The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the work environment. Co-operative Education is built on the foundation of providing hands-on learning experiences for students, but what do you do when that economically-stable rock is eroded by a world-wide pandemic?

The Co-operative Education department has been working tirelessly to provide students with invaluable work experiences related to their programs of study and developing new and creative ways to offer supports and services. Some changes they have had to make as a result of the public health crisis include instruction via virtual classrooms, procuring employment opportunities that adhere to safety mandates, and developing in-house co-op work-term alternatives.

A new option for co-op students during the pandemic, is a virtual Entrepreneurship Co-op (eCo-op). Working in partnership with SURGE, students are provided with the opportunity to learn how to turn an idea into a business. During an e-Co-op work term:

• students perform market research;
• learn how to prototype;
• launch a product/service; and
• pitch an idea to potential customers or investors.

Students are also matched with a mentor, attend virtual entrepreneurship events and workshops, and connect with community partners, including: Innovation Factory, the City of Hamilton, TechPlace and IBM.

The realities of learning - and working - have changed very quickly in the past few months and the Co-operative Education department has shifted its approach to deliver career-related employment opportunities for Mohawk College students and graduates.

Note: The photo above was taken prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when physical distancing measures were not in place.

Anita O'Keeffe is a Field Placement Specialist within the School of Community Services. Anita also works as a counsellor serving first responders living the effects of Post-traumatic Stress Injury. A former firefighter, Anita brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of the challenges faced by first responders.

Katie George has been a Liberal Studies Professor at the college for the past 13 years. In addition to teaching, she supports individuals with acquired brain injury through Hamilton Health Sciences, ABI Community Services program as an Advanced Rehabilitation Therapist. She is also strong advocate for inclusivity and awareness of sexualized violence on campus. 

Rochelle Ivri is a Professor with the McKeil of School of Business. In addition to teaching at the college, she also serves as one of 10 Canadian Citizenship Judges and co-founded a youth mentorship program called Ubora Mweusi. 

Click here to learn more about this year's nominees: https://www.ywcahamilton.org/women-of-distinction-2020-nominees-announced/

All full-time and part-time employees who have worked at Mohawk for at least one year are eligible. Along with being recognized with a Mohawk Award of Excellence, the three recipients will also be nominated by for national awards.

Congratulations to this year's recipients:

Sarah Harvie, Support Staff Award of Excellence

Sarah is a Commnity Mobilizer with the Community Partnerships and Learning team. Sarah's work has been integral to the success of the City School by Mohawk initiative. Her professional and compassionate approach to engaging marginalized populations in the pursuit of a postsecondary experience has been nothing short of outstanding. She always puts the needs of students first, and she works hard to ensure that the courses and workshops offered through City School reflect the interests and needs of all our community partners. Sarah's efforts are helping City School fulfill its mission of transforming lives by removing barriers to postsecondary education in Hamilton.

Louisa Drost, Director of Student Wellness Initiatives

Louisa has had an enormous impact on students and colleagues at Mohawk, and also shares her passion and commitment with her community. Since Louisa joined Mohawk a few years ago, the conversation at the college has shifted from mental illness to mental wellness. She has also been a driving force behind the creation of new programs and initiatives that are making a difference in other areas such as increased awareness and education around sexualized violence. Highly respected among her peers, Louisa was selected to sit on a national Colleges and Institutes Canada Advisory Committee to help guide its collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada on the development of a pan-Canadian mental health standard for post-secondary students. She also received a YWCA Women of Distinction of Award in 2019. 

Richard Dupp, Faculty Award of Excellence

Richard is a professor with the Marshall School of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship at Mohawk's Stoney Creek campus. A champion of the skilled trades, Richard works tirelessly to advance skilled trades and apprenticeship training through his work with Skills Ontario and the College of Trades. He is a strong voice for change and modernization in the Millwright trade, advocating for changes that would ensure apprentices spend more time focusing on new technology developments within their trade. In the classroom, Richard is highly respected by his colleagues and students, working hard to make sure his students get the best education and experience possible. Richard is currently in Kazan, Russia where he is working with the Canadian competitors at the 2019 World Skills Competition.

Today, the Minister of Science and Sport, The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, announced funding of over $73 million through the College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program and the College-Industry Innovation Fund (CIIF), including $1 million in funding for Mohawk College over the next five years. This funding will support a number of projects at Mohawk College under the supervision of the college’s first Industrial Research Chair for IIoT Applications, Dr. Esteve Hassan, PhD, PEng.

Working with industrial partners, Dr. Hassan’s research will focus on a creating self-tuned, low-power, versatile wireless sensor devices for a large range of manufacturing applications and a wide spectrum of real-time processing capabilities. His winning application also proposed the development of energy harvesting solutions to extend battery lifetimes and the creation of configurable industrial sensor platforms that can perform on a wide variety of wireless systems without hardware changes.

In total, the CCI and CIIF funding will help 90 recipients at post-secondary institutions across the country partner with local employers to facilitate commercialization and transform the results of research and development into new technologies to help businesses expand and grow. It also provides specialized equipment to develop local solutions to pressing issues in their regions.

“We are grateful to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for its support. This funding will enable Mohawk College to continue to actively support our key partners in advanced manufacturing with leadership from Dr. Hassan and our talented faculty and students here at the college.”

– Ron McKerlie, President, Mohawk College

“It is fantastic to see this funding going to Mohawk College. Hamilton is a hub for research and industry in Canada; this funding will help give hands-on training to students so that our community can continue to produce world-class research and collaborate with new industry partners.”

-The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas

“I am grateful to have the support of Mohawk College in my new role and am excited to receive CCI funding to allow our team to pursue research in industrial applications. This funding will enable us to move forward on applied research projects with 10 local industrial partners and will provide real-life research opportunities for more than 20 students to work alongside seasoned industry researchers. We are confident our projects will help our industry partners become more efficient and effective in their operations.”

- Dr. Esteve Hassan, PhD, PEng Industrial Research Chair for IIoT Applications, Mohawk College

Wendy is a highly regarded leader and respected for her research work related to hemophilia and ultrasonography. She currently serves as Chair of the Canadian National Interest Group for Point of Care Ultrasound in Hemophilia and Co-Chair of the International Experts Group: Ultrasound and Artificial Intelligence. She has won numerous awards including the Award of Fellowship from Sonography Canada in 2015, and the 2014 College Sector Educator Award from the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

As a former professor and coordinator in the Medical Radiation Sciences program and most recently she served as Associate Dean, Medical Radiation Sciences and Allied Health. Wendy has also led the development of the Centre for Health Care Simulation and Medical Technologies Innovation Centre at Mohawk’s Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster University. In this role, Wendy worked across the health portfolio to improve processes, strengthen teams and advance projects focused on supporting research and innovation, and promoting excellence in teaching and learning.

