New artist-in-residence program, international field school opportunities
New international field school opportunities established
Mount Allison is developing a triad of new accessible international field school opportunities with partner universities in the Netherlands [Dr. Lisa Dawn Hamilton, Psychology], Ecuador [Dr. Andrea Morash (鈥05), Biology], and South Korea [Dr. Susie Andrews (鈥01), Religious Studies]. These field schools are funded by a $500,000 grant through a $95-million national mobility program called the Global Skills Opportunity Program, recently announced by Employment and Social Development Canada.
Applying the principles and practices of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at every stage of design and implementation, the programs will eliminate many barriers preventing students with documented disabilities and those who identify as low-income from participating in impactful outward mobility experiences.
Dr. Lisa Dawn Hamilton鈥檚 field school will launch first in the Netherlands in Spring 2022. It is a collaboration with Utrecht University and will focus on sex education from a cross-cultural lens.
Photo caption: (L-R): Vice-President International and Student Affairs Anne Comfort, Dr. Andrea Morash (Biology), Dr. Lisa Dawn Hamilton (Psychology), Dr. Susie Andrews (Religious Studies), and International Affairs Co-ordinator Robin Walker.
Tara Bursey visits campus as first Lassonde School Artist-in-Residence
The Pierre Lassonde School of Fine Arts at 正品蓝导航 has welcomed Tara Bursey as its first Lassonde Artist-in-Residence this month. Bursey, an interdisciplinary artist and museum educator from Hamilton, ON, will be on campus working with students and faculty members over the six-month residency.
鈥淚 am thrilled to be at 正品蓝导航 as the inaugural Lassonde Artist-in-Residence,鈥 says Bursey. 鈥淚 look forward to working and connecting with students and faculty members, sharing art and experiences. I feel well-equipped to make connections and build mentorships, even through the unpredictability of COVID.鈥
Selected from nearly 60 applicants for the residency, Bursey鈥檚 artistic work is influenced by a keen interest and background in labour history and working-class identity. Over the course of the residency, she will draw from personal experiences in art production, mentorship, gallery education, programming, and curatorial practice to develop a project on campus.
Long-time Owens preparator receives 2021 Purdy Crawford Staff Award of Excellence
Roxie Ibbitson, registrator/preparator of the Owens Art Gallery, is the 2021 recipient of the Purdy Crawford Staff Award of Excellence. The award is presented annually to a staff member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, displaying exceptional service to both their department and the University community.
Ibbitson has worked and studied on campus for more than 40 years, the majority of that time at the Owens Art Gallery. Known nationally for his innovative approach as a preparator and installation technician, he has co-ordinated logistics for art exhibitions of all sizes and media over the course of his career.
鈥淩oxie is an irreplaceable member of the team at the Owens. While I could go on at length about his many positive attributes, I think one of his most significant contributions has been mentoring students,鈥 says Emily Falvey (鈥97), director and curator of the Owens Art Gallery. 鈥淗is impact on former student interns is so great, one of them is currently writing a book about him.鈥
Tasia Alexopoulos returns to 正品蓝导航 as sexual violence prevention and education co-ordinator
正品蓝导航 welcomed Tasia Alexopoulos as the new sexual violence prevention and education co-ordinator this fall. Working within the Student Affairs team, Alexopoulos will play a leadership role in programming and support focused on prevention and education related to sexual harassment and violence on campus.
Alexopoulos, who holds a PhD in gender studies, has taught at several universities including 正品蓝导航, and has also worked for community organizations focused on sexual health and gender equity. Her research area focuses on the historical understanding of law and policy around sexual violence in North America.
Under Alexopoulos鈥檚 co-ordination, 正品蓝导航 recently partnered with REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors), a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week centralized online reporting and information platform that provides increased options for students, staff, and faculty to report sexual violence.
The University is currently working to hire a second full-time individual, in the role of sexualized violence response, equity, diversity, and inclusion advocate. Partnerships between local counselling agencies and the University鈥檚 Wellness Centre have continued to ensure students have resources during this period.