June 2006
TRU-OL to bestow honorary degree upon national leader in aboriginal education
June 2, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Thompson Rivers University's Open Learning division will recognize the achievements of a national leader in aboriginal education with an honorary doctorate in letters to be bestowed in Burnaby in June.
Nathan Matthew has distinguished himself for the past 30 years in First Nations government and education, and has been key to developing educational and business capacity within his community, the Secwepemc Nation, and other provincial and national organizations.
Nathan Matthew, a member of the Simpcw First Nation, was born in Kamloops February 5, 1949. He attended Barriere Secondary, where he was Student Council President in grade 12, and graduated in 1966. He then attended the University of British Columbia, where he graduated with bachelor of recreation education degree in 1972, then went on to earn another bachelor's degree, education professional, in 1978.
He was first elected Simpcw chief in 1976/77, then served in that position again for the period 1985-87, and then again took office for a 17-year period, from 1989 to 2006. During his tenure as chief, Nathan Matthew initiated many community-building initiatives. They include community planning sessions to direct the band council in community developments, a community First Nations School, a sawmill, a forest license, a custom election process, the establishment of the Simpcw Development Corporation to expand economic opportunities in forestry, the transfer of health programs from government to the community, successive five-year agreements for band funding, the construction of 90 new homes plus a six-unit elder's home on the reserve, a volunteer fire department and fire hall, and an expansion of band employees from about six to over 50.
Education has been a priority for Nathan Matthew throughout his professional career, and he has been called the education chief of Canada. He was a founding member in 1985 and then continuous chair of the First Nations Education Council for School District #73, and initiated the signing of the first five-year Education Improvement Agreement, and followed it up with an Enhancement Agreement.
He was elected chair of the Chief's Committee on Education for the Assembly of First Nations in 1998, holding that position for ten years, until 1998, and then taking it up again from 1999 to 2006. Initiatives carried out during these periods include securing funding for and participating in policy development for First Nations Schools, special education and post-secondary programs, and working in cooperation with the federal government in First Nations education jurisdiction and systems planning.
Nathan Matthew was also First Nations representative to the provincial Education Advisory Council from 1989 to 2005, political advisor and negotiator for the First Nations Education Steering Committee from 1992 to the present, signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding with provincial and federal education partners to work on behalf of First Nations students, and First Nations signatory to the Education Jurisdiction agreement.
He was first elected tribal chief of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council in 1993, and served in that position twice, from 1993 to 1996 and after taking time to work toward a master of education degree at UBC, completed in 1990, again held the position from 2002 to 2006. During his tenure as tribal council chief, Nathan Matthew instituted regular tribal unity meetings, strengthened the tribal council by increased membership from five members to eight, and spearheaded the development of the Secwepemc Title and Rights Consultation and Accommodation Policy to guide resolution of land title issues.
Nathan Matthew was also a founding member of the profitable Secwepemc Economic Development Corporation, which has been able to financially contribute to Secwepemc cultural and community programs. He was elected president of that body in 2003, and during his tenure, negotiated a timber licence which has brought economic benefits shared by band members.
He was also a member of the negotiating team that developed a peaceful solution to the Gustafson Lake standoff.
Nathan Matthew was presented with the All Nations Trust Company Aboriginal Business Person Award in 2001 and was made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the First Nations Schools Association this past April.
Nathan Matthew, in his role as planner, strategist, relationship-builder, supporter and spokesperson for First Nations has provided consistency and stability to his community and other aboriginal organizations. His belief in the potential of and his efforts in demonstrating the capacity for First Nations self-determination has make him an important voice for First Nations aspirations.
The university will bestow Mr. Matthew's degree at its Celebration of Learning, to be held at 7 pm, June 15 at 4355 Mathissi Place in Burnaby.
