Year in review: Celebrating achievements across the Seneca community
April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013
The 2012-2013 academic year was filled with noteworthy accomplishments for Seneca College. The following are some of our highlights:
Building a stronger Seneca
Strategic and Academic plans approved by Board of Governors
Seneca's Strategic and Academic Plans were approved by the College's Board of Governors in June 2012. The five-year plans outline how Seneca will remain at the forefront of providing student-focused teaching and learning that is redefining how people think about postsecondary education. With the theme “A different kind of school with a different kind of graduate”, the College has set out an ambitious set of goals to ensure our students receive both high-quality, career-relevant education and the best possible postsecondary experience.
Academic Plan implementation underway across the College
The College's Academic Plan sets out a bold vision to equip Seneca students and graduates with the skills they need to be successful. A multi-year implementation plan involving the establishment of task groups focusing on specific areas is underway. Led by Deans and Associate Vice Presidents, the task groups have begun collecting and analyzing data and sharing their findings with the broader College community.
King expansion project begins outreach phase
As Seneca's King Campus prepares for a major expansion, including a new academic building to accommodate its growing student population, the College began to explore several community partnerships, and is in the process of developing a major fundraising initiative to support the development of the campus and the related student and academic priorities.
Aviation programs moving to new Peterborough campus
With the impending closure of Buttonville Airport, the School of Aviation & Flight Technology has found a new home for its Bachelor of Aviation Technology program. In November 2012, the Board of Governors approved the relocation to Peterborough Airport. The College's fleet will be housed in a new state-of-the-art facility with space for classrooms, aircraft maintenance, storage and a student lounge. Construction of the campus is already underway and the College is aiming to begin operations at the new location in January 2014.
The Peterborough Municipal Airport is an excellent site for the Bachelor of Aviation Technology’s senior students. At its new location, Seneca students will continue to receive high quality aviation education in a modern, purpose-built facility.
Newnham Campus Atrium dedicated to Dr. Frederick W. Minkler
Seneca's first President Dr. William T. Newnham was on hand at the naming ceremony for the new atrium in Building A+ at the College's Newnham Campus. The space was officially named the Minkler Atrium in honour of Dr. Frederick W. Minkler, the first Chair of Seneca's Board of Governors. This is the second time a facility at Seneca has been named after Minkler. The Minkler Auditorium, previously located at the Newnham Campus, was reconfigured to accommodate the campus' library in 2001.
Seneca goes mobile with new app
A Seneca app for iPhone, Blackberry and Android phones was launched in May. The app allows users to stay up-to-date with the latest campus news, check grades, post to discussion forums, view important class announcements, read and download assignments, and upload content. The app also features maps, a College directory, social media links and library information.
Members of the Seneca community awarded Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals
A number of individuals across the Seneca College community including President David Agnew were awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for their extensive public service work and contributions to their communities and beyond. Other members of the Seneca community who have been recognized with this honour include Richard Lim (Board of Governors member), David Tsubouchi (Board of Governors member), Thomas Carrique (Board of Governors member), Karen Burnell (Professor), John McIntyre (retired Chair), Gregory Madeley (Professor), Terry Watada (retired Professor) and Barb Weeden (alumna and former Manager of Community Recreation camps at King Campus).
Strengthening our community
Seneca proud of its Premier Award winner and multiple nominees
The Premier's Award honours the important social and economic contribution college graduates make in Ontario and throughout the world and Seneca's outstanding faculty and alumni were recognized in 2012. Seneca alumna and School of Community Service professor Jo Gomes (Community Service) won the award for her outstanding work as a community builder, volunteer and leader. Meanwhile, Seneca alumni Grace Batumbya (Recent Graduate), Jully Black (Creative Arts and Design), Mario Iusi (Business), Cole Mackin (Technology), and Catherine Mayers (Health Sciences) were all nominated for Premier Award honours.
