Latest news with #UniversityofKing'sCollege
CBC
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Stories about Black Atlantic Canadians inspire young readers
Lindsay Ruck comes from a family steeped in the history of the contributions of Black Atlantic Canadians and she wants to pass along those stories in a form accessible to children. Her father Douglas was the valedictorian of his graduating class at the University of King's College in Halifax and went on to study law at Dalhousie University. He founded his own law firm and became the first Black ombudsman of Nova Scotia. Ruck's grandfather, Calvin, was a social worker and social activist who pressed for equal rights for Black residents in the Halifax area. When a barber refused to cut his son's hair because he was black, Calvin fought back and ensured that no one in the city could be refused a haircut based on the colour of their skin. Residents tried to stop him from moving into their mostly white neighbourhood — he ended up living there for 50 years. Ruck said her father and grandfather did a lot of work "with social activism and standing up for human rights for their different black communities." She tells their stories, and the stories of other Black heroes, in her children's book, Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians, and she's currently on a tour of the region during Canadian Children's Book Week. Originally, Ruck planned on writing a children's book about an all-Black unit during the First World War. Her grandfather, Calvin, had already written a book for adults called The Black Battalion and Ruck wanted to write an illustrated version for kids. She approached a publisher and they said, "Great idea, but how about you do 50 profiles on amazing Atlantic Canadians?" The resulting book, published in 2021, is a compendium of stories, with artwork by James Bentley, about more than 50 Black athletes, artists, social activists, military heroes and ground-breaking rights advocates. Stories about Black N.B. artists, athletes They are from around the Atlantic region and include New Brunswickers like Chris Skinner, a Saint Johner who played in the CFL, Fredericton's Willie O'Ree, the first Black player in the NHL, world-renowned Fredericton opera singer Measha Brueggergosman and Saint Andrews-born 19th-century painter Edward Mitchell Bannister. Ruck said she hopes kids are inspired by these important historical figures. "I have two young children and when I share some of these stories with them, I'm always interested to see the information that they take away," she said. "But the biggest thing is [these Black leaders] lived in the same region [the kids] lived in, which is really exciting for them." "They were [also] just people who had a passion about something … an artist or an athlete or an activist who just decided to do the right thing." Ruck wrote the book as a way of teaching young people about Black history, but she hopes people of all ages are inspired by these stories of courageous people who accomplished great things in the face of resistance and racism. "I hope people are inspired by that and understand that these are still things we can do today," she said. "Standing up for what is right or following your dreams. These are all things that young and old can still pursue."
CBC
12-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Students decry 'shameful' 25% rate increase at Halifax university residence
Social Sharing Post-secondary students living in the residence at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax were shocked by a letter from administration last week outlining a 25 per cent monthly rate increase for residence rooms starting in September. The residence provides housing for up to 103 students from Dalhousie University, NASCAD University, Saint Mary's University, Nova Scotia Community College and the University of King's College, as well as its own students. Since the news of the rental increase, students have been organizing in protest, putting up signs and flyers around the south-end campus emblazoned with slogans like, "Cut the Hike — No to 25." University of King's College physics student Nicholas Todd is one of the dorm residents protesting the increase. He says many students will struggle to pay the higher rates but can't afford to move elsewhere. "AST booting the rent up is actually going to create a significant trail of human misery behind it," Todd said in an interview Monday. According to the Atlantic School of Theology, the current residence rental rates range from $660 to $768 monthly for standard or large single rooms, with a shared kitchen and bathrooms. Todd said these inexpensive rates are what drew many students there. He is living in the cheapest room style, paying $660 per month. After the increase in September, that will rise to around $825. "It's very, very frustrating to see such a stark increase," Todd said. "Especially when our building manager in our email said that they are aware … there is the five per cent limit due to the Tenancy Act, but universities are exempt." University says rates remain lowest in city Atlantic School of Theology president Rev. Heather McCance said the increase is an attempt to bring the university's residence rates closer to the market rate in the city. She said even with the increase, the rooms will be going for 25 per cent less than dorms at other universities. But she said she understands the students' concerns. "I don't blame them for being upset," McCance said in an interview Tuesday. "I'd be upset. You'd be upset. Anybody would be upset with that kind of a jump. And we looked at the possibility of spreading it out, but frankly, there are costs we need to recoup." McCance said the federal government's international student cap has been hurting the school's bottom line. She said the residence used to have a long waitlist, but this year the dorm is not even full. In December 2022, the provincial government provided $3 million to the Atlantic School of Theology to upgrade