The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Algoma University / 2024BRAMPTON SAULT STE. MARIE TIMMINSFrom Protection to ExpressionWith vibrant colours, woodland designs, and a love of ornamentation, Ocean Kiana (BA Anishinaabe Studies ’23) is bringing Nishinaabe aesthetics into the fashion mainstream.Ocean Kiana, (BA Anishinaabe Studies ’23), showcasing her newest collection on National Indigenous Peoples Day at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre.ALUMNI MAGAZINE
HELLO, BOOZHOO, AANIIN, BONJOUR. The Alumni & Friends Bike Night was held in Summer 2023 when participants biked the John Rowswell Hub Trail.Algoma UniversityTri-Campus Land AcknowledgementAlgoma University is a Canadian public university with three cam-puses located in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, and Timmins. The Sault Ste. Marie campus is located on the site of the Former Shingwauk Residential School; as such Algoma University has a Special Mission to be a teaching-oriented university and cultivate cross-cultural learn-ing between Indigenous and settler communities. Following from our Special Mission, Algoma Univer- sity is committed to reconciliation, creating safety for our community members, and creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment for all of our students, faculty, and staff.Algoma University respectfully acknowledges that its three cam- puses are located on the tradition- al lands of Indigenous Peoples. For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples have inhabited and cared for these lands and continue to do so today.The Sault Ste. Marie campus in Baawaating is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, specifically the Garden River First Nation and Batchewana First Nation, and home to the Métis, located in Robinson-Huron Treaty territory. Sault Ste. Marie is also home to many urban Indigenous Peoples.The Brampton campus is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We acknowledge the territory of the Anishinaabeg, the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples. This land is also home to the Métis and many urban Indigenous Peoples.The Timmins campus is located on Treaty #9 territory, also known as the James Bay Treaty. It is the traditional territory of the Ojibwe/Chippewa, including the Mattagami First Nation, as well as the Mushkegowuk (Cree), Algonquin, and Métis Peoples.The Thunderbird represents the heart of Algoma University. Its thunder, lightning and rain cleanses and gives power to the earth and its people.Adopted in the early 1970s from the pictographs within the Agawa Bay region of Lake Superior, it symbolizes our collective hope as we emerge from a dark past into a brighter future for all – learning from and with each other.In 1981 our Thunderbird was made into a flag for the occasion of a healing and reconciliation memorial and ceremony conducted ater the first Shingwauk Reunion, which honoured the two branches of Founders of education on the site, traditional and contemporary, Native and non-Native; Shingwauk and Algoma. The Thunderbird Flag was made by Algoma Student and Student Council member Pam Forster, and presented by her and Rolland Nadjiwon, Founding Executive Director of the Keewati-nung Institute, to Dr. Dennis Howell, Chairman of the AUC Board of Trustees, and Shingwauk Alumnus and Garden River Elder, Daniel Erskine Pine Sr. It was blessed by the Bishop Frank Nock of the Anglican Diocese of Algoma and raised by him and Dr. Howell at an Honour Ceremony and Song for the Flag by a local Native Drum Group.The Flag has been flown since as the symbol/dodem of then Algoma University College, now Algoma University.The Thunderbird flag flies proudly in front of the front entr- ance to Shingwauk Hall. Although the Thunderbird as a symbol of Algoma University may evolve over time, the flag will remain as it was presented in 1981.AlgomaUniversityPhotography byDanijela GorleySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 2SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 2 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
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Contents12 16ALGOMA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2024 From Protectionto ExpressionThe journey of fashion designer Ocean Kiana—with vibrant colours, wood- land designs, and a love of ornamentation, Ocean Kiana is bringing Nishinaabe aesthetics into the fashion mainstream.By Naomi BuckOvercoming Distance to Address Local NeedsAlgoma University’s Bachelor of Social Work Program creates opportunity and empowers students to provide compassionate and informed support close to home.By Naomi Buck03 Message from Algoma University04 Shoot Your Shot From her home in the Sault, Hannah Roswell produces world-renowned TV.05Campus News from Sault Ste. Marie & Campus Temperature Reading07Campus News from Brampton & Timmins 08FlashbackThe memorable moments from Algoma U history.10Don’t Accept MediocrityFrank O’Connor on the motto that made him successful.24Gabegendaadowin—Bridging Cultures and Building Mutual Respect 25 Home Advantage26The Long Tail Anna Hamilton and Matthew Neveu share how their time at Algoma U shap-ed their journeys and why they continue to give back.28A Breath of Fresh Air Rhaelyn Gillespie and her co-founder offer Canadians the first oil-based breath mint.29Alumni Cultural Picks30 Time and PlaceFrom lively socials to exciting sporting events, our alumni enjoy their time together.32 Alumni AwardsConnor Flood & MPP Ross Romano receive the Alumni Achievement Award and the Distin-guished Alumni Award.Sault Ste. Marie FeatureTimminsFeature20Balancing Ambition and the LedgerAn entrepreneur since age 17, Ash Lamba speaks candidly about the ups and downs of running his business.By Rob CsernyikBy Rob CsernyikBrampton FeatureDepartments2 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 2SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 2 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
Alumni Magazine 2024Algoma Alumni Magazine is published by the Department of Strategic Advancement and Alumni Affairs at Algoma University for the University’s alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. The magazine is the University’s primary vehicle for providing information on the accomplish-ments of alumni, faculty, and students, and on significant issues and developments within the University community. Alumni and alum are used through- out as gender-neutral terms.Director of Strategic AdvancementColin WilsonContributing EditorsPatty Chabbert, Natalie Doherty, Craig Fowler, Roberta Horst, Nathalie Restoule, Megan Parlowe, Ashley ValelaEditorial ConsultantsAlex Dawson, Greg SalmelaArt Direction & DesignSabrina XiangDesign AgencyAegis Design Inc.WritersNaomi Buck, Maria Coccimiglio, Rob Csernyik, Tatum Dooley, Pat Morden, Megan Parlowe, Hilary Prouse, Ashley ValelaPhotographersNéné Fortier Photography, Danijela Gorley, Kikki Guerard, Carlos Osorio, Galit Rodan, Algoma U Staff, Kieron Tan, Winged Whale MediaIllustratorsKarima Lacroix, Cornelia LiAlgoma University c/o Department of Strategic Advancement & Alumni Affairs 1520 Queen Street EastSault Ste. Marie, OntarioCanada P6A 2G4705 949 2301 alumni@algomau.caPrinted in Canada Copyright ©2024 Algoma UniversityOn the coverAs we unveil this edition of the Algoma Alumni Magazine, the themes of trailblazing, leadership, and transformative impact resonate on every page. This issue celebrates the relentless drive, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication of our alumni, whose achievements epitomize the core values of Algoma University.The entrepreneurs featured in this issue— Frank O’Connor, Ash Lamba, Ocean Kiana, and Rhaelyn Gillespie—embody the spirit of trailblaz-ing leadership. Their ventures are more than busi-nesses; they are transformative forces that create new opportunities, challenge the status quo, and drive economic and social progress. These indi-viduals have demonstrated that with integrity and vision, you can carve out new paths and inspire others to follow.Similarly, this edition explores highly motivat- ed alumni such as Hannah Rowswell and Christine Raycrat, who are making significant impacts in their respective fields. Their stories of perseverance and success illustrate the power of a focused mind and a dedicated heart. They remind us that motiva-tion and aspiration are key ingredients in achieving remarkable feats and leaving a lasting legacy.We also recognize the generous contributions of two donors, Anna Hamilton and Matt Neveu. Their support underscores the importance of giv- ing back and investing in the future. Their philan-thropy is a testament to the enduring connection between our alumni and the university, fostering a cycle of continuous growth and excellence.Equipped with cultural fluency and the skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic workplaces, Algoma Univer- sity alumni embark on careers that ful- fill their personal ambitions and con-tribute positively to society. Our alumni are the proof of our suc-cess, and we are proud of their accom-plishments and to share their stories.Sincerely,Colin Wilson, Director of Strategic AdvancementAshley Valela, Manager of Alumni & Strategic Initiatives“The new ambassador program is great for busy alumni since it allows you to pick and choose where and when to participate based on your strengths and interests. This program’s flexi-bility has allowed me to be involved in the alumni community without any added pressures!”Liz Neish(BA Law & Justice / Political Science ’22)Scan the QR codes to sign upMESSAGE FROM ALGOMA UNIVERSITY Stories of Growthand ReciprocityMiss Kiana Part II Capsule Collection Drop. The new ribbon pants. Crat- ed with the finest cotton twill fabric and adorned with satin ribbons. It was inspiring to see her bring her latest collection to life with such passion, dedication, and attention to detail. Read the article on page 12. Cover photography by Kikki Guerard.ALUMNIAMBASSADORalgomau.ca/alumnialgomau.ca/alumni/alumni-ambassador- programColin WilsonAshley Valela3 AlumniMagazine 2024