-30-
Photo available: please contact Bronwen Scott at 250-371-5739 or email: bscott@tru.ca
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Nathan Matthew at 250-851-6054
Dr. Colin James (TRU Open Learning) at 250-828-5402 or 604-431-3168
TRU Convocation celebrates almost 1,900 graduates across the university
June 7, 2006
KAMLOOPS - Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops will recognize almost 1,900 graduates from degree, diploma and certificate programs during four separate Convocation ceremonies to be held on campus over the next two days. For the second year in a row, the ceremonies will be held in a spectacular setting outside the Campus Activity Centre.
Ceremonies at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on both Thursday and Friday will also include the awarding of four honorary degrees, and the presentation of 10 degree program medal winners. A complete listing of the programs included in each of the four ceremonies is available on the TRU web site.
Thursday, 10:00 AM
Honorary Doctorate
Dr. Fraser Mustard Honorary Doctor of Laws
Valedictorian
M J Paluck Child and Youth Care Diploma graduate
Medal Winners
Barbara Campbell, Bachelor of Education, Governor-General's Silver Medal(Top student graduating from a degree program)
Leanne Neighbour, Bachelor of Education Medal
Nicole Hagan, Bachelor of Social Work Medal
Andrew Krenz, Bachelor of Tourism Medal
Thursday, 2:00 PM
Honorary Doctorate
John Ciriani Honorary Doctor of Letters
Valedictorian
Nicole Befurt, B.A. (Honors), Psychology
Medal Winners
Devon Stonehocler, Bachelor of Arts Medal
Wendy-Anne Skjerpen, Bachelor of Fine Arts Medal
Marcel Tetrault, Bachelor of Journalism Medal
Friday, 10:00 AM
Honorary Doctorate
Dr. Suzanne Fortier, Honorary Doctor of Letters
Valedictorian
Laura Beyer, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Medal Winners
Lyra Lemery, Animal Health Technology Diploma, Governor-General's Bronze Medal (Top student graduating from a Diploma program)
Tiera Machell, Bachelor of Natural Resource Science Medal
Daniel Graves, Bachelor of Science Medal
Jenna Ziegler, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Medal
Friday, 2:00 PM
Honorary Doctorate
Manny Jules, Honorary Doctor of Laws
ValedictorianSamara Quinton, BBA, Major in Accounting
Medal WinnersSamara Quinton, Bachelor of Business Administration Medal
Graduates of the Open Learning programs will be recognized next week at the Celebration of Learning Ceremony on the TRU Campus in Burnaby. The event will be held on Thursday, June 15 starting at 7:00 pm, and will include the awarding of an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree to Nathan Mathew.
-30-
Josh Keller - Director
Marketing & Communications
Thompson Rivers University
TRU and Okanagan College look to bring MBA degree to Kelowna
June 15, 2006
KAMLOOPS - Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and Okanagan College in Kelowna are working together to determine the feasibility of offering the TRU MBA program on the local Kelowna campus.
The Deans of the respective Schools of Business have been collaborating on the proposal and are currently inviting both prospective students and potential instructors to find out more about the program, which would be offered through face-to-face, part-time study, in the evenings and on weekends.
The TRU program, unlike others in the market today, is designed for the more recent university graduate, as well as middle managers looking to expand career options.
Dr. Murray Young, Dean of the TRU School of Business & Economics, looks at the initiative as a strategic alliance in graduate business education with Okanagan College.
"As a truly comprehensive university, TRU is in a unique position to work directly with colleges like Okanagan to bring new opportunities to working adults across the province. We are interested in hearing from individuals throughout the Okanagan region who might be considering an MBA degree, and local businesses and corporations interested in upgrading the management capabilities of their employee group," said Young.
"Recent university graduates from Okanagan (OUC and OC) have indicated an interest being able to continue their education at a graduate level," explained Heather Banham, Associate Dean of the School of Business at Okanagan College. "By working with Okanagan College, TRU can provide that opportunity with a flexible and reasonably priced program."
For complete program information, people are invited to visit the program web site. The anticipated cost for the complete 20-course program would be about $20,000 plus books and fees. The MBA degree could be completed in 20-40 months depending on the number of courses a person takes each term.