the residence and add more beds to meet increased demand for student housing. McCance said "it was an expectation from the province" that when the renovations were complete, the university would raise the rent closer to market value. Not protected by province's temporary rent cap According to the Nova Scotia government, university and college dorm rentals do not fall under the province's Residential Tenancies Act because "they are board governed institutions that determine their rental costs." This means the temporary ban on rent increases over five per cent does not apply to students renting there. "We are disappointed with this sizeable rent increase at a time when cost of living increases are affecting many students," said Department of Advanced Education spokesperson Chloee Sampson. Sampson also said the department gave no direction to the Atlantic School of Theology to increase rents as part of the funding agreement. Char Russell, a NASCAD University student who lives in the Atlantic School of Theology dorms, said they were surprised to learn the province's rent cap doesn't apply to universities. "It's really shameful that this is happening," Russell said. "Especially because it feels like they're taking advantage of a loophole to exploit students." Both Russell and Todd said they don't feel the building is worth the new higher prices, saying it isn't in great condition and citing the presence of mould as an example. McCance denied this but admitted there is "occasionally some mildew" that is dealt with quickly. This week, a poster advertising an opportunity for students to meet with McCance and other university officials on March 20 was posted inside the building. McCance said she has only heard directly from one student contesting the increase, and she wants to open a dialogue. "I want to hear what they need more of to make this an attractive place for them to live," she said. "And we will do everything we can to make that happen within the constraints that we have on us." Russell said the best outcome would be for the university to reconsider the rate increase, "especially during a housing crisis."
CBC
16-02-2025
- General
- CBC
I started university for the first time at 55 with Gen Z classmates
This First Person column is by Colleen Sharpe, who is a second-year student at the University of King's College in Halifax. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ. I grinned to myself as the bus transported me and my new backpack full of books, paper and pens toward campus. It was my first day of realizing a years-long dream. My excitement grew as I got off the bus at a campus stop and found the classrooms. Going into my small tutorial classroom, I glimpsed students looking expectantly at me as though I were the professor — perhaps a natural assumption since I was the only grey-haired person in the room. But when I took a seat among them instead of at the head of the room, they all quickly looked back down at their phones while I awkwardly riffled through my backpack. I didn't just go back to school at age 55. I began university for the first time in my 50s. For years, I would longingly read stories of older people going "back" to school, but typically, they were going to graduate school. I hadn't even had the opportunity to start — much less complete — an undergraduate degree, which was unusual given I had always loved being in school. WATCH | Meet Canada's youngest university graduate: #TheMoment this 12-year-old got a university degree 2 years ago Duration 1:24 Anthaea-Grace Patricia Dennis started university at the age of nine and earned a bachelor's of science by the age of 12, making her Canada's youngest university graduate. Growing up, I had won spelling bees and math certificates. I once memorized the human body's circulatory system just for fun. I thrived on organizing my homework assignments in a little notebook. However, my parents' divorce, my father's undiagnosed mental illness and my family's involvement in a conservative religious culture that shamed rock music, dating and women's education left me feeling depressed and sometimes suicidal during high school. When I had to drop a Grade 11 academic math course because I could no longer keep up with the workload of my university-prep courses, I felt I had lost my identity and hopes. I briefly considered going to hairdressing school, but by my last year of high school, my motivation was lost to undiagnosed depression. My next 35-plus years were filled with jobs, marriage, children, volunteer work and the relief of depression treatment. I decided to give my children a home-based education, and I set about to figure out how. Today I know I made that decision because I loved learning. I wanted to pass this love on to my children. While planning their high school courses and helping them research post-secondary options, I began dreaming about attending university as well. On the practical side, perhaps a degree would lead to interesting job opportunities. On the dreaming side, I had learned through the home-education project just how endlessly fascinating history, science and literature could be. Of course, I could just read and try writing on my own about any subject for the rest of my life. However, I wanted to do this with the feedback of experienced professors. I also felt that earning a degree would validate me to myself in a way that self-study couldn't. I had unfinished business of wanting to prove to myself that I was academically capable. Still, the idea seemed impossible — no time, no money and no confidence that I would be able to handle that level of learning. Nevertheless, I voraciously planned out multiple degrees for myself in nursing, costume studies, law, Irish studies, linguistics, cultural studies and more. By 2019, both our children had finished homeschooling, and I was self-employed as a reading tutor. Then tragedy hit our family in July 2021. Our then-20-year-old daughter was struck by a car and nearly killed. Our family got through this together