A graduate of Mohawk College, Wendy holds Advanced Diploma, Medical Imaging Technology, and Ultrasonography. She also has a Masters of Applied Science Degree in Medical Imaging, from Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia, and an Honours Bachelor of Science, Biology, from the University of Waterloo.

Listen to the award-winning PSA under Play Audio File link to the right of this window.

The Sustainability team received a Silver in the Leadership Excellence for Non-Managerial Staff category. Team members include Ashley Packer, Allison Maxted, Nicolai Strabac and Emily Vis. Mohawk’s Sustainability team works with partners across the campus and in the community to make positive, lasting change. Each year, the Mohawk Sustainability team delivers more than 30 programs dedicated to fostering inclusive engagement and participation – helping students to learn, live, and lead in sustainability. The Mohawk Sustainability team has received 22 regional and national awards for their leadership. Through numerous partnerships, Mohawk Sustainability also provides community leadership to help build a more sustainable, climate change-ready region.

Maria Bracalenti received the Bronze in the Leadership Excellence for Non-Managerial Staff category. Since joining Mohawk College in 2006, Maria has earned the reputation of being a student champion. Creating a welcoming and supportive environment is one of Mohawk’s core values and Maria personifies this by going above and beyond to ensure students get the support and encouragement they need to be successful. This has been especially true of the college’s International students. As an International Student Advisor, Maria excels at making International students feel at home and welcome at the college. Whether it’s designing workshops to bridge cultural divides or volunteering her time to run events aimed at bringing students together, Maria has had a profound impact on the lives of many students at the college, and is held in high regard by her colleagues.

The CICan Awards of Excellence celebrate the extraordinary contributions individuals and teams bring to their colleges and highlight the important role colleges play in the communities they serve.

Meg brings 19 years of experience leading student affairs departments in enhancing student support and strategic enrolment management efforts. Ensuring pathways to graduation among college students in Ontario is her passion, motivated by a deep commitment to social mobility. Meg is a champion for student equity and inclusion and has served in strategic and direct roles that have helped to reduce barriers to academic success for vulnerable students.

Meg joins Mohawk from Humber College, where she was Acting Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Student Wellness and Equity. She oversaw a team of more than 500 full and part-time professionals supporting athletics and recreation, residence, testing services, advising and career services, academic support services, counselling and accessible learning, diversity, sexual violence prevention and more.

Provincially, Meg is a trusted student affairs professional. She served as an advisor for the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health, for curriculum development at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and for the postsecondary implementation of Bill 132 on Sexual Violence and Harassment.

A former three-sport varsity athlete and Sociology instructor, Meg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Wellness Program Administration and a Masters in Applied Human Sciences, Student Affairs in Higher Education.

Meg started in her new role April 15th.

Hassan came to Mohawk in 2017 and immediately availed himself of the research resources and support available at Mohawk. Through his talent and experience, Esteve works with the IDEAWORKS team to solve industry challenges quickly in the transformative area of IIOT.

“Mohawk is a leader in applied research and has a strong reputation,“ says Hassan.

Hassan has completed the first phase of two projects funded through the Ontario Centres of Excellence and is involved in several others in health care, building automation and IIOT.

“There are big things ahead for the lab,” said Jeff McIsaac, General Manager of the Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre at Mohawk. “It will bring great benefits to our partners and position them well to understand and adopt the technology.”

Hassan holds a PhD and a master of engineering (MEng) from the University of Limerick in Ireland, and a master of science (MSc) from the University of Jordan. He has taught at Brandon University, and is passionate about student learning. “I try to inspire them to reach their potential. It’s up to us to show them how to leave their mark.”

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LeClair has set up a yearly $1,500 scholarship for an Ontario student entering any year of a postsecondary welding program. Applications are now open through the Canadian Welding Bureau’s (CWB) Welding Foundation.

It is her legacy, she says, and her way to give back.

“I am looking forward to seeing this grow over the course of my lifetime.”

No one ever suggested the trades to her as a career path, but she found it herself, falling in love with welding during a night-school class. She then enrolled in Cambrian's Welder Fitter program where she was just one of two women in a class of 65 and graduated second highest overall. She then pursued Welding Engineering Technology at Conestoga College and received a $1,000 bursary from the CWB, which she never forgot.

Since then, she has been an advocate and mentor for the field, speaking at high schools and women’s career events. There is tremendous demand in a career that offers good pay, variety, lifelong-learning and advancement.

She found her “perfect job” when she started teaching at Mohawk in 2016.

“I feel so uplifted and grateful for this job and those I work with.”

_{Learn more about the Nicole LeClair Welding Bursary Award at easydonate.com/NicoleLeClair.}

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A part of CRALO for more than a decade, Deb has perfected many processes and launched new technology that has enabled student success.

Through a better designed user experience and enhanced processes, she has championed student mobility and transferability while ensuring that all applicants make an informed decision.

She also led the creation of My Applicant Status where applicants can have a one-stop view of their offer status with Mohawk College and can quickly understand missing or satisfied requirements.

Beyond Mohawk, Deb has been very involved with the Admissions Sub-Committee, and for many years served as CRALO’s representative with the OSCA (Ontario School Counsellor’s Association). In that role, Deb acted as liaison for CRALO, identifying opportunities to enhance communication and overall awareness among secondary school counsellors.

Currently, Deb is serving as the Acting Registrar at Mohawk.

Each spring Matt, Mario and Peter cap off the end of the academic year with a bridge-crunching competition for Mohawk students. Open to students from every program, the annual contest sees competitors build and test bridges made from popsicle sticks. There are rules to follow, but at its core the competition is a fun way to show students how structures behave under "pressure". The competition has grown over the past 32 years and now includes Virtual Reality and Drone Racing competitions. For more information about the competition visit: http://popstick.mohawkcollege.ca/popstickframeset.html

You can find The Extra Mile @ Mohawk podcast on iTunes and Google Play Music. It is also available through Podbean at https://mohawkextramile.podbean.com/

Download Episode 8 here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-idfz9-ab342a

Leah is the Manager of Indigenous Education at Mohawk. She is nominated in the Education and Mentorship category. Leah has been supporting Indigenous Learners at Mohawk for more than 13 years. She is committed to ensuring that Indigenous students have access to culturally responsive and traditionally based services that contribute to learner success.