Seneca hosts Members of Provincial Parliament
Prior to becoming the 25th Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne visited Seneca College in November along with several MPPs to discuss how the College is helping the provincial government meet the demand for postsecondary education in the Greater Toronto Area and to hear about the College's future plans. The visit featured a demonstration of the $35 Raspberry Pi computer by students from Seneca's Centre for Development of Open Technology.
Prior to becoming the 25th Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne visited Seneca College in November along with several MPPs.
Seneca enjoys visits by high profile government officials
Seneca was visited by a number of high profile government officials in 2012-13, including the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities (TCU) and Deborah Newman, TCU Deputy Minister. The College was also visited by Dr. Rob Leone, TCU Opposition Critic, numerous local Members of Provincial and Federal Parliament, members of the Federal Conservative Postsecondary Education Caucus and Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
Seneca works with regional partners on transit
Seneca took a number of strides in 2012-2013 to address the transit challenges and opportunities across its campuses in Toronto and York Region. The College conducted a Baseline Commuting Survey to better understand the commuting patterns of students and staff. Working with local Smart Commute offices, Seneca began implementing a number of new programs and initiatives to encourage the increased use of public transit and carpooling. Seneca was recognized for these efforts by receiving multiple Smart Commute Workplace designations. Additionally, Seneca President David Agnew attended the “Going to School” transit summit in September co-hosted by York University's City Institute. The event featured heads of the region's colleges and universities, transit planners, regional transit chiefs and civic leaders.
Seneca President continues work with Science, Technology and Innovation Council
Seneca President David Agnew continued his involvement with the Science, Technology and Innovation Council, an advisory body that provides the Government of Canada with external policy advice on science and technology issues. President Agnew continued to advocate for increased support for applied research at Canadian colleges and visited with a number of government officials to discuss postsecondary issues pertinent to the Seneca community.
Seneca hosts Arts Exposed event at Markham Campus
Arts Exposed 2012, a community-centred event with the goal of generating greater awareness about the arts in York Region, took place for a second year in a row at Seneca's Markham Campus. The two-day conference in November 2012 was attended by artists, politicians, corporate and cultural administrators and served as a platform for discussions on the evolving role of institutions in supporting the growth of the arts locally.
Project to prevent and reduce violence in postsecondary communities receives federal funding
A joint project between Seneca College and local organization, Yellow Brick House received a $200,000 federal grant from Status of Women Canada. Yellow Brick House, a non-profit organization, provides emergency shelter, counselling and support services to abused women and their children in York Region. The project spans five of Seneca's campuses and engages a committee of students and campus community stakeholders to work with Yellow Brick House to identify issues of violence affecting women on campus and create an educational campaign.
Pictured in the front row (from left to right) are MPs Costas Menegakis and Joe Daniel with Lorris Herenda, Executive Director of Yellow Brick House.
Seneca supports City of Markham's cultural development plans
Seneca worked with the City of Markham in 2012-2013 to advance its cultural policy planning through counsel provided by the College's senior leadership team and members of its Board of Governors. Specifically, the College contributed to the City's Culture Policy & Plan 2012 which was approved by Markham Council in December 2012. The plan outlines a vision for Markham that celebrates its diversity and strengthens its local economy. Also in 2012-2013, Seneca's Markham Campus received a Markham Board of Trade Business Excellence Award for Community Relations and Cultural Enrichment. The College was recognized for its strong presence in the local community since opening its Markham Campus seven years ago.
Seneca recognized for its support of newcomers
Seneca was recognized for its ongoing support of the York Region Immigration Settlement Strategy, an organization responsible for setting the long-term vision and priorities for the wellbeing of newcomers in the region. Developed under the Local Immigration Partnership initiative and funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the strategy is intended to guide community action to enhance quality of life and increase opportunities for all residents.
