Approximately 45 people attended the inaugural
Donor Recognition Evening at Energy House
at the Dawson Creek Campus.
Duncan MacRae delivered the keynote address
at the event.
DAWSON CREEK – Northern Lights College (NLC) is a jewel in the post-secondary education system in British Columbia, according to Duncan MacRae.
MacRae, who served as the final principal of the former B.C. Vocational School in Dawson Creek, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Donor Recognition Evening, hosted by the College and the NLC Foundation on December 18.
(To see an album of photos from the event, go to the NLC Facebook page.)
Approximately 45 people were in attendance as NLC and the NLC Foundation recognized the significant financial support provided to the College, and its students and campus communities, by donations from companies, groups, and individuals.
In his keynote address, MacRae reflected on his time at the Vocational School (the predecessor to NLC), and the regular interaction he had with NLC after moving to the provincial government in the ministries of Education and Advanced Education.
“I have no reservation in saying this institution is a leader amongst its colleagues in the post-secondary system,” said MacRae, who was named an Honorary Associate of Arts Degree recipient at NLC in 1998. “Excellent relationships and rapport with employers and the community gives it expertise in delivery of programs that is second to none…. There are great opportunities for Northern Lights College to take a leadership role in delivering programs throughout the province.”
MacRae was the principal of the Vocational School in Dawson Creek when, in 1975, the province’s vocational schools were converted to community colleges. He was offered the position of president of NLC but decided to transfer to Victoria and continue with the Ministry of Education. As director of the Colleges and Technical Programs Branch, he oversaw the implementation of training programs at B.C.’s regional colleges, and worked very closely with NLC’s long-time president Jim Kassen.
Kassen was in attendance, and introduced MacRae’s keynote address. Kassen recalled the important role that MacRae played in the evolution of NLC, including MacRae’s role in the development of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program.
MacRae remains a supporter of NLC students, through annual contributions to the Duncan MacRae Endowment Fund, overseen by the NLC Foundation.
Lindsay Pratt, a graduate of the Social Services Worker Diploma program and the 2013 recipient of the Governor General’s Bronze Medal for academic achievement, spoke about how donor support is very important for allowing students to achieve their dreams. Pratt plans to continue her education in the fall, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at University of Northern British Columbia.
Other speakers included NLC President Laurie Rancourt, NLC Foundation Executive Director Donna Kane, and director of ceremonies Danny Schilds, who is also the Chair of the board of directors for the NLC Foundation. Musical entertainment was provided by Twin Peaks.