Louisa is Mohawk's Director of Student Wellness Initiatives. She is nominated in the Health category. Louisa's commitment to promoting mental health and wellness, together with the initiatives she has led have had an enormous impact on students and colleagues at Mohawk College, and in her community. Louisa is a mental wellness champion and has done a lot to change the conversation from mental illlness to mental wellness at the college. She also founded Strides2Wellness, an organization committed to helping individuals find wellness through movement. 

Gabriela is an Employment Consultant at Mohawk. She is nominated in the Community Leadership category. Gabriela founded Rocateach, a non-profit group that provides a range of programs and events for children born in Canada but raised in multicultural families. She is passionate about helping women and children discover their potential and lead them toward making informed decisions about their educational and career pathways. Gabriela is also a mentor and role model to newcomers, inspring them to get involved and use their creativity to lead the next generation.

Natalie is the Assistant Manager of Student Services at the Mohawk Students' Association. She is nominated in the Young Women of Distinction category. Natalie is a passionate volunteer, coach, trainer and mentor. From helping new students navigate college life to assisting students in accessing the food bank, her selfless character allows her to thrive at her job day in and day out.

Click here to learn more about this year's nominees.

Click here for more information on the YWCA Women of Distinction.

Nicole is an instructor in Mohawk's Welding program. She has more than 20 years in the welding industry, including nearly 15 years as a Territory Manager for a welding distributor. A true lifelong learner, Nicole makes time to mentor young people who are considering a career in the skilled trades. Recently she launched the Nicole LeClair Welding Bursary Award, which is aimed at encouraging students in Ontario to pursue welding at the postsecondary level. You can find out more about the bursary at www.easydonate.com/NicoleLeClair. You can also read about the Bursary at the Canadian Welding Bureau's website at https://www.cwbweldingfoundation.org/awards/nicole-leclair-welding-bursary-award

You can find The Extra Mile @ Mohawk podcast on iTunes and Google Play Music. It is also available through Podbean at https://mohawkextramile.podbean.com/

Download Nicole's interview here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-usqxc-a61d47

You can find The Extra Mile @ Mohawk podcast on iTunes and Google Play Music. It is also available through Podbean at https://mohawkextramile.podbean.com/

Download Jef's interview here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-wirg9-a2330f

Earl holds the Mohawk record for most wins with 316 victories during his incredible career. His teams won six OCAA Championships in 1981, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1990 and 1991. They also captured two national bronze medals in 1986 and 1990. Eark was named OCAA Coach of the Year in 1987, 1990 and 1991, and was honoured by the CCAA as National coach of the Year.

"In the history of our College absolutely no one in Athletics has brought greater recognition to their sport and our female student-athletes than Earl Begg," said Laurie Cahill, retired manager of athletics for the college. "The fact that he has been acknowledged by Mohawk College, OCAA and Basketball Ontario, for his contributions to women’s basketball is legendary. But his greatest legacy is his commitment, sacrifice and service to literally thousands of young women, who Earl encouraged, motivated and mentored through basketball, to succeed on and off the court.

For more than 20 years Earl repesented Mohawk College with dignity, class and a respect for everyone he met that is unparalleled in Ontario.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to a charity of choice would be sincerely appreciated by Earl's family. Arrangements entrusted to Smith's Funeral Home in Stoney Creek: http://www.smithsfh.com. 

Henry started in his new role as Chief Building and Facilities Officer on December 4, 2018.

“I am proud to have Henry on the team at Mohawk. He has already made a significant contribution to the Facilities team, and I look forward to him bringing his collaborative leadership style to this new role as we plan for the future and continue on our path to create a more sustainable campus.”

Alison Horton, Vice President Corporate Services, Mohawk College

Jad graduated from Mohawk's Computer Science and Network Security program in 2001. Driven by a desire to combat terrorism and child exploitation as a police officer investigating high-tech crimes, Jad used his college education to build Magnet Forensics, a global leader in the recovery of digital evidence. Jad developed software that is now used by more than 4,000 organizations in more than 90 countries in investigations of crimes such as child exploitation, human trafficking, terrorism and fraud. His software has been used in high-profile prosecutions, including that of the Boston Marathon bomber, and he is a renowned expert in his field.

"Ontario's colleges are producing talented graduates with the knowledge, skills and experience to support our growing economy, and our government is committed to helping skilled workers and apprentices find employment," said Premier Doug Ford. "I'm honoured to recognize just a few of these talented and innovative leaders with a Premier's Award for the impact of their work here at home and around the world."

Jad was one of eight college grads honoured at last night's awards ceremony. The complete list is available on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website: https://news.ontario.ca/maesd/en/2018/11/2018-premiers-awards-recognize-outstanding-ontario-college-graduates.html.

In total, 118 college graduates were nominated for this year's awards, including the following six Mohawk alumni:

• Beverly Jacobs, Community Services
• Camilo Avendano, Recent Graduate
• Maggie Fox, Creative Arts and Design
• Ted Rakoczy, Business
• Bonnie Freeman, Health Sciences
• Robert Bernacci, Apprenticeship

You can find The Extra Mile @ Mohawk podcast on iTunes and Google Play Music. It is also available through Podbean at https://mohawkextramile.podbean.com/

A total of 118 nominees will be celebrated at the 2018 Premier’s Awards gala, which will take place on Monday, November 26, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

A total of 118 nominees will be celebrated at the 2018 Premier’s Awards gala, which will take place on Monday, November 26, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

A total of 118 nominees will be celebrated at the 2018 Premier’s Awards gala, which will take place on Monday, November 26, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

Leah's family is from Oneida Nation of the Thames. She has been embodying the seven Grandfather Teachings throughout her 13-year career at Mohawk College. She has helped Indigenous adult learners of all ages navigate the college system and has been a strong and fierce advocate for removing barriers to education for Indigenous people. Leah is deeply appreciated by the students she serves and the people she works with. She is well known for her kindness, clarity and commitment to students.

Leah is also a dedicated learner. She holds a 3-year Business Administration Diploma, an Honours BA in Commerce, a BA in Education and a Masters in Education specializing in Indigenous education.

