NEED A CAR... -elLALL A STAR! t/ 'ror the jocks who thinky “sport” equipment i means stockings and ! stiletto heels, “adult” Valentine cards, Box sets of 20 available for $19.95 (PST and GST included) plus $2.95 shipping and handling. Send cheque or money order to: HOSPICE HOUSE ASSOCIATION (INREG) 1200-261 Cooper St, Ottawa, Ontario, EK 2P 0G3 Money Orders payable to “CANADIAN HOSPICE ASSOC” 1200-261 Cooper st K2P 0G3 New chemistry building coming to UPEI Years of complaints about Cass may pay off BY SHANNON YOUNKER CASS CHEMISTRY CENTRE HAS BEEN A part of students’ lives since UPEI opened in 1969, and for many years before that as a part of St. Dunstan’s University. Unlike Main Building, which is a source of pride because of the way it has been renovated and improved, Cass has been the source of complaints from students for years. The prevailing opinion about Cass Chemistry Centre is that it is too old, too small, and too decrepit to adequately house the large number of students and faculty that use the building every day. Heating, for example is a problem. One chemistry major said, “It’s always either cold or hot. One day it was 8 degrees on the top floor”. UPEI’s chemistry department has some very expensive technical equipment, but this equipment has been displayed in rooms with garbage bags over the windows. Stuff the office, say “steam sisters”’ (CUP) CALL THEM THE STEAM SISTERS: Patricia Sharp and Ilona Rasmussen, steamfitters. They have just joined the handful of women steam fitters in the country, rare exceptions in an almost totally male trade. “You have to do something for the rest of your life, why not do something you like,” says Sharp, 33, who left boring, mediocre-paying office jobs to be a steamfitter. Then there’s the pay. Installing and repairing piping that carries steam, gas or water, steamfitters can earn $26 an hour or more. Both women’s fathers worked in the trades. So that was a natural direction when the two Three years ago, the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) was given a concept proposal by UPEI concerning anew chemistry building. Slightly over a year The prevailing opinion about Cass Chemistry Centre is that it is too old, too small, and too decrepit... ago, after receiving more information about Cass Chemistry, the MPHEC advised the government of Prince Edward Island that Cass be replaced on the basis that there is a lack of resources to carry on research as well asa lack were looking for a career more interesting and better-paying than their earlier office and clerical jobs. Sure the work can be physical, they say, but for someone who's in shape it’s not an issue, and shouldn't dissuade other women. At first when Sharp would show up at job sites, “there werea lot of stares-- they thought | was delivering something. “There’s always somebody like that, but there are ten times more who support you.” Encouraged by her brother, Rasmussen took entry-level trades training at the BC Institute of Technology, then went on to earn her journeyed status last July. “I'd love to see more women in the field,” of space for research or teaching. Moreover, safety has become a concern as it is unknown how much longer Cass will continue to meet building and laboratory safety standards. It was proposed, and Premier Callbeck agreed, that the provincial government make available $2.5 million dollars. An equal amount will have to be raised by the university. President C. W. J. Eliot said he wishes to see construction begin no later than July |, 1995. Ideally then, students would be working in the new chemistry centre by the 1996-1997 school year. It is unknown at this time what the present chemistry centre will be used for once the new building becomes a reality. President Eliot said he doubted that the building would be destroyed as it has the structural soundness to support classrooms and offices that do not use dangerous gasses or chemicals. she said. “It’s a lot of hard work, but you feel good at the end of the day.” For Rasmussen, 44, having another woman in the class of fourth-year apprentices lent validity to her working in an occupation where there are few women. “Sometimes you question if you're quite sane picking this field, particularly if you get negative reactions,” she concedes. “It’s hard to be strong all the time.” Their advice for other women thinking of a trades career? “Do what you want to do, and don’t let anybody stop you,” says Sharp. But remember, she says, there are nq allowances made. “Expect to do the work.” CAMPUS COMMENT K- << ferdo vou deat with sess? > Kent Driscoll 2nd year English major “Nyquil and scotch.” Kara Kempton Ist year education “Sleep, sleep, avoid homework and did | mention sleep?” David Saunders Ist Education “Eat and play cards” Errol MacEachern 2nd year English major “I play a lot of pool.” x.press january twenty-fifth 1994 page 4 january Emily Smith Ist year Arts “| procrastinate and worry and then the "6 before something is due | sit down and do it al a hurry.” Andrew Sprague Ist year science “Punch a wall, really hard with your hand.”