Seneca hosts 2012 YouthCAN Conference
Seneca College was proud to host the sixth annual YouthCAN Conference in August 2012. With more than 300 youth in attendance and staff chaperones representing Children's Aid Societies from all across the province of Ontario, the theme of the conference was "SUCCESS! It's a Journey". Conference delegates had the opportunity to experience a taste of college life while staying at Seneca Newnham Residence, learning to navigate the campus, meeting professors, utilizing the gym and fitness centres, and using food services on campus. Seneca President David Agnew and Samir Abdi, then President of the Seneca Student Federation, made opening remarks at the Conference. Additionally, youth participated in workshops facilitated by Seneca faculty and attended fun and informative workshops highlighting the opportunities available to them in postsecondary education.
Celebrating Chinese New Year at Seneca
The Confucius Institute at Seneca celebrated the Chinese New Year with a special concert, co-presented by the Li Delun Music Foundation and featuring the Toronto Festival Orchestra. The College hosted a number of events in celebration of the New Year including ceremonial dance performances and cultural exchanges.
Seneca supports York Region Economic Development Plan
Seneca's senior leadership team worked with York Region Economic Development to support its focus on the creation of new innovation hubs within the region. The College also continued to devote resources towards supporting public and private research-based investments with locally-based industry. Additionally, Seneca and local government continue to collaborate on a number of postsecondary discussion topics pertinent to the region.
High-quality program offerings
New programs:
In 2012-2013, Seneca's Board of Governors approved the launch of the following programs:
- Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Degree)
- Environmental Technician – Sampling and Monitoring (Diploma)
- Hospitality Foundations (Certificate)
- Public Administration (Graduate Certificate)
New Continuing Education credentials:
- Project Management – Information Technology (Graduate Certificate)
First in Canada, new Seneca program offers students unique opportunity to earn degree
Seneca was proud to launch an innovative, first-of-its-kind-in-Canada bachelor's degree providing liberal arts education to complement applied and professional studies. The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies provides an innovative pathway for students to build on the education they have already received at colleges or universities. By recognizing prior education, this program provides a unique entryway back to school for those seeking a bachelor's degree.
HD Broadcast TV Studio opened at Seneca@York
The School of Media and Marketing launched its new state-of-the-art, high definition (HD), robotic studio/newsroom at the Seneca@York campus in June, 2012. In partnership with Avid, Panasonic and Applied Electronics Limited, students using the studio in the School's Journalism and Broadcast programs have the opportunity to develop their skills on cutting-edge, industrygrade equipment, including HD cameras and HD post production editing capabilities.
Seneca's CDOT and Mozilla collaborate on top app
Seneca's Centre for Development of Open Technology (CDOT) and Mozilla, creator of the Firefox browser, collaborated on the development of the Popcorn Maker app, which allows web users to enhance videos with links, additional video and audio tracks, maps, live social media feeds and photos or subtitles with ease. The project was led by Professor David Humphrey and his team of CDOT researchers comprised of graduates and students from the School of Information and Communications Technology. To date, Popcorn Maker has been used to enhance videos developed by the Public Broadcasting System, the National Film Board of Canada, the People's Choice Awards, and by countless individual webmakers and filmmakers around the world. It also received 2012 Top App honours from popular business and technology magazine, InformationWeek.
Rogers Media and Seneca launch innovative internship for next generation of radio announcers
Rogers Media, in partnership with Seneca, announced a newly-created four-month internship entitled GenNOW. The program gives students the unique opportunity to gain real work experience as on-air radio announcers in Canada's most competitive market while simultaneously earning course credit. Through this exciting internship experience at the KiSS 92.5 studios, GenNOW students are able to develop their announcing skills while receiving unequalled access to mentoring sessions from KiSS 92.5 on-air hosts, production staff, and programming executives. Students also participate in a series of on-air exercises to become intimately familiar with the skills it takes to succeed in an on-air radio career.
Seneca is first Canadian college named a CUDA Teaching Center
Seneca was the first Canadian college to be named a Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) Teaching Center by NVIDIA, the world leader in visual and high performance computing. CUDA Teaching Centers are recognized to have integrated graphics-based computing techniques into their mainstream computer programming curricula. As a CUDA Teaching Center, Seneca can now provide students in the School of Information and Communications Technology with the opportunity to expand on their software development skills.