As a child, Hannah Rowswell (BBA Mark-eting ’19) never would have predicted a career in the TV industry. Now, the Algoma University alum has earned two Creative Arts Emmys with her media production team, while still getting to call Sault Ste. Marie home.What prompted your interest in becom-ing a TV and film producer?Early on, my sister Rachel worked as an assistant for a casting director. I got to see the producers and the crew behind the scenes, and it was so interesting. It was organized chaos – everyone knew what they were doing, but to anyone outside, it looked very hectic.I also took an elective at Algoma U. It was an intro to film class… That was another spark of ‘this is cool, and this could be a job for a business degree.’Ater school, I reached out to some local producers to ask, “Can I shadow you on set? I really want to learn what you do.” I started in live action for a few local films as an assistant director… And now, Elastic. Because we’re animation, it’s all computer-based. Most of our artists are remote, so I can do everything from my couch. I love the Sault. I don’t know if I would want to move to LA full-time, and I don’t have to for the job I have now.You got to go to the 75th Creative Arts Emmys to celebrate your team’s two wins (Outstanding Main Title Design – The Last of Us, and Outstanding Emerging Media Program – For All Mankind, Season 3 Experience) last January. Are there any moments that stand out to you? I love Pedro Pascal, so seeing him walk by. And just to be in the same room as celeb-rities that you watch on TV is so cool… They have a bunch of categories for guest stars, so there were a lot of stars there. Getting to see them in person was surreal.What advice do you have for someone interested in pursuing a career in the industry?If you’re interested in a company, just send them your resume. A lot of people get scared because they think they’ll get a ‘no.’ But I think if you want to work for a cool company, you can. You might not get to be a producer right away – I started as a coordinator – but you need to start where your knowledge is and as you learn the industry, there are chances for you to move up. Email the cool company – they might just answer within the hour.What do you think is the greatest TV show ever made?That’s super hard. I don’t know the great-est, but one of my comfort shows that I’ve probably watched over 50 times is Friends… That is definitely one of my favourite shows.WHERE ARE YOU AT? Shoot Your ShotCatch up with an Algoma University alum and see where they’re at in their life now.Photography by Danijela GorleyA lot of people get scared because they think they’ll get a ‘no.’ But I think if you want to work for a cool company, you can.—Hannah Rowswell (BBA Marketing ’19)4 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 4SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 4 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
CAMPUS NEWS TEMPERATURE READINGWhat do you miss most about studying at Algoma University?5%Joining student clubs or associations11%Vol un te er in g16%Going to Algoma U eventsSocializing with classmates21%Attending classes A typical day in the library.It brings back memories of the campus that I dearly miss. Kazi Atahar (BBA Marketing ’17)I was the first Anishinaabe (First Nations) student to be selected for a unique study abroad program. Attending Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, I studied Aboriginal studies and Aboriginal law. I was able to participate in a “loss of use” submission on behalf of Western Australian Indigenous people. This was a great learning experience for me, and I was and am so very proud to represent Algoma U, my people, my community, and Canada. Adolphus I. Trudeau (BA Anishinaabemowin ’08)I was part of the Varsity Women’s Basketball team at Algoma U and graduated with all of my fellow teammates. What a great journey we got to experience!Keyra Gallo (BA Psychology ’22)Sault Ste. MarieAlgoma U and Donors Award More Than $17-million to StudentsAt a ceremony honouring gen- erous donors as well as student scholarship recipients, Algoma University announced that for the 2023-2024 academic year, student awards totalled more than $17-million. Over 6,500 Algoma U students have received a schol- arship or bursary for their academic achievement or com- munity leadership.Algoma University’s most prestigious entrance scholar- ship is the John R. Rhodes scholarship, which offers one student a full scholarship for their first year of studies. The Rhodes family has shown an unwavering dedication to the support of the next generation of scholars. In addition, at a special donor appreciation luncheon at the Lot in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma University expressed heartfelt gratitude to its sup- porters for their ongoing con- tributions. The event celebrated the transformative impact donors have had on students’ lives and the broader commu- nity. Algoma University em- phasized its continued commit-ment to cross-cultural learning and positive societal change, with a focus on new initiatives like Makwa Waakaa’igan. Scholarship recipients of the Dr. J. McBain Cameron Memorial scholarships fea-tured with donor Peter Cameron at the annual student awards.Illustration by Karima LacroixLEFTDonors and community members gather at The Loft in Sault Ste. Marie for the annual Donor Apprecia-tion Luncheon.RIGHTColin Wilson expresses his gratitude at the annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon.FROM LEF T TO RIGHTPresident and Vice-chancellor, Dr. Asima Vezina, Giselle Chiarello, Dr. Sardar Sohi, Ms. Maria Sutton,Chancellor, Mario Turco.5 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 5SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 5 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
CAMPUS NEWS Sault Ste. MarieAlgoma U’s Research Excellence AwardedAlgoma University researchers have been awarded $914,897 in funding through the Depart-ment of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. The grants fund vision-aries, explorers, and innovators who are seeking scientific and technical breakthroughs that will benefit communities. The federal government’s Canada-wide funding announcement included Dr. Mahbubul Alam, Dr. Nusrate Aziz, and Dr. Isabel Molina, and also included a grant directly to Algoma University from the federal government’s Research Support Fund. The announcement was made by the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, touting the investment in “world-class researchers and projects across the country.” BramptonLEAP Bursary AnnouncedAlgoma University has launched a bursary for grad-uates of its Learners Early Access Program (LEAP). The LEAP Bursary is a $6,000 grant distributed over the first two years of university for each LEAP alum attending Algoma University. Algoma University is already among the top two Canadian univer- sities when it comes to schol- arships and bursaries, which is in line with its core com-mitment to change lives by helping more people access university education. The Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Algoma University teamed up to launch LEAP in Septem-ber 2023. Through LEAP, public high school students spend one semester on the Brampton Algoma University campus enrolled in both high school and university classes. The program is focused on students from groups histor-ically underrepresented on university campuses, includ-ing Indigenous students and Black students. Dr. Elaine Ho- Tassone is presented with the Elsevier Early Career Scientist Award at the Inter- national Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR). Photo provided by Dr. Ho-Tassone.Graduating students from the LEAP Cohort in Brampton.Sault Ste. MarieGathering at the Rapids Pow Wow 2024The Sault campus proudly hosted the 17th annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow, “Celebrating Life Long Learning,” bringing together a vibrant celebration of Indig-enous culture and heritage. Organized by the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Asso-ciation and several local In-digenous partners, this event united students, faculty, and community members to hon-our traditions through dance, music, and storytelling. Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow, “Celebrating Life Long Learning” taking place at the George Leach Centre (GLC) locat-ed on the Sault Ste. Marie campus of Algoma University.6 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 6SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 6 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
BramptonNew 500-plus-bed Residence Coming to Algoma U’s Brampton CampusAlgoma U is ready to build a new 500-plus-bed residence, a short walking distance from the Brampton campus. This home-away-from-home will provide students with a supportive living environ-ment, giving Brampton Algoma U students an option for affordable, safe housing that also fosters a more im-mersive campus community experience.Located at Park Street and Nelson Street West, a short walk to Algoma University classrooms, the Brampton Algoma U student residence will accommodate between 500 and 600 beds in a mix of single and double bedrooms in four- to six-bed suites. Each suite will include two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living space. The new residence was developed in partnership with Greenwin Corp. and Sweeny&Co Architects Inc.BramptonBachelor of Social Work Expands to BramptonStarting in fall 2024, Algoma University will offer its Bach-elor of Social Work (BSW) program at the Brampton campus. This health-focused degree is already a popular program in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. This expansion will help meet the urgent need for social work professionals in the Peel region and will pro- vide students with the work-ready skills to build excellent careers in social work in areas such as mental health and addictions, counselling, and child welfare.TimminsMaster of Social Work Launching Soon in TimminsAlgoma University’s Timmins campus is poised for an excit- ing development as it prepares to launch a Master of Social Work program. This initiative is designed not only to change the lives of future social work-ers in the Timmins area but also to meet the specific needs of the Timmins community. The program will equip future social work professionals with the skills necessary to tackle the unique social challenges faced by the people of Timmins. By offering this program in Timmins, Algoma University reaffirms its commitment to fostering local talent and supporting community well-being. This program will en-sure that graduates are work- ready and well-prepared to make a meaningful impact as social workers, contributing to mental health and addiction care, counselling, and child welfare. Introducing the Master of Social Work program marks a significant step forward for both Algoma U and the Tim-mins community, heralding a future with more opportunities and more social impact.TimminsGabegendaadowin: Bridging Cultures and Building Mutual Respect in TimminsGabegendaadowin, a trans-formative program centred on mutual respect, thought-fulness, care, consideration, and awareness for others, is making significant strides in enhancing cross-cultural understanding and providing educational opportunities in Timmins and surrounding communities. This initiative, meaning “mutual respect” in Anishinaabemowin, has evolved to encompass a broad curriculum that benefits a wide range of sectors and communities, particularly focusing on Timmins. Read the full article on page 24. Artwork provided by Ingaged Creative Productions. Rendering of the new 500-plus-bed residence provided by Sweeny&Co Architects Inc. Nathan Naveau drumming at the Fall 2023 Timmins Convocation. Photo by Néné Fortier Photography. School of Social Work booth located in the lobby of 24 Queen, Brampton.CAMPUS NEWS 7 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 7SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 7 2024-09-24 6:19 PM2024-09-24 6:19 PM
