Assiniboine Carpentry instructor, Josh Church, receives Instructor of the Year Award from Apprenticeship Manitoba

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www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine Carpentry instructor, Josh Church, receives Instructor of the Year Award from Apprenticeship Manitoba

BRANDON, Man. (November 4, 2022)— Apprenticeship Manitoba awarded Josh Church, Carpentry instructor in Assiniboine Community College’s School of Trades, with the Instructor of the Year award at their
16th annual Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction gala on November 2, 2022.

"It was very humbling to receive the nomination, and I cannot express how grateful I am to be the recipient of this award. The best feeling as a tradesperson was walking away from a job and seeing what you had created or accomplished. My students are now that accomplishment,” said Church.

A total of four Assiniboine instructors were nominated for the award this year: Rick Baker (Math & Science), Kyle McDonald (Ag & Heavy Duty Equipment Technician) and Kelly Hiscock (Ag & Heavy Duty Equipment Technician).

“The School of Trades is incredibly proud of our four nominees, and extends a special congratulations to Josh, who was chosen as the award recipient,” said Kevin Poirier, Dean, School of Trades at Assiniboine. “To work with individuals who are passionate about educating the next generation of trained tradespeople is a pleasure. These nominees exemplify Assiniboine’s vision of providing exceptional learning experiences in the classroom.”

Church is an Assiniboine alumnus, having completed all levels of his technical training for his Carpenter Apprenticeship at the college. He served his apprenticeship while working at Horizon Builders in Brandon, and once he received his Red Seal in 2011, worked as site supervisor. Church then worked for Keller Developments for five years, serving in different positions, from a journeyman on site to project management and estimating.

In 2018, Josh began working at the college, and has been instructing in the Carpentry program at the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology for five years.

“I hope to instill in my students the confidence to challenge themselves moving forward, and to be proud of what they create or accomplish. Tools may be upgraded or created, but a skilled tradesperson will never be replaceable," said Church.

Church has been an active member of several safety committees for more than 15 years, has helped to build safety programs for the industry, and is currently working toward his goal of completing the National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) designation.

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of "learn by doing," programs combine theory with hands- on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college's Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 60 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine's annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 94 per cent were employed, with 92 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Kyla Cottom
Communications Specialist

Assiniboine Community College

cottomk@assiniboine.net

587.225.0368

www.assiniboine.net

What’s going on at BU?

What’s going on at BU?

by Charles Adamu

It has now been a little past two months since our beloved Brandon University kicked off its September 2022/2023 academic session. It all started on the 6th of September when Brandon university held an orientation event that was very comprehensive. A huge part of the orientation took place in the Healthy Living Centre, wherein so many new students or should I say “freshers”, got to know each other in a rather energetic and swift manner. I say energetic because…you know what…you had to be there to understand. I would like to take a moment to briefly welcome our freshers, including myself,  once again on behalf of Brandon university. I hope and pray that y’all have had a blast ever since because I certainly have. 

     Keep in mind that this orientation was actually held in person; a huge step following the COVID-19 pandemic that tried so hard to keep us away from each other. 

May the souls of those who were taken by the pandemic rest in our hearts. The orientation went on with a welcome speech from the BUSU president: Olufunke Sofia Adeleye, a BBQ on the front lawn, entertainment of different sorts, and campus tours. Also, I hope that you all took out some time to check out the classrooms or theatres where your lectures would be held because I didn't and, my first day of class was more of searching than learning. But ever since then, what really has been going on at Brandon University?

    The sun has begun to set earlier than it did two months ago as we gradually slip into winter, but do you remember the popular saying that goes, “before winter comes Halloween”? Don't you? Okay maybe it is not as popular as I thought it to be or maybe I just made it up but nonetheless, it’s Halloween! (ha! Ha! ha!). Oh sweet and scary Halloween, the time to show your friends and family love by scaring the boo out of them; the time to embrace our inner Caspers, take lots and lots of candy, and give our pumpkins wide smiles.

    Now I don’t know much about the Halloween spirit soaring over the rest of Brandon but I know a tad about those soaring here on campus. Before I proceed, a little note: try not to step into any of the hall residence basements during this season, after all, basements are scary enough when it is not Halloween. Okay, proceeding, if you stay on campus or you happen to be around from time to time, you would have noticed that Halloween is being taken seriously(maybe even more seriously than our midterms). But hey, I get it, we all need a breather after the series of tests and midterms we’ve all been having. I hope you showed those midterms who is boss - the boss being you, not the midterm. Let us now take a sneak peek into what has been going on in the residence.

