Creating Connections. Building Community.
Originally published June 2020:
We are here for our college community
Whether supporting our students and employees through the COVID-19 pandemic or standing with Black and Indigenous people to address systemic racism, we want our college community, including students, employees and you, our valued alumni, to know that we are taking this moment to reflect on what more we can do to advance justice for all.
The deepening public dialogue around anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and the protests that it has sparked has focused attention on what is being done at institutions like Mohawk to end systemic racism. As a college, we have made progress on many fronts. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan. But this is a critical moment to acknowledge there is more we can and must do.
In the last few weeks, we have heard from students, employees, alumni and the community, with many sharing their lived experiences and their hope for more safe and equitable communities. We’ve also established a steering committee dedicated to elevating our institutional action plan. As alumni of Mohawk, we encourage you to join the conversation and share your ideas with us. You can email us equityandinclusion [at] mohawkcollege.ca (equityandinclusion[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca).
I also want to acknowledge and thank those of you who have been making a difference in your communities these past few months. You are the nurses, personal support workers and first responders who put yourselves at risk every day so that someone will be there for us when we are sick, or to care for loved ones who can no longer care for themselves. We are proud to call you alumni of Mohawk College, and we cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices you are making and the essential work you are doing.
In times like these, having a strong community behind you is what is most important. Years from now, when we look back on these times, we will reflect on how it was the way we came together as a community that made the biggest difference, and brought about the biggest change.
I am confident that we will learn from this moment in our history, and emerge from this a society that better appreciates our inter-connectedness and our responsibilities to one another.
Stay healthy, stay safe and stay positive.
Ron J. McKerlie
President, Mohawk College
Alumni Spotlights:
Note from Wendy Makey, Alumni Director: Many of the articles included in this issue were written earlier in 2020 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the world. We made the decision to not circulate a print issue of the Spring 2020 InTouch, rather, create a digital issue to share stories of our graduates and updates from Alumni and the college.
Bringing Supportive Care Home
After being trained in recreation therapy, Brooke Beney ‘05 saw an opportunity to bring recreation-based care to client's homes. Read More about Brooke Beney.
Editor’s note from 2020: During these unprecedented times, Brooke’s Home Care has suspended most of its service to help stop the spread of COVID-19. They look forward to resuming care when it is safe to do so and give thanks to all who are serving on the front line
A Call to Advocation
Shortly after graduating, Miranda Ferrier ’06 met a need in her field by establishing the Ontario Personal Support Workers Association. Read more about Miranada.
Editor’s note from 2020: As we, Canadians have seen outbreaks in our nursing homes since the beginning of the pandemic, Miranda has seen her role as a leader change and grow.
"This has been a humbling experience as many PSWs have had to self-isolate from their loved ones, while also dealing with the very possibility of death."
Since March, the Ontario Chapter has been supporting PSWs around the clock, through phone calls prior to them entering their workplaces, speaking weekly with the Ministry of Long Term Care for updates and support measures, or promoting PSWs and lifting their spirits through online campaigns and communications. We share our admiration and gratitude for PSWs and all front-line workers during this time.
All Decked Out
Trained as a carpenter, Hickory Dickory Deck President, Brad Arnold ’01 continues to stay connected to Mohawk. Read more about Brad Arnold.
Editor’s note from 2020: During this uncertain time, in addition to added safety equipment, Brad and his team have modified their sales process to include more virtual tools to provide designs and quotes for customers. Although sales are behind last year they have still been able to continue to operate as an essential service. As they head into the summer months co-op students and seasonal employees will be able to start working again too.
Stories:
Adapting to Online Learning
Iles ’04 wasn’t sure how his second-year General Arts and Science students would take to having their courses suddenly moved online. Read More about Shaun Iles.
Mohawk donates medical supplies to healthcare providers
On March 28, a team from Mohawk College made two truck deliveries of medical supplies to the Hamilton Health Sciences donation hub at McMaster Medical Centre Read more about Medical supplies donation.
The Beginnings of Mo The Hawk
Mohawk’s beloved Mo the Hawk has had a few makeovers through the years, but where did his story start? Recently, we caught up with Rick Sydor ‘69, to shed a little light on the beginnings of Mo the Hawk. Read more about Rick Sydor and others.
Awards and Honours:
Congratulations to these alumni and students.
Coach and Alumni of Distinction Brian Jonker ‘94 passed legendary basketball coach Earl Begg for the most wins in Mohawk College Mountaineer Coaching history when he got his 162nd win on the road in the Sault, this past February.
Kaelyn Emslie, in her first year of Medical Radiation Sciences program, broke the women's volleyball record for kills in a season with 212 passing volleyball legend Jennifer Knowles ‘11 record of 210.
Curling team brought home a Men’s Division Silver Medal from the OCAA Curling 2020 Championships.
Sam Pocrnic ‘18, hit an exciting milestone in her basketball career, breaking the all-time career points record for Mohawk College in February. Sam is a graduate of the Police Foundations program and is completing her second year in the Child and Youth Care program.
Jordan Martin, who is finishing his Motive Power Technician program this year, broke the men’s basketball record with 128 assists this season. His record for most assists in a season has passed alumnus Matt Savel ‘16.
Kathy Lerette ’97 Premier’s Award Winner
The annual Premier's Awards recognizes college graduates from seven categories who have made outstanding social and economic contributions to society.
Mohawk College alumnus Kathy Lerette '97 was honoured in the technology category this past November by the Ontario Government for contributing to the growth of Ontario's economy and improving lives. Kathy, Senior Vice President, Business Transformation, Alectra Utilities, is a 2019 Mohawk College Distinguished Fellow and 2019 Alumni of Distinction. She uses her impressive career to inspire other women and girls to create and chase dream jobs in the science, technology, engineering and math sectors. Throughout her 37-year career, she has been a pioneer in the male-dominated energy industry and as she has taken on progressively more challenging and important roles, she has worked tirelessly to see the ranks of women grow behind her. Kathy credits her Mohawk College education for giving her the technical foundation that has powered her career.
Seven Mohawk College alumni were nominated for Premier's Awards in 2019. Congratulations to all of the nominees:
- Karen Breitner – Apprenticeship
- Joal Roshko – Business
- Katherine Kalinowski – Community Services
- Mark Stokl – Creative Arts and Design
- Miranda Ferrier – Health Sciences • Luke Johns – Recent Graduate