March 4-9 March 7 Events Literature Alive presents Noon at New West presents Gary Geddes, poet, critic, Student Showcase Recital Calendar memoirist 12:30pm, Performing Arts Douglas College 2002 Theatre All events take place at the New ; Writer-in-Residence Westminster Campus unless Information: 604-527-5465 otherwise noted. March 8 The Douglas College Creative Writing Department presents the launch of Pearls, an anthology of student work 7pm, Douglas Room Information: 604-527-5465 College-wide Professional Development Day inspires exchange of ideas Inspired by an impassioned keynote speech on the power of education by the United Nations’ Stephen Lewis, over 400 faculty, staff and administrators gathered to exchange perspectives on education at Douglas College's Reflections on Community professional development day on February 13. “The biggest thing we are hearing is that people really valued the opportunity to talk to each other and strengthen our sense of inner community,” says co-organizer Susan Smythe. “Closing classes for the day is a major commitment by the College, and the response is showing that people found it stimulating and worthwhile.” “Tt was just what I had hoped for,” offered one e-mail comment. “I was recharged, inspired, humbled and informed.” Following Lewis’ address, educator and writer Carol Matthews provided local context by exploring the history of BC colleges. Lunch was organized to encourage people to meet colleagues from other departments and discuss College issues. Attendees then selected one of five concurrent sessions on various educational/ community themes. All employees are invited to provide feedback on-line at www.douglas.bc.ca/instres/pdday_survey.htm. Education Council has approved another professional development day next year, and organizers are welcoming volunteers, session ideas and suggestions for speakers. To get involved, contact Wendy Waidson at Douglas Development (local 5503). Nominate colleagues, students for Educational Excellence awards If you know someone at Douglas College who is truly exceptional and who has contributed much to our community, consider nominating that person (staff member, faculty, student or administrator) for an Educational Excellence award in one of the following categories: Student Excellence: Leadership Student Excellence: Educational Achievement Faculty Excellence Staff Excellence Administrative Excellence Nomination forms outlining the criteria for each category are available in many locations at all campuses (or contact Fran Johnson at local 5062/e-mail: johnsonf@douglas.bc.ca). Three separate nominations (one from a person outside the nominee's area) need to be completed and sent to Fran Johnson, Chair, Educational Excellence Committee, room 2626, New Westminster campus by April 15, 2002. Supporting documents, such as reference letters, evaluations, and other relevant material are welcome. The goal of these awards is to foster a culture of recognition throughout the College and to celebrate contributions to excellence in learning and teaching. A five-year partnership between Douglas College and UBC has put smiles on the faces of hundreds of children. The Douglas College Dental Assisting Program joined forces with UBC's Faculty of Dentistry in 1997, creating an educational and community-oriented dental program. Senior students from UBC rotate through the Douglas College Dental Clinic four afternoons each week, working with Douglas College dental assisting students to provide pediatric dental care to community children. “The benefits of this partnership are multitudinous — the UBC dental students and the Douglas College dental assisting students are learning together,” says instructor Linda Symington. “The many community members who are treated at the clinic now receive both comprehensive and preventive dental care." For more information on the Dental Clinic, call 604-527-5464. Volunteer with a vision Every Monday evening, Robert Dawson leaves his dispensing optician job at the Douglas College Vision Centre and spends hours cleaning and organizing donated glasses destined for Mexico, the Philippines, Zimbabwe and other points served by the Third World Eye Care Society (TWECS). It’s the looks on the faces wearing those recycled glasses that keeps him coming back. “Our donated glasses go with teams of optometrists, opthomologists, opticians, and other volunteers on missions around the world,” says Dawson. “People line up for hours to get the glasses, and I’ve seen the films showing faces as they go from basic blindness to being able to see, and it really touches » you. Active with the agency since 1996, Dawson was one of several TWECS volunteers recently recognized by a special International Year of Volunteers award from the Canadian Government. TWECS was formed by Coquitlam optometrist Dr. Marina Roma-March and operates with the support of the Lions Club. “The award is fine, but what's significant is that the news and attention it generates helps more people to learn about the work that TWECS is doing,” says Dawson. I'WECS missions run for one or two weeks, and take at least a year to set up. Teams consist of 10-15 members ranging from doctors to lay volunteers, with each person covering their own travel costs. Luggage is minimal since each team member carries two large cases of glasses. Every mission assists about 3,000 people, checking their eyes and providing glasses for free. Over the years, TWECS has enhanced the vision of more than 25,000 people. All the glasses are donated to depots around the Lower Mainland, including the Douglas College Vision Centre. For information about TWECS or donating glasses call Robert at local 5824. _-_ ee EEE 2