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MacEwan Alumni News � SUMMER 2009

www.MacEwan.ca/alumni

Wewelcomeyourfeedbackandcomments.Allinquiriesandcorrespondenceshouldbedirectedto:

Traci Toshack Coordinator,AlumniRelationsandServices

Tel:780-497-5543E-mail:

[email protected]

MAILING ADDRESS: AlumniRelationsandServicesGrantMacEwanCollegeCityCentreCampusP.O.Box1796Edmonton,AB,CanadaT5J2P2

SEEING DOUBLE? Haveyoureceivedthispublicationinduplicate?Callusat780-497-4273 andwe’llsettherecordstraight.

Front Cover:2009MadHatter’sGalaphotobyLeroySchulz.

MacEwan Alumni News WORDS

FROM THE ROUGH: An Anthology of Creative Writing

STUDENT CREATIVE WRITING FEATURE

PRE-PROM PARANORMALITY By Amy Bridges

“MOM! Where’s my pink lip-gloss?” Lynn raised her eyebrows at her husband,

who glanced at her from over his newspaper. Ian shrugged back and said, “Answer your daughter, dear.” He couldn’t quite keep the smile out of his voice. Lynn huffed and took a deep breath.

“Have you tried your bathroom?” she yelled. “Oh, how stupid of me, I should have

looked there first!” came the sarcastic reply. The body to that voice appeared on the landing of the stairs, wearing an expression of disgust, as well as a flowing, full-length, Vera Wang original.

“Seriously mom, I’m not leaving the house without it. Did you borrow it again?”

After both of her parents denied it one last time, Farrah sighed in frustration and after a pause, squinted her eyes in concentration. Several seconds went by before a small pink tube of lip-gloss came zooming from upstairs and stopped suddenly in front of Farrah. She

smirked. Her parents were not so amused. “For god’s sake Farrah, do not use your

powers for such trivial matters as finding lost lip-gloss!” said Lynn, exasperated.

“It’s not trivial; it’s a very big deal. What if I’d had to go to the Winter Formal without lip-gloss? Talk about tragedy,” said Farrah. She knew she was irritating her mother, but what was the point in having powers if you couldn’t use them? As an example of what she thought of her mother’s advice, Farrah made her purse zip down to her.

“Farrah...” came her dad’s warning as he put down the paper. “Listen to your mother. It’s very bad to get into the habit of showing off like that. Once you slip up and someone sees you, it’s over, you know?”

“Wow, you guys, get a sense of humour...” mumbled Farrah. What did parents know anyway? She looked at her delicate DiMaggio wristwatch, wondering where on earth Jake was.

Realizing she’d forgotten her shawl, Farrah ran back up the stairs to her bedroom. She called the shawl to her, pleased that she could use her powers as much as she wanted

provided her parents weren’t around. She ran back to the living room, and gave a little flourish towards her mother.

“Well, I’m ready. How do I look?” she asked, twirling lightly.

Lynn looked at her daughter up and down. “You look lovely, sweetheart, but won’t your feet get a little cold?”

Farrah looked down. Damn, her shoes were back upstairs. With a quick glance at her mother, she called her shoes downstairs.

“Farrah!” cried her mother. “Oh, come on, Mom, it’s not hurting

anybody,” she snapped angrily. But just at the moment, her father walked into the room from the foyer, Jake at his side. There was just enough time for Jake to flash her a blinding smile before a silver Jimmy Choo stiletto smashed into the back of his head. Farrah watched in horror as her date fell to the carpet, unconscious. She looked at her parents for help, but they were both smiling sadistically down at her.

“Have fun at the dance, sweetheart,” said her mother, turning around and walking away.

