April 2023
As we near the end of another academic year, I reflect on our community’s many accomplishments in this edition of Storyteller. I am particularly proud of the team effort that brought the new Centennial College Performing Arts Centre to fruition. This new integrated state-of-the-art facility in Scarborough provides students access to high-quality performance and rehearsal spaces, technical equipment, and opportunities to pursue their multi-disciplinary artistic interests and talents alongside their peers in our Dance, Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Fundamentals programs. I am eager to see the professional performances and productions that will take place within its walls.
This issue also highlights so many other significant accomplishments. Children’s Media student Roxy MacDonald won the Andra Sheffer Scholarship; this is the fourth time one of our students has won this award since it was launched eight years ago.
Music Industry Arts and Performance Graduate Natalie Morris is now the anthem singer for the Toronto Maple Leafs and can be seen and heard most Saturday nights singing the anthems on Hockey Night in Canada. Our summer camp programs are now set to return. Our Journalism students and graduates have been nominated for multiple Ontario Community Newspaper Association Awards. Professor and program coordinator, Karen Shopsowitz, received two Canadian Screen Award nominations, and so much more has happened in the past few months.
Our community will continue to thrive and positively impact the industries our students will work in.
To our graduating students, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours and look forward to hearing about your successes.
Storyteller In-Depth is Here!
From the obscure to the ordinary, go behind the scenes to learn more about the people, places and things that make up the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design.
From innovation and lifestyle to culture and beyond, our Storyteller In-Depth podcast will have something for everyone. It will explore various topics and the latest trends, news and ideas from across our school. Our guests will share their knowledge, experiences and insights to help you stay informed and engaged.
We launched the podcast with Hannah Sunderani, a cookbook author and content creator who is making waves in the plant-based cooking industry, and followed up with episodes with Nesh Pillay and Sasha Boersma.
We have a bunch of episodes on the way that include incredible stories from graduates and instructors. Stay tuned!
Our New Performing Arts Centre is Now Open
This new state-of-the-art facility on the Golden Mile in the heart of Scarborough provides students access to high-quality performance and rehearsal spaces, technical equipment and opportunities to pursue their artistic interests and talents alongside their peers in our Dance, Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Fundamentals programs. The school hosted a student welcome event in January, and a formal opening – complete with student performances – was held on March 30.
Fine Arts Studio Grad, Sara Vargas Nessi, Joins the RBC Emerging Artist Network
Sara Vargas Nessi, a 2016 Fine Arts Studio program graduate, was selected as one of 25 participants in the 2022-23 RBC Emerging Artist Network – an eight-month program that provides emerging artists with mentorship, networking, professional development, skill-building opportunities, and more.
As an artist for several years now, with an installation you can find in the main foyer of our Story Arts Centre, Sara was elated to be selected from more than 150 applicants. She’s excited to learn new and different skills that she can implement in her art practice, in addition to the connections she'll make.
Faculty Profile: Tobi Asmoucha
Tobi has been a professional photographer going on 30 years now, having photographed for non-profits, editorial, and corporate clients in her career, along with several documentary-style projects, including her most recent, After Refuge, which documents the lives of individuals who immigrated to Canada.
With an abundance of solo and group exhibitions, and an incredible list of awards she has received throughout the years, Tobi's career has been astonishing, and her contributions as an instructor in our Broadcasting and Photography programs have been immense.
Script to Screen Grad's Film "Check On a Mate" Receives Festival Buzz
Salvador Aguilar Estrada, a Script to Screen - Advanced Television and Film program grad, wrote and directed his film, Check on a Mate, as a final assignment in his directing class. He says he had the idea for the story a while ago, but it was sitting in a drawer waiting for the right moment. That moment finally arrived in class when students pitched their ideas, and he decided to pitch his film.
"Good pre-production work, an engaging story, talented actors and an amazing crew. I couldn't ask for more,” Salvador credits his classmates for helping his film become what it is.
The film has since received Best Fiction Short Film at the ÍCARO Film Festival and is an official selection at the San Diego Latino Film Festival in California.
PR Grad Sandra Castillo Wins at Scotiabank's Best of the Best Awards
2018 Public Relations – Corporate Communications (CCPR) program graduate, received Scotiabank's Best of the Best award for Top Individual Performance! As a Marketing Manager of Scotiabank’s International Wealth Management business, Sandra was nominated by her colleagues for this award, which she says she is very honoured to receive.
Sandra's journey in public relations had a unique start. After completing her bachelor's degree in economics in Venezuela, she was initially interested in a different industry but was curious to explore other sectors, including PR. She wanted a program that would complement her economics and theatre background, and after some searching, she discovered the CCPR program and felt it would be an excellent fit for her.
”As an immigrant, the program helped me accelerate my understanding of Canada's media and corporate landscape. If you're engaged with the news, a passionate communicator, and a strong strategic thinker, the CCPR program can ignite many opportunities.”