A total of 118 nominees will be celebrated at the 2018 Premier’s Awards gala, which will take place on Monday, November 26, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

A total of 118 nominees will be celebrated at the 2018 Premier’s Awards gala, which will take place on Monday, November 26, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

A total of 118 nominees will be celebrated at the 2018 Premier’s Awards gala, which will take place on Monday, November 26, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

A total of 118 nominees will be celebrated at the 2018 Premier’s Awards gala, which will take place on Monday, November 26, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

He is a graduate of Ryerson. He holds a Master of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University and numerous IT Certifications. He enjoys and continues to be active in local charity, cultural and sporting activities.

Sinisa started in his new role as Chief Information Officer on October 22, 2018.

You can find The Extra Mile @ Mohawk podcast on iTunes and Google Play Music. It is also available through Podbean at https://mohawkextramile.podbean.com/

Over the last couple of years, the two organizations have been taking a systematic look at broadening the experiential learning partnership beyond traditional health care disciplines.

The possibilities are limitless, says Paul Armstrong, Mohawk‘s Vice President Academic.

“HHS is a large, complex organization and one of the biggest employers of Mohawk graduates. The breadth of experience that HHS can offer our students is very wide. We have joined with HHS in applied research projects over the last five to six years and as we grow our capacity, HHS has needs and problems that we can help solve,“ he said.

Close to 3,000 students in 35 programs do placements each year at HHS. Their work adds up to close to 188,000 hours annually and Mohawk students report extremely high satisfaction rates about their experiences at HHS.

“We count on HHS and other partnerships to provide placements for so many of our core programs that require experiential learning opportunities. That‘s really core to what we do,“ said Lori Koziol, Dean of the School of Health.

Sometimes Mohawk approaches HHS when it is developing curriculum that requires a placement. Other times, HHS comes to the college with a challenge it thinks Mohawk could help tackle, she said.

“It‘s a very robust, collaborative partnership. Both sides are very open-minded and open to innovative opportunities.“

That is opening a wide range of emerging opportunities in fields of study not traditionally associated with a hospital.

“We‘ve been very proud of what we've been able to provide in quality experiential learning,“ said John Parker, Director of Interprofessional Development at HHS. “It's a two-way benefit. Students are provided what we think is a world-calibre experiential learning opportunity and as they learn in clinical settings, they are contributing to our staff's efforts in delivering quality care.“

The students bring fresh new perspectives, says Parker. “Health care students bring great value and we knew non-health care students could make similar contributions. We are very energized by the results of some pilot projects over the last two years in areas such as computer programming, business analytics and public relations.“

None of this would be possible without one of Canada's best teams of HHS clinical educators, managers and staff, said Parker. Staff across HHS were asked to identify challenges that students could help solve to improve quality of care and patient experience. Parker was flooded with ideas.

One of them was training for hospital staff around the handling of toxic agents such as chemotherapy drugs and radioactive isotopes.

The project, led by Barb Scott RN, Mary Millo RN, Caroline Fellows-Smith RN and Diana Zelinski of HHS Interprofessional Development, saw Mohawk computer programming students develop a gamingbased app to help staff apply the regulations and optimize compliance in a more engaging way.

Providing a diversity of experiences opens eyes to the possibilities in health care, says Parker.

“When they applied for computer programming, not one of them had considered health care as a possible sector for employment.“

Digital media students have produced a number of video productions for HHS, including one that highlights an innovative collaboration with Mohawk in which registered practical nurses employed at HHS can study to become registered nurses while still working full time. This project was led by Dianne Norman, HHS Manager Student Affairs.

“The digital media students created a documentary focusing on one student. It‘s extremely professional and highly polished and we have been showing it over and over again. We are very proud to show it,“ said Parker.

This semester, computer programming students will work with the infectious disease teams at HHS and St. Joseph‘s Healthcare, under the direction of Dr. Eva Piessens, to create an app that will consolidate a number of databases into one point of entry. It‘s a huge project that will have the potential to save critical time and resources when diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, said Parker.

And for the first time, HHS will partner with animation students to create a video focused on preventing blood clots after surgery, a project that will be led by Charissa Cordon RN, HHS Chief of Nursing Practice.

”Mohawk is very nimble and always willing to try something new... The college comes to mind automatically when I think about new opportunities. It‘s a big part of the community that is wrapped around HHS.”

“There is great interest around it. The finished project is a huge opportunity to reduce risk,“ said Parker.

Altogether, 12 projects are underway across HHS and across a wide spectrum of programs. “Innovative discussions are ongoing with Mohawk to leverage the model very strategically. We have not tapped the full potential.“

There are so many opportunities that a strategy is required to focus on priorities, said Kristen Krull, Vice President of Quality and Performance and Chief Nursing Executive.

“We have to be purposeful around what we want to support and focus on,“ she said.

“We are a sophisticated and complex organization. We can meet learner needs in a wide variety of ways. We are exploring how to bring different disciplines together so that people of different thinking and backgrounds come together to push the limits.“

Mohawk and HHS are also working on a structure to govern the commercialization of products, technology or innovation that results from joint projects and to streamline the connection of HHS with Mohawk students.

“We are looking at creating a different understanding of how we want to work together in the future,“ Krull said.

“Mohawk is very nimble and always willing to try something new... The college comes to mind automatically when I think about new opportunities. It‘s a big part of the community that is wrapped around HHS.“

Both organizations are focused on breaking down barriers and injecting themselves more into the community, said Armstrong. “So we are exploring what else we can be doing together.“

Senior leaders of Mohawk and HHS spent a full day together “in a forward visioning process to define the art of the possible,“ said Armstrong. A steering committee and working group oversees the institutional partnership, which also includes professional development and mentorship opportunities for staff at both organizations.

“We would not exist the way we do or make the impact we do without HHS. The work we do with them is so critical and the fellowship we have with them is truly a pleasure.“

The partnership only benefits from the connections at the senior leadership level between the two organizations, led by former Mohawk President Rob MacIsaac, who is now President and CEO of HHS, and Ted Scott, HHS‘s Vice President Research & Chief Innovation Officer, who held a similar role at Mohawk.

“Rob fully understands the College and its capabilities and Ted oversees solutions-based research that is new to the hospital sector,“ said Armstrong. “The relationship runs very deeply, including Brenda Flaherty (now retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Kirsten Krull. It confirms we have the right people to continue to grow the relationship and take even more risks.“

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Tobias was on a placement during his graduate program in Business Analysis at Mohawk and worked under Dianne Norman, Manager of Student Affairs and Academic Relations at HHS.

