College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 1

Mission statement

The College of New Caledonia, as a comprehensive college, provides access to lifelong learn- ing and facilitates the achievement of personal and educational goals. We are responsive to the di- verse needs of our students, our employees, and the communities in our region. In a dynamic, consultative environment, we deliver quality programs and promote the success of every student.

Dr. A.W. Mooney Harold Moffat Wolfgang Franke Dr. Frederick J. Speckeen Honorary Founding Council/Board Chairs

Chairmen 1968–71 Sam Evans Dr. A.W. Mooney 1971–74 J. Galt Wilson Harold Moffat 1974–75 Robert Affleck 1975–76 Findlay Dingwall 1976–77 James Pritchard Principals/Presidents 1977–80 Ruth Rushant

1968–70 Wolfgang Franke 1980–82 A. Howard Gibbon 1970 Acting Principal, A. Enns 1982–83 Don Flynn 1970–78 Dr. Frederick J. Speckeen 1983–85 Robert Stewart 1975–76 Acting Principal, G. Ingalls 1985–87 Glenn Barr 1978–90 Charles J. McCaffray 1987–88 John Blunt 1990 Acting President, J. Blake 1988–90 Dr. Frank Lo 1990–2004 Dr. Terence Weninger 1990–91 Marion Nielsen 2004–06 Ralph M. Troschke 1991–93 Bob Buxton 2006–07 Interim President, J. Bowman 1993–95 M. Lynne Garner 2007– John Bowman 1995–96 G. Keith Gordon 1996–99 Marilyn G. Harkness 1999–02 Murry Krause 2002–07 Art Robin 2007– Bruce Sutherland

Charles J. McCaffray Dr. Terence Weninger Ralph Troschke John Bowman 2 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

Overview 1962 ______The provincial MacDonald Report on Higher Education recommends that four colleges be established, in Prince George, South Cariboo, Kootenays, and Okanagan. On the voca- tional side, a B.C. Vocational School is set up in Prince George, with facili- ties officially First automotive class opened in June 1964. 1963 ______Other school districts become involved. A The College of New Caledonia has served “Regional College Committee” is formed, the needs of students in B.C.’s Central Inte- under the northern Interior Branch of the rior since 1969—and with the inclusion of the B.C. School Trustees Association to study all B.C. Vocational School, since 1962. aspects of setting up a college in this region. The Committee is chaired by Dr. A.W. The College region is approximately Mooney of Vanderhoof. 117,500 sq. km. (or 12% of the province), with a population today exceeding 145,000. 1967 ______The region encompasses three school dis- In May, the Regional College Committee tricts: #28 Quesnel, #57 Prince George, and holds a press conference and announces that #91 Nechako Lakes. College campuses are lo- the new college will be called “New Caledo- cated at the sites shown on the map. nia,” a name given to the region by the early The College offers a full range of Career, explorer, Simon Fraser. Technical, Vocational, and University Credit On June 12, a plebiscite is held in six programming. Average annual enrollment is school districts: Quesnel, Smithers, Burns approximately 5,000 students. Lake, Vanderhoof, Prince George, McBride. Voters are asked: “Are you in favour of [your School District] participating in the estab- lishment and operation of a Regional College, Key dates in our history within the Central Interior area?” The plebiscite is accepted in all districts except 1958 ______Quesnel. In November, the five accepting school dis- BC Public Schools Act is amended to allow tricts appoint a College Council. It is com- colleges to be established. prised of provincial, school board and college 1959 ______council appointees. Chaired by provincial government appointee Sam Evans (engineer), School District 57 (Prince George) goes on the other government appointees are Harold record supporting “the need for a junior col- Moffat (merchant), Al Mooney (doctor), and lege in this area” (January, moved by Harold A.J. McDougal (mine manager). School Moffat and A.W. Wilson) and applying for Board appointees are J.G. Wilson (lawyer), “the establishment of a school district college” Mrs. Dutton (housewife), A.G.A. Bolton (June). (farmer), Mrs. Haggerty (housewife), and College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 3

