2011 Alumni Magazine - Sault College

Alumni
SAULT COLLEGE
A magazine for alumni and friends of Sault College
Fuzednotions
Fusing talent
with ambition
Jonathan Pratt and
Stephanie Park
Adventure Recreation
and Parks Technician grads
paddle the Great Lakes
Devan Brooks
Reality TV star
with Ice Pilots NWT
Jennifer Cross
Preserving a forest
for the future
Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 1

We Answer
your calling!
Alumni
SAULT COLLEGE
Contents
Whether you’re coming from high school, university, the workforce or
returning as a Second Career student, we’re here for you. Stop in or call us…
we are here to help you succeed.
Our Student Recruitment team invites you to discover our new expanding
campus! Take a tour, meet faculty, or sit in on a class. We can help you
complete your college application. Shadow a college student for a day and
find out why Sault College is the right place for you to study.
For more information, contact Sault College at 759-2554 ext. 2222
5 Message from the President
5 Message from Alumni Relations
6 Sault College graduates to reap
rewards of Alumni Association
Across the province, thousands of graduates benefit
from their college’s alumni associations with
networking events, volunteer opportunities, skills
training and group discounts
7 Sault College welcomes Prime
Minister Harper to our campus
Students and staff received quite the surprise when
they arrived at Sault College one Monday morning
8 New wing especially special for
Sault College grad
As a member of EllisDon Corp., Brian McAndrew is
an integral part of the school’s expansion
10 Steve McLeod is right where he
wants to be
Athletics, and a great overall student experience
among primary goals for Sault College
12 From the Sault College kitchen
Give these tried and true recipes a try!
14 Fuzednotions: fusing talent with
ambition
If there was anything that Sault College graduate
Jessica Wendling (Graphic Design, 2006) learned, it
was that working for someone else wasn’t her only
option when it came to establishing herself as a
graphic designer
16 Freshwater
Dreams
Adventure
Recreation and
Parks Technician
grads Jonathan Pratt
and Stephanie Park
paddle the Great
Lakes
18 Child and
Youth Worker
graduate
16
takes on
tough role
“For me the most rewarding part is when you have
been able to support someone through a process
of healing and they identify that their life has
improved”
Cover Photo
courtesy of
Cassandra Evans,
Digital Photography &
Imaging student
Fuzednotions:
14 fusing talent with
ambition
SAULT COLLEGE
A l u m n i
A magazine for alumni and friends of Sault College
Fuzednotions:
Fusing talent
with ambition
Jonathan Pratt and
Stephanie Park
Adventure Recreation
and Parks Technician grads
paddle the Great Lakes
Devan Brooks
Reality TV star
with Ice Pilots NWT
Jennifer Cross
Preserving a forest
for the future
Editor
Alana Turco
Contributing
Editors
Susan Hunter
Tessa Pino
Contributing
Writers
Liisa Allen*
Marc Capancioni
Susan Hunter
Conor Mihel
Tessa Pino
Graphic Design/
Art Direction
Selena Caputo*
Shawn Richards*
Photography
Digital Photography
& Imaging students of
Sault College
Curt O’Neil
Shawn Richards*
Anna Rodgers
Special Thanks
Sault College Marketing
and Advancement
*Sault College Alumnus
Sault College Alumni
Magazine is published
by the Department
of Alumni Relations,
in collaboration with
the Department
of Marketing and
Advancement
Comments and story
ideas are always
welcome. Please contact
Sault College Alumni
Relations, Sault College,
443 Northern Avenue,
Sault Ste. Marie,
Ontario, P6A 5L3,
705.759.2554, ext 2622,
alumni@saultcollege.ca
If you have recently
moved, please contact
us so we can correct
our mailing database
2 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 3

Turning heads
32 one custom cake
at a time
20 Sault College grads helping local
solar panel manufacturer reach
new heights
Plant owner Martin Pochtaruk plants flag in Sault
Ste. Marie
22 Sault College and Soo
Thunderbirds providing unique
opportunities
Student-athletes taking advantage of having both
entities at their doorstep
24 With a Little Help from my friends
The opportunity to give back to her community
is the greatest reward for Native Education grad
Bernadette Peltier
26 Sault College aviation grad now a
reality TV star with Ice Pilots NWT
Not only does he love doing what he does, he also
has one of the most interesting jobs this side of the
Arctic Circle...or the other
29 Preserving a forest for the future
The story of how Natural Environment and Outdoor
Studies grad Jennifer Cross found her dream job in
the Northern Ontario wilderness
31 Finding love at Sault College an
unexpected surprise
“My thoughts were that you couldn’t learn to
be a forestry technician in a concrete village like
Toronto,” said Peter. “You have to be where the
bush is. So Sault College it was.”
32 Jeannette Orazietti turning heads
one custom cake at a time
The Sault College graduate caters to her patrons,
working with them to select and design the perfect
creation
34 GIS Grad Maps out a Great Future
Gerry LaVoie began his educational journey as a
Sault College student studying Fish and Wildlife over
a decade ago in 1998
36 A memorable donation in honour
of a memorable woman
They spent a life-time travelling the world along
with their young son while doing world-renown
research that betters humanity
38 Sault College partners with Mike
Holmes and the Holmes Group
Sault College announces its newest partnership,
the only one of its kind in the province
SAULT COLLEGE
38 PARTNERS WITH
MIKE HOLMES AND
THE HOLMES GROUP
Message from the President
Welcome to the second edition of the Sault College Alumni magazine
When I read over the stories that appear
in this impressive edition, I am so pleased
to see that we are already accomplishing
the four main goals we set out for
ourselves in our new strategic plan,
unveiled earlier last year.
Here at the College, we want students
and grads like you to say the following
about us:
“I get the education I want and more,”
“The people are great,”
“It was worth it to come here,” and
“The experience changed my life.”
It is clear that, through the many accomplishments
and adventures of our alumni, many of you are saying
Message from Alumni Relations
Change is happening here at Sault College! Our hallways
are filled with the buzz of anticipation. Phase One of
our campus redevelopment is now complete with the
building of a state-of-the art new academic wing opening
to our students in September. This new
facility will set the pace for a continuum
of change to our campus infrastructure in
the years ahead.
Sault College has graduated over 26,000
students since opening our doors four
decades ago in 1972. In the spring of
this year, we again will welcome over 500
successful new graduates to our Alumni
network. In our second issue of the Sault
College Alumni magazine we continue
to celebrate the many accomplishments
of our alumni and recognize the
extraordinary successes they’ve achieved in their chosen
careers.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, recent
graduate, job seeker, current student, retired or
transitioning to a new career, the Sault College alumni
network is the best place to make connections and stay
linked to your campus community. You can also use
those very things: that you are glad that you chose Sault
College for your post-secondary education.
To our new graduates, we hope you remember your
experiences at Sault College with fondness, and as our
alumni, know that you will make the world that much
better through applying what you have learned here.
Your time at College constitutes some of the most
formative, important years of your lives.
We are pleased you spent them with us.
Dr. Ron Common
President, Sault College
social media to get connected through Facebook, Twitter
and LinkedIn. Be sure to keep your contact information
up-to-date so you can receive current information about
the events happening here on campus.
At the same time, I want to issue a challenge to you to
give back where you can. There are so many ways you
can get involved to help strengthen your alma mater:
Campus Coaching, volunteering for community events,
fundraising and annual giving are just a few of the many
opportunities available to you. I invite you to be a part
of your alumni organization and to serve the students of
today as well as those of future generations.
Be sure to stop by the Alumni Relations office next time
you are on campus. We would love to hear all about
your newest adventures!
Alana Turco
Advancement & Alumni Officer,
Sault College
alumni@saultcollege.ca
ALUMNI
RELATIONS
4 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 5

Photo courtesy of Allan Brunke
graduates to reap rewards
Sonny Spina,
Police Foundations
graduate and
Premier’s Award
nominee
Sault College
of alumni association
Across the province thousands of graduates benefit
from their college’s alumni associations with networking
events, volunteer opportunities, skills training and
group discounts. In an effort to follow in those very
footsteps, Sault College is working diligently towards
the establishment of an alumni
association that will not only
offer the same opportunities
to its own graduates, but also
provide a platform to showcase
the success of its former
students.
“We are just in the early
stages of developing the Alumni
Association,” said Alana Turco,
Sault College’s Advancement &
Alumni Relations officer. “To
date, we have received a very
positive response from many of
our graduates and look forward
to working together to develop
an active association. An
association will give our grads
a chance to stay in touch with
old classmates and friends.”
Sonny Spina, a 2002 Police
Foundations graduate, was
particularly inspired by his
time at the college, and felt compelled to contribute to a
place that, he felt, had given him so much. When Spina,
a former Premier’s Awards nominee, was contacted by
the college to share his experiences as alumni, he was
more than happy to participate.
“I think we all have that desire to go back and live our
college days again and bring with us the benefit of our
experience,” said Spina.
“I think it is important for alumni to get together and
share our experiences and network with each other. I
think that alumni will definitely benefit from an alumni
association because it will allow us to stay connected
to our college and to each other. It can provide us with
a lifetime link to our alma mater and allow us to keep
apprised of any new developments in our respective fields.
I am very confident that, as a result of this association,
we can only better ourselves and our positions.”
In addition to speaking at monthly alumni breakfasts,
which the college initiated in the fall of 2010, Spina is
also participating in the college’s new Campus Coaching
program, which pairs alumni with current students in an
effort to provide them with encouragement and support
in their chosen fields. Spina, who was named the 2008
officer of the year by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services,
said taking part in the program will allow him to share
valuable information about his field that can only be
found on the job.
“I hope that I can help give the students an
understanding of how things work in our field and I
hope that I can pass some of my knowledge to them,” said
Spina. “As alumni, we have a responsibility to ourselves
and to all current and future students who are following
us to get together and share our experiences. We have
to share our successes and our failures. Our goal should
always be that those who are following us will surpass
our accomplishments, and the only way they can do this
is if we help guide them. It is our experiences that will
give them hope and our leadership that will give them
inspiration.”
“By becoming a part of the Sault College alumni
association, our grads have an opportunity to stay
connected with the college,” said Turco. “As the
alumni association develops, there will be increased
opportunities for our grads to benefit from group
“We see our alumni as
our greatest ambassadors
and one of the keys to our
future success.”
discounts to a number of college partnerships.”
Graduates who are interested in becoming involved in
the establishment of a Sault College alumni association
are invited to contact the Advancement and Alumni
Relations office at (705) 759-2554, ext. 2622. Volunteers
are needed to assist with fundraising efforts, coaching
programs and special events.
By Liisa Allen
Sault College welcomes Prime
Minister Harper to our campus
Students and staff received quite the surprise
when they arrived at Sault College one
Monday morning
Prime Minister Stephen Harper drew a substantial crowd of conservative
supporters during a surprise visit to our Sault College campus. Guests were
afforded a sneak peek into the new academic wing at the College where Prime
Minister Harper addressed visitors regarding the Conservative focus for the
spring election.
Several Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree students, along with one of their
professors, were able to meet and converse with the Prime Minister about their
studies. Sault College President Dr. Common, also had the opportunity to show
the Prime Minister future expansion plans for our College moving forward.
Pharmacy
Technician
Join us to study in this new high
in-demand program – the only one
of its kind offered in a community
college in Northern Ontario for an
exciting, well-paying career in the
health-care field.
For information call Tanya at
705.759.2554 x 2222
www.saultcollege.ca
Dr. Ron Common, President, Sault College shows
Prime Minister Harper future plans for Sault College as
Ben Pascuzzi, Member, Board of Governors looks on
2 nd
CAREER
There has never been a better time to explore a Second
Career at Sault College. You may be eligible to receive
non-repayable funds to study with us.
For more information on Second Career programming,
contact Sault College at 759-2554 ext. 2222
We answer your calling!
This Employment Ontario
Program is funded in part by
the Government of Canada
6 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 7