“HHS brings in students from many postsecondary schools throughout Canada and for the ones from clinical backgrounds, it‘s straightforward to find a match. But for people like me, from non-clinical backgrounds, it‘s a bit more difficult,“ said Tobias.

Norman believed students with diverse skill-sets could be useful in clinical settings but that a process was needed to assess needs and gaps and how they could be addressed. Tobias, after countless interviews with people from across HHS, built the framework for an algorithm.

“It could be that the neurology department has a problem that needs a business analyst but they might not even know what a business analyst is,“ said Tobias.

“Dianne, and John Parker gave me so much confidence to spearhead this project. I was exposed to the culture of HHS. Everyone was so willing to talk to me. I realized I wanted to land a job here.“

Parker says Tobias, who holds an English degree and a masters in cultural studies and critical theory, both from McMaster, did a “remarkable job“ on the project.

A week after his graduation from Mohawk he was hired by the HHS HITS eHealth Team as a Transformation Change Analyst. He‘s part of a group that creates and implements e-health solutions across the Local Health Integration Network.

“That just shows the value of these experiential learning experiences,“ said Parker.

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“It was a frightening and overwhelming environment,“ said Beattie, a Director of Research in Rheumatology and an Associate Professor at McMaster. She shared her story with a group of Mohawk software development students who began the work of developing an app geared to NICU parents.

Freddy started in Level 3, where the most critical babies are cared for, before advancing to Level 2.

“It was busy and noisy, especially in Level 2. The first time my husband went there, he didn‘t want to go back.“

Emotional parents are given a lot of information from a range of health care professionals, said Beattie. “For me, it was all a blur.“

Parents who don‘t speak English as a first language or have different levels of education would face even more challenges, she said. “It is so scary and intimidating. If the app can make it easier, that‘s a whole lot better for families.“

The yet-to-be-named app allows parents to document and track information, link to helpful resources and frequently asked questions, track NICU educational events and explore pictures and explanations of the equipment and procedures found in the NICU.

”The partnership with Mohawk has been a really rewarding experience... We often have nursing students in the NICU or respiratory therapy students but this opened our eyes to the chance to tap into other students.”

“They could access the information before their baby is in the NICU. That would have been very reassuring for me ahead of time,“ said Beattie.

For two-and-a-half years, Beattie has served as a volunteer parent advisor to the NICU team and has helped enact a number of projects aimed at improving the family experience. One of the ideas was the app. Clinical educator Maddie White took the idea to John Parker who reached out to his connections at Mohawk.

“The partnership with Mohawk has been a really rewarding experience,“ said White, a graduate of the Mohawk-McMaster Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. “We often have nursing students in the NICU or respiratory therapy students but this opened our eyes to the chance to tap into other students.“

Mohawk‘s software development students listened to parents and staff to understand what was needed and then built and tested an app that would work within the hospital‘s IT environment. It can be modified to adapt to changing technology.

The first group of Mohawk students who built the foundation for the app are now graduated and a second cohort will finish it this year. Professor Joe Varrasso, who oversees the third-year Software Engineering Project course, says it‘s an innovative, humanitarian app and he‘s grateful the graduating students “have generously allowed us to use their work and continue with the project.“

Former software development student Gurpreet Punj, who worked on the app with four others, says it was “inspiring“ to learn about the human need for the app. “It really got us motivated.“

“That we could make something that would benefit sick babies and their parents feels amazing,“ added Wanming Hu

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“My answer was, ‘I will find you someone to do it.‘“

But thanks to the urging of his wife, he changed his mind.

“She pointed out that this is a place I can proudly finish my career.“

Now, just over a year into his post, Santi knows he made the right choice.

“I‘ve gotten more out of being here than Mohawk will ever get,“ he said. “This is a place that has all the pieces in place. The people are so smart and they want to work together because they are all focused on students.“

Santi had worked extensively with faculty, deans and college leaders during his 25-year career at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, including creating a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program and a retraining program for 600 laid-off employees.

“I almost felt like I worked here at times. I selfishly used Mohawk over my entire corporate career.“

Mohawk identified the first priority being guiding the planning and development of The Joyce Centre for Partnership Innovation. He‘s also tasked with setting a vision and structure for the department and growing industry connections.

Santi grew up in Hamilton and Burlington and studied forestry and mobile equipment at Sanford Fleming College. He did an apprenticeship before going to Western University for technological studies and teachers‘ college. He couldn‘t land a full-time teaching job.

So he took a job in the maintenance department at Dofasco, where both his father and grandfather had long careers. Santi soon found himself working on quality and process improvement projects in the midst of downsizing. Then human resources seconded him.

“I went kicking and fighting. In some ways, I wasn‘t sure if it was the end of my career or the beginning of a new one.“

Turns out it was a beginning. He is a voracious reader of organizational and leadership books and talked his boss into letting him examine companies that were leading in adapting to change.

“I realized we had to do things differently. I learned that it all had to be built around a highly skilled, competent workforce.“

After a solid and successful career at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Santi went to work for Suncor Energy in Calgary as Director of Learning and Competency Development where he led the development of the competency strategy and Operational Excellence Management System learning standards.

Santi, a father of three daughters who have pursued postsecondary education in math and engineering, says his route to becoming a dean hasn‘t been traditional, but his strength is building partnerships. He wants to bring jobs to Hamilton, especially in aerospace and manufacturing.

Why did you take this job at Mohawk?

My time in Calgary showed me how exceptional Mohawk is in terms of connection to industry, the partnership with McMaster and its commitment to sustainability. When I went to Suncor, the college out there didn‘t get me. They didn‘t understand what I wanted. I thought all colleges were like Mohawk. I learned they aren‘t. I flew Mohawk people to Calgary to help solve problems.

You‘ve been in your role just over a year. What is the biggest challenge?

There is so much we could do, so it‘s trying to balance the opportunities and understand what ones we should go after. We can‘t be everything to everybody but it‘s hard to say no. Attracting the right faculty is critical, too. If we can do that better than anyone else, then everything else is easy.

What does The Joyce Centre for Partnership Innovation represent for Mohawk?

