Selkirk College Welcomes the Region Home for 50th Anniversary
By Bob Hall
Fifty years ago, Selkirk College embarked on its mission to serve the communities of the West Kootenay-Boundary region through inspiring lifelong learning and transforming lives through education.
In September, the college is inviting all those who have been impacted over five decades to return home for a golden celebration.
As part of Selkirk College’s year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration, the Homecoming Weekend is set for September 16-18 and will be three days of community building to recognize how far post-secondary in the region has come and the exciting places it’s headed in the next 50 years.
“The Homecoming Weekend is an opportunity to bring the community together in a celebration of post-secondary learning,” says Maggie Keczan, Selkirk College Marketing Manager.
“We have a number of great events planned that will bring together alumni, retirees, current staff and students, future students, and all the residents of our region. There is something for everyone and we can’t wait to bring everybody together.”
The events will take place at the Castlegar Campus, the location where post-secondary in the region received its start a half century ago. Starting with the Board of Governors & President’s Reception on Friday afternoon, the weekend celebration will continue on Saturday morning where everyone is invited to a free community pancake breakfast that will include fun activities for the entire family.
“Thousands of lives have been impacted and changed by Selkirk College over the years,” says Keczan.
“We want all those people to come out and celebrate the achievement of 50 years together. The pancake breakfast, activities and displays we have planned will showcase what Selkirk College has meant to people, what it still means and what we can continue to accomplish together.”
The breakfast and activities will wrap-up at 11 a.m. to make way for the Commemorative Celebration & Recognition of The Great Trek.
When Selkirk College began in September, 1966, the 458 charter students took classes in the bunkhouses at the Celgar pulp mill.
In January, 1967, the Castlegar Campus was completed and students marched from the site to the new building.
“The Great Trek is a vital part of Selkirk College’s history and really highlights the spirit for post-secondary education that has continued to flourish until this day,” says Keczan.
“We will recognize this moment in our history and hear from today’s leaders about where Selkirk College is going in the next half century.”
The Through the Decades evening gala takes place on Saturday night at the Castlegar Campus and will feature music and food that pays homage to each of the five decades Selkirk College has passed through. Mingle from room to room, socializing as you enjoy the tasty fare and relish in the camaraderie established over half a century.
Tickets for the gala are $100 and are selling fast.
Sunday will feature the Selkirk College Saints golf tournament, an annual fundraiser for the hockey team that is open to anyone interested in a great day at the Castlegar Golf Course.
Tickets for the gala can be purchased online and more details on the golf tournament can be found at selkirk.ca.
The weekend will also feature a number of program and class reunions organized by individual alumni groups. Now is the time for interested groups to reach out to their former classmates and Selkirk College who encourages engagement.
“We want alumni to use this weekend as an opportunity to get together to reminisce about their time spent at Selkirk College,” says Keczan. “We will provide support for all reunions on the weekend and throughout the year with material to help make these individual events a success.”
You can find out more information about the Selkirk College Homecoming Weekend at: selkirk.ca/homecoming
