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TODAYEXPANDING OUR IMPACT2022FALLwww.algomau.ca
Johnson Insurance has worked closely with Algoma University to provide access to helpful services and products that take care of your home, car and travel insurance needs. With Johnson, Algoma University alumni have exclusive access to:Take advantage of this special offer now. Mention group code A4 for your preferred rates when you give Johnson a call today at 1.877.742.7490 or visit Johnson.ca/alumni.+$890.00in savingsbundle home & car insurance*when youup to• First Claim Forgiveness• Flexible Payment Options• Identity Theft ProtectionJohnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc. ("Johnson" or “JI”), a licensed insurance intermediary. Home and car policies underwritten exclusively, and claims handled, by Unifund Assurance Company (“UAC”). Described coverage and benefits applicable only to policies underwritten by UAC in ON. JI and UAC share common ownership. Eligibility requirements, limitations, exclusions, additional costs and/or restrictions may apply and/or vary based on province/territory. *As of March 1, 2021, $890 combined savings available on home and car insurance if the following discounts are applicable: conviction free, multi-line (home and auto), multi-vehicle, winter tire, stability, and member (home and auto). Dollar savings may vary otherwise. †NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023 to legal residents of Canada (excluding Nunavut) who at the time of entry: (1) have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence and (2) are a member of an eligible recognized group of JI with whom Johnson Inc. has an insurance agreement. Twelve (12) prizes available, each consisting of $2,500 CAD. One prize is awarded after each of the 12 months of the contest. Each draw includes all eligible entries since start of contest. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Math skill test required. Rules: https://pages.johnson.ca/2500prizeAlumniGIVE YOUR INSURANCEPREMIUMS A WHOLE NEW LOOK.1 of 12 prizes ofWIN Call for a no-obligation quote and you’ll be entered for a chance to$2,500†HOME CAR TRAVELJohnson Insurance has worked closely with Algoma University to provide access to helpful services and products that take care of your home, car and travel insurance needs. With Johnson, Algoma University alumni have exclusive access to:Take advantage of this special offer now. Mention group code A4 for your preferred rates when you give Johnson a call today at 1.877.742.7490 or visit Johnson.ca/alumni.+$890.00in savingsbundle home & car insurance*when youup to• First Claim Forgiveness• Flexible Payment Options• Identity Theft ProtectionJohnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc. ("Johnson" or “JI”), a licensed insurance intermediary. Home and car policies underwritten exclusively, and claims handled, by Unifund Assurance Company (“UAC”). Described coverage and benefits applicable only to policies underwritten by UAC in ON. JI and UAC share common ownership. Eligibility requirements, limitations, exclusions, additional costs and/or restrictions may apply and/or vary based on province/territory. *As of March 1, 2021, $890 combined savings available on home and car insurance if the following discounts are applicable: conviction free, multi-line (home and auto), multi-vehicle, winter tire, stability, and member (home and auto). Dollar savings may vary otherwise. †NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023 to legal residents of Canada (excluding Nunavut) who at the time of entry: (1) have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence and (2) are a member of an eligible recognized group of JI with whom Johnson Inc. has an insurance agreement. Twelve (12) prizes available, each consisting of $2,500 CAD. One prize is awarded after each of the 12 months of the contest. Each draw includes all eligible entries since start of contest. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Math skill test required. Rules: https://pages.johnson.ca/2500prizeAlumniGIVE YOUR INSURANCEPREMIUMS A WHOLE NEW LOOK.1 of 12 prizes ofWIN Call for a no-obligation quote and you’ll be entered for a chance to$2,500†HOME CAR TRAVEL
ALGOMA U TODAY3CONTRIBUTING EDITORSBrian Leahy, brian.leahy@algomau.caJoanne Nanne, joanne.nanne@algomau.ca Manager of Alumni & Strategic Canada Post Publicaons Mail Agreementno. 40005450 ALGOMA UNIVERSITY Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Expanding Alumni Engagement: Message from the Alumni Council Chair 4 Expanding Our Impact: The President’s Message 5 Setting the PACE for Lifelong Learners 6 Creator of Community: Professor Jim Bird, SchoolBE 8 Continued Development at Algoma’s Brampton Campus 9 Algoma U Leads Regional Mental Health and Addictions Project 10 What An Amazing Spring & Summer 12 Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre Receives Medal of Merit 13 Dr. Nirosha Murugan: A rising star in the realm of research 14 Dr. Donna Rogers: Into the unknown 16 Algoma University Senate Designates Distinguished Faculty 18 Jane Petroni: A champion for social work in Northern Ontario 20 Dr. Olabanji Akinola: In memoriam 23 The Maria Francella Scholarship: An uncommon legacy 24 The Jane Rodgers Scholarship Fund: A personal act of reconciliaon 25 Algoma Alumni Lead Sault Ste. Marie into the Future 26 Alumni Updates 28 CityStudio Project Helps Revitalize Downtown Sault Ste. Marie 30ALGOMA U TODAYIn This IssueALGOMA UNIVERSITY EXPANDS ITS IMPACT2022FALLPHOTOSMaryn KirkBrian LeahyCONTRIBUTING WRITERSBrian LeahyRafael Nuncio-Lappe Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,
