The week that was: We took a little R&R last week visiting family and friends in different parts of La Belle province. A great time for sure that we thoroughly enjoyed.
We had originally intended to hold back this edition of e-Veritas (43) for a week. However, the In Box was full of “gems” and our great team of volunteers had completed a whole lot of staff work.
As you will see below there was lot happening around the college while we were gone. We hope you find the articles interesting and enjoyable to read.
Bill & Rolande Oliver
On Monday, the Commandant, CCWO and Principal had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Ken and Debbie Reimer at the Environmental Sciences Group. Under Ken and Debbie’s leadership, ESG continues strategic work in the Arctic and other areas while providing Graduate students tremendous education. During the visit Ken and Debbie updated the visitors on their ongoing work and related challenges. It was clear to all present that ESG is an important strategic resource not only to RMC but to the country.
On Monday, the Commandant, CCWO, and DCdts met with the Top 4. These monthly meetings provide the CWC and the Commandant the important opportunity for direct dialogue and feedback. The Commandant complimented OCdt Jeremy Whalen and the other Top four members on the great work they’re doing and encouraged them to continue to seek leadership opportunities in the Wing and to ensure that the Cadets are living up to the College standard of excellence in every respect. The CWC highlighted how pleased the Barmen were with the leadership opportunities being presented and the associated learning that was occurring.
The Commandant continued his regular visits to academic departments with a stop at the Physics department on Monday afternoon. Accompanied by the Principal and CCWO, the Commandant received a comprehensive brief from the Department head, Dr Michael Stacey, and then met with the faculty for discussion. The Physics department is in great shape with a good student load, new professors and lots of resources/space to fulfill the needs of their program. Well done to Dr. Stacey and the entire department for their great work.
On Wednesday the College hosted two special visitors. In the morning, the COS and CEngO joined LCol Wayne Gauthier, CMP’s Director of Construction Delivery for a tour of the campus. With focus on the poor state of repair of the Cadets dorms and particularly the challenges found in the new dorms, this tour provided yet another great opportunity to inform key officials on the immediate need to address these challenges. In the afternoon, the Commandant had the pleasure of hosting MGen Daniel Benjamin, COS ADM IE and Col Rick Fawcett, ASU Commander. After a short brief in the Commandant’s Conference room, the visitors had the opportunity to personally view the many projects underway while also seeing the areas, and particularly the dorms, where immediate and comprehensive work is required. All visitors were struck by what they saw and pledged to continue working closely with RMCC leadership in an effort to address the issues as quickly as possible.
On Thurs morning the Commandant had the privilege of welcoming many guests to the College for the Annual CDAI conference. Held in Currie Hall, this conference featured a wide range of graduate level speakers from across Canada. Also present were many members of the cadet wing, College and Formation leadership as well as many other visitors. Special thanks to Alain Pellerin and Dr. John Cowan for bringing this conference back to RMCC again this year.
On Friday morning the Commandant and Principal met with Professeur’s Wenger and Nassua from Helmut Schmidt University. RMCC is honoured to have a close relationship with the German military and regularly host students from Helmut Schmidt. This week’s visit provided another opportunity for dialogue and both institutions examine ways to continue to evolve the close mutual affiliation.
On Friday evening, the College welcomed back former Commandant, MGen Tom Lawson as the Guest of Honour for B Divisions 1st year Mess Dinner. MGen Lawson spoke fondly of his time as Commandant and provided words of wisdom and encouragement to all in attendance. Having flown himself in on Friday afternoon, it was obvious that he was glad to be back but also looking forward to getting behind the controls for some more “stick time” on his flight back to Ottawa the next day!!
On Friday evening, while the Commandant and many of the senior staff were attending the B Division Mess Dinner, the “College Mom” was spotted out and about cheering on the Ladies Volleyball team to victory in their home opener and later supporting the Paladins men’s hockey team as they played a tough one at the arena. Well done to all those who get out and support the various varsity teams. Your presence and vocal support means a great deal to all the players.
Photos by: 24487 Dan Fleming, 24769 Francis Themens.