Mrs. Knoerr (housewife). The college council 1969 ______appointee will be the Principal, when hired. In January, after reviewing the Referen- 1968 ______dum results, the Council decides to go ahead with plans to establish the College on an “op- In March, the College Council holds its erating funds only” basis, with financial assis- first meeting. tance from participating school districts and In August the Council announces that Mr. using leased facilities at the Prince George Wolfgang Franke has been hired to be the Senior Secondary School. The total operating first Principal, effective September 1. For- budget for the College in 1969 is $314,302. merly, he was the Principal of Lambton Col- Over the summer, faculty are hired to teach lege of Applied Arts and Technology in courses in the first programs: (1) First Year Ontario. The first administrative offices are University Arts and Science; (2) Administra- set up in a portable building on the grounds of tive Science; (3) Data Processing; and (4) the Prince George Senior Secondary School. Early Childhood Education. The Library is In October, the Council submits a prelimi- set up on the mezzanine floor of the Second- nary budget in anticipation of classes begin- ary School Library. ning in September 1969. The plan is for In September, classes to be held in the Prince George Senior 253 students from Secondary School between 4:00 pm and 10:00 all parts of the Col- pm. The budget allows for the the acquisition lege region register of a first-class library and the latest scientific for the first term. and technical equipment to be added to exist- On October 10, First registration ing school laboratories. Tuition fees are set at the College holds $250 a year (compared to $460 at UBC). an official opening ceremony at Vanier Hall. Advisory committees are established to as- Education Minister Donald Brothers, MLA sist in planning programs: Chemical Technol- Ray Williston and Mayor Garvin Dezell are ogy (O.R. Affleck, Ross Craigie, John invited dignitaries. Guests receive the first Wesch); Data Processing (David Boughey, issue of the newly-launched student news- Ron Buchanan), Early Childhood Education paper, S’quun! (“fire” in Carrier). (Kelly LaVoie, Mrs. William de W. Mann, ______Reverend E.R. Powell); Electrical Technol- 1970 ogy (Howard Evan); Forest Technology In February, Principal Wolfgang Franke (L.A. DeGrace, Merle Lloyd, Norman resigns, citing disappointment with threat- McRae); Mining Technology (J.M. Gibbs, ened budget cuts for 1970. E.T. Kimura, J.D. Wright); and Paramedical The College is much in the news, with Courses (Joan Dawes, Colin Elliot, Dr. V.M. Council debating (and approving) a motion Fraser, Dr. J.C. Godell). to support new provincial legislation for re- On November 7, a second plebiscite is held gional colleges, several college employees not in the Quesnel School District and passes having their appointments renewed, and stu- with a large majority. dents organizing protests over pollution on On November 22, an Official Agreement the Fraser River and the war in Vietnam. to establish a Regional College is signed by In April, the Council selects the college reg- the six participating school districts. istrar, Dr. Abraham Enns, to be Acting Prin- On December 7, a Capital Assets Referen- cipal, and advertises to fill the position of dum is held to raise $411,500 for buildings Principal. and equipment. The referendum is accepted On May 1, the first convocation ceremony in Quesnel and McBride and rejected in the is held in Vanier Hall to honour the first five other four districts. graduating students: Mrs. Phyllis Pidcock 4 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

(valedictorian), Miss Ute Inkler, D’Arcy CNC’s administrative structure is reorgan- Gabriele, Miss Allyson Maxwell and Steven ized under four deans: academic, career, vo- Buba. cational and continuing education. Vocational In June, Dr. Frederick James Speckeen programs are funded 100% by the provincial arrives to take on the duties of Principal, over- government. Other programs are funded 60% seeing a staff of 31 and a student population of by the province and 40% by the local region. about 400. Previously, Dr. Speckeen was In the fall, the College’s portable building vice-principal of Cambrian College of Applied housing administrative and faculty offices is Arts and Technology in Sudbury. moved from the Secondary School to the Vo- Articulation with all four universities in cational School site. British Columbia is achieved by June. UBC, A semester system is introduced for the Simon Fraser University, the University of first time, dividing the year into a September- Victoria and Notre Dame University have all December term and a January-April term. agreed to grant credit for courses at CNC. ______In August, the government announces that 1972 Grade 13 will be dropped from the B.C. edu- On March 18, the College holds its first cation system in 1971, as regional colleges Open House. Displays feature a lie detector, have taken over first year university educa- laser beams, a space-scanning telescope, a film tion in local communities. on Canadian history, welding demonstrations, In September daytime classes are intro- and front-end alighment checks on visitors’ duced, and the Forest Technology program is cars. All departments take the opportunity to added. The program is headed by Bob Dun- participate in this community event. smore, with an advisory committee comprised In the spring, students in Allan Mackie’s of Doug Little (Northwood Pulp), Larry de log building class build a cabin during the Grace (Industrial Forestry Service) and Bill course. Haviland (PG Pulp and Paper Mill). In July, CNC In November, the first Council Chairman announces a new Sam Evans steps down on the occasion of his admission policy to transfer to BC Tel’s head office in Vancouver. permit early admis- sion for students ______ECE program 1971 who have com- In February, Prince George lawyer Galt pleted Grade 11 with exceptional standing. Wilson is elected chairman of the Council. In August, UBC professor John Dennison In May, a Con- completes a study of transfer students from vocation is held for colleges to Simon Fraser University. The re- the first 37 gradu- sults shows that all former CNC students ates of the two-year have passed their courses, with 25% achiev- program. ing grades of B or better. Dr. Dennison notes On July 9, the that “CNC has every reason to be most satis- College amalga- Graduates of 2-year program fied with the performance of its transfer stu- mates with the B.C. dents.” Vocational School to become a comprehen- During mid-August, another 10,200 square sive community college, offering academic, foot portable building complex is added, to technical, and vocational programs. This is house the library and more classrooms and of- the first of several college-vocational school fices. mergers in B.C. The merger takes in a large Senior citizens are pleased with the Coun- number of students. In 1970/71, 810 voca- cil’s decision in November to permit people tional and 448 college enrollments were re- over 65 to register free for college courses. ported. College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 5