Centennial Students and Toronto Observer Newspaper Nominated for OCNA Awards
The 2022 Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) Awards recently announced their awards finalists. We are thrilled to reveal the list includes students Erin Horrocks-Pope and Kai Gammage for Student Feature Writing, and The Toronto Observer for Best College/University Newspaper Website! The work coming out of our Journalism program continues to be incredible, and we are so proud of these accomplishments.
PR Faculty Receives CPRS Life Membership
Mark LaVigne is an instructor in our Bachelor of Public Relations Management, Honours program and has spent 33 years in the PR industry working for large multinational agencies. This experience eventually led to him starting his own PR practice.
Having published several textbooks, including one with our own Centennial Press, Mark says that he tends to teach a course and then develops a textbook for that course, since there usually isn't a Canadian text to teach from.
“It started with me self-publishing a textbook on media relations, which I used with students, media training clients and a series of industry workshops and CPRS training modules,” he says. Mark recently learned that he received a Life Membership from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), a great honour and representative of his dedication to the industry.
Children's Media Grad, Caitlin Langelier, Writes GLAAD Award-Winning Episode of Dino Ranch
Caitlin Langelier, a 2016 Children’s Media program graduate and writer on the popular children’s animated show Dino Ranch, wrote an episode, Adoptasaurus Rex, with her team highlighting the topic of adoption, including two T-Rex dinosaurs who want to be dads.
We are proud to announce that this episode was awarded Outstanding Children’s Programming for the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards!
Having always had a love for television since she was young, Caitlin's journey to where she is today started with a career in stand-up comedy, which she says provided the foundation for her writing skills. This eventually led to Caitlin discovering the Children's Media program at Centennial. Upon graduating, she began working with a large global entertainment company and has written many episodes for various children's shows.
“The teachers in the Children's Media Program are top-tier industry professionals, with contemporary knowledge and connections. They don't only teach theory, or exercises mimicking the real world. They are able to directly connect you to the real world.”
Broadcasting Instructor, Karen Shopsowitz, Nominated for Two Canadian Screen Awards Awards
We couldn't be prouder to announce that Karen Shopsowitz, an instructor in our Broadcasting program, has been nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Direction, Documentary Program and Best Writing, Documentary, for the film MAGIC SHADOWS, Elwy Yost: A Life in Movies, produced by Colette Johnson Vosberg and Firestarter Productions. The film also received a CSA nomination for Sound.
Natalie Morris Becomes New Anthem Singer for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Natalie Morris, a 2018 Music Industry Arts and Performance (MIAP) graduate, is the new national anthem singer for the Toronto Maple Leafs! From finding out about the opportunity, the audition process, and much more, Natalie has filled the role incredibly with her talent and passion.
Natalie reflects on the first night she performed the anthem in Scotiabank Arena. While admittedly nervous, she says everyone was so lovely and welcoming, and shares that she feels privileged to be a part of the MLSE team.
Her experience in the MIAP program provided her with several lessons she has taken with her in her career so far. Her main takeaway, however, is the people. “The people you meet in school are awe-inspiring… and encouraging and supportive. The information you learn is valuable, too. It was just a great time,” she recalls.
Ted Barris, a retired professor in our Journalism program, has been named to the Order of Canada. This phenomenal achievement comes after years of contributions from Ted, especially with his copious published work about the First and Second World Wars, his columns about Canadian veterans, and his writing on Charley Fox, who was a World War II Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Sports Journalism Students Return to the Field
With pandemic restrictions now lifted, students in our Sports Journalism program are back to covering sports in person, something instructor and program coordinator Malcolm Kelly has been looking forward to. “There is no real comparison between doing something in person and doing it online. We worked very hard to present opportunities during COVID, and did well, but having the chance to be there and do things live again is terrific.”
Similarly, instructor Shi Davidi says, “Everything changes when there isn't a screen between reporter and interview subject. Person-to-person interaction with humanity, empathy, curiosity and tenacity is at the heart of what we do. Understanding the in-person dynamics, how it changes without the safety of a computer between you, is critical to being successful over the long-term.”
Fine Arts Studio Student, Jennifer Rose, Receives Marilyn Scott Academic Achievement Scholarship
Jennifer Rose, a soon-to-be graduate in our Fine Arts Studio program, received the Marilyn Scott Academic Achievement Scholarship at the Centennial Student Awards for her work titled, Intercisus.
The scholarship is awarded to a full-time student currently enrolled in the second year of the Fine Arts Studio program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit a piece of artwork and explain what inspired them to create it.
The story behind Intercisus reflects the personal journey Jennifer has experienced, and the incredible details added within the piece that hold a deep meaning.
The School of Communication Media Arts and Design's 2023 Black History Month Showcase
Host and SCMAD graduate Natalie Morris led this year's Black History Month Showcase, which highlighted the theme: Ours To Tell.
With an incredible spotlight on art, music and more, this showcase is impactful. You can watch a recording of the live event here:
The Journalism program and Journalists for Human Rights Organize Interactive Panel on Harassment
Earlier this month, our Journalism program teamed up with Journalists for Human Rights to host a panel titled: What young reporters can do to stay safe/handle harassment.
