Gearing up! - Seneca College

Spring 2010
Bravo to Distinguished Alumni • Our mitts on the Olympics
Gearing up!
Seneca readies for
York Region's growth
JOIN US
May 12 for
Distinguished
Alumni
Awards

You set the standard in the
classroom and the workplace.
Help the next generation of Senecans follow in your footsteps.
As alumni, no one knows better than
you the high costs of postsecondary
education: tuition, books, rent, transportation,
technology, and the list
goes on. There is a way to help ease
the burden.
Privately-sponsored endowed bursaries
provide recognition, scholarships
and hope to hundreds of
Seneca students each year.
Your help gives students the chance
to improve their skills, realize their
potentials and build a career.
Double your impact. Remember,
contributions to Seneca’s endowed
bursaries are eligible for matching
support through the Ontario Trust for
Student Support fund.
Pay tribute to your past. Support a
student in your old program, honour
a retired faculty member or loved one.
It is entirely up to you how your gift is
directed.
Change a student’s life. Support Seneca today.
To make a donation, contact Advancement at Seneca: (416) 491-5050 x6812 or resources@senecac.on.ca.
Donate online by visiting www.senecac.on.ca and clicking on “Donate to Seneca.”
Although the costs of postsecondary education are high, the rewards are always higher.

Spring 2010
contents
p.12 p.18
p.22
Spring 2010 Bravo to Distinguished Alumni • Our mitts on the Olympics
Issue 29
Published by:
Seneca College Alumni Association
Advancement at Seneca
1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, ON M2J 2X5
416-491-5050 ext. 2759
Toll free: 1-888-ALUMNUS
E-mail: alumni@senecaalumni.ca
p.24
p.36
Gearing up!
Seneca readies for
York Region's growth
Managing Editor
Helena Moncrieff
Advertising
Bill Jones
416-491-5050 ext. 2666
bill.jones@senecac.on.ca
Contributing Writers
Tom Bartsiokas
Rob Colter
Alison Gibson, SSW 2002, LCKA 2009
Corey Long
Helena Moncrieff
Dale Peers, CRM 1976
James Russell, TECC 2003
John Sharpe
Contributing Photographers
Stephanie Lake
Katalin Szeles, IDP student
Illustrator
Patricia Storms, GRA 2000
With thanks to:
Toronto Zoo
Cornell University Photography
Design & Production
Norm Lourenco, R.G.D.
Eric McBain
Jennifer Neal
K9 Design Co. Inc.
Seneca Alumni magazine, with a print circulation
of 65,000 and electronic distribution of 30,000,
is published semi-annually by the Seneca College
Alumni Association. All material is ©2010 and may
be reprinted with permission of the editor. Seneca
alumni receive the magazine free of charge.
Advertising rates are available from the alumni
office or on-line at www.senecaalumni.ca.
Letters, articles, story ideas, photographs and artwork
are welcome. Please enclose a self-addressed,
postage paid envelope for return of original material.
The ideas and opinions expressed by Seneca Alumni
are those of the contributors and do not necessarily
reflect those of the Association or College.
Next submission deadline: June 30, 2010.
Seneca College respects your privacy. We do not rent,
sell or trade our mailing lists. Please contact Seneca
Alumni if you do not wish to receive the magazine in
the future, or would like to update your mailing address.
on the cover
Gearing up
There’s a new student boom coming
and Seneca is getting ready
Cover illustration by Eric McBain 8
JOIN US
May 12 for
Distinguished
Alumni
Awards
features & profiles
Focus on
See where we’ll be in 2021 8
New plans for King 12
Class acts
Distinguished alumni earn the spotlight.
• Mary-Jo Guidi, Accounting and Finance 1985 16
• Kevin Junor, Civil Engineering Technician 1984 18
• Michelle Hutt, Travel and Tourism Studies – Travel and Hospitality 1997 20
• Gary Anderson, Aviation and Flight Technology 1993 22
• Chris Torti, Early Childhood Education 2000
• Azra Rashid, Journalism-Broadcast 2005
Elysa Panzica: All made up with places to go 24
Giving back
Three cheers to students, alumni for lending support 28
Real time
When work is a zoo and it’s great 30
Can a Senecan win at Cannes? 31
New on campus
Live books come off the shelf 32
Tip sheets
How’s your memo writing? 34
In sports
Big Kahunas of soccer 36
Alumni news
From mittens to music to media, 42
that was us at the Olympics
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 3

from thepresidents
Bullish on
Seneca’s future
David Agnew,
President, Seneca College
I
t’s said that there’s a thin line
between a vision and a
hallucination … so when people ask for
my vision for Seneca I’m usually a little
reluctant to wax too poetically.
Nonetheless, it’s hard not to be bullish
on Seneca’s future. Current projections
show a coming spike in post secondary
enrolment in the Greater Toronto Area
that could, over the next decade or so,
see thousands of additional students
enrolling at Seneca. Much of this would
be tied to population trends in York
Region, Ontario’s fastest growing region.
Add a continuing influx of immigrants
into Canada that chooses to settle
within a commute to Seneca. And have
I mentioned our first-rate programs,
faculty and staff?
It adds up to significant pressures to
grow, and, in particular, to expand our
Markham and King campuses.
It’s important, however, to make sure
any growth is “smart growth” and not just
expansion for the sake of numbers. We
have to continue to build on our many
strengths to offer an even better experience
for our students.
As always, when looking ahead it’s
useful to reflect on from where we came.
Our role in the post secondary education
system has evolved. We have left behind
our community college status, and offer
students an increasingly rich menu of
choices to advance their education and
career prospects. Our degrees are part of
“families” of related credentials that span
from certificates to diplomas to graduate
certificates. Our students are drawn
from high schools, universities, other
colleges and the workforce, both here
and overseas.
We will also continue to expand transfer
opportunities between our diploma/
post-graduate/certificate programs
and degree programs at Seneca and
elsewhere. This means more partnerships
with universities in the GTA, throughout
Canada and abroad. All of these
objectives will be shaped by labour
market needs, industry partners and
program advisory committees.
We are not without challenges,
including funding. Government has
once again fallen into tough fiscal
circumstances. Even with education
being a top political priority – and an
absolute fundamental to building a
stronger economy for the future – we
can expect leaner government support
in the next few years.
That makes our job tougher, not
impossible. We’ll be making the case as
hard as we can for the investments we
need. And in the meantime, we’ll be
creative to make sure we continue to
move forward.
In a world that is changing at
breakneck speed, some things are
constant. We will remain as focused as
ever on our students and their success.
We will be resolute in our commitment to
quality. And we will continue to value the
contribution and support of our alumni.
Leadership is earned. Seneca’s
leadership in post secondary education
must be earned, and re-earned, literally
every day. It’s what makes my job so
exciting and rewarding.
And that’s why it’s easy to be bullish
about our journey ahead. I’m counting
on you, as someone who was part of
our history, to be part of that exciting
future.
4
www.senecaalumni.ca

Further successes
on the horizon
I
am humbled and honoured to
represent Seneca Alumni
Association as your new President and
to work with such a bright and most
giving executive.
As a graduate of the Municipal
Administration program and recipient
of a Distinguished Alumni Award in
2006, then as a Seneca Professor and
Program Coordinator from 1983 to the
present and lastly as a spokesperson
for Seneca in many countries,
including China, Malaysia, Lithuania
and the Czech Republic, I am truly
appreciative to wear the Seneca name.
I am also pleased to be at the helm
as we look at improvements for
alumni. We are working with a new
Advancement management team at
Seneca, which is very much involved
with the Alumni executive and its
decision making. We’ve met with new
Vice President Daniel Atlin, and it is
an exciting time with the potential for
positive change.
We are working to establish a better
“alumni presence” at each campus.
Many of us on the executive will
be visiting campuses as part of the
initial stages of giving back to Seneca’s
newest alumni and introducing the
benefits of membership. Also, at
every campus, we’re seeking to have
the College recognize our many
outstanding graduates by honouring
Distinguished Alumni Award recipients
with a display of photos and success
stories.
I cannot express in words the
wonderful feeling I continue to have at
just the mention of the Distinguished
Alumni Awards. The ceremony is,
in my opinion, one of the Alumni
Association’s and Seneca College’s
finest hours and was one of the
most memorable evenings in my life.
Congratulations to the fabulous group
of graduates being honoured this year.
See page 16 to read about them.
The pride that we feel in our fellow
graduates’ successes can be shared
beyond traditional alumni. Many
individuals and families have been
touched by Seneca through children’s
camps, single course studies, or fitness
and aerobic classes, for example. With
that in mind, we are creating a second
Alumni Association membership
category for “Friends of the Alumni.”
We are challenging ourselves to
improve our communication network
and sharing of information so that we
stay connected to our new Alumni
members.
There are many small successes
we’re targeting as well. We are looking
to revamp the Alumni website with
the College providing upkeep and
maintenance. The goal is to make the
site more user-friendly and easilyaccessed
through the Seneca College
homepage.
We’ve also discussed with the
College improvements to e-mail
communications through the Alumni
Office. A better communication
service will enhance the ability to
survey members, keep student records
current and keep costs down.
With a very supportive Alumni
Executive and a new Seneca
Administration, I believe that change
is imminent and we are pumped for
opportunities that await us.
Paul Sloggett,
President, Seneca Alumni
Association
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 5

Board of Directors, Alumni Association
President
Paul Sloggett, MAD 1972
Vice President
Sina Safarzadeh Amiri, MKAC 2006
Directors
Felisha Ali, ACC 1996
Kimberly Child, HRA 2000
Andre Chow-Leong, HRM 2005
Ash Nagre, MKT 2002
Sandy Naiman, ACM 1971
Ryan Rampaul, BAD 1999
Neil Ta, INB 2001
Kevin Voll, ADT 1993
Melissa Wiseman, RSLC 2004, RFMC 2005
Honorary Director
Desmond Duke, MET 1992
Ex-Officio
Ryan Mitchell, BBA, IBU 1999, HRM 2000
Daniel Atlin, Vice President, Strategy
and College Affairs
Alumni Office
Manager, Affinity Partnerships
and Alumni Engagement
Bill Jones, RHB
Alumni Office Co-ordinator
Alison Gibson, SSW 2002, LCKA 2009
Start the applause
Join us as we celebrate Seneca’s best at the
Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner
Recipients for 2009
Kevin Junor, Civil Engineering Technician 1984
Mary-Jo Guidi, Accounting and Finance 1985
Gary Anderson, Aviation and Flight Technology 1993
Michelle Hutt, Travel and Tourism Studies - Travel and Hospitality 1997
Chris Torti, Early Childhood Education 2000
Azra Rashid, Journalism-Broadcast 2005
Hear inspiring stories of dedication and success, catch up with old classmates, reconnect
with the Seneca network and enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Seneca College
Markham Campus
8 The Seneca Way,
Markham, ON
Tickets $75 – For ticket details contact the Seneca Alumni office at 416-491-5050 ext. 2759.
6
www.senecaalumni.ca

focuson
Preparing
A BLUEPRINT
FOR GROWTH
It’s not about babies but there’s a new boom
coming and Seneca is getting ready for it.
York Region has one of the fastest-growing
populations in the country. The people
who now make it home are coming from
other parts of the GTA, Ontario and around
the world. They are among the youngest,
highly-skilled and best-educated in Canada.
Combine that with the province’s goal to
increase the level of education for Ontarians
and the pressure is on.
As the only post secondary education
institution in the Region, eyes are on Seneca.
York Region residents already make up the
second largest group of Seneca students,
just a few hundred behind the City of
Toronto’s cohort. With three of its main
campuses in the region (Markham, King and
Buttonville), Seneca has a strong footing to
serve the next wave of students.
But with facilities at or over capacity, there is
plenty of work to be done to ensure Seneca
is part of the solution. A new planning
framework now in development will focus
on responding to those emerging needs.
Construction at Newnham Campus has
begun to add an impressive new facility
with space for 1,000 more students. And
planning for changes at King, Markham and
Buttonville is underway.
8
www.senecaalumni.ca

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE LAKE
In 1997, 24 per cent of
Seneca students expected
to go on to university after
graduation; in 2008, almost
43 per cent expect to do so.
A decade ahead
D
aniel Atlin joined Seneca last fall as Vice President, Strategy and College Affairs.
His portfolio includes communications and marketing, government relations,
advancement/alumni, and board and strategic planning activities. Among his first tasks
is to work on a planning framework to help guide Seneca to 2021. In this interview with
Seneca Alumni, he gives us a peek at the future.
Where will the next decade
take Seneca?
There are many factors that will
impact Seneca in the next 10 years,
but it is always essential to know your
destination. Seneca’s mission is to be
a transformational leader in careerrelated
education and training. There’s
no question that Seneca’s goal is to be
the leading college in Ontario and to
be synonymous with success. Getting
there will mean greater focus on our
unique differentiating factors.
Differentiation being that it’s “the best?”
Yes, a big element of that will be that
we’re the best – with high quality
programs, graduates, staff and faculty.
We have a lot of depth and breadth,
and we will want to consistently move
deeper into some of the areas that are
already there. Seneca will continue
building on areas of expertise to offer
a robust portfolio of credentials from
diplomas, to degrees, to graduate
certificates. Our location makes us
different too.
How so?
With four main campuses across a
broad swath of the GTA, our footprint
is unique among area colleges. To date,
most of our growth has happened in
Toronto. In North York, we have the
Newnham Campus, with over 10,000
students, and Seneca@York, with close
to 5,000 – both these campuses were
built for far fewer students. At the same
time, we have room to grow at both our
Markham and King campuses. Given
that Seneca is the only post secondary
institution in York Region – the fastest
growing region in Canada – very soon,
the majority of our students will come
from York, rather than from the City
of Toronto. This isn’t surprising, in
Canada. You tend to go to the post
secondary institution that’s closest to
you, the one that you are familiar with
and the one where your friends go.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 9

focuson
As a result, it makes sense for us to
grow at Markham and King
How will Seneca grow and how soon?
Smart growth will be the key. More
and more students are headed for
higher education, and the province
has ambitious targets for increasing
the level of education for Ontarians.
The province is predicting that in the
years to come, the GTA will see tens
of thousands of additional students
looking for college and university
admission. Good growth is natural,
and it makes sense, especially in York.
But to grow, we will need support from
the province as well as municipalities
and other partners. Just how much
we can grow will be largely based
upon their support. We want to build
modern facilities where students can
succeed. And at the same time, we
know that we have to modernize
Newnham. It is 40 years old now and,
as happens in middle age, is starting to
show the wear and tear of life.
What other factors figure large
in the planning?
Perhaps the biggest factor that will
shape the future as it ties into student
demographics is transportation. Finally,
there is a long term plan for a regional
transportation network under the
province’s Metrolinx agency. In the next
20 years, the transportation plan will
connect our campuses together – a
subway will run to Seneca@York from
downtown Toronto and increase access
to Newnham Campus. And York Region
investments will mean buses along
Highway 7, among other routes, that will
make it easier for students from across
the GTA to reach Markham and King.
Are you also preparing for
a different student?
The intention of students coming
into Seneca is different than it used
to be and different from students at
other colleges. Ten years ago, students
would come in and their view would
be to graduate with a Seneca diploma.
Increasingly, students’ intention is
to pursue further higher education,
either at Seneca or elsewhere, with
a degree or a specialized graduate
certificate. We are clearly a destination
for students looking for more
opportunities for higher education.
How would Seneca like
to be seen in 2021?
To be known as the York Region
and Northern GTA educational
powerhouse, the college that brings
you success in a whole bunch of
different ways. Seneca would probably
judge itself by that. It would be the
first choice college by applicants. It
would be a preferred partner by the
communities we serve and industries.
It would be a preferred employer and
known for key areas of excellence.
10
www.senecaalumni.ca