1973 ______A new Director of Food Technology and In February at a School Board meeting in Hospitality Services is hired to design the Burns Lake, Principal Speckeen reports on food services facility. the space constraints facing the college and CNC students complete the building of a describes a proposal that has been sent to Vic- log home on Kerry Street. It is an attractive toria to address this. two-storey, gabled entrance home with a large On the weekend of April 6 and 7, the Col- wooden deck and is auctioned off for $68,300. In November, the College publishes a 397- lege hosts an Open House with tours of all page Carrier-English/English-Carrier dic- program facilities. tionary. This project was begun in 1972 with Education Minister Eileen Dailly tours the the aid of a Canada Council grant. campus in May. Discussions with Council Chairman Galt Wilson focus on the need to 1975 ______streamline the higher-level course approval The Nechako Campus is the first regional process. Later that month, a model of a campus to be opened. It serves Vanderhoof, planned expansion is unveiled, with a 17,000 Fort St. James, Fraser Lake and other com- square foot food services building, a 20,000 munities in the area. Prior to this, courses square foot gymnasium and a 19,000 square throughout the College region have been of- foot library. fered by the College’s Division of Adult and The government assumes 100% of capital Community Education. Regional students at- financing for regional colleges. tending classes in Prince George receive a liv- In September, a new 8-month Forest Re- ing allowance of $50 a month. source Technology program is offered, to pro- In March, the Council appoints acting re- vide students with practical skills and work placements for Principal Speckeen and Stu- experience to take positions in logging, dent Services Director Dick Scales, who will sawmilling, pulp and paper, plywood manu- take eight month sabbatical leaves in the fall. facture and surveying. Gordon Ingalls, an instructor in English, phi- Geology instructors capitalize on the pop- losophy and the humanities, is appointed Act- ularity of interest in searching for gold by of- ing Principal for the July 1975-April 1976 fering a Prospecting course. Students learn to period. Counsellor Ralph Maida is appointed identify rocks and minerals, techniques for to replace Dick Scales. finding mineral deposits, claim staking and A large architectural model of the site ex- other associated legal issues. pansion is set up on Early in December, the government an- display, showing the nounces that the proposed $5.5 million ex- configuration of col- pansion budget will be cut back by $1.3 lege buildings ex- pected to be in place million. Areas immediately affected are ad- Architectural model ministrative areas and fine arts. by December 1976. The government commits $11.8 million in 1974 ______capital funds for the expansion. Construction Council Chairman Galt Wilson is replaced work begins. by Bob Affleck. Wilson had been on the On August 27, the board approves a re- Council since its inception in 1969 and was a quest from Smithers and points west to leave strong advocate for the college. He continues CNC and join the newly-created Northwest on as President of the BC Colleges Associa- Community College region. tion. In September, a new Registered Nursing By mid-February, the building plans have diploma program is introduced, giving stu- been further modified, eliminating an en- dents an opportunity to train in a northern en- closed heated mall connecting the buildings. vironment. 6 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

1976 ______and Literature. The award is presented to The Lakes District Campus is established, Mrs. Patricia Banks, whose overall average to enhance educational opportunities in Burns was 96% on the battery of tests. Lake and surrounding communities. CNC students build a train, the Fort The government announces further reduc- George Express, for the miniature railroad in tions in funding to post-secondary institu- Fort George Park. tions. One of the courses that will no longer In August, Jim Blake is appointed Bursar be funded is the log home building course, and Chief Financial Officer. which has run suc- In September, the government passes a cessfully for 8 new Colleges and Provincial Institutes Act, years. making each of the fourteen colleges legal en- In December, tities in their own right. College councils be- the College asks come boards and school boards no longer school districts to have representation on college boards. The make English main financial responsibility for colleges shifts placement tests to the provincial government. mandatory for 1978 ______Grade 12 students. The year begins with the announcement of The purpose is to Principal Speckeen’s resignation, effective identify students Log home building December 31. He notes that all of the objec- needing help with tives he was hired to accomplish will be in writing skills in place by that date, including developing the preparation for post-secondary education, to college into a two-year institution, melding increase their chance of scholastic success. the college and vocational school, completing 1977 ______the building program, and expanding courses and programs throughout the college region. In Mackenzie, a tripartite agreement be- At the time of his appointment, college en- tween CNC, the Town of Mackenzie, and rollment was about 400 students and by the School District 57 leads to the establishment beginning of 1978, it had surpassed 3,000. of the Mackenzie campus in the Town Cen- In June, Board Chairman Ruth Rushant tre Mall. announces the appointment of Charles Mc- The gymnasium is opened. It will serve as Caffray to replace Principal Speckeen. The a training facility for the new two-year uni- new Principal, who arrives on July 19, indi- versity transfer program in Physical Educa- cates his intention to increase regional in- tion which starts n September. volvement and expand the level of programs College instructors John Harris and Barry offered. McKinnon compile and edit a book of vi- By mid-October, the newly constructed gnettes about life in Prince George entitled building, called the Vanderhoof Building, is “The Pulp Mill,” for use in English classes. ready for staff to move in. The mammoth task CNC’s Audio-Visual Department produces of moving the library begins in mid-December. a 33 1/3 rpm record of Carrier Songs and Music, to support the teaching of the Carrier 1979 ______language. Film Studies is a popular new course, of- CNC celebrates the success of its 1,000th fered in January by instructor Stan Shaffer. graduate of the General Education Develop- Another is the first Astronomy course, devel- ment program. GED is a provincial govern- oped by Dr. Bob Nelson using a $2,000 tele- ment test of Grade 12 equivalency in scope and a star map. Thanks to his efforts, Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science by year-end, the government has agreed to College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 7 provide $12,600 towards the construction of a topsoil and the Red Rock Nursery donates larger telescope and domed building. The site numerous trees and shrubs. chosen for the new observatory is the south ______side of Tabor Mountain. 1980 On February 16, an official opening cere- A Band course is offered in January. Di- mony is held to celebrate the completion of rector Norman Bakehouse develops a new the five-year $10.5 million expansion in 30-member Band, open to CNC students and Prince George. Addresses are given by Pre- any aspiring musicians in the city. mier Bill Bennett and MP Franke Oberle. Dr. In January, the college signs an agreement Mooney and Harold Moffat are recognized as with UBC for agricultural courses. It involves Founding Fathers for their role in establishing UBC faculty coming to Prince George to the college. Over the weekend, the public teach courses in animal science, soil science have access to racquetball courts and lessons and agricultural economics. Faculty express in snowshoeing concerns about this, and other recent agree- and cross country ments and the matter is not resolved until just skiing. The vacant short of going to arbitration. third floor, which In February, the government gives ap- could not be com- proval-in-principal for $1.5 million to finish pleted due to fund- the 3rd floor of the Vanderhoof Building. ing, becomes an Official opening ceremony indoor jogging On February 5, Governor General Edward track. Shreyer visits to tour the campus and meet In February, the college signs an agree- with recipients of the Governor General’s ment with the BC Institute of Technology, al- Award. lowing students to complete the first year of a In September, courses in broadcast jour- general process industry course before mov- nalism and broadcast television are offered for ing on to BCIT for specialized courses. the first time, with students completing their In March, the cafeteria is opened and 600 first year at CNC and then transferring south customers enjoy food made from all fresh in- to complete the second year. gredients under the direction of food services In October, a building is acquired on manager Mike Wilson. Ogilvie Street to house a new carpentry ap- In April, a pilot project is announced to de- prenticeship program planned for the spring. liver instruction using the Anik B satellite. A The electrical apprenticeship program is ex- $1.2 million federal government grant is ob- panded. The Fort George Trades Building is tained to cover equipment costs and satellite purchased and renovated to create more class- air time. The satellite dish is installed in Sep- rooms and shops. tember. Quesnel celebrates the opening of a refur- In May the College receives an unusual bished educational centre on Reid Street. The gift. Artists Karin Cromar-Birch and David four college programs (English as a Second Cromar donate a 24-foot sculpture of an Language, Employment Opportunities for oolichan fish. Dubbed “Old Oolie” the cre- Women, Business Office Training, and Busi- ation is hoisted high above the courtyard on ness Training for Skilled Development) are one of the college’s exterior brick walls. together for the first time. Prior to this, pro- Following five years of construction, CNC grams were offered in various places, includ- is finally landscaped in October. Heavy ing the United Church in Quesnel and Equipment Operator students level the Alexandria and Nazko reserves. ground in preparation for seeding the lawns. A new Cook Training program is offered, The City of Prince George provides loads of and the first Daycare is opened. 8 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

