tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54309155253829769002024-03-05T15:35:45.724-04:00A view from the MountDr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-85937269998321119152013-09-23T15:01:00.001-03:002013-09-23T15:23:56.427-03:00<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nova Scotia's Education Advantage</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/postconvocationreleasemay2013.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicchESAv-ExJfoRNiEMpdsxko0-v8TOhu3RDh8rxr8Dll3nxsPzIpIyguJCGXvskqrUFeCFyElOKCA3Dy7LNA05oDdCDqQzppSEqtDtwvwG-KpAVwJUhJNiCmyF6dWIsLqcmymEyDrIjAG/s320/8802220762_1e27d82539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I sat at dinner beside a
gentleman who told me he had attended the Mount’s Convocation for the first
time this May. When I asked him why, he told me that he and his wife have
a housekeeper who for many years has been working part-time in the evenings to
complete her degree. She’s the first in her family to attend university,
and they were there to celebrate her success. This story offered a powerful
reminder of the dedication and hard work that goes into earning a university
degree, and the pride our graduates – and their supporters – take in their
accomplishments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nova Scotia is home to ten
excellent universities, each boasting thousands of similar success stories every year. As the Mount graduates talented students in fields such as communications,
modern languages, applied nutrition, family studies, public policy, economics and
more, so too do our counterparts in their areas of focus. These efforts arm our
province with a highly educated, highly skilled, competitive workforce and each
graduate is a testament to the role we play in elevating our region as a whole.
But our contributions extend far beyond annual convocations.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/beamountstudent/internationalstudents/default.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nu-VsGIgOKjUux_sJtMrfVqGx5kpK6jYiSPJb2WX2D-RPT3dX6DlTiJx6V-HN4lbbZLd_8RKqG2VqsYu3tzFchMgni3wxa38j8X_972W0PnvZVw0t4BFnsMjK7M3GWIw8mdSwyrafG4g/s320/1014222_557394870992518_1150851728_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our new international students visit Peggy's Cove</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to a </span><a href="http://www.atlanticuniversities.ca/system/files/documents/CONSUPReports/Universities%20-%20Partners%20for%20a%20Prosperous%20Nova%20Scotia_FINAL_June20%2713.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013
report</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents, our province’s
universities produce a combined economic output of $2 billion, $220 million in
tax revenues, $840 million in annual export revenues, and over 8,000 jobs. Our
strategic value for the province is substantial. We can attract international
immigrants, we can contribute research and innovation to all sectors, and we
can ready our younger students to stay and work right here – all this with the
second lowest provincial funding per student in the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a major port city in Eastern Canada, </span><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/atlantic-provinces-face-a-new-brain-drain/article12300106/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Halifax
is at a crossroads</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The Nova Scotia government, in partnership with the
federal government, appreciates the value of internationalization and has made
it a priority to increase immigration in the province, particularly
Canadian-trained international graduates. Our universities have a key role to
play in this process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organizations such as <a href="http://www.edunova.ca/">EduNova</a> are
working hard to grow the number of international students in Nova Scotia’s
universities, colleges, and schools. In 2012-13, over 6,000 international
students (13.8 % of the total student body) chose to study in Nova Scotia’s
universities. These students generate over $230 million for Nova Scotia’s
economy, and hundreds of jobs right across the province. Many of these students
choose to stay in Nova Scotia after graduation, bringing valuable international
skills and experiences, global networks, and new perspectives to our
communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/mountalumnaconnectingcommunities.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvxdcmgCyr8I497zAqq3RtpTHHtV-m8mIaGUn_9YfMGfmYqIW0ZtlB4Fx7xVZDj6oS9xZ39mj2N9kMjXl4VtVl1pDnc0HRe4AWdCpVPc7h573PYFquuRlCYmhbh_tB94tloKgU5G-EXBi/s200/Meng's+professional.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meng Zhao, BPR '10</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently, the Mount’s student body of just over 4,000 includes 590<b> </b><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/beamountstudent/internationalstudents/default.aspx">international
students</a> from over 50 countries.<b> </b>Apart
from the strong economic case for international education, these students
greatly enrich our campus, many becoming leaders in both academics and
community service. PR graduate and <a href="http://www.dakai.ca/">Dakai
Magazine</a> founder <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/mountalumnaconnectingcommunities.aspx">Meng
Zhao</a> sets a strong example as she builds ties between the local community
and Chinese culture. It’s clear that the ongoing accomplishments of our
international students will only continue to enhance our region.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we welcome students from across the country
and around the world for another year, let’s remember the importance of what we
do and why we do it here in Nova Scotia. Our work as universities has
tremendous benefits on an individual basis as seen by our students, their
classmates, and their employers, and on a broader scale as seen through our
contributions and innovations across all sectors. Just as our province offers a
strong environment for post-secondary education, we in turn continue to
strengthen Nova Scotia’s global appeal.</span></span>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-49710241060854502692013-09-05T09:11:00.003-03:002013-10-30T11:01:21.087-03:00<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September at the Mount is one of my
favourite months, as we greet new students, welcome returning students and
begin a new academic year with our faculty and staff colleagues.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This year the Mount celebrates its 140</span><sup style="line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="line-height: 115%;">
anniversary, marking a distinguished history of fostering academic excellence,
community building and social justice. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our
new Strategic Plan, </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/home/missionvisionstrategicplan/default.aspx" target="_blank">Mount 2017: Making a Difference</a></i>, </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">will guide us in shaping an equally distinguished future
for our University, and I invite you to play a role in this important work.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.msvu.ca/construction" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmi_cKesFzHV0z2gqHcZiwqqIVgrBa2PzFL9Jj1XtsaztpjSeLVO1EoLqX98IhVfiEVkpHnPdtk4RqooKGP6HUr-BpaVXzWGf-6PjegeBW9KThvpWmbE24PNKI0J0U7J1WkrkVYbiR-nf/s200/1175572_10152135735394502_1731975634_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The construction of the <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/construction.aspx" target="_blank">Margaret Norrie McCain Centre of Teaching, Learning and Research</a>, as you’ll have noticed,
is making big changes on our campus.
While some of these changes – new routes to travel across campus or
different parking spots to be found – may try our patience from time to time,
we’ll see the rewards when the building is complete. The first academic building constructed at
the Mount in over 40 years, the McCain Centre will not only provide
long-awaited space for key programs and departments, but, in keeping with our
mission, it will also honour and tell the stories of women throughout.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I had the opportunity to tour the
construction site this summer and was delighted with the progress I saw; we’re
on target toward our goal of opening in December of next year.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I invite you to keep updated on the building
by visiting the </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/construction.aspx" target="_blank">construction website</a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This past weekend I attended orientation
events for new students and was struck once again by the diversity of those who
come to study at the Mount – some joining us from high school, others coming to
our community as mature adults, and many arriving from around the world.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I’m excited about the year ahead as we
welcome these students and strive to meet and exceed their expectations.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">At our annual
Celebration of Teaching and Learning held last week, we focused on the topic of
diversity. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">In addition to excellent sessions
led by members of our faculty, we heard a panel of students speak about their academic
experience.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">They were honest in telling
us not only what has worked for them in their Mount education, but where we can
make changes that will improve their learning.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">A number of faculty and staff in attendance spoke to me of their desire
to keep hearing these student voices, and we’ll seek opportunities to continue
the conversation throughout the year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">My colleague Elizabeth
Church, VP Academic, delivered closing remarks at the workshop, drawing a
parallel between foreign travel and university.
She challenged us, faculty and staff, to be guides to our students, who
are travellers in </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">strange
and unfamiliar territory—to help them remain open to others and able to learn
from their experiences. We can all
benefit by thinking of ourselves as travellers in our own university, with much
to learn and gain from our time together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy
your fall term and I look forward to travelling the road with you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramona </span></span></div>
Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-9105691613996254122013-06-17T11:21:00.000-03:002013-06-17T11:21:24.155-03:00<h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. E. Margaret Fulton's Lasting Legacy</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Another Convocation season has come and gone – a
bittersweet time of year for us at the Mount.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything we do is for our students and while we proudly
celebrate as they cross the stage, we must also say goodbye as they set out to
make their own mark on the world. I
invite our <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/postconvocationreleasemay2013.aspx" target="_blank">620 new Mount graduates</a><span style="color: red;"> </span>to
join me in celebrating the mentors, teachers, and peers who have helped prepare
them for what’s to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last month, we had the privilege of sharing our Spring
Convocation with a number of outstanding women.<a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/springconvocationreleasemay1.aspx" target="_blank"> Poet Lorna Crozier, sociologist Arlie Hochschild, and soprano Suzie LeBlanc</a> <i>(pictured left)</i> received honorary doctorate degrees<span style="color: red;"> </span>and offered graduates compelling insights on
compassion, ambition, risk-taking and strength. Dr. LeBlanc, reflecting on the
Mount’s founding by the Sisters of Charity, noted that “finding your strength,
finding ways to make something happen that you really believe in, is the way
this university was begun.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope our graduates take these words to heart as they
consider not only how the Mount came to be, but how it has remained true to the
Sisters’ original intent over the past 140 years. For an example of how our
history has been shaped by strength, creativity, and belief, we need look no further
than former Mount President E. Margaret Fulton.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While she wasn’t able to join us in person, I am
delighted that Dr. Fulton was recognized at our Spring Convocation in her new
role as President Emerita, in tribute to her outstanding contributions as the
leader of this institution from 1978 to 1986, and as a trusted friend ever
since.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Fulton broke new ground from day one at the Mount,
serving as our first President who was not a Sister of a religious order, as
well as the only woman President of a Canadian university at that time. In a
1999 interview she recalled how shared priorities with the institution turned
an unconventional pairing into the perfect fit:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The goals and the statement fitted perfectly where I was
at that time: my commitment to the changes in the women’s movement, and the
development of a feminist perspective, and a desire to provide more
opportunities for women to get an advanced education.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was her passion for women’s education that drove Dr. Fulton
to usher in an era of great innovation at our university. While she’s quick to
credit her success to others, it was under her leadership that the Mount made
education more accessible by becoming the first university in Atlantic Canada to
offer televised courses. Further, it was
through her work with our dear Ruth Goldbloom that the Mount’s first major
capital campaign raised $3.5 million to fund the Rosaria Student Centre, the creation
of the first Chair of Women’s Studies in Canada, and the first Co-operative
Education program in the Maritimes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just this year, it was a gift from Dr. Fulton that
pushed <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/projecttwenty12sodturning.aspx" target="_blank">Project TWENTY12 past the $12 million mark</a>, proving that even
at age 90, she hasn’t quite finished shaping the future of the Mount for
generations of students yet to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my conversations with Dr. Fulton, what always strikes
me is the wonderful curiosity and excitement she continues to feel about
everything to do with the Mount. She believes in us, she still expects a lot
from us, and it is our ongoing privilege to continue building upon her
remarkable legacy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Congratulations, Margaret, and thank you.</span></div>
Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-66269978160218107862013-04-29T12:11:00.000-03:002013-04-29T12:17:18.755-03:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Small and Successful</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In conversations about the Mount, people often mention our
size. That’s quite natural when you consider, in a world of mega-universities,
our overall enrolment of 4,000 students and our average class size of 24. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Size alone isn’t what’s important, however, but rather the
advantages we can derive from being small. Our typical class size means our
professors really do know their students on a first-name basis. It’s our size
that allows us to form close personal and professional connections with one
another, creating a highly engaged learning community—a key component in the
success of our students, staff, and faculty.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsshvJ7_pq3N_epAKzwZs3Ggp1x1IUcZITAuyCcYbdDSmqWJOnUC1I_fBOgUR2QZIGxMgROFTD9ovxhmysyWWzDxLTtxvo5Ws007kKDpOKXXzV7D1wshYPfYJS9ybq5m_ckH_3eDJ6Eg-J/s1600/422022_292763117449651_1761474255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsshvJ7_pq3N_epAKzwZs3Ggp1x1IUcZITAuyCcYbdDSmqWJOnUC1I_fBOgUR2QZIGxMgROFTD9ovxhmysyWWzDxLTtxvo5Ws007kKDpOKXXzV7D1wshYPfYJS9ybq5m_ckH_3eDJ6Eg-J/s200/422022_292763117449651_1761474255_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/professionalstudies/tourismhospitality/facultyprofiles/Peter_Mombourquette.aspx" target="_blank">Dr. Peter Mombourquette</a>, for example, who is one of many
Mount faculty members who extend the student experience beyond the classroom. Peter is the Chair of our Department of
Business and Tourism, and he’s a passionate champion for social
entrepreneurship. Over the past two years, he has enriched the learning
experience of students with extracurricular opportunities by showcasing how to
solve complex problems with a balance of empathy and innovation. Starting small
with food drives and blanket collections, his initiative quickly evolved into
an annual two-day conference, <a href="http://se4d.ca/" target="_blank">Social Entrepreneurship for a Day</a> (SE4D), where
students collaborate with mentors to find <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/SE4Dwrapup2013.aspx" target="_blank">creative solutions that address critical social needs</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPOhEtFZeJjpiYTt5nf665oR3dd1iDZNBXX6_fRtdRXQsEJTnm9__VDyz6Ec9_z9Ht2gUwgI7cByBjRXuj08e8LO2XDaLRz1lsE441vo21F1fiYz-r8qFVpeMTlFB2gz7gUqextblqRCF/s1600/542415_479286218797339_297124834_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPOhEtFZeJjpiYTt5nf665oR3dd1iDZNBXX6_fRtdRXQsEJTnm9__VDyz6Ec9_z9Ht2gUwgI7cByBjRXuj08e8LO2XDaLRz1lsE441vo21F1fiYz-r8qFVpeMTlFB2gz7gUqextblqRCF/s200/542415_479286218797339_297124834_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SE4D developed organically, but it was far from accidental.