Life in residence

   Residence life..hmm. As you all know - or maybe not- there are three residence halls in Brandon University: Darrach Hall- the male residence, Flora Cowan - the female residence and McMaster- the coed. Now if you are in the residence like I am, you probably would have realised that McMaster is like a haven - nothing really goes on there. Do not get me wrong though, it is lots of fun and we (yeah I said we, I am also a McMasterian) have movie nights, play board games, and always smile at each other while we take those very long and awkward elevator rides.  But the juicy stuff, the real soaked-up stuff goes down in Darrach and Flora Cowan, especially Darrach, if ever there were to be a drama with Brandon University as one of the settings, Darrach Hall would be centre stage. But hey or should I say ha(Halloween spirit), we are not here to gossip, or are we? We are not. In the spirit of Halloween, let us pick up our binoculars and take a close look at some of the events and games that have been going on in the dorms.

    The residence council, inter-residence council, and our dear resident Assistants have played a huge part in making sure that the Halloween spirit remains by planning all sorts of fun games and events; special shout out to Derek Booth - the residence manager. 

Events like spooky movie nights were held, one of which was hosted by the flora Cowan residence council in the basement on the 27th of October. Hereditary- the movie that played that night- really kept the viewers on their toes and alert as the scary movie was highly unpredictable and enjoyable. Alongside the movie night, a pumpkin carving event was also held by the Resident assistants. The title of the event, “pun-king”, was pretty catchy(the winner of the pumpkin carving event was to be crowned the “pun-king”...get it?...get it?). Let us now take a look at the big one- the long-awaited residence Halloween party.

Halloween party

    Let me begin by stating that the party was raining costumes.  There was Velma- one of the members of the scooby-doo gang, a pirate, a very sexy nurse, a couple of witches who by mere coincidence had the same first names(beware of Jessicas guys), one of the members of the suicide squad - Haley queen- joined in, a dinosaur that somehow eluded extinction and even one of the goddesses of Egypt. The costumes were intense.

The Halloween party was scheduled for 7:30 pm but started at about 8 pm. It began with one of the hosts - Charles (the hosts being Charles and Finn)- who was dressed as John Shelby from a British show shot in Birmingham about a rather ruthless gang. He opened the doors to the down under that only he possessed(kind of like Thor’s hammer), and then let everyone else in for the party to begin.

The decorations were top-notch. There were a bunch of lights here and there, a couple of bats hanging from the ceiling, eyeballs around the food table (not human eyeballs though), a disco ball that set the mood for the dance floor( shout out to our DJs- Matthew and Gbenga), some cobwebs around the corners(unfortunately though, no one dressed as Spider-Man), and a centre table that was decorated with lots of snacks and candy.

   Various games were played. One of them entailed each participant blowing up a balloon, tying it to one’s ankle, and trying to step on one another’s balloon to burst it. I’ve gotta say, it took longer than I expected. Guys, lots of people know how to guard their balloons. The party peeps also played musical chairs, board games, and lots of other activities.

   As we approached the end of the party, the inter-residence council commenced the Halloween costume contest which was a very tight one, because there were so many good costumes. Drum rolls please….as I will now take the liberty of announcing the winners of the 2022/2023 Brandon University residence Halloween costume contest. Dj Mathew came in third place dressed as guy fieri and won a $10 shoppers mall gift card, Kate came in second place dressed as a dino rider and won a $20 shoppers mall gift card, and, …drum rolls again guys….first place went to Kaleb dressed as a sexy nurse, winning a ​​$30 shoppers mall gift card. What a night!

After the games and contests, party peeps spent the rest of the night dancing and dancing and dancing till 10 pm when the party finally came to a close. It was a night to remember.

 Sadly, Halloween is now coming to an end and as my Game of Thrones fans love to say, “winter is coming”. I hope you all are ready for the winter. I hope you have got your boots, coats, gloves, and whatever winter gear you deem important because again my friends…winter is coming.  My name is Charles and honestly, it has been an honour updating you all on what has been going on at BU. Brandon university might have a relatively small campus but lo and behold, what goes on is larger than you can fathom. Goodbye, you all, and I cannot wait to update you guys again next week on “What is going on at BU?”

Assiniboine recognizes more than 300 fall graduates

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine recognizes more than 300 fall graduates

Fall graduation ceremonies give graduates, families an opportunity to celebrate

BRANDON, Man. (October 28, 2022)— Assiniboine Community College fall graduates will be recognized at a graduation ceremony at the Keystone Centre today. This event will celebrate 302 graduates from 31 programs, who have completed their studies since July 31.

