A shot in the arm for Douglas College April 11 was a day to remember as the Faculty of Health Sciences celebrated the success and contributions of everyone involved in establishing the first Douglas College Degree: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Starting this Fall, the former diploma program will expand into the bachelor program and will accommodate 540 students, with 60 students graduating twice each year starting in December 2006. A new building dedicated to Health Sciences programs is also being built at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam, and will open to students in January 2008. Coaching Diploma program honours top students The Coaching Diploma program honoured its best and brightest at its annual awards event in April, presenting awards to its top students. Former World Combined Freestyle Ski champion and 1994 Olympian in moguls and aerials, Katherina Kubenk was awarded the Coaches Association of BC award as top student in the coaching theory/ practical classes. The award, $300 plus a five- year membership, comes when Kubenk has successfully made the transition from athlete to coach. As a “Jump to 2010 Freestyle Aerial Program” coach, Kubenk was thrilled with the award. “It’s great to know there is this kind of support for dedicated coaches at Douglas College to assist with accomplishing their goals,” she said. Kubenk also won the Employability Award. This $100 award goes to the student judged by peers and faculty as the most employable student in the class. The top academic award went to basketball coach Raj Chand. An assis- tant coach at Tamanawis potential,” said Wong. “I Secondary School like to think that not only working with the senior am I coaching the girls in boy’s basketball team, the gym setting, but also Chand head coaches the team in the spring league. He'll be furthering his education at university in the real world.” The $500 award, named in honour of the late Bob Bearpark, will go towards next semester. the cost of tuition. - Former Coaching Student Council President Jamie Black (left) and Sports Science instructor Tim Frick (centre) present Katherina Kubenk with an award. Volleyball coach and Douglas College player, Bearpark was the director of the provincial govern- Michelle Wong, was the ment’s sport branch and recipient of the Bob Bear- the architect of the park Foundation award current Pacific Sport for a continuing student. system of regional Wong heads to her final development. ear of the program after » ES : ‘The Bob Bearpark successful practical Foundation award to a coaching stints with the U18 and U16 girls volleyball at Air Attack. graduating student went to water polo coach Justin Mitchell of Maple Ridge. “They're a great bunch of Mitchell coaches pri- girls with enormous marily with developing athletes and is admired by both parents and athletes. Mitchell will use his $500 award to pursue his coaching goals at the provincial level with an eye on future national Opportunities. Mitchell was also awarded the Positive Specific Feedback (PSF) Award with its accompa- nying $100. The winner is chosen by peers and faculty as the coach most able to provide a positive environment for their athletes. The $500 Mary and Tony Frick Award went to Special Olympics coach and program graduate Enrique Yep. ‘The award is named in honour of Douglas College instructor Tim Frick’s late parents and is their legacy towards post secondary education. Coaching program coordinator Alison Gill said the program has been successful in producing grads who can coach the person as well as the sport. “The program is difficult and demanding and past students who have made it through have all been very successful in their careers, said Gill. College Community pitches in for Graduation celebrations Some exciting changes to the graduation ceremonies in June are in the works. Important changes include the venue: the ceremonies have been moved from the gym to the Performing Arts ‘Theatre. Due to limited seating, a ticket system is being introduced. The number of ceremonies has been increased from three to six and will take place on June 1 and June 2 at 11am, 2:30pm and 6pm. Each ceremony will be followed by an outdoor reception with food, refresh- ments and live music in the space between the College and the Students’ Union building (fourth floor). Administrators, faculty and staff from each Faculty will participate in their own ceremony by preparing the graduates with their diplomas and gowns to walk across the stage. The most important change to Graduation is the involvement of everyone at the College to make this one of the most memorable days in the lives of our students — a true celebration of our success. Contact Christine Kerr, Graduation Officer by phone at 604-527-5391 or by e-mail at kerrc@douglas.bc.ca to offer your help. Last chance for Educational Excellence Awards ‘There’s just enough time to acknowledge exceptional people by nominating them for a Douglas College Educational Excellence Award. ‘The four categories of awards are: Student, Faculty, Staff and Administrative Excellence. Nomination forms outlining the criteria are available in the Library and department offices on both campuses (or contact Debra Flewelling at 604-527-5190 or flewelld@douglas.bc.ca). One nomination form listing three nominators, along with a letter from each nominator addressing the award criteria, must be completed and sent to Debra Flewelling, Library (New Westminster or David Lam). Other supporting documents, such as reference letters, evaluations and other relevant material is also welcome. The deadline for nominations is May 13, 2005. Penny Simkin featured at Fourth Doula Education Day The fourth annual Doula Education Day at Douglas College features Penny Simkin, PT, a physical therapist who has specialized in childbirth education since 1968. Simkin will hold two workshops at the day-long event, to be held Saturday, May 14, 8:30am— 4:30 pm at the New Westminster Campus. Simkin has assisted hundreds of women and couples through childbirth as a doula and is the author of many books on birth for both parents and professionals. Also speaking will be Dr Michael Klein. His presenta- tion, “Research shows that epidurals do not increase Cesarean section rates but we know they do! This and other trial nonsense,” is scheduled for the late morning. Early registration is encouraged. ‘The fee is $115 plus $15 and includes refreshments, lunch and door prizes. On Friday, May 13, Simkin will also be giving a day- long course, “When Survivors Give Birth: Counseling Skills and Strategies to Assist Pregnant Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Preparing for Birth,” 9am— Spm at the New Westminster Campus. The course fee is $115 plus $15 and includes refreshments and lunch. For additional information call 604-527-5476 or go to www.douglas.be.ca/ce.