with a lot of support, and helping my daughter recover became the focus of my life for the next two years. The shock of nearly losing her imprinted upon me just how fleeting life is. In 2023, the idea of university surfaced yet again and I yearningly talked with a friend about it. She bluntly told me to apply because if I arrived at my deathbed without having tried, I would regret it. So, one month before the fall 2023 semester was to begin, I applied for school and financial aid, "just to see what would happen." I doubted I would be accepted for either. Within weeks, I opened an acceptance email from the University of King's College in Halifax. I also received provincial and federal financial aid, with more grants than I expected, in addition to zero per cent interest loans. I had time, and now money was available. The last thing I needed was confidence, which would not arrive unless I actually committed to school. I wavered under overwhelming fears: could I keep up with all my responsibilities, would any of my younger classmates accept me, how would my husband and I make ends meet with my reduced self-employment schedule? However, with my husband's encouragement, I decided to take the plunge. What followed was the exhilaration of learning, as well as the overwhelming amount of work that I hadn't experienced since I cared for my newborn babies. My fellow students breezily tapped keys on their laptops, effortlessly formatting outlines during lectures while my hand cramped around my pen as I fumbled for the first time in many years with how to rapidly take useful notes. When a longtime friend called partway through my first month in university to ask how things were going, he calmly listened to me sob, "I can't do this," and then gave me a pep talk. I decided to face my fears head-on. I memorized the names of every student in my tutorial group so I could greet them by name. I sat in different seats during daily lectures to try to engage in conversation during breaks. Emme and I shared our lives with each other on bus rides home. Kate offered to look over my papers. Later, I taught Kate to embroider. I had lost freedom with time, but, oh, the freedom that began to open in my mind while learning so many philosophical, historical and literary ideas with these kind students. I also may or may not have learned a Gen Z cultural reference or two, one of them being "boygenius," and I may or may not have had to do some research to get a better understanding of it. Blessedly, the trauma of my daughter's accident began to fade. I stared down anxiety-filled semester-end oral exams as best as I could and finished my first year in April 2024 with new friends and a final grade that boosted my confidence. My current hope is to combine English and the history of science and esoterica into a degree. While I wrestled with the practicality of this decision, I realized that as a mature student I already knew how to live my life practically. I wanted a chance to deepen my thinking skills through studying ideas that interested me. I came to understand that doing this enriches my practical skills anyway. My university journey so far has proven to me that I am indeed academically capable. But more than that, it has taught me that if I desire to make a life change and can figure out how to make it happen, then my age does not matter. The bonus is that even when I question my academic abilities, my Gen Z classmates are among my biggest supporters.
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Sir Isaac Newton letter from 1704 predicts when world will end – and it's not far away
Renowned scientist Sir Isaac Newton predicted when the world would end in a letter dating back more than 300 years ago. A letter from the famous mathematician and physicist - who was best known for formulating the laws of gravity - revealed he believed the world would end in 2060, as he scrawled the warning above a series of mathematical calculations in 1704. Also a theologian, Sir Isaac based his predictions for the end of the world on his Protestant interpretation of the Bible. Sir Isaac calculated the year in question using maths and dates in biblical history to land on the prophesied apocalypse, which he put in the middle of the 21st century. He used the days numbered 1260, 1290 and 2300 in the Book of Daniel and Revelations, which mark the end and beginning of certain important moments in the apocalypse. However, he interpreted these days as years. Studying history, he settled on 800AD as the date the abandonment of the church formally began - the year the Holy Roman Empire was founded. He then calculated the world would reset 1,260 years after its founding. He predicted the end would be marked by plagues and war, as he wrote in the 1704 letter: 'And the days of short lived Beasts being put for the years of lived [sic] kingdoms, the period of 1260 days, if dated from the complete conquest of the three kings AC 800, will end AC 2060.' Sir Isaac caveated his prophecy: 'It may end later, but I see no reason for its ending sooner. 'This I mention not to assert when the time of the end shall be, but to put a stop to the rash conjectures of fanciful men who are frequently predicting the time of the end, and by doing so bring the sacred prophesies into discredit as often as their predictions fail.' Professor Stephen Snobelen, from the history of science and technology department at the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, said Sir Isaac was 'wary of prophetic date-setting' and 'worried that the failure of fallible human predictions based on divine prophecy would bring the Bible into disrepute'. Prof Snobelen said in his Statement on the Date 2060 that Sir Isaac didn't believe the world would end in a literal sense. He added: 'For Newton, 2060 AD would be more like a new beginning. It would be the end of an old age, and the beginning of a new era - the era Jews refer to the Messianic age and the era premillenarian Christians term the Millennium or Kingdom of God.'