ALGOMA U TODAY4ALUMNI CHAIR’S MESSAGEMessage from the ChairT of our growing alumni family.D“the Hounds”Brewing for our Sault Ste. Marie Alumni Social. TTAlgoma U Today EXPANDING ALUMNI ENGAGEMENTAdam Carpenter, Chair, Alumni Council T
ALGOMA U TODAY5PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEO Asima Vezina, with each other.current context, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughul, commied people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.”our journey.Chi-Miigwetch,EXPANDING OUR IMPACTPresident’s Message2022FALL
ALGOMA U TODAY6SETTING THE PACE FOR LIFELONG LEARNERSWrien by Rafael Nuncio-LappeAU’s new Professional and Continuing Education Division Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, employment market. “PACE oers career-focused educaon from a university right in our community,”Manager. “If educaon is the door to opportunies, then universies are the keys that open those doors. PACE will help Algoma connue to create possibilies in learners’ lives.”Preparing for new realities“People have many prociencies,” “Oen, the foundaon is already there. What PACE oers is a plaorm from which learners can refresh their skills and nd ways to apply them in new contexts and areas. That’s the very denion of innovaon.”“You don’t necessarily come out of university with a degree that directly translates into a job. But people with English degrees are now working in high-tech companies because that industry’s needs have changed. PACE allows us to adapt to such changes and to beer prepare our learners and graduates for new realies.”Enriching lives Greater Toronto Area (GTA). People of all ages somemes come to universies without knowing what pathway to take,”“This new professional and connuing educaon division makes it easier for learners to think about what they want to do in their lives and careers.” Indigenous learning and teaching“Algoma has a special role to play in bringing educaon to our northern and Indigenous communies,” One example a centre of cultural excellence At Mukwa each other. The centre will the home of the Shingwauk “With PACE,” “we boost our commitment to making educaon accessible, meaningful, and life-changing for everyone.” The power of partnerships“Partnerships are essenal for Algoma to serve its communies,” “We want to prove our desire and readiness to partner with local and internaonal businesses and organizaons and provide value for everyone in our network—from our local cizens all the way to our global partners. Through strong partnerships, we can ensure a hands-on and needs-based approach to learning that creates and strengthens a skilled workforce and community in Northern Ontario.”“In 2018, Algoma and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services entered into a partnership to create SHIFT, now known as “With PACE, we boost our commitment to making educaon accessible, meaningful, and life-changing for everyone.”Dr. Daniel Weeks UNIVERSITY SUCCESS
ALGOMA U TODAY7EDUCATION, ALGOMA UNIVERSITYGabegendaadowin,” “The program bridges the understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communies through evidence-based, experienal learning. It is a perfect example of the type of training and partnerships that we would like to oer at PACE in the future,” A path to self-fulllment “Some people are just interested in learning something,”“The pursuit of knowledge is a goal in and of itself and doesn’t need to have a professional or nancial gain in mind. If pursuing lifelong learning enhances your passions, then you’re on your way to self-fulllment.”“Having a professional and connuing educaon arm is important for Algoma to maintain its crical mission as a university”, With this new division, we can foster knowledge, scholarship, research, and collaboraon in ways that we hadn’t thought of before.”“We look for invenve ways to contribute to the lives of every person in our communies. That’s exactly why PACE came to be.” their talents. “We invite you to come to PACE,”“Acquire new skills, explore your passions, and become a lifelong learner.”UNIVERSITY SUCCESS2022FALL
ALGOMA U TODAY8FACULTY PROFILET Jim Bird“I have a lot to give to the students in terms of experience,”Ontario. “The older kids were expected to teach the younger ones,”“So, at age twelve, I became a teacher.” “I don’t suppose you can teach accounng?” “Up to that point, I had never had to deal with unions,”“I got there and I asked, ‘As HR director, how many unions will I have to deal with?’ ‘Oh, about nineteen,’”“I love teaching,”“I love it for the same reasons I loved being a cop. You never know what’s going to happen on any given day.”“When I saw that a university was opening, I jumped at the chance. What a wonderful opportunity to help the young people here.”“Jim’s a staple at the Brampton campus,” BE Cathy Denomme. “He volunteers for all of the open houses and sits on all of the commiees, just like he does as a private cizen. He’s caring, he’s calming, he’s inspiraonal.”growth? “Our current growth is great for Algoma,”“It broadens their marketplace. It’s also a great opportunity for the students from this area. Both Brampton and Algoma will always have that community feel.”them.CREATOR OF COMMUNITY: Professor Jim Bird, SchoolBEWrien by Dan Lalande“When I saw that a university was opening, I jumped at the chance. What a wonderful opportunity to help the young people here.”Prof. Jim Bird