61.2 per cent of York
Region adults from 25 to
64 have a post secondary
education, higher than
the national average.
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE LAKE
York Region
student charts his
own course By Helena Moncrieff
T
ony Middleton’s parents may
have been touched that their
fifth child chose to stay close to home
for college.
Tony took some time off after high
school then decided on a course
that kept him living with his family
in Richmond Hill. After three years
at Seneca’s Markham Campus, he
graduated last spring with a Business
Administration-Marketing diploma.
Was it the home cooking, clean
sheets and a warm hug that kept him
in York Region? Sorry, Mom and Dad.
Tony tells us it was simple laziness.
“I didn’t want to worry about a long
commute. I wanted to sleep in.”
He’s not really that lazy. In addition
to his course load, Tony served on
the Seneca Student Federation (SSF),
contributing to the growing student
life at Markham. “I spent most of my
hours at the College. We’d be in the
SSF office until 2 am studying, but I
could still get home safely in no time.”
Tony fits the profile described
by Seneca’s Vice President, Strategy
and College Affairs, Daniel Atlin in
his interview on page 8. His family
moved to York Region in 1991. Tony
attended high school in Maple.
His four siblings had university
degrees so Tony assumed he would
some day too, but felt he just wasn’t
ready for post secondary education at
18. He worked for a year and a half
in customer service, at Future Shop
and Rogers Video before deciding
on a gentler entry to post secondary
education through Seneca.
He wanted to study marketing and
his friends sold him on the College.
“I had friends at Seneca who said
good things about the facility, the
campus and campus life.”
It’s all panned out according to
plan. Tony was able to make a direct
entry transfer to Ryerson University’s
marketing program in September. “I
liked the hands-on feel of college.
Ryerson is more theoretical,” he
says, “but I wanted both learning
platforms.”
He figures he’ll be ahead of
other graduates because of the two
experiences and double credentials
after his name. In just two years, he’ll
add a B.Com to his BAM.
That’s another reason Tony
recommends this path to anyone who
asks. Starting at Seneca allows him to
finish a four-year degree in two. With
the lower tuition paid at the college
level, he figures he’s $2,500 ahead and
has a lot more to show for it.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 11

focuson
Supporting
new job growth
part of Seneca’s
mission in York
By Corey Long
Y
ork Region has jobs to fill.
Between 15,000 and 20,000
new positions are added each year to
the rapidly growing region. By next year,
enterprises with a York address will
employ 540,000. By 2031 the number
is projected to top 780,000.
Who fills these jobs is where Seneca
comes in. With three campuses in
the Region (King, Markham and
Buttonville), as well as satellite
locations in Markham, Newmarket
and Richmond Hill, the College will
continue to provide York residents with
a local option to achieve post secondary
credentials, upgrade skills and receive
training while on the job.
As York grows, so too must Seneca.
Seneca’s newest campus in Markham
continues to expand operations,
12
www.senecaalumni.ca

In September 2009, 37.7
per cent of Seneca’s
full-time students came
from York Region (5,178),
while 40.3 per cent (5,547)
hailed from Toronto.
Environmental
factors are part of
the discussion on
King Campus Plans
currently welcoming 1,600 students.
However, King Campus is filled to the
brim, and finding a way to increase
capacity is complicated.
The College hosts 3,347 students
yearly at King and is the community’s
second largest employer. The economic
and community importance of the
Campus is illustrated through Seneca’s
many partnerships, including those with
York Regional Police, King emergency
service providers, small businesses and
local government.
“Seneca’s King Campus has been a
vital member of the King community
since 1971,” said Margaret Black,
Mayor of King Township. “The College’s
presence has provided our citizens
with numerous academic and training
opportunities, as well as an outstanding
facility for events, children’s camps and
nature appreciation as well as being an
extremely supportive corporate citizen.”
Expansion of facilities at the King
Campus is necessary if the College is to
increase programming there. Garriock
Hall is home to Seneca’s full- and parttime
programs in applied arts and health
sciences, which attract students from
across York Region. When it opened
in 1977, Garriock Hall was a state-ofthe-art
teaching facility, designed to
accommodate 1,700 students.
The building is now at maximum
capacity, while demand for programs and
services continues to grow. The Campus’
population could expand to 5,000 by
2013, but before any plans for expansion
are developed, there are unique
environmental factors to be considered.
The Campus is situated within
the Oak Ridges Moraine, an
environmentally sensitive, geological
landform protected under provincial
legislation. The Moraine has a rare
concentration of environmental,
geological and hydrological features that
make its ecosystem vital to south-central
Ontario.
“An environmental study is the
necessary first step in determining King’s
future,” says Campus Principal and
Dean, Applied Arts and Health Sciences
Tina DiSimone. “We are privileged to
have the Moraine’s natural beauty as
part of our campus. Any expansion
will be done with its protection as the
number one priority.”
Seneca is preparing to conduct a
comprehensive study of the Campus to
determine what levels of expansion are
possible.
The urgency of providing post
secondary education options for the
residents of York Region will continue
to build as the population grows. This
is a Region that depends on education
for success. Of adults between the ages
of 25 to 64, 61.2 per cent have post
secondary education – higher than both
the federal and provincial averages.
“As the sole post secondary institution
in York Region, Seneca is responsible
for providing residents with as many
credential options as we can,” says Tina.
“We want residents to learn locally, as
well as upgrade skills throughout their
careers without having to travel. Our
King and Markham campuses provide
these options and will continue to do so
in the years to come.”
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focuson
By 2028, growth in
York Region is expected
to include a population of
1.28 million residents.
The new face on campus
Construction underway to add
more space to Newnham
M
Gord Mickovski, MET 1988
echanical Engineering grad
Gord Mickovski attended
computer classes in the Newnham
Campus annex in the mid-80s. Now
he’s overseeing its demolition.
There’s no room for sentimentality
in this project. Although the building
has more than served its purpose, it’s
making way for something bigger and
better.
Gord is the construction manager
for the project, part of his duties as
Seneca’s Senior Manager of Operations
and Maintenance. His status as an
alumnus might mean Gord has more
experience studying in the space and
perhaps a more vested interest, but he
says, “I think I’d take my job seriously
no matter where I worked.”
The project was announced in May
after Seneca received $24.7 million
from the provincial ($21 million) and
federal ($3.7 million) governments to
create space for an additional 1,000
students. The funding is in response
to an expected surge in post secondary
participation and comes with a
completion deadline.
“The time lines are very tight to
build a building of this size,” says
Angelo Miranda, Director of Facilities
Management. “Under the government’s
regulations for the funding, we have to
be substantially complete by March of
2011, and we’re targeting September
2011 for the opening of the building
for academic use.”
Plans are for the creation of an
approximately 150,000 sq. ft, fourstorey
building with space for about
35 classrooms and learning areas. It
will also include an entry atrium, an
expansion of the Computer Commons
space and a flexible, two-storey multiuse
auditorium with seating for 240
people.
“This expansion will provide a
new ‘front door’ to Seneca’s largest
campus,” says Seneca President David
Agnew. “At the heart of this space
will be a vibrant, active studentcentered
environment, where Senecans
will meet to study, relax and attend
classes.”
Gord expects a building with a
feeling of openness and consistency.
“It should go together with the rest
of the campus. You shouldn’t feel like
you are walking from one space to
another.”
“It will also be a very comfortable
place to learn in,” Gord says. Software
used in the design anticipated light
levels, temperatures and other
environmental factors before the
shovel even touched the ground. “It’s
pretty neat stuff,” he admits.
When complete, it will be
a Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED)
designated Gold building, meaning
it will meet an internationally
accepted benchmark for the design,
construction and operation of high
performance green buildings.
ARCHITECT'S RENDERING
14
www.senecaalumni.ca

IS A B.S. OR M.B.A. IN YOUR FUTURE?
Nilesh Shreedhar
(2006) graduate of Seneca College Human Resource certificate program and
Centenary College MBA (2008) had the following to say about his experience
at Centenary College: I enjoyed the program which left me feeling empowered,
better positioned career-wise, and with a deeper (understanding and)
appreciation of the business world. I have even considered working towards
a doctorate in business.
Hany Boctor
Seneca College Human Resource graduate
certificate alumnus (2007) and Centenary
College MBA(2008) graduate said the
following about his experience at Centenary
College: the program was enriched through
interacting with my colleagues (other
students) from around the world. Having
access to professors who were among the
foremost experts in their fields of study was
invaluable as was the smaller class size.
I feel that this program will give me a
definite competitive advantage.
Centenary and Seneca form an educational partnership …
Centenary College has a rich history of providing quality education
for over 130 years and is U.S. accredited.
• CENTENARY COLLEGE offers BS and MBA fast-track degree completion
opportunities for Seneca College graduates.
• Business diploma graduates (three-year) earn your BS after 36 credits.
• Business post-graduate certificate graduates earn your MBA in as little
as 18 additional credits – about 11 months online.
• Applied Business degree and 36 credits earns you an MBA.
• Studies available online or in-residence.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
MR. RONALD BAYS
(toll free) 1-877-236-4723 or
Email: canadianprograms@centenarycollege.edu
www.centenarycollege.edu

Outstanding!
S
classacts
eneca celebrates its best May 12 with a spotlight on the latest recipients of
the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Their work has taken them from Sierra Leone to the United States to Pakistan.
Their tools range from keyboards to thrusters to clapper boards. What they have in
common is the shared experience of higher education at Seneca College and their
outstanding accomplishments. Each one has reached a little higher, gone beyond
the job description and done more than was asked of them.
Officially they have achieved significant career success; promoted or stayed
connected to Seneca; demonstrated a commitment to community service and been
exemplary role models to current students.
Congratulations to the 2009 recipients.
Kevin Junor, CiviL Engineering Technician 1984
Mary-Jo Guidi, Accounting and Finance 1985
Gary Anderson, Aviation and Flight Technology 1993
Michelle Hutt, Travel and Tourism Studies -- Travel and Hospitality 1997
Chris Torti, Early Childhood Education 2000
Azra Rashid, Journalism-Broadcast 2005
Azra Rashid,
Journalism-Broadcast 2005
Azra Rashid is an award-winning documentary
filmmaker whose work focuses
on social justice. You read about her in
the fall 2009 edition of Seneca Alumni.
Azra began working on her first
documentary while studying at Seneca:
Dishonour Defied is about rape and
women’s legal and social status in
Pakistan. It received a Silver Remi Award
for Women's Issues at the prestigious
WORLDFEST Houston International
Film Festival.
Azra has worked as a director and
producer for OMNI News, South Asian
edition in Alberta.
Chris Torti,
Early Childhood Education 2000
We also introduced you to Chris in the
fall 2009 edition of Seneca Alumni.
While working at an Ontario Early Years
Centre, Chris would sing to children
accompanied by Sharon Lois & Bram or
Raffi. One day the tape recorder broke,
and Chris was forced to go solo. The
positive response to his singing led him
to start his own band Mr. Chris & the
Gassy Bubbles and to begin writing rockand
funk-inspired songs for children.
Today, he is a teacher with the
Ontario Foundation for Visually
Impaired Children, meanwhile Mr.
Chris & the Gassy Bubbles have
released their first CD. Hear the Bubbles
pop and get in touch with Chris at
www.mchrisandthegassybubbles.com.
Distinguished
Alumni Awards
Dinner
Wednesday, May 12
Markham Campus
Seneca College
For tickets,
call 416-491-5050
ext. 2960
Back to
for former
Alumni
president
by Helena Moncrieff
16
www.senecaalumni.ca

the future
W
hen you are a graduate of a
43-year-old Canadian college,
working at a 145-year-old Ivy League
university, it’s hard not to notice a few
differences.
But Seneca graduate Mary-Jo Guidi,
Sales Manager at the Statler Hotel & J.
Willard Marriott Executive Education
Center, on the Cornell University
campus sees a very significant similarity.
Alumni pride is strong, and it
continues to grow.
A founding organizer of today’s Seneca
Alumni Association, Mary-Jo sees the
potential in spirit alone. “We are young
as an organization, but the enthusiasm
and pride we have as Senecans is very
similar to what I see here.”
Photo by Robert Barker, Courtesy Cornell University Photography
Mary-Jo (then-Cresswell) was an
involved student, serving on the Student
Federation Council. She enjoyed Seneca
and the people around her and wanted a
means of staying connected to both. The
original Alumni Association was set up
in 1969 as the first students graduated,
but over the years it had gone into
hiatus. When Mary-Jo graduated in
1985 from Accounting and Finance, a
group of past student leaders decided it
was time to try again, with a more formal
organization and constitution.
A lot has happened since then. More
than 100,000 alumni now have access
to dozens of benefits, networks and
information tools to keep them up to
date on the happenings at Seneca. The
Association also gives back through
mentoring, speaking and donating to
ensure the success of current students.
Our association,“has evolved and grown
in an exciting direction,” Mary-Jo says.
Among the goals 21 years ago was
an award that would recognize the successes
and contributions of graduates.
We know it today as the Distinguished
Alumni Award, and Mary-Jo will be
honoured with the distinction in May.
She says it’s even more significant to
receive this award today because of the
stature of the recipients who’ve come
before her. “The awards feature individuals
with such diverse backgrounds,”
she tells us, having read the profiles of
each of them. “It’s interesting to see their
dynamics and the growth.”
After graduating, Mary-Jo worked in
sales with the Ramada Hotel in Toronto
and the Sheraton Parkway Hotel, Suites
and Convention Centre in Richmond
Hill, a one-time venue of the DAA dinner.
A self-described “people person,”
working in the tourism industry introduced
Mary-Jo to many. One of them,
a tour operator named Michael Guidi
from Ithaca, turned out to be “the”
person, and Mary-Jo joined him in
business, marriage, parenthood and life
across the border.
It was the flexibility of the tour business
that accommodated her service to
Seneca as she continued with the Alumni
Association, eventually becoming the first
female president in 1996.
“I also had the benefit of technology,”
she says, insisting you don’t have to live
in the Greater Toronto Area to participate.
“It’s the beauty of our association that
has chapters around the world.”
Mary-Jo’s approach to her career has
mirrored her commitment to Seneca.
She’s had a hand in industry committees
and associations, boards of trade, and
charities at both the local and national
levels.
It’s all lead to her current post at the
Statler. And as generations of Cornell
grads return for homecoming weekends,
she sees a similar future for Seneca’s
alumni.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 17

classacts
Kevin Junor:
distinguished in m
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LAKE
18
www.senecaalumni.ca