“Today’s ceremony is a great opportunity to acknowledge the successes of our students and graduates year- round,” said Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine. “After presenting certificates and diplomas to hundreds of grads this June, I feel fortunate to step back into the arena to celebrate and congratulate more individuals who have allowed Assiniboine to be part of their education and career journey.”

While the pandemic altered the traditional graduation ceremony format and timing in 2020 and 2021, Assiniboine’s largest graduation ceremony is typically held in June. The addition of a fall graduation ceremony is a result of the modified schedule of the past couple years.

Several of today’s graduates completed a post-grad credential program. Throughout the year, Assiniboine offers more than 10 Advanced Diploma programs, which add value to prior post-secondary credentials and level up graduates’ skills and experience. Graduates from Accounting, Anishinaabe Financial Management, Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management and Early Childhood Program Management Advance Diplomas received these post-grad credentials today.

“Just as with our June graduation, today we’ll celebrate graduates from a variety of disciplines—from Applied Counselling to Sustainable Food Systems; Civil Technician to Human Resource Management. It’s a great representation of the depth of programming we offer and the industries we’re connected to here at Assiniboine,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President Academic.

Among the grads invited to this graduation ceremony were 68 nursing diploma graduates.

“To recognize these graduates, who are ready to begin their futures in such impactful roles, is always a pleasure. Practical Nursing is our largest single program of study and I commend all those entering the healthcare field throughout the province,” said Dr. Rexe.

Today’s event will also officially recognize Honorary Diploma recipient, Leah LaPlante, an influential community leader widely recognized for her advocacy for Métis People.

The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in the UCT Pavilion at the Keystone Centre. For more on graduation ceremonies: http://assiniboine.net/grad.

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of “learn by doing,” programs combine theory with hands-on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 60 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 92 per cent were employed, with 93 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Anya McNabb

Director, Communications and Marketing

Assiniboine Community College

mcnabba@assiniboine.net
204.725.8700 ext 6044

‘Bee U’ nets more than 100 kilograms of honey in first year

‘Bee U’ nets more than 100 kilograms of honey in first year

BU NEWS — October 13, 2022

BRANDON – A pilot project to explore urban beekeeping at Brandon University has had a sweet first year — and this weekend at Homecoming, you can take home a taste.

The ‘Bee U’ project, which attracted nationwide attention with 24/7 ‘hivestream’ video cameras that delivered a close-up look at the bees, saw two beehives mounted on the rooftop of the university’s cafeteria, Harvest Hall during the summer. After a season’s worth of foraging, the bees brought in a total of 117 kilograms of honey.

“This is a wonderful harvest, we’re so thrilled,” said Deana Smid, one of the main proponents of Bee U. “After skimming off the wax and comb, then straining the honey and packaging it for distribution, the net weight is a little less, but the most important thing is: it’s delicious!”

For a first year, which got a late start due to a lengthier-than-anticipated approvals process, the honey haul is relatively hefty. Smid hopes that with an earlier start, next year’s per-hive production could be even higher, and the university plans to increase the number of hives.

While the pilot project’s main goals are to assess whether urban beekeeping in Brandon could be successful, and to help figure out a framework for the city to support and regulate beekeepers, Smid says that making good use of the honey is also a key consideration.

“We know that we want to support food security here in Brandon, because any kind of local food production from gardening to beekeeping can help, and so we want to share the honey with our community,” she said. “We also know that we want to share the knowledge that we’re gaining, whether that’s through hands-on beekeeping or research opportunities with the bees and hives.”

Some of the honey will be shared with BU Food Services, where the hives were located, so they can use BU’s honey for feeding the campus. But the first public taste will be at BU Homecoming 2022, during a bannock-and-tea event on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 15, from 1–3 p.m. in the campus’ central Kavanagh Courtyard. The event is open to the public.

Jars of the BU honey were also originally earmarked for the BU Students’ Union food bank, which has moved to a voucher model and is no longer storing physical food donations. Instead, BU honey will be available on a donation basis at the bannock-and-tea afternoon event. Proceeds will go to the BUSU food bank as well as to expanding the Bee U pilot project next year.

Smid says there’s lots more to learn.

“Research is an essential part of this project, and we are sending honey samples for pollen testing, so we know what types of flowers our bees were foraging on,” Smid said. “There are so many wildflower gardens in the city that come through in the flavourfulness of the honey. It also appears that at least some of the bees flew right out of the city and got into some canola fields.”