F L A S H B A C K 1972—Women’s and Men’s basketball teams. 2017—Bachelor of Social Work students and faculty gather over the holidays.2017—Alumni building an ice sculp-ture in Timmins.One of the first classrooms at the Brampton campus.2017—Timmins Santa Claus Parade in partnership with Northern College.Take a journey back in time as we revisit some of the most memorable moments from our school’s history. In this section, we celebrate the people, events, and milestones that have shaped our community over the years, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past that continues to inspire our present and future.Time Capsule8 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 8SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 8 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
1997—The snow never stops students from having fun at the Winter Games.Mid 80s—Open Mic Night has always been a fun tradition at Algoma U.Students oten enjoyed playing foosball in the former TBird Lounge.1994—Students enjoying their time at Parent’s Orientation during Orientation Week.9 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 9SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 9 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
CAREER LENS Frank O’Connor on the motto that made him successfulBY TATUM DOOLEYPHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIJELA GORLEYLast year, the Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse sold 110,000 apple fritters. Stacked on top of one another, that would be as high as 10.7 CN Towers, or 300 fritters sold every day. Frank O’Connor (BA Economics ’89) and his wife, Gail O’Connor, have run the lodge in Batchawana Bay for the last 22 years. In that time, they’ve turned it into an institution. Voyageurs’ Lodge is a tourist destination and a staple in the region. It has a hotel, caé, liquor store, gas pumps, a voyageur canoe, and, of course, their famous apple fritters. They have 12 year-round staff and 45 seasonal workers.O’Connor started at Algoma Uni-versity at 25 years old ater working in tourism for several years following high school. O’Connor dived headfirst into student life, all while staying busy with a full-time job and new family at home. He was President of the Algoma University Students’ Union (AUSU) for two years and served as a student rep in the Algoma University Senate, successfully advocating for the addition of the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Algoma U. Most importantly to O’Connor, he became close to his professors – speci-fically Terry Ross (Political Science), Dr. Krishna Kadiyala (Economics), Dr. Jong You (Economics), and Dr. Celia Ross (French).“I worked all day, five days a week, and went to school at night and on weekends. We managed; we did what we had to do,” says O’Connor. “I had a very supportive wife. She’s very strong, and she’s the backbone of our company. Gail is the brains behind the operation,” he adds. Ater graduating from Algoma University, O’Connor continued his studies and received a Master’s in Education from Western University. Ater hearing the glowing terms O’Connor uses to describe his time at Algoma U, specifically regarding the faculty and their impact on him, it makes sense that O’Connor wanted to pursue education. “You teach like your favourite teacher. I’m simply mimicking Terry Ross, Krishna Kadiyala, and Jong You. I’m just doing what they did,” says O’Connor. “Terry Ross had a great influence Don’t AcceptMediocrity“Don’t accept mediocrity. That’s been my wife’s and my underlying philosophy all of these years. We are not going to be mediocre. If we’re going to do this, we’re going to jump in headfirst. And we’re going to do it well.” At 6 a.m., the kitchen is alive with the sweet, cinnamon aroma of freshly made apple fritters. It’s not uncom- mon to visit the Voyageurs’ Lodge and find Frank warmly greeting and chatting with visitors and cus- tomers—everyone loves him.10 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 10SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 10 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
on me. I would say he’s one of the best out there. You knew he was work-ing around the clock, preparing for a lecture, and I just loved it. I ate it up,” O’Connor continues. O’Connor appli-ed this as a lesson to every part of his business. It’s not uncommon to visit the Voyageurs’ Lodge and see O’Connor manning the gas pumps or working on the landscaping. When they first started the business, it wouldn’t be uncommon for the O’Connors to start their days in the kitchen at 6 a.m. and not leave until 10 p.m. If the passion of the Algoma Univer-sity professors impacted O’Connor’s career trajectory, it was also some-thing he integrated into his entrepre-neurial philosophy. “When I see some-thing, and I’m not happy with it, I want to get involved,” says O’Connor. “I would rather put my money where my mouth is,” he continues. O’Connor has actively participated in local tour-ism boards and councils, driving for change that positively impacts him-self and the community around him. The inspiration for their famous apple fritter came when Gail was reading Flanagan Catalogues and saw a recipe for the sweet treat. Ater many iterations, they landed on their recipe. The fame of the apple fritter and the work behind it is a fitting metaphor for the overall success of the Voyageurs’ Lodge. The O’Connors consistently try new things, ensure what they send out into the world is perfect, and connect to their customers’ wants and needs. For Travis Anderson, the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Director of Tour-ism and Community Development, the O’Connors’ contributions can’t be overstated. “Frank and Gail have been great champions for the Sault and the area for years. Their innovative approach to operating the Voyageur has led to national recognition – not only for their apple fritters, but for the care and exceptional service they show their customers.”There’s no one secret recipe for success. But if there were for Frank O’Connor, it would include the fol-lowing things: working hard, giving credit to the people around you, and becoming active in your community. Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum – it’s because of the people around you throughout your life. From the Eng-lish teacher Shelley Malone, to whom O’Connor attributes his love of writ-ing, to Terry Ross and the professors at Algoma University. O’Connor stays in touch with them to this day. The final recipe for success? “Don’t accept mediocrity. That’s been my wife’s and my underlying philosophy all of these years,” says O’Connor. “We are not going to be mediocre. If we’re going to do this, we’re going to jump in headfirst. And we’re going to do it well. It’s been our guiding principle.” “When I see something, and I’m not happy with it, I want to get involved.” Frank O’Connor & wife, Gail O’Connor, have run the lodge in Batchawana Bay for the last 22 years. Gail O’Connor is preparing their famous apple fritters of the day. 11 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 11SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 11 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
by NAOMI BUCK photography by CARLOS OSORIOFROM PROTECTION TO EXPRESSION—Ocean Kiana is an Anishinaabe artist and designer from Northwestern Ontario. Raised by the matriarchs of her family, Ocean’s deep connection to her identity and culture is evident in every piece she creates. Her Anishinaabe name, Waabski Memegwans, meaning White Butterfly, reflects her grace and resilience, and is Wolf Clan. Growing up in her home reserves, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation) and Netmizaagamig Nishinaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation), Ocean’s work is deeply rooted in her Ojibway heritage. She is passionate about showcasing her strong Ojibway identity, using her art to tell stories, celebrate her culture, and honour the traditions passed down through generations of her ancestors.12 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 12SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 12 2024-09-27 7:05 PM2024-09-27 7:05 PM
With vibrant colours, woodland designs and a love of ornamentation, Ocean Kiana is bringing Nishinaabe aesthetics into the fashion mainstream.Ocean Kiana (BA Anishinaabe Studies ’23) can still picture the sewing machine that her shoomis – grand-father in her native Ojibwe – gave her for Christmas when she was nine years old. It was purple. With it, Ocean was able to make clothes for her beloved dolls, and to join the circle of women who oten gathered at her mother’s home to sew clothing for the ceremonies in their community on the north shore of Lake Superior. But it was only ater starting her undergraduate degree in Anishinaabe Studies at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie that Ocean realized that designing and making clothes could be more than a hobby. “Until then, I thought it was just fun and giggles,” says Ocean, who is now 24, living in Toronto and making a name for herself as a fashion designer and artist. Algoma University, she says, taught her the professional skills needed to put her work out in the world, while instilling in her the belief that she could succeed as a designer and artist. →THE JOURNEYOFFASHIONDESIGNER OCEANKIANA13 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 13SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 13 2024-09-27 7:05 PM2024-09-27 7:05 PM