By James Russell, TECC 2003
any ways
A
fter 26 years, one of Seneca’s
most distinguished alumni is
coming home.
Kevin Junor, civil engineering technician,
Regimental Sergeant Major
(RSM), international public speaker
and Seneca graduate, will be honoured
in May as a Distinguished Alumni
Award recipient.
It was Kevin’s father, an engineer
“Seneca’s course was
superior to the programs
offered by other schools,”
himself, who inspired Kevin on the
path that led him to Seneca and
his hard-earned Civil Engineering
Technician diploma. Police
Foundations was his first choice, but the
course was full. That disappointment
led Kevin to delay the beginning of
his Seneca studies by a year. When he
returned, he decided to follow in his
father’s footsteps instead.
“Seneca’s course was superior to the
programs offered by other schools,”
Kevin says.
The Civil Engineering Technician
program is perfect for students who
want to pursue career opportunities
with consulting engineering firms,
construction companies, public utilities,
municipal engineering and roads
departments and government agencies.
Kevin was challenged in his two years
at Seneca, and of all his instructors,
he most fondly remembers surveying
teacher Jim Dawes. “Jim was an excellent
classroom teacher but he really came
alive when he was out in the field.”
After graduating in 1984, Kevin was
snapped up by the Ontario Ministry of
Transportation, where he worked as a
lab technician.
“My career really kicked off because
of Seneca,” he recalls.
Once at the Ministry, Kevin kept his
classmates up to date about vacancies,
information that helped two
other Seneca alumni land jobs at the
Ministry – classic networking in action.
Kevin’s skill and devotion to his job
resulted in a series of promotions that
took him from testing construction
materials, to research and development,
and then completely out of engineering
into policy development.
Concurrent to Kevin’s meteoric rise
in the Ministry of Transportation was
his equally spectacular career with the
Canadian Forces (CF) Reserves. Kevin
paid his way through Seneca with the
money he earned as a member of the CF.
Kevin joined the Toronto Scottish
Regiment in 1980, and by 1998 had
attained the position of Regimental
Sergeant Major (RSM), the first Black
Canadian to achieve that distinction
within the regiment.
During his almost 30 years with the
CF, he served on the Guard of Honour
during all of the Queen Mother’s visits to
Canada since 1981, participated in her
90th and 100th birthday celebrations,
has spoken about diversity and leadership
in Canada and internationally and
helped to develop a recognition
certificate for Chinese, Japanese, and
Black war veterans.
In 2007, Kevin became the first
Black Canadian Forces RSM to serve in
Sierra Leone, a country still reeling in
the aftermath of a 10-year war, which
resulted in the deaths of 50,000 people.
Although his six-month mission
was to help Sierra Leone rebuild its
army, Kevin quickly recognised that
the country’s Regimental Sergeant
Majors desperately lacked the required
leadership skills. So Kevin took on the
added task of developing a leadershipmentoring
program.
Remembering his mother’s words,
Kevin says, “If I can help anybody as I
pass along, then my living shall not be
in vain.”
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 19

classacts
A positive force of
nature at King Campus
By Corey Long
S
eneca will never fully realize what
it owes to Grace Cuff. Today,
Grace is a career coordinator, but in the
mid-90s, she was a recruitment liaison
officer. While visiting St. Thomas
Aquinas High School in Tottenham,
Grace convinced uninspired student
Michelle Hutt to choose Seneca. Little
did Grace or Michelle know that this
meeting would lead to a 15-year relationship
and a Distinguished Alumni Award.
Thanks to Grace’s inspiring visit,
Michelle applied to the Tourism and
Hospitality program. She graduated as
an A student, has since earned a bachelor’s
degree in adult education and
will soon start a master’s program in
education. Not bad for someone who
still can’t believe she graduated from
high school.
“I didn’t like high school but I loved
Seneca,” says Michelle. “My hope is that
every student experiences the change
that I did.”
From day one, Michelle made a decision
to immerse herself in the culture
at Seneca. She volunteered as a clerk
20
www.senecaalumni.ca

and then worked part-time as an events
coordinator. Today, she is the Manager
of Academic Services at King Campus.
Michelle’s many responsibilities at
Seneca over the years have a common
theme: helping students find their own
achievements and success. She says
that comes from empowering them,
something she has tried to do in her
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LAKE
positions in admissions, financial aid,
support services and academic advising.
“It never feels like work, it’s so fulfilling,”
she says. “I do what I do because I love it.
I am proud of Seneca and our students.”
Michelle also finds the time to volunteer
extensively at King Campus and
has done so throughout her career. She
never says no to an opportunity to pitch
in and promote the Campus, which has
been a second home for her since she
began her studies.
“King has an atmosphere that is
welcoming,” says Michelle. “It didn’t
intimidate me. My experience there
gave me the courage to continue my
education.”
Michelle’s colleagues, including nursing
professor Tania Killian, describe her
as a “dedicated leader, who possesses
personal integrity, demonstrates a giving
spirit and radiates poise no matter how
demanding the situation.”
Praise like this makes Michelle
uncomfortable. What she does each day
is, to her, simply part of the plan she set
for herself to focus on excellence and
affect people positively. This approach
developed from mentorship she received
from role models, like former Principal
and Dean of Applied Arts and Health
Sciences Judith Limkilde.
How this mother-of-two finds the time
to work, teach, learn and volunteer is a
bit of a mystery. She claims to “sleep a little,
work a lot” and is quick to credit her
“amazing” husband, who supports her
many activities and academic pursuits.
“When I graduate, my husband will
walk across the stage with me because
half of the degree is his,” she jokes.
For Michelle, winning a DAA represents
a great deal of hard work and
pride in Seneca and for those who
have been recognized along with her.
“It’s so powerful for me. I was floored
to be nominated,” she says.
Beginning with that chance meeting
with Grace, Michelle started on a path
that altered her perspective on learning,
allowed her to help countless students
and bring a positive force to Seneca that
continues to this day. Again, uncomfortable
with praise, she reflects it.
“Seneca changed everything for
me,” she says. “What I learned at the
College, I use every day. It positioned
me for who I wanted to become.”
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 21

classacts
Flight path
drawn out
By Corey Long
L
ike many aviators, Gary
Anderson is a visual learner.
Anything that helps illustrate his point
makes him very happy. If you get lost
in one of his complex, well-thought
ideas, he’s more than willing to draw
you a diagram—literally.
What sets him apart is that he
expresses these ideas with extreme
enthusiasm. It’s what makes him
such a good pilot and instructor, and
why he fits the mould of an ideal
Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.
“Gary’s incredible energy, passion
and professionalism never cease to
amaze me,” says Laurel Schollen,
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and
Engineering Technology. “But most
importantly, he inspires students to
realize their potentials."
Gary is a graduate of Seneca’s
Aviation and Flight Technology diploma
program, which has developed into a
degree program in Flight. He has been
at the centre of this evolution as a professor,
curriculum writer and mentor.
“As my career advanced, I found
that my perspective changed,” he says.
“I used to be a pilot who taught, and
now I feel like a teacher who flies.”
As Director of Training at the School
of Aviation and Flight Technology,
Gary teaches and is managing Seneca’s
transition to becoming an approved
flight training organization, under new
Transport Canada regulations.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from passing
on knowledge,” says Gary. “Getting an
e-mail from a student saying how much
our training has helped or asking for
career advice is very rewarding for me.”
His deep understanding of aviation
did not happen overnight. After Gary
graduated, he became an instructor
and then took one of the toughest jobs
in Canada: piloting an air ambulance
in northern Ontario. Gary would
transport patients from remote towns,
navigating through challenging weather
and uncontrolled air space.
Later, he worked in corporate flying
and as a training captain, then moved
on to fly with Air Canada Jazz and
now Air Canada, training pilots for
both airlines. With these experiences
Gary returned to Seneca with the goal
to prepare students for working in
challenging conditions with less risk.
Simulator training was the answer.
“Flying up north, I experienced situations
that put my flying abilities to the
test,” he remembers. “Simulation allows
for those types of events to be recreated
in pilot training, supplementing students’
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LAKE
theoretical knowledge with real world
situations.”
Gary has since become a champion
for simulators in pilot training. He
recently helped the School launch an
applied research program focused on
improving simulation training. Gary is
leading this study, which has received
22
www.senecaalumni.ca

$2.3 million in federal funding
through the College and Community
Innovation Program.
With all the knowledge and innovation
Gary has brought back to Seneca,
perhaps his best initiative has been
inviting graduates back to share their
expertise—drawing diagrams of their
experiences, just like Gary has done.
“New pilots need current information
to make smart career choices,” says
Gary. “I didn’t have access to this kind
of perspective, and that’s why I am an
advocate for bringing grads back as
mentors and providing that advantage
to our students. It’s invaluable.”
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 23

classacts
Gloss, sheen, frosting,
all icing on the cake
By Dale Peers, CRM 1976
A
ny retailing expert will tell you
how critical front-line personnel
are to the bottom line of business. Still,
few industries make the effort to recognize
these specialists. The multi-billion
dollar cosmetics industry is an exception.
The Cosmetics Outstanding Service
Awards (COSAs) were developed in
2002 to applaud the efforts of those
who make a difference across Canada.
They recognize that relationships
developed between cosmeticians and
customers are essential to building
brand loyalty.
More than 900 nominations were
received for the 2009 awards for service
in 17 categories, including teams,
life-time achievement and “rookies.”
The Rookie of the Year award went
to Elysa Panzica, a 2008 graduate of
Seneca’s Cosmetics Techniques and
Management Accelerated (CTMA)
diploma program.
It would be hard to match her career
so far. She started with two jobs – one
as a cosmetician at a Bolton Rexall,
the other as an assistant to five-time
Emmy-award- winning make-up artist
Eve Pearl in New York City. “It was
quite the jump,” Elysa says.
In 2009, Elysa joined Cargo cosmetics
as a sales and education specialist,
training retail staff in the GTA, Buffalo
and Winnipeg about Cargo brands,
ingredients, benefits and best uses.
When I spoke with her in January,
Elysa was freelancing as a make-up
artist, providing in-studio support for
photo shoots.
Elysa chose Seneca not once, but
twice. She first came to Seneca for
the General Arts and Science – Arts
Specialization diploma program in
preparation for entry to York University.
With a degree in psychology, she began
considering her next step: go on for
her masters or find employment. She
knew that she wanted to do something
more creative and found Seneca’s cosmetics
program. She felt it would meet
her need for both business and creative
subjects.
Elysa was a SMILE Mentor at Seneca
and says she just felt like she belonged
at the College. So much so, that her
dream job is to become a CTM professor.
Elysa values the quality of education she
received at Seneca and readily credits
Seneca and her professors for her training.
Her speech at the COSA awards moved
the audience to tears, when she attributed
her rapid success in the industry
to her role models and professors:
Rhonda Shupe, Barbara Hannah, Karen
Ellis, Cindy Shaw, Marisa Hannan and
Cristine Dymond.
She had been so prepared with case
studies and practical examples in the
classroom that she had completely
realistic expectations of the industry
with zero surprises. And her customers
tell her that she is far more knowledgeable
than some 20-year veterans
of the industry.
“Writing an essay or reading a thousand
pages for subjects at York was
easy,” she says. Far more challenging
and satisfying was bringing a creative
idea from her mind to fruition.
Although she felt intimidated by
Special Effects Makeup, Elysa was surprised
to find the subject liberating,
as she explored her creativity through
fear. Now she can handle absolutely
any effect required, although she says,
“there isn’t much call for aging on
beauty shoots.”
24
www.senecaalumni.ca

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LAKE
Elysa Panzica paid special attention to her makeup
before this photo was taken. The Cosmetics
Outstanding Service Award recipient says, “I make
sure I represent myself well, because you never
know who you may run into.”
Elysa loves the cosmetics industry,
and this year the icing on the cake
(or, perhaps, the frosting on the eye
shadow) has been winning the COSA.
She says she still can’t believe that she
was nominated and won so quickly
after graduating. But we had a hint.
At convocation in October, Elysa told
Coordinator Rhonda Shupe that she
was going to win a COSA sometime.
She had no idea it would be achieved so
quickly and adds it was a tremendous
honour to be recognized for something
she just loves.
Dale Peers is Program Coordinator of
Seneca’s Esthetics and Spa Management
program and is a COSA judge.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 25

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Seneca’s career-focused graduate programs are specifically designed for
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SENECA CHANGES YOU.