The Bee U bees are overwintering at a local apiary and will return to the BU campus in spring 2023. This pilot project received funding and support from the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, Prairie Mountain Health (“Healthy Together Now”), and Summus as well as both the President’s Office and the Office of Research Services’ Research Support Fund at BU.

Brandon College alumni sponsor new annual lectureship at Brandon University

Brandon College alumni sponsor new annual lectureship at Brandon University

BU NEWS — October 16, 2022

BRANDON – A new tentpole event is set for the calendar at Brandon University next fall, thanks to alumni sponsorship of a new public lectureship announced at Homecoming this weekend.

The JRC Evans Memorial Distinguished Lectureship will welcome experts, authors, and other compelling speakers to deliver public lectures at BU, starting at next year’s Homecoming.

Dr. Arnold & Mrs. Glenyce Tweed are sponsoring the inaugural lectureship next year. Both are members of the Class of ’59 from Brandon College, the predecessor to Brandon University. The President of Brandon College during their studies was Dr. JRC Evans, a renowned educator and administrator who led the College for three decades and played a key role in shepherding it through the Depression. He died in 1960.

“A public lectureship featuring topics of real community interest can help blend the local community with the academic. It’s a joint project,” Dr. Tweed said. “We can help show the community that the university is not just an ivory tower. Brandon University is a place where real problems in the world are discussed and where real solutions are developed.”

The Evans Lectureship will host free lectures on campus where the community mingles with university students and faculty to hear from speakers on topics of current interest.

“This can be mind-expanding for students and a dose of real-world interest,” added fellow Class of ’59 graduate Cam Davreux, who is also supporting the Evans Lectureship. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the university to show value to the community, and it fits beautifully with the university’s new strategic plan.”

The proposal grew out of lunch meetings that BU President David Docherty regularly hosts with engaged alumni across the country.

“I am very moved that we have alumni who are continually thinking of ways that BU can extend our reach in this fashion,” Docherty said. “This is exactly what presidents hope for when we visit alumni. This is going to be a very satisfying event next year.”

The new Evans Lectureship was announced at the Homecoming 2022 Awards Banquet, Saturday evening at BU’s Harvest Hall, and the first lecture is expected next fall at Homecoming 2023.

Alumni and other friends of Brandon University are invited to lend their own support to the lectureship and ensure it is able to attract the highest-quality speakers year after year, by donating online at BrandonU.ca/Give.

What to do With Leftover Thanksgiving Sides

What to do With Leftover Thanksgiving Sides

by Ronnie Neiman

 Leftover Stuffing Muffins

The leftover stuffing can be made into so many things, loaves, waffles, casseroles and of course, muffins!

Ingredients

  • 3 stalks celery, chopped

  • 4 medium yellow onions, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 loaf bread, toasted

  • 3 medium eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 3 tablespoons dried parsley

  • 3 cups chicken or turkey stock

  • Salt

  • Pepper

Instructions

Step 1

Sauté the celery and onion in the butter over medium heat until they turn translucent and caramelize. It pays to take your time with this step, because this is what really makes for a flavourful stuffing.

Step 2

Meanwhile, toast each piece of bread in a full loaf. I usually use a wheat bread, but you can use whatever your family likes best.

Step 3

Chop the toasted bread up into cubes. Add the celery and onion mixture and dried parsley. Salt and pepper the mixture good. Lightly beat the eggs with the milk, and pour over the top. Pour some of the chicken or turkey stock over the top, and start to mix everything together with a large spoon. Keep adding stock until everything is moistened (wet but not soupy) -- you may not need to use it all.

Step 4

Give your muffin pans a light misting of non-stick spray, and fill each cup with stuffing.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 60 minutes. If you prefer a stuffing that's a little more moist, cover with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes.

Leftover Thanksgiving Pizza

Keep the festive spirit of your food going until Christmas. A very simple and quick recipe.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pizza base fresh/frozen dough, naan bread, or pita

  • 2 tbsp cranberry sauce

  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Step 1

Preheat oven to 190C

Step 2

Line a tray with baking paper.

Step 3

Add toppings to pizza base, bake until base is crisp and cheese has melted.

Step 3

Top with with sage leaves and pomegranate.

After Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

After Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

By Ronnie Neiman

One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is all the food. So many leftovers to eat. You just need to figure out how to make those leftovers even more delicious!