ALGOMA U TODAY9UNIVERSITY SUCCESS2022FALLCStreet.“We’re using this latest expansion not just to keep the momentum going, but to push growth even harder,” year Community Economic & Social “We listened to our students,” “They expressed to us the real demand that exists in Brampton for Algoma to have a stronger presence. Brampton is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse municipalies in Canada so the locaon is perfect given our emphasis on cross-cultural learning.”“Brampton is in the midst of an excing transformaon,” “Together with our partners, we are pung the building blocks in place to develop our Innovaon District – located in downtown Brampton—into a major educaon hub. We are thrilled that Algoma has chosen Brampton as its latest site for expansion.”CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AT ALGOMA’S BRAMPTON CAMPUSWrien by John Phillips
ALGOMA U TODAY10UNIVERSITY SUCCESSALGOMA U LEADS REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS PROJECTWrien by John PhillipsA grassroots, cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary response“No one is working on solving this problem from a grassroots, cross-cultural, mul-disciplinary perspecve,” “As a leading organizaon in our community, we determined that Northern Ontario needed to make a transformaonal change to its approach to addicon and mental health. This approach must include healthcare, housing, and other social supports. It must also increase professional capacity through a strong pool of graduates coming out of the region’s higher educaon sector.”Five central partners
ALGOMA U TODAY11UNIVERSITY SUCCESSTHE CONVERGENCE CENTRE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE. capacity.“We all share in this problem, so the only way to solve it is for all of us to have a share in the soluon—to work in true partnership within the community itself,” “This is a coming together of partners, with each one bringing an impressive amount of capacity in their individual eld. By working together, I think we can nd a new way forward that any one of these groups couldn’t nd acng alone. This partnership will be the dierence.”“The instute is something that I don’t think has happened yet in Canada, where you have a hospital, medical school, college, university, and Indigenous organizaon working together to contribute their strengths and skills. Research is going to create soluons, while training will produce a workforce of frontline medical sta, as well as psychologists and social workers, to support a diverse community that is really struggling.”Three waves of planning “We’re trying to line up all exisng research and training in Algoma District,” “For instance, we’re looking to integrate new training seats for physicians at NOSM University with praccal exposure at Sault Area Hospital, so that these professionals can be brought closer to the problem. We’re also looking at how to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into the whole Instute. Once we realize what each of the partners brings to the table, we can align the contribuons to make sure they meet the challenges of mental health and addicons in Northern Ontario.”capacity.“Nothing is free,”“New programs and capacity building may well require investments from the province. Yet money alone is not the answer. The scale of the challenge is such that we need investments of human resources and infrastructure as well. We will make a strong case to prospecve partners for all of that investment.”Indigenous peoples and alumni have roles to play“The involvement of First Naons and Més in the Instute es into reconciliaon and the Special Mission of Algoma University,”“The Instute is going to look at mental health and addicons from a cross-cultural perspecve, not relying on one worldview or on Western science alone. We would like to incorporate many worldviews into the research and training programming.”role to play. “I would like our alumni to support the Instute,”“They can do so by talking across their networks in government and business about the importance of having this Instute in Northern Ontario. They can also sponsor students to research and train here. They can even come back to the school and engage directly. Their parcipaon will be vital in moving the instute forward.”“This is a coming together of partners, with each one bringing an impressive amount of capacity in their individual eld...”Dr. Daniel Weeks 2022FALL
ALGOMA U TODAY12UNIVERSITY SUCCESSOWHAT AN AMAZING SPRING & SUMMER1257
ALGOMA U TODAY13FRIENDS OF ALGOMA2022FALLOn May 2, 2022, the Shingwauk community.“Sault Ste. Marie’s eorts on the truth and reconciliaon journey connue to be led by the local Indigenous community, with the Shingwauk Residenal Schools Centre providing a foremost example of the importance of acknowledging the dicult truths of our past and comming to move forward in the spirit of collaboraon and mutual respect,”“It was a lovely ceremony,”“It was great to see support from the community and the mayor. Recognion as a leader in cross-cultural educaon is truly wonderful.”featuring the Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall “The recognion from the city is testament to the long-standing commitment and hard work of the dedicated members of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Associaon along with the expert sta who oversee the SRSC,” “Their eorts to preserve and share the truth of Canada’s residenal school period are of crical importance so the ongoing work of healing and reconciliaon can move forward.”hps://algomau.ca/research/shingwauk-residenal-schools-centre/).SHINGWAUK RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS CENTRE RECEIVES MEDAL OF MERITWrien by Dan Lalande
ALGOMA U TODAY14FACULTY PROFILEADr. Nirosha MuruganDR. NIROSHA MURUGAN: A rising star in the realm of researchWrien by Rafael Nuncio-Lappe
