Dr. Heather Duncan obtained her Masters of Education at BU and PhD in Education Administration from the University of Saskatchewan. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Currently, Dr. Duncan is Associate Professor and Educational Leadership Program Coordinator at the University of Wyoming. She is also editor of the “Rural Educator” journal.

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff says, “Heather’s experience with rural leadership and emerging educational development, coupled with her familiarity of Brandon University and the surrounding community, will be invaluable in shaping our education programming.”

Dr. Duncan has teaching and leadership experience in Manitoba, the US and Scotland at the grade school and university levels, and awards including the Governor General of Canada Gold Medal, Brandon University Gold Medal, and University of Wyoming Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award.

“Education is my passion,” says Dr. Duncan, “and I welcome this opportunity to help take BU’s strong undergraduate and Master of Education programming to the next level.”

Dr. Duncan begins a five-year term as Dean, Faculty of Education, on July 1^st, 2013.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

 -30-

Robertson is one of the most trusted faces in TV news, spending 35 years as Chief Anchor and Senior Editor of the country’s most-watched national newscast, CTV National News. A broadcaster since 1952, Robertson is a three-time Gemini award winner, and member of both the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada.

“Lloyd’s efforts as a journalist and communicator have made Canada a better place,” says BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff. “We applaud his career, his contributions and his national pride.”

In addition to television work, Robertson was honourary chairperson of the Terry Fox Run. In 2006, he received an honourary degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.

Robertson will receive his BU degree next month, along with 600 BU graduating students.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

 -30-

Michael Decter is President and CEO of the investment company LDIC Inc., author of eight books and popular lecturer with the National Speakers Bureau. A former Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario and Cabinet Secretary in the Government of Manitoba, Decter was the founding Chair of the Health Council of Canada and continues to serve with numerous non-profit health care organizations.

“Michael brings incredible depth to BU, through both his career experiences and vast network,” says University President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff. “We welcome Michael and anticipate that his leadership will help us grow as an institution during his term as Chancellor.”

The BU Senate ratified Decter’s appointment this week. He will be officially installed May 31^st during Convocation, taking over from Henry Champ who passed away in September 2012 during his second term as Chancellor.

Decter, a native Manitoban and recipient of the Order of Canada, served on the Brandon University Foundation and as Chair of the Stanley Knowles Distinguished Professorship Endowment Campaign in the 1980s.  He now resides in Ontario.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

-30-

Figures released today by BU’s Admissions Department show that 636 persons have applied to attend the University as new students beginning this fall. That compares to 528 in February 2012, 619 in 2011 and 567 in 2010. BU’s overall annual enrollment exceeds 3,000.

“This year to date, we have seen a substantial increase in student applications,” says Murray Kerr, Director of Admissions. “This number includes international and domestic, graduate, undergrad and EAP students – anyone considering BU.”

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff says the numbers show a strong commitment to higher education and, in particular, Brandon University. “Students, parents and alumni recognize that we offer a quality of education unavailable at other institutions. We are proud of that and welcome each student who chooses BU.”

Students wishing to be considered for BU’s substantial scholarship program must apply by March 1^st. Over the past year, the University has awarded more than $1.4-million dollars in scholarships.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

-30-

Dr. Fearon holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and is currently Dean, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University in Toronto. Dr. Fearon previously served as an Associate Dean for Academics and Students at York University. He is the recipient of awards for teaching excellence and has published in numerous academic journals. Prior to his work in post-secondary education, Dr. Fearon served with the Treasury Board at the Ontario Ministry of Finance as well as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“I am thrilled to be joining Brandon University,” says Dr. Fearon. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the University as well as to the Brandon community.”

As part of the senior executive team, Dr. Fearon will develop and promote academic programming and research advancement, overseeing the Faculties of Arts, Sciences, Health Studies and Education; and the School of Music. He will also oversee Graduate Studies; Campus Manitoba; Student and Registrarial Services; Library Services; and Information Technology Services.

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff says, “Dr. Fearon is an experienced academic leader and administrator. He has a commitment to community engagement that fits well with Brandon University’s mission and mandate. I look forward to welcoming and working with our new Vice-President Academic and Provost.”

Dr. Fearon will begin at BU on July 1, 2013.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

For more information, please contact:

Glen Kirby
Communications Officer
Brandon University
270-18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
T: (204) 727-9762
Email: kirbyg@brandonu.ca

“Daryle has a solid reputation for bringing the educational experience to life and continues to find new ways to connect with the students through his innovative approach,” says Dr. Glenn Cockerline, Acting Dean of Education. “I am pleased to see that he is being recognized for his talents and his efforts.”