1981 ______stitutions, including colleges, and a 10 percent The college begins receiving Knowledge limit on wage increases in the public sector. Network programming over the Anik-B satel- CNC announces that it will accept foreign lite. Courses are organized in four-month se- students. The board assures the public that mesters and students receive assistance from the students will have to pay full fees and will tutors to complete the courses. be accepted on condition that they are not dis- Regional library services are established in placing other students. February by the newly appointed Regional In Fort St. James, a new waiter-waitress Librarian, John Backhouse. A 1,500 volume training program is offered using facilities at the high school. resource centre is opened in Mackenzie. Stu- New courses announced in March include dents in the college region are provided with a ten-week course in journalism for those con- access to the interlibrary loan system with the sidering a career in the news business, and a Prince George campus library. ten-week course in calligraphy. Budget plans announced in June reflect a In April and May the board struggles with shift towards supporting more trades and vo- the impact of government restraints. A num- cational programs and reducing fine arts and ber of positions are cut. Word is received that language offerings. Faculty lodge a strong pre-apprenticeship programs will no longer protest and file a complaint under the BC be funded. Labour Code. On May 12, the staff union, the Associa- In June, Heavy Equipment Operator stu- tion of University and College Employees dents do the preparation work on a new stock (AUCE) vote to join the Pulp, Paper and car racing oval on Aitcheson Road near the Woodworkers of Canada (PPWC). top of Airport hill. In June, a new certificate program in Man- In August, plans for a two-year diploma agement Studies is announced to commence program in Lumber and Plywood Technology in the fall. The courses cover computer appli- are announced. cations, financial management and cost con- On August 14, the Ogilvie Street trades trol, advanced management communications, building is opened by Labour Minister Jack personnel administration, industrial relations, Heinrich. In his speech, the Minister com- and management and supervisory skills. ments on the alarming shortage of tradespeo- In September, the 60,000 volume library ple. The government’s goal is to increase the automates its circulation system using soft- number of apprentices in training in the ware developed at Malaspina College in province from the Nanaimo. current 14,000 to The Vanderhoof campus opens a new 700- 20,000. volume library in October. On November In November, the first graduates in the 20, the Nechako Piping Trades complete their training. The campus celebrates program has run six weeks a year for four Nechako campus its move into the years, with courses in steamfitting, plumbing, renovated St. John sprinklerfitting and gasfitting. Hospital building in Vanderhoof. 1983 ______1982 In January, the English Language Profi- In February, the government places a ciency Test is adopted as an entrance re- freeze on capital spending. Projects at hospi- quirement for students in September. It is tals, colleges and universities are all affected. designed to identify students requiring reme- Budget restraints imposed include a 12 per- dial assistance before embarking on a pro- cent limit on budget increases for public in- gram of study. A report on admission College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 9 standards filed with the board also flags the A new computer lab is set up with 10 Apple need for stronger backgrounds in mathemat- II and 10 IBM-PC computers. People sign for ics and science for technical programs. for classes in “Buying a Personal Computer.” CNC is awarded $2.5 million from the fed- On November 23, the Northern Institute eral government to purchase a CAD-CAM for Resource Studies is opened at CNC in a computer aided design-computer aided man- wing of the library. The Institute’s goal is to ufacturing system. promote economic development in the north. At the end of January, the Forest Resource Mining Association of BC President Tex En- Technology pro- emark worked with the college, corporate gram receives ac- sponsors and government on its establishment. creditation from A fun project in December is a “Name the the Society of En- Robot” contest for CNC’s new Heathkit Hero gineering Technol- robot. ogists of BC. Forestry students ______In April, the 1984 government approves the college’s budget of The administrative structure is changed, to $14.5 million. The budget factors in expansion allow the Principal to devote time away from of nursing and introduction of a cooking pro- his college duties, to attracting industry and gram. government support. A goal is to obtain fed- A Student Aid Committee is struck in eral funding for a high technology research April, with the goal of raising $60,000 to fund centre in Prince George. the growing demand for scholarships, bur- The library acquires a complete collection saries and loans. The committee is chaired by of BC Gazettes dating back to 1889, thanks John Backhouse and includes Horst Sander, to the efforts of the Provincial Archivist and Bryson Stone, Alistair McVey, Peter Usher, CNC history instructor Frank Leonard. Tage Mogensen, Cindy Hill and Shannon A second Summer Semester is offered, but Martinsen. is subsequently cancelled due to low enroll- For the first time, a summer semester is of- ment. fered. The schedule includes two accounting On August 28, the college’s 160-member courses, a computer information systems non-teaching staff union takes strike action. course, introductory courses in criminology Classes are cancelled. The strike lasts for six and psychology, and an English literature weeks, ending the second week in October. composition course. The Vancouver Foundation announces in In June, in cooperation with the Emily September that it has ratified a proposal to Carr College of Art and Design, CNC an- create a special endowment fund for CNC. nounces that a two-year Art and Design pro- The agreement specifies that the college will gram is being developed for the fall term. make an initial $10,000 investment and that Education Minister Jack Heinrich hails the for each $25,000 raised, the Foundation will joint effort as innovative and commends CNC provide matching funds. for its initiative. 1985 ______The Burns Lake Government restraint guidelines weigh campus, which heavily on the college system. CNC’s re- shares space in a sponse to Ministry priorities, shifting the em- building with phasis from university transfer courses to School District 55 Burns Lake campus trades and vocational programs, draws criti- Resource Centre, cism. The driving factor for the changes is a begins receiving Knowledge Network courses $250,000 operating deficit for the 1985-86 ac- through a satellite dish installed on the roof. ademic year. 10 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