givingback
A reason
for optimism
A
t Seneca, we are welcoming spring
with a strong feeling of optimism,
along with an acute awareness of the current
economic situation post secondary
students across Canada are facing.
Much of the past year was spent
reacting to the unprecedented global economic
downturn that occurred across all
sectors. Like all post secondary institutions,
Seneca saw its permanent endowment
hit by the decrease in stock values. In
response, we asked the College’s many
supporters to help provide the funding
necessary to distribute our annual scholarships
and bursaries through the
Emergency Appeal for Student Support.
Led by outstanding donations from
Seneca Alumni and the Seneca Student
Federation, Senecans heeded the call,
and, to date, we have raised close to
$300,000. We’re not done yet.
This Appeal, along with contributions
made to individual endowments in
memory of Victoria George, Gord Aust
and others, has helped establish a culture
of philanthropy at Seneca that is really
beginning to flourish.
So many Seneca donors, alumni,
employees and retirees take the time and
make the effort to keep today’s students
on the right track. The success of our
students reflects directly on the quality of
our programs and personnel. And judging
by the outstanding accomplishments
of alumni like DAA recipients Azra
Rashid, Chris Torti, Mary-Jo Guidi,
Kevin Junor, Gary Anderson and
Michelle Hutt, we’re on the right track.
Students need our help today, more
than ever before. To give you an idea,
according to Colleges Ontario, 23 per cent
of surveyed college applicants in 2008
reported a household income of less than
$30,000 and 52 per cent had incomes
below $60,000. Often these students are
also working and supporting family
members while completing their studies.
We all know the costs of a successful
education continue to rise. Seneca will
constantly expand strategies for development
and alumni relations and build the
necessary relationships to ensure we are
prepared to support students in need to
reach their potentials.
Their success is an investment in the
future.
In my short time at Seneca, I have
seen the passion and dedication all
Senecans share for the success of our
students. As we face the circumstances
of an uncertain economy, population
growth in Toronto and York Region, and
increased demand for post secondary
education, we will continue to put student
success before all else. I look forward to
working with all Senecans toward this
common goal.
Daniel Atlin
Vice-President, Strategy and
College Affairs
daniel.atlin@senecac.on.ca
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 27

givingback
Inspiring by example
Rudy and Rita Koehler
By Corey Long
A
t the age of 12, Seneca donor Rudy
Koehler would sneak out of the
house into the cold German night to cut
down trees for firewood. It was forbidden
to do so, but his family needed heat.
“I was never the best one for playing
by the rules,” says Mr. Koehler.
Most innovators do not play by rules,
whether it is out of necessity or vision.
Mr. Koehler is an example of both.
As an orphaned boy, he grew up
knowing extreme hardship, often going
to bed hungry and losing two brothers to
war. A lover of all kinds of sports, including
sailboat racing, he recalls playing soccer
barefoot, as shoes were considered a
luxury. Innovation was a necessity.
As a young man, he brought his spirit
of innovation to Canada, leaving post-war
Germany with his young bride Rita, a
14-month-old son and a five-year plan to
succeed in a country full of opportunity.
He was an avid reader and dedicated student
of mechanical engineering, with the
drive to challenge conventional thinking,
improve business practices and focus on
developing quality products: Innovation
through vision.
“I was always challenged to find a better
way, and that still exists within me,”
says Mr. Koehler. “Now, I believe there
must be a better way to improve lives.”
Today, at Seneca, Mr. and Mrs. Koehler
innovate to improve lives daily. They are
responsible for the $150,000 “Koehler
Grandchildren Endowed Bursary Fund”
for Seneca students enrolled in the School
of Business Management and the Social
Service Worker and Nursing programs.
The Koehlers’ connection to Seneca
comes through their granddaughters,
both of whom are graduates. However,
their generosity extends past the College,
as the couple supports charities across
Canada.
“My granddaughters were the catalyst
to do something for Seneca College,” says
Mr. Koehler. “Now, my goal is to encourage
others to give. Often, I preach to
friends about giving. Some think I am
nuts, but many others are helping to
make a difference with their generous
charitable activities.”
Leading by example has been a trademark
for the Koehlers. They are two of
Seneca’s original donors. Mr. Koehler
recollects how, after a story was publicized
about their initial gift to the College,
$700,000 in donations quickly followed
– another example of Koehler innovation.
With his career successes, including
building and developing some of
Canada’s most successful companies, and
the ongoing dedication to help those in
need, Mr. Koehler looks back and is
thankful he and Rita took the opportunity
to build a life in Canada.
“I didn’t want to be 50 and say, ‘I wish
I had gone [to Canada],’” he says. “I was
focused. I came from nothing. Because of
that, Rita and I believe in giving. There is
no better feeling.”
Mr. Koehler is quick to praise Rita for
her support throughout their life together
and her steadfast dedication to helping
others.
“Without my wife, I could not have
accomplished what I have,” he says. “She
is a wonderful partner. It is so important
to have someone on whom you can
depend. She has such a big heart.”
What does the life-long innovator have
to say to the students he and his wife
help to support?
“You have to really be focused in all of
your activities. Try not to be sidetracked,
and look at the future of your undertaking,”
says Mr. Koehler. “Concentrate on
doing an excellent job, be a driver of
innovation and the desired results will be
there.”
If you are interested in following the
Koehlers’ example and establishing an
endowment in support of Seneca students,
please contact Rob Tonus, Senior
Development Officer: (416) 491-5050
x6812 or rob.tonus@senecac.on.ca.
28
www.senecaalumni.ca

Seneca Alumni and SSF step
up to support their own
S
eneca College has received
unprecedented support for its
student scholarship and bursary fund –
from our own graduates and students.
In response to the recent economic
crisis and its impact on our endowment
funds, the Seneca Student Federation has
contributed $100,000 towards the
Emergency Appeal for Student Financial
Aid. Thanks to this wonderful gift, many
scholarships and bursaries that would
have otherwise not been possible this
year will now be funded.
Seneca Alumni also stepped up to the
plate with a generous contribution of
$8,000. These gifts, combined with those
of Seneca employees, retirees and donors,
bring the total amount raised for the
appeal to about $300,000.
“On behalf of all Senecans, I want to
thank the Student Federation and Seneca
Alumni for this extraordinary generosity,”
said President David Agnew. “It could
not come at a better time and is a great
boost to student success.”
Like every college and university,
Seneca’s permanent endowment was hit
hard during the global market downturn.
The endowment did not generate the
necessary interest to support financial
awards, making this appeal necessary,
and gifts like the SSF’s and Alumni
Association’s essential.
"The Seneca Student Federation was
proud to participate in this fundraiser
because we feel that it’s important to support
our fellow students and the Seneca
community,” said Oscar A. Bobadilla,
President, Seneca Student Federation Inc.
“We are aware of the current economic
situation and have decided to give back
for this reason. All of us are extremely
proud to be Seneca students and hope
that with this donation we are leading
by example."
The Emergency Appeal for Student
Financial Aid was launched last August to
support the 400 scholarships and bursaries
Seneca awards to students annually.
If you haven’t already done so, please
consider a contribution. Gifts of any size
make a positive difference to a student’s
life. You can give at our secure, online
donation site (https://www.senecac.on.
ca/senecadonations/index.jsp), or by
calling (416) 491-5050 x6812.
All donations are tax-deductible.
THANK YOU DONORS
Your financial support contributes to the success of Seneca students and helps ensure a legacy of excellence. Thank you to the following
alumni and retirees who made a contribution in 2009.
Valerie Adriaanse
Marcelle N. Allen
Harold Atkins
Blair J. Beatty
Iscenty Benjamin
Albert E. Brock
Karin A. Buchanan
Douglas C. Campbell
Jian Chen
Andre V. Chow-Leong
Joan Cunnington
Cedric Cyr
Delores M. Dawes
William R. Delagran
Pamela Dennis
Maureen Dey
Deborah Dunsire
David Emsley
Robert Garland
Alison M. Gibson
Manuel E. Grados
Heather Hardie
Linda J. Hendy
Alison James
Anna Kalika
Andrea S. Koehler
Vinh Le
Cameron S. Lee
Rudolph Lewis
Thomas Lin
Elizabeth J. MacLennan
Tracy L. MacMaster
Suzanne M. Marshall
Frederick C. Miner
Sandy Naiman
William T. Newnham
Karen M. Nolan
Vivienne M. Poy
Jenni Prodanovic
Kevin P. Rajpaulsingh
Hyacinth C. Randall
William J. Riddell
William Rinna
David A. Russo
Paul N. Sloggett
Juanita L. Sternbergh
Ramaswamy Subramanian
San S. Szeto
Helen F. Szumigaj
Lisa M. Teekens
Marla S. Tobe
Michelina M. Tortorelli
Carolyn Webster
Graeme A. Welsh
Adam Wu
Sarah K. Young
Angela Zigras
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 29

ealtime
It's a zoo out there!
by Tom Bartsiokas
K
asia Murphy’s career choice is
truly a call of the wild.
From the time she was eight years
old, this Newmarket resident had
a passion for animals. In fact, she
spent much of her youth volunteering
countless hours at local animal
shelters.
Twenty-three years later, Kasia is still
helping animals, but this time on a
much larger scale at the Toronto Zoo.
The 31-year-old landed her dream
job as a zookeeper after graduating
from Seneca’s Veterinary Technician
program in 2001.
“Being a Veterinary Technician
graduate definitely helped me get into
the Zoo,” Kasia says. “What they were
looking for was the experience and
hands-on training.”
During a class field trip, Kasia discovered
the Toronto Zoo was hiring.
She spoke with an employee who told
her that there weren’t any zookeeper
positions currently available.
Knowing how competitive the field
is, Kasia applied anyway and was
offered the position of groundskeeper.
It wasn’t long before she was promoted
and began caring for animals
— everything from ants to
elephants.
During the last eight years, Kasia
has worked at many of the Zoo’s
exhibits, performing a wide variety
of duties such as cleaning, feeding,
observing and creating enrichment
programs for the animals.
So far, her favourite experience has
been working on a team that is breeding
and caring for black-footed ferrets.
This particular species of ferret has not
been seen in Canada for decades.
An international breeding effort
began in six facilities, including the
Toronto Zoo, which has raised hundreds
of ferrett kits. Many of the ferrets
were released into the wild for the
first time in Canada last October.
“It gives my work such a purpose
to work on projects like this,” Kasia
says. “To be a part of something this
important makes me feel like I am giving
back to the animal kingdom and
nature.”
Kasia says there is no single way
to become a zookeeper, but the more
education and experience you have,
the better.
She says a good place to start is
Seneca’s Veterinary Technician program,
which has an established track
record of preparing graduates for a
diverse range of animal care careers
with veterinary practices, emergency
clinics, humane societies, research
institutes and zoo and wildlife care
facilities.
The program is offered at King
Campus and features a state-of the-art
Animal Health Centre where students
spend most of their two years of studies
learning to care for animals.
To learn more about the Veterinary
Technician program, visit http://www.
senecac.on.ca/fulltime/VTE.html
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TORONTO ZOO
30
www.senecaalumni.ca

A very happy
Mad Man
by Tom Bartsiokas
S
eneca graduate Steve Persico
took home a trophy from
Cannes, but he’s not a filmmaker.
He’s a writer for advertising firm
Leo Burnett, which was awarded a
prestigious Gold Lion at the 2009
Cannes Lions International Advertising
Festival. The award was for a James
Ready beer campaign — a campaign
Steve had written.
The Gold Lion is the ad world’s
equivalent to the awards given at the
more famous film festival that’s also
held in the small French seaside resort.
Winning there marked a highpoint in
Steve’s already successful career.
“This campaign got a lot of people
talking,” Steve says. “It engaged people,
and we are honoured that it has been
so widely recognized.”
Steve has been a writer at Leo
Burnett since graduating from Creative
Advertising (joint Seneca/York program)
in 2005.
PHOTO BY TOM BARTSIOKAS
In the last four years, he has
emerged as one of the advertising
industry’s best young writers, having
won several awards and penned copy
for such notable clients as Procter
and Gamble, Kellogg’s and Campbell’s
Soup. His James Ready beer ads
appeared on more than 100 billboards
throughout southern Ontario. As part
of the campaign, beer drinkers were
encouraged to use the billboards to
post personal messages and pictures.
“The idea was to ask the public to
help keep this beer a buck,” Steve says.
“We asked fans of the beer to share the
billboard space to help James Ready
afford the expensive media. People
sent in messages and images which
appeared on the billboards alongside
the beer ad. The campaign was a huge
success, and die hard James Ready fans
got to see themselves all over town.”
During his days at Seneca, Steve’s
ability to write clean and clever copy
earned him several student awards,
including one from Marketing
Magazine. It also garnered the attention
of Leo Burnett; the agency offered
him an internship after taking a look
at his impressive portfolio of work.
There were days during his fourmonth
internship when Steve worked
late into the night, and sometimes the
morning, to meet his deadlines. This
dedication and the quality of his work
earned him a full-time job offer.
“That was part of the learning experience:
being able to work fast and
smart,” he says. “A project is never done
until it’s sold, so I am always trying to
make an idea better.”
Steve writes for several advertising
media including TV, radio, newspaper,
billboards and magazines. At any given
time, he will be juggling three to five
writing projects. Some will be due the
next day, while others may take up to a
year to develop.
“I’m always plugging away here
to create fresh ideas,” Steve says.
“Whatever idea I come up with, it has
to engage people and get them talking.”
Because the competition for advertising
careers is fierce, Steve says it’s
important students do their research
and select the right program. He also
stresses the importance of developing
a portfolio of your work, which
is a requirement of Seneca’s Creative
Advertising program.
“In advertising, your portfolio is 80
per cent of getting the job. Everyone
coming out of school will have similar
samples so you have to go above and
beyond.”
Graduates of Seneca’s Creative Advertising
programs can expect to find employment
in advertising agencies and advertising and
communications departments of a wide
range of businesses. To learn more, visit
http://www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/CAB.html
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 31

newon campus
“Living books”
on loan at
King Campus
Free the Children
co-founders
receive honorary
degrees from
Seneca
F
ree The Children co-founders
Craig Kielburger and Marc
Kielburger have joined the ranks of
Seneca’s honorary degree recipients.
The brothers were presented with
bachelor of applied studies degrees
during convocation ceremonies in
October.
The Kielburgers started Free the
Children in 1995 from their home
in Thornhill. Craig, just 12 at the
time, happened upon a story about a
Pakistani boy his age who had escaped
bonded labour and then been murdered
for his role in the movement against
child slavery. The boy’s plight moved
the Kielburgers to empower children
in North America to take action to
improve the lives of less-fortunate
children overseas.
Since then, Free the Children has
built more than 500 schools throughout
Asia, Africa and Latin America,
providing daily education to more than
50,000 children. The organization has
also helped establish more than 23,500
alternative income projects to assist
women and their families achieve sustainable
incomes.
The Kielburgers also founded Me
to We, a social enterprise designed to
help support the work of Free The
Children. Half of its annual profits
are given to Free The Children with
the other half reinvested to sustain the
growth of the enterprise, encouraging
ethical living and social responsibility.
For more information, visit http://www.
senecac.on.ca/about/honorarydegree
T
hey don’t fit in a backpack, but
Seneca’s “living books” were a hit
as King Campus hosted Canada’s first
“Career Living Library” in November.
The “books” on loan were representatives
of a wide range of careers who
could be taken out for a chat about
the working world – how to get there,
how to stay there and how to succeed.
Like any good library, the selection was
diverse – from a police chief to a guitarist
for Tokyo Police Club.
Among the participants were:
Armand La Barge, Chief of York
Regional Police; Josh Hook, Guitarist for
the Tokyo Police Club; Doris Grinspun,
Executive Director of the Registered
Nurses Association of Ontario; Walter
Nazarewycz, Supervisor of Animal
Health, Toronto Zoo; Karen Simone,
Assistant Crown Attorney, Ministry of
the Attorney General; and David Agnew,
President, Seneca College.
President Agnew told us, “This is a
great way for students and members
of the public to learn more about a field
that interests them, and we’re truly fortunate
to have a number of interesting
‘books’ available.”
32
www.senecaalumni.ca