 Turkey Sandwich Recipe

It only takes five minutes to make!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 small red onion

  • Kosher salt and pepper

  • 1 c. shredded Savoy cabbage

  • 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar

  • 2 tsp. olive oil

  • 1 tbsp. chopped dill pickles

  • 1 tbsp. mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp. whole grain mustard

  • 2 slices white bread

  • 1/3 lb. sliced turkey

  • 1 tsp. hot honey

Directions

Step 1

Toss red onion and pinch of salt in a small bowl to coat; let sit 5 minutes to allow onion to soften slightly. Rinse under cold water. Place onion in a medium bowl and add cabbage, vinegar, and olive oil. Toss to combine with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together pickles, mayonnaise, and mustard. Spread mayo mixture on one slice of bread. Top with sliced turkey and drizzle with hot honey. Add cabbage slaw to sandwich and serve.

 Turkey Noodle Soup

The ever delicious noodle soup made with leftover turkey or chicken. Always a good option. 

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

  • 2 stalks celery, sliced

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 1 leek, cleaned and chopped, whites and light green parts only

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 c. turkey stock (or low-sodium chicken broth)

  • 3 c. water

  • small bunch thyme

  • Small bunch rosemary

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 tsp. dried oregano

  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1 (12-oz.) package egg noodles

  • 3 c. cooked shredded turkey

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add carrots, celery, onion, and leek and cook until soft, 5 minutes. 

Step 2

Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. 

Add broth, water, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, oregano, and pinch red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then add egg noodles. 

Step 3

Cover and cook until pasta is cooked through, 7 minutes. Discard thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. 

Step 4

Add turkey and simmer until warmed through, 5 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper.

Holiday Leftover Pizza

Pulling Together: Manitoba Foundations Guide Series

Pulling Together: Manitoba Foundations Guide Series

(brandonu.ca)

Friday, October 7th @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Room 141, He Oyate Tawapi Ceremony Room, Health Studies Bldg

Event Navigation

Learn together in this six-week exploration of the guide

BU Faculty and Staff are invited to take part in a six-week, guided exploration of the Pulling Together: Manitoba Foundations Guide throughout the months of October and November.

Each week, individuals will read through the sections of the guide and engage in related activities at their own pace, then come together as a group for broader reflection and discussion in the form of learning circles. Individuals will be invited to seek out experiences or opportunities related to the learning within their own context following the program and to come back together in a few months to share actions, successes and outcomes.

Duration: Fridays, October 7 – November 18, 2022

*exception November 11 for Remembrance Day

Week 1 – Welcome & Introduction to the program and each other

Week 2 – Section I: Intro to Indigenous Peoples

Week 3 & 4– Section II: Colonization

Week 5 – Section III: Decolonization

Week 6 – Explore next steps for continued learning and action

Learning Circles with Cree Knowledge Keeper Susie McPherson-Derendy

Fridays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 & November 4 & 18

9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

In-person: Room 141, He Oyate Tawapi Ceremony Room, BU’s Health Studies Complex

To Register

For planning purposes, please sign up using the RSVP feature on the Brandon University website.

BU plans in-person Homecoming for 2022

BU plans in-person Homecoming for 2022

BU NEWS — September 22, 2022

BRANDON – Brandon University (BU) will be hosting its first in-person Homecoming celebration since 2019, from October 13 to 16, 2022.

The weekend will be filled with a multitude of events including the usual favorites such as the Homecoming Dinner and Awards Ceremony, the Athletics Wall of Fame Brunch, and the Pro Series concert featuring BU’s Megumi Masaki, who was named to the Order of Manitoba this past spring.

“It’s been too long since we have seen many of our alumni, and we’re excited to be welcoming everyone back!” said Carla Eisler, BU’s Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

This year’s Homecoming celebration will also be a chance to recognize the centennial of the Citizen’s Science Building, now known as the Knowles-Douglas Student Union Centre. The building was the third building built on the Brandon University Campus, in 1922-1923, and is a rare example of late gothic style architecture in Manitoba. The celebrations in the Knowles-Douglas Centre will include a Beer Garden serving locally brewed beer, a Trivia Night hosted by BU’s new Advancement Officer Nick Brown, and a 1920s themed social, the 100th Birthday Bash.

“I worked in that building for four years while on student council, and I’m thrilled to be back running events in a space that has meant so much to students over the last century,” Brown said.