Authors are like diamond cutters analyzing rough gems for inner worth. Each piece

introduces observations, feelings. Like the rough diamonds, these pieces are life in

the ROUGH. The development of this anthology began with a group of students fulfilling

the requirements of English 214, Creative Writing, in the Professional Writing Program

at Grant MacEwan College. Rough edges were forced off and surfaces honed to let

the talent shine. Each story or poem, whether real or fantastic, describes a reality

in the raw. As you enjoy these selections, these poems and stories from new profes-

sional writers, you too will see how the ROUGH can shine. (Excerpt from Preface, the

ROUGH: An Anthology of Creative Writing)

INTRODUCING THE ALUMNI ADVISORY COUNCIL

The newly established Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) was created to provide regular advice and support to Alumni Relations and Services and MacEwan. The council’s focus will be in creating and enhancing services and opportunities for alumni. Members of the AAC represent the interests of MacEwan alumni and act as advocates and a sounding board for new initiatives. The AAC will play a vital role in developing our alumni community and their ongoing affiliation to MacEwan.

The AAC members will serve terms up to three years in length and will meet at least three times per year.

Questions or suggestions for the AAC? Please contact Traci Toshack at (780) 497-5543 or [email protected].

From music to science to professional writing, members of the new AAC are as diverse and as talented as the alumni they represent (left to right): Adam Guiney, Bachelor of Arts Transfer (2006); Bill Adams, Bachelor of Arts Transfer (2003); Vanessa Ruth, Bachelor of Arts Degree (2008); Amber Marechal, Professional Writing (2006); Patricia Feduk, Social Work (1994); Daniel Eggert, Bachelor of Arts Transfer (2006); George Koufogiannakis, Music Program (1989); Angela Merriott, Asia Pacific Management (2004).

MacEwan Alumni NewsSUMMER 2009 3


HATS OFF TO MacEWAN!

There was madness in Edmonton on Saturday, April 25th at the Shaw Conference Centre where Bell presented the 24th Annual Mad Hatter’s Gala. Over $1.2 million net proceeds were raised for student awards, bursaries and scholarships from this year’s event and with the assistance of a generous donor from the Edmonton Community Foundation and the Province of Alberta Access to the Future Fund.

It was a glittering room of flapper dresses and gangster fedoras inspired by the Theatre Arts/The-atre Production performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie and the Roaring 20’s theme. The shining stars of the evening, however, were the MacEwan students and alumni represented by the musi-cians, dancers, video designers and numerous volunteers.

One of the student volunteers, from the MacEwan Student Ambassador Program and graduating from the Holistic Health

Practitioner Program, was Ariana Carter who shared, “Coming from a single-parent home, financing my education was a challenge. It is ridiculous how much help the scholarships and awards were in helping me achieve my career goals, so this was a chance for me to be part of helping other students.”

Another Ambassador, Raelyne Dopko, a fourth year Bachelor of Arts student, said, “It was a great experience to see how money is raised to help students. For the first two years of my degree, I had to work part-time, but thanks to the scholarships I received, I was able to concentrate full-time on my studies to help finish my degree.”

MacEwan relies on community involvement and support to make the college successful. This year was no exception with leadership and commitment coming from the Mad Hatter’s Chair, Crystal Gra-ham, Kasian Architecture, Interior

Design and Planning. Crystal’s committee set and exceeded ambitious sales goals and with the assistance of this year’s honourary Mad Hatter, Beth Allard-Clough, created new and innovative auc-tion and raffle items.

Laura Craig, a musician who performed at the event said, “From the standpoint of a graduate of the MacEwan music program, I was amazed by the support that the college is getting. To me, this is one of the greatest gifts that a person can give to their community: the gift of educa-tion, especially in the arts. I was thankful to have been chosen to participate in this event because the MacEwan music program has enriched my life so much.”

Hats off to all our supporters and volunteers for making this year’s gala a roaring success.

www.MacEwan.ca/madhatters

Honourary Mad Hatter Beth Allard-Clough and Best Hat Winner Tina den Boer

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Alumnus and former Canadian Idol contestant Tyler Hamilton (back row, second from left) with the Music Program Band, directed by Marcel Hamel (back row, third from right).