New wing especially special
for Sault College grad
As a member of EllisDon Corp.,
Brian McAndrew is an integral part
of the school’s expansion
Photo courtesy of Mik Patton
When Brian McAndrew arrives at work each morning,
things look a little different than they did the previous
day. The difference, put simply, is progress.
McAndrew is a project co-ordinator for EllisDon
Corp., one of Canada’s largest building contractors. Hired
about a year-and-a-half ago, he’s a relative newbie to the
industry. Nevertheless, he has been involved in his fair
share of large-scale projects throughout the province.
A recent one, however, was especially special. Through
parts of 2010 and 2011, McAndrew worked on the new
$25-million academic wing at Sault College, his former
stomping grounds. Seeing his alma mater expanding to
new, unprecedented heights brought a smile to his face
every time he went to the job site.
“It’s pretty cool,” said McAndrew, who graduated
from the college’s Civil Engineering Technician program,
along with its Construction Engineering Technician
program, in 2009. “It’s so nice to see the school growing.
It gives me a lot of pride.”
While still in college, Brian had the opportunity to
work on the site of the new Sault Area Hospital as a
co-op student with EllisDon. After graduating,
McAndrew was hired by a southern Ontario engineering
firm based in Whitby, just outside Toronto. A few
months later, he found a full-time job with EllisDon,
which allowed him to return home – in more ways then
one – to work on the new wing at Sault College.
“It’s nice to be back with my family and friends,” said
McAndrew.
Speaking of family, it was his father, Kevin, who got
him started in the construction field years ago. Dad is a
general contractor who owns K McAndrew Construction,
a place where the 24-year-old cut his teeth.
“I’ve been around (the industry) my whole life,”
said McAndrew, adding that his father was a great
teacher. Initially, his tasks were more menial in nature
– basically doing the grunt work – but, like any on-thejob
experience, he gained valuable skills every day. “I
learned as I went,” he says of his learning curve.
While familiarizing himself with the family business
proved to be a huge benefit, McAndrew knew he’d have
to hit the books to further excel in the field. “You’ve
got to have some kind of (educational) background to
advance,” he said.
Wanting to progress as far as possible, McAndrew
enrolled at Sault College, where he learned from other
knowledgeable teachers. “It was great being able to
interact with the professors,” he reflects, adding that the
small class sizes created the perfect teaching environment
for him. “They provided a lot of hands-on learning.”
That hands-on learning proved to be invaluable for
McAndrew’s current position with EllisDon, which sees
him working on shop drawings, giving site instructions,
co-ordinating with tradespeople, interacting with clients
– in this case, the folks at Sault College – along with
many other tasks.
“My college education gave me the background
needed to do my job,” said McAndrew. “It gave me a
better understanding of the industry.”
Brian’s boss, David Watson, a project superintendent
with EllisDon, agrees. “Education is needed (for a
position like that),” he points out. “You wouldn’t be able
to do the job of you didn’t have it.”
Watson, who was in charge of the Sault College
construction site, lauds McAndrew on his ability to get
the job done. “Brian has an excellent work ethic,” says
Watson.
Although the boss attributes much of the accolades
to McAndrew’s college training, Watson knows where
his employee’s drive to succeed was originally instilled.
“Education is a big part of it, but, for him, I think it all
started at home,” he said.
Evidently, a combination
of family teachings, college
training and a solid work ethic
brought McAndrew to where
he is today. For the future, his
goal is to move up in the ranks
of EllisDon as far as possible.
Meanwhile, the new
academic wing at Sault
College will help ensure that it
continues its growth in everything
from student enrolment
and faculty recruitment, to new
programs and infrastructure
development. Simply put, it will
be used as a recruiting tool to
attract students like McAndrew
once was – both local and
external – along with faculty and other professionals
from around the world.
McAndrew, who spoke regularly with college students
and staff while working on the new building, has heard
a lot of buzz about the project. “People seem to love the
design,” he said. “It’s making a name for Sault Ste. Marie,
and it will attract more students.”
That’s exactly what the Sault College team had in
mind when they began planning for a sizeable campus
redevelopment project for the years ahead.
And, so, with the new wing now complete, let the
growth continue . . .
By Marc Capancioni
“My college
education gave me
the background
needed to do
my job. It gave
me a better
understanding
of the industry.”
8 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 9

Steve McLeod
is right where
he wants to be
Athletics, and a great overall student experience,
among primary goals for Sault College
There has been no shortage of growth at Sault College
in the past several years. Everything from student
enrollment, program offerings, to classroom space and
a whole new academic wing, the school is soaring to
unprecedented heights.
Steve McLeod, an athletic assistant and personal
trainer at the college, has had a bird’s-eye view of this
progress. At the College for the past 15 years – first as
a student in the mid ‘90s and now as a
key staff member – he’s witnessed the
development first-hand.
“The biggest change I’ve seen is the
general direction the college is going in,”
said McLeod, who also teaches part-time in
the fitness and health promotion program.
“We’ve always been student-focused, but I
see it becoming more so every year.”
On this front, he chalks the progress up
to the mandate established by the leadership
team at Sault College, particularly its
President, Dr. Ron Common, whose
goal is to create the best overall student
environment possible.
“We have a lot of staff that are here for
the students,” said McLeod, a graduate of
the college’s first Massage Therapy class in
1999. “Everyone’s on board.”
Not only has he bore witness to the
growth in recent years, he has also been directly involved
in a major part of it. McLeod’s role with the Sault College
athletic department sees him, among other things,
facilitating varsity and intramural sports. In recent years,
under new leadership, both have grown considerably.
Next year, for instance, the women’s varsity basketball
program will commence following a six-year hiatus. It
will join the other varsity sports already in progress,
including men’s basketball and curling.
On the intramural side, students now have a number
of options to take part in – everything from soccer,
dodge ball and touch football, men’s and women’s ice
hockey and ball hockey.
Having those sports available for students is
“important when it comes to recruiting,” said McLeod,
who’s also an assistant coach with the men’s basketball
team. What will make Sault College an even bigger draw,
while also providing an increasing quality of life – or
quality of learning – is the proposed Student Health and
Wellness Centre.
When realized, the new facility will replace the current
gymnasium and workout area, both of which are limited
in size and use, not to mention the fact that they were
built more than 30 years ago. The centre will also feature
additional learning space, particularly for health-related
classes like those in the Occupational Therapist Assistant
and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) program and
the new fitness and health promotion program, as well.
Photo courtesy of Tyra MacDonald
The goal is to make the facility a college
hub, a place that helps attract students and
faculty from around the world.
“We feel like the field of dreams. If you
build it, they will come,” said McLeod,
who’s more than happy to be working at his
alma mater. “I stayed because of the great
atmosphere,” he added. “And now I have the
best of both worlds.”
Speaking of sticking around, Greg Mapp,
a 2009 graduate in the Aviation Technology
- Flight program, is another prime example
of the magnetic draw emanating from Sault
College. Not only did he stay to teach in
the program, something he loves doing,
Mapp also used his lifelong zeal and skill
in basketball to become head coach of the
men’s varsity team.
“I get to fulfill two of my passions,” said
Mapp, who was born in Barbados and
grew up in Toronto. “You don’t get that
opportunity too often.”
The men’s varsity team is on the rise.
A big part of the success centres on rookiesensation
Randy Frimpong, a first-year
general arts and sciences student from
Rexdale, Ontario.
Averaging 17 points per game, Frimpong
took home the rookie of the year award from
the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association.
He was also named the OCAA West rookie
of the year, along with a member of the
OCAA West second-team all-stars and the
division all-rookie team.
“He’s a great building block for the
future,” said Mapp, who hopes the publicity
generated around the province from the
awards leads to a buzz that will help attract
more great players to Sault College. “You can
build a program around someone like that.”
Mapp has aspirations of a playoff birth –
the first in the team’s history – next year. The
coach has a number of key members to draw
from. Including Frimpong, the Cougars had
three players nominated for the OCAA allrookie
team this season- the others being
Terell Carr and Danny McDonald.
“I recruited guys who I thought could
play well at this level,” said Mapp. “The sky’s
the limit.”
“We’re adding pieces one at a time,” said
Mapp. “I’d like to see more local guys come
play with our team.”
Recruiting Sault Ste. Marie players is also
a focus for the women’s varsity basketball
program, set to take the court next season
for the first time in six years. “We have the
right demographics to start up again,” said
head coach Katie Hamilton.
Here’s what she means: The popularity of
basketball is rising in the Sault. For instance,
when Hamilton played local high school
ball in the early-2000s, she had to travel to
Sudbury, and lace up for a team there, to
compete during the off-season. Today, with
the Sault Titans and Sault Sharks – both clubs
starting up a few years back – rep basketball
is now available in Sault Ste. Marie.
“It’s great to have the luxury of being able
to play here year-round,” said Hamilton,
who was an assistant coach with the Sault
College men’s team this past season. The rise
of club basketball in the city should provide
VARSITY BASKETBALL GAME SCHEDULE 2011-2012
Women’s basketball is earlier timeslot, followed by men’s at the later time. Home games appear in bold. We hope to see you there!
November 4, 2011 Sault @ Redeemer 6&8pm
November 5, 2011 Sault @ Niagara 1&3pm
November 12, 2011 Lambton @ Sault 6&8pm
November 13, 2011 St. Clair @ Sault 1&3pm
November 19, 2011 Humber @ Sault 6&8pm
November 20, 2011 Sheridan @ Sault 1&3pm
November 25, 2011 Sault @ Fanshawe 6&8pm
November 26, 2011 Sault @ Mohawk 2&4pm
November 30, 2011 Sault @ Algoma 6&8pm
a great recruiting ground for the Cougars to
draw from.
“There’s a ton of interest in the
community,” said Hamilton, a former player
and coach for the varsity women’s team at
the University of Prince Edward Island.
“Among girls’ sports in the Sault, it has
become one of the most popular.”
Hamilton hopes to build a solid women’s
varsity program, using a healthy mix of
local and out-of-town talent. This is just one
of many examples of recent growth at Sault
College, growth that’s bringing the school to
new heights in a variety of ways.
Women’s
basketball
head coach
Katie Hamilton
By Marc Capancioni
January 20, 2012 Redeemer @ Sault 6&8pm
January 21, 2012 Niagara @ Sault 6&8pm
January 28, 2012 Sault @ St. Clair 6&8pm
January 29, 2012 Sault @ Lambton 1&3pm
February 3, 2012 Mohawk @ Sault 6&8pm
February 4, 2012 Fanshawe @ Sault 1&3pm
February 11, 2012 Sault @ Humber 6&8pm
February 12, 2012 Sault @ Sheridan 2&4pm
February 17, 2012 Algoma @ Sault 6&8pm
Photo courtesy of Adriana Roque
10 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 11