Seneca College
professors make
the grade
S
eneca topped the list for the
most professors nominated
from any participating post secondary
institution in Ontario in the TVO 2010
Best Lecturer Competition.
“The overwhelming response from
our students speaks volumes about
the calibre of teaching at Seneca,” said
Seneca President David Agnew. “We
are proud of our professors, and it’s
clear that our students appreciated the
faculty’s dedication to their success.”
TVO's 2010 Big Ideas Best Lecturer
Competition celebrates the most
engaging and intellectually stimulating
lecturers in Ontario.
In addition to applauding the volume
of nominations, Seneca cheered on
professor Robert Winkler who made
it to the top 20 in the competition.
Robert has been at Seneca since 2004 as
a part-time professor, teaching courses
in the Human Resources Management
Graduate certificate program. Besides
traditional in-class teaching, he has
been specializing in e-learning and
online education since 2000 and has
published many articles on e-learning,
adult training and development, training
in human resources and continuous/lifelong
learning.
“It was a wonderful surprise to be
recognized by a panel of experts as
being good at what you do; but it was
a greater honour to be nominated by
my students,” said Robert. “They are
my most honest, most incisive, and
most reliable critics. It is their recognition
that makes me take that bus late
in the evening.”
At press time, TVO staff and an
independent jury were reviewing submission
videos to select 10 finalists.
The lectures of the top 10 were to air
on TVO in March. The winning lecturer
is chosen by viewers and a panel
of judges, and the winner's school
receives a $10,000 TD Insurance
Meloche Monnex scholarship.
For final results, go to TVO 2010 Best
Lecturer Competition www.tvo.org .
SUMMER
VACATION PLANS?
A new partnership between Merit
Travel Group and Seneca is giving
Tourism and Travel students hands-on
experience without leaving campus.
The partnership has brought a full
service travel agency to Markham
Campus providing a valuable learning
resource for students. They’ll
participate in the daily operations of
a full-service corporate and leisure
travel company, with duties including
research and booking air, hotel, and
tour packages, while benefiting from
the curriculum in a new Corporate
Travel Management course.
The partnership has also brought
Merit representatives onto the Tourism
program Advisory Committee, working
with Seneca to expand opportunities
and resources for students in the
College’s School of Tourism.
"The travel industry is strong in
Canada, and this is not just with online
agencies. Travel professionals continue
to serve the majority of travelers. They
will always be at the core of our industry
and will continue to be sought after
for their consultancy, insight, problem
solving, and relevant experience,” said
Michael Merrithew, Chairman & CEO,
Merit Travel Group Inc. “At Merit, our
employees are truly experts, and we
are looking forward to becoming part
of the education process.”
DEFINE YOUR CAREER
CONNECT WITH BUSINESS AT SENECA
Discover your potential with a
business degree from Seneca.
Our four-year bachelor’s degree programs
combine the targeted, practical strengths
of a College education with the theoretical
foundations of a University degree.
Faculty of Business alumni are eligible to
receive up to two years of the four-year
degree in block transfer credit.
Apply now for a degree in:
Financial Services Management
Human Resources Strategy and Technology
International Accounting and Finance
Municipal and Corporate Administration
416.491.5050 x2800
www.senecac.on.ca
SENECA CHANGES YOU.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 33

tip sheets
Writing
to Go
B
y the time you graduated, your
academic career included
approximately 40 essays but only a
handful of memos, letters or reports.
That’s problematic, since you probably
never write an essay in your workplace.
Essay writing develops many
applicable skills, but does not include
the following.
Action emphasis
You need to express your main point
in the first or second sentence and
close with a clear statement of the
action required by the reader. Do
not lead up to your point—you will
have lost your readers before they
get there. If background or context
is required, place it after your main
point. Similarly, you need to tell the
reader what action is expected. Do
you require specific input? Should the
readers alert their staff?
Tight deadlines
Deadlines cause anxiety, which
scrambles the mind. Reduce anxiety
by careful planning. If you spend
20 per cent of your available time
clearly formulating your purpose and
arranging your points, the writing
stage will be a relative breeze. You can
modify this outline as you go along.
“I have trouble getting started,” and
“I’m never sure when I’m finished,” are
common laments that will cause you to
miss deadlines. Outline beats deadline
every time.
Lean Sentences
Eliminate unnecessary words. In your
effort to be clear, you may over-explain.
Read each sentence to see if it can be
shortened without loss of meaning. For
example, “if” is a perfect substitute for “in
the event that.” To give you an idea, here’s
a sentence that can be shortened from 19
words to four, a saving of 80 per cent.
In a natural environment there is a
lot of grass and vegetation that helps
filter rainwater into the ground.
Vegetation helps filter rainwater.
Rob Colter is a professor of English and Liberal
Studies at Seneca. His newest book is Writing to Go.
ILLUSTRATION BY PATRICIA STORMS, GRA 2000
34
www.senecaalumni.ca

in sports
Carrying
a torch
for Seneca
A
s an athlete, Natasha Thombs is
no stranger to running. But a
run last December holds a special
place in her memory.
Hundreds of people lined the
streets of Port Colborne on Monday,
December 21 to watch the Seneca
Creative Advertising student, Visual
Merchandising Arts graduate and star
athlete carry the Olympic Torch.
It’s an honour Natasha shares with
the likes of Olympic skater Barbara
Ann Scott, hockey icon Bob Gainey,
singer Shania Twain and Bollywood star
Akshay Kumar.
Natasha also shared the honour
with two other Seneca students. Police
Foundations student April Bonia and
Early Childhood Education student
Amekala Kanapathippillai also helped
moved the flame through Ontario.
For the past four seasons, Natasha
has been the driving force behind
the Seneca Sting women’s basketball
team. Under her leadership, the
Sting won back-to-back Ontario
College Athletic Association (OCAA)
Championships in 2006 and 2007.
Her on-court skills and abilities
have earned her many OCAA awards
over the course of her college
athletic career, including Female
Athlete of the Year, League All-Star,
Championship Player of the Game,
Championship Most Valuable Player
(MVP), East Region Scoring Champion
and Basketball Player of the Year, as
well as Canadian College Athletic
Association (CCAA) awards for
Championship Player of the Game and
inclusion on the All-Canadian team.
Last year, in her final season
with the Sting, Natasha became the
OCAA's all-time career scoring leader
(See Seneca Alumni Spring 2009).
The Olympic torch travelled 45,000
kilometres across the country and
passed through the hands of 12,000
bearers before it arrived in Vancouver
for the opening ceremonies in
February.
PART-TIME STUDIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Seneca College has been serving the residents of York Region for more than
30 years. Our part-time programs and subjects provide the training required
to expand your skills and help you achieve your career goals. Choose from
offerings in various fields including: Business, Applied Arts, Leisure and
Recreation, General Education, Technology and Computer Specializations.
For more information
visit senecac.on.ca/ce
or call 416.491.5050, ext 7284.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 35

in sports
We are the
champions
PHOTO BY Armando Villavonna, IDP Program
A
lumni Board members were on
hand as the Seneca men's soccer
team members were presented with
their National Championship rings in
a ceremony February 10.
The team is the 2009 Big Kahuna/
adidas CCAA Men's Soccer National
Champion. The Sting hosted the
championship tournament and
defeated the F.X. Garneau Elans 3 - 2
to win the gold medal on November 7.
Seneca’s first goal in the
championship game came from
Claudio Posca, following a free kick
near midfield. It was followed by a
goal from Mahmoud Mirsadeghi early
in the second frame. Mahmoud broke
loose down the left wing and knocked
a low bouncer past the goalkeeper
that tied the game.
While both teams had scoring
opportunities during regulation time,
it took until two minutes into the
second overtime for Mahmoud —
named the championship game’s most
valuable player — to score the game
winning goal.
The Sting finished the tournament
3-0. Each win was seen as an upset
victory over higher-ranked opponents.
Seneca’s Shawn Tatham, Fab
Castiglione and Gianfranco Chiechi
were all named to the all-tournament
team.
36
www.senecaalumni.ca

Hall of Famer
A
ngela James had the support of her biggest booster
when she was officially inducted into Canada’s Sports
Hall of Fame in November. Her son Christian was among
the more than 750 people at the gala ceremony.
Angela is a Seneca Recreational Facilities Management
graduate and is now a senior sports co-ordinator at
the College. Her outstanding hockey career included
membership on the women’s gold medal world
championship teams in 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1997.
Seneca College Counseling
and Disability Services
Summer Transition
Program (STP)
A four day program for students with identified
Learning Disabilities
• Stay in Residence for free! Eat for free!
• Learn study skills you will use in a post-secondary environment
• Experiment with assistive technologies that will support your academic success
• Attend interactive sessions and meet with Seneca staff
• Meet other students, make connections and build social supports
www.trilliumsalesgroup.com
For further information please contact:
STP@senecac.on.ca or 416 491 5050 ext.6137
The Summer Transition Program (STP) is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and supported by various departments at Seneca College and the Trillium Sales Group.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 37

alumninews
Did you see us in Vancouver?
Changes to
Seneca Alumni
Association
executive
A new term is underway for
the Seneca College Alumni
Association.
P
aul Sloggett, MAD 1972, has
taken the helm as President and
Sina Safarzadeh Amiri, MKAC 2006 is
the new Vice President.
Paul is a double Senecan. He’s been
a professor/program coordinator with
the Real Property Administration (RPA)
program and the Financial Services
Underwriting (FSU) program since
1983. He was honoured with a 2006
Distinguished Alumni Award.
Sina Safarzadeh Amiri is responsible
for customer care advocacy and sales
operations at Nightingale Informatix
Corporation, one of the fastest growing
health care IT service and software
companies in North America with
over 5.3 million patient records
under management. Prior to joining
Nightingale, Sina was the Manager of
Business Development at Medworxx,
another publicly traded healthcare
software company whose products are
used by more than 500,000 healthcare
workers at over 300 hospitals across
North America.
Past President Ryan Mitchell, BBA,
IBU 1999, HRM 2000 becomes an
ex-officio member of the Board. Many
thanks go to Ryan for his contributions
over the past several years.
For the latest on the Association’s activities,
see Paul’s inaugural message to alumni on
page 6.
Senecans kept their mitts
on the Olympics. Literally!
Y
ou’ve probably packed them away with the winter
boots by now, but remember those red Olympic
mittens that waved Canada through the games in February?
Graduates of Seneca’s Fashion Arts program had a, pardon the pun,
hand in their design.
We told you about Vivienne Lu, a Fashion Arts student from the mid-90s
and Holly Pelley (FAA 2005) in the Spring 2008 edition as they were preparing for
the Beijing Olympics. Employed by Hbc, they had worked on the design of the
athletes’ uniforms for Beijing and Vancouver. Holly is now with Unisync Group,
specializing in uniforms, but was involved in designing the mittens before she left.
“It’s great to see them everywhere. I sketched the mittens for our client's
approval, built the technical package and communicated with our vendors on
what we wanted for the mittens,” Holly says.
The red may say Canada to the rest of the country, but we think there’s a nod
to Seneca in those hand warmers too.
ALAN FREW had you believing
The red mittens weren’t the only warm
and fuzzy touch of Senecans involved in
the Olympics.
The words to the theme song for the
Vancouver Winter Games broadcast entitled
"I Believe," were written by Alan Frew.
Most Canadians know Alan as the voice of
Glass Tiger, but Senecans remember him
as a nursing graduate from 1982.
DMA grad contributed to top skating oval
S
Composed by Stephan Moccio,
the piece was recorded in English by
Nikki Yanofsky and in French by Annie
Villeneuve. But Alan had us all singing
along as we watched the television
coverage of the events: “I believe in the
power that comes from a world brought
together as one. I believe together we’ll
fly. I believe in the power of you and I.”
antiago Diaz was among the first people to see The Richmond Olympic Oval.
Santiago was part of the design team that built the $178-million long track
speed skating facility.
The Digital Media Arts (DMA) graduate works as a modelor for the engineering
firm StructureCraft. His digital renderings were used in the creation of the roof’s
stunning soaring arch, which was built using more than a million pine boards.
Since the venue opened, it has been honoured with many architectural awards,
including the Institution of Structural Engineers 2009 Award for Sports or Leisure
Structures. “The Richmond Oval is unique in the world,” said Santiago. “I'm proud
to be a part of it.”
42
www.senecaalumni.ca