Seneca works to improve student-performance in language and math across Ontario
A Seneca-led initiative, the College Student Achievement Project (CSAP) is designed to analyze the mathematics and language achievement of first-year college students in Ontario and to identify ways to increase their success in college. The project is based at Seneca but involves all twenty-four Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology in the province and is supported by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. CSAP is a continuation and expansion of the College Mathematics Project (CMP) which has been operated by the College since 2006.
HEQCO report praises Liberal Arts Transfer program
A report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario praised Seneca's Liberal Arts transfer program and the 2+2 model in which students can earn a diploma and bachelor's degree in just four years. The report highlighted the benefits of these programs in preparing students for success as well as the time and cost savings associated with this model. Seneca's Henry Decock, Associate Vice President, Academic - Research and Planning was also referenced throughout the report as Seneca's academic lead on matters pertaining to Liberal Arts transfers.
Strengthening our partnerships
Renewal of FedDev funding boosts Applied Research
Seneca's commitment to Applied Research was rewarded with the renewal of funding dollars from the Federal Economic Development Agency and its Southern Ontario branch, FedDev Ontario. The funds were used to support experiential learning opportunities for students through 21 new applied research projects and collaborations with 31 new partners.
Academic transfer agreement made between Seneca and UTSC
Building on its extensive pathways, the College launched a new partnership with the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) that enables students to complete a Seneca diploma and a UTSC degree in just four years. Under the agreement, after two semesters of Seneca's Liberal Arts program, students are allowed to take courses at UTSC as non-degree visiting students. Those credits can later count towards a UTSC Bachelor of Arts.
Seneca aviation degree open doors for aspiring Royal Canadian Air Force pilots
A first of its kind agreement between Seneca and the Canadian Forces provides aspiring Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Aviation Technology degree and their military wings certification in just four years. This new partnership blends the academic requirements for Seneca's Aviation Technology degree with the training mandate for an RCAF pilot. Graduates will immediately gain job experience flying helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft or fighter jets as part of the RCAF.
New International Education Strategy developed
Seneca's Faculty of International Studies in association with the College's senior management team has developed a new international education strategy to make sure Seneca is in a leadership position as it builds strong academic and business partnerships around the world. This comprehensive plan serves as a roadmap for the College's global expansion in terms of student recruitment, partnerships, corporate training/contract activity, alumni development, student and faculty mobility, and applied research. Seneca's senior leaders also traveled to India, China, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to expand Seneca's international partnerships in 2012-13.
Government of Gujarat and Seneca sign agreement to provide global learning opportunities
The Government of Gujarat and Seneca signed a Letter of Cooperation designed to accelerate the internationalization of higher education in the Indian state and provide new global learning opportunities for Gujarat's young people. The Letter was signed at the International Conference of Academic Institutions at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University in Gandhinagar, India by Mr. N.N. Bhuptani, Deputy Director, Commissionerate of Technical Education and Seneca President, David Agnew. The local government and Seneca will also work together to create a Higher Education Forum that will support access, achievement and equity goals for Gujarati students.
Seneca forms ECE partnership in St. Lucia
Seneca College won an early childhood education skills exchange request for proposal bid with educational institutions in the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia. The partnership received funding as part of a larger federal program called the Skills for Employment initiative which consists of an investment of approximately $40 million in projects to support vocational and technical training projects in Africa, Asia and the Americas. The investment will support key priorities as identified by leaders and industry representatives in the Caribbean region.
GuestLogix donates leading-edge hardware and software to School of Tourism
GuestLogix Inc., the leading global provider of onboard retail and payment technology solutions to airlines and the passenger travel industry, provided Seneca's Travel & Tourism – Flight Services program with point-of-sale (POS) hardware and software, making it the first postsecondary institution in the world to receive the in-flight technology. GuestLogix provides the airline industry's most popular POS technology to facilitate practical, hands-on training for in-flight retailing programs – skills that were previously limited to printed training guides and presentations only.