Chef Sarah Birkenhauer,
Chef Training graduate,
Culinary Management graduate,
Sault College Professor and
Premier’s Award nominee
Inspiring Growth
From the
Sault College
kitchen
Moroccan steak rub
1½ tspn Salt
1¼ tspn Cinnamon
1 tspn Coriander
½ tspn
¾ tspn
Paprika
Sugar
1 tspn Cumin
¼ tspn
Pepper
1¼ tspn Cayenne
Procedure
1. Mix together all of the above dry
ingredients.
2. Rub both sides of the steak with
the spice mix.
3. Marinate in the fridge at least 4
hours.
4. Put steak on a well-oiled grill over
medium heat and cook to desired
doneness.
5. Let rest about 5 minutes before
serving.
Yields: 4 strip loin steaks
Button, portobello, crimini and leek soup
Procedure
375 g Butter
375 g Onion finely chop
3 Leeks (white part only) sliced
250 g Button mushrooms sliced
200 g Portobello mushrooms (remove gills)
chopped
300 g Crimini mushrooms sliced
375 g Flour
4.5 L Chicken stock (Knorr bouillon cubes
work best)
1.5 L Hot milk
750 ml 35% cream
Add to taste
Fresh thyme, frozen rosemary, salt & pepper
1. Heat the butter in a heavy sauce pot over moderate heat.
2. Add the onions, leeks and mushrooms. Sweat the vegetables without browning.
3. Add the flour and stir to make roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes, but do not let
it brown.
4. Gradually beat in the stock and bring to a boil while continuously whisking while it
thickens.
5. Skim the soup.
6. Add enough hot milk to the soup to bring it to the proper consistency.
7. Heat the soup again but do not boil.
8. Season with herbs, salt and pepper.
9. Purée the soup.
10. Add the cream.
When using fresh rosemary in place of frozen - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds
to 1 minute then give a rough chop and add to soup. This will make rosemary edible.
Yields: 8.75L = 36 Portions 8oz
Our campaign goal is to raise $6 in private
donations in order to transform our aging campus into
a premier post-secondary institution
To continue with our success, and our ability to
enhance our learning spaces and initiatives for students,
Sault College is launching a Capital Campaign called
“Inspiring Growth.”
Our campaign goal is to raise $6 million in private
donations in order to transform our aging campus into
a premier post-secondary institution. This will increase
our chances of securing additional government funding
in the future by demonstrating community support
A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR SAULT COLLEGE
Jim Boniferro
Chair, Sault College Inspiring
Growth Capital Campaign
of our College. Communities that stand behind their
colleges grow faster and stronger, and we would like to
see that happen right here in our community.
Funds raised in this campaign will help to complete a
new campus wing and build a Student Life and Wellness
Center that will support students as they grow with us.
Donations made will also show that the community
supports post-secondary education in the north – an
aspect that is critical to our future growth.
INSPIRING
GROWTH
12 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 13

Fuzednotions:
fusing talent with ambition
Visit
www.fuzednotions.com
A typical post-commencement plan often sees graduates
scouring the Internet for job prospects and sending
out resume after resume in the hopes of landing that
dream job.
But if there was anything that Sault College graduate
Jessica Wendling (Graphic Design, 2006) learned, it was
that working for someone else wasn’t her only option when
it came to establishing herself as a graphic designer.
“The reason I was able to open a business after Sault
College was because of the strong leadership development
and the on-going support I got through the program,” said
Wendling, who started Fuzednotions Creative Studios
Inc., a graphic design and marketing company, soon after
graduating. “By learning basic business skills specifically
for my industry I was able to use these teachings as a
launching pad to start my own business.”
Students in the three-year Graphic Design program
learn about the fundamentals of business and freelancing,
a path more and more designers are taking in an effort to
establish a portfolio of work – an industry must-have –
in an increasingly competitive market.
Through freelance work, Wendling’s eyes were
opened to a market in Sault Ste. Marie that was relatively
untouched at the time. Since most organizations
and businesses are unable to hire their own in-house
designer, Wendling stressed that recruiting the services
of a graphic design company on a project-to-project
basis could save money in the long run. The approach
worked, and before long Fuzednotions was not only
creating a name for itself as a graphic design business,
but as a marketing solutions company, as well.
Despite the departure of her sister and business
partner in 2009, Wendling has remained focused on
growing the business into a one-stop shop for marketing
solutions. In an industry where services aren’t typically
duplicated (websites, branding, etc.), this has meant
marketing Fuzednotions outside of Sault Ste. Marie
in an effort to generate ongoing business. Fortunately,
the far-reaching capabilities of the Internet have made
marketing and conducting business easier than ever,
as evident in a recent marketing campaign and website
Fuzednotions created – by phone and e-mail – for a film
festival in Alberta.
“We are constantly knocking on new doors and
offering new solutions for our current client base to
keep our market share up,” said Wendling. “Recently
we’ve been looking for work in Northern Ontario and
across Canada. The Internet really helps us reach these
new markets to sell our services.”
With a client list that includes large corporations
and organizations like Essar Steel, Community Living
Algoma, Algoma District School Board, Sault Ste.
Marie Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development
Corporation and the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library
(to name a few), it might seem that hard work is the
only thing on the agenda at Fuzednotions, but
that’s hardly the case. For Wendling and
staff – office administrator Sue Brady,
and designers Justin Dzama and Cassie
Amond – laughter, and lots of it,
are key to their success as a team.
“One thing that each day
brings is laughter,” said Brady,
who along with Dzama and Amond,
is also a Sault College graduate.
“We all get along very well and
we all have a similar sense of
humour.”
“I love hiring local
graduates because
that allows
them to have
a quality job
close to family
and friends,”
We n d l i n g
said of her
employees.
Fuzednotions
talent and Sault College
graduates Justin Dzama,
Jessica Wendling, Sue Brady
and Cassie Amond
“Sault College has a co-op program that
allows me to work with third-year students
to see if their skill sets match the business.
If they are a good fit and there is work
available, they have a greater chance of
being hired.”
While classmates and friends Wendling
and Dzama parted ways after
graduating in 2006, their reunion
several years later was perfect
timing, or “kismet,” as Dzama
calls it. The senior designer
at Fuzednotions transferred
his diploma to Algoma
University in order to put
“a few initials behind” his
name, but credits Sault
College for teaching him
something he didn’t find anywhere else.
“The professors are nothing short of
amazing and they keep in touch even after
graduation,” said Dzama. “Sure, they teach
you the fundamentals of design, but you
can get that anywhere. The thing that makes
Sault College different is that they teach
you discipline. Rigid, overlapping
deadlines and towering standards
were a way of life. They constantly pushed
you to be better and, as a result, learn new
things on your own.”
“Frank Salituri, a graphic design
professor, always asked, ‘What do you want
to do?’ and then told me to do it,” added
Wendling. “Fear is the only restriction
that holds you back from getting what you
want out of design and life. They (teachers)
helped me get past my doubts and focus on
creating solutions.”
By Liisa Allen
Photo courtesy of Katlyn Halcrow
14 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 15

Freshwater Dreams
Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician grads
Jonathan Pratt and Stephanie Park paddle the Great Lakes
The familiar adage that a college diploma will take
you a long way rings particularly true for Adventure
Recreation and Parks Technician graduates Jonathan
Pratt and Stephanie Park. The pair fell in love with each
other and the Northern Ontario wilderness during their
time at Sault College, and went on to canoe the entire
length of the Canadian shorelines of the Great Lakes—
over 4,000 kilometres of paddling, over the course of
three summers.
The Freshwater Dreams Expedition took root during
their time at Sault College. Upon completing high
school in his hometown of Owen Sound, Jonathan chose
to pursue his passion for the outdoors in the Adventure
Recreation and Parks Technician program in 2000. He
met Stephanie, a Sudbury
native, on a whitewater
rescue course in his first
semester. “We rescued
each other on the river
and the rest is history,”
laughs Stephanie, who
began her studies at Sault
College in 2001.
Like most Natural
Environment and Outdoor
Studies students,
both were smitten by the
unlimited opportunities
for outdoor activities in
the Sault Ste. Marie area. “The first thing that struck
me was the easy access to all kinds of adventures,” says
Jonathan, who graduated in 2002. “The Sault College
Woodlot offered a quick escape from studying, and not
much further afield were the Hiawatha Highlands for
cross-country skiing, the Desbarats Cliffs for climbing,
Searchmont Resort for downhill skiing and of course,
Lake Superior.”
They spent their summers guiding multi-day sea
kayak trips on the Great Lakes and, upon graduating,
worked as ski patrollers at Searchmont Resort and as
retail sales associates at various outdoor stores across
Ontario. All the while, they continued to make plans for
an extended canoe expedition on the Great Lakes, which
was inspired by the words of a favourite professor.
“We want the next
generation to share our
fascination of what’s
around the next headland
and our passion to
protect the environment.”
“Our trees and shrubs instructor Don Hall told us
that to know a tree, you have to spend time in the forest,”
says Stephanie, a 2003 grad. “We wanted to learn about
the Great Lakes. To really understand them, we decided
to paddle them by canoe, to take them in at a slower pace
and talk to the people who live by their shores.”
After getting married on the shores of Lake Huron,
the couple honeymooned on a three-year canoe trip.
In 2007, they began their first of two summers tracing
the rugged coastlines of Lake Superior, Lake Huron and
Georgian Bay. En route they camped in some of Ontario’s
wildest places, endured 30 consecutive days of rain and
once narrowly escaped a waterspout in a freak storm.
They completed their goal in 2009, paddling the more
developed shorelines of
southern Lake Huron,
Lake Erie and Lake
Ontario—an adventure
which included an epic
portage around Niagara
Falls and observing the
surprisingly diverse wildlife
adjacent to Canada’s
most densely populated
areas. Their website (www.
freshwaterdreams.ca)
shared their adventures
with the world.
Most meaningful was
experiencing the world’s largest expanse of freshwater
first-hand, witnessing its fragility in the face of climate
change and development, and talking to people passionate
about the preservation of the Great Lakes. Just as Don
Hall promised, “We started to learn the characteristics
and the soul of each lake,” says Stephanie.
Sold on the values of outdoor education, Jonathan
and Stephanie have since completed education degrees
at Lakehead University and currently work as teachers in
Eastern Ontario’s Ottawa Valley. “Our appreciation for
nature was fostered by great instructors at Sault College,”
says Stephanie. “We want the next generation to share
our fascination of what’s around the next headland and
our passion to protect the environment.”
By Conor Mihell
Jonathan Pratt and Stephanie Park entering Lake
Superior after ascending the Sault Canal Locks
Together on the shore of the North Swallow River
in Pukaskwa National Park
16 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 17