In March, three business courses offer a nica is donated, a fascinating source of infor- co-operative education experience enabling mation from a century ago. It was written at students to gain work experience prior to the height of the British Empire when graduation. Computer Information Systems, Canada’s population was just over 4 million Accounting and Finance, and Marketing and people. Management students participate in the only Efforts are underway to get an MBA pro- co-operative education program outside of the gram started in Prince George. Lower Mainland. In November, CNC’s $200,000 travelling The college begins negotiations on a first computer classroom is on the road visiting contract for part-time instructors. smaller centres in the college region to deliver A computerized exam grading system computer-based training. This is the first pro- called Camelot is purchased to analyze the re- gram of its kind to be offered in BC. sults of the new English and Mathematics 1986 ______Achievement Tests. All students entering the college in the fall need to write the tests.Com- In the first week of March, faculty vote puter-generated letters from the system give 83% in favour of a strike. The following week, them their results and include suggestions for the college reports that a collective agreement has been successfully negotiated with the as- remedial work if necessary. sistance of a mediator from the Ministry of At the end of April, the business program Labour. celebrates the success of a new entrepreneur- In May, the government announces its dis- ial studies course. 19 second-year students, bursement plans for a special education fund. working in four groups, have developed new An amount of $318,400 is granted to CNC. venture proposals. Eight Prince George busi- Bursar Jim Blake is quick to point out that nessmen are called in to judge the winner and even with the extra grant, the operating funds award a $1,000 prize. The winning business are still short about $300,000 over last year’s is A-La-Kart, a hot dog service to run as a budget. street vending operation downtown. Further extra funding of $170,000 is an- Despite efforts to garner interest, college nounced in May. This time, the money is for enrollments decline in business, university the purchase of equipment for the new Auto- transfer and forestry. motive Training Program and general main- In May, a donation of computer software tenance and repairs at the campus. The valued at $1.2 million is received from a Automotive program has been operating since Boston company, for use in a new Centre of September. It is an 18-month course com- Advanced Resource Technology. The Centre prised of 12 months of class training, six has been set up as a separate entity from the months of co-operative work term placement, college. followed by 30 months of employment as an The Mackenzie automotive apprentice. campus moves to A project to construct a 94-unit $1 million the Evergreen student residence is put on hold. Mall. In September, the college announces that a In August, the City University-accredited MBA program Library holds an Mackenzie campus will begin in January 1987. Amnesty Week CNC opens the Enterprise Development during which people can return their overdue Centre as an outreach service to local busi- books without paying fines. The Principal is ness. most grateful for the reprieve; he returns the By December, the future of the separately- largest number of books In the same month, constituted Centre for Advanced Resource an 1878 edition of the Encyclopedia Britan- Technologies looks doubtful as staff are laid College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 11 off in the wake of funding cuts. Consultants system, CNC’s rate of use is second only to are called in to suggest a future course. Extra that of Simon Fraser University. funds are secured in the spring to allow it to In August, a new Social Services training continue to develop research and technology program is announced, to prepare people to projects, under the direction of a full-time serve the needs of the disabled. Students can president with a science background. earn a certificate through correspondence and ______distance learning. 1987 CNC chefs In February, construction of a $1.3 million David Fleck and dental facility is announced, with plans to Herman Wuest begin in May for completion by the end of the bring home five year. It will house the dental assisting pro- medals from the gram and the new dental hygiene program. World Culinary Cook training Local dentists have helped to develop the hy- Arts Festival. giene program, the first to be offered outside In November, the college’s multi-year plan of the Lower Mainland. The announcement highlights the need for more diploma pro- attracts 140 appli- grams in areas such as social work, early cants for the 20 childhood education, gerontology nursing and program seats in speech therapy, and identifies the potential for hygiene. degree-level programs. In mid-March, New dental facility Principal McCaf- 1988 ______fray announces plans to implement a trimester On January 9, a banquet is held to cele- system in the fall, enabling programs to be of- brate the official opening of the Dental Train- fered year-round. Students express concern ing Clinic. over increased fees and faculty debate the ed- In May, a Swedish company, SKF, donates ucational merits of the change. a large vehicle equipped as a mobile demon- An Open House provides many opportu- stration unit for trades training. nities to showcase the work of students in art A new 18-month Heavy Duty Mechanic programs. Painting, weaving, sculpture, pot- program is launched. It consists of 12 months tery and three dimensional works are on dis- of instruction followed by 6 months of paid play. work term placements. The R-2000 Builders’ Qualification Course At the end of May, the college announces is offered in conjunction with the Canadian that it is running a deficit of almost a million Home Builders’ Association. The course dollars, the result of declining enrollments and teaches the methods required in constructing an increase in operating costs. energy efficient homes. In the fall, the college undertakes an insti- Weekend courses towards degrees in Busi- tutional evaluation. A steering committee calls ness Administration at the bachelor’s and for volunteers to participate in conducting master’s levels commence in April. Instruction surveys, interviews and gathering data to get is offered at the Prince George campus community input about suggestions for im- through City University. provement and development of CNC. Trees are planted along the Bypass at the The board announces in December that front of the college. Advanced Level University Science Programs In May, a drive begins to expand the college will begin in the following fall term. Named library. Shelves are overcrowded and more “Science One,” the program is designed for study seats are needed. The library director high achievers in Grade 12 interested in reports that demand for library services is so working towards degrees in the sciences or high that within the provincial interlibrary loan engineering. 12 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