Celebrating student achievements
2012 Seneca Cup Winners announced
Pickering resident Armela Veranga Marano and North York's Hongxue Zhao were honoured as winners of the Seneca Cup, presented to students who best exemplifies academic excellence, personal integrity and student leadership. Marano is a graduate of the Social Service Worker diploma program while Zhao is a Paralegal diploma graduate.
Student wins top honours at major U.S. floral design competition
Sooyeon Kim's design of a wedding bouquet finished in first place at the National Symposium of the American Institute of Floral Designers held in Miami, Florida in July 2012. Kim's wedding bouquet design won its category and beat-out submissions from thirteen other Canadian and American colleges. Kim studied in the Floral Design Certificate program and graduated just a month before the competition.
Sooyeon Kim's design of a wedding bouquet finished in first place at the National Symposium of the American Institute of Floral Designers held in Miami, Florida in July 2012.
School of Media and Marketing students supported Canadian coverage of London Olympic Games
Thirty Journalism students gained invaluable experience as they worked at CTV on the web broadcast of the London 2012 Olympic Games in August. Students researched, produced, wrote and edited stories for webcast content which was viewed by millions of Canadians.
Seneca students win provincial Supply Chain Management competition
Seneca's team from the Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management program won first place in the annual 2013 SCL Canada Case Competition. Competing against sixteen teams from other Ontario universities and colleges, Seneca students were required to present a case solution based on a specific logistics need. Congratulations to Ammar Ahmed, Chris MacDonald, Monica Ozaruk, Olena Arutinova and Coach Peter Jackson.
Students work on global software project
Seneca students Stanley Tsang, James Boelen, and Raymond Hung of the Bachelor of Software Development program, collaborated with CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) to increase the performance of an in-house software program the institute uses in collaboration with its highly-publicized Large Hadron Collider project; the world's largest and highest-energy particle accelerator. The data collected through this project is being used to answer fundamental questions in physics about the nature of space and time.
The Seneca Sting enjoyed a banner season in 2012-13 including six OCAA championship medals.
Sting golfers grab OCAA Championship medal, All-Canadian and Coach of the Year Honours
The Seneca Sting varsity golf team had an outstanding 2012 season. Mitchel Kennedy became the first member of the Sting to finish in the top three at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Championship since 1993. Kennedy finished in second-place, two strokes behind the tournament champion from Georgian. Kennedy was also named a 2012 Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Golf All-Canadian. Head coach Matthew Wilson was awarded 2012 OCAA Golf Coach of the Year honours for the men's team's dramatic improvement over the previous year's performance.
Varsity rugby teams capture bronze medals
The Seneca Sting men's and women's rugby teams captured OCAA Championship bronze medals in November 2012. The women's rugby team defeated the St. Lawrence Vikings 17-7, while the men's team beat the Algonquin Thunder 39-10. Player of the match honours went to Jenn Wedlock from the women's team and Morgan Walls from the men's team. Seneca has now won a league-best 12 medals in men's rugby.
Sting badminton players win three OCAA medals
Seneca's varsity badminton team brought home gold and silver medals from the 2013 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Badminton Championships in February. Carol Dela Cerna won her first OCAA women's singles title, defeating her opponent from Boreal 21-8, 21-17 in the gold medal match. Katie Liu and Chessy Jian captured silver in women's doubles category. Thanks to their gold and silver wins, the Sting won the women's team championship title. Seneca was also triumphant in men's doubles as Jimin Jung and Ian Tang surprised Humber in the gold medal match 21-16, 23-21. Jimin and Ian were the underdogs of the tournament, after going 2-3 in round robin play.