Edmontonians show their support for MacEwan students

MacEwan Alumni News 4 SUMMER 2009


New this fall!Insurance and Risk Management certificate

MacEwan faculty and staff are eagerly anticipating

the first offering of the Insurance and Risk

Management certificate.

Why not put your previous academic

achievements to good use and earn while

you learn? If you are interested in working in the

insurance industry, we can even help you with that

(no guarantees of course, but we are the ones with

the connections.) This might be just the change you

are looking for. This program benefits both the

student and the employer, improving the all impor-

tant work/life balance. It fills a void allowing students

to work in the insurance industry in the morning and

attend classes in the afternoon.

A few details…The Insurance and Risk Management certificate is

10 months starting in Sept 2009, consisting of eight

insurance-specific courses and two additional

business option courses. 30 previous post-

secondary credits are required for admission,

including one English course.

MacEwan’s Insurance and Risk Management

program is highly respected in the industry. Are you

looking to invest in a secure future that provides

many diverse career paths and financial rewards?

To find out more, call 780 497-5384 or visit

www.MacEwan.ca/insure

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Being the first at anything can be tough. You are paving the way for graduates to follow. Cory Lemiski, outgoing inaugural President of the Commerce Club states, “I’m feeling conflicted. On the one hand, leaving MacEwan will be hard. I’ve had such a great experience and feel at home with the MacEwan family. On the other hand, MacEwan has made me proud of who I am and confident in my abilities. I’m stepping out into the real world to represent MacEwan, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

There are high expectations for our first Commerce grad class. They are skilled and prepared and MacEwan can hardly wait to see them succeed.

What else is new in business? After much planning and hard work, MacEwan has been given the green light to add an additional major to the Bachelor of Com-merce program. Faculty and staff are eagerly anticipating the fall 2010 offering of the Accounting major. By offering this option, MacEwan is answering the call for more individuals with professional financial credentials. BCOM students will then have four majors to choose from including Manage-ment, International Business and Supply Chain Management.

This September will see the first-ever intake of students in the Insurance and Risk Management Certificate program. Designed to offer an education with hands-on experience, students with a minimum of 30 post-secondary

credits work in the morning and attend classes in the afternoon. This program offers students a good work/life balance and a chance to enter into the insurance industry with little or no experience. Participating employers seeking new employees can offer the attractive option of learning and working at the same time. This program exemplifies the strong ties between MacEwan and the Edmonton business community.

Looking for a way to break through and get a head start? Consider enrolling in a part-time Continuing Education course this summer. The MacEwan Computer Training Centre is especially beneficial to those looking to upgrade their current skills or get a leg-up on learning a new program. Some of the noncredit courses available include: Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Simply Accounting, QuickBooks, HTML programming, and Macromedia Dreamweaver. Pick up a copy of the Spring/Summer 2009 Continuing Education Guide for all the details, check the web at www.MacEwan.ca/business/ce or call (780) 497-5207.

As always, the MacEwan website houses all relevant School of Business information such as upcoming information sessions, enrollment dates, and programs of study. Simply go to www.MacEwan.ca/business and start planning your next step down the path of education.

MacEwan’s first Bachelor of Commerce grads cross the stage

CONGRATULATIONS COMMERCE GRADS

“MacEwan has made me proud of who

I am and confident in my abilities. I’m

stepping out into the real world to represent

MacEwan.”

– Bachelor or Commerce Grad

MacEwan Alumni NewsSUMMER 2009 5


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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS NIGHT OF THEATRE

Theatre Arts students engage audience with the tale of The Addlepated Nixie.

Jason Morris (Bachelor of Arts, 2004/Previous Board Member) and guest, Maja Morris; Bill Adams (Bachelor of Arts Transfer, 2003/Previous Board Member); Adam Guiney (Bachelor of Arts, 2006) and guest, Shannon Berkholtz.