ALGOMA U TODAY15FACULTY PROFILE“I’m incredibly thankful and proud to be honoured with this award,”“The award means that I’m privileged to be part of a close community that is dedicated to excellence in innovaon and research. To be recognized by my students and peers is a humbling experience.”“The Rising Star Award is a recognion of the calibre of the work that our Algoma faculty members do. The University’s ability to aract and retain a colleague like Dr. Murugan speaks volumes about the environment that our instuon oers for such outstanding researchers. It also contributes to the reputaon of the program, Algoma, and the north.”Science Advances, The New York TimesThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert“Frogs are unique animals because they can fully regenerate when they’re tadpoles,”“Tadpoles can lose limbs and organs and easily regenerate them. When tadpoles become adult frogs, however, they completely lose that ability.”“It’s not perfect,”But it’s very close. We’re excited to see how far we can go. We hope to one day reverse human limb loss completely. These new approaches to regenerave medicine are unlocking a path to achieve this breakthrough.”“The Rising Star Award and my research demonstrate that you don’t have to be ‘purebred’ in your scienc community,” “ To me, ‘purebred’ means that you’ve been trained by experts and have only focused on one thing your enre career. I don’t want that. In my eld, it’s very important to show that we’re open to change and to bring in people who think dierently, and work with them. I’m very proud of myself for bringing together all these experts—and for leading them as a woman of colour.”“Dr. Murugan is a wonderful role model for other women in STEM studies and careers.”“Through Indigenous knowledge and lived experiences, we can sharpen older technologies and thought paerns. We can then integrate these dierent approaches and deliver a more ecient method to the world,” “Dr. Murugan’s work serves the needs of students in Northern Ontario. She works in the north for the north,”“She embodies the cross-cultural educaon and knowledge transmission between our Indigenous and non-Indigenous communies that we strive for at Algoma. She is also a perfect example of the University’s commitment to our equity, diversity, and inclusion iniaves and expectaons.”“I want people to know that it’s okay to have an unconvenonal journey,”“as long as you keep your sights on where you want to go and what the endgame is. Never lose your creave drive and your openness to dierent ways of thinking and doing—no maer your academic training, your passion, or your journey.”“Dr. Murugan’s work serves the needs of students in Northern Ontario. She works in the north for the north...”Dr. István Imre 2022FALL
ALGOMA U TODAY16LEADERSHIP PROFILEDR. DONNA ROGERS: Into the unknownWrien by Dan Lalande“Do more of what you’re afraid of.”TDr. Donna Rogers“I come from Scosh and Irish ancestry,” “My ancestors came to a new country looking for a beer life. They were literally stepping into the unknown. I’ve inherited much of that spirit.”“They had clients in South America and the Caribbean,”“The company would oen book a charter and bring me with them. So, on weekends, there I’d be, on a plane to
ALGOMA U TODAY17LEADERSHIP PROFILE2022FALLACADEMIC AND RESEARCH AT ALGOMA UNIVERSITYColumbia with 75,000 chickens.”“I learned a lot about poultry in two languages,”“I can sll hear that poor, perplexed border guard,” “’You mean, we have to import people to teach Spanish?’”“I like the smaller instuons,”“places where I can get to know the students and they can get to know me, places where you can sll make connecons.” A telling preference, which “I began to consider programs and program quality,” “At rst, I was an accidental administrator. Looking back, though, I can see that ran a lot deeper than I thought.”Algoma. “I wanted aracve programs, excing faculty, and policies that would help students navigate this world that was new to them.” “I was the rst one from my family to get a higher educaon. I always kept that in mind, how opaque post-secondary educaon was to me as a young student.”“A colleague said to me just before I went to AU, ‘You’re at the legacy stage of your career. Have you thought about what you’re going to do?’” ‘Where can I make a dierence? Where can I bring all of this experience?’”“so it was an excellent opportunity to contribute.”“Algoma is an aracve partner for them because of the Special Mission and our commitment to addressing reconciliaon. We have a ton le to do in that regard, of course”“Yet, these other instuons say to us, ‘Wow! You’ve done so much!’”“From there, we acted on orders that got updated every couple of weeks. But we took it one day at a me”“and never laid o a single employee. I’m extremely proud of our academic connuity throughout it all.”contribute to community. “Faculty careers are made up of three components,”“teaching, administraon, and service. None of us takes the ‘service’ part lightly.”unknown.“I wanted aracve programs, excing faculty, and policies that would help students navigate this world that was new to them.”Dr. Donna Rogers
ALGOMA U TODAY18DISTINGUISHED FACULTYY ALGOMA UNIVERSITY SENATE DESIGNATES DISTINGUISHED FACULTYDr. William Oseiof Ghana, an M.A. from Carleton of Victoria. the faculty union.DR. WILLIAM OSEIWrien by Dan Lalande
ALGOMA U TODAY19DISTINGUISHED FACULTY2022FALLDr. Cheryl Reed-Elder DR. CELIA ROSSDr. Celia Ross Professor Dave Galoa