Ocean grew up between two reserves, the Netmi-zaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation) of her mother’s family and the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation) of her father’s. There was a fair bit of moving around, and Ocean and her sister lived mainly with their mother. It wasn’t an easy childhood, but Ocean remembers where she felt most safe: togeth-er with other women, making ceremonial clothing – and wearing it. “I felt like my regalia protected me,” she says.Ocean has always straddled cultural worlds. The prized dolls of her childhood – and that first sewing machine – belonged to the Bratz universe, an Amer-ican line of Barbie-like fashion dolls that distinguish-ed themselves with their ethnic variety and fashion-forward style. Ocean’s own fashion sense was guided by Hannah Montana, the teen star of the Disney Chan-nel sitcom, known for her precocious outfits heavy on glitter, sequins, and statement belts. At the same time, Ocean loved the detail and symbolism of traditional Nishinaabe dress. Her happiest childhood memories are of helping her mother make ceremonial dresses, ribbon skirts, and medicine pouches for their commu-nity’s sundance and full moon ceremonies. Rather than seeing these vastly different worlds in opposition to each other, Ocean considered them parts of a whole. Ater graduating from high school, Ocean applied to three universities in northern Ontario – Lakehead, Nipissing, and Algoma U – as well as Trent University in Peterborough. Having received early acceptance at Trent, she started in its Indigenous Studies program in September 2019. While she enjoyed Trent and its political, social justice leanings, Ocean felt that some-thing was missing. On social media, she could see friends who had landed in Algoma University’s Ani-shinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) Program hunting moose, making maple syrup, and beading together. Ater one semester at Trent, Ocean decided to transfer.“It was the best decision I ever made,” she says. With-in a week of starting at Algoma U, she had been to a ceremony, beaded with two other native women and gotten together with friends who all had sewing machines in tow. “It felt like home,” she says.Ocean entered Algoma’s Anishinaabe Studies pro-gram, which is offered in partnership with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. The program, which describes itself as “culture-based,” includes the teaching of Anishinaabe history, philosophy, and language, as well as cross-cultural understanding and an array of courses in the arts and social sciences. Ocean says one of the most important lessons she learned was “how to take knowledge from another person and how to compensate them for it.” She also learned to persevere. While a student at Algoma U, Ocean was also working as a cultural worker with Nogdawindamin Family and Community Ser-vices, which operates on several First Nations near Sault Ste. Marie. She worked with traditional knowledge keepers and Elders and offered ribbon skirt and bead-work workshops. The combination of work and studies was exhausting. “At times, I lost my drive,” she says. “I stopped caring.” But her professors at Algoma U kept nudging her along. Early on in her program, Ocean developed a minor in the visual arts. She credits the head of the department, Andrea Pinheiro, with teaching her to “look at art differ-ently,” and to recognize professional opportunities in the arts. The entrepreneurial instinct was certainly there. Having recently acquired an iPad and begun experi-menting with digital designs, Ocean launched an online business in March 2020: a website featuring some of her art and clothing. She was astonished to sell 24 t-shirts in the first five minutes. “I put my heart and soul into it. It was life-changing. It got me thinking about fashion on a whole new level.”top le ftOcean’s family: “My nana, my sister Hunter, my mom, and then me with the big fro.”bottom left“First road trip with my girls at Algoma U. We went to a round dance in Dokis First Nation. Shay, Mia, my late friend Stephanie Quisses, Erika, and me.”rig htOcean participating in a tikinaagan work-shop with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig.Photos provided by Ocean.14 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 14SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 14 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
While Ocean has moved away from the style of those more clearance shirts, which featured a jingle dress dancer surrounded by flowers and labelled “SACRED” in graffiti script, she did savour that first taste of com-mercial success. Ater graduating from Algoma University, Ocean moved to Toronto. It felt like a necessary move for someone who was trying to “get my brand out there.” She enrolled in the Fashion Techniques and Design program at George Brown College and found a 9-5 administrative job at the Ontario Federation of Indi-genous Friendship Centres. “I love it and hate it,” she says of life in the big city. While she enjoys the anonymity of busy city streets, she struggles to find a sense of community, in particu-lar a group of women to sew and bead with. Ocean has not been shy about chasing down oppor-tunities. In 2023, she was selected to be part of the Toronto Raptors Creators program, which gives a handful of emerging BIPOC artists the opportunity to showcase their work at a Raptors game. Ocean was hugely excited about this opportunity, having been a baller herself as a teen. “I put my heart and soul into it,” she says of the design she presented on her “game day” – March 18, 2023 –when her name and work flashed across the jumbo-trons at Scotiabank Arena. It was a bandolier bag – the shoulder satchel traditionally worn by Great Lakes Native men while hunting – featuring a Nishinaabe girl in moccasins shooting hoops. On the long strap, Ocean has interspersed geometric shapes represent-ing the city’s boroughs in the woodland floral motif. It took her a week to do the beadwork, working eight hours a day, and she is proud of the result, which she feels brings together many facets of her identity. In what she describes as her boldest career move to date, Ocean decided to attend Paris Fashion Week in October 2023. With the help of her sister, mother, and an arts grant, she was able to book a runway and present her “Love on the Brain” collection of vibrant women’s wear to a discerning international audience. “It was life-changing,” she says of the Paris experience. “It got me think-ing about fashion on a whole new level.” The exposure led to invitations to other showcases, including Vancou-ver Indigenous Fashion Week, which Ocean participated in November 2023, and which landed her in Vogue magazine. Ocean is now thinking bigger than ever before. She is cutting back on the sewing and beading workshops she had been offering across Ontario, which involved a lot of travel, in order to focus on developing her collection. While much of her clothing to date has been “flashy and colourful,” she doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed. She is now looking to extend her line into the mainstream, offer-ing high-quality, basic pieces that could be paired with the more expressive items. “I want Native women to em-brace their femininity,” she says. She also wants to give them the option of buying clothes that have been de-signed specifically for them and by one of them. Fashion is deeply rooted in identity. Ocean’s develop-ment as a designer has taken her both outwards and in-wards. “My first learning journey as an adult was how to be in the world,” she says. “My second was how to do fashion.”The next one, she says, is to learn Ojibwe, the language that her grandparents spoke to her in childhood. She took one course at Algoma University and is now listening to podcasts and language tapes when she goes to the gym. Like the clothing Ocean designs, her native language may offer a way of looking at the world that embraces its contradictions, complexities, and beauty. top m idd leThis Barbie and Chanel-inspired pink dress, with its straight silhouette and chic front pockets with custom gold buttons, is a tribute to Ocean’s childhood love for all things fashion.top b otto mElegant black denim capes. Finished off with Ocean’s signa-ture collar pins.“My first learning journey as an adult was how to be in the world. My second was how to do fashion.” Showcasing her newest collection on National Indigenous Peoples Day at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. Kiana wears the ribbon pants from Kiana Part II Capsule Collection. Crafted with finest cotton twill fabric and adorned with satin ribbons. Ocean Kiana wearing her Beaded Hair Clips. Midnight dress showcased at Vancouver Indige-nous fashion week.Photos provided by Ocean.15 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 15SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 15 2024-09-25 7:06 PM2024-09-25 7:06 PM
OVERCOMING D I S T A N C E T O ADDRESS LOCAL NEEDThe Algoma University Bachelor of Social Work Program provides students the opportunity to earn advanced degrees in social work, empowering them to provide compassionate and informed support close to home.by NAOMI BUCKillustration by CORNELIA LI16 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 16SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 16 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
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Jane Petroni, a social worker originally from Timmins, taught in the Northern College program while leading the creation of an articulation agreement with Algoma Uni- versity. This agreement allowed social work students at Northern College to transfer their credits toward a Bache-lor of Social Work at Algoma U and complete the degree re-motely. Thanks to this partnership, social service worker students in Timmins could upgrade their qualifications to university level without leaving town. In 2013, Christine and twelve other students became the first cohort of graduates. At the time, hybrid schooling was something of a novelty. Sitting in a classroom on the Timmins campus, Christine and her fellow students would watch and “listen in” to the classes unfolding 400 km away in Sault Ste. Marie via video conference. She says the technology was sometimes glitchy, and some professors seemed to forget about their remote audience, but it didn’t matter. “I wouldn’t have done it otherwise,” says Christine, refer-ring to the degree. And good thing she did. Christine has gone on to do a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Calgary and is now pursuing a Doctor of Education there, while serving as the Dean of the School of Business and Community Services at Northern College. “I just love learning,” says Christine. “Education is where my heart lives.”Jane, a professor of Christine’s who became something of a mentor, fully understood the importance of bringing university-level social work education to Timmins. When she entered the profession in the 1990s, getting a bache-lor’s degree meant waking up at 4 a.m. once a week to drive to Sudbury, where she would attend classes at Laurentian University all day before turning around and driving back to Timmins. But Jane felt it was essential to study social work beyond the diploma level, which focuses on how to help indi-viduals. University-level social work, she says, considers the system as a whole and examines the values that inform it. Christine Raycraft (BSW ’14) always knew she wanted to go to university. It wasn’t part of the family tradition – her mother was a homemaker who also drove a school bus, and her father owned a wind-shield business – but she loved school and was good at it. The question was: what to study and where to go? Ater graduating from high school in Timmins, Christine enrolled at the Uni- versity of Ottawa. She didn’t love life in the big city, so she moved to Sudbury to study history at Laurentian University. A year later, she transferred to Nipissing University in North Bay. Ater three peripatetic years, Christine re- turned home to Timmins, knowing in her heart that it was where she belonged. Her aunt suggested she consider the Social Service Worker (SSW) program at Northern College in Timmins. Christine enrolled in the two- year diploma program but was disappointed not to be working towards a university degree. As it happens, her timing was perfect.18 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 18SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 18 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