"This is also a unique opportunity for business professionals in the Okanagan region, as we are also interested in hearing from persons interested in teaching in an MBA program delivered on the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College" said Young.
"Based on market interest, we expect to make a decision by July for a 2006 or 2007 start."
-30-
For more information:
Thompson Rivers University by phone to the MBA office (250)-852-6267 or by email.
Okanagan College by phone to the School of Business (250) 862-5610 or by email.
TRU appoints Dean of Science
June 27, 2006
KAMLOOPS-After a national search, Thompson Rivers University has decided upon one of its own for the position of Dean of the Faculty of Science, TRU Provost and Vice-President Academic Mark Evered announced today.
"We conducted a national search and interviewed three candidates for the position," said Dr. Evered, explaining that a ten-member search committee, with representatives from faculty, staff, administration and the student body made their final choice Mr. Larry Prins, who has served as interim science dean at TRU since 2003.
Mr. Prins joined the university in 1981 as a faculty member in the Allied Health department, where he taught respiratory therapy. He served as chair of the department for 11 years, and received a teaching excellence award in 1986.
He holds a diploma in respiratory therapy from Fanshawe College, Ontario, an instructor's diploma from UBC, a master's degree in administration and curriculum from Gonzaga University, and advanced certification from the Canadian Society for Respiratory Therapy. The published author of a number of scholarly articles, Mr. Prins is currently completing doctoral studies in higher education leadership with the University of Phoenix.
The Faculty of Science at TRU is comprised of five departments, including Allied Health, Agriculture Related programs, Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Sciences and Physical Sciences. About 63 full-time faculty serve approximately 830 students per year, graduating about 90 degree and 60 diploma receipients each year. TRU's Faculty of Science offers a number of majors, honours, and co-operative education degree programs including the unique Natural Resource Science degree, as well as a diversity of diploma programs, including the only respiratory therapy and animal health technology programs in BC, and distance education programs in animal health and water treatment technology. The Faculty has just launched a new bachelor of health sciences degree option for health-care professionals, including dental hygienists, massage therapists and respiratory therapists, and is looking to establish graduate programs in science and environmental studies in the near future.
-30-
For more information, please contact Larry Prins at 250-828-5405 or Mark Evered at 250-377-6126.
TRU trades and advanced technology students pick up more medals at nationals
June 28, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Of the six students who qualified to complete in the Skills Canada national competition held in Halifax May 23 to 26, three came home with medals.
It's a great showing at a tough competition, explained Cindi Thompson, TRU Skills Canada support liaison.
Competing at the national level were provincial gold medal winners Aaron Burwell of 70 Mile House (carpentry), Jason Feenstra of Chilliwack (electrical), Jeremy Hole of Kamloops (plumbing), Daniel Daigle of Port Alberni (electronics), Keith Stonehouse of Barriere (automotive) and Maria Skyers of 100 Mile House (mechanical CAD).
Stonehouse won silver at the nationals, while Burwell and Daigle came home with bronze medals.
"This is a significant achievement," said Thompson. "Our students worked hard preparing for this event, with some of them making personal sacrifices to do so. Most of them are working in their respective trades, and had to take time off work to attend. We all feel that they represented TRU in an exemplary manner and are extremely proud of their accomplishments.
-30-
Photo available: please contact Bronwen Scott or Cindi Thompson
For more information, please contact:
Aaron Burwell (250)456-2346 or email customhomes@telus.net
Keith Stonehouse (250) 672-0106
Daniel Daigle (250) 723-8499
Cindi Thompson (250) 828-5207
WolfPack Men's Basketball holds raffle fundraiser
June 28, 2006
KAMLOOPS- Thompson Rivers University men's basketball team will be selling raffle tickets this summer to help with extra expenses associated with exhibition travel, scholarships and equipment.
Grand prize is a black 2006 Vespa LX50 Scooter valued at $5000, while runner-up prizes include WolfPack golf shirts and hats.
"I'm billing it as the first annual WolfPack basketball scooter raffle," explained head coach Nevin Gleddie. "It's a great prize, and there are only 3100 tickets available," he added.