The Addlepated Nixie, a new work specifically written for MacEwan Theatre Arts students by Stewart Lemoine, was the entertainment for the 2009 Alumni and Friends Night of Theatre. The annual event was held in appreciation of MacEwan alumni, Board of Governors and special guests. With attendance doubling this year, the event has become a popular affair for many alumni. Alumni and friends gathered at the Centre for the Arts and Communications on March 19th, to enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and a debut performance of Lemoine’s newest comedy.

Lemoine’s The Addlepated Nixie was a sassy screwball comedy with great costumes and magical outdoor and evening scenes reminiscent of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Set in the 1950s at Middle Canada College, it followed the gloriously self-involved members of the school’s dramatic society. As the vivacious thespians rushed thither and yon in ever-changing permu-tations and combinations, they found themselves increasingly enlightened, enchanted, and ultimately inspired.

Lemoine, who also directed the show, was first approached by MacEwan Theatre Arts program chair Timothy Ryan last year to write a new play for a huge cast. “I was able to come and see many students perform on stage prior to writing this play, which made it easier to know what sort of roles to write for them,” Lemoine said. “It’s exciting for the students too because they get to play a part no one else has done before,” he added. The Addlepated Nixie was the first main stage show he has written for MacEwan.

“The play was delightful,” expressed an Advertising & Public Relations and Voluntary Sector Management alumnus, “I’m sure I had a smile on my face from beginning to end. The evening has never let me down, and the students always win my heart. Bravo!”

Thank you to the alumni, their guests, the President’s Office, Conference Services, Alumni Relations and Services, and the Theatre Arts students and staff for making this event a success.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening of food and entertainment. The

play was wonderful. I did so enjoy the witty humour and quick

comebacks. I am certainly looking forward to my invitation next year!”

– Special Needs Assistant Alumnus

MacEwan Alumni News � SUMMER 2009


The first to receive full government approval in Western Canada, MacEwan’s three-year Acupuncture program offers students a window into an alternative world of healing.

This program is the benchmark for quality acupuncture training for the last 10 years in Alberta. Students obtain comprehensive instruction not only in acupuncture, but also in “conventional medical sciences,” Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbology, and receive extensive hands-on clinical internship.

responsible for this technology. “I feel so unbelievably fortunate. Being able to travel the world with a first-class technical team installing new production shows, working with high-end equipment, and having such a great product to show for it has been a dream realized,” he says. Mistal has also been involved with projects that involve the specification of rigging mechanics for the new ships that are built in Finland and Italy, as well as retrofitting these

Graduating from MacEwan’s Theatre Production program in 1999, Ryan Roby recently moved to Las Vegas to become the lead rigger for Cirque du Soleil’s newest permanent show Criss Angel Believe. During his time at MacEwan, Roby worked in venues around Edmonton as a freelance technician doing theatre, film, and concerts. Dreaming of touring and working on a permanent show in the United States, Roby was hired by Carnival Cruise Lines as an automation technician and rigger at the end of 1999. Four years later, he made his move to Cirque first as an acrobatic rigger, then head rigger.

Originally from Lloydminster, Alberta, the talented technician is grateful for the knowledge he has been able to gather and the reputation he has been able to make for himself. “There is still so much for me to learn, and I hope that I can continue for a very long time to come – this is the greatest job and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Roby says. The next step in his career with Cirque may include working on a new production opening in Amsterdam and touring Europe, or moving to New York to help with another new show set to open on Broadway.

Although Roby never had any experience with theatre growing up, he was always interested in mechanics and electronics. “I loved the Theatre Production program. The range of opportunities that we were able to experience and the real-life knowledge that was available to us was invaluable,” he says. “I have no doubt the knowledge that I gained and the contacts that I made while attending the program got me to where I am today – and I am eternally grateful,” he adds.