Celebrating achievements of faculty
Seneca bestows first Professor Emeritus title upon retiring Senior Vice-President
After more than three decades of service to Seneca, retiring Senior Vice-President Cindy Hazell was named the first Seneca Professor Emeritus. The life-long title symbolizes the enormous respect she earned from colleagues and the tremendous contribution she made to the field of postsecondary education and to Seneca. The title brings with it an expectation that Professor Emeritus Hazell's long-standing association with the College will continue and provide her with, among other privileges, the opportunity to participate as a member of the platform party in future convocation ceremonies. Professor Emeritus Hazell was selected as the first recipient of the honour because of her deep dedication to the College's teaching and learning mission, her extraordinary commitment to students, and her devotion to Seneca.
Chris Tyler awarded Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Open Source Technology
Seneca Professor Chris Tyler was named among the first Industrial Research Chairs for Colleges by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). His research is focused on foundational software for new energy-efficient computing platforms, ranging from the revolutionary $35 Raspberry Pi computer to large data centres with industry partner Red Hat Canada. The $1 million renewable five-year grant recognizes Seneca's expertise and establishes Tyler as a research leader in open source technology for emerging platforms. Industrial Research Chairs for Colleges Grants support Chair programs across a number of scientific and technology-based fields. The grants are part of the College and Community Innovation Program managed by NSERC.
Seneca professor one of the first to earn new communications designation
Beth Agnew, professor and co-ordinator of Seneca's Technical Communication program, was among the first to receive a Certified Professional Technical Communication designation from the Society of Technical Communication Certification Commission. This new certification requires expert evaluation of demonstrated skills in areas including user, task and experience analysis, information design, information development, information production, and process management.
Seneca professor receives national award
Dr. Gabriel Huston, a professor in the School of International Business, was awarded the 2012 National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada's (NEPMCC) award and honourary board membership for distinguished services in the humanities and the arts in recognition of his efforts for the creation of a true and just, multicultural society. The award was presented by The Honourable David, C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at a ceremony held at Queen's Park in November. Dr. Huston was recognized for his National Report on Canada's Communitybased Ethnic/Third Language Media for the NEPMCC; Canada's first-ever national report on ethnic media.
Professor's documentary premiered at film festival
Living As Brothers premiered at the Canadian Labour International Film Festival in Whitehorse, Yukon in November 2012. The feature-length documentary written and directed by Kevin Fraser, a professor in the School of English and Liberal Studies, examines the lives of Jamaican migrant workers who play a key role in Niagara's farming community.
Making headlines by monkeying around
In January, Barney Wornoff, Seneca Animation and Independent Illustration Professor was bombarded with media requests. The reason – he, along with Seneca students, developed an online video game and T-shirt based on Darwin — the monkey who made global headlines during the Christmas holidays after he was captured wandering in a Toronto Ikea wearing a shearling coat. In the game, players control “a Darwin look-a-like” to piece together an Ikea shelf while avoiding obstacles standing in Darwin's way, including runaway shopping carts and customers. The game went viral almost immediately with more than 12,000 hits in its first 48 hours online.
Seneca Professor Barney Wornoff and his Animation and Independent Illustration students developed an online video game based on Darwin the Ikea monkey.
Celebrating achievements of alumni
Designs from six Fashion Arts graduates selected by renowned gallery for display
Six of Seneca's Fashion Arts graduates had designs from their final year collections displayed in the Fashion Arts: The New Generation exhibition at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The gallery requested an exciting exhibit from Seneca to complement the McMichael's feature exhibition, Fashionality: Dress and Identity in Contemporary Canadian Art. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is a major public art gallery that offers visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy Canadian landscape paintings in the woodland setting that inspired them, amongst other diverse, creative and thought-provoking exhibitions.
Seneca's Angela James recognized as YWCA Woman of Distinction and through biography
Seneca Senior Sports Co-ordinator Angela James added the 2012 YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Sport to her long list of honours as Canada's first superstar of women's hockey. Angela was among seven women recipients recognized for accomplishments across a wide spectrum of activities, including business, education, entrepreneurship and healthcare. Angela was also recognized in 2012-2013 with a biography written by fellow Senecans Corey Long and Tom Bartsiokas entitled Angela James: The First Superstar of Women's Hockey. James attended Seneca's Recreation Facilities Management program and established herself as one of the top Ontario College Athletics Association players. Her domination of the women's game led to numerous accolades in recent years, including her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and the International Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.
