John Jackson investigated the experiences of registered psychiatric nurses working in Manitoba, writing a study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.

“I feel this is ground-breaking research,” says Jackson, who has just completed his third year in BU’s Psychiatric Nursing program. “There is a lot of existing research in specific areas of psychiatric nursing including children and the elderly but very little about the challenges facing nurses themselves.”

Jackson initiated the research, partnering with Dr. Patrick Morrissette, professor of Psychiatric Nursing at BU to co-author the article. Dr. Morrissette says he does not know of another undergraduate student within the program who has conducted and published research as the principal author.

“John saw a need and carried through,” says Dr. Morrissette. “He has shown that important research can be conducted at the undergraduate level at small teaching-oriented institutions such as ours.”

Jackson is presenting his findings this weekend in Winnipeg, MB at the World Congress of Psychiatric Nurses. View the full journal article at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpm.12064/full.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

In March 2009, Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College signed a historical Memorandum of Understanding “Connect 20/20” in which the two institutions vowed to work together to provide improved opportunities for collaboration and student transfer of credit. This nursing partnership is a step toward achieving this goal and the culmination of significant work.

In recognizing the increasing demand for transfer of credit from the practical nursing program to the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program and in the spirit of the Connect 20/20 agreement, the Brandon University Department of Nursing conducted an extensive review of the transfer of credit policy for practical nursing graduates who have completed the 15-month enhanced or the 20-month Practical Nursing diploma program through ACC. The result of this review is a significantly increased block-transfer-credit that recognizes the educational and employment background of Practical Nursing graduates.

Dr. Dean Care, Acting Vice-President (Academic & Provost) says he believes this initiative “is another example of a growing collaboration between ACC and BU. It recognizes the abilities and knowledge level of practical nurse graduates as well as the quality of instruction they have received.”

Judy Marvin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing, and one of the BU’s faculty members who has been actively engaged in this initiative says, “This change represents an important step in Brandon University’s efforts to work with stakeholders and partners to meet the needs of the health region.” The new block-transfer-credit will allow LPNs to bridge more easily into the BN program and build on their knowledge base. For the region, this potentially translates into an increased number of Registered Nurses to help fill wide-spread vacancies.

“It is so important for the college and the university to work to the benefit of all of our students,” says Jack Moes, ACC Vice-President, Academic. “Launching this agreement adds to the list of transfers and articulations that we’ve already established with BU. We recognize that this is something that both students and employers are looking for. We are extremely pleased to move this new agreement for Practical Nursing forward.”

Demand for the new LPN-BN program is expected to be high, as LPN’s have been inquiring and searching for an improved transfer credit system for years. This new and exciting opportunity will allow LPN graduates to attend Brandon University for two years and become a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing degree.

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For more information, please contact:

Tracey Collyer
Bachelor of Nursing Student Advisor
Brandon University
270-18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
T: (204) 571-8567

“We used to be a department way back, then became a school in the 1990s. Here it is 15 years later and this is the recognition of achievement and the natural evolution of an academic unit,” Dr. Care said. “For me, it was about setting a higher standard — for research productivity, scholarly work, like publications and presentations, and teaching enhancement approaches.”

To achieve the status of faculty, the former School of Health Studies had to achieve certain criteria, including having “an independent School Council reporting directly to the Senate”, reaching a sizeable number of students and faculty, implementing graduate programs, carrying out noteworthy research, maintaining a worthy performance record, among others.

“Achieving faculty status for Health Studies represents a tremendous accomplishment. It means our faculty have advanced significantly in their pursuit of research and have achieved significant levels of funding,” said Dr. D. Noreen Ek, Chair Psych Nursing Dept, Acting Coordinator Master’s of Psychiatric Nursing. “Additionally, it means we are reaping the benefits of dedicated faculty who have advanced their educational level, from Masters to PhD’s, while maintaining a teaching commitment. All faculty deserve recognition for the part they have played in delivering quality programs that has helped us achieve this status. It’s like we have finally ‘arrived’.”

Another objective of Health Studies was to garner approval of the two main nursing programs by their respective colleges in the province. Dr. Care stated that this acknowledgement is a sign of excellence and indeed, the Faculty of Health Studies at BU has now fulfilled this. External reviewers awarded the psychiatric nursing program five-year approval and the nursing program four-year approval — the maximum for both.

“This development is so important – for our students, the Faculty and the University. It raises the profile of the entire program making the BU Health Studies experience more valuable to the students. The achievement of this benchmark is a testament to the hard work Dr. Care and the faculty devoted to this initiative,” said Dr. Deborah Poff, Brandon University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

Some fast facts about Health Studies at Brandon University:

• 1986 — Two post-diploma programs in nursing and psychiatric nursing, under the auspices of the Department of Nursing and Health Studies, are introduced at BU, housed in the Faculty of Science.
• 1995 — BU launches Canada’s first four-year baccalaureate program in psychiatric nursing and the School of Health Studies is created.
• 1998 — The first two years of the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing is offered by distance education, in Winnipeg, in collaboration with the University of Winnipeg.
• 2001 — Funding from the provincial government in the amount of $5 million heralds the arrival of the four-year B.N. at BU.
• 2003 — The new Health Studies Complex opens its doors.
• 2005 — The Winnipeg campus expands its student capacity in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing and classes are now held in the Rice Financial Building.
• 2011 — The Master of Psychiatric Nursing is launched, with 13 part-time and full-time students from across the country.

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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
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