Looking back on a long career in social work – which she practised for 30 years in Timmins – and teaching, Jane says it is critical that her profession grapple with systemic issues at its core, as the Bachelor in Social Work strives to do. Christine has certainly absorbed this lesson. “For the first time, I looked at my own biases,” she says of her studies at Algoma University. Christine has also seen those biases play out on the ground. While working to complete her bachelor’s degree, Christine worked for a child protection agency in Timmins, an experience she found both gruelling and instructive.“One year here is probably the equivalent of five years anywhere else,” she says, describing the work as “heavy.” Although only 21 at the time, Christine was acutely aware that her decisions and assessments could change the course of her clients’ lives. She felt a heavy weight of responsibility. But she found it diffi-cult to apply the insights she was gaining in her stud-ies – about the limits of her own perspective and potential bias – to her work without clashing with her managers. Ultimately, Christine chose to pursue an academic career rather than remain on the front lines. As Dean of the School of Business and Community Services at Northern College, Christine oversees the social service worker diploma program, which has an annual intake of over 100 students. A handful of them moved into the joint program with Algoma Univer-sity to earn a bachelor’s degree. Algoma University is expanding its Social Work program offering to the master’s level. “The upcoming Master of Social Work is deeply aligned with Algoma U’s Special Mission to share knowledge among Indigenous communities and other communities in Northern Ontario,” says Dr. István Imre, Associate Vice-President Academic and Continuing Education at Algoma University. “The faculty who teach in and lead the program bring not only their expertise but also their lived experiences – they actually walk the walk.”Meanwhile, Christine is also working on her doctor-ate in the Post-secondary Leadership and Learning program at the University of Calgary. Her disserta-tion will take the form of an ethnography of herself as an emergent leader in education. She is particularly interested in what she calls authentic leadership: the bundle of sot skills that leaders need to connect with people. She considers relationship-building the most important component of leadership and one she works on every day. At 37, Christine is not sure what the future holds. What she knows is that she loves higher education and Timmins and feels very lucky to be able to combine the two. She can’t imagine a better place to live: raising her children on an acreage, with her family down one road and a ski hill down another. And she knows that Timmins is a place that will benefit from the more re- flective approach to social work that she learned from Jane Petroni in a program that collapsed distance to promote deeper understanding. 5th largest degree program on the Sault Ste. Marie campus. Most popular degree program on the Timmins campus. 17% growth in the Social Work program from 22/23 to 23/24.239 students enrolled in the Social Work program for the 23/24 school year.Starting in 24/25, students are able to register in the Social Work program at any one of our three campuses.Algoma University Signs MOU with Omushkego Education and PayukotaynoAlgoma University, Payuko- tayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Services and Omush-kego Education – Mushkego- wuk Council have come together to explore and develop program- ming responsive to the unique needs of Mushkegowuk com- munities. This Agreement is for Collaboration in Higher Education through the delivery of the Bachelor of Social Work program in accordance with the Canadian Association of Social Work Education stand- ards 2021 (CASWE). All parties agree and commit to a commu- nity-based and student-centric approach to delivery including flexible, intensive and hybrid delivery models in the Mushke- gowuk Territory. To ensure this student centered approach, the delivery may also include on- line, hybrid, synchronous and asynchronous models, however, priority will be for in-person community-based instruction.Memorandum of Under-standing between Omushkego Education – Mushkegowuk Council, Payukotayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Ser- vices and Algoma University, School of Social Work, signed May 31st 2023.19 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 19SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 19 2024-09-25 5:25 PM2024-09-25 5:25 PM
Ash Lamba (GCert Business ’20), at the front of his office in Mississauga, Ontario. 20 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 20SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 20 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
by ROB CSERNYIKPhotographyby GALIT RODANAshdeep “Ash” Lamba was too busy with his smallbusiness to party at university. “I used to joke with my friends that when you guys go clubbing every weekend, I go to a wedding,” he says.In Delhi, India, where Lamba (GCert Business ’20) grew up, people take weddings seriously, turning them into elaborate, multi-day celebrations. At the tender age of 17, Lamba cashed in by teaching dance for wedding choreographies.Early on, he felt sheepish mentioning his small busi-ness around some people. His choice of entrepreneur-ial activity was atypical. Teaching choreography in people’s homes didn’t line up with the visions some had of him as a high-achieving student who would get a good job ater graduating. Since Lamba’s dance business paid well, he claimed money was his sole motivation, but it was something more.“What I loved doing was meeting people and creating relationships,” he says. That’s why all his entrepreneur-ial pursuits revolve around front-end service businesses.It was also an introduction to entrepreneurship, which has defined Lamba’s life on two continents.Ater graduating from Delhi University, Lamba worked as an audit consultant for KPMG –one of the big four global accounting firms – in Gurgaon, near Delhi, but corporate life wasn’t a fit. Besides, he earned five times more teaching dance. He let KPMG ater a year to focus on his small business.“Dance was my passion, yet as I delved deeper into my career, I questioned whether it was what I wanted to do indefinitely,” he recalls. Lamba decided the next step on his journey of career self-discovery was a move overseas.“Moving to Canada represented a crucial step out of the protected environment of my upbringing, challeng-ing me to explore new facets of myself and redefine my path in an entirely new setting.”Lamba was on a pilgrimage when he got his accep-tance email, admitting him to the May 2019 intake of Algoma University’s Graduate Certificate in Business at the Brampton campus. Though originally he’d appli-ed for September entry, he pressed forward to attend a semester early. When it looked like his visa wouldn’t arrive in time to start, he worried. “I literally cancelled all my contracts for the next six months,” he said. “And I was like, now what do I do?”The visa arrived with little time to spare, and it was a race to the finish line to get to Brampton for orienta-tion. Booking a last-minute flight. Hopping on a friend’s scooter to shop for suitcases to avoid traffic jams. Invit-ing friends and loved ones to see him off at the airport because there was no time for individual visits – about 50 showed up, he recalls. “It all feels like a Bollywood movie to me,” he says. →21SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 21SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 21 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
Lamba landed at Pearson Airport on April 29, 2019 to start his new life in Canada. Though uncertain about his next steps, the future glimmered before him with possibilities.Used to one of the world’s largest universities – more than 400,000 students attend Delhi University – adjust-ing to a university community one-eightieth the size at Algoma U in Brampton was a culture shock. But this inti-macy let Lamba make a name for himself on campus. He enjoyed that when he asked the University to make things happen, they took a chance on him, whether it was to share his dance skills or organize Indian cultural events. “Lamba’s proactive approach to student engagement, combined with his enthusiasm for fostering community spirit, made him a beloved figure among his peers and faculty alike,” says Shahrukh Khan, a talent partnership developer and business professor at Algoma University.The University also helped him build connections within the community. One was with a nearby daycare where he taught children Bollywood dance. Lamba juggled his studies with this job and other jobs like warehouse work and folding clothes at Hollister.Lamba was also keen on giving back to his peers, many of whom, like him, were new to Canada. “I come from a place of privilege because I’m from a big city,” he says. “Not everyone’s coming from that background. Things which come naturally to me were a struggle for them.” He created an organization called Student Connect and helped students find apartments, prepare resumes, and secure groceries – especially as the pandemic hit. “I feel the more you give back, you get back, probably four or five times what you’re giving.”Deepa Mahanti is someone in Lamba’s circle, and they’ve teamed up on projects like Student Connect. She got to know Lamba right ater he graduated from Algoma U. As a human resources pro, she’s thrilled to see him grow as an entrepreneur. “Seeing him as a successful entrepreneur makes me so proud,” she says. What’s helped Lamba establish himself as a successful entrepreneur in Canada are his relationship-building skills and teamwork ability.