As 2024 draws to a close, Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus is celebrating a year of significant achievements by students, alumni, and staff. The campus continued to make strides in education, community engagement, and partnerships throughout the year, from expanding health care programs to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous leaders.
In January, the Pembroke campus added new sections to its Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs to address local health care labour shortages. February brought a special ceremony to name the campus’s Grandfather Drum, Mishomis Ashage Dwegan, led by Elder Barry Sarazin. The naming ceremony marked the culmination of six years of work by students under the guidance of Elder Skip Ross and knowledge holder Pinock Smith.
March saw a visit from former Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, who spoke at the Pembroke campus as part of the speaker series. She emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
In April, students in the Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program showcased their tree-climbing skills in a year-end competition, attracting local employers eager to hire the talented graduates. The campus also hosted the Options Skilled Trades Fair in May, promoting apprenticeship careers to local high school students through skills competitions in various trades such as welding, carpentry, and culinary arts.
June was a month of celebration as Pembroke campus alumnus Jason Blaine reached a fundraising milestone of $1 million for his charity through his annual golf tournament and concert. Blaine was awarded the key to the city of Pembroke for his contributions. The month also marked the graduation of hundreds of students, with Dean Sarah Hall receiving a special recognition coin for her efforts to strengthen ties between the college and the Canadian Armed Forces.
In July, the campus was approved to offer Arborist apprenticeship training, complementing its existing Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program. The campus also offers apprenticeship programs in carpentry and electrical training.
August saw the campus seek public input on its master development plan, looking to improve facilities for future growth. In September, former Olympian Elizabeth Manley returned to the campus for an International Suicide Prevention Day event, where she spoke about the importance of mental health and wellness.
The Outdoor Adventure program marked its 25th anniversary with a special homecoming weekend in September, drawing alumni from across the country to reconnect. In October, the Fall Business Leadership conference featured keynote speaker General Rick Hillier, who shared his leadership experiences. TV personality Amber MacArthur also returned to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce.
November brought Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Marie Wilson to Pembroke, where she spoke about her new book and her work with residential school survivors. The year ended in December with a tour of the Chalk River labs, a key employer of Algonquin College graduates, helping faculty and staff explore future partnerships.
These highlights demonstrate the dynamic and supportive learning community at Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus. As the campus closes for the holiday season, it looks forward to another exciting year ahead. The college will reopen on January 2nd, with the Winter term beginning on January 6th.
(Written by: Emma Butler)