Child and Youth Worker graduate
takes on tough role
Victims of sexual abuse and assault are
often hesitant to share their personal stories
of anguish, and understandably so. After all,
to do so can lead to a frightful reliving of the
experience, and with admission of it often
comes a tidal wave of emotion that most are
more comfortable keeping in the dark.
When sexual abuse victims do decide
to share their experience, it takes a certain
kind of person to be on the listening end of
such a revealing conversation. Whether help
is sought soon after the crisis, or years after
the fact, opening up is the first part of the
healing process, and one that sexual assault
counsellor Anna Hagerty feels honoured to
be a part of.
“For me the most rewarding part is when
you have been able to support someone
through a process of healing and they identify
that their life has improved,” said Hagerty, a
1991 Sault College Child and Youth Worker
(CYW) graduate and registered social
worker. “I have experienced very powerful
moments in session doing this work, and I
feel honoured that people feel they can trust
me and share very difficult, painful aspects
of their life. In those moments, I believe that
I can make a difference.”
In Sault Ste. Marie, sexual abuse/
assault victims are directed to the Sault
Area Hospital’s Sexual Assault Care Centre
(SACC), where emergency services are
provided and, if necessary, counsellors like
Hagerty are available to speak to.
“People have many misconceptions
about who the clients at our centre may be,”
said Hagerty, whose clients have spanned
in age from three to 80. “Many think that
we are a service for women only. The
counselling component of our program
responds to anyone over the age of three,
right through the life span. While there are
periods of time in life and behaviours that
put a person more at risk, we cannot predict
who will be victimized.”
At the SACC, Hagerty works with as
many as 75 clients a year, of which 25 to 40
per cent are children. And since she spends five hours
each day in session, Hagerty often finds herself drawing
on techniques learned in the child and youth worker’s
counselling course which, coupled with the program’s
required field placements, is what she credits for building
a strong foundation for her career, one that has ranged
from youth worker with Algoma Child & Youth Services,
to Youthope for Schools – a school-based prevention
program – to working with young offenders through
Family Services.
“One aspect of the program that really helped me
prepare for the work world was the field placements,”
said Hagerty, who has also returned to Sault College as
a sessional instructor in the same program. “Each year
the responsibility and expectations at placement help
the student to build on the skills needed. This, combined
with the academics and skills development, allows
students to build competencies in specific course areas,
such as counselling skills, child development, human
sexuality and psychology.”
“I also draw on skills developed in the CYW program
counselling skills course. I believe that my work can
only be successful if I am able to engage individuals in a
counselling process.”
Photo courtesy of Jenn Floyd and Rebecca McIntosh
Self care
For most people, returning home after a stressful day
at work and venting to family or friends is com-mon,
but for those privy to personal, and often traumatic,
information – like Hagerty – sharing is simply not an
option due to confidentiality agreements. It is for this
reason that counsellors at the SACC have committed to
participating in debriefing sessions with co-workers, in
an effort to explore their feelings about the stories they
hear and to minimize
the impact on their
own mental health
and well being.
“Self-care is a
critical part of having
longevity in this
work,” said Hagerty, a
mother of two grown
daughters. “Laughter
“In those moments,
I believe that I can make
a difference.”
is incredibly healing and I am blessed with having a
lot of laughter in my life. I surround myself with good
friends and family. I enjoy celebrating little things. I am
mindful of the blessings that I have in my life.”
In addition to counselling, Hagerty also acts as an
educator on the issue, addressing other professionals
and visiting area high schools to create awareness about
growing trends like drug facilitated sexual assaults
(DFSA). One of Hagerty’s proudest professional
accomplishments to date is participating in the creation
of “The Game,” an interactive educational tool that is
designed to engage high school students in discussing
issues surrounding sexual assault.
“It was especially rewarding because we created the
concept as a team and then we were able to share it with
hundreds of high school students,” said Hagerty. “We
have been able to adapt ‘The Game’ and received funding
to have it professionally designed and then it was made
available to other sexual assault care centres in Ontario.
This achievement is a perfect example of what child and
youth workers are trained to do.”
By Liisa Allen
Anna Hagerty is honoured that
individuals trust her and share difficult
and often painful aspects of their life
18 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 19

Sault College grads helping local solar panel manufacturer
reach new heights
Plant owner Martin Pochtaruk plants flag in Sault Ste. Marie
When arriving in Sault Ste. Marie for the first time about
a decade ago, Martin Pochtaruk was less than thrilled to
be in Northern Ontario.
The Argentinean-born engineer, then employed
by Tenaris, was transferred here to work as a senior
manager in the tube mill. It was November, which can be
a bit of a desolate month with low temperatures and no
snow on the ground, something that didn’t sit too well
with Pochtaruk.
“I thought to myself, ‘I could never live here,’” he
remembers. “That was my first impression.”
These initial, less-than-savoury feelings would quickly
change, however. In fact, after getting to know the area
and what it has to offer, Pochtaruk would eventually find
himself doing everything possible to stay in Sault Ste.
Marie.
If it meant changing employers, so be it. If remaining
in town longer meant starting his own solar panel
manufacturing plant – a place that now employs several
dozen Sault College grads – then so be it again.
Moving to Algoma Steel in 2004, which was later
purchased by Essar Global, it looked like Pochtaruk
was starting to plant his flag in Sault Ste. Marie. His
intensions were further solidified in October 2010
when he opened Heliene
Canada with business
“When you get to know
Sault Ste. Marie, you
really appreciate it.”
partner Denis Turcotte,
who also happened to be
his old boss at Algoma
Steel and the recipient
of the Top CEO of 2006
honour from Canadian
Business Magazine.
Both the move to the steel plant and the decision to
start an alternative energy venture were made, in part,
so that he, his wife and two children could remain in
the Sault.
“It was a family decision,” said Pochtaruk. “We all
wanted to stay.” And with his flag now firmly planted in
the Steel City, it looks like the family is here for the long
haul.
“When you get to know Sault Ste. Marie, you really
appreciate it,” said Pochtaruk, who enjoys skiing, hiking,
going to the beach and other outdoor activities available
in the Northern Ontario community. “From a nature
point of view, it’s breathtaking. Someone who has never
lived elsewhere might not know how lucky they are to
be here.”
Heliene Canada, located in the Sault’s west end, manufactures
high-efficiency, maximum-yield photovoltaic
solar panels. Opening last year with just a single shift,
the plant now operates 24/7 with 60 workers making up
four complete crews.
Needless to say, the demand for the panels is high,
and it appears to be growing. “When you manufacture
a good-quality product, there’s always a place to sell it,”
said Pochtaruk, who serves as a volunteer member on the
Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation’s
board of directors.
A key component in the production process is the
highly-skilled team at Heliene Canada, most of whom
are Sault College graduates from the school’s Engineering
Technology or Skilled Trades programs. With automated
systems and other cutting-edge processes, much of
the work at the solar panel plant is fairly technical in
nature.
“We need people with that know-how,” said
Pochtaruk. “They’re very important for the business. It’s
essential.”
One of the many former Sault College students
now working at Heliene
Canada is Steve Luxton,
who studied Electrical
Engineering Technology
- Process Automation.
Graduating from the
program in 2008, he
wanted to remain in his
hometown. However, the
onset of the global economic downturn meant that work
in his field – along with many other fields – was few and
far between.
“I wanted to stay in the Sault, but there weren’t many
jobs,” remembers Luxton. A year or so later, he caught
wind that a solar panel manufacturing plant was opening
in town and that the business was looking for people
with his skill set.
Luxton applied and, with his education, was one
of the first to join Heliene Canada. Soon after, he and
a few other recent hires were sent to Barcelona, Spain,
where they learned the ins and outs of solar panel
manufacturing at a plant operated by a sister company,
Heliene Europe. The goal was to teach the
process to some key people, who could then
go back and train the rest of the staff team in
Sault Ste. Marie.
Today, Luxton is a flash test operator and
leads a four-person crew that’s responsible
for quality control. They use various hightech
instruments and machinery to test for
voltage and general defects. Basically, they
make sure the products that leave Heliene
Canada are of the highest standards.
“I wouldn’t understand how to do
everything if it wasn’t for my classes at
Sault College,” said Luxton, who’s thrilled
to be able to work, live and remain in
his hometown, something his employer
provides.
Long story short, if it wasn’t for Heliene
setting up a presence in Sault Ste. Marie,
Luxton says he would have had to make
some tough decisions – perhaps moving
away from home to find work, perhaps
going back to school.
Meanwhile, with a more-thancompetent
team, and with a high demand
for photovoltaic solar panels, Pochtaruk is
now adding on to his facility to make more
room for storage. “We’re cramped,” he said.
Depending on how things go, expanding
the operation’s manufacturing component
might be next on the to-do list.
Part of the reason the product is flying
of the shelves is the Ontario Green Energy
Act. Put into place in 2009, the legislation
is designed to expand alternative energy
production, encourage conservation and
create green jobs.
For the first goal, the Ontario Power
Authority (OPA) – the non-profit
corporation established by the provincial
government to, among other things, help
establish new, cleaner energy sources, will
purchase solar power at a premium rate.
The goal, in part, is to make solar farms and
other alternative energy generation projects
worthwhile investments for the private
sector and to, ultimately, get the province
off coal power.
However, when signing a contract with
the OPA – one that can be fairly lucrative –
there are “Made-in-Ontario” requirements
for some of the products used in the power
generation process. For instance, a solar
farm may have to use panels that were made
in the province.
Wanting to capitalize on this trend,
Pochtaruk started Heliene Canada and,
in the process, created dozens of jobs. The
venture has not only allowed him to stay in
the Sault, it has also allowed many others,
Plant owner
Martin Pochtaruk
addresses guests
at the official
groundbreaking
ceremony of
Heliene Canada
like Luxton, to remain here and continue to
benefit from all the area has to offer.
“It’s a very safe community to raise a
family,” said Pochtaruk, who has lived in
a variety of big cities around the world,
including Houston, Texas. There are also
the little things, such as short commute
times from home to work.
Actually, when you add up the hours
upon hours of time saved each week from
the short drives – time that can be spent
and enjoyed with family – it’s not so little, he
said, adding that it’s just one of many perks
of calling Sault Ste. Marie home.
By Marc Capancioni
Photo courtesy of Economic Development Corporation
20 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 21

