Fleming College receives STARS Gold rating for sustainability achievements

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (December 3, 2019) – Fleming College has earned a STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

The index highlights top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by STARS.

“Fleming College is committed to reducing its ecological footprint, contributing to the solutions for global problems and creating a culture of sustainability,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “From banning the sale of bottled water, to our designation as the only AASHE Canadian Centre for Sustainabilty across curriculum, to establishing a world-class alternative wastewater treatment research facility, Fleming is committed to ensuring sustainability is interwoven into every aspect of the College.”

With more than 800 participants in 30 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: 1) academics, 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership.

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “Fleming has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Gold Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons as well as comparisons with similar institutions.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

About AASHE

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE’s mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation.  It provides resources, professional development and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org.

For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Fleming College alumni nominated for provincial awards

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (December 2, 2019) – Fleming College is pleased to name six alumni nominees for the 2019 Premier’s Awards. A total of 118 Ontario college graduates have been nominated this year. The annual awards, presented by Colleges Ontario, honour the important social and economic contributions college graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world. Colleges can nominate their alumni in one of seven categories including Apprenticeship, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, and Technology. 

“We are very proud to honour the professional accomplishments of these impressive Fleming graduates who continue to make positive impacts in our communities, and our world,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “To be nominated for a Premier’s Award is an honour in itself. Thank you for representing Fleming College and for all you do in the communities we serve.”  

The 2019 Premier’s Awards nominees representing Fleming College are:

APPRENTICESHIP

Luke Belfry, Carpenter – General Apprentice (Advanced) ’06

Luke Belfry is the owner of Belfry Custom Carpentry, an award-winning business serving Peterborough and the Kawartha’s since 2007. Belfry’s volunteer and sponsorship generosity helps people in need through organizations such as the United Way, Alzheimer’s Association, sports organizations and Peterborough hospital. Not only does Belfry build amazing structures, he builds a strong community of care.

BUSINESS

Phil Heard, Business Administration ‘70

As a distinguished senior executive and consulting business owner, Phil Heard is trailblazing with international events and economic development in Vancouver. Career highlights include championing a $20-Million merger between Hastings Racecourse and Woodbine’s Hastings Racecourse and Great Canadian Casinos, managing Molson Indy, developing a remarkable 2010 Olympic business program, and annually producing the Vancouver International Auto Show for the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia featuring all worldwide major brands.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Matthew MacNeil, Community Integration and Cooperative Education ‘13

With an infectious loving spirit and contagious smile, Matthew MacNeil is a champion for inclusion. As Chair of the National Voices at the Table for Advocacy Committee for the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and in his 12-year position at Sobey’s, MacNeil changes the way society treats people born with intellectual disabilities. In 2017, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Town of Tillsonburg and invited to address the United Nations at World Down Syndrome Day in New York City.

HEALTH SCIENCES

Craig Harness, Massage Therapy ‘04

Craig Harness is an accomplished Registered Massage Therapist, small business owner, lecturer at Queen’s University, osteopath and founder of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Human Dissection Experience (CAM – HD Experience) at Queen’s University. The CAM-HD Experience is a ground-breaking dissection opportunity for alternative medicine, an experience previously only available to medical doctors, that gives osteopaths, massage therapists and other CAM professionals a unique hands-on learning experience that will ultimately allow for better patient care.

RECENT GRADUATE

Ziigwanbinesii (Rachel) Charles, Child and Youth Worker ‘15

Ziigwanbinesii (Spring Thunder Bird) Charles is Mukwa (Bear) clan and her family come from Rama First Nations. As the Cultural Resource Advisor for Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services, Charles is passionate about connecting Indigenous peoples to their cultural practices, spirituality and identity. Her volunteerism in First Nations communities includes teaching families traditional hand drumming and membership as a Board Director at Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle.

TECHNOLOGY

Ali Woodley, Parks and Recreation ‘84

With a 33-year career at Honda of Canada Manufacturing, Ali Woodley started as a Paint Inspector and progressively earned her way to VP/Plant 1 Manager located in Alliston, Ontario. She was one of the first female plant managers in Honda North America.  Woodley drives the production of 820 vehicles daily and embraces volunteer opportunities in the workplace that foster diversity in the company’s Lamp: Inclusion and Diversity Program and helps to inspire women of all ages to consider leadership careers in the automotive sector.

Nominees will be celebrated, and winners announced at a gala event in Toronto on December 2, 2019.  To nominate a deserving Fleming graduate for a 2020 Premier’s Award, please contact the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at 705-749-5530 ext. 1390 or e-mail alumni@flemingcollege.ca.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

About Colleges Ontario

Colleges Ontario is the association representing the province’s 24 public colleges. The association promotes the colleges’ pivotal role in strengthening the economy by producing graduates with the professional qualifications and expertise to succeed in rewarding careers. Colleges Ontario champions policy measures to strengthen the quality of programs available to students and implements province-wide marketing and communications campaigns to promote the full range of programs offered to students.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Paula Walton

Alumni Officer

paula.walton@flemingcollege.ca

705-749-5530 x 1390

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Fleming College gives back to the community and the environment with second annual Fleming Festivus

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (December 2, 2019) – Fleming College is ringing in the holidays while giving back to the community with the second annual Fleming Festivus on December 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fleming Festivus is a festive celebration that offers the chance to give back to the campus, the community and the environment.

Fleming Festivus features Indigenous craft vendors, sustainable gift wrapping stations, interactive activities and more. All funds raised during Fleming Festivus will go towards the United Way, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Canada and the Fleming Student Emergency Food Bank. In addition to funds raised, the collection of gently used clothing, shoes and accessory donations will be accepted for the Fleming Free Market, as well as menstrual products for rural Indigenous communities.

On Thursday, Dec. 5, Santa Claus will visit Fleming Festivus from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for photos. Local singer/songwriter Jesse Slack will perform from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Canada has generously donated the ‘Hug A Coke’ machine that will be part of the festivities on Thursday.

Members of the community and media are invited to join in the festivities. Fleming Festivus occurs in the main foyer of Fleming’s Sutherland Campus, 599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Fleming College’s Chef Steve Benns wins the Provincial Culinary Challenge (Ontario) Competition

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (November 21, 2019) – Fleming College’s Chef Steve Benns wins top prize at the Provincial Culinary Challenge on November 4 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON. Chef Benns will move on to compete at the National Conference in Saskatoon June 1 – 3, 2020.

Chef Benns, a seasoned faculty member in the School of Trades and Technology at Fleming College, has taught at the College for 20 years. To win the Black Box style competition, Chef Benns had to prepare and present one main course dish for six people with appropriate garnish in 60 minutes. Competitors had 15 minutes to unpack and gather ingredients from a common table, 15 minutes to write a menu description, with cooking time commencing once menus were submitted to the judges. Each Black Box included one protein and one starch that must have been used in the course dish.

“I was lucky enough to take the Black Box items that I received and provided the judges with a plate that included turkey breast and wild rice,” said Chef Benns. “An hour should have been plenty of time, but I had to adapt and change directions with a couple items to get them on the plate. The last 15 minutes was a blur.”

The Culinary Federation unites chefs and cooks across Canada in a common dedication to professional excellence. The Federation connects professional chefs and cooks looking for community involvement and learning more about innovative products and services that will help with their career and culinary skills development.

“Developing students into culinary professionals has been an exciting part of my career at Fleming College,” continued Chef Benns. “I have been privileged to train many students for the workforce and culinary competitions, and always push them to learn from their mistakes, or even better, to not make many. Luckily none of my students were at the event as I made a couple errors that would have made their heads spin.”

“Participating in opportunities such as the Provincial Culinary Challenge provides our faculty the opportunity to hone their skills and earn the recognition that is certainly deserved,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “Congratulations Chef Benns, we wish you success in Nationals next June.”

For more information about the Culinary programs at Fleming College, please visit: https://flemingcollege.ca/culinary

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Fleming Journey Beyond Culture showcases multiculturalism at Fleming College

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (November 21, 2019) – International Student Services at Fleming College is pleased to host Fleming Journey Beyond Culture on Friday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Morning performances will occur in the main foyer of Fleming’s Sutherland Campus (599 Brealey Dr.) with afternoon performances in the Steele Centre.

Fleming Journey Beyond Culture is a multicultural showcase that promotes engagement, integration, diversity and the sharing of cultures by engaging with the Fleming and Peterborough community. The event is a showcase of various cultures from Canadian, Indigenous and International students, who will display their countries and culture.

Community partners and students will participate in activities throughout the day including a costume showcase, dance performances and interactive Zumba.   

Event Agenda:

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cultural Displays (all events below will occur in main foyer)

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. ‘How-to’ Workshops

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. ‘International Bites’ Cooking show with Chef McKenna

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Demos with Blue Wave Taekwondo Academy with Marcelo König Sarkis

12 p.m. Official opening of the Cultural Showcase

12:10 – 12:25 p.m. Indigenous Student Services Drumming presentation

12:25 – 1:45 p.m. Performances include:

  • Bhangra dance performance (India)
  • Multicultural Traditional Attire Show
  • Ard-Mhor School of Highland Dance performance (Scotland)
  • Garba dance performance (India)
  • South Indian Dance
  • Bhangra Dance (India)

2 – 2:45 p.m. Performances (all events below will occur in the Steele Centre)

  • Panamanian Performance
  • Vietnamese Dance Performance (How to Dance with Bamboo Sticks)
  • Filipino Cultural Dance, Northumberland Multicultural Dance Troup 

2:50 – 3:30 p.m. Zumba

3:30 – 3:35 p.m. ‘Highway of Heroes’ singing performance Closing Presentation

Complimentary parking is available in the Oak and Aspen Lot. Accessible parking available in Elm Lot. For more information about Fleming Journey Beyond Culture, please contact international@flemingcollege.ca.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Souper Bowl and Bake Sale Fundraiser for the United Way at Cobourg Campus

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (November 20, 2019) – Fleming College’s Cobourg Campus will host its 15th annual Souper Bowl and Bake Sale to raise money for the Northumberland United Way.

The Souper Bowl and Bake Sale will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Volunteers, staff members and students will be providing a variety of soups and baked goods for the event. For only $15, enjoy a bottomless bowl of soup and a bakery-fresh roll with butter. There will also be a raffle table.

Come early for the best selection. Tickets are available at the campus, which is located in the Fleming Building at 1005 Elgin St. W. in Cobourg. For more information, please contact Colleen Johnston at colleen.johnston@flemingcolllege.ca.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Fleming College to pay tribute to Peterborough Century 21 Lakers

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON (November 13, 2019) – Fleming College will pay tribute to the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers in honour of another successful season on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Members of the media and community are invited to attend this special celebration at Sutherland Campus, 599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough.

The Mann Cup and other major series lacrosse trophies will be on hand along with Lakers players and staff. Fleming College will honour the origins of the sport within Indigenous nations and include a history of the Lakers, as well as greetings from Lakers officials. 

The event will occur from 3:30 – 4 p.m. in the main foyer of Sutherland Campus. Parking will be available in Ash, Aspen, Oak and Elm Lot, as well as Accessible parking. Please enter through the main entrance.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Fleming College presents the International SOUPerstar competition

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (November 12, 2019) – Fleming College is pleased to present the International SOUPerstar cooking competition on Wednesday, Nov. 13 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The student-led friendly competition will be held in the main foyer of Sutherland Campus (599 Brealey Dr.) and will feature homemade soups from five student teams. Each soup will be prepared in Fleming’s culinary labs and will feature various culinary cultures. Beginning at 5 p.m. all soups will be judged by a panel of judges: Jim Russell, CEO of the United Way Peterborough and District, Lindsay Barr, local singer and Fleming graduate, Andre Metivier, teacher at Holy Cross Secondary School, Kevin Olinger, Fleming Culinary Technician, and Sandra Dupret, VP Student Experience. Our guest MC is Teresa Kaszuba of Global News Morning Peterborough.

Members of the media and community are invited to join in the fun and taste the delicious soups. Soups are also available to take home. All proceeds will go toward the United Way of Peterborough and District.

Organized by students in Fleming’s Project Management program, the event is sponsored by Fleming’s Culinary Program, School of Business, International Student Services and the Fleming College United Way Employee Campaign Committee.

For more information, please contact international@flemingcollege.ca

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366

Fleming Fire Combat Team earns seventh place for combined team time at the World’s 3M Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge in Alabama

Sara O'Halloran Media Release

Peterborough ON – (November 7, 2019) – Fleming College Pre-Service Firefighter students Declan Fitzpatrick and Bowman Allen, along with coach Brad Johnston, earned seventh place in the world for combined team time at the 3M Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge in Alabama, October 21 to 26, 2019, televised by ESPN.  

“This is a tremendous feat for our Fire Combat Team and I am extremely proud of the hard work, commitment and incredible sportsmanship each of these athletes demonstrated throughout the entire competition,” said Coach Shawna Coulter. “To place seventh in a field of over 500 competitors is incredible and beats any previous record we have ever achieved. Our team is now considered a major contender at the international level, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

The 3M Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge is a competition based on firefighting tasks commonly performed in emergency situations. The challenge attracts hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments, and has expanded to countries around the world. The challenge encourages firefighter fitness as competitors race head-to-head in real-life firefighting tasks. The tasks include climbing a tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a dummy weighing 175 lbs., all while wearing firefighting gear.

In addition to the team’s success, Coach Johnston earned the over 45 World Champion title for the second year in a row. Coach Coulter also represented at Worlds and competed in both the individual division and women’s relay.

Allen and Fitzpatrick achieved qualifying times that allow them to be inducted into the Starfield Lion’s Den, an elite classification given to the fastest racers in the world. To be inducted into the Lion’s Den, athletes must achieve a time of less than 1:40. Both Allen and Fitzpatrick will be officially recognized at next year’s Lion’s Den ceremony, and will be presented with a plaque, official jacket and certificate.

Fitzpatrick also placed 24th overall in the world, out of over 500 competitors. Fitzpatrick now holds a new Fleming record for both Canada, and the Worlds. He will be returning next year as a coach.

“To be inducted into the Lion’s Den in their rookie year is incredible. This is a distinction that individuals seeks for many years and only a small number ever achieve,” continued Coulter. “We are very proud of both Allen and Fitzpatrick, as well as Coach Johnston for representing themselves and Fleming College on the world stage.”

Follow Fleming’s FireFit team on Instagram @flemingfirecombatteam and on Facebook at Fleming Fire Combat Team. 


{Photo by Amanda Chalk} Allen and Fitzpatrick carrying the flag of Ontario at the Opening Ceremonies of the finals.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:
Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366