Over the past 25 years, Daryle has promoted active lifestyles and healthy communities in the Westman area. His belief that laughter and humour are good for the body and soul has put him in demand as a speaker, motivator, and presenter at community, provincial and national health initiatives. Perhaps nowhere is this belief more prevalent than in his classroom.

“I have had the opportunity to have been both a cooperating teacher and student teacher supervisor for many of Daryle’s students. It is through this that I have witnessed first hand the impression he has made on them,” said Daryle’s nominator and fellow educator Bruce Brinkworth. “Daryle leads through his example as a teacher and his guidance to have his students think outside of the box. This hands-on, practical approach to inspire creative thinking has helped to move his students away from the traditional to a more critical and imaginative way of delivering curriculum outcomes.”

During the 25 years Daryle has been with Brandon University he has held various positions including Athletic Director and Recreation Director. Daryle is currently Chair and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Education. His early experience included five years as a public school physical education teacher followed by five years as Program Director of Brandon YMCA.

“I am very honoured to be the recipient of the Award for 2012. I have seen and been around so many creative teachers and Physical Educators over the years, some of it must have rubbed off on me,” said Daryle. “No matter what lesson I may be teaching, I believe there is always a better and more interesting way of presenting the information. I am always looking for different ways of creating a learning environment where people (students) feel comfortable, and as often as possible, are encouraged to work together in an atmosphere of anticipation.”

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Vicki Klassen
Associate Vice-President (External)
Brandon University
270-18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
T: (204) 727-9689

“BU has some fabulous professors and great course selections. The Faculty of Education is full of amazing people and it prepares you for your own classroom one day!” said Darci, who is two years younger than Danielle.

While Danielle shared her sister’s feelings about their alma mater, she added a few comments.

“After completing my Education degree, I am so grateful for the small class sizes at BU, the relationships formed with professors and the lifelong friends I have made,” she said. “My field experiences were all very valuable and I learned from amazing teachers.”

Darci has had a bit of a head start in the “real world”, as she was hired this spring as a replacement in the Grade 3 and 4 class at the Waskada School. She will return there in the fall for a good portion of the school year.

“I am very lucky to be in such an amazing school. Waskada School is full of great staff and students,” said Darci. “It is probably the best feeling in the world. This is what I have been waiting for my entire life. Teaching is a very rewarding career and it holds a lot of responsibilities. It will take time and a lot of hard work to be the best that I can be as a teacher.”

Currently the Summer Services Coordinator for Children’s dis-ABILITY Services in Brandon, Danielle has also landed a position in her field of study. Like her sister, she will be teaching the Grade 3 and 4 class at Betty Gibson School in Brandon, where she had been an educational assistant during her studies at BU.
Though they are just embarking on their careers, both women had been nurturing the love of teaching for years: As children, they loved to “play school”.

“I have grown up wanting to be a teacher,” said Danielle. “I admired my early years teachers and wanted to be just like them.”

“I grew up around teaching and helping kids my entire life,” said Darci. “As little girls, my sister and I started out teaching our two little brothers, Kyle and Tanner.”

During their teen years, Danielle and Darci were very involved in their hometown’s recreation programs for kids. They both lifeguarded and instructed young swimmers. Danielle also taught piano, coached various sports, while Darci was a Can-Skate assistant with the Melita Figure Skating Club.

“They’re lovely, smart young ladies,” said Gloria Caldwell, the Antler River Recreation Director. “They’re very well thought of in their community. They’ve done a good job in their lifeguarding and running the pool. I’m sure they’ll do well in their careers. Both of them are very dedicated to their chosen career path and they’ll make excellent teachers.”

At Brandon University, Dr. Jacqueline Kirk taught both sisters during their education program.

“It was wonderful to work with them,” said Dr. Kirk. “They’re both really, really nice girls and both very professional about how they approached their studies. They really took responsibility for their learning, so I’m delighted that they have found work for the fall.”

Of spending time in the same program together, both Danielle and Darci have nothing but fond memories and are looking forward to pooling their resources as professionals.

“Being in the same classes as my sister was a good thing. It was nice to collaborate, to share ideas, to vent to each other and to learn from one another. I wouldn’t have changed a thing,” said Danielle.