The Mount’s environment of close-knit relationships, rich learning experiences,
strong mentorship, and commitment to service saw one person’s passion become a
signature feature of our student experience.
And the 150 participants in this year’s SE4D are proof that our students
eagerly seek out these opportunities to contribute to the broader community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My colleague Dr. Robert Campbell, President of Mount Allison
University and current Chair of the <a href="http://www.atlanticuniversities.ca/" target="_blank">Association of Atlantic Universities</a>, recently
noted the importance of universities to our region. He wrote in <i><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/universities-can-drive-economic-growth-if-they-focus-on-their-primary-mission-of-education/article9949476/" target="_blank">The Globe and Mail</a></i> that universities in
Atlantic Canada are key economic drivers, stimulating growth and creating
thousands of jobs. The primary role of
universities, of course, is to stay true to our core mission—the education of
our students. But education goes hand in hand with social and economic
prosperity; the two are not mutually exclusive. We need to ensure that our
students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed fully as
human beings, and in turn their individual contributions after graduation will showcase
the value of our time together. Our small size is a great asset in this
undertaking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Mount, our commitment to students is
interwoven with the value we place on strong communities. We make sure that
each of our students feels valued and engaged, and that each has the
opportunity to experience a sense of belonging. In return, our students
graduate ready to shape the world around them. Far from just a reflection of
our size, I consider this outcome to be the hallmark of a Mount education.</span>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-84869367264640352442013-03-27T11:40:00.000-03:002013-03-27T11:46:12.133-03:00<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Creating Momentum in Aboriginal Education</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider this:
more than one-third of Aboriginal people of high school age or older have not
completed high school, and only eight per cent of Canadian Aboriginal people
between the ages of 25 and 64 have a university degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s easy to
see why Aboriginal education should be a policy priority for all levels of
government in Canada. Education, particularly at the college or university
level, is critical to helping all of us achieve our goals, support our
families, and compete in a quickly changing job market. Historically, few First
Nations students have had the tools or support to succeed in post-secondary
education. Fortunately, in the past few years, there are indications that this
tide is shifting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.aucc.ca/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqabO72RV_HBKsQFe4Ohw1mwv01vHL7V93wm0E4zsjsuifeQp0QdnXVjjPIeMCkWMIh65lyLdSNqjl5h_dHtD0mFPdbHNkLAPv-Na6d64sHICVOuc_eg1K-2qUb7KHoGZuxciQUx8A-V2/s1600/Home.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recognizing
the challenge and the importance of providing support and access to education
for Aboriginal Canadians, the <a href="http://www.aucc.ca/" target="_blank">Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada</a> (AUCC) has made Aboriginal education one of its priority policy
items and has been lobbying the federal government to increase funding for
Aboriginal students. The AUCC has also launched a number of dynamic <a href="http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/aboriginal-student-resources/" target="_blank">online tools</a> to create awareness and understanding of the success many young First
Nations students have achieved at the university level. Among these tools is a summary of opportunities in education across Canada for Aboriginal students. AUCC
has also produced a compilation of <a href="http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/aboriginal-student-resources/aboriginal-programs-and-services-directory/" target="_blank">resources</a> for Aboriginal students,
including a list of bursaries, indigenous services, transition programs, and
elder visits across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/beamountstudent/studentambassadors/volunteers/jennamarr.aspx" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5DvQPhm15rDlQVf2sGf8HJLR17K2_9Km6B0xctqgP7qwWDCf0FQbxA70eahKJKcZtaozTe3sih-pOhhE10aTy7ju57ZXgCPY_VI7QdBB4F39wLjTTZJDmzJSDiI9G3-KYnDVnBMz0lgK/s200/jenna1.jpg" width="140" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/beamountstudent/studentambassadors/volunteers/jennamarr.aspx" target="_blank">Jenna Marr</a>, a first-year Mi’kmaq student from
Indian Brook, is featured prominently as a success story in the AUCC database.
Jenna, one of the Mount’s student ambassadors, is currently studying in our <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/professionalstudies/Department_of_Communication_Studies/publicrelations/default.aspx" target="_blank">Public Relations program</a>, and has helped our recruitment team reach out to
prospective students through campus tours, special on-campus events, and school
visits. We’re proud of Jenna’s contributions and her work as a role model for
other Mi’kmaq youth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Mount,
we’ve introduced a number of initiatives to better support and encourage
Mi’kmaq and other Aboriginal students. Our Aboriginal Advisory Committee has
been instrumental in giving insights to the university’s leadership team on how
we can do a better job of building a community where Aboriginal students are
able to achieve their goals. We also recently welcomed Art Stevens as the
Mount’s new Coordinator of Aboriginal Services to develop programming and
resources to support our First Nations students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/themountopensthedoorstothenewaboriginalstudentcent.aspx" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa9hUXp7cITkVXjflgGZo-8tdwM9M2yu3JKDl_mrlQN0R-WQ1GwbUsCyCqQCg_QLyjbuZD-yoAbYWGC_GqiL7o5BgyG4I_t1MgoZemPfMnPsUmDaLb4vJPTHjMh4A8FQU60x6mlEYOhSF/s200/550001_10151759536414502_1382049411_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most
recently, on February 28, I was delighted to join staff, students, and special
guests from the community for the opening of the Mount’s <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/themountopensthedoorstothenewaboriginalstudentcent.aspx" target="_blank">Aboriginal Student Centre</a>. The Centre was established as a community hub where students can
meet, chat, and have access to a resident counselor. Dr. Don Julien, Executive
Director of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and member of our Aboriginal
Advisory Committee, led us in prayer as part of the day’s ceremonies. We’re
grateful for his leadership and for the support, wisdom and guidance of all
members of our Advisory Committee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Securing
access to education affects all of us, whether at the campus, community, or
national level. It’s vital—to our communities, our country, but most
importantly, to young Aboriginal students from across the country—to ensure we
are providing the tools for Aboriginal students to realize their dreams.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ramona</i></b></span></div>
Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-76219026095855650832013-03-06T16:13:00.004-04:002013-03-07T11:00:32.345-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzRhLENt0AoKBNPh7WGdaN5LDPxUrrhF57drcJ9x3LNMcuvgfB4n7xyVqShYt3J0XqMuW5yTqt3oz-OdifZGrHYvldhJu-APaCHL1NqKSPK7ru4Yk7-CgyqCVTo7zHcIav7FzDPkumC0i/s1600/IWD+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzRhLENt0AoKBNPh7WGdaN5LDPxUrrhF57drcJ9x3LNMcuvgfB4n7xyVqShYt3J0XqMuW5yTqt3oz-OdifZGrHYvldhJu-APaCHL1NqKSPK7ru4Yk7-CgyqCVTo7zHcIav7FzDPkumC0i/s200/IWD+Logo.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we approach International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, it’s important to reflect on the issues facing women and girls in our communities and around the world. In 2013, there are still some who might question the importance of paying tribute to women through a global event such as IWD. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a remarkably short period of time, six Canadian provinces and territories, representing over 85 per cent of the Canadian population, are now governed by women premiers. Globally, there are more female heads of state than at any time in history. In university classrooms across Canada, young women now make up the majority of undergraduate students and have pulled ahead in gaining admission to professional programs such as medicine and law.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But such advances mask a larger climate of gender inequality. Women still remain woefully underrepresented in corporate boardrooms and in parliaments across Canada and the globe. Violence against girls and women in the home, in the workplace, and in communities, remains unacceptably high. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lives of many murdered and missing Aboriginal women from across Canada in the last few decades have been largely ignored by mainstream media. Young girls and women are still entering academic programs in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at levels far below their numbers in others. In the media, in schools, and in the broader culture, young women and girls remain inundated with contradictory messages about their value and about what it means to be a woman in 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Globally, the situation remains concerning. While Saudi Arabia only recently welcomed women to its governing Shura Council, women in that country are still banned from driving and are forbidden from holding high political office. Recently, a vicious assault on a Delhi city bus drew condemnation from around the world and shone a light on the often brutal realities for women in contemporary India. These are just two alarming examples of the perceived value of girls and women in some societies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunQREJSNkOtMDUC1jWBuw5iEFIz5busKQm6pDpoGGu2g8MadcpWIL56vLJd7IN6qy7pl73VluXzwbpynxzQc8F8GBw1ixJ2YV0_g5nIORJniBtpnuzyohu5MEZeO9jVr0kNQYC1wxoXGv/s1600/Girls+2013+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunQREJSNkOtMDUC1jWBuw5iEFIz5busKQm6pDpoGGu2g8MadcpWIL56vLJd7IN6qy7pl73VluXzwbpynxzQc8F8GBw1ixJ2YV0_g5nIORJniBtpnuzyohu5MEZeO9jVr0kNQYC1wxoXGv/s200/Girls+2013+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Addressing the difficulties faced by women and girls is a collective responsibility. At the Mount, we are grateful for the historical example of the Sisters of Charity and of our many faculty, staff, students and alumnae who continue to work for the betterment of girls and young women in our communities and around the world. We are also eager to see what’s in store at this year’s <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/community/Centres_Institutes/IWGSJ/GIRLS2013/default.aspx" target="_blank">Girls’ Conference</a>, an annual event which seeks to create a sense of community while addressing tangible solutions to challenges facing girls and women.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are inspired by faculty like Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal, NSERC Atlantic Chair for <a href="http://wiseatlantic.ca/" target="_blank">Women in Science and Engineering</a>, who connects girls across the Atlantic provinces with mentors and positive role models in the science and engineering fields. We give thanks for the many pioneers who have paved the way for new generations – women like the late Dr. Daurene Lewis, a trailblazer in the African Nova Scotian community, whose work at the Mount’s <a href="http://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca/en/home/default.aspx" target="_blank">Centre for Women in Business </a>equipped many female entrepreneurs with the skills and networks they needed to thrive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, we look forward to the future, and to breaking ground on the new <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/thecentre.aspx" target="_blank">Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Research</a>. The McCain Centre is the first university academic building in Canada dedicated entirely to honouring women. It will house many of the Mount’s signature programs, including our recently renamed <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/community/Centres_Institutes/IWGSJ/default.aspx" target="_blank">Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice</a>. It will also feature the <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/inspiringwomen.aspx" target="_blank">Riva Spatz Women’s Wall of Honour</a>, a unique tribute to women from all walks of life – our mothers and daughters, our sisters and friends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This March 8, International Women’s Day, please join me in celebrating and honouring the diverse experiences of women and girls.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramona<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-78647491185452803742013-01-31T13:46:00.001-04:002013-01-31T13:49:55.036-04:00The Spirit of Giving Back: Caritas Day <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZOlHAc6_5pm3GCyKHzVDObTZJx9wWTy0VF70EjVJIRgHC7N8UPEI99i3MpIPXC6AoMg0J4Ie0aEdUbsEMbhcdYWoEsohGmKqTXdnMUd2fOsDv10V94hcrzqhPmLk4Evt7_-7J3q3rpRx/s1600/1951+Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZOlHAc6_5pm3GCyKHzVDObTZJx9wWTy0VF70EjVJIRgHC7N8UPEI99i3MpIPXC6AoMg0J4Ie0aEdUbsEMbhcdYWoEsohGmKqTXdnMUd2fOsDv10V94hcrzqhPmLk4Evt7_-7J3q3rpRx/s200/1951+Fire.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A photo taken during the fire of '51</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the Mount, we’re justifiably proud of our commitment to making a difference in our communities. We were founded by the </span><a href="http://www.schalifax.ca/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Sisters of Charity</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> in 1873 to educate and provide opportunities to girls and young women, opportunities that were few and far between at the time. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/caritasday2013.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Caritas Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> springs from the same spirit of service. After a devastating fire in 1951, the Sisters of Charity, overwhelmed by the generosity that helped get the university back on its feet, instituted a day each year that would allow students to “give back” to the wider community. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAMxtd6rTbB1NfHmcVgnWO8v_m5iWero7tAeMlQmyZUzwojVu27m19p2yMm1cfJznXfV-pH8Q8UJdDz9RCD8sGGaF3v4dz5BlfD-TMvxOFmBFAC_M8BEHng96v-oa2eLmAuciIok973YB/s1600/Allison+Sparling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAMxtd6rTbB1NfHmcVgnWO8v_m5iWero7tAeMlQmyZUzwojVu27m19p2yMm1cfJznXfV-pH8Q8UJdDz9RCD8sGGaF3v4dz5BlfD-TMvxOFmBFAC_M8BEHng96v-oa2eLmAuciIok973YB/s1600/Allison+Sparling.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Bachelor of Public Relations student, </em><br />
