© News the other press Kelly Parry e kelly-parry@telus.net March 31, 2004 Print Futures Portfolio Show Barbara K. Adamski OP Contributor Participants in Douglas College's Print Futures: Professional Writing Program are presenting the ninth annual portfolio show on April 7 in New Westminster campus’ Amelia Douglas Gallery. This year, 26 stu- dents will be presenting samples of the research, writing, editing, and design skills they developed in the program. In previous years, attendance for the event has ranged from 100 to 120 people, including program alumni, prospective students and employers, faculty, and other inter- ested parties. Lynn Smith (Print Futures class of 2002), BC Branch Chair of the Editors’ Association of Canada, will be on hand to present a $500 schol- arship to a graduating student demonstrating both academic excel- lence and an anticipated contribu- tion to the field of editing. While the two-year diploma pro- gram focuses on writing, it also includes instruction in communica- tion theory, interpersonal and research skills, editing, design, on- line communication, and profes- sional readiness. The programs aims to produce graduates able to apply strong research, editing, and design skills that enhance the appeal and effectiveness of written work. “Every year, at the beginning of term, my students say they have nothing of substance to put in the Portfolio Show,” says Prof- essional Readiness Instructor Colin Moorhouse. “And every year, as the deadline approaches, they produce quite astonishing work, which they can take into the work force with pride and confidence.” “It's quite an accomplishment to make it this far, ” says Print Futures program coordinator Maureen Nicholson. Portfolio show partici- pant Theresa Brodie, graduating this spring after two years of full- time study in the program, says, “More than anything, the portfolio show will bring a sense of closure. And we're all looking forward to that.” Those interested in attending the event are advised to call 604.527.5292 or email printfutures@douglas.bc.ca. Print Futures: Professional Writing Program Portfolio Show Amelia Douglas Gallery Wednesday, April 7, 2004, 5-7pm_ | Refreshments and Cash Bar Douglas College Foundation Awards Tea Wendy Harris OP Contributor Who says people don’t care any- more? Last year, 1,623 students received scholarships and bursaries distributed by the Douglas College Foundation, and behind every dol- lar was a person who cared enough to give. Last Wednesday, the Douglas Room opened wide, welcoming over 100 donors and students to an afternoon of laughter, tears, and gratitude as money changed from one hand to another. Janice Bennett, recipient of the Beth Anderson Memorial Bursary, said that without the help of the Ms Financial Aid office, and the sup- port of the Foundation, she would- nt have had the courage to “just try.” Beth Anderson graduated from the Print Futures: Professional Writing Program in 1998. Shortly after, just as she was realizing her potential as a gifted writer, she had a heart attack and passed away. Myrna _ Popove, Executive Director of the Douglas College Foundation, phoned Beth's parents to tell them about the woman who had won their daughter's memorial award. Living in the Okanagan, and unable to come down to present the cheque themselves, they were thrilled to hear that another Print Futures student, sharing their late http://www.otherpress.ca daughter's dream, had won the award. Not all donors limit themselves to supporting one award. Legendary Bill Hughes—past President of the Vancouver Canucks, namesake of the New West campus library, and Guinness Book of World Records record holder for the number of CKNW “Roving Mike” radio broadcasts he hosted—presented eight students with Bill Hughes Family Bursaries. Thoroughly enjoying himself, Bill passed out envelopes, congratu- lating each recipient with a hearty “well done,” and a handshake. From memorial bursaries to liv- ing legacies, it was clear that all the Janice Bennett 9 by Kim Fehr donors, or the people who were pre- senting the awards on their behalf, were just as pleased to give, as the students were to receive. Awards, bursaries, and scholarships are available to students studying at Douglas College. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office at the start of every semester— please check deadline dates. Only one application for scholarships and/or one application for awards/bursaries is necessary to be considered for all awards available in each semester. Women Arrested After Refusing to Leave BC Minister’s Office Funding cut to women’s centres angers activists Alison Benjamin Ubyssey VANCOUVER (CUP)—Anger over the BC government's decision to stop funding women’s centres came to a head this month when five women activists were arrested in the provincial legislature after refusing to leave the office of a minister. The women had occupied the office of Ida Chong, the Minister of State for Women’s and Seniors’ Services, to protest the imminent closure of women’s centres caused by the loss of their core funding—a $1.7 million cut in the provincial budget. During a half-hour scheduled meeting with the minister, the women asked Chong if the govern- ment would rescind its motion to cut the funding and provide emer- gency funding to four women’s cen- tres that have already closed. The group also asked the minister to arrange a meeting between Finance Minister Gary Collins and the BC Coalition of Women’s Centres. On the phone from Victoria, Minister Ida Chong explained why the women were arrested. “We had a meeting that was scheduled for half an hour from 9 until 9:30. I did indicate to them that I had a meeting at 9:30 so they were aware that I would be busy afterwards,” she said. Chong said after she left the building for her meeting, the women refused to exit her office, and security was called. The five” women were arrested and taken away in handcuffs. Chong said she was not aware of the arrests until later on in the day. But one of the women arrested said her group resisted leaving because they did not feel their requests were adequately addressed. The government should continue funding women’s centres, even though it deems them non-essential services, said Michelle Dodds, a rep- resentative from North Shore Women’s Centre. Dodds argued that all the work done by women’s centres is essential. “Currently, centres provide services to women targeted to the needs of individual communities. These can include free food, clothing, support for single mothers, sexual assault prevention and counselling, pro continued on page 5