Tickets are available at the TRU Gym, from varsity basketball players, and will also be available at a variety of events throughout the summer, said Gleddie.
Tickets are $7 or three for $15, and will be sold until September 10, with the winning ticket drawn September 15.
For more information or for tickets, please call 250-828-5009 or 250-828-5270.
-30-
For more information, please contact Nevin Gleddie at 250-318-4233 or 250-828-5272.
Three Ontarians move west for the WolfPack
June 28, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Three young hoopsters from Ontario are the latest recruits to commit to the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack, announced head coach Nevin Gleddie.
"I am very excited to have these three players join us," he said. "It is great to have players from another part of the country and should enhance the experience for all our athletes. We are nearing the end of our recruiting and I believe should be very competitive next season."
Moving west to play varsity ball in the Canada West conference of the Canadian Interuniversity Sports league are Daniel Sawh, Navanga Burke and Kamar Burke.
Sawh, a 2nd-year transfer from Redeemer College in Hamilton, was recruited by several Division II schools in the US but decided that TRU would be his best option.
"Daniel is an extremely competitive and hard worker who will bring some quickness and tough on-the-ball defense to our back court," said Gleddie. "He is very good on the ball, is strong and uses his lateral quickness to his advantage. He can also score. At 5'8", what he lacks in height he more than makes up for in tenacity," added Gleddie.
Navanga Burke, a 6'0" 3rd-year transfer from Hamilton?s Mohawk College is a strong defensive player, said Gleddie.
"Navanga will also bring some depth and quickness to our perimeter defense. He is a great on-the-ball defender and a great playmaker. He is a guy who does all the intangibles; defensive anticipation, gets on loose balls," Gleddie explained.
Kamar Burke has been out of high school for two years and was slated to go Division I in the USA, but will be attending TRU for several reasons, including wanting to play with his older brother Navanga and best friend Daniel.
Gleddie is looking forward to adding the 6'6" 1st-year player from Mississauga to his team.
"Kamar may just be the best recruit we have ever landed talent-wise," he said. "I am very excited to have the opportunity to coach a player with Kamar's potential. He can play every position on the floor: he can post, rebound, handle the ball, shoot, and take it to the rim. He will be very exciting addition to our team and should make an immediate impact."
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Nevin Gleddie at 250-318-4233 or 250-828-5272
Kamar Burke at 416-316-8415
Daniel Sawh at 416-358-6803
Navanga Burke at 416-826-8859
TRU off to Trafalgar Square to participate in International Canada Day Celebrations
June 28, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Going to London to . . . wave the Canadian flag?
Thompson Rivers University (TRU), located in Kamloops, BC, Canada, will be participating in the "Canada Day in Trafalgar Square" celebrations in London, England on Friday, June 30, 2006.
"TRU is pleased to be joining other Canadian educational institutions in Trafalgar Square to celebrate Canada's national celebration," said Geoff Wilmshurst, Study Abroad manager at TRU, explaining that TRU?s 10,000-strong on-campus student population is enhanced by an international population of 800 students representing more than 53 countries, including the U.K.
The students come to take advantage of the university's comprehensive range of over 150 program choices, ranging from graduate and undergraduate degree programs to one and two-year career and trades programs on TRU's picturesque 250-acre campus. Both domestic and international students are supported by a network of services and facilities on campus, including support services, career counselling, a student employment centre, and a health clinic. Students enjoy wireless internet access, food services, a bookstore, internet café, a pub, on and near campus housing, excellent transit service, an aquatic centre with Olympic-size swimming pool located on campus, as well as exceptional athletics facilities and a wide range of recreational opportunities.
TRU's Kamloops campus is centrally located near all amenities and is close to the city centre, which is itself located at the junction of two major rivers in a region with readily accessible lakes, mountains and hills for a host of outdoor activities, including skiing, water sports, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
-30-
For more information, please contact Geoff Wilmshurst at (250) 371-5888 or by email.