Homecoming this year will also include participation from some of the groups on campus. The Inter-Residence Council will be hosting a Bonfire Night after the Banquet next to the new sculpture by renowned Cree/Metis artist Kevin McKenzie. The Brandon University Gaming Association will host A Nintendo Afternoon, a lighthearted and fun afternoon where you can drop-in, grab some snacks, and relax while playing Mario Kart or Smash Bros. The Indigenous Alumni Chapter will host a Bannock and Tea event at the new Ceremonial Fire Pit, and some of Bee-U’s first batch of honey will be served.

“One of our biggest joys this fall has been able to welcome everyone back to our campus, and I can’t wait to see our proud alumni in-person again at Homecoming,” said BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Docherty. “We’re highlighting some of the best that our community has to offer, and I’m looking forward to sharing BU’s new and old favourites with our alumni and other guests.”

The full Homecoming Schedule and Registration form can be found at BrandonU.ca/Homecoming/Schedule.

BU Co-op program celebrates success

BU Co-op program celebrates success

BU NEWS — September 20, 2022

BRANDON – The students and supporters of Brandon University’s (BU’s) Co-operative Education Program were celebrated at a luncheon on Friday at Harvest Hall.

With the theme of Delivering Tomorrow’s Talent, Today! the event reviewed the successes of the past year, took a closer look at the Co-op program and the student activities during their work terms as well, and featured an awards presentation.

RBC, which was represented by Regional Vice-Presidenet Terry Burgess and Community Manager Nathan Campbell, was presented with the Co-op Community Support Award for their generous donation of $250,000 to the program over three years. Greenstone Building Products received the Prestigious Employee Award-Spirit or Co-op for employing the most Co-op students. Tilda Fortier accepted the award on behalf of Greenstone.

“The success of Co-op is a result of the support of employers in combination with the dedication and talent of our students,” said Davion Johnson, Co-operative Education Program Co-ordinator at BU. “It was rewarding to bring so many employers, students, and our faculty and staff together in a celebration of this symbiotic relationship.”

The Co-operative Education Program at BU provides a bridges academics with career preparation for students by allowing them to alternate study terms with work terms. Students gain valuable work experience and industry connections, while bringing in-demand skills, energy and ideas to their employers.

Learn more about Co-op at BU by visiting BrandonU.ca/Co-Op.

Shoutout to the Student Leaders on Campus

Shoutout to the Student Leaders on Campus

Part 1

By: Mallory Johnson

You may have noticed some Student Leaders on campus, especially during orientation. They were the people giving nervous first year students tours and making sure they found all their classrooms. I spoke to my friends Mandy Swidersky and Mckenna Graham Roberts, two first-time Student Leaders, all about their experiences being a leader this year so far! 

Mandy uses she/her pronouns and is in her fifth and final year of her Bachelor of Arts. She is majoring in Gender and Women’s Studies and is minoring in both Math and Psychology. She became a Student Leader “because I wanted to help the first-year students find their way in university (both literally finding their classrooms and finding a way to be successful in university). I remember how safe I felt in my first year knowing that there were Student Leaders who would be willing to help and give me useful tips for being a new university student. I also wanted to meet some new people and learn about who they are and what their journey to BU was like.” Training was very relaxed and flexible. Kathleen Richards, who oversees the Student Leaders, emailed the Leaders back in August to let them choose from a variety of training dates. The training itself was simple; they went over what their roles would be throughout the year and Kathleen gave them a pep-talk to motivate those who were a little shyer. They were also given optional training for campus tours, provided by one of the long-term Student Leaders. 

The Leaders assist with events occurring both on campus and virtually. It is their responsibility to help new and incoming students with any questions they may have throughout the year regarding class location, advice for studying, and more. Basically, “Student Leaders are mentors who are there to give advice and be a familiar face for those new to campus. Student Leaders also play a huge role in Orientation, where we provide campus tours and assist in the icebreaker part of the day.” 

Regarding her favorite parts of being a Leader, Mandy said, “being a Student Leader has allowed me to meet a lot of new people and it makes me feel more connected to the BU community. Since we have been online for two years, it has been difficult to connect with others. It is wonderful to be able to meet people from all over the world and learn what made them want to attend BU. Another favorite part of being a Student Leader is seeing how confident new students become after Orientation occurs. At Orientation, most new students are terrified and have a fearful look in their eyes. Being able to calm their nerves and assist them in finding their classrooms is very rewarding. Now when I see some first years, I don’t see the same fear that they had on Orientation Day, and it is cool to see how fast they have adapted to university life.” Regarding her least favorite part, Mandy said assisting with the icebreaker portion was not ideal because she is a “more introverted person, so I really had to come out of my shell to take part in those activities.” 