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Author Julie Strong Unveils Compelling Historical Drama, 'The Tudor Prophecy'
Step into the tumultuous world of Tudor England 'An astonishment of riches—impeccably researched, gorgeous detail; wry, earthy humour; nimble, beautiful prose—The Tudor Prophecy.' — Carol Bruneau, author NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, January 28, 2025 / / -- Step into the tumultuous world of Tudor England with Julie Strong's debut novel, 'The Tudor Prophecy'. Set in 1541 during the volatile reign of Henry VIII, this masterful blend of historical fiction and Welsh mythology offers an unforgettable story of survival, courage, and legacy. With meticulously researched historical detail and captivating prose, Strong brings to life the struggles of two young women in a world ruled by power and fear. The Tudor Prophecy introduces readers to Hester Vaughan, a guilt-ridden herbalist desperate to save her family after her uncle's arrest for adhering to the Roman Catholic faith. Thrust into poverty, Hester's journey takes her from the dangerous court of Henry VIII, where she attempts to cure the king's infamous leg ulcers, to the mystical hills of Wales. There, she faces the remnants of pagan rituals and uncovers her true destiny: forging a bond with a young Lady Elizabeth that could alter England's future. Julie Strong draws upon her background as a family physician and her deep connection to Welsh culture to craft a narrative that intertwines personal resilience, political intrigue, and the enduring power of prophecy. Her exploration of themes such as feminine strength, religious conflict, and the coexistence of ancient and modern beliefs resonates profoundly in today's world. Praise for The Tudor Prophecy 'A dazzling, fast-paced journey through 16th-century England, The Tudor Prophecy skillfully captures the challenges faced by women in an era defined by upheaval and brutality. Strong's beautiful prose and earthy humour shine, and her careful research brings this historical setting to life.' — Dr Elizabeth Edwards, Professor of Medieval History, University of King's College. 'An astonishment of riches—impeccably researched, gorgeously detailed, and fiercely ambitious. Strong reveals the eternal feminine in an era driven by animus and schism. The Tudor Prophecy is an unforgettable exploration of power and humanity.' — Carol Bruneau, author of Brighten the Corner Where You Are She is working on Keeping it Together Down Under, a memoir recounting her childhood experiences in an orphanage in Tasmania, Australia. What Readers Are Saying 'A fast-paced and exciting narrative spanning London to North Wales. Strong gives us the struggles of ordinary women during turbulent times and traces their perilous journeys with vivid storytelling.' — Apple Gidley, author of 'Fireburn'. High-Resolution Imagery Available For imagery that captures the essence of The Tudor Prophecy, including depictions of Hester's courtly encounters, Welsh landscapes, and her fateful meeting with Lady Elizabeth, please contact us at the details below. The Tudor Prophecy is available now in print and e-book formats from Amazon and other major retailers and online platforms. Visit and for more information and purchase options. Media Inquiries Anne Louise O'Connell To watch Julie's interview on History Bards and Down Under Interviews: Author Julie Strong ----------------------------------------------------- About The Tudor Prophecy Set during one of England's most fractious periods, The Tudor Prophecy tells a story of personal resilience amid sweeping political and religious change. Hester Vaughan's journey—from a guilt-ridden young woman to a figure of prophetic significance—offers readers an intimate look at the lives of women in Tudor England and their enduring impact on history. Discover a world where courage defies tyranny and prophecy shapes destiny. Pick up your copy of The Tudor Prophecy today! World Books World Book Publishing Industry +61 431 724 652 Instagram YouTube TikTok Other Legal Disclaimer:
