Sustainability is a shared responsibility at Ƶ. True to our values: we all learn, we all serve, and we all lead. This series of short interviews and stories highlight individuals – be they staff, students or faculty – who contribute to sustainability and building a better tomorrow at Ƶ College, and beyond.
Geoff Murray Instructor, Carpentry
Geoff Murray, an instructor within Ƶ’s Carpentry department, inspires learners in multiple programs. Current best practices for sustainability is one of the knowledge areas Geoff sees as important to include in curriculum and has been working on introducing as the Chair of the Carpentry Articulation Committee and lead Subject Matter Expert in the revision of the provincial Carpentry learning resources.
Lisa Stekelenburg Manager of Child Care Services
You might be surprised to find out that Ƶ’s youngest learners can be as young as three months old! That’s when they can begin their learning at Ƶ’s Child Care Services while their parents attend classes or study. Lisa Stekelenburg, Manager of Child Care Services at Ƶ, is passionate about developing these young learners into critical thinkers.
Michelle Clement Chair and Instructor, Ƶ Marketing Department
Michelle Clement, Chair and instructor of Marketing at Ƶ understands that connecting and contributing to society provides not only invaluable experiences but also enhances the learning of her students. That’s why Michelle incorporates field trips into the curriculum and connects class projects with outside organizations. “When students work with the Ƶ they see that what they are learning applies and so do their ideas. It is very rewarding,” she explains.
Ross Lyle Chair and Instructor, Ƶ Mechanical Engineering Department
Sustainability requires a variety of skills and expertise to address its challenges. Thankfully Ross Lyle, Chair and instructor of Ƶ’s Mechanical Engineering Department enjoys using his advanced engineering skills to create solutions to unusual problems and has been doing so at Ƶ College since 1985.
Steve Gormican Chair, Ƶ Environmental Technology Program
Environmental Technology students at Ƶ learn to develop innovative technologies and solutions to approach sustainability, and to benefit society and the environment. “Our program is very focused on sustainability – we live it every day,” says Steve Gormican, Chair of the Environmental Technology Program. Steve strives to not only inspire sustainability throughout his programs but throughout his personal life as well. Noting his love of the outdoors and being on the water he says, “being surrounded with nature instills more of a commitment to preservation, more respect to the environment as a whole.”
Darren Vaux Pipe Trades Instructor, Solar Hot Water Expert & Green Trades Leader
Darren is passionate about solar hot water, rainwater management and green trades and has been able to collaborate throughout the college Ƶ, integrate sustainability into his teaching and provide an experience to his learners that will be valuable in our current climate.
Lee Aitchison School of Business Instructor
Sustainability is all about connecting the dots and breaking down silos. Instructor at Ƶ's School of Business, Lee Aitchison is a driving force behind sustainability in the curriculum. As Lee is showing his students, the business world is not just reacting to sustainability; it is also a critical driver to it. Moving beyond "green" and the environment, Lee inspires others to think how we can give back to the Ƶ in a broad and integrated way.