There will be a lot of zero carbon buildings in the next 10 years and we can inform the world with the data we collect here. And our academic programs will ensure competency in building these buildings. People said this building was impossible. I want more impossible. Mohawk took a big risk on new technology that had never been tried on this scale in Canada and showed we were up to the challenge.

Is there anything that has surprised you so far about Mohawk?

t a table of deans and vice presidents, there are no big egos. It‘s amazing to say that, but it‘s true. I don‘t think there is anything we can‘t do. What‘s next for you? The only job I haven‘t been able to figure out, but I need to, is the job called retirement. It stresses me out. I‘m not sure what it means to not be adding value.

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A graduate of Mohawk‘s Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapy Assistant program, Gacoscos is working on two AR projects this fall with Hamilton Health Sciences.

One aims to streamline the return-to-work process for patients, while the other will help prevent falls in hospitals and the community.

He‘s been interested in coding since high school and did it mostly as a hobby until a placement at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre at HHS while studying at Mohawk.

“I saw huge demand for technology in the assessment and treatment of occupational therapy patients, like using virtual reality to test reflexes. To see therapy and technology converge in that way motivated me to develop my tech skills,“ he said. “It‘s amazing how much Mohawk is investing in AR/ VR innovation.“

His mentor Stewart Muirhead, owner of 3D Agency, recommended Gacoscos to Tracey Kadish, Mohawk‘s Associate Dean Business and Media Graduate Studies, Applied Research and Entrepreneurship. Mohawk has secured 22 Ontario Centre of Excellence technology vouchers valued at $10,000 per company for various projects including AR and VR projects.

Kadish was immediately impressed by Gacoscos, who has also helped a Niagara winery create a locationbased AR experience.

“He‘s so engaged and passionate about the technology.“

The college has hosted demonstrations for business leaders who may not understand the uses of AR and VR or how Mohawk can help with prototypes and market applications.

“The possibilities really are endless. It‘s useful in any sector, education, supply chain, manufacturing, health care, training, retail, anything you can think of,“ said Kadish.

“I am excited about this and want to bring this new craft to the students so that we can nurture with the skill-sets needed to work in this field.“

In Fall 2019, Mohawk will launch a new Virtual Reality Multimedia graduate program. The program will be the first of its kind in Canada.

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You can find The Extra Mile @ Mohawk podcast on iTunes and Google Play Music. It is also available through Podbean at https://mohawkextramile.podbean.com/.

As the winner of that award, she is described as a “proactive student who demonstrates leadership qualities in her determination and drive to be successful in her program and is an inspiration to others.“

There were some challenges, including using a stethoscope.

“There always has to be the first person to do something. I knew I could be that trailblazer so I was not going to give up,“ Mando said through a sign language interpreter.

“I don‘t want Deaf people to think they can‘t do it. I want to inspire Deaf people and inspire others to work with Deaf people as a team.“

She found an answer to the stethoscope challenge in a Colorado-based company called Thinklab. It produces stethoscopes for hearing impaired clinicians, including one Mando used, that displays the sound of a patient‘s heart and lungs visually.

She practised extensively with her instructors to learn to interpret what the sounds of crackles and wheezing look like in colour and shape on the display. She also learned to take blood pressure readings by watching the movement of the needle.

Mando says she found great support from her instructors and on her clinical placements at Hamilton Health Sciences‘ Juravinski and General hospitals. “The staff were so great to me, especially at the General. My preceptor started learning American Sign Language right away. I felt very welcomed and included,“ she said. 

She saves particularly glowing appreciation for Barbara Toohey, Mohawk‘s faculty lead for the Practical Nursing program.

“She was so supportive of me and always had my back.“

Mando, 27, says life as a Deaf person in a hearing family and a hearing high school made her a master at communicating through gesturing and body language. That was especially handy with hearing-impaired patients or those who didn‘t speak English. “Anyone who has faced barriers understands each other.“

“I really pushed myself to get the most out of my clinical placements and had to learn to step out of my comfort zone in order to provide the best care for the patients I was working with.”

She has previously explored early childhood education, accounting and health, wellness and fitness programs at Mohawk but truly found her path in nursing, she said. Mando has passed her nursing exams and is now awaiting her licence.

Mando was a confident advocate for herself, said Maria Riva, Associate Dean of Nursing, and that helped faculty find ways to adapt to her needs.

“As much as it was a learning path for her, we also learned. As a team, we embraced it. She‘s moving on to the next chapter of her life and we are very proud that we could be part of her journey.“

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Candidates are evaluated based on the skills required by the position such as judgment/analytical thinking, decision-making, effective communication, cross-cultural sensitivity and community standing. Citizenship judges are responsible for making decisions on citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens. Judges also play an important role in promoting Canadian citizenship and civic values in their communities.

Judge Ivri has more than 13 years of legal experience with the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Tax Court, Court Martial Appeal Court and Immigration and Refugee Board. She is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, a paralegal licensed through the Law Society of Ontario and is an experienced mediator, negotiator and facilitator. She holds an honours degree in criminology from the University of Windsor and a post-graduate certificate in Alternate Dispute Resolution from York University.

There are only 14 citizenship judges across Canada with each judge serving a three-year term. In 2017, there were more than 1,400 citizenship ceremonies held across the country welcoming nearly 105,000 new Canadians.

Judge Ivri will preside over a citizenship ceremony taking place at Mohawk College on Wednesday, Oct. 10 from Noon to 1 p.m. in the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre at the Fennell campus.

Dr. Heather Drummond, a Counsellor with Mohawk's Counselling Services, has been named to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Technical Committee. Heather will contribute to the development of a new standard on Psychological Health and Safety for Post-Secondary Students. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is championing the development of this standard working collaboratively with CSA Group as the standards development organization.

Louisa Drost, Mohawk's Director of Student Wellness Initiatives, has been named to the CiCan Advisory Committee to help guide its collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) on the development of a pan-Canadian mental health standard for post-secondary students. The committee is made up of individuals responsible for various portfolios within institutions including but not limited to, vice-presidents, deans, directors and managers of mental health/student services in colleges and institutes across the country. The committee will be co-chaired by Janet Morrison, President and CEO of Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, and a second president yet to be confirmed.

Cebert joined Mohawk in 2014 after coming to Canada from Jamaica where he was the Executive Director for the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica.

Cebert is an outstanding creative and innovative leader who has developed and led several initiatives aimed at ensuring Mohawk’s continued strength in quality programs and remaining a leader in teaching and learning.