<em>Allison Sparling</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mount students, staff, and faculty are active in communities locally, nationally, and around the world. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of our current students, </span><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/ourstories/allisonsparling/default.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Allison Sparling</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, has helped organize opportunities for women to become more involved in political life through her collaborative Walk with Her campaign. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meng Zhao, who came to the Mount from China and has since gone on to become an active member of the Halifax community, is about to launch </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DakaiMaritimes"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">the first Chinese-language magazine in the Maritimes</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And Joan Ntebohelen (Kolane), a Mount alumna now living in Pretoria, South Africa, was inspired by the values of hard work and service she learned at the Mount and is now the United Nations Chief of Nutrition and Food Security in Ethiopia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our communities far and wide continue to need our help. A report from </span><a href="http://www.feednovascotia.ca/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Feed Nova Scotia</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> states that in March 2012 alone, over 23,500 Nova Scotians were assisted by their local food bank. This is a nearly 40 per cent increase from only four years earlier. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzqwyBDG3HYEIpqnoAvX5am_f06l6gC5QZNprmsLO1x1FIsQXumOWWDT2JT6JwYNlYhgjwYjh-FsNtWZnwKZAbMYbU0dlI1DHG07WCjNc_PSAN9yLG1nhvcZ3FKnAmVOt25Lw_dk0TTSk/s1600/Food+Caritas+Day+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzqwyBDG3HYEIpqnoAvX5am_f06l6gC5QZNprmsLO1x1FIsQXumOWWDT2JT6JwYNlYhgjwYjh-FsNtWZnwKZAbMYbU0dlI1DHG07WCjNc_PSAN9yLG1nhvcZ3FKnAmVOt25Lw_dk0TTSk/s200/Food+Caritas+Day+2013.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Shown above: Donations </em><br />
<em>from the Caritas </em><em>Day 2013 </em><br />
<em>food drive.</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Across Canada, nearly 3.2 million people live in poverty. More than a third of those in our country who receive assistance from food banks are young people or children. According to the United Nations, </span><a href="http://www.wfp.org/stories/what-need-know-about-hunger-2012"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">nearly 1 in 8 people around the world goes hungry each day</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clearly, much work needs to be done. B</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ut there are signs of hope. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to </span><a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/lae/volunteerism/voluntary-sector.asp"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">statistics</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> provided by the Government of Nova Scotia, 453,000 Nova Scotians give back to their communities through acts of volunteering. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps most encouraging, nearly 65% of young people in our province volunteer. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Organizations like Feed Nova Scotia, among countless others, continue their good work helping the most vulnerable among us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We each of us have the chance to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caritas Day is an opportunity for all of us to commit ourselves to the service of others through acts of generosity, however large or small – on campus, within our home communities, and around the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Ramona</em></span></div>
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More stories:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/caritasday2013.aspx" target="_blank"><em>Caritas Day: A Day to Celebrate Community</em></a> </span></div>
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<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/givingbackpaulabarryprofile.aspx" target="_blank"><em>Giving Back: Sharing the Mount with the World</em></a> </span></div>
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<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/news/sisterevelynwilliamsprofile2013.aspx" target="_blank">Sisters of Charity Embody the Spirit of Giving</a></em> </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-4228493285934031162012-12-14T12:23:00.004-04:002012-12-14T12:43:12.332-04:00Looking Back, Looking Forward<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRivwqihXna4_YgIFCfxwyoSMWyt0Hc3xeXeDN3up6Fh9G6xcBHhTlOjc1AUOqLXUUjr22LrU_VQdzSuLAxcjw6CCwtE-Or1HhKvX5OjbLtxmvOEQ6HW-ZKrxQFF28YfgV8YlxIt3nBxNa/s1600/Ramona2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRivwqihXna4_YgIFCfxwyoSMWyt0Hc3xeXeDN3up6Fh9G6xcBHhTlOjc1AUOqLXUUjr22LrU_VQdzSuLAxcjw6CCwtE-Or1HhKvX5OjbLtxmvOEQ6HW-ZKrxQFF28YfgV8YlxIt3nBxNa/s320/Ramona2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><em>As we approach the end of another year, it’s a fitting time to reflect on a few highlights from 2012. It was a remarkable year for our community, as the Mount celebrated a number of key accomplishments and anniversaries.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking Back</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">In February, to great fanfare, we announced the <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/mediareleases/mountreceiveslargestdonationinhistory.aspx" target="_blank">largest donation in the history</a> of the Mount. Margie McCain’s generous gift of $2.25 million for the new Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research was welcomed by an enthusiastic and supportive Mount community. Her gift will ensure a legacy of high-quality classroom, research and learning space for future generations of Mount students and faculty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This year also marked an important milestone as we celebrated our first graduates from the Bachelor of Science <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/professionalstudies/Department_of_Communication_Studies/Bachelor_of_Science_Science_Communication/default.aspx" target="_blank">(Science Communication)</a> program. This ground-breaking program combines the rigours of science and the study of communication practice, positioning our graduates to explain the complexities of science and technology to our communities and to the media. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Program Anniversaries</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The year 2012 also marked the 35th anniversary of the Mount’s highly-regarded <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/professionalstudies/Department_of_Communication_Studies/default.aspx" target="_blank">Bachelor of Public Relations</a> program. All across the globe, Mount PR grads are making a difference in industry, non-profit, and the public sectors by bringing their stories to life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/distancelearning/default.aspx" target="_blank">Distance Learning and Continuing Education (DLCE) </a>recognized their <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/mediareleases/distance30yearanniversaryprofile.aspx" target="_blank">30th anniversary</a> this past year. The occasion was marked by bringing together staff, students, and faculty who have been part of the Mount’s successful outreach to distance education students over the past three decades.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">It was also the 20th anniversary for two important cornerstones of the Mount community. The <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/community/Centres_Institutes/centreonaging/default.aspx" target="_blank">Nova Scotia Centre on Aging</a> celebrated its 20th anniversary with a high-profile national conference called “Our Future Is Aging”. The <a href="http://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca/" target="_blank">Centre for Women in Business</a> also marked 20 years dedicated to supporting local and regional women business leaders and entrepreneurs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking Forward</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The year 2013 promises to be no less exciting. We’re marking 140 years of history and an impressive legacy of commitment to the advancement of women, to social justice, and to supporting and nurturing accessible learning for all members of our community. We recently launched our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MountSaintVincentUniversity" target="_blank">Facebook Timeline</a> to mark some of the key moments in our collective history. I’m hopeful that our recent work with Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq communities, the hiring of our first Aboriginal student advisor, and the opening of the Mount Aboriginal Friendship Centre will help ensure that we serves the needs of an under-presented Nova Scotian community on our campus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Early in the new year, we’re also planning to celebrate the sod-turning for the <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/thecentre.aspx" target="_blank">McCain Centre</a>, an accomplishment in which we can all take pride. I’d like to recognize the tremendous work of our campaign volunteers and everyone who has supported the vision for this project. At last we’ll have the chance to see the next stage of our journey as an institution unfold. As of this month, we’re very close to our fundraising goal, having raised over $11.3 million toward the $12 million needed to wrap the campaign.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchSXCm1hYL__yVH9OlPywXD4sX-nTycCCzxXRYZSpw1tq9gbwf70XjMruW_LfzpVH5LQAm6BuxnmAyy3U6efJEGBnKiJ6IJmvV86iZdYDKZ9ME-uBllID9TOp-lo4Omf4ozOxIoTnX4GV/s1600/MSVU+Holiday+ECard+2012-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchSXCm1hYL__yVH9OlPywXD4sX-nTycCCzxXRYZSpw1tq9gbwf70XjMruW_LfzpVH5LQAm6BuxnmAyy3U6efJEGBnKiJ6IJmvV86iZdYDKZ9ME-uBllID9TOp-lo4Omf4ozOxIoTnX4GV/s400/MSVU+Holiday+ECard+2012-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I know you’ll have your own goals, accomplishments, and milestones to celebrate as we head into the new year. It’s a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of faculty, staff, and students. I wish everyone a great holiday season, and all the best for a productive and rewarding 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time,</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><em><strong>Ramona </strong></em></span></div>
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PS. Check out the Mount’s <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtw8gDefOTU&feature=g-crec-u" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">holiday video</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-82327308380082860812012-11-15T14:41:00.001-04:002012-11-15T14:41:41.719-04:00Education as a catalyst for change<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Reflections from Fall Convocation<o:p></o:p></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;">Convocation offers the opportunity for reflection, a chance to think deeply about the role education plays in our lives and in our communities. In a world marked by political conflict and growing social and economic inequality, education is a powerful tool that offers us the chance to use our skills and knowledge to improve our shared world. Last month, as <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/mediareleases/postconvocationreleasefall2012.aspx" target="_blank">we celebrated this fall’s 340 graduates</a> and their many accomplishments, I was reminded again of the power we have as individuals to be catalysts for positive change, through actions large and small. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;">Our convocation student award winners, including our fifteen <u><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/site/media/msvu/Senate%20Medals%20-%20Fall%202012.pdf" target="_blank">Senate medallists</a></u>, have demonstrated through their academic and personal success an aptitude for leading by example. Their hard work, perseverance, and tenacity have served them well during their time here at the Mount, and as these students and the rest of this year’s graduating class continue their journey as Mount alumnae, I look forward to many more stories of leadership, determination, and examples of the Mount spirit of engagement with the world in action. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1SoztIwDlUDKNgfiYdQ_zJHw0ub4rr5pZIpRU3RJDFLtQ9vTRCNZeUzdEhwr6B04upGlps2MiCCOqE2Z527APi5Epcw_KBHWUja91VZBWs8QW8SpyngH5FoJxEZh6tt0UZXdf9dMIVHq/s1600/Dr+Glode+Chancellor's+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1SoztIwDlUDKNgfiYdQ_zJHw0ub4rr5pZIpRU3RJDFLtQ9vTRCNZeUzdEhwr6B04upGlps2MiCCOqE2Z527APi5Epcw_KBHWUja91VZBWs8QW8SpyngH5FoJxEZh6tt0UZXdf9dMIVHq/s320/Dr+Glode+Chancellor's+Dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
Shown here is Dr. Joan Glode, addressing guests during</div>
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the Chancellor's Dinner.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;">This fall’s convocation ceremonies also marked the opportunity to recognize the leadership and lifelong service of <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/mediareleases/hondocreleasefall2012.aspx" target="_blank">two very remarkable women</a>, both of whom were awarded honorary doctorates. <u><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/registrarsoffice/convocation/HonoraryDegreeRecipientsFall2012/default.aspx" target="_blank">Dr. Joan Glode</a></u> is a proud and respected member of the Mi’kmaq First Nation community of Acadia. Dr. Glode has dedicated her life’s work to advocating and working for Aboriginal families and children as executive director of Mik’maw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia, as well as through her work with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and the Micmac Native Friendship Centre. As she received her honorary doctorate from the Mount and addressed this fall’s graduates, she shared the powerful life stories of several Mi’kmaq teens she has worked with during her career, and spoke of the need for every individual to have a clear sense of belonging and identity. Her passion, vision and ability to bear witness to these stories serve as a powerful reminder of the difference compassionate leadership can make. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFtoQL-JKpRc6BVcJm2XOvKiuHxvkXgUrfcpk-Mns_OUTxqnt9rG2bXviYGi_MlL8Qt0Th2FQM4_UGchDp5vWhbOLMb1Dk5iwNtZD14RPhonZOmUSLML86aaWVX01oQZrWr10a9MigYub/s1600/Convocation+Dr.+Casey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFtoQL-JKpRc6BVcJm2XOvKiuHxvkXgUrfcpk-Mns_OUTxqnt9rG2bXviYGi_MlL8Qt0Th2FQM4_UGchDp5vWhbOLMb1Dk5iwNtZD14RPhonZOmUSLML86aaWVX01oQZrWr10a9MigYub/s320/Convocation+Dr.+Casey.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shown above (L-R): Sarah Veinot, Board of Governors (Chair); <br />
Dr. Margaret Casey, CM, MD, LLD, DHumL; myself, and<br />