1989 ______that CNC has strong community and regional support and other positive points. In January, the first Food Safe course is offered for people in the food service indus- 1990 ______try who wish to become credentialed as a In January, Principal McCaffray is re- Registered Food Handler by the Ministry of leased from his contract, and accepts a posi- Health. tion as President of Yukon College. College A Prior Learning Assessment program is Bursar Jim Blake is appointed Acting Presi- introduced, giving people the opportunity to dent while the Board undertakes the process obtain college credits for learning experience of recruiting and filling the position. The title obtained through work, travel, volunteering of Principal is changed to President. or other pursuits. Potential students are en- A second attempt to build a student resi- couraged to assemble a portfolio describing dence is shelved, after an increase in bank their experiences and bring it to the college lending rates renders the project no longer fi- for evaluation. nancially feasible. The earlier plan in 1986/87 On January 21, Advanced Education Min- had been abandoned because Prince George ister Stan Hagen officiates at the opening of had a high vacancy rate and affordable hous- the expanded and renovated college premises ing was available. in Quesnel. By the end of May, a million dollar budget At the end of March, CNC announces a shortfall poses serious problems for coping 16-week Nurse Refresher Program for the with rising registration numbers anticipated fall. for the fall term. Plans to expand university Good news comes in April with a 12% in- transfer courses and upgrade labs and equip- crease in funding for the college. The funding ment have to be scaled back. The board also is from the government’s Access For All ini- decides to end a $75 a month housing subsidy tiative to expand opportunities for post-sec- for out-of-town students. ondary education. The increase amounts to In May, the college signs an exchange $1.4 million, making a total budget of $13.3 agreement with the Changsha Communica- million for the 1989-90 year. The college ex- tions Institute in China. Arrangements had pects to provide extra spaces in Early Child- been formally negotiated during a trip to hood Education, University Transfer and China by a CNC delegation. Career/Technical divisions. A report to the board in July notes that ac- tion is being taken on the recommendations At the end of May, the board unveils plans made during the earlier institutional evalua- for a $7 million improvement to the Prince tion. George campus, to connect the trades build- On July 11, Board chair Marion Nielsen an- ing with the main building, improve the en- nounces that Dr. Terence A. Weninger, the trance and add a new amphitheatre. Vice-President of Medicine Hat College, has The Danson site is acquired in the BCR In- been selected as the new president of CNC. Dr. dustrial site, and renovated to provide space Weninger’s previous experience, which in- for Heavy Duty Equipment courses. cludes a term as deputy minister of education With the fall term, a series of faculty pho- in the Yukon, along with his academic creden- tographs and biographies are placed in the tials and open communications style are viewed newspaper to highlight their expertise and ac- as particular strengths by all of the groups in- ademic credentials. volved in the selection process, and people look The CNC institutional evaluation commit- forward to his arrival on August 15. tee’s work is reviewed by an external team. During the month of August, CNC hosts The team’s report is critical of various aspects its first Happy Homecoming event welcom- of college operations, while acknowledging ing former students from the past 21 years to College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 13 visit and see how the college has grown and The College creates First Nations Education changed. Support Services (FNESS) to enhance sup- For the first time, the Quesnel campus of- port for Aboriginal students, using funds from fers a full year of university transfer courses in the BC Skills Now Initiative and in partner- the fall term. ship with the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council. At the September board meeting, a 5-year By August, enrollment is capped after the capital plan is presented, with projects to- rates approach 12 percent more than the fa- talling $23.7 million. Need has been demon- cility is designed to accommodate. A three- strated for more classroom and library space phase master site development plan worth $65 in the main building costing $9.5 million; up- million has been submitted to the government. grades to the college’s computer system of The first phase involves removing the $1.2 million; and $1.15 for a new building in portable buildings, improving access for the Burns Lake. Instead of a go-ahead from the disabled, and doubling the library’s size. The government, the college is awarded $75,000 college also calls for letters of interest from de- to document its needs. A Vancouver firm, the velopers interested in designing and building Resource Planning Group, is contracted to a student residence.. prepare the report. In October, the Prince George and District In November the college advertises to fill Credit Union donates $50,000 to CNC’s ath- the position of Academic Vice-President. letics programs, payable over five years, to as- ______sist with equipment acquisition and student 1991 endowments. An Academic Council is created at the Jan- uary board meeting. Its function is to increase 1992 ______involvement and input into academic deci- In January the board approves a Sexual sion-making at the college. The first council Harassment Policy, as well as a Clean Air Pol- is composed of nine faculty, three students, icy that will eliminate smoking in college two staff, two administrators, and representa- buildings starting March 1st. tives from the campuses in Burns Lake, Van- Enrollment in university credit courses is derhoof, Quesnel and Mackenzie. the highest ever at CNC. College planners at- On February 6, a part-time office is opened tribute this to the increased publicity about in Fort St. James, in space provided by the the new university opening in 1994. Students local Chamber of Commerce. taking university courses are gaining credits The Trades Continuing Education depart- for entry to UNBC when it is established. ment announces that a needs assessment will The Prince George Home Builders’ Asso- begin in March to determine what training ciation announces a partnership agreement programs are needed by industries in the col- with the college’s Carpentry program to build lege region. a house. The Association commits a budget of The April 12 and 13 Open House has $85,000 and will provide a building lot, all “Imagine” as a theme, and people are invited materials, a project manager, sub-trades, fi- to take part in a compelling list of activities. nancing, warranty and marketing. Students Examples: “Electronics displays that will will gain experience building the foundation, shock you. Watch how automotive wheel framing the structure and doing finishing car- alignments are done. Get your mortgage ana- pentry. At the end of the project, the Associ- lyzed by the accounting department. Enjoy ation will donate $6,000 to the CNC Hamlet in the Hallways.” Noting that all fac- Endowment Fund. ulty, staff and administrators have shared in The trimester system in business and cer- organizing the Open House, newly-appointed tificate programs is abandoned at the end of President Weninger calls it “a truly an im- January in favour of a semester system, with pressive team effort.” the change to be implemented in the fall. 14 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