Cebert is an active member on multiple provincial academic committees including the Heads of Quality Management and College Degree Operating Group. As Dean, Cebert will support ongoing success in these areas for both Mohawk and the broader college sector in Ontario.

Trained as an educator, Cebert holds a Masters of Science Degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University in the USA, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Business Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica. He is also a lifelong learner engaging with various professional organizations, and he is currently completing his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Technology Management.

Cebert and his family became Canadian Citizens in 2017. They live in Burlington.

Kurt joined Mohawk in 2004 as a professor in the college’s Journalism program. He served as Coordinator of the program for a number of years before being appointed Associate Dean, Media and Entertainment in 2015. Prior to joining Mohawk, Kurt worked as a journalist for a number of CTV affiliates including CTV Newsnet, CTV News.com and CTV National News.

A collaborative leader and respected team player, Kurt was instrumental in the development of Mohawk’s new Accessible Media Production program. He also spearheaded an initiative to make the Journalism program more accessible to people with disabilities.

A graduate of Sheridan College, Kurt also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo, and most recently completed his Master of Arts in Journalism at the University of Western Ontario.

Kurt started in his new role at the beginning of August.

All full-time and part-time employees who have worked at Mohawk for at least one year are eligible. Along with being recognized with a Mohawk Award of Excellence, our three recipients will also be nominated by for national awards.

Kevin Browne, Faculty Award of Excellence

Kevin is a professor in Mohawk's School of Engineering Technology who is well known for the exceptional work he does to support both current and prospective students at the college. Kevin oftens connects directly with technology teachers in local high schools, runs coding events and demo camps, and organized Mohawk's first-ever coding competition for high school students. Kevin also founded Software Hamilton to connect local employers with IT professionals, and he launched Ancaster Talks, a community-focused networking event.

Maria Bracalenti, Support Staff Award of Excellence

Maria is the International Coach withinin the International Student Services department at Mohawk. Maria is passionate about student development, diversity education and advocacy, and student leadership training and does an amazing job of making international students feel welcome and part of the community at the college. Maria is also active outside the college serving on the boards of the Hamilton Positive Space Collaborative and the Immigrants Working Centre.

Wendy Lawson, Administrative Staff Award of Excellence

Wendy is the Associate Dean of Medical Imaging and Health Special Projects at Mohawk's School of Health. Wendy is a recognized leader in her profession who has both developed and taught courses for students, sonographers and physicians. She has served as chair of Sonography Canada. She is a representative to the Canadian Medical Association Assembly of Health Science Professions, and she is a member of the Canadian Medical Association Accreditation Survey Teams and both strategic planning and regulation advocacy task forces.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Troy Heath
For enhancing the college experience for students in Mohawk’s Aviation Technician programs, Troy Heath is an Everyday Hero. In response to student and staff requests, Troy arranged to open a coffee and sandwich bar in the hanger where students train at the Hamilton International Airport. Troy, who serves as Mohawk’s Chief Business Development and Ancillary Services Officer also set up a system where student attendance will be tracked electronically for government reporting. And Troy arranged extended accommodation for Aviation students who stay in residence at the Fennell campus from mid-August to mid-May.

Brian Willrich

Professor Brian Willrich is a Mohawk College Everyday Hero for creating invaluable real world experiential learning opportunities for students while also strengthening ties with college partners. With Brian's expert guidance, students in Mohawk's Broadcasting - Television and Communications Media program have produced videos and promotional material for organizations including Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, Ronald McDonald House, Neighbour to Neighbour, SACHA Sexual Assault Centre and Wellwood Hamilton. Brian’s students also shoot behind-the-scenes video for the President’s Christmas Card recorded each year at Grant Avenue Studios. Brian recently oversaw a student documentary for HHS on a new collaborative nursing program delivered by HHS and Mohawk College. Brian spent his free time in the early mornings and late at night helping students on this project. Brian’s professionalism led to a superb learning experience for students and further enhanced Mohawk's partnership with HHS.

Ingie Metwally

Ingie Metwally is a Mohawk Everyday Hero for making the college experience even greater for students at the Institute for Applied Health Sciences. Ingie goes above and beyond in her role as Student Life Program and Services Officer at IAHS. She’s introduced a series of new initiatives, including Treat Yourself Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays and Free Fruit Fridays. Ingie has also developed a peer mentor pilot program in Student Life across all campuses. For going above and beyond in providing exceptional service to students and support to co-workers, Ingie is a Mohawk Everyday Hero.

Mackenzie Redford

For providing outstanding compassion and support to staff at the Fennell campus, Mackenzie Redford is a Mohawk Everyday Hero. Mackenzie, who is one of the newest members of Mohawk’s Security Services team, is helping to keep the college a safe place to learn and work for students, faculty and staff.

Maria Bracalenti

International students at Mohawk College have a champion in Maria Bracalenti. Maria, a coordinator with Mohawk’s International Student Services team, hosts Coffee Clubs every other week to bring together international and domestic students for informal conversations. Maria launched Coffee Clubs while working part-time at our college. Maria also helps organize and run workshops and information sessions for international students throughout the year. For making international students feel welcome at Mohawk, Maria is an Everyday Hero.

Above & Beyond will air Thursday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. and again on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. You can also follow the show on Twitter @abovebeyond4u.

Theresa Merwin is the Operations Manager for Mohawk’s School of Community, Justice and Liberal Studies. She’s also a member and co-captain of Canada’s National Mixed (men and women) Dodgeball Team. There are men’s and women’s teams as well. Dodgeball is one of the few sports to have a mixed team.

Canada is new to international Dodgeball scene. The national team was only announced this fall. The sport is gaining in popularity in Canada and the U.S., but in places like Europe, Asia and Africa the sport has a much stronger following. Accessibility is part of the appeal, she explains. Dodgeball teams can range in age from people in their late teens to people in their late 40s.

Theresa was introduced to the game when we she was a student in 2010. “It was just by chance,” she said. “I had a friend that one day asked if I was interested in playing dodgeball with Hamilton’s Extreme Dodgeball league.”

She had a blast, she recalls, and it was a great workout too. There’s a lot of running, jumping, and as the name suggests, dodging. Games only last 30 minutes with two 15-minute halves. There are six players per side and any given time there could be up to five balls in play, so there’s a lot going on. There are rules but at its core the game is very simple: any hit to the body counts and the last team standing wins.