If she had the chance, Mandy would sign up to be a Student Leader again! She said, “It is such a fun and rewarding experience. The program is very flexible, allowing students to volunteer only when they feel they have the time to spare. The program leaders, Kathleen Richards, and Leanna Barcellona are wonderful and put a lot of time and effort into creating fun events for students on campus. They are also very appreciative of their Student Leaders, and often host small events to thank them for their work.” Mandy was able to reconnect with a lot of people she had met in her first two years at BU, who she had not connected with since before BU went online. It was nice for her to see some familiar faces and to work alongside some new people. Despite being online for two years, Mandy surprisingly did not have to remind herself where everything was and lead tours with ease. 

Mckenna Graham Roberts uses she/her pronouns and was born and raised in Brandon. She loves hanging out with pets and playing video games with her friends. She is in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education Integrated program. In this program, they call their majors and minors “teachables,” and hers are History and Drama. 

She became a student leader because, “in my first year, we were on campus until about March. I had a classmate in my Theatre class who suggested I become a Student Leader because she knew that I would love it so much. I signed up to be a Student Leader and then the pandemic hit. I didn’t hear anything until I got an email in the summertime asking me to sign up to be a Student Leader! I thought it was a great opportunity to meet new people and help the new to campus students.” The training did not take very long, you basically just needed to know the campus and have a great attitude! Mckenna said that “Kathleen and Leanne have been great to us, and they are trying to figure out what we need to do to make sure we succeed. We got to pick a training time frame and meet at the campus in the courtyard. We sat at a table and Kathleen did not actually have access to the campus yet. She started to ask us where the building was and if we knew any facts or what kind of classes went on in that building. On the day of Orientation, we had the opportunity to come early, and Danielle Moore would help everyone walk around if we needed another refresher.” 

Continued in Part 2.

Shoutout to the Student Leaders on Campus

Shoutout to the Student Leaders on Campus

Part 2

By: Mallory Johnson 

Regarding the roles and responsibilities of a Student Leader, Mckenna said tours and helping new students. She also said that the first day of classes “was a very hot day but I think we did a good job. We had the chance to sit in the courtyard for a few hours during the first week of classes to help any students with questions or needing help to get to a class. I did three shifts that week sitting at the table, and we only had about eight people ask us questions that whole week. I think that is a good number of people asking questions about campus for the first week because it shows how well we helped everyone else during Orientation.” 

Mckenna’s favorite part of leading was helping people and making conversations with new people. She loves getting to know people and “being a student leader gives me the opportunity to talk to more people.” Her least favorite part (so far) was “sitting in the hot sun waiting to give people tours and also waiting in a gym at the HLC for forty minutes waiting on the Playfair guy.” Mckenna would love to be a Student Leader again if she could because it is a great chance to meet new people and help others out while also getting the chance to participate in cool events. She got to meet a lot of new students who were from out of province. Mckenna is born and raised in Brandon, so it is interesting for her learning about what it is like to live in another city and come to a brand-new city. She did not meet anyone in particular that was interesting, but she did get to meet a lot of cool new people so far in this school year. 

Mckenna did not have to remind herself where things are on campus because she luckily had a few in-person classes last semester. She said that it is strange to see a lot of people on campus for sure. She only had to remind herself of the names of some of the buildings, which is alright because BU is a small campus. Last year she would walk her dog around campus after school hours to prevent her from feeling weird about being back. Thank you to all the Student Leaders for everything they have done so far to help start this semester back on campus with a bang!

Dead Naming Someone is Disrespectful

Dead Naming Someone is Disrespectful

by Ronnie Kayla Neiman

The first thing to know, is what exactly a dead name is. It is a name that a person np longer goes by, more often than not it is the name that they were given at birth but no longer feels as though the name fits them. According to one entry in Urban Dictionary, a Dead Name can be described as follows: The birth name of somebody who has changed their name. Most commonly attributed to trans people but can be attributed to any person who has changed their name. 

A dead name is meant to be a Dead Name. It is not the name a person goes my anymore. A recent example that is used in popular culture is the actor, Elliot Page. He transitioned to the male gender after years of being in the spotlight as a female under a female name. Not many seemed to understand that calling him by the name he once went by is no longer acceptable. 