ALGOMA U TODAY20FACULTY PROFILEBeneng students and cizensIJane Petroni“Jane is the face of the social work program in Timmins,”“Given Jane’s passion, she connues to teach on a part-me basis, for which we are thankful.”A vision for the programEnter Northern College, enter Jane. She “Jane was on board right away,” “She was very interested in our vision for the program.” “Jane was always there,”“Those students really related to her.” JANE PETRONI: A champion for social work in Northern OntarioWrien by Dan Lalande LOGAN MACRITCHIE, SKYLA CARON AND
ALGOMA U TODAY21Algoma University was built on a community’s dream for a post-secondary institution close to home. Today, that dream continues to thrive. Our deepest thanks to the generosity of donors, alumni, the business community, and champions who continue to support the success of tomorrow’s leaders, our students. Donating to the Algoma University Annual Fund makes an immediate impact in the following areas: 1. Scholarships, which recognize academic excellence2. Bursaries, ensuring that university education is accessible3. Support for athletes participating in varsity sports4. Enhancing the overall student experience5. Algoma University’s Special Mission6. Special and/or Research projects 7. Capital projectsReasons for making a gift vary. Some give to provide the university with more academic resources; others to provide students with academic awards or financial aid. Many give as an act of gratitude, for the contribution Algoma U has made to their lives. No matter the reason, we hope that you will help Algoma University by making a donation that will have a lasting impact on our students. To make your donation, please contact Giselle Chiarello, Senior Development Officer, Alumni & Advancement Office at 705-949-2301, ext. 4125 or giselle.chiarello@algomau.ca. You can also visit our website at: algomau.ca/giving MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAMm Preauthorized bank deduction (Please attach a VOID cheque) deducted on the 15th of each month.m I would like to become a monthly donor by debiting my credit card. (Please complete credit card information.) Please indicate the amount that you wish to donate monthly: m $100 per month m $75 per month m $50 per month m $25 per month m $ per monthName: Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Phone: Email: Yes, I would like to donate to Algoma University and make a difference in a student’s life today. Here is my gift of: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATIONm Cheque enclosed for $ (Please make cheque payable to Algoma University. The fund being donated to can be listed in the memo line.)m Credit card payment in the amount of $ . m VISA m MasterCard m American ExpressName on Card: Card Number: Expiration Date: 3-Digit Security Code (CVV): Cardholder’s Signature: Please direct my donation to:m Algoma U Fundm Scholarship & Bursary Awardsm Varsity Sports m Student Emergency Fundm Arthur A. Wishart Librarym Children of Shingwauk Alumni Associationm Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre m I wish my gift to remain anonymous. Your Donations Make an Impact.www.algomau.caPlease return this form to: Algoma University, Alumni & Advancement Office 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2G4Charitable Registration #: 8266 30865 RR0001
ALGOMA U TODAY22Athletics are an integral part of Algoma University’s history. Our student-athletes have excelled at the regional, provincial, and national levels in their respective sports. As part of Ontario University Athletics (OUA), our varsity teams compete in the most prestigious university sports conference in Canada, oering team members the opportunity to excel and grow. Our student-athletes (Thunderbirds) compete in the following sports: • Basketball • Cross-country running • Curling • Nordic skiing • Soccer • WrestlingAdopting an Algoma U Thunderbird allows families, friends, alumni, and the community the opportunity to support our student-athletes. Algoma University’s hard-working student-athletes need your philanthropy in order to support their academic standing while training and competing. There are also travel costs, as they venture thousands of kilometers across Ontario, the rest of Canada, and the United States to participate in various events. You can help bolster the Algoma University Varsity Athletics program by making a donation to the Adopt-A-Thunderbird program today!Your donation will help to:• purchase specialized equipment • assist with travel expenses for tournaments and out-of-town competitions• provide opportunities for o-season training; and • support student-athlete achievement awards.All donations receive a charitable tax receipt.If you wish to speak with a member of our team about a donation, please contact Giselle Chiarello, Senior Development Ocer, Alumni & Advancement Oce at 705-949-2301, ext. 4125 or giselle.chiarello@algomau.ca. You can also visit our website at: algomau.ca/givingCharitable Registration #: 8266 30865 RR0001Algoma University Athletics MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAMm Preauthorized bank deduction (Please attach a VOID cheque) deducted on the 15th of each month.m I would like to become a monthly donor by debiting my credit card. (Please complete credit card information.) Please indicate the amount that you wish to donate monthly: m $100 per month m $75 per month m $50 per month m $25 per month m $ per monthYes, I wish to support the Algoma U Adopt-A-Thunderbird program. Name: Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Email: Phone: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATIONm Cheque enclosed for $ (Please make cheque payable to Algoma University. The fund being donated to can be listed in the memo line.)m Credit card payment in the amount of $ m VISA m MasterCard m American ExpressName on Card: Card Number: Expiration Date: 3-Digit Security Code (CVV): Cardholder’s Signature: m I wish my gift to remain anonymous. Please return this form to: Algoma University, Alumni & Advancement Oce 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2G4ADOPT-A-THUNDERBIRD
