April 2006 The Douglas College Newsletter i New Westminster Campus, David Lam Campus SI eS aceon AMARRALI ERR SS SRA BAGRRERELEGES AAR Suivennsnaneneal, WERREREES” WARN Labasaeens ay vane Next steps in a vision: [he official groundbreaking for Phase Il of the David Lam Campus took place March 15. Members of the College community were joined by other dignitaries to mark the start of construction for the 9,720-square-metre expansion at the Coquitlam Campus. Back row from left to right: Nursing student Lori Pate, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell. Front row from left to right: Douglas College Board Chair Diana Miles, President Susan Witter, MLA lain Black and Coquitlam Councillor Brent Asmundson. Bob Logelin has spent his entire adult life helping others, so it’s only natural he was a little reluctant to help himself to a well-deserved recognition award. Logelin, Adult Special Education Programs Coordinator, received the 2006 Award of Excellence from the Disability Resource Network (DRN) in late February. The accolades from his peers were welcome, but all the fuss made him just a tiny bit uneasy. “T was a little surprised and very pleased,” says Logelin. “But I’m a bit more comfortable being in trouble.” Any trouble Logelin has been in has been a result of his tireless advocacy for individuals who have disabilities. Over the years he’s managed to convince politicians and civil servants to establish training and education programs, reduce physical and institutional barriers and he has even helped rewrite the Employment Standards Act - all for the benefit of the disabled community. “This community needs help,” says Logelin. “We need to support these people and their talents.” Logelin’s passion for helping the disabled started in university while he was working with street kids. “T discovered that lots of these kids had disabilities that had never been identified,” says Logelin. “My approach changed based on that. Then it was an easy move from helping street kids to people with disabilities.” Logelin served as Principal of Victoria Vocational College and Director of Vocational Services at the Vancouver Richmond Association before joining Douglas College in 1992. Throughout his tenure at the College, he’s worked hard to build relationships with school districts, community organizations, various levels of governments, special interest groups and the public. In the process, he’s made the college a leader in the delivery of Adult Special Education Programs. “The College has helped lead a huge shift in the attitude towards Tireless advocate for disabled individuals Bob Logelin wins Award of Excellence people with disabilities,” says Logelin. “We see people with disabilities involved in areas where they would never have been able to participate before. Logelin was seconded for three years by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and was instrumental in implementing a changed Employment Standards Act and setting new directions for community agencies in the training of people with disabilities. He also authored Best Practices documents for two Ministries and was a strong team member involved in a rewrite of the Employment Standards Implementation Manual. He also served as Chairperson of the DRN for six years in addition to sitting on numerous non- profit boards and presenting at numerous conferences. Despite that impressive record, Logelin has no intentions of resting on his laurels. “We don't create enough environments for people to show these talents,” he says. “We have to get the province IN Douglas College SEP wins Award They've been taking care of business for over a decade. Now all their hard work has earned the Douglas College Self Employment Program (SEP) a well-deserved, national accolade. The SEP has won the prestigious Program Excellence Award from the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). The award recognizes and promotes excellence within Canadian colleges and technical institutes and showcases extraordinary contributions by individuals to their education communities. “Tt’s great to see the Self Employment Program recognized at a national level for program excellence in the Canadian College system,” said Douglas College President Susan Witter. “Lam delighted that ACCC has recognized Douglas College and the Self Employment Program. Congratulations to Trevor Van Eerden, Operations Manager of The Training Group, and Graham Hill, Program Manager and particularly the Self Employment Team, who were responsible for the nomination.” Celebrating its th anniversary next month, the SEP is recognized as one of the most successful self employment programs in the country, having graduated over 2,000 learners. Over 93 per cent of graduates start their own business. The program, as part of The Training Group, was also awarded the Team Excellence Award at Douglas College for their contributions to the college as an incubator and leverage point for the development of new programs and initiatives. Now, the SEP has topped a national field of nominees to earn ACCC Program Excellence recognition. The award will be presented to Douglas College at the ACCC Annual Conference in Calgary in June. An ACCC Awards video recognizing the program will be presented during the conference. oe . BOE Student Chantelle Berkowski gets a hand from Bob Logelin. The Adult Special Education Programs Coordinator received an excellence award in February. and the federal government to bring more resources to post- affecting students with disabilities and the importance of me raising secondary education and training these issues with all levels of to allow people to support people to develop the skills to become employable and to live government,’ says Witter. Logelin’s sense of humor is almost as legendary as his tireless work on behalf of disabled individuals. He maintains balance in his life with his partner Jennifer, adult children Leah and Nicholas, two wheaten terriers (Max and Maggie) and independently and grow as human beings.” President Susan Witter praised Logelin as “a strong advocate for students with disabilities” and was delighted he had been recognized for his service by his peers. pursuing squash, sailing, golf and warm climates at every “TL have always appreciated Bob's opportunity. ability to remind me of issues Quote of the Month When proud-pied April, dressd in all his trim, Hath put a spirit of youth in everything. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616)