“Servant leadership is his style,” she says, adding he guides others by empowering them. “That makes him a good leader.”Lamba further served the community by joining the Algoma University Alumni Council, volunteer-ing and working on initiatives to foster community among his fellow graduates. He felt this fit with his goal of empowering students. In Spring 2022, he even addressed Algoma University’s Convocation Ceremo-nies in Brampton, telling them that “your network is your net worth.”Lamba wanted to build a life where he could be a full-time entrepreneur again. Ater Algoma U, he worked for about three years at Save Tax Solutions, a Southern Ontario tax consulting company. Then Lamba decided it was time to strike out on his own.Like many entrepreneurs, Lamba faced a choice. He had several volunteer commitments but felt he needed to narrow his focus to succeed as an entrepreneur. He realized it was necessary to step back to step forward. “I’m at a stage now where I cannot do four things,” he says. “I have to concentrate and build a brand.”That brand is Orientum Group, a Mississauga-based tax consulting and financial security planning firm which offers services in several provinces. Lamba sees the business growing into a one-stop solution for small businesses planning finances and taxes. The company uses cloud-based accounting sotware and other technology to streamline processes and the client experience.Lamba now has more responsibilities than when he started his first business as a teen – a house, a car, and employees. “It’s not just my dreams,” he says. “I have three people who work full-time with me.”Prajakta Almeida is one. She started at Orientum Group as an administrative assistant last February and has grown into the role of HR coordinator. “Lamba creates an environment of trust and mutual respect,” she says. “He makes sure that everyone has the support they need to thrive.”“Moving to Canada represented a crucial step out of the protected environment of my upbringing, challenging me to explore new facets of myself and redefine my path in an entirely new setting.” Lamba at a Diwali choreo-graphy session. Lamba at his first ever choreo-graphy contract in Delhi, 2014. Lamba with participants at a dance session for the 2020 YMCA Multicultural Fest.22 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 22SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 22 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
Lamba is focusing on yearly goals for Orientum Group at this stage. For 2024, the principal goal is one mil-lion dollars in revenue. “We have the steps jotted down, literally number by number. How many companies do we need, how many employees do we need, what kind of space, resources – every-thing.” It’s a big leap forward from goals Lamba might have set a few years ago.“I feel so funny now than when I started, my dreams were so small.”He dreams of Orientum Group growing into an MNP or Grant Thornton, but for millennial and Gen Z audiences. And he’s confident he can reach his career goals if history is any guide. “Whatever I want, I work for it,” he says. “I started working really early in my life. Now I’m used to working hard.”On Lamba’s LinkedIn profile, he documents his jour-ney as a business owner, almost like a diary. His posts offer a window into the good (the 81% increase in clients between Orientum Group’s first and second tax seasons), the fun (celebrating Holi at work), and the challenging (clients who don’t communicate openly).Lamba finds it liberating to share his experiences and thoughts openly, but also feels it’s important to project a balanced image of his life as an entrepreneur.“It’s crucial to acknowledge that while our profes-sional paths feature triumphs, they are also punctuated with challenges,” he says. “By sharing these moments, I hope to illuminate the nuanced reality of entrepre-neurship and inspire others in their own journeys.”His attitude towards the trials of entrepreneurship is calm and confident, and Lamba credits part of his success and resilience today to having been an entre-preneur since his teens. “I feel the earlier you start, the lesser the chances of you failing in a bigger picture,” he says. It’s harder to take losses to heart when stakes are low, so experiencing them builds the resilience needed for when stakes are high.“Wherever you are in the world, there will be bumps, right? There will be speed breakers,” he says. Instead of focusing on struggles as difficult things, he thinks about them as experiences, which he believes is more than a wording choice – but a way to shit his perspective.“People concentrate so much on success and failure,” he says. “It’s relative to you.” Small successes, whether in one’s personal or business life, add up. “Then, when you look back, you figure out that you’ve climbed a lot of stairs from where you started. Don’t concentrate so much on the end goal – just keep working.” “It’s crucial to acknowledge that while our professional paths feature triumphs, they are also punctuated with challenges.”Lamba at his company Orientum Group.23 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 23SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 23 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
Established in 2018, Gabegendaad-owin (Gah-Bay-Gun-DAH-Doh-Win), a transformative, two-day program intended for public, social service, and government agencies, the pri-vate sector, and Indigenous communities, is making significant strides in enhanc-ing cross-cultural understanding and pro-viding educational opportunities across Ontario. This initiative, which translates to “mutual respect, thoughtfulness, care, consideration, and awareness for others” in Anishinaabemowin, has evolved to encompass a broad curriculum that bene-fits a wide range of sectors and communi-ties, particularly focusing on Brampton, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, and beyond.Expanding Indigenous STEAM Education in TimminsA key development is the recent partner-ship established with the Mattagami First Nation, which aims to benefit Timmins youth and the surrounding region. Lead-ers from both groups gathered to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2023, marking a commitment to expand access to Indigenous STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math-ematics) education and training through hybrid programming. This collaboration aims to offer community-based educa-tional opportunities that blend traditional Indigenous knowledge with Western educational methodologies. This MOU also supports cross-cultural understand-ing through Gabegendaadowin.The program is principally designed for Indigenous youth in northern communi-ties, providing them with the opportunity to earn both Ontario secondary school and university credits at Algoma University. Through a ceremonial process, the pro-gram was named Waawaaskonwe – Niigan (There is a Light – Ahead), symbolizing a future illuminated by the harmonious integration of diverse knowledge systems. Elder Peter Beaucage described it as “the way of lighting the eighth fire from which one mighty nation will emerge, that will embrace a way of life so the world will see humankind live in peace.”A Comprehensive Training Program for Brampton, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie and BeyondThe Gabegendaadowin Training Program is a two-day course featuring an Indige-nous-developed, designed, and delivered curriculum. Paul Sayers, Manager of Indi-genous Community Relations, Training and Development at Algoma University, explained that the curriculum has been significantly adapted to benefit various sectors, including health care, education, resource development, and any industry interacting with Indigenous communities. Launched on June 7, 2023, during National Indigenous History Month, the rebranded Gabegendaadowin program includes core training modules that cover critical topics such as Culture and Cere-mony, Treaty Relationships, the Indian Act, Intergenerational Trauma and Re-silience, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the development of a Personal Reconcilia-tion Plan. These modules aim to provide participants with a deep understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary issues, fostering effective and respectful engagement with Indige-nous communities, in Brampton, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, and elsewhere. Encouraging Broader Participation Algoma University encourages orga-nizations and businesses in Brampton, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, and the sur-rounding areas – from any sector with frontline service staff who work directly with Indigenous Peoples or those em-barking on their pathway to truth and re-conciliation – to participate in the Gabe-gendaadowin training. By doing so, they can better support Indigenous commu-nities and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society.For more information or to book a training session, interested parties can contact Algoma University’s Manager of Indigenous Community Relations, Training and Development, Paul Sayers, at paul.sayers@algomau.ca.Gabegendaadowin stands as a testa-ment to the power of education in bridg-ing cultural divides and fostering mutual respect and understanding. Through its innovative curriculum and partnerships, it continues to pave the way for a future where traditional and modern knowledge systems coexist harmoniously, benefit-ing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Gabegendaadowin—Bridging Cultures and Building Mutual RespectGABEGENDAADOWINArtwork provided by Ingaged Creative ProductionsWHAT’S NEW AT ALGOMA UNIVERSITY 24 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 24SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 24 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