S. Donna Geernaert, University Chancellor. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/registrarsoffice/convocation/HonoraryDegreeRecipientsFall2012/default.aspx" target="_blank">Dr. Margaret Casey</a></span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> also received an honorary doctorate in last month’s ceremonies. Dr. Casey’s primary focus of work as a doctor has taken place at the North End Community Health Centre, an inner-city resource that provided her with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the impact of social determinants of health and social justice. Dr. Casey’s skills and abilities might have taken her anywhere, but she chose to dedicate her career to supporting and empowering those in need. As a lifelong advocate for social justice, Dr. Casey urged graduates not to stand on the sidelines of life, but to consider their individual responsibility to use the tools they have acquired to make positive change in the world. “Whatever you can give matters,” she said. “Each of us has a role. Opportunity for change exists in each career path.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;">The path to success is indeed a very personal journey, one that is not always measured in awards or external recognition. Sometimes success is a quiet, private affair, recognized by overcoming tremendous odds and obstacles that may be difficult for others to comprehend or fully appreciate. During this year’s convocation, I was moved by many such stories of individual success.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYI-jG_hI7JvyKVQmebXWuKCGjl2zwOgGZSokYIEFzapApkYxIGlhZAtvfXvV3pztjfmHXfXcyaYd54j4yEyqkFzGSyppgQnx79OjtQTbHfw5KRUYh_LkFqnxlTxcmHIVrrkWsu-KVfxF/s1600/Dayle+Eshelby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYI-jG_hI7JvyKVQmebXWuKCGjl2zwOgGZSokYIEFzapApkYxIGlhZAtvfXvV3pztjfmHXfXcyaYd54j4yEyqkFzGSyppgQnx79OjtQTbHfw5KRUYh_LkFqnxlTxcmHIVrrkWsu-KVfxF/s320/Dayle+Eshelby.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Elizabeth Church, Vice-President (Academic); Dayle<br />
Eshelby, Valedictorian (morning ceremony); and myself.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/Headlines/fall2012valedictorianeshelby.aspx" target="_blank">Dayle Eshelby</a></span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, one of this fall’s valedictorians, is testament to such determination of spirit. As a teenager, Dayle was involved in a motorcycle accident that left her with catastrophic brain-stem trauma. Over the years, Dayle worked as a research technician and a variety of jobs while balancing life as a young mother and active community member in the town of Lockeport. She returned to the Mount part-time as a mature student and continued to be actively involved in community organizations. Recently, she was elected to municipal council and she has now started her own company. In addition to graduating as class valedictorian, Dayle was also awarded the President’s Prize and the Kappa Gamma Pi award. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;">At the Mount, we believe that each of us has a responsibility to lead by example. I’m inspired by the stories of students like Dayle and by the selfless examples of leadership-in-action demonstrated by the work of Dr. Glode and Dr. Casey. These individuals are forces for good, and their work inspires us all to continue to <strong><em>be part of the change we wish to see in the world</em></strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;">Until next time,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;">Ramona</span></em>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-60179370376224901052012-11-08T11:04:00.003-04:002012-11-08T13:52:46.703-04:00Mikmaw and Maliseet Youth get a taste of campus life at the Mount<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri;"><em>Mount Saint Vincent University was delighted to host, in cooperation with the APC and the AHHRI, a two-day conference for Aboriginal youth on October 12-13. John Sylliboy, who spearheaded planning for the conference, shares an account of the event in this month’s President’s blog.</em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><em>Until next time, </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><em>Ramona</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">______________________________________________________________________________</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjlRHPFGufOBTuSgK-AqZepQqenHBxHH9o9UVFnoWtG125qfBIeuRxLew9SFzOXMybQbDkjYo_2Q1IcqR99EjQ3Bf2FU4tAFh6dvXQzfeSOT-MU2MWEzsl0CsyQeoHtxsaIvnV2VakHNC/s1600/AHHRI+Forum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjlRHPFGufOBTuSgK-AqZepQqenHBxHH9o9UVFnoWtG125qfBIeuRxLew9SFzOXMybQbDkjYo_2Q1IcqR99EjQ3Bf2FU4tAFh6dvXQzfeSOT-MU2MWEzsl0CsyQeoHtxsaIvnV2VakHNC/s1600/AHHRI+Forum.jpg" /></a></div>
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Students are source of knowledge sharing<o:p></o:p></h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let’s not forget why we are educators…it’s tapping into those emotions that provoke pride and motivation in making connections with students through learning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNppYay3ZS_g4jevb2ZPz6yoLOme2LxgIcJpPGOiXjhBDNaBBULGayoi662QGxwr1jM0G5JTRxlK1-U4KnFYE6HzC7lsk4MKeovuSQhcQKie451GgI4DaTx2YhzFZ3nWpWmh2hXCWMZzHi/s1600/460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNppYay3ZS_g4jevb2ZPz6yoLOme2LxgIcJpPGOiXjhBDNaBBULGayoi662QGxwr1jM0G5JTRxlK1-U4KnFYE6HzC7lsk4MKeovuSQhcQKie451GgI4DaTx2YhzFZ3nWpWmh2hXCWMZzHi/s320/460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">John R. Sylliboy, AHHRI Coordinator, Mark de Jonge, </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Olympic </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">medalist and keynote speaker, and Alan Polchies </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Jr, St. Mary’s </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">First Nation Councillor/Facilitator</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Mount hosted more than 80 youth in grades 9-12 from ten Atlantic First Nations communities. They spent two days on campus with professors, guidance counselors, career specialists and volunteers to share career opportunities offered in post-secondary education. Smiles expressed satisfaction between Mount faculty and aboriginal youth in their mutual development of trust and sharing of knowledge. The theme of the conference <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mawitaql Kjijtaqnn</i> is the “gathering of knowledge” in Mi’kmaq, which was planned to coincide with Mount’s celebration of <a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/abor/office/what-we-do/public-education-and-awareness/mikmaq-history/" target="_blank">Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Aboriginal youth displayed a keen interest in sharing who they are as: youth, Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, junior/high school students, individuals with dreams and aspirations. The Mount faculty welcomed their enthusiastic nature by taking on the challenge to motivate the young learners onto a path of post-secondary learning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">The university prepared a day of active learning by sharing various options for career paths through hands on approaches with workshops in science, nutrition, education and lifelong learning. Topics were diverse and youth oriented, while the professors were eager to capture the liveliest of attention spans and interests. One professor mentioned, “Students need to see post-secondary education as a means for higher learning that is both lively and full of hope; that professors are not just a bunch of talking heads”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">On the last day of the conference, health career students and graduates shared their stories and experiences in university. They are mentors in areas of youth leadership, action and motivation. They all touched on the importance of Aboriginal health care providers working in First Nations communities. One grade 12 student bravely volunteered to be part of the panel to share why she would like to pursue nursing. This was an unexpected bonus for the audience and organizers. She announced that she would go into nursing next fall. She sent a message on twitter and facebook to express her delight and satisfaction after the event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Mount and <a href="http://www.apcfnc.ca/en/" target="_blank">Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs</a> Secretariat (APC) partnered to host the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative (AHHRI) Regional Knowledge Translation Forum on October 12-13<sup>th</sup>. They planned for months on protocols, cultural events, and curricula development for the workshops and presentations. The original plan was to host the students on campus during summer months when the residences weren’t occupied. After consultation with the First Nations education leaders, October was recommended because of the month long celebrations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wayne Morris, Wagmatcook School Principal is engaged</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> with Mount Recruitment team</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #444444;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Forum was a platform to share AHHRI presentations on projects in partnership with Atlantic universities and colleges. First Nations representatives, faculties and post-secondary Aboriginal advisors attended presentations from Dalhousie, StFX, University of New Brunswick, University of PEI, Memorial University and College of North Atlantic. These institutions were funded through APC’s AHHRI program to develop pilot projects in their respective health programs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Universities developed projects to include recruitment in nursing, Aboriginal health sciences, and bridging programs to support students in health programs. Best practices and successful programming were shared among peers that work in various capacities with Aboriginal post-secondary content, curriculum developers and faculty, or institutions interested in developing similar supports. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Cultural competency is one of the most important components for successful development of programs, especially in curriculum development. Universities are taking baby steps to include aboriginal perspectives, hiring of Aboriginal faculty and providing Aboriginal advisors as sustainable student supports. It is hoped that post-secondary institutions will continue sustaining programs long after the AHHRI sunsets in March 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Forum and Mount Saint Vincent University<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">In the opening remarks by Chief Deborah Robinson, Acadia First Nation, APC Co-Chair stated, “There is a need to improve the access, recruitment, retention and success in post-secondary education for our Aboriginal students.” Chief Robinson continued, “Aboriginal communities across Atlantic Canada need to be poised to take advantage of and support economic opportunities and the well-being of community members and post-secondary education has a key role in this effort.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk701h3QnfMle9K3TzkK5SIrmypdbpFhxQeCahsF97MRDWmCSY6Ez46fF9N2uKkEZZLMKTKTywIDhe7skH-GjSLioar4zl0456HXiTD5nHKvq4HaYN1kYge9v_TuCq3CFBSE92lzAkYv6/s1600/528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk701h3QnfMle9K3TzkK5SIrmypdbpFhxQeCahsF97MRDWmCSY6Ez46fF9N2uKkEZZLMKTKTywIDhe7skH-GjSLioar4zl0456HXiTD5nHKvq4HaYN1kYge9v_TuCq3CFBSE92lzAkYv6/s320/528.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Perfect fall day for a Career Fair hosted by the Mount </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">with Atlantic First Nations youth.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Mount has been en route in strengthening supports for the current 60 plus self-identified Aboriginal students within the institution. In the last two years, the Mount has taken considerable steps to outreach with the Mi’kmaw community. <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/LeadershipTeam/President_ViceChancellor/default.aspx" target="_blank">President Ramona Lumpkin</a> invited Mi’kmaw educators and leaders to form an Advisory Committee for consultation following the advice of Elders. Mount’s efforts to build relations with the aboriginal community is part of the President’s vision to continue supporting capacity development within the institution and ensure quality education to all the diverse cultures represented in the student population.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">AHHRI continues to build on the success of AHHRI programs and to strengthen the First Nations health care work force. Sharing knowledge and creating platforms for student awareness and participation will assist Aboriginal students, education directors and counselors. In fact, projects in the health programs provide a wealth of knowledge and experience – moldable for other faculties’ sciences and technological fields. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">160 people walked away from the Forum feeling pretty optimistic that post-secondary education is laying solid foundations to meet Aboriginal educational needs for health programs in Atlantic Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first Atlantic conference on Aboriginal post-secondary education of this magnitude. It brought students, educators and administrators together under one roof. APC continues to celebrate successes in developing strategies to increase the numbers of Aboriginals in health careers. This partnership with the Mount is one of the successes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p><span style="color: #444444;"></span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Mount Saint Vincent University provided in kind supports for logistics, faculty resources, staff and volunteers to make the Forum a huge success. This commitment and partnership building with APC is in itself a best practice. It shows how post-secondary institutions can develop initiatives using their own resources, while being inclusive in the process. The Mount respected recommendations made by Elders and Mi’kmaw educators. Its efforts are genuine in its approach to First Nation consultation, inclusive decision making and active partnership building, which will only provide positive outcomes to improve education for its Aboriginal population. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p><span style="color: #444444;"></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat has partnered with First Nations Inuit Health Branch – Health Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to develop and promote AHHRI objectives through partnership building and funding with universities/colleges, First Nations and Inuit communities and Aboriginal organizations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat is an advocate for speaking with one voice on behalf of First Nations communities. Through research and analysis, APCFNC develop and table policy alternatives for matters affecting First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Maine, USA. Its mandate is to “research, analyze and develop alternatives to federal policies that affect Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Innu and Passamaquoddy First Nations in the Atlantic region.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">For further information, please contact:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">John R. Sylliboy, AHHRI Coordinator<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">Telephone: 902-435-8021<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:John.Sylliboy@apcfnc.ca"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: #444444;">John.Sylliboy@apcfnc.ca</span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-24911577149751789492012-09-21T09:04:00.001-03:002012-09-21T10:16:51.557-03:00The imagination comes to life with books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>This Sunday, September 23, the Halifax Waterfront will transform into a 'literary theme park' at <a href="http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/halifax" target="_blank">The Word on the Street</a> festival. Today I am delighted to welcome the Mount's University Librarian, Tanja Harrison, as she shares her own personal story about how books have impacted her life - and certainly her career. The Mount will have a presence at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_on_the_Street" target="_blank">festival</a>, so I encourage you to come out and <a href="http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/halifax/streetview" target="_blank">visit us</a>. </em></span></span><br />