ALGOMA U TODAY232022FALLIN MEMORIAMThumanity of the late Dr. Olabanji Akinola, “The students loved him,” “More than a few said to me over the years that he was the most engaging prof they’d ever had.” “It was a great t,”“I’m from Canada, so I teach the domesc side. He lived in all sorts of countries, so he taught the internaonal content. Together, we were able to cover the whole University program.”on behalf of the Shingwauk “That will be part of his legacy,” Dr. Tchir. “He was a posive force in the internaonalizaon of the school.” the Dr. Olabanji Akinola Cizenship Award for Excellence in Internaonal Relaons. algomau.ca/givingDR. OLABANJI AKINOLADR. OLABANJI AKINOLA: In memoriamWrien by Dan Lalande“He was a posive force in the internaonal-izaon of the school.”Dr. Trevor Tchir
ALGOMA U TODAY24“It’s not common for elementary school teachers to make large donations to universities,” admits Dr. Arthur Perlini, Professor of psychology and former Academic Dean at Algoma. To hear him tell it, nothing about the late Maria Francella, the big-hearted shaper of young lives responsible for the endowment, was common.Born in 1977, Maria grew up in the west end of Sault Ste. Marie. She was orphaned at a young age, yet rose above circumstance to earn her undergraduate degree from what was then Algoma University College before going on to secure a Bachelor of Education. She joined the Huron Superior District Catholic School Board in 2003 and began a 15-year career as an educator, teaching at a number of schools during her career. She was adored by students and colleagues alike everywhere she taught.Then came her voice mail—an unusual form of communication in today’s digital age. Even stranger was Maria’s message, a cryptic invite for her and Dr. Perlini to reunite years after she had been a student in his classroom. “That began the process of our liaising with one another,” explains a still emotional Dr. Perlini. “All of 43, she had been diagnosed with cancer. Maria told me that, having been a teacher, she wanted to create a scholarship.”In the end, Maria Francella made two scholarships possible: one for a student in their second, third, or fourth year of studies in the psychology program, and one for a full-time student in their third or fourth year in the social work program. Though Maria didn’t live to designate how the funds would be allotted, Dr. Perlini ensured that their respective dedications would reflect the character and intentions of their donor.“The first thing that came to mind was a psychology student, of course,” Dr. Perlini explains, “because Maria had been one. Then I got to thinking about her circumstances. She had lost her mother and had probably depended on social supports. We have a Social Work program at Algoma. So the University foundation and I thought, we should help students who are invested in helping others. This would be consistent with Maria’s values.”This year’s Maria Francella Award recipients are Amber Goslow and Carrie-Lynne Smale. Both were honoured during a *student awards video recognition released earlier this year, where Dr. Perlini spoke of Maria’s kind soul, infectious spirit, and determination to assist others and make a difference in the world.“Nothing was given to Maria. But as a teacher,” qualifies Dr. Perlini, “Maria knew that she could provide the kinds of opportunities that she herself had to struggle to obtain. And that, in turn, those students could change the lives of others. Her life was cut short—but she made it a life well lived.”*Interested in viewing the 28th Annual Student Awards Celebration video? You can find it on YouTube by searching ‘Algoma University 2022 Student Award Donors’THE MARIA FRANCELLA SCHOLARSHIP: An uncommon legacy Written by Dan Lalande“Maria knew that she could provide the kinds of opportunities that she herself had to struggle to obtain. And that, in turn, those students could change the lives of others. Her life was cut short—but she made it a life well lived.” Dr. Arthur PerliniEducation is an investment for a lifetime. Pictured above: Maria FrancellaInset Photo: Dr. Arthur PerliniMaria knew that she could provide the kinds of opportunities that she herself had to struggle to obtain.Dr. Arthur Perlini
ALGOMA U TODAY25“I realized that each of us non-Indigenous Canadians should make a personal act of reconciliation. Ignoring isn’t enough, thinking isn’t enough, learning isn’t enough. Acknowledgment and action are needed – and right now. I consider the endowment my first major act of reconciliation.” Jane RodgersTHE JANE RODGERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND: A personal act offreconciliation Written by Dan Lalande“We drove by that Shingwauk home many times when I was a child and never thought twice about it.”So admits Jane Rodgers, the Sault Ste. Marie native and retired high school teacher based in Kingston. Jane’s reframing of her childhood excursions from the Soo to Sudbury is the culmination of a long political awakening. It began when, for the first time, Canadians were forced to face the truth about the horrors being carried out across the country in their name. Jane’s extensive self-education on the matter made her aware of the