There are three kinds of dodgeball players, says Theresa. Those who play with foam balls. Those who play with rubber balls, and those who play with cloth. Theresa is a cloth player. It’s the most competitive, and the only one approved by the World Dodgeball Association.

In early December, Theresa and her team travelled to Washington D.C. for the America’s Cup. They lost to the U.S. but she’s hoping they’ll get their revenge next summer when they travel to New York for the World Championship to be held at Madison Square Gardens.

If you want to find out more about Canada's National Dodgeball team visit: http://www.dodgeballniagara.com/

For local league information visit: www.extremedodgeballhamilton.com

Know someone who’s making Mohawk an even better place to learn and work? Nominate your Everyday Hero at www.mohawkcollege.ca/everydayhero .

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

AFFINITY RECIPIENT: BRIAN HANSELL
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, 1983

Brian Hansell is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur and business leader. As Founder and President of Hansell Consulting Group Inc. (HCG), Brian has established himself as a leader in the wellness industry. HCG is committed to creating custom, wellness-based solutions and implementing these progressive solutions in the workplaces of its clients. Since 1995, Brian has been a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). He has served as EO President of the Toronto Chapter and the Global Organization and, in 2014, he founded the EO’s Southwest Ontario Chapter. Brian founded the Paul Hansell Foundation, a not-for-profit organization named in honour of his son. The foundation serves to promote the mental and emotional wellbeing of youth. Brian is the 2017 recipient of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) annual Champions of Mental Health Award – Community (Individual) category.

BUSINESS RECIPIENT: STEVE STIPSITS
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY, 1984

Steve Stipsits is President and Owner of Branthaven Homes, a Burlington-based home building company active in the GTA and South Western Ontario. He has leveraged his custom home building background into a highly successful company that leads the industry in custom-inspired production homes. Steve is the recipient of a number of awards, including Burlington Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Award (2014) and BILD Stephen Dupuis Humanitarian of the Year Award (2016). His charity work includes Branthaven Homes funding the $400,000 renovation of Hamilton’s YWCA transitional living spaces. Since 2016, he serves as Governor on the Mohawk College Board of Governors. In spring 2017, Steve was inducted as a Mohawk College Distinguished Fellow.

COMMUNITY SERVICES RECIPIENT: JOAN MINNERY
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, 1988

Joan Minnery is Owner and Operator of Joan Minnery Enterprises. Joan plays many roles – as a mother, music educator, motivational speaker, Zumba instructor, professional entertainer, dance teacher, weight management consultant, drama coach and health journalist. Her work has been recognized through numerous awards, including Brant News Reader’s Choice Awards – Brantford’s Best Motivational Speaker (2016); Brant News Reader’s Choice Awards – Brantford’s Best Local Author (2016); and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). Joan is the award-winning author of Walking My Way Back to Me, her personal transformation autobiography.

CREATIVE ARTS & DESIGN RECIPIENT: JONATHAN VIZE
JOURNALISM & COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA, 2005

Jonathan Vize is an award-winning broadcast professional whose career began at CTV Toronto through a student internship at Mohawk College. Nearly a decade later, Jonathan became an integral part of the CTV Newsroom and management team as Senior Manager of Broadcast Operations, overseeing one of the largest groups at CTV in Toronto. In 2014, he was awarded the Bell Media Inspiration Award for his commitment to excellence and productivity. Jonathan has now returned to his hometown station in Hamilton, where he coordinates and assigns daily news coverage, generates story ideas, and stays on top of breaking news as the Assignment Editor at CHCH News.

ENTREPRENEUR RECIPIENT: NATALIE SEXTON
AESTHETICS, 2005

Natalie Sexton is a fashion stylist, professional makeup artist and blogger (SextonInTheCity). In 2013, Natalie opened her store, Sexton in the City Boutique, in downtown Hamilton. She created her own Canadian-made brand—Sexton in the City (SITC)—of makeup, clothing and accessories. She is regarded as a social media influencer and a go-to media spokesperson for all things fashion. Natalie appears regularly as a style expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show and CHCH. She supports local causes in a variety of ways, including acting as the emcee for the Cancer Assistance Program’s Annual Gala in 2015. Natalie continues to be an integral part of the Mohawk College community, serving as a member on the Advisory Committee for the college’s Aesthetics Program.

HEALTH SCIENCES RECIPIENT: LINDA HASLAM-STROUD
NURSING, 1977

Linda Haslam-Stroud is a long-time nursing leader, political activist and nursing advocate. Linda is currently serving her seventh consecutive term as President of the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA, the union representing 62,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals and more than 16,000 nursing student affiliates providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry. She has been active in ONA since 1980, having served as President and Local 75 Coordinator for much of that time. Linda is an experienced leader in provincial bargaining, strategic planning and government liaison. Her work in the field of nursing has not gone unnoticed – she is the recipient of several industry awards, including Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton Mission Legacy Award (2008) and Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) Lifetime Achievement Award (2017). In spring 2017, Linda was inducted as a Mohawk College Distinguished Fellow.

MOHAWK COLLEGE EMPLOYEE RECIPIENT: KAREN DAVIS
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, 1993

Karen Davis is Professor/Coordinator of Mohawk’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program. Karen is an exemplar employee who displays passion and enthusiasm in all areas of her job. She acts as Coordinator for several areas in the ECE program, including the Early Childhood Education Diploma, Early Childhood Education Intensive Diploma and Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program. Karen is very committed to community engagement and has been an active participant in various committees related to early childhood education, including Evenstart Committee, Halton Region; Recruitment and Retention Committee, City of Hamilton; and Best Start Coordinating Committee, City of Hamilton.

TECHNOLOGY RECIPIENT: DAVID FOLK
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY, 1988

David Folk is Senior Project Manager at PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (PCL). He possesses over 29 years of experience in the construction industry, with nearly 20 of those years with PCL, where he has distinguished himself as a top-tier construction professional. David’s leadership on such landmark projects as the Humber River Hospital has garnered a number of awards and distinctions, including Toronto Construction Association Best of the Best Award – Project Achievement (Large) in 2015; Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) Gold Winner – Infrastructure Award (2015); and Gold Medal, Modern Healthcare Design Awards (2016). He is actively involved in community endeavours within Hamilton, including serving as Board Member of Hamilton Halton General Contractors Association (HHGCA); Member of Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario; and Leader of the United Way PCL Leaders Campaign.

For more information on this year's recipients visit: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/alumni/alumni-of-distinction