Sault College and Soo Thunderbirds
providing unique opportunities
Visit
www.tbirdhockey.ca
Student-athletes taking advantage of having
both entities at their doorstep
It’s a near-perfect combination. And it’s a winning one,
in more ways than one.
Sault Ste. Marie is in a unique position when it comes
to sport and education. The city offers places to play toptier
hockey and places to study at the post-secondary
level. Not too many communities across North America
can make that claim, and a number of individuals are
taking advantage of the opportunities found here.
For example, several players from the Soo Thunderbirds
Junior A hockey club are also enrolled at Sault College.
The team finished the 2010-11 season first place in the
Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL),
which is a development ground for the Ontario Hockey
League and NCAA college system in the United States.
Being able to skate for a high-level club, while studying
at a highly-regarded educational institute, is something
student-athletes are pleased to have at their disposal.
Take David McCaig, for instance. Now in his first year of
the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist
Assistant (OTA/PTA) program, he’s thrilled to be skating
in front of his hometown fans while, at the same time,
learning something he’s
passionate about.
“Education is the
foremost aspiration of
the Soo Thunderbirds.”
“Being at home (with
the Thunderbirds), and
having Sault College
here, is awesome,” said
McCaig, who spent the
last few seasons playing
Junior A hockey in
Thunder Bay, Blind River and Sault, Michigan. “Few
other teams in the league have that luxury.”
The 19-year-old is now weighing his options for the
future. Although hockey – and taking his on-ice career
as far as possible – remains a large focus, education, and
preparing himself for the years to come, is his ultimate
goal. In fact, McCaig spent hours talking with the
student advisory team at the college to come up with a
general plan.
After completing his current program at Sault
College, he’d like to use his diploma to continue on and
study physiotherapy at the master’s level, perhaps south
of the border. While in the U.S., he’d also like to play
hockey, hopefully on a scholarship.
McCaig is also exploring possible careers in sports
broadcasting or real estate. As such, he’s now taking
elective courses, like communications and English, that
will help him enter these fields, if he ends up going down
one of these paths.
“You have to have a Plan B,” said McCaig. “I’m keeping
my options open, because I’m not 100 per cent positive
what I want to do.”
Wherever he ends up, he’ll have a solid base, in both
education and sport, to move forward with.
Meanwhile, McCaig isn’t the only Thunderbird who’s
taking advantage of the close proximity to Sault College.
Captain Jerry Petingalo, who ended the 2010-11 regular
season as the team’s all-time point leader and the NOJHL’s
most valuable player, is another prime example.
In his third year of the Child and Youth Worker
program, the 21-year-old is thrilled to be playing hockey
and going to college in his hometown. “It’s very nice
being able to do both at once,” said Petingalo.
Also, he knows that the three-year program can lead
to other opportunities, like a career in youth addiction
treatment or behavioural management. “It opens a lot of
doors,” said Petingalo, adding that he has always wanted
to work with children, as he feels comfortable around
them and knows he can be a good role model to follow.
While playing at higher levels of hockey is a goal –
one that, given his blockbuster season, is within reach
– Petingalo isn’t losing sight of the importance of hitting
the books and learning. “Education is my first priority,”
he said.
It’s no surprise that both he and McCaig place so
much stock in their schooling. School is a primary focus
for their hockey team, and it’s something that’s instilled
in the mind of every player.
“Education is the foremost aspiration of the Soo
Thunderbirds,” said club president Albert Giommi.
“The focus of our full-time development program is to
encourage and prepare student-athletes to continue their
education and hockey careers through comprehensive
training and high-calibre competition on the ice while
creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.”
If you think such statements are just lip service, think
again. For evidence of the team’s education-comes-first
policy, look no further than players James Delayer and
Darcy Casola. Both are enrolled in the Police
Foundations program at Sault College, and
both have classes on Tuesday night, at a time
when the Thunderbirds practice.
Missing the skate to go to class “isn’t a
problem at all,” said Delayer. “Everyone
knows that school comes first.”
Like his teammates, he feels “fortunate to
be living in a city that has both” a college and
competitive Junior A team, added Delayer.
Casola, also in his first year of the Police
Foundations program, would certainly
agree. He’s thrilled to be attending postsecondary
school in his hometown while
playing in the NOJHL, a place where he can
continue to develop his on-ice skills and
maybe play at higher levels someday.
Without having both the Thunderbirds
and Sault College here, “I wouldn’t be able
to do both,” said Casola. “I’d likely have to
choose between school and hockey.”
Meantime, becoming a police officer is
CHECK OUT HUNDREDS OF EXCITING
CONTINUING EDUCATION courses
something he has always been interested in
doing. “I want to be able to help people out
and make the community a better place,”
said Casola, adding that the program’s
hands-on classes that teach real-world
situations are helping him reach this goal by
preparing him for the future.
To learn more about the Soo
Thunderbirds, including player bios
and the team’s educational policies, visit
www.tbirdhockey.ca.
By Marc Capancioni
Sault College student and competitive Junior A
hockey player, James Delayer
Learning never ends. You can continue the
learning adventure with us by updating your
professional credentials, earning a certificate
or expanding your personal horizons in ways
you had not even imagined.
Check out our learning opportunities at
www.saultcollege.ca or come in to pick up
one of our course guides published three
times a year!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Photo courtesy of Callie Heppner and Kelsey Galmore
22 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 23

With a little help from my friends
The opportunity to give back to her community is the
greatest reward for Native Education grad Bernadette Peltier
Bernadette Peltier
gained valuable insight
into her own culture
Bernadette Peltier felt at home
the moment she walked into Enji
Maawnjiding, the Sault College
Native Student Centre. There’s
a profound sense of peace,
community and friendship in
“the place where we gather”—
the octagon-shaped, sunlightbathed
centrepiece of the
College’s Native Education
Department. Peltier, an Ojibwa
from Manitoulin Island’s
Wikwemikong Reserve, came
to Sault Ste. Marie to escape
a troubled past. She says she
was quickly “adopted” by a
community of instructors,
support staff and students that
helped her shape a new life,
which now revolves around
assisting the healing process of others as an alcohol and
drug prevention worker at the Indian Friendship Centre
of Sault Ste. Marie.
“I needed to make changes in my life,” says Peltier,
reflecting on her move to the Sault in 1997. “I needed to
show my children that it is possible to succeed.” Initially
she registered in Sault College’s Nursing program, but
after 18 months, switched to the Native Education
Department’s Native Community Worker program.
(Which later became Sault College’s Social Service
Worker – Native Specialization program, a professional
diploma that’s accredited by the Ontario College of Social
Workers and Social Service Workers.) She took courses
in family support, drugs and alcohol prevention and
treatment, and life skills—all with a focus on the unique
challenges facing Canada’s Aboriginal population.
Peltier learned collaboratively
at the College, with both Native
and non-Native students in a
cultural-based manner that
supported her own self-healing
“The holistic nature
of Native Education
at Sault College
transcends cultures.”
process and made her more empathetic with the
struggles Aboriginal people face. The holistic nature of
Native Education at Sault College transcends cultures
in recognizing the “issues, policies, challenges and
solutions to meet the needs of all individuals accessing
social services programs,” says Program Coordinator
Michelle Proulx. “It emphasizes finding solutions that
best fit the person’s culture.”
Most important for Peltier were the insights she
gained into her own culture while studying at the
College level. Students take courses in Ojibwa language
and “honest, unsanitized” history courses investigating
the social changes wrought upon aboriginal cultures by
the European settlement and development of Canada.
Her favourite instructor was Doris Boissoneau, who
taught the Anishinaabemowin language. “She has
really absorbed the culture,” says Peltier. “She lives the
medicine wheel. Taking those classes and rediscovering
my language was very important to me.”
Peltier says it was the College’s powerful sense of
community that helped her and her peers from outof-town
overcome the homesickness that afflicts many
students who come to Sault Ste. Marie from remote
locations. Enji Maawnjding (Native Student Centre)
hosts potlucks, changing-of-the-seasons ceremonies
and plays, among other cultural activities and events. As
a rule, Peltier says learning was non-competitive, with
lessons delivered in traditional storytelling fashions.
“We were like a family,” she says. “It was very close and
everyone looked out for one another.”
As a part of her studies, Peltier completed coop
placements at the Indian Friendship Centre, the
Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre (a correctional
facility), and Breton House, a residential rehabilitation
program for women. Having experienced hardships
“from the other side of the desk,” Peltier immediately
made connections with her
clients and was able to relate to
their struggles. The same sense
of compassion is pervasive in
her current position with the
Indian Friendship Centre, one she has held
since 2004.
Peltier rhymes off the details of her busy
schedule in assisting Sault Ste. Marie’s Native
population in coping with the challenges
of substance abuse and healing from its
effects. Currently, she’s mentoring Sault
College placement student Tyrone Souliere,
who’s completing the fourth semester of
his two-year Social Service Worker-Native
Specialization diploma. Peltier works
split shifts, spending her mornings in the
Friendship Centre’s Queen Street office
and delivering evening programs including
sharing circles, family discussion groups,
support meetings and informal “coffee
house” gatherings. “Addiction isn’t nine to
five,” she says. “It’s a 24-hour thing. Evenings
are often the hardest, and I need to be there
for people when they need it the most.”
Indian Friendship Centre interim
executive director Cathy Syrette says it just
makes sense to employ community workers
with appropriate training and experience
when dealing with a primarily Native
clientele. “Aboriginal people feel more
comfortable with their own community,”
notes Syrette. “Bernadette has a nourishing
personality. Her background suits and it fits.
Her line of studies is a good collaboration
with the services we want to offer.”
Meanwhile, as his graduation day
looms near, Souliere says he’ll miss the
atmosphere at Sault College but he can’t
imagine embarking on a better career—one
that supports his community in healing and
finding peace and happiness. After over eight
years in the field, Peltier emphatically agrees.
“I was very grateful for what I received and I
wanted to give back,” she says. “I’ve had the
chance to do that—and more.”
By Conor Mihell
Valyne Morphet at the
Sault College Pow Wow
Office Assistant, Native
Education Department
Office Administration – Executive
program graduate, 2006
Sault College continues to enrol, educate, and graduate Native Students
from programs across the College. Our student population has grown
rapidly over the past few years and we are committed to serving
ever-larger numbers of Native learners in the years ahead.
Dedicated to Native Student Services, our Native Education Department
offers a unique learning environment which embraces our languages,
culture, and traditions with an emphasis placed on strategies for
students’ success that will assist them in achieving excellence both
academically and in their chosen careers.
Photo courtesy of Karill Diaz
24 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 25