Mark Mistal, also credits MacEwan for much of his success. “The program taught me very quickly that if I wanted to have a shot at consistently steady work – often a rarity in the industry – I needed to broaden my skill set and be competent in all facets of technical theatre,” he says. “I wound up focusing a lot more of my time on areas like stage carpentry and technical direction, which ultimately gave me the experi-ence I needed to head the stage department I do now,” he adds.

Mistal, who grew up in St. Albert, Alberta, has been with Carnival Cruise Lines since 1998 where he also worked with fellow MacEwan graduate, Roby. Mistal is currently the technical supervisor of pro-duction staging and rigging where he works on specifying and maintaining the mechanics that go into everything from moving scenery and curtains, to flying performers through the air safely for Carnival’s fleet of 23 vessels. Mistal’s position also requires him to hire on-board technicians

Ryan Roby and Mark Mistal have travelled the world building successful careers in the entertainment industry

THEATRE PRODUCTION GRADS REALIZING DREAMS SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Ryan Roby (left) and Mark Mistral.

theatres once they have been in service for a number of years.

Graduating from the program in 1995, Mistal now lives in Miami, Florida – home of Carnival Corporation’s head office. As for the future, he would like to continue to learn and grow within the company, and to one day work with the entire corporation’s fleet including Holland America, Costa, and Princess Cruise Lines, to keep them all at the forefront of the entertainment industry.

“I have no doubt the knowledge that I gained

and the contacts that I made while attending

the program got me to where I am today . . .”

MacEwan Alumni NewsSUMMER 2009 �


The MacEwan Griffins Men’s Volleyball team celebrate after winning the 2008-09 CCAA National Championships in Fort McMurray.

Leading the way to excellence was the Men’s Volleyball team, making history being the first MacEwan men’s volleyball team to become CCAA (Canadian Colleges Athletic Association) National Champions. While the men battled in Fort McMurray in March, the Women’s Volleyball team was in Ontario seeking their second National Championship in three years. The women, ranked #6, came away with a silver medal, after losing a hard-fought five-set match in the finals.

Two weeks later, the Griffin Women’s Basketball squad flew to Quebec City after earning a wildcard spot in the CCAA National

Championships. Also ranked #6, the women couldn’t improve on their ranking, but came away from the Championships with the Fair Play Award. The lady Griffins were the third MacEwan team to get that recognition at Nationals, joining the Men’s Volleyball team and the Women’s Soccer team.

The Women’s Soccer squad finished fifth place at Nationals held in BC in November.

The Griffins Men’s Cross Country Running team also represented MacEwan at Nationals.

All the Griffins teams return to action in Fall 2009. Follow their progress at: www.MacEwanAthletics.ca.

YEAR OF THE GRIFFINS The MacEwan Griffins have set

a new standard of excellence

in 2008-09, sending five teams

to the National Championships

in one season

Carmen Hrynchuk first enrolled in MacEwan’s Professional Writing program needing to trust there was power in words. Now, she is achieving her dream of reading and writing for a living.

Graduating in 2006, Hrynchuk works in the publishing department

at Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd. She is a staff writer and editor, as well as the editor-in-chief of their magazine Enjoy Gardening, a twice-yearly nationally distributed publication. “My job description varies every day. When I’m working on the magazine, I’m

everything from a proof-reader to an art director,” she says. “When the pendulum swings in the other direction, I find myself doing corporate communications, such as proposal writing and internal communications,” she adds. Hrynchuk also works on book projects, ad campaigns, marketing and branding strategies, as well as writes speeches, edits Jim Hole’s weekly syndicated column in the Edmonton Journal, and publishes a weekly newsletter. Last year, she also did some freelancing and edited a manu-script for NeWest Press.

“All of my courses prepared me for these tasks,” says Hrynchuk. “MacEwan gave me the tools I needed to transition from wanting to be a writer, to choosing to be one. It was great to have people to look up to,” she adds. As for the future, Hrynchuk would one day like to be an author herself and a teacher.

