run at Brock University. 'I totally believe in this charity because it raises money for Niagara and all the money stays here.' Sackfie was part of the Tumor-Nators team that was running in memory of her niece, Laura Jean Smith, who died from brain cancer in 2012. Participants had a choice of running or walking a five-kilometre or one-kilometre route around the university grounds under a mostly cloudy sky with a cool breeze. 'Without events like this, the research and the funding would not be available as greatly as it is and it also brings everyone together and gives you a bit of hope,' said Eve McArdle, who will be having surgery for thyroid cancer next month. 'I'm pretty proud to be walking this today.' Cancer patient Eve McArdle took part in her first Rankin Cancer Run at Brock University on Saturday. The St. Catharines resident noted this was her first time taking part in the event as a member of the StoneRidge Insurance Performers squad. Run director Mary Ann Edwards said as many as 3,000 people took part in the event and about 7,000 did their own walk/run off site. 'A ton of schoolchildren have already done it at their own schools where they get 100 per cent participation,' Edwards said. Youngsters took part in a children's mini sprint at the annual Rankin Cancer Run at Brock University on Saturday. While the event has raised $12.6 million for cancer research and support programs at Niagara hospitals and other local organizations since it began at the Grantham Lions Park in St. Catharines — it returned in 2022 with an 'any time, anywhere' format after a two-year COVID pandemic pause — Edwards was unable to yet say how much Saturday's event garnered as pledges are expected to keep rolling in for several months. 'This is going to keep going until the end of the year when I do my distribution (of the funds raise) in December,' Edwards said.
