30 years of - Mount Saint Vincent University

Shani Pearson, Manager, Alumnae Relations, visits with Mount alumnae at NSBI, a strong supporterof the Co-operative Education Program. Also pictured are (left-right) Sarah Levy, BPR (Co-op) ’04,Lisa Bugden, BPR ’88, Lauren MacDonald, BPR ’03, Kelli MacDonald, BPR (Co-op) ’98 (seated, front),and Lisa Bond, BPR (Co-op) ’07 (also seated).FeatureBeginning with business students in1979, the program has evolved toinclude the current complement ofBusiness Administration, InformationTechnology, Public Relations, andTourism and Hospitality Management.Ann MacGillivary, Associate Professor,Business Administration & Tourism andHospitality Management, was teachingin the BBA program when co-op wasfirst introduced. She also later servedas the business faculty co-op advisorfrom 1985-89. MacGillivary recalls howquickly the co-op ‘trial’ caught on.“The students were so eager forco-op and were excited about thepossibility of being away from home.They were so focused on what theyhad in mind career-wise and co-opjust reinforced that.”Today, the co-op team has six staffmembers, led by Sonya Horsburgh, BBA’91, Manager, Co-operative Education,who received the Albert S. BarberAward from CAFCE in 2008 – its highesthonour. Horsburgh served as presidentof CAFCE from 2004 to 2005.Horsburgh and her team work closelywith co-op students and employersto provide valuable opportunitiesto enhance students’ educationalexperiences at the Mount. On average,80-100 students graduate with theco-op distinction on their diplomasannually.So, what’s next for co-op? A newhome is in sight. The construction ofthe Co-operative Education Centre isan integral goal of the Mount’s currentcapital campaign – Building TomorrowTogether. The move from Seton Annexto the new Teaching, Learning andResearch Centre will mean enhancingthe technology of the co-op process.With many employers outside theregion, the ability for students tointerview using video conferencingtechnology will improve the deliveryof co-op services for students andemployers alike.As degree programs at the Mountcontinue to grow and change,co-op will evolve with them. As newdegree programs develop, they will beevaluated to determine if co-operativeeducation will be a part of their future.In order for co-op education to thrivein the next thirty years, employers mustcontinue to show their unwaveringsupport. A huge component of thisinvolves the commitment of alumnae,and in particular, former co-op students.In 2007, 37 per cent of co-op studentswere being supervised by alumnaeand/or co-op alumnae on their workterms. This is a true testament to theco-op experience and that the Mountcommunity continues to give back.Co-op Accolades432221111=3nationally accredited cooperativeeducation programsCAFCE Service Awards(Horsburgh, twice, andMausi Reinbold, BTHM ’90)Albert S. Barber Awards(Horsburgh and Shani Pearson)CAFCE Presidents(Horsburgh and Pearson)CAFCE Atlantic Chairs (ScottDaniels, BBA ’03 and Pearson)CAFCE Co-op Student of theYear (Andrea Baldwin, BPR ’98)and a couple HonourableMentionsCAFCE Research Award(Daphne Lordly, MAHE ’93)Partnership Recognition Award,Veterans Affairs CanadaResearch project spearheadedfor the Maritime ProvincesHigher Education CommissionDecades of SuccessWhat employersare saying...For the past two years, Mary-Eleanor Walker has managed theNSBI Annual Report – a significantproject involving many of our staff,our clients and contract serviceproviders – from concept to finalproduct. I am pleased to tell youthat under her leadership andguidance, NSBI’s Annual Reportshave received internationalrecognition for both years! Thisrecognition is a testament to thequality of Mount Saint VincentUniversity graduates and yourco-op program.You should be very proud! NSBIstrongly believes in co-operativeeducation. We look forward tocontinuing our partnershipwith you.Stephen Lund, President & CEONova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI)What ouralumnaeare saying…Mary-Eleanor Walker, BPR ’06,Communications Officer, Editorial,NSBI and former co-op student, ispaying it forward.I have supervised four co-opstudents during my time at NSBIand feel it has been a tremendouslyrewarding experience. With eachmentoring experience, I amreminded of the invaluable lessonsco-operative education had for me.Folia Montana 9