Carmen’s work can be viewed at www.enjoygardening.com

THE POWER OF WORDS Writer’s versatility leads to satisfying career path

STUDENT ARTWORK FEATURE

Annalise Prodor, charcoal on paper



It’s nice to be home. Although having returned from living in Jamaica at Christmas to an authentic Edmonton winter, I am only starting to get cold now in springtime. Funny how that is.

After studying at MacEwan for three years and graduating from economics, I spent the first two months getting turned down for work. In the end, the only place in the world that would hire me was the United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Kingston, Jamaica. While the pay wasn’t great, the locale was alluring and the work a new challenge.

Arranged through the Canadian International Development Association (CIDA), I was set up to work as a Special Assistant to the Secretary General of the Jamaica Commission for UNESCO. The contract signed before arriving stated that I’d be working on getting Government ratification of two UNESCO Conventions pertaining to cultural preservation – an interesting gig for an economics graduate.

Once settled at UNESCO, the fancy title turned out to be rather meaningless and the job descrip-tion irrelevant. Being a work-a-holic by nature, it was difficult being told to just enjoy myself and the culture. Every other day for the first two months, I attended concerts, and was witness to Jamaica’s amazing cultural talents and passionate creativity.

Little by little, the cracks started to fill in. I began teaching music at an all-girls high school and organizing a youth mentorship program in the inner-city. Eventually, I was transferred to the office of a junior Minister in the Government of Jamaica, Senator Warren Newby. Senator Warren Newby didn’t take long putting me to work, and in no time had me conducting a feasibil- ity study on turning waste into fertilizer. As a result of the study, we ended up starting a non-profit company with a team of scientists, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs, to develop a facility that turns biodegradable waste into a low-grade fertilizer and soil additive.

Working with Senator Newby

FORMER STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE TAKES HIS SKILLS TO JAMAICA

Daniel Eggert and a local youth at an intervention program for youth from troubled neighborhoods.

Daniel Eggert’s journal excerpt

reflects on how his experiences

at MacEwan prepared him for

challenges at home and abroad

The program helped me transition into a new career path without losing the passion of my life – working with people and making a difference in human service.

Thinking about moving ahead?

Human service professionals can now get the skills they need to move into a management position through MacEwan’s Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration degree.

Offered on a part-time distance delivery basis, you can complete your degree on your time and in your community.

Find out more.Call 1.888.497.9390or visit www.MacEwan.ca/hsa

BAHSA GraduateBusi Pfupa

was an amazing opportunity, filled with experiences one can simply not plan for. I was fortunate to have MacEwan as a training ground though. At MacEwan, I studied political science and economics, and was thoroughly involved in extra-curricular activities like Griffins soccer and Project H.O.P.E. My last year at MacEwan was spent as the Vice President of the Students’ Association and student rep on the Board of Governors.

MacEwan allowed me to taste many flavours in areas ranging from the arts, sports, community volunteering, politics, and of course, academia. It provided a safe environment to engage in real-life situations and to take risks. Classes were cozy which facilitated engaging professors, in and out of the classroom. While learning the fundamentals in the classroom, MacEwan provided a big backyard outside the classroom to run around and develop as a human being.

These opportunities at MacEwan gave me the confidence to go on and lobby the federal government on the ongoing Darfur issue, work with Ministers and senior government officials in Jamaica, in Alberta, and also, here in the City of Edmonton, which have all led to my current employment in Government Relations at the University of Alberta.

MacEwan was, and still is, a community where one always feels welcome. From all levels of administration, it’s obvious MacEwan believes in and supports students’ success. Whether attending Night of Theatre or racing dragon boats, fellow alumni, faculty, students and staff make you feel as though

you’re among equals. To this day I’m still proud to

have been bred at MacEwan. Dr. J. W. Grant MacEwan’s legacy of leaving the vineyard better than we found it lives on through the school and through its graduates, which is something all MacEwan alumni can be proud of.