Panellists included:
- Angelyn Francis, Team Editor, former equity and inequality reporter, Toronto Star
- Maham Abedi, Network managing editor, Global News
- Ian Kennedy, Writer, The Hockey News/Yahoo Sports
- Amita Singh, Counsellor, Centennial College CALCS team
- Stacy Lee Kong, Founder, Friday Things, Centennial College Instructor
You can watch the event here:
Children's Media Student, Roxy Macdonald, Receives Andra Sheffer Scholarship
When Children’s Media sstudent Roxy Macdonald looked down at her ringing phone and saw Youth Media Alliance (YMA) displayed, she answered anxiously. She had just completed a video call with the YMA team 30 minutes prior, the final step after submitting an application for the Andra Sheffer Scholarship along with the obligatory essay, recommendation letters and project pitch. Her anticipation turned to excitement when the voice on the other end informed her she had won the scholarship!
The YMA offers the Andra Sheffer Scholarship for students who are interested in pursuing a career in children’s television or digital media production. Roxy received registration to the Kidscreen Summit conference and registration to the Banff World Media Festival, an international media event in June.
Roxy reflects on her time in the Children's Media program, and shares, “Aside from just bettering my writing skills, I’ve also learned so many practical skills about what goes into a production, how to get funding for a project, and so many practical things that I never would have known otherwise."
My Memory with Nesh Pillay
Nesh Pillay, an instructor in our Communications - Professional Writing program, has experienced something unimaginable – a traumatic brain injury. It has required her to restructure her personal life, her career and even day-to-day activities.
Nesh's experience has been picked up by several news outlets, with many calling her story a "real life 50 First Dates," referencing the famous film. She has also shared her story on her TikTok account and continues to make related content, which has garnered many followers.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Nesh for the Storyteller In-Depth Podcast.
Fine Arts Studio Program Coordinator, Kamar Thomas, Writes Book: The Artist's Creative Vision
Kamar Thomas, Program Coordinator in our Fine Arts Studio program, can now add author to his list of achievements. His new book, The Artist's Creative Vision: How to Create Art that Makes Change and Earns a Living, has just been published and is available for purchase now.
Stay tuned for an upcoming episode of our podcast, Storyteller In-Depth, where Kamar discusses his book, his journey as an artist, and the advice he wishes he had when starting out.
Program Coordinator Kelly McConvey’s First Paper of PhD Has Been Accepted for Publication
Kelly McConvey, Program Coordinator and professor in our Communications - Professional Writing program, recently had her first paper published – A Human-Centered Review of Algorithms in Decision-Making in Higher Education, also authored by Shion Guha and Anastasia Kuzminykh.
The paper will be presented at the ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Hamburg, Germany on April 23-28. Congratulations, Kelly!
The 2023 Arts Ahead Symposium Sells-out!
Students in our Arts Managementprogram carried out yet another outstanding Arts Ahead Symposium. This year’s theme was Lost, Found, and Unbound: Exploring Overlooked Opportunities for Arts Engagement. The student-run yearly conference reverted to an in-person event and was a sell-out!
Rebecca Peirson, Program Coordinator and professor in the program, reflects on the symposium. “Gathering in person for the eighth year of Arts Ahead was an extraordinary experience. In-person after two years online. It was quite something, and so is this year's cohort. This student-led arts symposium is born from the Arts Management students' learnings, hard work and know-how. Lost, Found and Unbound – Exploring Overlooked Opportunities for Arts Engagement resonated with our audience, speakers and community. Please join me in congratulating our arts and cultural soon-to-be graduates!”
Stay tuned for an upcoming episode of our podcast, Storyteller In-Depth, where students Reid (Co-Chair) and Charmian (Marketing team) discuss their experience helping organize and carry out the symposium.
PR Students Create Podcasts for Their Storyworks Clients
"My Grandmother Taught Me" Podcast
Students in our Public Relations - Corporate Communications program worked with the Grandmother project in their Storyworks course to launch a campaign titled #MyGrandmotherTaughtMe to raise awareness on International Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation Day. Students were tasked with raising awareness of grandmothers' role in empowering girls. Information and touching stories were shared in the three-episode podcast: My Grandmother Taught Me.
FINCA Canada's #breadwinHER Podcast Series
FINCA Canada collaborated with students in our PR program for their Storyworks course to create the #breadwinHER podcast series leading up to International Women's Day. The three episodes of the #breadwinHER podcast explain how microfinance and financial inclusion empower women breadwinners in developing nations; specifically, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guatemala, to survive and thrive during tough economic times.
Students Work with CAMFED to Launch #WeAreGameChangers Campaign
Students worked with CAMFED Canada as part of their Storyworks course to help raise awareness on bringing mobile education into rural classrooms in Ghana. Their work is displayed across social media and has recently been highlighted on Global News!
Credits:
Created with images by Augustas Cetkauskas - "new baseball ball on red track rubber" • thanongsak - " boy is photographer holds a camera on tripod and takes photo "