Sault College aviation grad
now a reality TV star
with Ice Pilots NWT
If you’re lucky, you have an interesting job that you love
Devan Brooks would certainly fit this category of
fortunate people. Not only does he love doing what he
does, he also has one of the most interesting jobs this
side of the Arctic Circle...or the other.
Brooks flies World War 2-era planes to some of the
most remote places in northern Canada. His trips carry
much-needed supplies – including food and medicine–
to small communities up the McKenzie Valley in the
Northwest Territories.
In and of itself, this puts the 30-year-old near the
top of the list when it comes to the most interesting
jobs around. But what makes his profession even more
unique is that many of his flights are recorded for the
show Ice Pilots NWT, which airs on History Television.
Now in its third season of filming, Brooks has become a
reality TV star of sorts, something he never would have
expected after graduating from the Aviation Technology
- Flight program at Sault College in 2002.
“I never thought I’d be on television,” he said. “It’s a
little weird seeing yourself on TV. It will definitely be
something cool to show the kids in 20 years.”
His journey from student to the small screen
happened by chance. Once he graduated, Brooks found
a job flying small float planes for KaBeeLo Airways Ltd.,
based near Ear Falls, N.W.T. His cargo was generally
tourists – usually adventurous folks looking to hunt and
fish – who he flew to and from 18 remote base camps
throughout the region.
Growing up in Picton, Ontario, near Belleville, Brooks
quickly took a liking to Canada’s far north, particularly
for its rustic beauty. “It’s amazing country to fly over,” he
said. “Many pilots will never get to experience that.”
A few years later, Brooks was offered a job for Buffalo
Airways, a family-run airline that operates cargo,
passenger, charter and other services, with its main
base located at the Yellowknife Airport. Starting as a
first officer – basically second in command – he was
promoted to captain in 2008. Around that same time,
a production crew began shooting episodes of a reality
show based on the airline, along with its crew, planes
and, perhaps most notably, its unconventional owner,
“Buffalo” Joe McBryan.
Ice Pilots NWT, produced by Omni Film Productions
Ltd., follows the day-to-day operations of the business.
With the differing personalities of the crew, some more
eccentric and cocky than others, viewers quickly took a
liking to the show, which has become one of the most
popular reality TV programs in the country.
Lisa Green, the show’s production manager, chalks its
widespread appeal to a number of reasons. “There are a
lot of very cool elements to the (program),” she said. From
the characters – many of whom really are characters – to
the harsh climate conditions of northern Canada, Ice
Pilots NWT, set to air in the U.S. on National Geographic
Channel in May 2011, is an all-around slice.
“Most Canadians have no idea what it’s like to work
in minus 40-degree conditions,” said Green. As well,
some of the airplanes actually flew in World War 2,
making the show “even more interesting from a historic
perspective,” she added.
Also, in many scenes, the drama is high, and it’s not
just because of the soaring altitude. Buffalo Airway
primarily uses vintage propeller planes – DC-3s and
such – from the 1940s, meaning mechanical problems
are constant possibilities.
“You’re going to have engine problems,” said Brooks,
who has had a few “close calls” in his career but nothing
too serious. “You have to know the risks when you start
and mentally deal with them.”
To add to this, the landing strips in the remote
communities are usually short and unpaved. “It can be
challenging,” he added. “You don’t have a 10,000-foot
asphalt strip to land on. You have to be on your game.”
All of this makes for exciting television. But as
dramatic as some flights can be, Brooks is confident in
his ability to work his way through engine failure and
other in-flight issues. “My training from Sault College
got me ready,” he said. “You use your training and go
through your checklists (to land safely).”
As if landing under such conditions isn’t hard
enough, Brooks sometimes has to do it in front of the
camera, with the Ice Pilots NWT film crew capturing
his every move. “It definitely keeps you on your toes,”
he said evenly.
Although the
cameras in his face
don’t change his flying
style, it does make him
more mindful of the
language he uses. “You
watch what you say, a
bit,” Brooks laughed.
For his family and
friends who watch the show,
it can be a riot, he said. They
tune in “looking to see what
you’re going to say next.”
However, knowing
what line of work
Devan Brooks is living
his dreams as a pilot
Bush Pilot Slang
Are You Red-Eye?: As in: “Are you
ready for a late night flight?”
Big Empty: Alaska, Arctic Region.
Break Up: Spring break up. A time
when travel in the North becomes
difficult or impossible, because the
ice is not safe to land or take off
from, but the waterways and roads
are not yet ready to use either.
Bunny Boots: Big, white, rubber
boots that keep your feet warm up to
-65 degrees. Also called Anoraks.
Bushwacky: Someone who has
gone a little crazy, especially after a
long winter. As in: “He’s gone a little
bushwacky.”
CAVU: Ceiling and visibility
unlimited. Visibility in excess of ten
kilometres. Cloudless or scattered
cloud conditions. Also used by pilots
to describe anything that is highly
desirable.
Checking for Light Leaks: Taking a
nap (refers to the eyelids).
Close the Barn Doors: Bring the wing
flaps up.
Egg Beater: Helicopter, or “Helo.”
FOD: Foreign object damage from
runway debris, Canada geese, etc.
Green Apple: The control knob for
the cockpit’s emergency oxygen
supply.
Pingos: Tall volcano-shaped ice
domes – important landmarks
when flying in NWT, especially near
Tuktoyuktuk.
Smokejumpers: Firefighters who
parachute into a location to fight
fires.
Three Dog Night: So cold that two
dogs won’t keep you warm. You’ll
need at least three!
Wearing Your Cargo: What happens
to a pilot and his passengers if there
is a hard landing and cargo is not
properly secured.
For more terms, check out
26 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 www.icepilots.com/pilot_slang.php
Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 27

A Buffalo Airways plane awaits its crew in the icy north
he’s in, loved ones sometimes also watch
the reality TV show on the edge of their
seats. Take, for instance, episode seven of
the second season, titled “The Finish Line.”
The plane Brooks was flying was burning
more fuel than normal, and there were
tense moments when the crew wasn’t sure
if it had enough juice to make it to their
destination.
In the end, it all worked out, but it was
quite a thrilling journey. “For my family, it
can be a little nerve-racking,” said Brooks.
This is especially true for his fiancé,
23-year-old Jynelle Glenn, who appears in
the first and second seasons of Ice Pilots
NWT as assistant cargo manager for Buffalo
Alumni update
Kevin Parker, Aviation Technology 1980
Premier’s Awards nominee Kevin Parker was featured in the Spring
2010 issue of the Sault College Alumni Magazine. In April 2011,
Kevin eagerly accepted the invitation to return to Sault College to
address our current Aviation students and faculty. His presentation
focused on his career success in field of aviation, and in particular
the design and development of the Chinese aircraft the ARJ21. Kevin
has been designated a Key Foreign Expert by the government of
China for his contributions to the aviation industry.
Airways. However, what puts her mind at
ease is knowing that Brooks’ training and
knack are second-to-none.
“I sometimes get nervous, but I know
he’s really good at what he does,” said Glenn,
who has since changed jobs and now works
for a logistics company in Yellowknife. “I’m
confident in his ability.”
Meanwhile, Brooks’ start in the world of
flying happened almost by accident. While
attending high school and living on a family
farm in southern Ontario, he wasn’t sure
what career path to take.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” said
Brooks. With an itch to fly for a few years
prior, he decided to roll up his sleeves and
learn the craft. And with a solid reputation
in the industry, he went with the three-year
Aviation program at Sault College.
“It’s a heck-of-a program,” said Brooks,
who enjoyed both the hands-on approach
of the classes and living in Sault Ste.
Marie. While studying, he also played on
the Cougars varsity hockey team, which
took home a gold medal from the Ontario
Colleges Athletic Association in 2001.
And it just so happened that he scored the
winning goal in the final game, which led
to the first OCAA title in the team’s history
and a birth in the national championships.
Equally impressive, the season prior, his
on and off-ice showing led to him receiving
an Academic All-Canadian award from
Canadian Colleges Athletic Association,
quite an accomplishment, especially
considering the Sault College Aviation
program can be quite demanding.
“I went up there and loved it,” he said. “I
met a lot of good friends.”
Today, Brooks has no regrets about his
college or career choice. “I love the freedom
of flying,” he said. “You’re in control, and
you get to see places you wouldn’t get to
otherwise see. It’s an amazing career. I
couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”
In the future, Brooks would like to
move on to a major airline or maybe fly a
corporate jet. The goal, he said, is to move a
little closer to his hometown, along with his
family and friends.
Wherever he ends up, his training,
coupled with his wits and experience in the
field, will ready him for any challenge that
comes his way.
By Marc Capancioni
Kevin Parker with retired Aviation instructors Bill Govett (left)
and Bernie McComisky (right) during his visit to the College
Preserving a forest for the future
The story of how Natural Environment and Outdoor Studies grad
Jennifer Cross found her dream job in the Northern Ontario wilderness
Jennifer Cross fondly remembers her first trip to the
Robertson Lake Cliffs on a field trip with her Fish and
Wildlife classmates at Sault College. The spectacular
200-metre-tall outcrop is located about 30 minutes
north of Sault Ste. Marie, amidst a forested wilderness of
hills, lakes and headwater streams known as the Algoma
Highlands. After an hour of hiking up a steep trail,
Cross recalls getting a glimpse of endangered peregrine
falcons and being left in awe by the sweeping view of
Lake Superior from atop the soaring granite cliff.
“At the time, I just knew it was a place I wanted
to return to,” she says. But she never envisioned her
education at Sault College preparing her for a career
in which she would work as part of an organization
aiming to protect this unique place and its forested
surroundings.
Fast-forward five years, and Cross (nee Allemang), a
graduate of Sault College’s Fish and Wildlife Technician
(2004) and Integrated Resource Management Technologist
(2005) programs, began work as an intern with the
Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC), an international
not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with
over 1,200 hectares of landholdings—including her
beloved Robertson Lake Cliffs. Established in the early
1990s by a group of outdoor recreation enthusiasts,
forestry researchers, ecologists,
and educators (Sault College
“We’re working to
manage an ecologically
significant piece of
land that is big enough
to support complex
ecosystems, provides
habitat for a wide variety
of species, and protects
species at risk.
Best of all, it will be
preserved in perpetuity.”
professor of forestry Mark
Harvey currently sits on the
board of directors), the AHC
is a land trust that manages its
property in accordance to its
core mandates of conservation,
non-motorized outdoor
recreation, environmental
education and environmental
research.
Putting her polished field
surveying, flora and fauna
identification, and reportwriting
skills to work, Cross
immediately took to the
AHC’s ideals. Her role with
the conservancy has been
multifaceted. In the spring,
summer and fall she spends upwards of 10 days per
month working in the field conducting ecological
research and assisting with the design and development
of mountain bike trails. She also acts as a public face for
the organization, communicating its operations to crosscountry
skiers at Stokely Creek Lodge, a local resort
whose trails bisect conservancy property and whose
owners are members of the AHC board of directors.
After barely a year with the conservancy, Cross was
promoted to the role of Executive Director.
“It’s very rewarding to work for a non-profit,” she says.
“We’re working to manage an ecologically significant
piece of land that is big enough to support complex
ecosystems, provides habitat for a wide variety of species,
and protects species at risk. Best of all, it will be preserved
in perpetuity. That’s what makes it most satisfying.”
The conservancy property sprawls across a diverse
landscape larger than many provincial parks. While
Jennifer Cross, Fish and Wildlife Technician program and
Integrated Resource Management Technologist program graduate
Photo courtesy of Cassandra Evans
28 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 29