MacEwan Alumni NewsSUMMER 2009 �


MacEWAN BOOK OF THE YEARMacEwan’s College Book Committee is delighted

to announce that The Cellist of Sarajevo has been

chosen as the next College Book of the Year

Each year, a book of contemporary Canadian fiction is chosen from nominations from the college community as the College Book of the Year. The College Book Committee bases its selection on the book’s appeal and its potential to generate interest and discussion within the college community – among students, alumni, faculty and staff. The author of the book is invited to MacEwan for two days to discuss the book with students and faculty through readings, work- shops, symposia or other activities.

Grant MacEwan College’s Book Committee, now planning its 13th year, chose Galloway’s The Cellist of Sarajevo not only because it met their criteria of being a well-written work of Canadian fiction published in the past five years, but because it speaks powerfully to the dignity and generosity of the

human spirit under extraordinary duress. Galloway has taken an imaginative leap to create this novel with universal resonance. The Cellist of Sarajevo tells the story of three people trying to survive in a city rife with the extreme fear of desperate times, and of the sorrowing cellist who plays undaunted in the their midst.

“The Cellist of Sarajevo is just the right book to galvanize the college and the community. It’s a testimony to the challenge of finding humanity in the darkest times,” says Judy Moore, Chair of the College Book Committee.

Last year’s College Book of the Year was Lullabies for Little Criminals by Montreal author Heather O’Neill.

To purchase, visit www.MacEwanBookstore.com

The Cellist of Sarajevo is available for purchase at MacEwan’s City Centre Campus bookstore.

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STUDENT ARTWORK FEATURE

Kathryn Dyke, acrylic on board


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HARRESON CEBILIAK (Design and Audio-Visual Technician Pro-gram) is a self-employed visual art specialist. After graduating from MacEwan, he further studied at York University and has engaged in numerous art exhibitions, published anthologies, and has contributed to several periodicals for the Holistic and LGBT communities. In 2008, Harreson received a schol- arship to attend a summer work-shop at The Humber School for Writers. Originally born in northeast Alberta, Harreson has crisscrossed borders of body, mind and spirit to currently reside in the Beaches Community of Toronto, Ontario.

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TONY MIRAGLIA (Music) is the owner of Title Valuations Services Inc. Tony recalls, “The music program was great. I still play guitar in various part-time musicals projects in the Edmonton region. The education I received helped me a great deal.”

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PETER BROWN (Management Studies) fondly remembers the great times and people he met during his studies at MacEwan. Since graduation, he’s moved into the computer support field and has had the opportunity to be involved with major regional and national projects with the federal government. Peter has

also obtained his A+, Network+, I-Net+ and MCSE certification. He now works as a Micro Support Specialist for the Government of Canada.

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DEREK BROOKS (Arts and Cultural Management) is the proud owner of Tiger Vision Productions. Derek completed his first MacEwan program, Fine Arts, in 1979.

LINNEA ELDRED (Library and Information Management) has been working for Brosseau & Associates as a Legal Assistant since Decem- ber 2008.

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MARK BORE (Management Stud- ies) is the Stage Manager for KJZZ TV in Utah. He’s been working in TV Production since October 2007.

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CANDY (HUMA) KHAN (University Transfer) is the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant for the City of Edmonton and has been since February 2008. “I have graduated with a Masters in Education (Policy Studies) from the University of Alberta. However, the foundation for my education is grounded in MacEwan. I truly appreciate the teaching moments and learning environment at the college.”

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JOELLE WITHERS (Therapist Assistant) is the Occupational Therapy Assistant for Edmonton Student Health Initiative Partnership with Alberta Health Services. After working in this field, Joelle founded the Therapist Assistant Association of Alberta and has been volun-teering as President ever since its inception in 2004. The Association provides a quarterly newsletter, continuing education opportuni-ties and professional networking for assistants working in occupa-tional therapy, physical therapy and speech language pathology. Joelle has experiences in long- term care, acute care, community rehab and in the school system and thanks MacEwan for starting her on the journey.