Shingwauk home’s current identity and AU’s Special Mission to move healing and reconciliation forward. She lauds the school’s honest perspective on Canadian history and its unwavering commitment to cross-cultural learning and teaching. Says Jane, “I was so impressed by the comprehensiveness of what they’re doing.”Jane retired in 1997 after a 35-year career in teaching. Finding that she missed working with the younger generation, she began tutoring international students. “I had students from everywhere,” she recounts. “But each of them had this romantic vision of Canada. I thought I’d better read more about my country if I’m going to be the authority for them.”Three years later, the Prison for Women in Kingston, three blocks from Jane’s home, closed. That brought Jane in contact with another Jane: Jane Chartrand, a 25-year veteran of Correctional Services Canada and a residential school survivor. Aspiring author Chartrand was working on a series of children’s books and was looking for editorial guidance. “She was the first Native person I had ever even talked to,” remembers Jane Rodgers. “Her stories about her life really resonated with me.”Then the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was launched. “After all of that, although I had reached my late sixties and seventies,” says Jane, “I began to look at the issue more broadly and historically.”Jane’s social awareness inspired her to create a scholarship at Algoma. The Jane Rodgers Scholarship Fund provides $1,000 each to a mature female First Nations, Inuit, or Métis student in their second, third, or fourth year of study in AU’s Humanities program.“In reading the Truth and Reconcili-ation report,” explains Jane, “I realized that each of us non-Indigenous Canadians should make a personal act of reconciliation. Ignoring isn’t enough, thinking isn’t enough, learning isn’t enough. Acknowledgment and action are needed – and right now. I consider the endowment my first major act of reconciliation.”Jane encourages other donors to establish scholarships, citing the ease and impact of working with AU. “There’s very little bureaucracy, and even a small contribution goes a long way compared to other institutions.” As for her own contribution, Jane says, “It’s something I can leave behind that I’m extremely proud of.”Pictured above: Jane Rodgers“I thought I’d better read more about my country if I’m going to be the authority for them.”Jane Rodgers
ALGOMA U TODAY26ALUMNI STORYAtomorrow.“Two qualies that have helped me in my polical career are remaining open-minded and deeply curious,” Luke Dufour“I realized for the rst me just how special my life was back in Northern Ontario,” “Most successful policies stem from having the open-mindedness and curiosity to ask the right quesons,”“Then using the answers you get to truly solve problems and not just get a headline.”Corey GardiALGOMA U ALUMNI LEAD SAULT STE. MARIE INTO THE FUTUREWrien by John Phillips
ALGOMA U TODAY27ALUMNI STORY2022FALL“Polical science professor Don Jackson and geography professor William Osei taught me the importance of being an insighul cizen and of pursuing my passion,”“A concepon exists of polics being cuhroat, but my experience with the people I meet and talk with has been nothing but posive,”“Sault Ste. Marie is the ideal place for this instuon for many reasons, including the strong instuonal partners in the city, such as Algoma University,”“Algoma is an excellent place to gain an undergraduate educaon. We need young people to stay in Sault Ste. Marie and thrive. Going to Algoma helps them do that.”Mahew Sco. “Professor Tom McDowell taught me polical science, and I also served as a board member on the student union,” “Those experiences showed me how individuals and groups actually went about solving problems.”“Listen rst and speak second,” “Let your constuents guide your priories and then follow your moral compass to realize them.”“I had a great upbringing in Sault Ste. Marie, so I want to create a city where today’s kids are encouraged to stay here, start careers, and raise families.”Mahew Shoemaker “He helped me understand my polical beliefs in terms of me-honoured principles,”“This grounding set my polical compass and gave me direcon.”“It showed me that my generaon should make its voice heard on every decision made by the whole of the community,”“This realizaon, in part, spurred me as a young person to run for city council.”thinking about their own run, Shoemaker “Do it. If you have an idea you want to implement, there is no beer way of realizing it than pung yourself forward in an elecon and seeing it through.” Lisa Vezeau-Allen“Being a student representave on the Algoma University Senate rst showed me the value of serving as a voice for an under-represented group,”“The experience also made the whole idea of being on a board of any kind seem real and normal. I realized I could do this kind of work.”“anyone who is uncomfortable sing around the boardroom table or who doesn’t feel represented in their community.”“Don’t be afraid,”“But also realize that you don’t have to do it alone. Find a good mentor or mentors who can help you understand and carry out campaign logiscs.” MATTHEW SHOEMAKER, AND MATTHEW SCOTT. “Algoma is an excellent place to gain an undergraduate educaon. We need young people to stay in Sault Ste. Marie and thrive. Going to Algoma helps them do that.”Corey Gardi