much of the area immediately north of
Sault Ste. Marie is open to logging and
mining development, the AHC landmass is
an ecological oasis encompassing a mature
forest of sugar maple, yellow birch and red
oak where natural processes are allowed to
proceed without disruption. Provincially
rare herbaceous plants are found in the area,
and the highest windswept peaks are home
to some of North America’s most southerly
populations of arctic plants—remnants of
the last ice age.
As executive director, Cross’ biggest
responsibilities are making the ecological
functions of this rugged terrain better known
to locals through education, and promoting
environmentally sound, non-motorized
recreation like hiking, mountain biking and
cross-country skiing in the area. Currently,
she’s drafting funding proposals to hire an
Environmental Education Coordinator to
develop programs for school groups and is
working on a comprehensive trail map to
make the public aware of what’s available. “I
believe there’s a need for people to get out
and connect with nature and to discover
what’s in their own backyards,” says Cross.
“We want to reach out and say ‘Hey, we’re
here and you’re welcome to come enjoy
our land.’ That’s the big hurtle—the public
misperception that this land isn’t open to
them.”
To this end, the current generation
congrats gradshorizontal.indd 1
of students enrolled in Sault College’s
School of Natural Environment and
Outdoor Studies programs have been key
assets: Adventure Recreation and Parks
Skills Technician students were critical in
developing mountain bike trails last fall, and
a recent Memorandum of Understanding
between the college and the AHC ensures
that students will have access to a massive
outdoor laboratory for field projects in the
future.
Meanwhile, the Algoma Highlands have
become a part of Cross’ lifestyle, as well.
She and her husband, Robert, recently
purchased a home adjacent to the AHC
land in the rural community of Goulais
River. It’s a short walk from her house to her
AHC office, whose windows overlook the
swift-flowing Stokely Creek and a hillside
of deciduous trees. Working in the field last
September and witnessing the progression
of fiery fall colours first-hand was a highlight
that Cross ranks alongside her pivotal first
experience atop the Robertson Lake Cliffs.
“I decided in high school that this was the
lifestyle I wanted to lead,” she says. “Now I
am living my dream.”
By Conor Mihell
Jennifer Cross with high school students atop King Mountain during a plant identification and ecology lesson
discover.lssu.edu
We welcome transfer students!
Contact Kathy Clarady at 906-635-2808
or kclarady@lssu.edu
5/5/11 8:49 AM
Photo courtesy of Anna Rodgers
Finding love at Sault College
an unexpected surprise
Growing up in metropolitan Toronto, it seemed unlikely
that a born and bred city boy would later pursue a
career in the outdoors, but for Peter Bursche (Forestry
Management, ’79) respite from bustling city life came in
the form of summer fishing trips to the Muskokas and
later, to Onaping Lake in Sudbury.
It was this regular taste of outdoor life that later evolved
into a passion, and one that Peter hoped to turn into a
career. It was at the urging of his guidance counsellor that
he began to consider Sault College as his post-secondary
institution of choice. At the time, Sault College’s Forestry
program was quickly gaining a reputation as one of the
best, and by the following year Peter had made up his
mind that this was the path he would follow.
“My thoughts were that you couldn’t learn to be a
Forestry Technician in a concrete village like Toronto,”
said Peter. “You have to be where the bush is. So Sault
College it was.”
Unknown to him, it was at Sault College where he
would soon meet his wife of over 30 years, Susan Fisher,
who was making plans of her own to enrol in the college’s
Office Administration program.
“I met Susan in first year at school at some of the
TGIF pubs,” said Peter of his Sault Ste. Marie-born wife.
“She caught my eye immediately. I have always said that
if not for Sault College I would
have never met the love of my
“I would like to give
back to the College.
I am hoping that I
may be able to help
a student with some
of the tough choices
they may face.”
life. It is funny how life’s journey
works out. As fate would have
it, I not only fell in love with
Susan, but I fell in love with
Sault Ste. Marie, making what I
now call home for me.”
After a 21-year-career with
the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s
Parks Division, Peter took advantage
of the opportunity for
added responsibility by moving
to PUC Services Forestry
Division two years ago. As the
Manager of the company’s vegetation
program - one that all
electrical distribution companies across the province are
mandated by – Bursche is responsible for ensuring that
power lines are clear of obstructions that may endanger
the general public and PUC workers.
And, after acquiring two decades worth of forestry
knowledge and experience, Bursche was granted a Utility
Arborist certificate in 2007, though the designation
now requires a certificate of qualification through the
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Bursche
also challenged the provincial Arborist exam and passed
in 2008 to receive his Arborist certificate; an achievement
he’s particularly proud of.
“Today, in order to achieve these certificates, one
must start an apprenticeship in the trade, which requires
the accumulation of knowledge and skills through a
combination of on-the-job and in-school training,”
explained Peter. “I must add we are hoping to bring this
program to Sault College in the future. To date there
are only two colleges in Ontario that offer the in-school
training for Arboriculture.”
As an alumnus who has maintained close ties to the
college, Bursche recently agreed to participate in the
college’s new Campus Coaching program, which pairs
graduates with current students in an effort to provide
real world work advice and support.
“I would like to give back to the College,” Peter said.
“I am hoping that I may be able to help a student with
some of the tough choices they may face. The messages I
have for a student is to finish what you start – you never
know how it will help you in the future, and never give
up your dreams.”
After taking classes in the college’s Office
Administration program, Susan later returned to the
college to teach evening keyboarding classes; a role she
maintained for 14 years but eventually gave up in order
to focus on her career in the City’s tax and licence office
(where’s she been employed for 23 years) and the raising
of the couple’s two children, Paul and Stacey.
Now grown, their children are following closely
in their parents’ educational footsteps. Though their
son Paul was accepted into three different programs
at three schools, his desire to become a pilot saw him
choose Sault College’s Aviation Technology - Flight
program, where he’s currently enrolled in second year.
And though daughter Stacey won’t graduate from White
Pines Collegiate until 2012, she’s already set her sights
on the college’s Collaborative Bachelor of Science in
Nursing program.
“Peter and I have always encouraged her to reach for
the stars and never say never,” Susan said of their daughter.
“She sees from her brother’s experience that Sault College
offers so much more than just a classroom.”
By Liisa Allen
30 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 31

Jeannette Orazietti in the kitchen
where creativity reigns
Jeannette Orazietti turning heads
Recipe for
business success:
One cup, love of baking.
One cup, graphic design training.
One cup, family support.
One cup, drive to succeed.
one custom cake at a time
Together, these ingredients led
to the opening of Jeannette’s
Custom Cakes in January 2010.
As the name implies, the business
offers mouth-watering custom
cakes for any occasion. And
for owner Jeannette Orazietti,
the recipe above also leads to a
byproduct – ear-to-ear smiles
for both her and her customers.
Seeing the reaction of clients
is extremely satisfying, she said.
“I’m very lucky to be able to do
something I love. Not everyone
has that privilege.”
The Sault College graduate
caters to her patrons, working
with them to select and design the perfect creation. It
could be as simple as a customer having an idea for “pink
and shoes,” she said. “We’ll take it from there and work
together (to make something really special).”
The end result leads to smiles of joy, time and time
again. “I want people to have fun with it,” said Orazietti.
Though there has been no shortage of fun, the opening
of Jeannette’s Custom Cakes took a lot of hard work. The
baking side came fairly naturally, as it’s something she
has loved doing since she was old enough to reach the
stove. However, the other part of custom cake making,
designing, took a little more moulding.
A few years back, Orazietti enrolled in the Graphic
Design program at Sault College. “I loved art but couldn’t
draw to save my life,” she remembers. After learning the
craft and graduating in 2003, this would all change.
“I learned colour schemes, spacing and what works,”
said Orazietti, who later began making custom cakes for
family and friends as a hobby. “My style transferred to
the cake very well,” she added.
With diploma in hand, Orazietti began working in the
graphic design field, continuing her hobby on the side.
Last year, she decided to concentrate on custom cakes fulltime
and officially opened the business, with accompanying
website and other promotional material. To help get
started, she received a $25,000 grant from the provincial
government’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
which was used to purchase equipment and supplies.
While the work days and weeks may be a heck of a lot
longer, the 29-year-old has no regrets. “I don’t miss having
a 9-to-5 job,” she said evenly. “I’m happy with a 24-7 job
that makes me happy. My days go by so fast. I love it.”
Also important, said Orazietti, is that the threeyear
Sault College program allowed her to develop
time management skills, something that now comes in
Photo courtesy of Curt O’Neil
handy, especially when a busy week can see
her making up to a dozen custom cakes. “It
taught me how to depend on myself, keep
busy and just get things done,” she said.
Nevertheless, the jump from part-time
hobby to full-time business hasn’t been
without its challenges, particularly with
regards to the more technical aspects of
self-employment. But with the backing and
encouragement from family and friends,
along with Orazietti’s strong work ethic
and shear determination to succeed, things
are progressing very nicely for Jeannette’s
Custom Cakes.
The biggest supporter is her husband,
Anthony. When not helping out with the
business – whether making deliveries,
crunching numbers or pitching in anywhere
else – he works as general manager for the
Sault College Students’ Union. And he
couldn’t be happier watching his wife excel
at her trade.
“It’s been awesome seeing her develop
(the business),” he said. “Her self confidence
has increased, and she’s really happy. I’m
very proud of her.”
Perhaps the best part is seeing his wife
doing what she loves, the 30-year-old
added. “Being an entrepreneur can be very
rewarding, and that’s exactly what she is,”
said Anthony, who used to work for the
small business wing of the Sault Ste. Marie
Economic Development Corporation.
The only problem, he joked, is that the
house is always filled with tasty samples,
and resistance can sometimes be futile.
“It’s darn-near impossible not to (dip
in),” he said with a chuckle.
To see and taste for yourself, and to order
a special cake for that special someone or
event, call 705-942-5323 or e-mail info@
jeannettescustomcakes.com.
“It’s helpful if customers have a general
idea of what they want and the number of
people they need to feed,” said Orazietti.
To view the wide range of delicious
creations the business can stir up –
everything from cakes that look like
Sony PlayStations to casino slot machines
– visit www.jeannettescustomcakes.com or
join its Facebook group. But, before you do,
please be advised of the following warning:
Mouths may water.
By Marc Capancioni
One of Jeanette’s many creations - a cake to
celebrate the visit of The Young and Restless
celebrities to the Sault
SAULT COLLEGE IS
proud of our graduates!
Presented annually to six recipients, the Premier’s
Awards for Ontario College Graduates celebrate the
outstanding contributions college graduates make
to Ontario and throughout the world. Nominations
are submitted from each of Ontario’s 24 colleges in
six categories: Business, Creative Arts and Design,
Community Services, Health Sciences, Technology
and Recent Graduate.
FORMER Sault College Premier’s Awards Nominees
Sarah
Birkenhauer
Professor Culinary Arts &
Hospitality, Sault College
Stephen
Hollingshead
Coordinator of Special
Projects & Sports Tourism,
Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
Kevin Parker
Chief Pilot & Assistant
Chief Designer,
Commercial Aircraft
Corporation of China
We are always looking to hear about our outstanding
alumni who demonstrate exceptional career success
related to their college experience.
Please contact the office of Advancement and
Alumni Relations at (705) 759-2554 x 2622. For more
information on the Premier’s Awards, please go to
the Ontario Colleges website at www.co-awards.org
Jenny Romanchuk
Web Comic Designer,
The Zombie Hunters
Susan Willems
van Dijk
Child Protection
Supervisor, Children’s
Aid Society of Algoma
Photo courtesy of Curt O’Neil
32 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 33