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<em>Until next time,</em><br />
<em>Ramona</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong><br />The imagination comes to life with books</strong></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTlJl8DzkV_kenIhqHWp9JZ82gBdg_MDNkrVOV9TTCQ0PEfVQ60TZa-kfbbcGAo1f6aYsj4f2Fx4Ptu1F81XINnvSAw5uj6LPBebg44MRaNvT4nO_nt0YBHqQKWzPZGxiy97yYhuT5JhA/s1600/Tanja1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTlJl8DzkV_kenIhqHWp9JZ82gBdg_MDNkrVOV9TTCQ0PEfVQ60TZa-kfbbcGAo1f6aYsj4f2Fx4Ptu1F81XINnvSAw5uj6LPBebg44MRaNvT4nO_nt0YBHqQKWzPZGxiy97yYhuT5JhA/s200/Tanja1.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanja Harrison</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve always loved September. The warm summer sun makes way for the crisp, cool days of autumn and the excitement of a new school year ripples across campus. I arrived at the Mount as University Librarian on the first day of June, and while the summer is a great time to start a new job and settle in, there is nothing like the energy of a university at the beginning of the fall term. I am so pleased to be spending my first one at the Mount. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I applied to the Mount, the <a href="http://msvu.ca/ourstories" target="_blank">‘our stories’</a> campaign had just been launched. I believe in the importance of sharing stories and their ability to connect members of a community. It made me think about my own story and the route that brought me here. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I realized that 30 years ago, I watched my mother walk across the stage to get her BA and <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/education" target="_blank">BEd</a> from the Mount. As a military wife, it took her years to complete her degrees, but throughout the postings and the tours, she made it through. The Mount supported her and I’ve always remembered that. Mom’s class of ’86 was the last year that E. Margaret Fulton was President. Now working with the <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/library" target="_blank">Mount Library</a> staff in the EMF Centre, everything seems familiar, and it fits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was young, my brother and I would spend hours in the old Dartmouth Public Library`s children’s section, sitting on the floor surrounded by books. I remember the wonderful feeling the first time the librarian said, ”You can take those home with you, if you like”. </span><br />
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<br />Long, hot summers were spent in my father’s blueberry fields in Cumberland County. We didn’t have television. When the lights went down, my flashlight and imagination came alive with books. A mystery fan, I diligently worked my way through a collection of Nancy Drews or Agatha Christies. During my father`s tour to Syria in the early ‘80s, we spent a summer in Damascus. My carry-on knapsack was stuffed with as many books as it could fit, and many a Judy Blume book travelled with me on our adventures. <br /><br />Through the rest of my school years, the reading continued. One summer, I was lucky to land a job at the new Alderney Gate <a href="http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/" target="_blank">Public Library</a>. Browsing the reference section one day, I stumbled across the university calendars and the Library and Information Studies program at Dalhousie. My immediate thought was, “A graduate degree to study and work in libraries? Where do I sign up!” </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-JxaPDO8jo20n4oplQBWuMiYxAkLdDKU-LhXczpzgBMMQH6YM90kyug18otUovK8yGxswhNZ2C68n8yfeKw1jzX6qC3-V00eyvJfLADbjsUyL4chu4nykgcEpu9_YlRbfPvxd6mjgzla/s1600/mabel+murple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-JxaPDO8jo20n4oplQBWuMiYxAkLdDKU-LhXczpzgBMMQH6YM90kyug18otUovK8yGxswhNZ2C68n8yfeKw1jzX6qC3-V00eyvJfLADbjsUyL4chu4nykgcEpu9_YlRbfPvxd6mjgzla/s200/mabel+murple1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter Gracie, age six, shown <br />
with a favourite nighttime read. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Libraries and reading had a profound influence on my childhood, and I feel privileged to have found a career working in the area of education and literacy. I now live with my own family just minutes away from where the old Dartmouth Public Library once stood. My daughter has had books in her hands from her very beginning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In our house, there is nothing that turns the television off faster than the promise of a tale by Sheree Fitch, Marie-Lousie Gay or any number of classics in our growing collection. I am filled with pride as I now watch my daughter learn to read on her own, a truly memorable experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Education and literacy have the power to change lives and communities. One of my favourite local literacy events of the season is happening this weekend. On September 23, the Halifax waterfront will come alive with readings, workshops, and booksellers for the annual literacy extravaganza, the Word on the Street. The festival is a treat for the whole family, and is dedicated to improving reading skills and celebrating literacy. This year, the Mount will also be taking part, and will be joined by the poetic talents of our own <a href="http://www.writers.ns.ca/members/profile/161" target="_blank">Lorri Neilsen Glenn</a>. </span></div>
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<strong>Upcoming Events</strong></div>
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<li>For a special treat this year, join the countdown to the unveiling of the first <a href="http://1bns.ca/" target="_blank">One Book One Province</a> project, where communities around Nova Scotia will be challenged to read the same book and share the same story. Attend the official Libraries Nova Scotia launch on September 21 or check the <a href="http://1bns.ca/" target="_blank">website</a> for more details. </li>
<li>The Mount Library hosts readings throughout the year, and next we will welcome Jeanie Cockell and Joan McArthur-Blair on October 3 from 5:00 - 7:30p.m. to launch their book <a href="http://books.google.ca/books/about/Appreciative_Inquiry_in_Higher_Education.html?id=egMGh4EwfcYC&redir_esc=y" target="_blank"><em>Appreciative Inquiry in Higher Education: A Transformative Force</em>. </a></li>
<li>If you love to read, stop by the Mount Library for our annual book sale during the week of October 28. All books will be $1.00. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/celebratingwriting" target="_blank">Celebrating Writing Week</a> will be happening at the Mount during the week of November 12-16, and we will once again be partnering with the <a href="http://www.writers.ns.ca/" target="_blank">Writer' Federation of Nova Scotia</a>. <span id="goog_880620983"></span><span id="goog_880620981"></span><span id="goog_880620979"></span> </li>
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For updates, visit our site, like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MountLibrary" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/mountlibrary" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Join the fun, read, and share your stories!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Tanja Harrison</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">University Librarian</span><br />
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Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-68437728011398366712012-09-07T15:07:00.001-03:002012-09-07T15:14:16.674-03:00A welcome message from the Mount's presidents <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zach Gallant, president of the Mount's Students' Union, with </span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Dr. Ramona Lumpkin at Spring Convocation (May 2012)</em>. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Today I have the pleasure of welcoming our students, faculty and staff to the beginning of our academic year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the beauty of our summer campus in bloom and the extraordinary view of the Bedford Basin year-round, the true spirit of the Mount re-ignites each fall when new students join us to embark on a journey to fulfill their academic dreams. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting students, learning about your future plans, and understanding how the Mount can further support you in your studies, your community and campus engagement and your athletic and social activities. Being involved is an important aspect of your student experience. At the Mount, there are countless opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom that will make a lasting difference in your personal lives and in the broader community. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the </span><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mount</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the Students’ Union plays a large role in student-led initiatives, and today’s guest blogger is Zach Gallant, your Students’ Union president for the 2012-2013 year. Zach speaks to the importance of being engaged, and I fully support his message. Stay in touch, share your stories with us, and be part of something big. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Regards,</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramona </span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow me on Twitter </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MSVUpresident" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@MSVUpresident</span></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p>_________________________________ </o:p></span></i></div>
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Getting involved is key to making the most of your Mount experience<o:p></o:p></h2>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am always excited to start the fall term as it means new and returning students are arriving to campus. The Mount is a close-knit community filled with people who are willing to offer guidance to those who seek to be part of it. By being an engaged member of the Mount community, new and returning students can take full advantage of the support system I’ve experienced personally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who are not familiar with the Mount’s student body, we’re quite a diverse group! With a maximum of 400 spaces for on-campus residence living, the majority of our students live off-campus, and some even at a </span><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/distance" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">distance</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like many, I lived off-campus for my first year, but was committed to getting involved. My first experience was with the </span><a href="http://www.mountstudents.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Students’ Union</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Haunted House after hearing about the event from a student who visited one of my classes to recruit volunteers. The connections I made as a result of this opportunity led me to a position at the Rosaria information desk, and then again in the following year as a Residence Assistant in Assisi Hall. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I owe many Mount experiences to the people I’ve met along the way. I was made aware of opportunities, and was encouraged to go after them. At the Mount, people really do cheer you on, and want you to succeed. This is why I was inspired to give back in a new capacity, by being this year’s Students’ Union President. Working alongside other Executive team members, our goal is to help students make the most of their experience by increasing the level of student engagement. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what does it mean to ‘be engaged’ as a student? In short, it means something different to everyone, but the idea is about interaction. And whether you’re on campus or at a distance, you can still be part of the community by getting involved in a number of ways:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get to know your Students’ Union Executive by attending discussions and organized town halls<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attend events! Watch for postings, posters and promos around campus!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join a student-led society or group<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volunteer and develop your co-curricular record<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Send us your questions, feedback or input by email or online, or come visit us in person at the Students’ Union offices in the Rosaria Student Centre <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow the Mount, the Students’ Union and many others on</span><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/socialmedia" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> social media</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and stay up to date by visiting the Mount’s and Union’s websites<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read the monthly Students’ Union newsletter, sent directly to your Mount email<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever it is you’re considering for the year ahead, look to those around you for inspiration. Be part of something that inspires you to make a difference, to strive for excellence and to succeed beyond your own expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a valued member of the Mount student body, your voice matters to us, and throughout the year you can count on the Students’ Union Executive not only to listen to your concerns and ideas, but to take action. On behalf of the Students’ Union Executive, I hope both new and returning students enjoy their year and take pride in being part of the Mount community. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I know I have.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zach Gallant </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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</span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="mailto:President@MountStudents.ca"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">President@MountStudents.ca</span></a></span><span lang="EN-CA"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-467791894793131992012-08-01T15:03:00.002-03:002012-08-01T15:16:09.733-03:00Aspiring to be Ambassadors of Change<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">The following guest blog was written by Brandon MacDougall, a grade 11 student from Cole Harbour High. Brandon <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/Headlines/empathyfactoryvisit2012.aspx" target="_blank">visited the Mount</a> in early July as part of a winning team from this year’s Accelerating Empathy conference, an event powered by <a href="http://empathyfactory.com/" target="_blank">The Empathy Factory</a> that brought together high school students from across Nova Scotia to discuss and respond to several key issues facing youth today. As part of their prize package, members of his team, Scotia Circle, met with Mount faculty and student leaders to discuss and strategize ways to tackle bullying in our schools.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">We were proud to sponsor this year’s Accelerating Empathy conference, and delighted to welcome Brandon and his team member Sandrico Provo to the Mount to discuss the many ways Nova Scotia’s youth are taking the lead in making a real difference in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Aspiring to be Ambassadors of Change<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Brandon MacDougall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Bullying, depression and anxiety are not things you can simply solve. Yet I think as a human being, I have a responsibility to do everything in my power to make my community a more harmonious place to be. I didn’t have to go to The Empathy Factory conference three days after having my wisdom teeth out. I didn’t have to write a pitch on how to solve bullying for the 40-minute bus drive there. I guess what I am saying is that nobody sat me down and said I had to care about bullying or any social issue, I just do because it matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">The Empathy Factory organized a conference called <a href="http://empathyfactory.com/author/student-author/" target="_blank">Accelerating Empathy</a>. This is an amazing opportunity for youth to formulate ideas and find some internal empathy to share externally. There were four social issues we could choose to address in our pitch. I chose bullying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">My pitch was done using a form of poetry, and was voted as one of the top two in the subject of bullying. I then recruited a team for a bigger pitch the next day that would be judged by some experts in the various fields of social issues. We performed another poetic pitch, and were chosen to be the top idea for solving bullying. The idea was sort of simple - we would start creative expression groups at schools and hold yearly spoken word and rap competitions themed on things related to anti-bullying.</span></div>