WHAT’S NEW AT ALGOMA UNIVERSITY Home AdvantageOn February 10, 2024, the annual Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Wrestling Championships were held at the George Leach Centre on Algoma University’s Sault Ste. Marie campus. One of the standout features of this year’s championship was the incredible per-formance by the Algoma U wrestling team, who had the unique advantage of competing in front of a supportive home crowd. This event marked a milestone for the university, their first time hosting a championship since 2018. Fourth-year student Kyle Price, who placed first at 100 kilograms last year, successfully defended his title. This year, ater wrestling against McMas-ter’s Howard Moffat, Price won by fall to place first at 90 kilograms. Price was also recognized at the event as the Men’s Most Outstanding Wrestler, winning the Keegan Trophy as voted upon by all the universities’ head coaches. He graduated from the English program this year and hopes his future will include contributing further to the team as an assistant coach. Second-year history student Lilah Fraser won by fall over Queen’s University’s Marthe Laplante-Brady, securing the bronze medal at 83 kilograms. Last year, Lilah Fraser placed fourth at 76 kilo-grams. A rookie to the team this year, environmen-tal science student Anthony Nighbor of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, won by fall over Western’s Charles Ortencio, achieving bronze at 72 kilograms. Hosting the successful championship event was made possible thanks to the incredible planning and effort of many within the Algoma community. “We were overwhelmed with the positive feed-back we received from other schools, volunteers, officials, and fans,” says Manager of Athletics and Recreation Jarret Miller. “It was a great feeling being able to host a provincial championship again in Sault Ste. Marie. The atmosphere was electric, and we can’t wait to have more opportunities in the future to showcase the great athletes that the OUA has developed. Thank you to everyone in-volved in making the event a success!” By the end of the OUA Wrestling event, seven Algoma University athletes had qualified for the U Sports Championships, the most Algoma U has ever sent to a national championship. Lilah Fraser concluded her successful season with a fourth-place win at Nationals. She also received individ-ual medals at various events and was named a U Sports Athlete of the Week throughout the season. Kyle Price likewise earned individual medals and recognition as a U Sports Athlete of the Week and OUA Athlete of the Week during the wrestling season. Sullivan Valdez, Grason Belton, Anthony Nighbor, Rebecca Vann, Mel Morrish, and Kira Buck joined Fraser and Price as individual medal winners at various events.Head coach Trevor Manchester contributed his expertise in training the successful team and was instrumental in the execution of the event. “I would like to thank coaches Mitch Fryia, Brent Fryia, Scott Wolowich, Jordan Campioni, Emily Duchesne, trainers Courtney Tomkins, and Emma Robinson, as well as Tyler Belanger and Cam Wilson for all their hard work and dedication off the mats help-ing our student-athletes prepare and compete to their full potential,” Manchester shared. Kyle Price wins by fall (1:54) against McMaster’s Howard Moffat in the 90kg gold medal match at OUA Championships. Algoma Univer-sity wrestlers Lilah Fraser, Kyle Price, and Anthony Nighbor pose for a photo after placing at OUA championships.Photography by Kieron Tan“The atmosphere was electric, and we can’t wait to have more opportunities in the future to showcase the great athletes that the OUA has developed.”—Jarret Miller, Manager of Athletics and RecreationWhat’s a “Win by Fall”?When both of an opponent’s shoulders make contact with the mat for more than one second, a wrestler has achieved the objective of the sport and wins the match. What is the Keegan Trophy? First presented by Prof. R Keegan of the Ontario Agricultural College (University of Guelph) in 1975, this award recognizes an outstanding male OUA wrestler from the men’s Championship. The recipient is de-termined by balloted vote for their ability and sportsmanship.Algoma University Hosts the OUA Wrestling Championship and Takes Bronze25 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 25SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 25 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
THE LONG TAIL Anna Hamilton holds a total of six university degrees, including three from Algoma U (BSc Computer Science ’01; BA Psychology ’05;and BSc Biology ’23). A teacher, nurse, and public health leader, she is now retired and lives on St. Joseph Island.How did you end up in the North? Ater my first degree at Western (I was a teenager!), I came north to get some experience teaching so that I could teach Grades 12 and 13 in Southern Ontario. I was going to get that experience and head south as fast as my little legs would take me. I went to a rail-way town and then was dumb enough to marry a rail-roader! Sixty years later, here I am. Tell me about your career path? I taught for three years and got my teaching certif-icate. My husband moved around a lot, so I knew I needed something more flexible. I went from teach-ing to nursing – I could walk in almost anywhere and they’d hire me. Eventually, I moved to the home care program with the Algoma Health Unit [now known as Algoma Public Health], and realized I needed some management education. I finished my account-ing designation in 1992 and my MBA at Lake Supe-rior State in 1995. I ran home care for the Algoma Health Unit for 13 years and then was business administrator of the health unit for another eight. So why did you keep going back for more degrees? I believe you graduated from Algoma U in computer science, psychology, and biology?When I was working, taking courses got me out of the office. Now, I tell people that studying beats housework any day of the week – and I’ve always been fascinated by biochemistry. We’re just big bags of chemical reactions, and when the reactions stop, so do we. Anna, what did you enjoy most about studying at Algoma U?I found the people in the various departments were so welcoming, and so concerned about their students. The classes were small enough that you weren’t just a number. And you now also volunteer?Yes, in the research lab of Dr. Molina [Isabel Molina, Tier II Canada Research Chair in Plant Lipid Meta-bolism]. I just wander in and do whatever I’m told. I do it because I enjoy it. Why do you choose to give back to Algoma U?I donate because, quite frankly, I wouldn’t have got to university in the first place if it hadn’t been for bursaries and scholarships. I come from a large family, and I was the first member of my family to go. Monetary support is very important, especially now with costs what they are – it’s a real challenge for kids to come up with the dollars. So, whenever our personal finances permit, I give what I can. Anna Hamilton at Algoma Uni-versity, Sault Ste. Marie campus Interviewed by Pat Morden Photography by Danijela Gorley Anna in the lab at Algoma UniversityPhotography courtesy of CTV News26 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 26SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 26 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
Matthew Neveu, Batchewana First Nation (BBA Marketing ’11) has worked in banking ever since graduating from Algoma University. He is currently Senior Director, Diversified Industries, Canadian Commercial Banking, with BMO.Thanks for doing this, Matt. Tell us about your background and how you ended up at Algoma U. I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, and I’m a member of the Batchewana First Nation. I went to high school in the Sault and then spent one year in London, Ontario, getting a diploma in marketing at Fanshawe College. But I really missed home – my culture and community are very important to me – so I ended up coming back north to study at Algoma.Were you always interested in banking?In high school I won an award sponsored by my First Nation, and it gave me the privilege of working as a customer service rep at an RBC branch in the Sault. I just fell in love with all aspects of banking. What did you enjoy about your time at Algoma U?One of the most beneficial things was being close to my community. Algoma is a smaller university with a very homelike feeling. I was able to connect with everything I needed – all the resources were at my fingertips. If I needed assistance, it was always there. You have chosen to support Algoma U—can you share how you help? One of the ways I give back is by chairing the com-mittee that plans the annual golf tournament. We leverage our business contacts to support Algoma U, which is obviously a very important institution in our community. And we have some fun on the golf course! Over the years, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. It gives us a level of pride to give back in a small way.Why do you take the time to support Algoma U? It opened up a whole new universe for me. I can’t say I’d be sitting where I am today without Algoma U. I feel the need to give back to the institution that gave so much to me. It’s like I tell my children – all you need to do is try to be a good person and do the right thing.Tell me about your current job.The majority of what I do now is Indigenous bank-ing. I help First Nations achieve their financial goals through economic development, and infrastructure.The Algoma University Classic Golf Tournament brings alumni and the Sault Ste. Marie community together to support current students with scholar-ships and bursaries. The tournament is held annually, usually the week before Canada Day. Since its inception, it has raised just under $600,000. Details can be found at algomau.ca/giving.Want to make a difference for Algoma University students? We would love to hear from you about how you’d like to give back – whether it be a new idea, generous gift, or lending your skills as a volunteer. Join us in supporting students in their journey to become Algoma U alumni! Scan the QR code or visit algomau.ca/giving Matthew Neveu at Algoma Uni-versity, Sault Ste. Marie campus Interviewed by Pat Morden Photography by Danijela Gorley Matthew Neveu at the 2024 Golf Tournament. Photography provided by Algoma University27 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 27SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 27 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
Rhaelyn Gillespie (BBA Marketing & HR ’17) and business partner Jessica Donati began their company, Mintier, to solve a problem. While working as colleagues at a startup together, they would freshen their breath with a mint before meet-ings. They soon realized this temporary solu-tion had the potential to cause long-term side effects: the sugar used for binding in most mints could cause oral health concerns as well as worsen a person’s breath over time. The two saw an opportunity to create the first oil-based, sugar-free breath mint. Ater some kitchen experiments went awry and the subse-quent hiring of a food chemist, the business partners eventually developed the perfect prod-uct and named it Mintier. In Summer 2021, they were ready to produce their first batch but faced a new challenge. “It was actually really hard to find a contract manu-facturer in Canada. There aren’t a lot that can fill what we were doing and also at a smaller start-up quantity,” explains Gillespie. “That was just me cold-calling every single manufacturer I could find in Canada until someone said yes.” By October of that year, their first line of Mintier was ready to be sold. The business part-ners drove to stores to pitch their new product, with the goal of placing it in 100 shops while also launching a website. Since then, the duo have established a loyal base and additional products – including a breath-freshening line for dogs – and are planning to expand to inter-national consumers. Gillespie credits the network of friends, fam-ily, and Algoma University faculty, such as Dr. Jody-Lynn Rebek, for being there for her along her journey. “From a young age I learned the importance of a strong work ethic from both my mom and my dad,” says Gillespie. “I saw A Breath of Fresh AirMADE IT An Algoma U alum with a Bachelor in Business Administration and her co-founder offer Canadians the first oil-based breath mint.“We call it a roller coaster because every day there is something to celebrate, and we’re so excited, but there’s also a fire to put out right away, and that’s very humbling.”—Rhaelyn Gillespie28 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 28SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 28 2024-09-24 6:06 PM2024-09-24 6:06 PM