Angela James was recognized in 2012-13 with a biography written by fellow Senecans Corey Long and Tom Bartsiokas entitled Angela James: The First Superstar of Women's Hockey.
30 honoured as Senecans of Distinction
Seneca College and the Seneca Alumni Association honoured 30 of the community's outstanding alumni, philanthropists and volunteers at the Senecans of Distinction ceremony in October 2012. Board of Governors Chair Bill Hogarth and President David Agnew recognized outstanding alumni and friends who have made a difference to the Seneca community through giving, volunteering and serving as ambassadors in the workplace. Notable Senecans honoured included: Natalee Johnson, Maurice Platero, Brian Price and Beryl Walker.
Firefighting grad brings home gold from World Firefighter
Challenge Amber Bowman, a part-time technician in the Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training program, won four gold medals at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge, which was held in October in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A former student in the program, Bowman currently works as a firefighter with Central York Fire Services in Newmarket and Aurora. The Firefighter Combat Challenge is a rigorous competition that attracts hundreds of participants from Canadian and U.S. fire departments each year.
Amber Bowman, a part-time technician in the Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training program, won four gold medals at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge, which was held in October in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Seneca faculty members and graduates contribute to Oscar-nominated films for second straight year
For the second year in a row, Seneca professors and graduates worked on films nominated for Academy Awards. Graduates and faculty from the Visual Effects for Film and Television and Animation programs worked on three of the five Oscar-nominated films in the category of Achievement in Visual Effects including Snow White and the Huntsmen, The Avengers, and the Hobbit. The artistry of Seneca professors Mahmoud Rahnama and Kenny Tam as well as numerous graduates was featured in Martin Scorsese's 3D film Hugo which won the Oscar for best visual effects in 2012.
Creative Advertising grad earns top copywriting nod
For the second year in a row, Steve Persico, a graduate of Seneca's Creative Advertising program was ranked No. 1 on Strategy Magazine's top Canadian copywriters list. As a writer for Leo Burnett, a renowned global advertising agency, Persico emerged as one of the industry's best young writers having won several awards and penned copy for such notable clients as Procter and Gamble, Kellogg's and Campbell's Soup.
Seneca Alumni earn Juno nominations
Seneca Alumni Jully Black and Melanie Fiona each received a 2013 Juno nomination in the R&B/Soul Recording of the Year category. Jully, a graduate of the Police Foundations program, was nominated for her single "Fugitive," while Melanie, a graduate of General Business, was nominated for her single "Change the Record." Both artists have won once before in this category. The Juno Awards honour the year's best contributions in Canadian music. The Awards take place in Regina the week of April 15-21.
Strengthening student supports
Seneca celebrates $1.2 million donation from SSF with Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
The Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, joined Seneca students and staff in May 2012 to celebrate a $1.2 million donation from the Seneca Student Federation to support student bursaries. The new Seneca Student Federation Bursary Initiative will establish endowed bursaries of more than $50,000 annually for domestic and international students. It will also provide emergency funds for students in immediate financial need.
Campaign For Students surpasses fundraising goal with $246,000
Thanks to the support of Seneca staff, students and alumni, the $110,000 fundraising goal for this year's Campaign For Students was reached and far surpassed with $246,000 raised. The fundraising campaign was a call to the entire Seneca community to support students in financial need. The fundraising total includes a generous matching gift of $110,000 from the Seneca Student Federation. Every dollar raised through campus events, and employee, alumni, student federation and donor contributions went directly towards establishing a new student endowment, with awards being distributed equally across each Seneca Faculty.