In February, CNC students host a forum dian Jobs Strategy grant. It involves training to discuss Canada’s constitution. Local MP a group of unemployed workers as well as Brian Gardiner is impressed with the discus- giving first-year carpentry students experi- sion, on issues such as Senate reform, Que- ence in residential construction. bec’s position in Canada, aboriginal rights and Construction be- the question of Canadian identity, and prom- gins in March on ises to report on the discussions when he re- the first student turns to Ottawa. residence located in By April, CNC and UNBC have developed the southwest cor- a closer working relationship, recognizing the ner of the Prince Opening of CNC Residence benefits of collaborating on topics such as George campus. programming, facilities development and The $2 million project is a two-storey building funding. designed to accommodate 92 students. The The library holds another Amnesty Week project comes in over budget due to some un- in the third week of April The library is also expected costs such as the discovery of a con- on the agenda at the July board meeting, crete bunker on the site, which had been where a presentation is made on the need for constructed by the Royal Canadian Air Force expanded space. during the Second World War. The first stu- On July 24, the College and Institutes Act dents move into the new residence on Mon- is amended to allow colleges to grant Associ- day August 30 for the September term. ate Degrees. Students who have completed The April budget includes funds for plan- the equivalent of two years of study can apply for the degrees. The college welcomes the ning an expansion and President Weninger change, which will assist with student reten- makes the prediction that, “In 1995, our 25th tion and help students in demonstrating their anniversary year, we should have a sod-turn- accomplishments to potential employers. ing for a substantial addition to CNC.” Negotiations continue to find a larger prop- At the end of April, Dr. Rachael Donovan erty for the Burns Lake campus. of Grande Prairie Regional College is ap- CNC hosts Canadian Volleyball champi- pointed as CNC Academic Vice-President. onships and BC Tae-Kwon-Do champi- Geography instructor Alistair McVey is se- onships. lected to represent the college in liaison activ- By November, a five-year protocol agree- ities with UNBC concerning course and ment is reached between the northern com- program co-ordination. munity colleges and UNBC about which History is made at the board meeting in courses will be taught. Advanced Education April, when representatives from students, Minister Tom Perry’s wish has been to avoid faculty, support staff and middle management duplication of programs within UNBC’s re- are added to the board. President Weninger gion. The level of co-operation achieved is notes that no other college in the province is hailed as unique and recognized as the first of as inclusive, involving the representatives in its kind in the province’s post-secondary sys- both public and in camera sessions. tem. President Weninger describes it as an The first two-year Associate of Arts and “historic occasion.” Associate of Science degrees are awarded to 1993 ______CNC graduates at the May Convocation cer- Through the February snow, CNC stu- emony. Over 1,000 people attend the event. dents work on building a new dining hall and In May, carpentry students get valuable 4,500 square foot dormitory building at Camp experience as they participate in building a McInnis.The project is a partnership with the house on Ranier Crescent in the Hart High- federal government, funded through a Cana- lands subdivision. College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 15