alumni news
Students kept us
up to date
S
tudents from Seneca’s School of
Communication Arts worked for
CTV as part of the company’s online
coverage of the Games. Twenty of them
had a two-week gig as video and photo
editors for ctv.olympics.ca.
“To be part of the Olympic Games
at home is an opportunity that doesn’t
present itself often…I get emotional
just thinking about it,” said Magdalena
Gaweda, one of the chosen students.
Michael Shewchenko, CTV Senior
Digital Manager, Broadband Production,
was impressed with what he saw. “I’ve
been blown away with the level of
knowledge these students are bringing
to the table,” he said.
Best blog award goes to Sandy Naiman
S
eneca grad and Alumni
Association Board member Sandy
Naiman (ACM 1971) has added
another award to her list of
accomplishments.
Sandy’s interactive blog Coming Out
Crazy, which appears on The Toronto
Star’s website, has been named among
the Top Ten Bipolar Blogs by Psych
Central, a popular online community
for people dealing with mental illness.
Psych Central calls Sandy, “fierce
and fabulous.” In adding her to the
list, it said, “Sandy is a dynamo who
is an offline mental health advocate
and speaker. In Coming Out Crazy,
she’s making gorgeous jewelry from
her goldmine of experience as a person
living with bipolar.”
Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness
marked by extreme changes in mood,
thought, energy, and behaviour.
One in five Canadians will suffer
from a mental illness like bipolar
disorder in their lifetime.
To read Sandy in action, go to http://thestar.
blogs.com/mentalhealth/
TURN YOUR
dIpLOmA INTO
A dEGREE
To learn more about how you can earn your
degree in as little as two years at the
University of Ontario Institute of Technology,
please visit www.uoit.ca/pathways, e-mail
admissions@uoit.ca or call 905.721.3190.
UNIVERSITY OF ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Oshawa, ON
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 43

alumninews
Answering the call
W
• Seven out of 10 Seneca graduates got a job related to their
program within six months after graduation.
• Nine out of 10 graduates who would recommend Seneca would
also recommend their college program to someone else.
hen you see those ads on the
subway that tell you how many
college graduates have landed jobs in
their field, or you check out the stats on
how well students enjoyed their college
experience, you’re using Key
Performance Indicators (KPI) data.
KPIs are sets of measures mandated
by the province to indicate the
performances of Ontario’s colleges.
They measure student satisfaction,
graduation rates, graduate satisfaction,
graduate employment rates and
employer satisfaction.
While Seneca grads have been
happy to participate in their piece of
the annual survey, they’ve been shy
about granting researchers permission
to contact their employers. “There’s a
sense of embarrassment or reticence,”
says Tet Lopez-Rabson, Director of
Seneca’s Office of Institutional Research.
There needn’t be.
Tet says the survey is absolutely
confidential and is not an assessment
of the graduate’s work performance.
Instead, it’s aimed at ensuring Seneca
programs are relevant to the workplace.
Your own performance is your own
business.
The information gathered from those
15-minute interviews is very valuable,
and the larger the sample, the more
accurate the data.
“We need more information from
industry,” says Tet, “to know Seneca
is really meeting industry’s needs.”
Results are analysed and used as part of
a wider discussion at the College about
ensuring student and graduate success.
So when you get the call, say yes.
TAKE YOUR COMPANY FURTHER
by investing in and developing the skills of your employees.
Here is how we can help you:
•
Part-time Studies in a traditional classroom format - on campus or on-site at your location
•
Customizing career related and relevant part-time studies programs in a corporate
training format
•
Arranging an on-site part-time studies information session
•
Corporate education and training services and facilities
To enquire about corporate training opportunities call 416.491.5050, ext.7284 or
email corporatetraining@senecac.on.ca
44
www.senecaalumni.ca

CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT
OF OPEN TECHNOLOGY (CDOT)
Leverage Our Expertise
CDOT, operating out of the Seneca School of Computer
Studies, offers a physical and virtual environment for
the development and research of open source products.
We’re an internationally recognized centre fostering
collaboration between academia, business and the open
source community. Our students, grads and faculty
actively contribute to world class open source software
projects such as the Firefox web browser, and we’re
ready to help you.
FIND OUT MORE:
Chris Tyler
Centre for Development of Open Technology
416.491.5050 x3315
cdot@senecac.on.ca
CDOT is proud of its partnerships with leading
corporations like IBM, Mozilla and Red Hat and excited by
the prospect of forming new alliances. Our services are
available to all types of external organizations in need of
open source knowledge and expertise.
• Leverage open source technology within your company.
• Work with us to ‘open source’ existing products.
• Participate in research activities using open source
technology and processes.
• Hire students or grads with expertise in open source
technology – funding available for co-op placements.
• Attend our Free Software and Open Source
Symposium held each fall.
SENECA CHANGES YOU.
DEGREES OF OPPORTUNITY
Your Path to Career Success
Seneca offers a
range of targeted
and practical degrees
to help you get the
career you want in
a world of growing
opportunity.
ProgramS
Child Development
Control Systems Technology
Environmental Site Remediation
Financial Services Management
Flight Program
Human Resources Strategy
and Technology
Informatics and Security
International Accounting
and Finance
Municipal and Corporate
Administration
Software Development
Nursing (in collaboration
with York University)
SENECA CHANGES YOU.
www.senecac.on.ca/students/bachelordegree.html
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 45

Theatre Shows and Sports Tickets
Enjoy live theatre and sports
at discounted prices while you support Seneca.
Seneca Alumni has recently negotiated with our theatre ticket suppliers to offer discount codes for each show time available. You no
longer have to select from specific shows and times and you may purchase online or by phone, using a Seneca Alumni discount code.
You’ll still save as much as 40 per cent.
Remember, each time you purchase a ticket using a Seneca Alumni discount code, a portion of the proceeds will be used to support the
Student Development Grant – enabling current Seneca students to participate in out-of-classroom learning experiences.
For more details on available discounts, go to www.senecaalumni.ca or call 416-491-5050 ext. 2960.
JERSEY BOYS
This is the story of how a group of
blue-collar boys from the wrong side of
the tracks became one of the biggest
American pop music sensations of all
time: Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
(Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy
DeVito and Nick Massi).
They wrote their own songs, invented
their own sounds and sold 175 million
records worldwide – all before they
were 30. The musical features such Four
Seasons’ hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t
Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Oh What a
Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Directed by two-time Tony Award®
winner and Toronto native Des McAnuff,
JERSEY BOYS is written by Academy
Award winner Marshall Brickman and Rick
Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics
by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio
Trujillo, another Toronto native.
For performances through June 2010.
OUTSMART
THE ECONOMY.
HiRE TOp STUdENTS fROM THE SCHOOl
Of ACCOUNTiNg & fiNANCiAl SERviCES.
Our grads are jOb REAdY SpECiAliSTS in
accounting, payroll, financial planning, financial
services management, insurance, real property
administration, regulatory compliance and more.
in addition, we have qualified, enthusiastic
degree and diploma students available for
CO-Op wORk plACEMENTS.
TO lEARN MORE, CONTACT
Sheilagh Stephenson
416.491.5050 x2795
Sheilagh.Stephenson@senecac.on.ca
Naomi Herman
416.491.5050 x6864
Naomi.Herman@senecac.on.ca
www.senecac.on.ca
46
www.senecaalumni.ca

comingevents
• Seneca’s Annual
Athletic Banquet
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time: 6pm
Location: Premiere Ballroom,
Richmond Hill
Celebrate the talent and accomplishments
of Seneca’s outstanding athletes,
including the National Champion
Men’s Soccer Team.
For tickets or further information,
contact melissa.wiseman@senecac.on.ca,
416-491-5050 ext. 2300
• School of Fashion
and Merchandising
Year-end Fashion Show
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Japanese Canadian Cultural
Centre, 6 Garamond Court
See the talents of Seneca’s fashion students
on display. This annual tradition
at Seneca is a must-attend event. Catch
a first glimpse of the future stars of the
Canadian fashion industry.
For tickets or more information,
contact brian.wickens@senecac.on.ca,
416-491-5050 ext. 6552
• Special Olympics Bocce
Ball Tournament
Date: Thursday, May 6 to
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Location: King Campus
Volunteers and sponsors are welcome.
Help to support some courageous
athletes and see teamwork and dedication
at its finest.
For more information, contact phil.
pomeroy@senecac.on.ca, 416-491-
8811 ext. 6931
• Distinguished Alumni
Awards Dinner
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Location: Markham Campus
Celebrate Seneca’s most distinguished
graduates at this gala dinner. You’ll
leave inspired and even more proud to
be a Senecan.
For ticket details contact the
Seneca Alumni office at 416-491-5050
ext. 2960.
• First in the Family Event
Date: Saturday, May 29, 2010
Time: 10 am
Location: Senecentre, Newnham
Campus
Are you the first in your family to
graduate from college? Share your
story and serve as role models for
incoming first generation students at
this open house.
For more information, contact
barry.naymark@senecac.on.ca 416-
491-5050 ext. 2008
• Wheels and Walk for
Wellness
Date: Sunday, June 27, 2010
Time: 7 am
Location: McCutcheon Island, Front
Field, King Campus.
Join more than 200 supporters of the
Humber River Regional Hospital on
the gorgeous trails at King for this
fundraising event.
To get involved, contact barb.
weeden@senecac.on.ca, 416-491-5050
ext. 5029
• York Region United Way
Dragon Boat Race
Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010
Time: 8 am
Location: McCutcheon Island,
Outdoor Centre, King Campus
Paddles up for this Kickoff Event for
York Region United Way Fund Raising
Campaign.
To get involved, contact barb.
weeden@senecac.on.ca, 416-491-5050
ext. 5029.
Stand tall
We’re looking for Seneca’s best. Let us know about your own
or your classmates’ successes and we’ll consider them for a
Premier’s Award nomination.
The Awards honour the important social and economic
contribution Ontario college graduates make to Ontario and
throughout the world.
Contact Seneca Alumni at alumni@senecac.on.ca. To speak to
us by phone, call 416-491-5050 ext. 2960 or (from outside Toronto)
1-888-ALUMNUS.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 47

SUCCESS SEMINARS
We want to make your learning
grapevine
experience at Seneca a real success. These three-hour informal seminars are designed to enhance your
personal, professional and student life, while enabling you to meet with other students in a relaxed setting.
To register, go to www.senecac.on.ca/ce or call 416.493.4144. There is a $10 non-refundable material fee for these seminars. You must be a
registered Continuing Education student or Seneca Alumnus to participate. These seminars are primarily paid for through funding provided
by the part-time student administrative fee.
We cannot accommodate children in the classroom.
MONDAY SERIES
Dealing With Difficult People in the Workplace
SEM053
If you deal with people who demonstrate the kinds of difficult behaviour that
make working and living effectively almost impossible, then this workshop is
for you. Participants learn how perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours impact
the way they interact with others.
Newnham Campus
Mon, Jun 14, 7–10 pm, FA
Creative Thinking
SEM052
Where does creativity come from? What constitutes creativity? This workshop
provides participants with opportunities to enhance their creative thinking
skills. Participants identify what constitutes creativity, understand the common
mental traps that block their creative thinking, and learn strategies and
techniques to expand their lateral thinking.
Newnham Campus
Mon, Jun 21, 7–10 pm, FA
True Colour
SEM024
We live in a high stress, low tolerance world. Join us for a workshop that
will increase your understanding of workplace differences and diversity while
providing tips and techniques to reduce conflict and foster teamwork.
Newnham Campus
Mon, Jul 5, 7–10 pm, FA
Time Management
SEM001
Topics include goal planning, organizing your day, breaking the procrastination
habit, finding your high energy prime time, and schedule planning. Learn to
manage your time and work flow more effectively to improve productivity on
the job while planning for the “quality time” in your life.
Newnham Campus
Mon, Jul 19, 7–10 pm, FA
Customer Service
SEM056
In the ever-changing business world, success is always available if customer
services is the first on their mission statement. In this seminar, participants
are introduced to customer services strategies they can use daily to help their
companies grow and prosper.
Newnham Campus
Mon, Jul 26, 7–10 pm, FA
SATURDAY SERIES
Team Building
SEM069
Although we all work in teams, quite often our teams are operating well below
their potential. This workshop has two goals: to enhance the participants’
understanding of how effective teams work together, and also to help them
develop implementable and customized strategies to improve the performance
of their own teams.
Newnham Campus
Sat, May 29, 9 am–12 noon, FQ
Public Speaking — “No Fear”
SEM054
Public Speaking is one of the most fearful of life’s tasks for adults. This
workshop is action packed from start to finish. Participants learn to expand
their natural talents in a group setting in the form of an audience. Topics
include audience analysis, visual aids, fear demolition and speech preparation.
Newnham Campus
Sat, Jun 12, 9 am–12 noon, FQ
Taking Advantage of Change
SEM027
The pace of change today can be overwhelming, in both our career
and personal life. Your ability to deal with change can result either in
disillusionment and burnout or optimism and success. This seminar explains
the concepts of change and how you can identify the opportunities change
presents to create the future you want. Participants gain awareness of their
own perceptions, learn how to break through barriers and take action for a
positive change.
Newnham Campus
Sat, Jun 26, 9 am–12 noon, FQ
Dealing with Stress
SEM004
Stress is an inevitable aspect of life. A variety of self-control techniques to deal
with stress are demonstrated and discussed.
Newnham Campus
Sat, Jul 10, 9 am–12 noon, FQ
Rapport Building
SEM071
This seminar not only shows you what words to use to keep that person
interested, but also shows you how to move your body to keep the rapport
going for the duration of the conversation. Participants learn how to add the
finishing touches to the conversation so their listeners go away thinking that
they just talked.
Newnham Campus
Sat, Jul 24, 9 am–12 noon, FQ