Pillar Sponsorship Program supports students and alumni
Seneca's Pillar Sponsorship Program, a funding initiative for faculty-based alumni/student networking and educational initiatives continued to support events and initiatives across the College in 2012. Supported by Seneca's affinity partners and the Office of Advancement and Alumni, the program sponsored several initiatives including Sharks' Pond 2012, a new venture competition for entrepreneurial Seneca grads. A number of faculty reunions, social gatherings and conferences were also supported by the program.
CGA Ontario invests in the success of Seneca's Accounting and Financial Services students with generous donation
Certified General Accountants of Ontario donated $255,000 to Seneca's School of Accounting and Financial Services, in part to establish the CGA Ontario Learning Centre at the College's Newnham Campus. The CGA Ontario Learning Centre which officially opened in January 2013 is a dedicated study area for Seneca's accounting students. The opening ceremony for the new study space was attended by President Agnew and CGA Ontario CEO Doug Brooks, FCGA.
In January 2013, students, staff and special guests attended the official opening and celebration of the new CGA Ontario Learning Centre, made possible through a $255,000 donation from the Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) to the School of Accounting and Financial Services. It serves as a dedicated study area for Seneca’s accounting students.
The Heavy Construction Association of Toronto pledges $100,000 to Seneca
The Heavy Construction Association of Toronto, an organization of contractors in the field of heavy civil engineering, pledged $100,000 to support infrastructure in the College's Welding program and to fund awards for students at the Centre for the Built Environment. The awards funding in particular supports students in a variety of programs including civil engineering, building management, environmental, energy management and fire protection.
Amsdell makes $50,000 donation towards endowed scholarship at Seneca
Amsdell continued its longstanding tradition of supporting Seneca students, with a gift of $50,000 toward an endowed scholarship fund for students in information and communications technology software development and IT administration programs. With this gift, the fund's total value reached $100,000, which was matched in entirety by the provincial government's Ontario Trust for Student Support program. The Amsdell Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and financial need.
OACETT and Seneca Alumni Association create endowment for Seneca engineering technology students
The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) created a $40,000 endowment fund that will establish an annual bursary for Seneca College Engineering Technology students. The endowment was made possible through generous donations from OACETT's Carole and George Fletcher Foundation and Seneca Alumni Association, both of which were matched through the Ontario Trust for Student Support program. The endowment is part of a broader capital campaign to celebrate 25 years of OACETT's bursary program by endowing 25 funds at colleges across Ontario.
DIALOG donation to support Seneca students focusing on sustainability
The award-winning national design firm DIALOG invested in Seneca students by establishing the DIALOG Environmental Sustainability Award for those studying in environmentally-focused programs at the College. This $30,000 donation helped to create three awards for full-time students who demonstrate financial need, maintain high academic standing and demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Famed metallurgist Dr. Ursula Franklin donates gift in kind of books
Dr. Ursula Franklin, a famed metallurgist, former U of T professor, current Massey Fellow, and winner of the Pearson Medal of Peace donated her extensive collection of books regarding Chinese material culture to the Confucius Institute. The value of the collection is approximately $15,000. The collection contains some very scarce and important books relating to Chinese culture, art and artifacts and will be of great research value to the Institute.
Triumph Express supports International Transportation and Customs students
The award-winning global cargo transportation, logistics, warehousing, and brokerage company has established the $25,000 Triumph Express International Transportation and Customs Award for first-year students in the International Transportation and Customs program. Over the next five years, students interested in a career in International Transportation or Customs will be eligible for financial aid, thanks to this award.
Alumnus supports those following in his footsteps
Winston Stewart, a graduate of Seneca's Law Enforcement program, and founder of Wincon Security Services has been a longtime supporter of the College. Since graduation, he has volunteered his time and been recognized as a Distinguished alumnus. This year, Winston established the $25,000 Winston Stewart College Opportunities Bursary for students in Seneca's College Opportunities Program. His five-year commitment to this program will assist many students looking to continue their postsecondary education and obtain the skills they need for a successful career.