ALGOMA U TODAY28ALUMNI UPDATESBrad Van BoerdonkBRAD VAN BOERDONKIman Sohail Erika ProvenzanoJonathan D’Sa (BSc Computer at Oracle. IMAN SOHAIL ALUMNI UPDATESHannah WatsonHorizon Health Network at Saint Follow us!@algomaualumniJamie Carrolfamily. Melodie General (BA Sociology James WhiteChrisne Caron (BSc Biology Diego in a cancer immunology lab. JAMIE CARROLMELODIE GENERAL JAMES WHITECHRISTINE CARONHANNAH WATSONPauline DanquahMelissa Ouimee (BBA Human (pictured third from le)MELISSA OUIMETTE
ALGOMA U TODAY29ALUMNI UPDATES2022FALLNew Alumni Council MembersAsh Lamba“I love connecng with students and being involved in decision making and planning for future students to make their experience beer. I also run a non-prot organizaon called ‘Student Connect’ which works towards the beerment of the student community in Canada. I feel being in the Council aligns with my goal of empowering students.”Tee Komsa“I’m excited to bring all of my experience and energy to the Council and give back to the school that gave so much to me. I’m looking forward to connecng with other alumni, students, and faculty, and being able to make a dierence for Algoma U’s past and future graduates!”Thank you for sharing your career updates and personal milestones with us at alumni@algomau.ca. Please keep your news coming and be sure to update your contact informaon so we can let you know about special benets and events exclusive to alumni. Visit algomau.ca/alumniSkyla Caron“I am a new recruit to the Council. I’m very excited and looking forward to what I can bring to the table and how to bring events and services to the alumni in the Timmins area. I am looking forward to this amazing opportunity.”ALUMNI CHEER ON THE GREYHOUNDS AT A GAME IN THE SOO IN MARCHENJOYING THE MUSIC AT THE SAULT STE. MARIE ALUMNI SOCIAL
ALGOMA U TODAY30UNIVERSITY SUCCESSC“Students can connect with the local community and work on things from climate change migaon to downtown safety and revitalizaon, and anything in between,” “We have business, environmental science, community development, and visual arts students working on CityStudio projects. It’s also a cross-cultural learning iniave between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communies.”“We planned for four projects each semester,” “This winter, we took on 11! With each semester, more and more people become interested.” “The city provided $12,000 in funding to purchase the lightboxes and connect learners to business owners,”Jaehrling. “Stakes aren’t just abstract. This is a real-world project with real relaonships.”“We want as many people to benet from as many projects as possible,”Jaehrling. “We also want to collaborate with other instuons and organizaons. We invite the public to learn about the excing municipal projects that CityStudio is supporng.” collaborate, contact Taylor Jaehrling at taylor.jaehrling@algomau.ca or at CITYSTUDIO PROJECT HELPS REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN SAULT STE. MARIEWrien by Rafael Nuncio-Lappe
ALGOMA U TODAY31egacy planning, commonly referred to as estate planning, can be a meaningful way to contribute to the future of Algoma University. Your support and commitment help fund scholarships and bursary awards, athletics programs, Algoma’s Special Mission, research projects, library resources, and future capital projects. The legacy gift you leave to Algoma University will nurture and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.There are many ways to make a legacy gift to Algoma University, with tax benets. Gifts in Will:A gift through your Last Will and Testament is simply a distribution from your estate to the University. We recommend using specic language to describe the direction of your assets and to properly carry out your nal wishes. beneciary. The tax credits generated by the charitable tax receipt will offset taxes payable on the distribution of the registered retirement fund. The Alumni and Advancement Ofce at Algoma University is available to help individuals who are considering a legacy gift. For more information, please contact: Giselle ChiarelloSenior Development Ofcerat 705-949-2301, ext. 4125 or by email at giselle.chiarello@algomau.caIf you are interested in more information, please return this form to:Algoma University, Alumni & Advancement Ofce1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2G4 Yes, I would like more information on how to: o Include a gift to Algoma University in my will o Donate life insurance o Donate RRSPs/RRIFs o I/We have already included Algoma University o Donate stocks/bonds/mutual funds in my/our Estate Planning or WillName: Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Phone (Home) Phone (Cell) E-Mail: Algoma University encourages you to explore the options that best suit your personal philanthropic goals. The information provided will outline the benets of making a planned gift to Algoma University. We strongly recommend that you consult with your nancial and/or legal advisor prior to making your gift to determine specic tax advantages and requirements.eaving a Legacy Can Help Future Generations of StudentsLGift of Securities:A gift of appreciated publicly traded securities - stocks, bonds, mutual funds and shares - is one of the most tax-effective ways to make a donation. Gift of Life Insurance:There are a variety of life insurance policies that are equally benecial to you and the University. Here are various ways to gift a life insurance policy:• Transfer ownership of a paid-up policy• Transfer ownership of an existing policy with premiums still owing • Purchase a new policy, initially naming the University as the owner• Name Algoma University as primary beneficiary of a policy or as a co-beneficiaryGift of RRSP/RRIF:A gift of an RRSP/RRIF can be made by designating Algoma University as the
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