Security intelligence a prize-winner for Camosun history student
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After being sidetracked for a decade, a Camosun history student lands a double win by following the path that earlier inspired him.
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| Camosun history instructor Clarence Bolt (left) with Jeremy Buddenhagen (right). |
“A high school teacher turned me on to history, starting a chain of events,” says Jeremy Buddenhagen. A great instructor at the College of the Rockies introduced him to really interesting historical arguments behind World War II. He then transferred to UBC and quickly became disillusioned with the academic world. “However, after several years of working 90-hour weeks in my landscaping business and having a child, I decided that it would be better to be a professional of some sort or another. I knew Camosun would offer a better transition from the working world back to academics than going straight to a university,” says Buddenhagen.
He obviously made the correct choice. While studying BC History at Camosun last semester, Buddenhagen wrote an essay on “The Evolution of Security Intelligence in British Columbia: 1820 – 1900” that has since won him two awards.
Each year the BC Historical Federation offers two W. Kaye Lamb Scholarships for student essays relating to the history of British Columbia. Buddenhagen received the $750 prize for the best submission by a student in first or second year.
The Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies (CASIS) awarded Buddenhagen the 2008 Geoff Weller Memorial Prize for the best undergraduate paper dealing with intelligence, security or law intelligence. As well as an award presentation in Ottawa at the CASIS 23rd annual conference at the end of October, he has been invited to deliver his paper as part of the conference, with his airfare, accommodation, and registration paid as well as an extra $400.
“I believe it offers a significant body of new research—not yet a complete picture of the history of security intelligence in BC, but a comprehensive introduction to the topic” says Buddenhagen of his work.
An inspiring environment
“Teachers make all the difference,” says Buddenhagen. “My Camosun instructors always had time to talk and knew who their students were.” In the larger class size that is typical of a larger institution “it is harder to achieve the same level of friendliness.”
Clarence Bolt, Buddenhagen’s BC history teacher at Camosun was inspiring because “he cared about what he taught.” According to Bolt, smaller class sizes enable an inspiring environment because there is the flexibility to follow topics that interest the class as well as promote class conversation as a means of learning. Camosun’s history program is also distinguished within the educational community by every two hours of lecture being supported by one hour of seminar.
“A significant number of our history students end off pursuing history majors at university,” says Bolt.
Are you inspired by history?
History provides context for present day events. Students taking history at Camosun will develop critical thinking and analytical skills together with research, written and oral communication skills that enhance abilities to evaluate and discuss past and present events.
Course offerings are diverse, including studies of the USA Civil War, the history of sport, early world civilizations, the history of Canadian women, or First Nations images in media. Options include the two-year Associate of Arts Degree in History as well as University Transfer abilities. More information...
Camosun extends best wishes to Buddenhagen as he presents his paper at the CASIS conference in Ottawa and we wish him every success as he continues his studies at the University of Victoria.
Last updated: February 18, 2010 2:25 pm