grape vine
1971
Fred De Francesco, CIP (General
Insurance), has been involved in the
insurance industry for more than 38
years in underwriting, marketing and
management. He co-formed his own
brokerage 28 years ago. Fred’s been
involved in teaching, seminar presentations,
text auditing and writing, as well
as assisting government officials during
the planning and reforming of automobile
insurance in Ontario.
In 1987, Fred ran as the Progressive
Conservative candidate in the riding of
York South and continues to participate
in the political process, working on
campaigns and supporting candidates.
Fred is grateful and proud to say
attending Seneca College changed his
life. Seneca gave him independence
and the curriculum encouraged him to
think independently and accomplish
without barriers. Contact Fred
at 905-270-4727 or fdefrancesco@
onlinestudies.net.
yearling sales in Kentucky. Her passion
for horses has shaped her volunteerism.
For the past 10 years Pat has been
a member of the Ontario Therapeutic
Riding Association (OnTRA) Education
Committee and has held the positions
of Secretary and Ontario Equestrian
Federation Liaison.
Pat has also volunteered for 22 years
Frank’s your uncle!
Frank Gibson is a 1984 Biological
(Chemical) Technician graduate and
spent his first 18 months in the workforce
with the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment’s Dioxin Laboratory. In
1985, he was hired by Rothmans of
Pall Mall. In the 25 years he has been
employed by Rothmans, he has worked
in various analytical labs and departments.
Currently he is a senior technician in the
Lab Information Services Department
and works as a computer/programmer/
database administrator. Frank was
influential in advising his nephew Matt
Jebb to follow in his footsteps and
enroll at Seneca. Contact Frank at
fgibson@rbhinc.ca.
Matt Jebb is a 2003 graduate in
Chemical Engineering Technology,
like his uncle. Matt graduated just
as Walkerton’s water crisis occurred,
prompting Matt to enter the field of
FAMILY MATTERS
with the Community Association for
the Riding for the Disabled (CARD).
Coincidently, Pat is an owner of a
Standardbred, the breed that she studied
while at Seneca.
Pat is employed with the federal
government and also works on behalf
of the Federal Public Servant’s Union.
Contact Pat at pdimambro@ontra.ca.
water and wastewater treatment.
With well-rounded lab experience from
Seneca, he was able to understand the
methods of coagulation, chloramination/chlorination
and disinfection. Matt
credits his college diploma and the five
years of field experience in municipal
water/wastewater systems with helping
his advancement with the Regional
Municipality of York. Today, Matt is the
Construction Coordinator for the Capital
Delivery Branch, dealing with many
government agencies.
1983
Pat DiMambro (Harness Horse
Industry Operations) worked at a racetrack
as a groom for a couple of trainers
after graduating. Pat also worked for
the Armbro Brothers syndicate on their
Love and marriage
They met, got married, and lived happily
ever after. It sounds like something
right out of a fairy tale, but it came true
for Andrew Wyman and Anna Melara.
Andrew and Anna graduated from the
International Business program in 2000.
Their “happily-ever-after” includes two
sons, aged one and six, with Anna’s career
on pause. Andrew started at Moen Inc.
Canada as a sales and service representative
and has progressed to Regional Sales
Manager for Western Canada. The family
is relocating to the Vancouver area.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 49

grapevine
1984
Shai Dubey (Aviation and Flight
Technology) founded and ran Air
One, an executive aircraft charter
company and flight training school.
After selling Air One, he went on
to become Chief Pilot and Manager
of Flight Operations for Spatial
Concepts International Inc. and Chief
Pilot for O’Toole’s Food Group.
After a few years working as an
aviation consultant, Shai returned
to school, graduating from the
University of Toronto, then from
Queen’s University with a Bachelor
of Laws. Currently, he is Director
of the Cornell Queen’s Executive
MBA program, a faculty member at
Queen’s School of Business and a
visiting Assistant Professor at Cornell
University. In addition, Shai is a lawyer
with Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little
& Bonham LLP in Kingston, where he
advises clients on corporate, commercial
and governance matters. Shai also holds
the title of Legal Officer Judge Advocate
General (JAG) with the Canadian
Armed Forces Reserve and provides
ongoing legal advice to commanding
officers, teaches pre-deployment courses
to Canadian Forces personnel and guest
lectures at the Royal Military College.
1987
Jim LeGrand (Chemical Technology
Co-operative) spent 18 years working
in the Chemistry Department at
Ontario Hydro. He’s now working with
Bruce Power. He has also worked with
Environment Canada, in industrial
hygiene, and environmental consulting.
Jim feels the great training and diploma
from Seneca helped him with many
different job opportunities.
1989
Chris Eng (Business Administration
Cooperative) started his career at
Panasonic on the order desk in the
Industrial Typewriter division. He
credits the experience he gained
through his co-op program for providing
him with a smooth transition into
the “real world.” After several years
on the order desk, he moved to the
newly-formed Customer Care Centre,
assisting customers with everything
from product operation to troubleshooting.
He became an Account Specialist
then advanced to his current position
as a Marketing Assistant in the A/V
Group. Chris is working with exciting
products like VIERA televisions and Blu-
Ray players. In total, he has been with
Panasonic for 20 years and feels he
was well prepared for this adventure
by Seneca’s Business Administration
program.
Chris is married with two children
and has recently moved to Maple,
Ontario. He would love to reconnect
with anybody from his program. E-mail
Chris at chriseng@sympatico.ca.
Terry Margel (Accounting and
Finance Co-operative) works with
the Toronto Transit Commission as a
project controls analyst and supports
the Engineering and Construction
Department. After graduating, Terry
continued his accounting studies
to become a Certified Management
Accountant (CMA). He is a big believer
in lifelong learning and is currently
pursuing his certification in financial
project management.
Terry has been married for 12 years
and is the proud father of two wonderful
sons.
He visited the Alumni office last fall
and wanted to let us know he is proud
of his education at Seneca and is eager
to reconnect and give back. He helped
us find classmate Chris Eng (see
above). The two have maintained their
friendship for the last 20 years. If you
would like to contact Terry, e-mail him
at terry.margel@rogers.com.
1996
Suzanne C. Jones (Corporate
Communications) sends a big hello
from “paradise” on Vancouver Island.
Suzanne is a personal assistant to
Mairuth Hodge Sarsfield, author of
No Crystal Stair. She also keeps busy
conducting academic research for Dr.
Sheldon Taylor, Professor, University
of Toronto. Suzanne is delighted to be
using research skills gleaned from her
time studying at Seneca and credits
Professor David Turnbull. Working
as an ordained non-denominational
Minister, she has performed many weddings
and funerals and has travelled
to India serving as a humanitarian aid
worker with Global Mercy. In addition
to her ministerial work, Suzanne
is employed with BC Mental Health
and Addictions Services as a support
worker at a transition house. Suzanne
lives with her much loved and spoiled
beagle Hugs and is truly enjoying life.
50
www.senecaalumni.ca

grape vine
1998
Ian Hoar (Computer Graphics –
Technical) started making personal
websites in 1996 after taking an introductory
HTML course. This peaked
his interest and lead him to enroll at
Seneca’s School of Communication
Arts. After graduating he was
employed for five years working on
the corporate websites for CIBC.
For the past six years he has been
an online design specialist for Araid
Custom Communications. In addition,
he occasionally freelances and runs
several websites including his own at
www.ianhoar.com. Ian is an avid sailor
and spends a lot of his spare time on
Lake Ontario and travels when he can.
“Web design has changed dramatically
since my years at Seneca. It really was
that one course that put me on the
career path I have today. Working in a
field like this is about constant learning
and improving.”
IN MEMORIUM
Branden Steeper (Underwater Skills
2005) passed away on March 3, 2008 in
a tragic car accident at age 22.
Branden was a graduate of Simcoe
Composite High School and a successful
student at Seneca. He began his career
in diving at the fisheries in Tofino,
British Columbia, then moved closer to
home and worked from Gore Bay on
Manitoulin Island, with his friend Alec
Hamilton, also a graduate of Seneca.
He had started a job with Cargo Jet
at Hamilton International Airport where
he was completing his probationary
period and looking forward to an airline
mechanics apprenticeship.
Branden is missed by his mother,
brother and extended family and friends.
Take Your Career
To New Heights
ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS.
Seneca’s Schools of Marketing and e-Business,
and Tourism offer 1-3 year diplomas, certificates
and graduate certificates to meet the needs of an
ever-changing global economy.
• Specialize in Marketing, Brand Management,
Marketing Management, Information Systems,
Hospitality Management, Tourism and Travel,
or Flight Services
• Graduate with the skill sets employers value
• Chart a path to your new career
• Study at a convenient GTA location
SCHOOL OF MARKETING AND E-BUSINESS
www.senecac.on.ca/school/marketingebusiness
SCHOOL OF TOURISM
www.senecac.on.ca/school/tourism
SENECA CHANGES YOU.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 51

grapevine
Stay in Touch
Keep us up to date on your contact
information. Update your personal profile
online at
www.senecaalumni.ca
or e-mail alumni@senecac.on.ca
2001
Tim Mayeur (Forensic Accounting
Post-Diploma) has spent the last eight
years working at Wal-Mart Canada
Corporation. He joined the company
as a security
guard and three
months later was
transferred to a
post that involves
corporate investigations,
database
management,
accident risk
analysis and
Intranet development. He now has the
added responsibilities of eCommerce
infrastructure, hosting, web analysis, site
administration, social media and online
marketing. His major focus is on fulfillment
and transportation.
2003
Margo
Wynhofen
(Financial Services
Underwriting
Graduate
Certificate) started
her mortgage
career with a
major lender as
a mortgage sales
representative.
Margo quickly realized she would be
better able to serve her clients if she
became an independent originator.
Her expertise and focus on finding her
clients the best mortgage available
has made her one of ING Direct’s top
performing mortgage brokers for 2005
and 2006. In 2007, she joined the
VERICO Mortgage Brokers Network as
TRANSFORM YOUR FUTURE.
Discover a Career in Legal & Public Administration.
Our accelerated diploma programs are specifically designed
for college and university graduates. Get the targeted skills you
need in just one year (3 semesters) and look forward to an
in-demand career in the legal, library or information industry.
• Law Clerk Accelerated – Prepare for a career assisting
lawyers in law firms and legal departments of government
and industry. Acquire an understanding of the general
principles of law as well as specific training in skills required
by law clerks. Start September or January.
• Paralegal Accelerated – Become a licensed paralegal
in accordance with the Law Society Act. Obtain theoretical
and practical training in specific legal subjects, legal ethics
and small business practice, in areas where licensed
paralegals are permitted to practise. Start September or May.
• Library and Information Technician Accelerated
– Work in a constantly changing information environment,
bringing together people, information and materials.
Establish a career in such diverse settings as corporations,
professional firms, schools, hospitals, cultural organizations
and public libraries. Start in May.
APPLY NOW.
416.491.5050 x2800
www.senecac.on.ca
SCHOOL OF LEGAL
ANd PUBLiC AdMiNiSTRATiON
SENECA CHANGES YOU.
52
www.senecaalumni.ca

grape vine
a new member in Grimsby, Ontario. If
you are interested in contacting Margo,
call 905-309-8850.
2004
Karen Dubin Shaw (Corporate
Communications) came to Seneca after
graduating from York University in
1999. Karen had a keen interest in the
art and science
of crafting communications.
She embarked
on a freelance
career in public
relations and
quickly realized,
to succeed, she
would need
more education. Karen graduated
from Seneca and York’s Corporate
Communications program in 2004
and started working on the agency
side, handling publicity in arts and
entertainment. She managed local
PR for visiting celebrities, such as
Alec Baldwin and Woody Harrelson.
In 2005, Karen was hired to work
on Moses Znaimers’ annual conference.
Karen is now Senior Project
Manager at the Responsible Gambling
Council, where she has implemented
and opened 24 Responsible Gaming
Resource Centres at many gaming
venues in Ontario.
Karen married in May 2009.
2009
Nicola Armentano (Computer
Programmer and Computer
Programming and Analysis) came to
Seneca after spending a few years in
the workforce. He had taken a critical
look at his skills, his industry, his ability
to compete and what he wanted in
life. This self-evaluation led him back
to school, enrolling at Seneca. Nick is
confidant he now possesses the skills
necessary to compete in today’s job
market and successfully survive in our
ever-changing economic climate. Nick
feels his education in computer studies
has helped him become a more strategic
and critical thinker.
YOUR BEST IMAGE
Polish your professional look to
go with your professional skills.
This six workshop series has been developed in
response to the growing demand from both men and
women looking to improve their personal appearance
and business etiquette. Discover techniques to assist
in developing a confident, positive and marketable
presence for any business environment.
Your Best Image Workshops:
• Image Assessment and Analysis DCP505
• Etiquette and Communication DCP506
• Colour, Style and Wardrobe DCP507
• Dress for Success DCP508
• Makeup Application and Grooming DCP509
• Smart Shopping DCP510
For more information
visit senecac.on.ca/ce/alumni
or call 416.491.5050, ext 4122.
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 53

