S2E30: CAAT Tales: Building Bridges: Early Steps in the SLC-Fleming Merger

In this episode of CAAT Tales, Gillian Axten and Fleming Faculty Union President Michael Benedict take us inside the Semester Startup Barbecue Tour — three campuses, three days, and a first look at how SLC and Fleming’s cultures meet. From standardized burgers to surprising management engagement, Gillian and Mike share candid reflections on what collaboration might look like as the merger unfolds.Our Members Matter spotlight features Mark Coulas, Applied Sciences professor and 50‑time blood donor. Mark’s story of quiet community care — and the stranger who thanked him for saving his life — is a reminder of how small acts add up to something extraordinary. Learn more or book your own appointment with Canadian Blood Services: https://www.blood.ca https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/donating-blood (blood.ca in Bing)We also welcome Karen Ducharme, one of Local 417’s newest stewards, for a rapid‑fire segment that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt — including the unforgettable story of the Oprah link mix‑up during COVID.Reminder: Watch your union communications for details on the September 10 Joint Town Hall with the academic and support staff presidents from SLC and Fleming. A special episode will follow for anyone who can’t attend.00:00 — Welcome & Episode Overview01:41 — Three Campuses, Three Barbecues02:40 — Burgers, Ice Cream & First Impressions03:40 — What Mike Saw at SLC05:10 — Management Engagement & Collaboration Surprises07:20 — Culture Check: SLC vs. Fleming09:30 — Touring Fleming: What to Expect11:05 — Geography, Travel & Helicopter Jokes12:20 — Town Hall Preview & Member Concerns13:55 — Members Matter: Spotlight on Mark Coulas14:37 — Small‑Town Beginnings: How It Started15:34 — The 50th Donation & A Stranger’s Gratitude17:11 — Needles, Tape & First‑Time Donor Advice18:00 — The Donation Centre Community18:30 — Cookies for His Daughter18:49 — Teaching Applied Sciences at SLC20:03 — Fishing, Ice Fishing & Lake‑Side Cooking21:14 — Steward Spotlight: Welcome Karen Ducharme21:43 — Rapid Fire Begins23:41 — The Oprah Clip Mix‑Up25:53 — Karen’s Teaching Journey at SLC28:09 — A Student Finds Her Voice29:59 — Graduation & Student Transformation31:03 — Why CICE Matters31:42 — Becoming a Steward