“As my sister and I go our different paths, we will still connect to share ideas and stories,” said Darci. “It will be very different to not have her by my side. It is sad to think our education days at Brandon University are over, (but) Danielle and I are very fortunate to teach the same grades next year, so together we can plan an amazing school year!”
                                                       -30-

Honorary Doctorate Recipients

• Annette Thorimbert Osted: A dedicated psychiatric nurse, Mrs. Osted also held the position of Executive Director/Registrar of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM) for more than 30 years. Throughout her career, she also devoted time to volunteer, gravitating to organizations that help those afflicted by a mental illness.

• Anton Kuerti: An Officer of the Order of Canada, Mr. Kuerti is acclaimed for his performances of Beethoven’s music and has appeared with many of the world’s top orchestras. With more than 25 discs to his credit, he is also avid chamber musician has collaborated with other remarkable instrumentalists, the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and the Tokyo String Quartet.

Distinguished Teacher Award Recipients

• Dolores Hardy: Born in Rossburn, Manitoba and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Ms. Hardy is a Brandon University alumna. She spent her first year teaching in Alexander, followed by 21 years at King George School in Brandon.

• Brigit Lavallee: Raised in Winnipeg, MB, Brigit graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1994. She taught for 10 years in Roblin, MB and is now teaching History and English in Rossburn Collegiate.

• Sherryl Maglione: Born and raised in Alberta, Miss Maglione is currently working on her MEd at Brandon University, with a focus on indigenizing the high school English Language Arts curriculum. She has been teaching for 15 years, and in the past five, her focus as been senior English Language Arts at the Sioux Valley High School.

Board of Governors Community Service Award Recipient

• Patrick Johanneson: Patrick, who was born and raised in Ste. Rose du Lac, writes science fiction and fantasy, and has been published in On Spec, Tesseracts 14 and Daily Science Fiction. In 1997, he started taking judo lessons. In 2009, he received his shodan (or first degree black belt) and he currently runs the Brandon Judokan club, which practices in the Brandon University gym. Patrick also volunteers at the Evans Theatre.

Brandon University Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award

• Rochelle Rands: Rochelle, who grew up in MacGregor, graduated with a B.Ed. from Brandon University in 1998. She first taught in Portage la Prairie at Yellowquill School. During this time, she completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Education and a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Education from the University of Manitoba. In 2008, she completed the Masters Program in Special Education at Brandon University and became the Assistant Superintendent/Student Services Coordinator for the Pine Creek School Division. In 2009, she transitioned back to Portage la Prairie, where she is in her third year as the Administrator of Student Services.

Brandon University Alumni Association’s Excellence in Teaching Award

• Dr Wendy McCallum: Dr. McCallum holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from Brandon University and completed a Master of Music at the University of North Dakota. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. As a faculty member at Brandon University, she conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting courses, as well as instrumental music methods. She is well respected for her knowledge and conducting skills and has been invited to conduct numerous junior high and high school, among other honours.

Valedictorians

• Jennifer Shead: Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jennifer moved to Brandon to pursue her studies in Music Education after high school. During her time at Brandon University, she performed as a member of the National Youth Band of Canada (NYB) in 2010, worked as a Student Ambassador for Recruitment & Retention, and served as President of the Brandon University Student Music Educators Association (BUSMEA). A multi-scholarship winner, she has been accepted into the flute masterclass program at the Orford Arts Centre in Orford, Quebec for the summer of 2012. She hopes to teach instrumental music in the public school system in Manitoba in the fall.

• Kelsey Grindey: With a lifelong desire to teach, Kelsey left her small rural hometown just outside of Winnipeg and enrolled at Brandon University. During summer breaks, she moved back home to work with Aboriginal youth in Winnipeg’s inner city. She is very proud to be First Nations and is looking forward to starting her career as a Senior Years teacher.

• Natasha Vandamme Born and raised near Baldur, Natasha began her studies at Brandon University in 2008 and is now graduating with a Bachelor of Science (4-Year), with a major in Chemistry and a double minor in Mathematics and Zoology. While at BU, she served several terms as a lab assistant in the Chemistry department as well as was an Academic Residence Advisor. In her third year, she received the Chemical Institute of Canada Silver Medal and she is currently working on an NSERC grant with Dr. Lemaire.

All four ceremonies — at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both June 1 and 2 — can viewed via live streaming at:

http://www.brandonu.ca/convocation/video
                                                      -30-