grapevine
now in print
Professor Rob Colter has put
his best advice on writing into
writing. His new book Writing
to Go comes from years of
leading a writing workshop for working professionals.
Many of his students had been challenged by the transition
from academic to workplace writing and lacked the confidence
to compose effective memos and reports. See a
sample in Tip Sheets on page 34.
His best-selling first book, Grammar to Go, has been in
print for 30 years.
Rob has been at Seneca for 31 years, serving both as a
chair and professor. Since 2001, he has been teaching writing
in the School of English and Liberal Studies.
Winter sports is the topic of Professor
Bill Humber’s latest release Let it
Snow: Keeping Canada’s Winter Sports
Alive. Co-authored with his son Darryl
Humber, the book is published by
Natural Heritage, a member of the
Dundurn Group.
Bill writes, “Sports are the means
Canadians use to fight back against
the harsh reality of the season that
informs so many metaphors of decline
and death. In sports we triumph or
find honour in participation.”
This is Bill's eleventh book.
Seneca’s most organized graduate
Hellen Buttigieg (RTV 1983) shares
her secrets in Organizing Outside the
Box. The book is described as “clear,
concise and compelling.” Hellen’s
“secret” is to organize according to
your natural, preferred learning style.
Hellen is a professional organizer,
personal life coach and television
host. To find out more about her
services or the book, go to www.
weorganizeu.com.
Where’s William?
We’ve lost touch with William Chung and William Warner from
Civil Engineering Technician 1989. Unfortunately, they aren’t
the only ones. If you know the whereabouts of William, William
or anyone else on this list, let us know how to contact them at
alumni@senecaalumni.ca.
Accounting &
Finance
1985
Janifer Chan
Dianne Cox
Mary Donahee
Frederick Joseph
George Kallinis
Karol King
Alvin Koh
Evelyn Lam
Joseph Link
Teena O’Boyle
John Orzoli
Steven Pearl
Leonidas Roussos
Ching-Chih Shieh
Sheila Simpson
Vito Sinopoli
Karen Whitmore
Laurie Zuech
1993
Dikran Agop
Craig Baker
Ruth Sakthi
Coomaraswamy
Kaye Danko
Vashtie Garib
John Headley
Muhammad Macci
Wanda Maughn
Sharon Scully
Jeanine West
1997
Mahabob Abuhayat
Shahana Begum
Currie Emino
Annie Huynh
Camelia Kwok
Liyi Li
John Loucadellis
Tana Porter
Dorothy Yick
2000
Hoa Chandara
Angela Choi
Albert Chulak
Dawn Harris
Thanh Hoang
Betty Lam
Wai-Kam Ma
Haleh Nezamabadi
Oksana Sikacheva
Lucresha Stewart
Man Wong
2005
Dongwei Li
Arryn McNichol
Haijie Yu
Aviation and
Flight Technology
1993
Allan Booth
Shan Breadner
Jeffrey Cyr
Matthew Foulkes
Ali Hassani
Andrew Kovacs
Jeremy Prenger
1997
David Boucher
David Brickell
Jody Edmonstone
Jeremy Kent
David Laporte
Laura Sales
Jason Wilson
2000
Jason Cassar
Kevin Crawford
Gheorghe Furic
Jenerva Miller
David Purkis
Arnaud Trussart
Civil Engineering
Technician
1984
Brenda Glaeser
Earl Hand
Alex Safian
Francesco Vennare
1989
Mesfin Medhanie
William Chung
Aldo Minaudo
Suleiman Salama
William Warner
1992
John Balliston
Mark Buna
Sean King
Marcello Leone
Bill Maroulis
1997
Cathy Langdon
Kenny Ng
2000
Richard Gibbs
Adrian Khan
Travel & Tourism
Studies - Travel
& Hospitality
1998
Saleh Al Bataineh
Khalid Ali
Lidia Berhe
Daniel Campos
Alyssa Dickey
Silvio Doria
Tammy Hardie
Cindy Lee
Jun Park
Melanie Sheekey
Yen Tran
54
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alumni benefits
Seneca College Affinity
MasterCard
Every time you use a Seneca College
MasterCard, a financial contribution is
made to the Seneca Alumni Endowed
Bursary Fund. MBNA Canada offers you the
Seneca College Platinum Plus® or Preferred
MasterCard® credit card.
Apply today. Call 1-800-416-6345 or go to
www.senecaalumni.ca, and click on “Benefits
and Services.”
Johnson Inc. Home-Auto
Insurance
The Seneca Alumni Association has a
Preferred Service home-auto insurance
program with Johnson Inc.
For a free quote, contact Johnson Inc.
toll-free at 1-800-563-0677 (Group ID Code:
SM) or visit www.johnson.ca/senecaalumni
AFFINITY PARTNERS
Alumni is for life
Graduating is just the start of your education. As part of the Seneca Alumni
Association’s continued support, we enter into partnerships and use our
bargaining power to bring you special offers on products and services. Affinity
partners contribute financially to the Association in a number of ways. Those
financial contributions allow us to dedicate resources annually to the Seneca
Alumni Endowed Bursary Fund.
Visit www.senecaalumni.ca for all our partner descriptions and services.
We are constantly sourcing new opportunities for you.
1-800-461-4597 or www.johnson.ca/
medoc_mx.
*Premium varies based on age, health status and
applicable taxes. MEDOC is a registered trademark of
Johnson Inc. MEDOC is underwritten by Royal & Sun
Alliance Insurance Company of Canada and administered
by Johnson Inc. Johnson Inc. has common ownership
with Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada.
Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife Financial)
Seneca Alumni has done the
shopping and comparing for you.
Now you can take advantage of
specially negotiated rates on:
• Term Life Insurance
• Income Protection
• Major Accident Protection
• Critical Illness Protection
• Health and Dental Insurance
To see how much you can save, simply go
to www.manulife.com/seneca.
For more information about your exclusive
Alumni plan, contact Manulife Financial
toll-free at 1-888-913-6333, am_service@
manulife.com or www.manulife.com/seneca.
In addition, Safebridge will support the
Seneca Alumni Association with a financial
contribution, which will go towards
enhancing the programs and services offered
to Seneca Alumni.
Seneca Alumni and Seneca College
employees are invited to take advantage
of our Mortgage Centered Financial Plan
and Mortgage Tracking Program. Our
proprietary software will alert you when
the right opportunity to refinance your
mortgage arises. It will also remind you of an
upcoming renewal date at least four months
in advance. Register your principal property
and any of your investment properties
at www.SafebridgeFinancial.com, or by
contacting our offices at 416-466-5858 or
mortgages@safebridgefinancial.com.
Seneca Alumni Wine Program
The Alumni Wine program features
outstanding new Niagara Peninsula VQA
wines from Legends Estate Winery, located
on the shores of Lake Ontario in Beamsville.
We encourage you to display your pride
in Seneca and to begin your Alumni Wine
collection today.
From the winery to your home, or to
send as a gift, call 1-866-415-9463 or visit:
www.senecaalumni.ca and click on “Benefits
and Services”.
Residence & Conference Centre
Johnson Inc. – Medoc® Travel
Health Insurance Plan
Get the protection you need for as little as
$5* per month.
Enjoy year-round protection while
travelling outside your province of
residence or Canada.
For more information, or to access an
application form, contact us at
Safebridge Financial Group
PRE-APPROVALS - PURCHASES
- REFINANCES - RENEWALS -
CONSOLIDATIONS
Call us today to access more than 30
different lenders (TD, Scotiabank, CIBC
Firstline, ING, etc.) and some of the most
competitive WHOLESALE interest rates in
the country. FREE 30 minute consultation
and FREE appraisal when you fund a
mortgage through our office ($500 Value).
Seneca Suites - Seneca College
Residence & Conference Centre
Newnham Campus The Newnham
Campus is located on Hwy. 404 at Finch
Avenue East, just minutes from Toronto’s
various attractions. It has a fully-serviced
conference area and a combined capacity
of 400 guests. Many lounges and meeting
rooms are also available throughout 15
storeys that overlook Canada’s largest city.
King Campus The King Campus is
located north of Toronto in King Township,
1 - 888 - ALUMNUS 55

alumni
benefits
near Aurora and Newmarket. The Campus,
situated on the former Eaton Estate, is
surrounded by acres of beautiful countryside.
Enjoy an air-conditioned suite, featuring
two private bedrooms, with oversized double
beds, cable television, free local phone calls,
high-speed Internet, a three-piece bathroom
and a kitchenette, complete with a fridge
and microwave. Other services include
great full-service daily housekeeping and a
complimentary continental breakfast.
For more information and reservations,
visit www.residenceconferencecentre.com or
call 1-877-2-ALUMNI (877-225-8664).
“We create the comforts of home by
providing great service and the best overall
value in accommodations to all our guests.”
Amsdell
Amsdell is a major campus-wide PC
system provider to Seneca College. Seneca
Alumni exclusive offer: Save up to 30%
off your personalized PC by calling 1-877-
AMSDELL (267-3355) or 905-881-3020 or
by emailing: general@amsdell.com.
CAA Central Ontario
CAA Central Ontario (Club 282) covers
the City of Toronto, north to Barrie and
Orillia, parts of Sault Ste. Marie, east to
Oshawa (as well as clubs in Peterborough,
Kingston and Belleville) and west to
Mississauga, Brampton and Windsor. Seneca
alumni living in the Central Ontario Club
282 area are entitled to enjoy the special
Group Membership Rate that the Seneca
Alumni Association has established. Find
out more about CAA services on the Central
Ontario Chapter website, www.caasco.com,
or visit: www.senecaalumni.ca and click on
“Benefits and Services” to download the CAA
group membership form or call the Seneca
Alumni office at 416-491-5050 ext. 2960.
SoftMoc
SoftMoc Inc., an upscale comfort lifestyle
56
OFF-CAMPUS DISCOUNTS
footwear provider, is offering Seneca College
Alumni (and family) a Corporate Club
Membership to SoftMoc Shoe Stores and its
Internet shop. Alumni save an additional
20% off all regular price purchases and
10% off sale items. Quote Seneca College
Corporate Club Account 777000012744
at any SoftMoc Store in Canada, prior to
making your purchase. If you are shopping
online – www.softmoc.com – simply enter
the Corporate Club Account Number at the
end of the checkout process (just before you
pay). Call 1-888-SOFTMOC (763-8662) to
find the SoftMoc store nearest you or e-mail
keith@softmoc.com.
SoftMoc reserves the right to modify the terms
of this agreement at any time without notice.
Membership good until July 15, 2010.
Toronto Board of Trade
Creating new opportunities is the key to
your professional and personal success.
Thanks to an agreement between the
Toronto Board of Trade and the Seneca
College Alumni Association, alumni can save
25% off Toronto Board of Trade Essentials
Advantage membership (ideal for individuals)
and/or Growth Advantage membership (for
growing companies).
Toronto Board of Trade is Canada’s largest
local chamber of commerce, connecting
10,000 members and more than 200,000
business professionals across the Toronto
region. Membership in the Toronto Board of
Trade can deliver measurable benefits for you,
your business and your city. Engage with a
dynamic and diverse community. Build your
network and your brand. Learn more. Enjoy
unrivalled service offerings and savings. And
be part of an organization that is working
to ensure the economic, social and cultural
vitality of the Toronto region.
Your education has brought you to this
point with the knowledge and experience to
build your professional profile. Expand that
profile by connecting with the right people and
making a difference in your Toronto region.
To learn more about the benefits of
Toronto Board of Trade membership, visit
bot.com/Seneca, email join@bot.com or call
416-862-4521.
Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is home to the most
exhilarating collection of rides and roller
coasters in all of Canada. The park will be
open for the season starting May 2, 2010.
Catch the Victoria Weekend fireworks display
Sunday, May 23 (weather permitting) at
dusk. For more information on this season’s
entertainment, call 905-832-7000 or consult
the website at www.canadaswonderland.com.
Special discount ticket prices are arranged for
Seneca Alumni and are available mid-May
from the Newnham Campus Cash Office –
1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto.
ON-CAMPUS DISCOUNTS
Bookstores
In appreciation of our alumni, the Seneca
bookstores offer a 10% discount on all clothing
and insignia items (personal shopping only
at our three locations at Newnham, York and
King campuses). Bring your alumni card and
check out the possibilities. Don’t have time for
personal shopping? Try our on-line shopping
experience at https://www.senecac.on.ca/
estore/.
Note: No discounts available for online shopping.
Child care
ECE Lab School Child Care – King and
Newnham Campuses. Please call June at
Newnham Campus 416-491-5050 ext. 4710
or Pam at King Campus, 905-833-3333 ext.
5063.
Fitness Centre
(Newnham Campus Only)
September-April Hours
Monday-Friday 7 am-9 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday Closed
Hours are reduced in the summer.
The Newnham Fitness Centre makes it
easy for students, employees, alumni and
community members to make exercise
part of their daily routine. Members can
take advantage of the weight machines and
free weights for resistance training, and
treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes for
cardiovascular training at their convenience.
Bosu, stability and medicine balls are also
available for core training. All memberships
include regularly-scheduled lunch-time
and evening fitness classes, plus a fitness
consultation and personalized fitness program
www.senecaalumni.ca

to help members reach their goals. Change rooms with showers,
workout towels and day-use lockers are also available. Seneca alumni
have two membership options; a six month Alumni Membership for
$210 or a 12 month Alumni Membership for $349 plus GST. For
more information, or to register, visit the Fitness Centre located in the
Sports Centre, first floor, Building G or call 416-491-5050 ext. 2976.
Seneca Libraries - Alumni Access
Seneca Libraries are located at the King, Markham, Newnham
and Seneca@York campuses. Seneca alumni, with valid Alumni
Association membership cards, have access to library collections at
each campus. Our collections include books, periodicals, CD-ROMs
and other electronic resources, films and videotapes. To use the library
services and to activate borrowing privileges, alumni must show
their alumni card and one other piece of identification with name and
current address. Don’t have your alumni card? Call the Alumni Office
SPECIAL OFFER
Gain a web presence and help a student
As part of Seneca College’s Webmaster Content Site Design
program, students design and develop a website for a business,
client, or project. We are looking for clients interested in this free
service. The site is reviewed by an instructor and forms part of the
student’s course evaluation.
Students are responsible for contacting the client, understanding
the business requirements for the website, developing a plan and
then implementing the design.
The client supplies:
• business information • website objective
• examples of preferred sites • logos
• all content
Given the limitations of time and students, clients should ensure
that the scope of the website is not too ambitious. For example,
websites that require e-commerce transactions, large volumes of
information or specialized authoring tools should be avoided.
If you are interested in adding your business to our potential client
list, contact Tisha Scott at Seneca College: 416-491-5050 ext. 7281
or tisha.scott@senecac.on.ca.
at 416-491-5050 ext. 2960. For hours and more information, visit
http://library.senecacollege.ca.
Vision Clinic
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 7 pm;
Friday & Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.
To book an appointment, call 416-491-5050 ext. 2773 or email
philip.lui@senecac.on.ca.
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Monday – Thursday, 11:00am to 7pm
Friday & Saturday, 9am to 1pm
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1 AnnConso_AN_7x21_4.indd - 888 - ALUMNUS 1
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PM

sceneon campus
Ever since I started my program at
Seneca, I have been amazed at the
supportive learning environment we
are provided with. Every day, our teachers
help us grow our knowledge, as
they prepare us for our future careers.
Seneca is bringing us closer to excellence.
It is no surprise that students are
proudly wearing the buttons that were
handed out to us during Seneca week.
Katalin Szeles
Student, first semester
Independent Digital Photography
58
www.senecaalumni.ca

Alumni Insurance Plans: A simpler solution for protecting your family.
Term Life Insurance
Income Protection Disability Insurance
Major Accident Protection Health & Dental Care Critical Illness Insurance
Call us at 1-888-913-6333.
Or visit us online at www.manulife.com/seneca
for more information.
ALUMNI
INSURANCE PLANS
Underwritten by:
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company