GIS Grad Maps out a Great Future
Photo courtesy of Mik Patton
Lynda Bowyer of
Employment Solutions
helped Gerry with
gaining invaluable
work experience
He began his educational
journey as
a Sault College student
studying Fish
and Wildlife over a
decade ago in 1998,
and continued on
with what is now
named the Adventure
Recreation
and Park Technician
program after
that, as well.
“I love art, but
I also love the outdoors,”
says this
Sault College grad.
“I had to decide
between the two,
and there were a
greater number of
jobs in the field of
the natural environment,
so I went
in that direction.”
Growing up
north of Sault Ste. Marie in the small community of
Montreal River, Gerry LaVoie was immersed in nature
from an early age. “We spent most of the time outdoors –
and just knew to stay off the highway,” laughs Gerry when
thinking back to his childhood in Northern Ontario.
“When it came to my career, I knew that I would like to
study something in nature.”
LaVoie coupled his love for art with his strong
interest in the environment and charted out a rewarding
career for himself. After taking the third-year Integrated
Resource Management (IRM) technologist program,
Gerry entered a fourth program at the College – the
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Applications
Specialist program and learned how to visually map out
various kinds of information.
“GIS is a highly creative field,” says LaVoie. “I’ve been
able to fully combine my love for art with my passion for
the environment – it’s a great blend,” he adds.
After working in his field of employment for several
years, Gerry applied both his education and the work
experience gained while at the College to open his own
Gerry LaVoie is living his passion
geomatics company. Named Precise Ecomatics, LaVoie
works from an office in his home and is currently
completing an ecosite land classification-based forest
resource inventory for the Hearst Forest.
LaVoie also instructs in the Natural Environment and
GIS programs at the College, teaching the aerial photos
and remote-sensing course, and helping to update the
applied photo interpretation course. In addition, he
coordinates the GIS work placements.
Gerry attributes the exciting career that has evolved
into what it has become today to what he learned as
a student at the College. “The exposure to nature on
field trips, learning about the environment and the
legislation governing it made me want to pursue a career
in environmental management. Sault College is a great
place to build the skills necessary to start a career,”
reflects LaVoie.
“The field training was the most memorable,” he
continues. “Learning outdoors is the best way to retain
knowledge; it’s not just about a diagram in a textbook.
Without the background knowledge I learned at the
College, I never would have been able to create a career
doing what I do,” he adds.
It was Lynda Bowyer in the Employment Services
area of Sault College that helped LaVoie with the initial
co-op placements that gave him the invaluable work
experience that paved the way to his successful career.
“I appreciate the interest Lynda took in my career
development,” says Gerry. “I spent a lot of time in the
Employment Services and Co-op Placement department
as a student. I was very aware of what natural resources
opportunities were available locally and throughout the
province.”
It was one particular co-op placement – his last
one with a local company called R&B Cormier, that
deepened LaVoie’s knowledge of GIS. “I was able to gain
full-time employment with them after taking the GIS
program. I worked there for 3 years before starting my
own geomatics company,” recalls LaVoie.
In addition to finding his co-op placements, LaVoie
also used employment services on campus to find a way
to support himself during the academic year, working
at the library, the Outback, and with marketing and
recruitment to earn enough money to get by and stay
in school.
“It wasn’t easy financially, so I had to work my way
through school,” reflects LaVoie on how he made ends
“The staff in Employment Services understood my
situation and recognized my interest in helping out
the College, so they helped me find additional places
to work on campus, which helped me get the funds
to continue to study.”
meet while studying at the post-secondary
level. “The staff in Employment Services
understood my situation and recognized
my interest in helping out the College, so
they helped me find additional places to
work on campus, which helped me get the
funds to continue to study,” says Gerry.
But more than anything, it’s LaVoie’s
work ethic and his drive to learn more, do
more, and be more that has attributed to his
success, with him embracing a rewarding
career in the community of Sault Ste.
A change to
serve you better
This year, staff and services with Employment Services and Cooperative
Education at the College have blended with the staff at Employment Solutions
to create a new department that allows for an even more seamless service to
students, recent grads, and employers. This transformation also meant a shift
from delivery of youth programming to job seekers of all ages.
Named Sault College Employment Solutions the service builds on the natural
synergies, expertise and leadership of the experienced staff found in each area
to find jobs for workers and talent for businesses. Funded by Employment
Ontario, in January of 2010, Sault College became one of only two deliverers of
service in Sault Ste. Marie and the primary deliverer in Blind River and along the
north shore.
421 Bay Street, 4th floor
Sault Ste. Marie
(705) 945-0705
10C Hanes Avenue
Blind River
(705) 356-1611
www.employment-solutions.ca
This Employment Ontario Program is funded in part
by the Government of Canada
Marie, where he has always wanted to live
and raise a family, along with his wife and
three small children.
“I returned for GIS because I knew that
the likelihood of obtaining year-round
employment at the salary range I was
comfortable with was going to be hard to
find locally. Adding GIS skills to my CV truly
helped me grow into not only a data collector,
but a data analyst,” says Gerry. “There is a
good balance of field work and office work.
It is stable year-round employment, and I
feel that I am helping to protect and manage
Ontario’s natural resources.”
By Susan Hunter
34 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 35

A memorable donation
in honour of a memorable woman
It reads like a modern-day tale of Romeo and Juliet: boy
meets girl, they fall in love, her parents are very much
against their union, but they pledge their love to one
another anyway.
This time, however, the story begins in India, where a
caste system vows to separate the young couple. And this
time, they get to spend a life-time travelling the world
along with their young son while doing world-renown
research that betters humanity.
As they pass on their legacy through the teaching of
the young minds in their classrooms and laboratories, the
man’s soul-mate dies too early. He then turns his grief and
sorrow into something beautiful just like she would have
wanted him to, by donating tens of thousands of dollars
to a College educational memorial fund in her name.
That’s what happened when a $40,000 donation
arrived at Sault College for scholarships, bursaries and
awards. The generous gift was in memory of a scientist,
academic, and researcher named Alam Sundaram. It
was delivered to us from the man who loved her – Somu
Sundaram – a man with no other ties to our college than
his wish to support the students hoping to study here at
the post-secondary level.
The Sundaram story begins in 1927. Raised in
southern India, Somu Sundaram was sent away to attend
boarding school at a young age because his parents
were all too aware of the importance of receiving the
best education possible. Somu poured himself into his
Dr. Alam Sundaram
Students Damian Zabienski (right) and
Raymond Hook (left), receive scholarships
from Dr. Somu Sundaram in memory of his
wife at the 2011 Scholarships, Bursaries and
Awards celebration
studies and then went off to the university, where he
excelled, earning several degrees and awards for his
advancements in Chemistry. His hard work and research
earned him two Ph.D.’s, leading to his involvement with
a speaking circuit delivering keynote speeches at learned
societies and scientific communities the world over.
But even more than the degrees and awards,
university brought a gift to Sundaram that he would
forever change his life for the better – the opportunity to
meet a bright and charming young woman by the name
of Alam Shastri, who would become his future wife.
Despite substantial difficulties that arose from a caste
barrier that sought to separate them, Alam and Somu
adored one another and married – creating a cloud of
social antagonism around them.
Recalls a reflective Dr. Sundaram looking back on that
time in their lives, “She married me in 1953 against the
strong opposition of her Brahmin parents and relatives.
In marrying one another, we were revolting against the
caste prejudices commonly prevalent in those days. And
Alam faced the social consequences of doing so boldly.”
Despite the challenges from outside forces around
them, the Sundaram’s stayed together, both of them
working in their respective fields, and in doing so,
contributing to the betterment of humankind through
extensive global research into toxins that affect humans
and the environment.
After leaving India, Alam and Somu lived and worked
at universities in both Ghana and Australia.
In 1970, the Sundaram family then came to
Canada in their search to find “a safe haven”
for their young son. They found it here.
“After a decade with Health Canada in
Ottawa working as a toxicologist, we moved
to Sault Ste. Marie,” says Somu. “Alam
was hired as a senior scientist in Pesticide
Formulations at the Great Lakes Forestry
Center, Forestry Canada, where she
established her reputation as an international
scientist through her pioneering research. I
worked there as well. Even with her busy
schedule, she found time to teach Physics at
Because of his hope for
other young Canadians
to experience an
excellent education like
he and his late wife did,
Dr. Sundaram gave.
Algoma University and trained many young
Canadians to advance in their life.”
In living their lives the way that they
have, and in leaving the world a better
place because of the research, teachings and
generosity they have shown while travelling
this way, the Sundaram’s have reflected the
words of John Dunne – “and death shall
have no dominion.”
Because of his hope for other young
Canadians to experience an excellent
education like he and his late wife did, Dr.
Sundaram gave. And with the giving of
such a gift to students who might otherwise
not have the ability to continue with their
studies, the spirit of Alam’s intelligence,
warmth, and compassion can live on, as can
the touching story of their unending love.
Thinking of donating
in memory of
someone you love?
With a population of approximately 2,400 full-time students, just
over $2 million is distributed each year at Sault College to deserving
students based on academic merit, personal attributes and unmet
need. The strength of one’s financial assistance program is critical
to ensuring that all students continue to get access to educational
opportunities.
To find out how you can give to a student or the Scholarships,
Bursaries and Awards (SBA) program, please call Terry Ableson in the
Student Financial Services office of Sault College at 705.759.2554,
ext. 2714.
By Susan Hunter
36 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 37

Sault College partners with
Mike Holmes Group
Where learning
is always a
Sault College is pleased to announce its
newest partnership with Mike Holmes and
the Holmes Group with the College’s new
Home Inspection Technician program, the
only one of its kind in the province.
The two-year program, approved by the
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities, was developed in partnership
with the Holmes group and other advisory
groups and is endorsed by Mike Holmes. It
will be offered for the first time in September
2011. Students who enrol in this program
will gain the knowledge and practical skills
relating to residential home construction
with an emphasis on developing the
ability to recognize deficiencies present
in the structures and systems that may be
compromising the building.
“Graduates of this program will be
qualified and have the competencies required
to enter the home inspection field,” states
Sault College’s Vice President, Academic,
Leo Tiberi. “We thank Mike Holmes and
the Holmes group for their endorsement
of the program and feel confident that the
credentials, knowledge and skills students
gain through studying with us will be strong
and impactful.”
The Holmes Foundation partners with
schools, businesses and governments to
raise the profile and reputation of skilled
trades in Canada. Mike Holmes’ reputation
as one of the most trusted Canadians
encourages people to pursue careers in the
skilled trades and encourage employers to
hire them.
The mission of the Holmes Foundation
is to ensure that all residential renovations
and construction in Canada are done right –
the first time. In Canada there is a growing
shortage of skilled workers who are needed
to fill the roles that are being vacated as an
increasing number of trades people retire.
“I’m really glad to see Sault College
stepping up the plate and creating this
program,” says Holmes of his
partnership with the College. “A
program for home inspectors
that’s fully accredited by the
Ministry of Training Colleges
and Universities is long overdue.
It’s time to start looking at home
inspection as a profession, and to
start training people in the way to
do it right.”
Mike Holmes became a household
name by helping homeowners Make
it Right® in their home renovations.
Through educating consumers on the
importance of using the best materials,
hiring professions and doing things
right the first time, he shares his passion
to help homeowners protect the biggest
investment in their lives: their home.
Part of that protection is a good home
inspection. The Sault College Home
Inspection program endorsed by
Mike Holmes will ensure a service
is provided that meets the highest
industry standards and offers
homeowners the peace of mind that
comes from knowing their home
has been inspected using the best
equipment by skilled professionals
who are committed to their career.
“Sault College has the staff,
facilities, and expertise needed
to support the type of hands-on
training this industry requires,”
says Colin Kirkwood, Dean of
Environment and Technology,
Sault College, who will oversee
the program. “We look forward
to working together with Mike
Holmes in this exciting field of
study, and are very pleased to
have the opportunity to deliver
a two-year home inspection
program.”
To apply to this exciting program,
visit www.ontariocolleges.ca.
By Tessa Pino
special event.
Explore graduate studies at Sault College in the dynamic
Public Relations and Event Management program.
Call for more information at 705.759.2554, ext. 2222
or email studentrecruitment@saultcollege.ca
www.saultcollege.ca
38 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012 39

Stay connected!
Whether you’re a long-time alumnus or a new grad,
join Sault College’s Alumni Facebook fan page to stay connected
and to keep up on the latest alumni news and events.
It’s also a great way to catch up with your former classmates.
We’re easy to find...just visit www.facebook.com
and search for the Sault College Alumni Official Page
or follow Sault College Alumni on Twitter.
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40 Sault College Alumni 2011/2012
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