To be called by a previous name is disrespectful to the person who has made the decision to no longer have that name. It can add to a lot of emotional and mental difficulties. It takes a lot of courage to be yourself and that can sometimes mean changing a name. the name change is about the person who chooses to go by a different name. It is not about everyone else. All that matters is that person being content with who they are. The act of changing their name to something that better represents them is usually seen as something empowering, and it can bring a lot of joy and happiness to their life. 

A person's previous name may represent many past elements of life that they no longer want to be associated with. These are varied, but can include:

  • Emotional trauma from being treated as a different gender

  • Violence perpetrated on the person

  • Dysphoria

  • Painful childhood memories

  • Lack of autonomy in identity

This is something I can personally connect with. I go by the name Ronnie, a special name for myself as it was a name given to me whilst I discovered my spiritual gender identity by my sister whilst she was pregnant. I no longer go by the name my parents assigned me at birth. I accept that they named me something from the time my mother was five months pregnant with me. They are the only ones I allow to call me by my dead name, but as time goes on, it is becoming more difficult for me to hear that name, no matter how special it is. My issue is that I am thinking of their happiness and not my own. 

In allowing others to continue calling me by my dead name, family, friends, acquaintances and strangers is disrespectable to myself. I am who I am. 

The continuing use of a persons dead name is something that can cause them a lot of hurt and shame. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

by Ronnie Kayla Neiman

The Manitoba government is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day of observance to encourage reflection and meaningful discussions about the impacts of residential schools. 

It was in June, the House of Commons unanimously passed legislation to make Sept. 30 a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve for those who were lost.The Northwest Territories government followed suit with an announcement in July. 

The day that was also known as Orange Shirt Day was established in honour of the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose gift of clothing from her grandmother was taken away on Webstad's first day at a residential school. 2022 will mark the second year that people in Manitoba have marked the day as a day of learning and teaching about Residential Schools.

Schools will be closed and no classes will be held on that day.  Manitoba’s public servants will also observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and non-essential government services and offices will be closed for the day. This includes Brandon university where there will be no classes and no student services available. 

It seems that removing people from a learning environment to observe this day, it seems counter productive to close down schools for the day. It is a good time to take the day in order to teach those who do not know the full dark truth about what had happened in Canadian Residential schools.

Remember to wear Orange on September 30th to honour the children who suffered at these schools, and to remember those children who never came home.

Farewell Brandon University

Farewell Brandon University

Maria Garcia Manzano: AEIC 2019-2022 


By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill


The last week of classes is upon us, and as the semester ends, so does my time at The Quill. I first began writing for the Quill during my first year of university. Since high school, I have loved to write and wanted to join a student club that would enable me to pursue my writing hobby. While I was a junior reporter during my second year at Brandon University, a spot opened for the assistant editor position. I applied and was happy to learn that I got the position!


 Becoming the Assistant Editor was a very exciting time. I knew that, given my course load I could never become Editor as the responsibilities are greater than that of the Assist, but I was happy to lend my support and help to our current Editor, Ronnie. Together we learned how to use the design software that would allow us to put together the printed issues of the Quill, and while it has been a couple of years since the university has seen a printed issue, I do not doubt that for the upcoming school year, we can expect to see printed issues once again.


As the Assistant Editor of The Quill, I had a variety of responsibilities to fulfill. When our issues were printed, I would make sure they were available to students by filling up the kiosks. Some of you might remember seeing me with a stack of papers running around the university from building-to-building Tuesday morning. This was a fun part of the job. I enjoyed having those weekly walks. They were quite the workout! Another responsibility I had as the AEIC was to hold weekly meetings to discuss what articles were up for grabs with writers. Of course, with the onset of COVID-19, our meeting had to end, and both the Editor and I primarily communicated with writers through email.


COVID-19 brought The Quill unprecedented challenges, as it did with all other student clubs. Nevertheless, I would like to think that it did not deter many of our devoted writers from continuing to write and updating BU students about everything. We aimed at keeping students informed about the ongoing restrictions, case counts and social developments that occurred throughout the last couple of years.



As I approached my fourth year at Brandon University, I realized that I would have to find a replacement for my position. This was a bittersweet moment since the last four years I have spent with The Quill have been great. I knew, however, that my position had to be filled by someone who loved to write and loved to be a part of the Quill. My successor checks all of these qualities and more, and once they have officially taken the AEIC position, I hope they take the time to introduce themselves to all of you.


My time at Brandon University has ended, and while I am excited about what my future may hold for me, I will always cherish the memories I formed at BU. Thank you to all of the readers of the Quill who have made my time as your AEIC worth it and entertaining. I have loved writing for all of you!


Best Wishes,