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DIANNE BENNETT (Voluntary Sector Management/Advertising & Public Relations) has spent 15 years in corporate communications and is currently working as a Development Assistant for Sign of Hope. Dianne has won a number of IABC Capital Awards and a National Award in specialty writing.

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LESLIE NADON (Dance Program) After attending Grant MacEwan College, Leslie finished her BFA at

Simon Fraser University in 2007. Since then she’s performed in the Vancouver International Dance Festival as a soloist and ensemble dancer. She currently teaches dance in Abbotsford, BC, where she focuses on Lyrical, Jazz and Contemporary technique and choreography. She also manages the Vancouver Ballet Society. Through her involvement with the Society, she has met Peggy Baker, Evelyn Hart, Martine van Hamel, Mariah Maloney, Patricia Barker and David LaHay. Leslie is proud to be a part of an organiza-tion that does so much to support local, talented dancers achieve their dreams.

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LUCA LEVESQUE (Music Program) is self-employed as owner/producer of Market Xpander and his own record label, Lucster 77 Records. He’s completed a recording en-gineering course at Powersound Studios and is hoping to receive a recording grant through the Alberta Arts Foundation to professionally record eight songs.

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HEATHER KILPATRICK (Bachelor of Applied International Business and Supply Chain Management) has been the CEO of Halo Statuere Inc since October 2007. She currently resides in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

On April �4, �00�, MacEwan Theatre Arts alumnus Ryan Silverman made history as the first grad to assume a lead role on Broadway

Ryan Silverman, who graduated from the Theatre Arts program in 1997, made his debut as Raoul in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, the longest- running show in Broadway history. Previously starring in the same role in the Las Vegas production, he succeeds long-time star Tim Martin Gleason. Silverman becomes only the thirteenth actor to be cast as Raoul in the Broadway production’s 21-year history.

The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror until he falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine. The seven-time Tony Award winning musical has made over $715 million, making it the highest grossing show in Broadway history. With worldwide proceeds estimated at over $5 billion, the show is ranked as the most successful entertainment venture of all time. It surpasses not only any other stage production, but also blockbuster films such as Titanic, The Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars.

Growing up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Silverman’s first experience with acting was at MacEwan. “At

first, it was not something I was really sure I actually wanted to do,” he says. “In the two years, however, with the guidance of the teaching staff, I fell in love with it. Being on stage, the rush of it, the challenge of it,” he adds. “I was pointed in the right direction, and without Mac- Ewan and the dedicated teachers, I wouldn’t have found this lifelong path,” Silverman explains.

Silverman lived in Vancouver for three years performing leads in shows such as Blood Brothers (Eddie), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), Forever Plaid (Smudge), and Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius). He then had the opportunity to perform the role of Sky in the first United States national tour of Mamma Mia! After a year and a half of traveling the country, he decided to

try New York. Making his Broadway debut in Cry-Baby, his other New York credits include both The Pirates of Penzance and The Most Happy Fella at New York City Opera. Silverman has also per-formed leads in West Side Story (50th anniversary international tour), Wicked (Chicago), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella, Grease, and Assassins. Performing at La Jolla Playhouse in California, Silverman also took on the lead role of Jose in the world premiere of the new musical Carmen, directed by Franco Dragone (of Cirque du Soleil fame).

Recently, Silverman performed the role of Karl in the Encores! pro-duction of Music in the Air in New York, and returned from London where he performed at the Olivier

TALENTED ACTOR MAKES IT TO THE BIG APPLE


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Awards, having starred as Tony in the Olivier-nominated West End engagement of West Side Story.

The Phantom of the Opera plays at The Majestic Theatre in New York and has recently extended its booking period selling tickets through to September 2009.

M - Summer 2009

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