Georgian College

42 GEORGIANVIEW 2024 PRINT EDITION MENTORSHIP Club hits the right notes for students Conceived in the post-Covid environment with the intent of giving students from different programs a chance to connect outside of the classroom, a new club combines student well-being with a love of the arts. Steve Waller, Program Coordinator, Protection, Security and Investigation program - himself a music enthusiast - thought music was the perfect antidote to the pandemic-era of isolation. With the support of Mary Louise Noce, Dean of Human Services and Community Safety, College of Rock – 10 Week Guitar Boot Camp was born in the fall 2023 semester, attracting 19 active participants for a couple of hours, a few times a week. Those without guitars were given one, thanks to manager Jennifer Lloyd and Georgian's Mental Health and Well-being (MHWB) team, which provided funding for 10 guitars. "Music helped to build belonging, as students forged cross-program friendships, shared group connections and better integrated within the campus community," notes Mary Louise. "The collaboration with Mental Health and Well-being also created an opportunity for students to learn more about the peer support services available. Overall, the guitar club deepened engagement and connections on the Orillia Campus." Steve approached Georgian grad, Jeff Gilbert (class of 1990), founder of Gilbert Guitars in Orillia, who offered a discount. "I supplied the guitars and gave him a deal because I wanted to give back to the college I went to," says Jeff. "It's been great to help the students when they come into the store." Jeff was delighted to be involved, even peripherally. He thinks back to his second year in the Business − | Several members of the guitar club, from left to right: Sudeep Kedam, James David Fletcher, Michelle Tran, Cassidy Aubin (behind Michelle), Sofia Ryzha and Tobi Adeosun. Marketing program at the Orillia Campus when he was a "hippie-looking rock guy" with long hair building electric guitars. When everyone else did a work co-op, he registered Gilbert Guitars and launched the business, building guitars and selling them. Equipped with guitars for the club, Steve took on the role of facilitator and together, the group shared their knowledge of guitar playing. As new sessions launch, new participants are added to the mix, allowing for break-out groups, according to ability level. Steve was awarded a 2024 Board of Governors' Award of Excellence – Academic, in part, due to this initiative. He also received the Minister of Colleges and Universities (MCU) Award of Excellence for fostering the well-being of students. School of Rock helps build belonging

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