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(Photo L-R: Sandrico Provo, Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, </div>
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The most important thing I discovered since that day is that if you keep moving forward, regardless of the opportunities you might have missed before, eventually you will find one in a moment that will make the difference you needed. This happened at Mount Saint Vincent University.<br />
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We met with a number of wonderful individuals during the day, including the Mount's President, Ramona Lumpkin, student representatives, and three informative and supportive Professors. <br />
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We had talks about how school systems can tend to contribute to the issue, how blame can be often be misplaced and how it is so important and much more effective for youth to lead prevention initiatives. <br />
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What the Mount really showed me was that there are people who care deeply about these issues. Most significantly though, every single person I met really listened to what I was saying and thus was able to provide me with greater insights and ideas to help move things forward. <br />
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To be honest, when arriving at the Mount, I was still unsure if my ideas would ever be able to surmount some of the problems youth face or if I could even find a way to bring it to life. When leaving the Mount, there was no longer an “is this possible?” in my head, only a “when”. <br />
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Great ideas will flourish when mobilized by people of great care and empathy. I strongly believe this will one day be proof of that. Look out for “Scotia Circle” in the future, “Where nobody can be cornered.”<br />
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</div>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-448406718066179782012-05-02T08:41:00.002-03:002012-05-02T08:41:59.712-03:00Be Part of Something Big - Honour a Remarkable Woman in your Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri80SscVabxDYhEk-86lhUquDWaGxKiQFGe8IZvQs9d-yHAHwjBGbpBFVTncWHyDGpCZ7tp9IPBOSUrdMaY6y4_zmJbv4CkGIXoTa7nmpAwMlJIyt6kMnD7RZKFI18Mt3SYNXoErHZ1pJ/s1600/WWoH_Wordmark_withTag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri80SscVabxDYhEk-86lhUquDWaGxKiQFGe8IZvQs9d-yHAHwjBGbpBFVTncWHyDGpCZ7tp9IPBOSUrdMaY6y4_zmJbv4CkGIXoTa7nmpAwMlJIyt6kMnD7RZKFI18Mt3SYNXoErHZ1pJ/s1600/WWoH_Wordmark_withTag.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPveX6aIeeRIgSzg_w5u_9-uGMNt2nQ56b1Rshj-kBjTQJIeqSusGi2VVRxZG9gGGjlgQNN0A0hO-gPFvu7Giz7aNou5pFP9K5S4lnUVbE6vjtRVLlbKESBgScInhazIVlXKELzmk4a6y0/s1600/Donor+Arch+-+View+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPveX6aIeeRIgSzg_w5u_9-uGMNt2nQ56b1Rshj-kBjTQJIeqSusGi2VVRxZG9gGGjlgQNN0A0hO-gPFvu7Giz7aNou5pFP9K5S4lnUVbE6vjtRVLlbKESBgScInhazIVlXKELzmk4a6y0/s200/Donor+Arch+-+View+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bnFddst1aS0VJzUiz0vBQfsX2wJ_C-s0xrWmQKRHwYuusTs0BzRDQykqumMbMHyIkUme_iDLzjaZEDzOFmTcNjXTKJmugworpum2TkLBy9ddeu4YGNl9MR457Zigf9a1zRamju4KiTYO/s1600/Site+Plan+-+Donor+Arches+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Mount’s commitment to the
advancement and empowerment of women is well-documented and is one of the
cornerstones of the university’s identity. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Founded by the Sisters of Charity at
a time when opportunities for women were limited, the Mount has truly been at
the forefront of more than 150 years of achievement by women. <br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each of us has
been touched by the women in our lives. Think of the sacrifice, dedication, and
selfless compassion of our mothers. Or of the support, love, and good humour of
our closest friends. Or the inspiration and life lessons shared by our teachers
and mentors. The women in our lives, and their remarkable stories, have helped
shape each of us into the person we’ve become.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I want to share with
you a personal story about a woman who has had a major impact on my life. My
own mother has always been a great inspiration to me. She grew up in hard
circumstances, a daughter of a share-cropping family in south Alabama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laboured in the fields under conditions
hardly imaginable to me, and although she was a bright girl, hungry for
knowledge, she was unable to attend high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she read avidly all her life, and when
her children had graduated from university she completed her high-school
equivalency diploma and went on to enrol in university courses herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She set an example for my sister, brother and
me and instilled in us a love of education that has stayed with us all our
lives.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bnFddst1aS0VJzUiz0vBQfsX2wJ_C-s0xrWmQKRHwYuusTs0BzRDQykqumMbMHyIkUme_iDLzjaZEDzOFmTcNjXTKJmugworpum2TkLBy9ddeu4YGNl9MR457Zigf9a1zRamju4KiTYO/s1600/Site+Plan+-+Donor+Arches+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bnFddst1aS0VJzUiz0vBQfsX2wJ_C-s0xrWmQKRHwYuusTs0BzRDQykqumMbMHyIkUme_iDLzjaZEDzOFmTcNjXTKJmugworpum2TkLBy9ddeu4YGNl9MR457Zigf9a1zRamju4KiTYO/s320/Site+Plan+-+Donor+Arches+cropped.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Artist Rendering of the Women's Wall of Honour</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we prepare to launch the
virtual Women’s Wall of Honour, I eagerly anticipate learning about the many
women who will be celebrated and remembered, including the story of Noreen
Valenta, who was an engineering student many years ago in a class otherwise made
up entirely of men. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The virtual wall (</span><a href="http://www.womenswallofhonour.ca/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.womenswallofhonour.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)
is the first step in the real-life Women’s Wall of Honour, to be housed
permanently in a garden-like setting outside our new Margaret Norrie McCain Centre
for Teaching, Learning and Research. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unique
in Canada, this inspiring project will showcase stories and photos of women
from all walks of life. </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I suspect you will also know
the story of a remarkable woman who has left her mark on your life. Whether
she’s your mother, grandmother, a partner, a friend or a mentor, I hope you
will consider the opportunity to honour her by buying a brick in the Women’s
Wall of Honour, and sharing her story online. The virtual Women’s Wall of
Honour will be live in just a few short days. In the meantime, I encourage you
to read more about Noreen’s story and to learn more about honouring the woman
in your life by visiting the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WomensWallOfHonour" target="_blank">Wall’s Facebook page</a> or by following <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HonouringWomen" target="_blank">@HonouringWomen</a> on Twitter.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ramona<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-61752174248284816832012-03-15T09:47:00.005-03:002012-03-16T13:05:34.744-03:00Celebrating International Women’s Day a Mount TraditionLast week, the Mount community celebrated International Women’s Day with a major conference dedicated to discussing the challenges, experiences and accomplishments of girls and young women. Called <a href="http://msvu.ca/girls2012" target="_blank">GIRLS 2012</a>, this landmark conference was a showcase project of the Mount’s <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/community/IWGSJ/default.aspx" target="_blank">Institute for Women, Gender, and Social Justice</a>. Nearly 300 girls, young women, and those concerned about girls’ issues and social justice for girls in Canada and around the world took part in two full days of workshops, seminars, films, readings, and discussion.<br />
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I was greatly inspired and moved by the wide range of topics covered in the more than 30 sessions. Issues critical to the lives of girls and young women –body image, sexual assault awareness, safe schools for LBGTQI youth, activism, social media as a tool for girls, women in politics and women’s participation in sport and science – all of these topics were discussed and passionately debated. A remarkable organizing committee, dozens of volunteers, speakers, and of course conference participants all deserve our sincere thanks for continuing the legacy of the Sisters of Charity in advancing the lives of girls and women worldwide.<br />
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While International Women’s Day is an important time to reflect on the advances we have made, and the work still to be done, women’s achievements need to be celebrated year round, and at the Mount, we believe <em>every day</em> <em>is women’s day.</em> <br />
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We were one of the first higher education institutions in Canada to specialize in the education of women, and our commitment to advancing women is explicitly highlighted in the University’s mission statement. Our four <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/research/atthemount/canadaresearchchairs.aspx" target="_blank">Canada Research Chairs</a>, all women, and faculty across campus are engaged in critical work to better understand and account for the experiences of women, and to improve the lives of girls and women globally. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dr. Franz-Odendaal hosts a group from </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://techsploration.ca/" target="_blank">Techsploration</a> at Girls 2012</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/research/atthemount/chairwomenscience.aspx" target="_blank">Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal</a>, Atlantic NSERC Chair for <a href="http://www.wiseatlantic.ca/" target="_blank">Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)</a> and Associate Professor (Biology) at the Mount, and one of the speakers at GIRLS 2012, works with young women around Atlantic Canada to encourage their participation in science and engineering. This is one notable example of how our investment in and support of girls contributes to the development of strong women – mothers, partners, workers and leaders – who in turn enhance our communities. <br />
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At the Mount, we are taking our commitment to women further with plans for our new <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/mediareleases/mountreceiveslargestdonationinhistory.aspx" target="_blank">Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research</a>. To our knowledge, this is the first university building in Canada designed to honour the contributions and experiences of women across the country. When completed, the McCain Centre will house some of the Mount’s signature programs. We will also feature the life stories of 12 inspiring women who have made key contributions to the arts, sciences, their professions, and public life.<br />
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But we’re taking it even further still. Through <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/about.aspx" target="_blank">Project TWENTY12</a>, we aim to celebrate the extraordinary lives of ordinary women from all walks of life. Mothers, teachers, daughters, grandmothers, mentors, leaders, and women who have touched the lives of their families, communities, friends, and colleagues. The <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/inspiringwomen.aspx" target="_blank">Women’s Wall of Honour</a>, unique in Canada, will be a remarkable opportunity to acknowledge and pay lasting tribute to 2012 women through an outdoor garden and a living memorial. We invite all members of our community to learn more about this special opportunity by visiting the <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/default.aspx" target="_blank">Project TWENTY12 website</a>.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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RamonaDr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-34643352122125603032012-02-13T09:27:00.003-04:002012-02-13T09:29:30.403-04:00The 'Secret' is out<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since joining the Mount in 2010, I’ve had the chance to gather with staff, faculty, students, alumnae and friends for countless events ranging from our annual holiday luncheon to convocation ceremonies, fundraising events and day-to-day lunches in the cafeteria. Whatever the occasion, a positive energy and element of storytelling is always present when the Mount community comes together. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But on February 9, I was part of an event that was, in my experience, unlike any other at the Mount. A positive energy filled the air, balanced by suspense as guests awaited an announcement that would change the future of our University. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In May of last year, the Mount launched a bold fundraising initiative, <a href="http://msvu.ca/projecttwenty12" target="_blank">Project TWENTY12</a>, which I referred to in my first blog post. The initiative was established to raise funds to build the first classroom building on our campus to be opened since 1971, a building that would not only provide much-needed teaching and research space, but one that would be dedicated to honouring the achievements of women – the first and only such building on a Canadian university campus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our mission has resonated with many people in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada, and across the country. One woman in particular was moved by the campaign, a woman who has been steadfast in her support of organizations that promote women’s rights, social equality, early childhood education and the arts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This woman is the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclQPSeMUeoeclACltcQAhajWib3S9W6oezrsGedAi0ZZ04XRcvENoTmktJQQBrTtDVl9W_Q4Rkqcfi_n47pjX_RfGrXpsZhke7zZCKBG0Xvz26TZQ67Kb10YiKIgG_cI8xMLJX3J45E2l/s1600/Unveiling+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclQPSeMUeoeclACltcQAhajWib3S9W6oezrsGedAi0ZZ04XRcvENoTmktJQQBrTtDVl9W_Q4Rkqcfi_n47pjX_RfGrXpsZhke7zZCKBG0Xvz26TZQ67Kb10YiKIgG_cI8xMLJX3J45E2l/s320/Unveiling+Cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mrs. McCain is so supportive of Project TWENTY12 that she has committed $2.25 million, the largest donation in the history of the Mount. As a result, our new building will be named the Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mrs. McCain first joined the Mount family in 2005 as the recipient of an Honorary Degree. As the first female Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, and the first woman to serve as Chancellor of her alma mater Mount Allison University, Mrs. McCain is someone whose career path and personal philosophy mirror what this building hopes to achieve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Celebrating Mrs. <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/mediareleases/mountreceiveslargestdonationinhistory.aspx" target="_blank">McCain’s gift to the Mount</a> was a special moment in our University’s history, but perhaps more important, a look forward at what she called an ‘enviable future.’ The donation has brought our fundraising total to more than $7 million of a $12 million goal. Her generosity is transformative for this campaign and for the quality of teaching and learning at the Mount. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The announcement of Mrs. McCain’s gift was met with many rounds of cheers and applause throughout a room filled with hundreds of supporters. Later in the evening, at a small dinner for Mrs. McCain’s family and friends, Mount student Alissa Ali expressed the students’ thanks in a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBNTGPoCcDk&feature=email&noredirect=1" target="_blank">rap poem</a> she wrote especially for the occasion. Alissa honoured Mrs. McCain in a creative way that reflects our community’s positive energy and reputation for the “personal touch.” I don’t believe a historical milestone would be celebrated in this way anywhere else but at the Mount. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Margaret McCain will continue to be a very special member of our University family. I urge you to take a few moments to visit the Project TWENTY12 website and <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/about.aspx" target="_blank">learn more</a> about how you can honour a special woman in your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ramona</span>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-12202478510989014852012-01-25T08:14:00.004-04:002012-01-25T08:19:52.162-04:00The importance of selfless acts of kindness<em>Today, I am delighted to welcome guest blogger William Murray, a faculty member in the Mount's Business & Tourism department. William, or also known as 'Bill' on campus, has a compelling message to share about the impact and importance of volunteerism and community. After all, today is Caritas Day at the Mount - a day we celebrate acts of kindness.</em><br />
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<em>Ramona</em><br />
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Another January is upon us and the Mount community celebrates another <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/Headlines/caritasday2012.aspx" target="_blank">Caritas Day</a>. <br />
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Established by the Sisters of Charity after the campus fire of 1951, Caritas Day is one day each year for the Mount to focus on giving back to our community, a community that gave so generously and selflessly to us in a time of need so many years ago. <br />
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‘Caritas’ - funny word. It’s Latin for charity, for acts of selfless kindness that come from a place of love. <br />
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Last year was my first experience with Caritas Day. I was told we were just going to do a little charity work in the morning; I was told incorrectly, lied to even. <br />
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There was nothing ‘just’ about the day. It was a Master’s class in doing important things for other human beings simply because we had the resources and other people were worthy of our efforts. I wrote about its powerful impact on me here. <br />
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Now I’ve only been living in Halifax for just under two years. Before coming to Halifax, I lived and worked in a town of just over 1,800 people. A ‘town’ by official designation, yet those of us who lived there just considered it our community. The people gave it life; you knew most everyone and yes, everyone knew you, whether you liked it or not. Neighbours helped out as needed, without being asked, without any sense of gain on the other side. Sharing and doing was just a way of life there. <br />
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Before we left in the summer of 2010, my wife and I received phone calls regularly from people in the community wishing us well and telling us of the impact we had made in our community with simple, often unnoticed acts of volunteerism. Some of these people we had not met face to face in nine years, but still they called and shared kind words because it mattered. Doing something mattered. <br />
I think about that often when I drive into campus each morning, about my community and how it has both changed and remained the same. <br />
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The Mount itself is over three times the size of the town I use to live in. And yet we are very much a community brought together on the hill. Although we often are shy about honking our own horns, we are a community committed to giving back. Whether it's individual acts of volunteering by students, staff or faculty, fundraising for important charities or even larger commitments towards social enterprise and social justice, we are engaged. <br />
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We understand that the dictionary identifies ‘community’ as a noun, but that it is actually an active verb. Communities are not passive; they do things.<br />
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So ask yourself: What you are going to do to engage with other? What will you offer up, not because you have something to gain but rather because you have something to give? How are you investing in your community?<br />
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Perhaps you’ll help collect donated food from local homes this week. Perhaps you’ll have the pleasure of working side by side with the Sisters of Charity. Perhaps you’ll spend an hour carefully making sandwiches for someone in need of food that night, someone who won’t see your face when they receive that gift of food, but will most certainly feel your spirit.<br />
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I know that’s what I’ll be doing once again this Wednesday on Caritas Day - making sandwiches. And if I’m really lucky, maybe I’ll get to decorate some cookies too. I still remember my lessons from last year. The Sisters taught me that sprinkles, like smiles, are good for the spirit; both should be shared liberally. <br />
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William Murray<br />
@williamcmurray<br />
<a href="http://theeducationofaprof.blogspot.com/">http://theeducationofaprof.blogspot.com/</a>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-8648787990347975892012-01-23T12:18:00.002-04:002012-01-23T12:18:00.461-04:00Proud to 'be part of something big.'Anyone who has had the opportunity to spend time either at the Mount or with a member of our community knows there’s just something special about this place. For many, describing the Mount in a few words proves difficult, but listening to any one of our students, faculty members, staff or alumnae will give you a sense of what we’re all about.<br />
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Over the past number of months, we’ve been listening to members of the Mount community to get a true understanding of their experience here. <br />
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For many, ‘small’ is a word that comes to mind when describing the Mount. In many ways (campus size, class size, number of students), the word ‘small’ may fit, but people in the Mount community know that being small is <em>not</em> what makes us special – it’s what we can do <em>because</em> we are small that sets us apart. <br />
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This week, the Mount is launching a<a href="http://www.msvu.ca/ourstories" target="_blank"> new campaign</a> which tells the stories of students and faculty who are making the changes they want to see in the world. These stories are wonderful and real examples of the types of people you’ll find at our university. More importantly, these stories put into words exactly what the Mount offers - the opportunity to:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/ourstories" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="37" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iWcjkPHwZg2F4lYa8aNe7KAa90GCIQsy2mbrbHlkwl-cWBAGchLDCWHH_ntfmQUhgpP4a89NkqZ-4O2hg_aV_hrgLydF1p-ACsd4ApU1yj2OF8Y3uSZZ7znxDx78-YgHimTdyBF5Zq3y/s320/bepartofsomethingBIGblue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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People who join the Mount community have aspirations to be part of something bigger than themselves. This new campaign contains so many stories and elements that I love. One of my favourites is of a young woman named <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/ourstories/allisonsparling.aspx" target="_blank">Allison Sparling</a>, who is also the granddaughter of past <a href="http://www.msvuart.ca/" target="_blank">MSVU Art Gallery</a> curator, Mary Sparling. At such a young age she has found her way to a balance between a love of ‘pretty things’ and activism. After reading her story, and others, I am honoured to be part of this community.<br />
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I’ve often shared with friends and colleagues that I believe the Mount is one of the region’s best kept secrets. But now I feel it’s time to step out and be bold. To members of the Mount community, I encourage you to share your stories with all who are interested. Join the conversation through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MountSaintVincentUniversity" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MSVU_Halifax" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and know how important your story is to a growing collection of perspectives that showcase our wonderful university.<br />
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For our neighbours in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada, across the country and all over the world, visit our new campaign site to learn more about the big things happening at the Mount. <br />
We’ve always known there’s something special about our university, but it’s not about lists, numbers or a collection of traits. It’s about our people and our stories, and we urge you to <a href="mailto:ourstories@msvu.ca" target="_blank">share your own</a>. Be part of something big. Proudly, I am. <br />
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RamonaDr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-14794515370440564562012-01-05T16:42:00.005-04:002012-01-05T16:48:17.068-04:00Addressing Funding for Nova Scotia Universities<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier today, Hon. Marilyn More, Minister, Labour and Advanced Education, announced the </span><a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20120105003"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">, including the 2012-13 Operating Grant to Nova Scotia's universities. The universities have been working with representatives from the Province over the past six months to establish a new agreement and determine the funding (operating grant) for the coming year. One of the other areas that we discussed was how best universities can access funds that would allow for collaborative innovation initiatives and cost savings across our universities.<o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The key elements of the announcement include:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Three-year agreement between 2012 and 2015</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Annual tuition rate increases to be limited to 3%</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">3% reduction in funding to universities for 2012-13</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">All university Presidents and Province to be part of a Partnership for Excellence, to support increased collaboration and communication on key issues facing universities and the Province</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">$25 million will be available in 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 to support projects designed to reduce university operating costs<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">As part of the Mount’s annual planning and financial management, we will be engaging in discussions with the campus community and our Board of Governors to determine how best to manage the impact of the reduction in our grant. The Mount has a long history of living within its means, having operated with a balanced budget for almost two decades. We’ve taken every opportunity to use our resources efficiently, benefiting, for example, from partnership purchasing and from our recent conversion to natural gas. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Mount is also engaged in many collaborative partnerships with other universities for the benefit of our students. We do look forward to possible benefits to be gained as a result of the Innovation Fund, which could include pursuit of greater collaboration among universities and potential efficiency improvements. In addition, the Partnership for Excellence provides an opportunity to address critical issues such as the funding formula, tuition policy and capital funding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with </span><a href="http://www.atlanticuniversities.ca/"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my Nova Scotia colleagues</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">, I am disappointed with the Government’s decision to reduce funding to universities, as they did last year. The Mount, along with the other universities, is a significant contributor to the economic growth and cultural and social vibrancy of Nova Scotia, and these further cuts will undoubtedly have a negative effect on our ability to help our province remain attractive and competitive. We will continue to work with the Province and our sister universities to build on past successes, and I am confident that we will maintain the Mount’s significant contribution to higher education in Nova Scotia. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><div> </div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramona Lumpkin, PhD</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">President and Vice-Chancellor</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mount Saint Vincent University</span>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-36525701403514018682011-12-21T16:04:00.001-04:002011-12-21T16:06:34.342-04:00Saying Farewell to 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s that time in the calendar when our normal routines have a festive touch to them, and after this busy term, I know we’re all eagerly anticipating the holiday break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each day that passes, I come to know the unique spirit that lives at the Mount. I have learned that we are special because of our people, our accomplishments, and our perseverance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we approach the holiday season, I am more proud than ever to be a part of this community. I would like to take a moment to reflect on what the past year has brought us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have so many accomplishments to acknowledge, to give thanks for, and to look forward to, that it will be impossible to highlight them all, but I will do my best to mention a few. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year saw many notable successes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students began to take advantage of the newly renovated space in Evaristus Hall with its <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">state-of-the art laboratories, common gathering areas, meeting rooms and multi-faith reflection room</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The renovations were supported by provincial and federal government funding, including the Knowledge Infrastructure Program<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In research news, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal was awarded the only Atlantic Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/mediareleases/mountprofessornamedchairscienceengineering.aspx" target="_blank">Chair for Women in Science and Engineering</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve also celebrated the one-year anniversary of the <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/community/CCRP/default.aspx" target="_blank">Co-Curricular Program</a>, which formally recognizes student participation in volunteer work, student societies, athletics, professional development and other leadership initiatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to extend a big thanks to the Career Planning Centre for spearheading this project. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This fall also marked the tenth anniversary of our Multicultural Night put on by the </span><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/beamountstudent/internationalstudents/events/internationalstudentsociety/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">International Student Society</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great evening of food and entertainment by a magician, dancers and singers from diverse countries and cultures.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We were privileged to welcome an impressive array of guests to our campus this fall. To name a few, there was teaching guru Dr. Ken Bain as part of our Literacies as Ways of Knowing series. The Association of Atlantic Universities Teaching Showcase brought in faculty members from around the region, and members of the Federal Conservative Post-Secondary Caucus visited to tour our new spaces supported by the Knowledge Infrastructure Fund. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working with post-secondary and First Nations leaders, we recently hosted a Virtual Dialogue on First Nations Post-Secondary Education with National Chief Shawn Atleo in attendance.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And how could we forget the compelling addresses to our Fall graduates from honorary doctorate recipients Sheila Fraser and Mary Walsh? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our guests, however,</span> aren’t the only ones inspiring change around these parts. Fifty volunteers, four committees, and a campus-wide commitment have created tremendous momentum for Project Twenty12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are more than half way to reaching our $12 million dollar goal that will see us construct the only university building in Canada dedicated throughout all its spaces to honouring women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you trying to find that perfect gift for friend, mentor or loved one, there is still time to make your pledge and celebrate the women in your life by having their names included on the </span><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/makeadonation.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women’s Wall of Honour</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In closing, some final congratulations are in order. To our students who have finished their Fall term exams, I congratulate you. Please enjoy every minute of your break – you deserve it. To our faculty and staff, thank you for your passion and patience, and I wish you rest and renewal over the holidays. To our athletes, thank you for your hard work on and off the court and field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are proud to have you representing us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And good luck to our men’s basketball team in the new year as they continue the season undefeated. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to take this opportunity to extend my deep thanks to all the Mount community for your hard work and commitment to our mission. Your contributions are shaping who we are, and what we will become.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to what we will accomplish together in 2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Until next time,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ramona </span></div>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-56187356425727344552011-12-12T16:24:00.000-04:002011-12-12T16:24:32.434-04:00Canada's International Education Strategy<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Last week, I was invited to take part in a roundtable discussion on Canada’s International Education Strategy. Hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s Advisory Panel on International Education, the session brought together a group of people from within the education sector to share ideas on how our nation can build a successful international education strategy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To prepare for the session, we were asked to consider the following question: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“How can we collectively contribute to a strategy that strengthens Canada’s ability to attract top international students and export our education competencies?”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I believe there is certainly a need for a Canadian strategy for international education, one that involves significant investment by government to promote our educational “brand” and showcase the wide range of opportunities available in Canada. This investment can be especially helpful to smaller universities, who are at times financially challenged to engage in this arena, despite often being the best “fit” for international students wishing to integrate into Canadian society. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.msvu.ca/" target="_blank">The Mount</a>, home to a diverse and vibrant international student body, prides itself on being such a fit. This past year, our international student population grew by 22 per cent and now represents 10 per cent of the overall student body. These students come to our university for many reasons, including our strong programming, intimate and engaging campus community and the flexible and unique learning opportunities we provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A great deal of focus has been devoted to the economic return international students bring to the regions in which they study. Atlantic Canada as an example has certainly benefited from its strong international student recruitment efforts. According to a study conducted by the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training (CAMET), these students contributed $565 million to the region’s economy in 2009-2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In addition, many of these students are potentially a source of new and highly educated immigrants to our region, an important benefit in light of our declining population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For students who wish to remain in Canada after they graduate, we need to develop stronger pathways to employment through collaboration among post-secondary institutions, the business community and government. The federal government’s recent announcement that it would assist up to 1,000 international PhD students to become permanent residents was welcomed by the education community as a step in the right direction. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">At the same time, we need to balance the value international students bring to our province and country with our moral obligation as global citizens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To focus entirely on the economic benefits to Canada of internationalization would be to ignore the wide range of valuable work many Canadian universities have traditionally undertaken in their international initiatives. We have made important contributions in areas such as building capacity in developing countries’ universities and addressing social justice issues such as women’s access to education. Recently, there have been a number of media stories on the effects of “brain drain” from the developing world to Canada in fields like medicine. A number of Canadian universities are stepping up to partner with universities abroad to help them build critical capacity in medical training so as to increase the supply of trained medical professionals in their countries. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My own university, within its international work, is still driven by its primary values of advancing the interests of women and addressing social inequities. We’re well aware that these efforts may not be the most economically prudent areas for investment, but we’re also confident that these efforts are of significant value. . </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There is no question that Canada’s international Education Strategy must take into account the benefits Canada accrues from attracting international students, as well as the long-term advantage of retaining these students post-graduation. Yet we also need to understand and appreciate the benefits our nation can reap from having these students return to their home countries as friends of Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Each year our universities are graduating future political leaders, women and men who will realize groundbreaking discoveries in medical research, global entrepreneurs who specialize in international trade. Some of these students will decide to remain in Canada; some will choose to share their education and skills with their home communities. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Canada’s strategy must support both choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the military arena, we pride ourselves on our role as peacekeepers, and equally in the education world we have a role to play as trusted partners to aid in nation building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430915525382976900.post-30382989673877497832011-11-10T17:35:00.001-04:002011-11-11T14:33:44.747-04:00"Joining the Revolution"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In my first year as President of <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/" target="_blank">Mount Saint Vincent University</a>, I’ve found myself surrounded by remarkable students who are eager to learn and grow. I’m also honoured to work with a diversely talented group of faculty and staff who are shaping bright futures and making a difference. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve learned over the past year that many members of the Mount community are part of a global conversation made possible by social media platforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, one of my colleagues recently sent me a link to a fascinating little video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SuNx0UrnEo" target="_blank">The Social Media Revolution</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This video helped confirm my decision to join the social media conversation. Admittedly, I am still a ‘newbie’, but I feel this is an important step in better knowing, hearing from and connecting with those I may not always have a chance to meet face to face. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In addition to this blog, I will also be ‘tweeting.’ In both forums, I hope to share my passion for the Mount along with news of special happenings from</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> every corner of our campus. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mostly, I want to talk about what we have here at the Mount - an energy and commitment to making a positive change, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">For those of you who are not intimately familiar with our university, let me tell you—the </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mount is a beautiful campus with a mighty history. </span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We were the first degree-granting women’s institution in the Commonwealth, educating women long before they had the right to vote. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It seems whatever we’re faced with at the Mount, we overcome. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And we evolve.</i> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The Mount now welcomes students, both men and women, from more than 60 countries. Recently, we renovated three levels of multi-purpose student space in Evaristus Hall as part of a government-supported <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/mediacentre/Headlines/opendoorsinevaristus.aspx" target="_blank">Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP)</a>. We remain committed to creating an environment where teaching and learning can thrive, which is why I</span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">am taking this opportunity to highlight the largest fundraising campaign in Mount history – <a href="http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/alumnae/projecttwenty12/default.aspx" target="_blank">Project Twenty12</a>. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">This bold campaign was launched in May and will raise $12 million in 20 months to build a new academic building for four specific areas: Communications Studies, Women’s Studies, Business and Tourism and the Centre for Aging. Just as importantly, the new building will be dedicated to honouring women, a very fitting undertaking in light of our proud heritage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As I enter my second year at the Mount, I’m confident that I’ve taken the measure of the Mount. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The physical character of our campus and the personal character of our people create a university that’s small enough to think big – and we do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until next time,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ramona </span></div>Dr. Ramona Lumpkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17274190163509036077noreply@blogger.com0