first novel Former Douglas College student, wheelchair basketball athlete and author, Arley McNeney, launched her first novel, Post at the Amelia Douglas Gallery on May 1. “T took my first children’s writing workshop at Douglas College when I was only eight years old. Somehow it felt right to return to launch my book,” says McNeney. Post explores the physical realities and psychological makeup of a retired wheelchair athlete searching for love, family and self-awareness. Arley McNeney poses with her first novel, Post, in the Amelia Douglas Gallery. NcNeney’s novel, inspired by her own athletic career, follows Nolan Taylor, a 13-year veteran of the Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team, through surgery, lost dreams, old loves and new hopes. McNeney is currently a member of the Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team that trains at Douglas College. She helped the team win bronze at the 2004 Paralympics and gold at the 2002 and 2006 World Championships. She divides her time between her home - Author returns to launch in New Westminster and Champaign-Urbana Illinois, where she is working on her graduate degree in Creative Writing. “Tt actually feels as if P've never really left Douglas College. Since I train here when I’m in Canada and I’ve worked in the kids’ summer camp program, I've never really lost contact,” says McNeney. McNeney’s book is published through Thistledown Press and is available through Amazon.ca and Chapters. April shower reunion On April 10 the support team that helped Haddy Faal-Keita deliver her 5 lb — 9 oz daughter reunited for a Douglas College hosted baby shower. Haddy received gifts from the Library and college president, Susan Witter. (I-r) Gary Alteza, Security Officer/First Aid Attendant; Jill MacLachlan, English instructor; Haddy Faal-Keita, mom; and A record-breaking Event Record-breaking numbers were achieved at this year’s Event book sale. Used books, donated by the Douglas College community, filled the New Westminster concourse over the March 19-22 sale. Buyers helped raise over $3,700, and with matching funds from the Douglas College Foundation, sale organizers raised approximately $7,500. “Event receives hundreds of manuscripts per year from new and established writers from coast-to-coast. The funds raised will go to strengthen Events continuing role in the recognition of Douglas College at home and around the world,” says Event’ editor, Rick Maddocks. ‘The editorial team of Ian Cockfield, Christine Dewar, Elizabeth Bachinsky and Maddocks will use the funds as they work on producing the Summer 2007 issue due out by early June. | Briefly Effective September 1, the College Board will welcome new members Meg Stainsby, representing Faculty, and Bruce Clarke, representing Staff. They will both serve three-year terms. Student representatives Yasmin [rani and Alan Yang (re-elected) join the Board for one-year terms. v The Douglas College Wrestling Team took home its first Intercollegiate Cup in April in Calgary. Leading the way with Gold Medals were Aso Palani, Manvir Sahota and Amanda Gerhart. Raj Rai and Micah Brakefield both finished with Silver Medals. ‘The Intercollegiate Cup was attended by 16 college and university clubs from across Canada. During the month of May, Aeroplan is permitting the Douglas College Foundation to collect Aeroplan points to help fund students traveling abroad. Aeroplan members can donate surplus points to the Foundation to help purchase airline tickets for students heading to Uganda, Thailand or China. Employees, family, friends and the general public can participate to help lighten the financial load for international study, practicum and work placements. For more information contact Foundation Coordinator Sarah Lock at 604-777-6176. v ‘The Alumni Association raised over $1,100 thanks to the efforts of hair stylists from Westwood Plateau’s Zen Salon. ‘The Alumni’s second-annual Cut-a-thon, held on March 26, raised money for the Alumni Association Bursary. Wendy Siddaway works with Developmental Education department assistant Barb Thompson on a new look. v Douglas College employees can save money on transit passes through the Translink Employer Pass Program. Employees who enrol in the program are required to commit to it for 12 consecutive months. Transit passes are paid through Payroll deductions and new participants may enrol in any month. Deadline to enrol for the start of July is May 18. Please contact Nancy Constable at local 5774 or constablen@douglas.be.ca for more information. v Congratulations to Karen McCredie, Associate Registrar, who successfully defended her Master's thesis entitled, Undergraduate Student Retention at Simon Fraser University: A 2005/2006 Case Study to complete her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree. ‘The Centre for International Education welcomes Christiaan Bernard in the new position of Manager, International Marketing and Recruitment. Yoshi Takano moves into the new position of International Education Advisor. v David Belanger moves from auxiliary back to the regular position of Website/Designer ‘Trainer in Client and Learning Services. Anne Brigham, former Departmental Assistant I, leaves CFCS to return to auxiliary status. Employee Relations welcomes Kathy Bromley as Receptionist/Clerk Typist. Sandy Camire moves into the new position of Administrative Officer in The ‘Training Group. Gillian Cowan moves to regular as Admissions Officer in the Registrar’s Office. ‘The Science and Technology department welcomes Winnie McKitrick to the new position of Sport Science Placement Coordinator. INside Douglas College is published by the Communications & Marketing Office the first Tuesday of each month. Submissions and story ideas are welcome; deadline is 10 working days before publication. Email text-only files to INside editor, CMO, Room 4700, New Westminster Campus; e-mail to parryk@douglas.bc.ca; or call 604-527-5547. Printed by the Douglas College Printshop. INside - May 2007 4