ALUMNI CULTURAL PICKSNidhi Dagar(GCert Human Resources ’23)As an alum, my guilty pleasure TV show is definitely The Office. Even though I’ve graduated and moved on to the next chapter of my life, there’s something about the humour and relatability of the characters that keeps me coming back for more. It’s like revisiting old friends every time I watch an episode.Weda Arrachchige Sawith Abeygunawardena(BSC Biology ’21)Gilmore Girls!Shahariyar Yousuf(BBA Marketing & HR ’20)Perfect Strangers.Kayla Pozzo-Brown(BA Psychology ’15)I am obsessed with 90 Day Fiancé!Keyra Gallo(BA Psychology ’22)Grey’s Anatomy! I enjoy being kept on my toes every episode and never knowing what’s going to happen next! I’ve seen the entire show four times!! (That’s A LOT of episodes.) This was the show I would put on during my downtime when I was an AU student. :)them both sacrifice a lot along their journeys, all while instilling the value of hard work with-in me. Later on at different jobs, with different managers, it was always my work ethic that stood out, which I was quick to attribute back to my mom and dad with plenty of examples and entertaining stories.”She also appreciates the supportive relation-ships she has with fellow entrepreneurs met through accelerator programs, such as Dragon Den’s Arlene Dickinson’s Venturepark Labs, Ryan Holmes, and Manny Padda’s League of Innovators Venture, and Bold Beginnings by Tara Bosch. For all businesses, Gillespie recognizes that hiccups may come along the way. “We call it a roller coaster because every day there is some-thing to celebrate, and we’re so excited, but there’s also a fire to put out right away, and that’s very humbling.” No matter what, Gillespie remem-bers the importance of prioritizing Mintier’s relationships with its customers. Besides, “every-thing,” Gillespie says, “is figureoutable.” shopmintier.comInstagram @shopmintierMintier currently has four products for people—Breath Serum, Breath Spray, Tongue cleaner, and Goodnight Mouth Tape. And two products for pets—Dog Breath Spray and Pet Water Additive with Hyaluronic Acid.Rhaelyn Gillespie (right) & business partner Jessica Donati.What is your guilty pleasure TV Show?29 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 29SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 29 2024-09-24 6:07 PM2024-09-24 6:07 PM
TIME AND PLACE From lively socials to exciting sporting events, our alumni enjoy their time together. Below, we share a few memorable moments from recent alumni events.Scan the QR code for future events: algomau.ca/alumni/alumni-eventsThe Gang’s All Here2023 Homecoming Basketball Game as the Thunderbirds took on the Waterloo WarriorsAlumni enjoying the view of the St. Mary’s River and International Bridge from The Loft during the 2022 Milestone Dinner, as part of the Homecoming weekend eventsFans filled the stands for the thrilling 2023 Homecoming Basketball Game against the Waterloo WarriorsAlumni and their families enjoying perfect weather at the 2023 Alumni Family Ski Day at Searchmont ResortWith determination and a smile, a fan competes in the Inchworm Halftime Race at the 2023 Homecoming Basketball GamesAlumni participated in a ribbon skirt making workshop at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig in July 2024In March 2022, alumni came together at The Tap Room at Northern Superior Brewery for an evening socialRunners of all ages enjoyed the Homecoming Colour Run in 201530 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 30SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 30 2024-09-24 6:07 PM2024-09-24 6:07 PM
ON THE MOVESault Ste. Marie ConvocationTim van Weerden (BBA Human Resources and BA Psychology ’24)Making amazing friendships while playing soccer in the OUA (becoming captain in third year) and serving as the Student Union President. I now work in the Payroll Department at the University and am hoping to pursue an MBA. Although it is hard leaving Algoma University as a student and becoming an ‘adult,’ I am excited for my future endeavours.Brampton ConvocationTessy Mathew (GCert Human Resources ’24)Serving as an Orientation Leader, where I honed my leadership skills and reignited my zest for life. I am now a Human Resources Manager and have become a registered member of Human Resources Professionals Association in Ontario. My alma mater remains an integral part of my journey, and I am immensely proud to be counted among its alumni. Brampton ConvocationShashank Kasinadhuni (BA Marketing ’24)Joining the first Brampton team to win the Northern On-tario Business Case Competi-tion (NOBCC) when it returned in person, post-pandemic. I now work in the Office of the Registrar at Algoma University, giving back to the incredible Algoma community that I am fortunate to be a part of.Brampton ConvocationDeepika Chaursia (GCert Human Resources ’24)Winning the co-ed football league. Initially, I was appre-hensive, but the camaraderie and team spirit were infectious, making practices and games enjoyable. Since graduating, I have been focusing on my career in human resources. Professional & Continuing Education GraduationVivian Adaku Ikwuneme (PACE Project Management ’23)Ater working in human resources for a number of years in Nigeria, I decided to sojourn to Canada to further my studies. I am now working as a Program Manager of the Inter-national Nurses Licensure Assistance Pathway with Pro-gress Career Planning Institute.We asked your fellow alumni who delivered the Expression of Thanks in June 2024 what their most memorable experience was at Algoma University and what they’ve been up to since graduating!Photography provided by alumni & Winged Whale MediaStaff, faculty, and alumni from the Timmins campus gather for a memorable evening at the 2022 Timmins Campus SocialSmiling alumni pose for a group photo at the 2023 Timmins Campus SocialGroup photo at the Toronto Alumni Social in March 2023, held at The Pint Public HouseAlumni enjoying the Toronto Alumni Social at The Pint Public House in March 202331 AlumniMagazine 2024SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 31SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 31 2024-09-24 6:07 PM2024-09-24 6:07 PM
ALUMNI AWARDS Distinguished Alumni Award MPP Ross RomanoRoss Romano epitomizes lead-ership, dedication, and com-munity service. His journey from student leader to MPP showcases his commitment to positively impacting his com-munity while staying true to his roots.Ross graduated from Algoma University with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice in 2001. During his years at Algoma U, he was deeply engaged in campus life and contributed significantly to student initiatives, playing a crucial role in the Students’ Union and advo-cating for student initiatives. His close connections with staff and faculty, including figures like Bruno Barban, Don Jackson, and Justice Greco, underscore his collaborative spirit and personable demeanour.Ater earning his Bachelor of Laws from the Univer-sity of Windsor in 2004, Ross returned to Sault Ste. Marie to pursue a legal career. He served with distinc-tion at Legal Aid Ontario, the Sault Ste. Marie Crown Attorney’s Office, and in private practice. Ross also de-dicated himself to community service, volunteering with the Rotary Club and coaching youth soccer teams.As Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities, Ross spearheaded transformative initiatives, includ-ing expanding Algoma University’s degree-granting authority and supporting educational resilience dur-ing the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership has been ongoing in subsequent ministerial roles, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for Ontarians.Recognized for his leadership, Ross was appointed Chief Government Whip, fostering unity and driving common goals forward. His exemplary dedication to public service and community engagement serve as an inspiration to us all.Congratulations to Ross on this well-deserved recognition. Alumni Achievement Award Connor FloodConnor’s journey from his formative years at Algoma Uni-versity to his current position as a Senior Sotware Engineer at Tesla profoundly reflects his embodiment of the 7 grand-father teachings and his iden-tity as a Thunderbird.When he first started at Algoma University, Connor stood out as a leader. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Carl J. Sanders scholar-ship and several entrance awards. Connor’s commit-ment to his peers was evident as he volunteered as a Frosh Leader, organizing programming competitions and engaging with prospective students and parents.Graduating cum laude with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2015, Connor then completed his Masters of Mathematics in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. His research resulted in the development of a web application that supports pen-input interfaces for mathematical inputs to Computer Algebra Systems.Connor’s side project, an application generating mathematical proofs, garnered attention from Wolfram | Alpha, leading to a job offer and global re-cognition for his work. Later he thrived as a Solutions Engineer at Facebook, presenting his work at confer-ences worldwide. Connor is currently a Senior Sot-ware Engineer at Tesla, developing tools for vehicle diagnostics and repair.Throughout his academic journey, Connor has remained a steadfast advocate for his community, whether mentoring students, delivering tech talks, or providing guidance to aspiring technologists. It’s clear that his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence make Connor a deserving candidate for the Alumni Achievement Award.Congratulations to Connor. We are so excited to cel-ebrate your remarkable journey. Celebrating Exceptional AlumniThe accomplishments and achievements of Algoma University’s alumni are recognized through two annual awards: the Alumni Achievement Award andthe Distinguished Alumni Award. These awards are given out at the Spring Convocation.32 AlgomaUniversitySM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 32SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 32 2024-09-24 6:07 PM2024-09-24 6:07 PM
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Aerial photography of the Sault Ste. Marie campusRETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Algoma Universityc/o Department of Strategic Advancement and Alumni Affairs 1520 Queen Street EastSault Ste. Marie, OntarioCanada P6A 2G46061722SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 4SM5880_AlgomaU Alumni Magazine 2024.indd 4 2024-09-26 12:29 PM2024-09-26 12:29 PM