Over the summer, a first edition of Sir day of each month. January’s award goes to Alexander Mackenzie’s journal published in Miranda Kozjak. 1801 is on display at the college library. It In April, an Open House features displays contains the record of his explorations in the of college history and interactive activities in late 1700s through the remote regions of all program areas. On April 16, the college Canada. He was the first explorer to reach the hosts a gala dinner and fundraising art auc- Pacific Ocean. tion. In September, two First Nations Studies On May 6, Premier Mike Harcourt attends courses are offered for the first time. Courses an Open House at the Quesnel campus, are later revised based on input from the com- which uses the munity and taught by Aboriginal instructors. theme of “Win- By October, Academic Vice-President dows of the Mind.” Donovan is advocating that more emphasis be The government placed on the potential for technology transfer approves $1 million for BC colleges. A first step was having an in- for planning and Quesnel campus dustrial technology advisor position moved to $11 million for ex- the college from Forintek. The main client pansion of the Prince George campus. groups to be served are secondary wood pro- The College and Institute Act is amended ducers, manufacturers and those involved in to include Education Councils. At CNC, the environmental innovation. academic council is replaced with an educa- In November, CNC carpentry students tion council comprised of ten faculty, four stu- begin building the Prince George Tourism dents, two staff and four administrators. centre building at Victoria and Patricia Boule- Nancy Tarrant, a dental faculty member, is vard. The 2,500 square foot structure costs elected to chair the first council. $440,000 and is expected to be completed by At the May 14 convocation ceremony, stu- the end of January. Landscaping is provided dents wear special 25th anniversary garb of by the Kinsmen Club with provision of a dark blue gowns and silver stoles. Following $56,000 donation to create Kinsmen Gardens. the ceremony, they A drive to build the fund for college schol- assemble on the arships and bursaries gets a boost in Novem- lawn to form the ber with a campaign to light up bulbs in the number 25. Citizen trees outside. Each bulb lit represents a do- photographer nation received, which is then matched by the Dave Milne and The Big 25 government. Pacific Western A formal signing ceremony is held at City Helicopters are on hand to record the event. Hall in early December declaring 1994 as the A photo is taken from a hovering helicopter Year of Post-Secondary Education in Prince of “the big 25” and makes front page news. George. In 1994 the UNBC campus will open In June, Vanderhoof weather observer and CNC will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Norman Green donates a century of weather New Year’s Eve is celebrated at CNC with records, dating back to 1874, to the college li- a gala 25th Anniversary Silver Ball. The fes- brary. tivisites include dancing to music by the In July, the board approves a plan to Prince George Symphony Orchestra and a charge parking fees for people wishing to gourmet buffet dinner. have an assigned parking space. 225 of the 1994 ______900 parking spaces on the campus are desig- Celebrating the 25th Anniversary, the col- nated for this purpose. lege awards a free year of tuition to the first Over the summer the William Konkin Ele- baby born in the college region on the 25th mentary School in Burns Lake is extensively 16 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights renovated, with construction expected to be with ceremonial shovels. Kraft Construction completed by March 1995. Ltd. of Vancouver is the builder. At the annual Long Term Service Award 1996 ______ceremony, gold timepieces are presented to In mid-February, construction workers re- five faculty — Alistair McVey, Louise Back- move the last of the portable classroom build- man, Conrad Jarosch, Rowland Green and Barry McKinnon — to mark their quarter ings, which had been brought to the campus century of service to CNC. during the early 1970s. Work begins on the new student services building and day care After months of anticipation, in the last centre. week in September Health Minister Paul In March, Premier Clark announces a tu- Ramsey is able to assure CNC that funding is ition freeze for all post-secondary institutions. in place for the college’s planned expansion. This policy will remain in effect through the The government also allocates $142,000 to upgrading computer equipment at the college. life of the NDP government. A Technology Centre for Northern BC is In December, a new Student Honour Wall established at the end of March in collabora- is unveiled, recognizing top-achieving stu- tion with UNBC. It is designed to stimulate dents who have made it to the President’s economic development in science and tech- List. nology. 1995 ______In July, the Fraser River becomes an out- CNC administrator Alistair McVey, who door classroom for 20 CNC students. They has served for two years as a commissioner on embark from Cottonwood Island on a 12-day, the BC Utilities Commission hearings into the 1,000 kilometre trip to replicate that taken by Kemano Completion Project, donates his ex- the explorer Simon Fraser in 1808. Students tensive collection of reports to the college li- earn credit in the Fraser River Studies pro- brary. gram offered in conjunction with Langara On February 15, faculty members go on College in Vancouver. strike over the issue of contracting out. By On July 29, the College is granted its Coat March 8, the college announces tuition fee re- of Arms in an historic joint ceremony with the funds to students for the lost classes. A medi- City. The Governor General’s Heraldic con- ator negotiates a settlement package which is sultant for British Columbia has worked with accepted on March 10. both CNC and City committees on their de- On September 22, the new Burns Lake signs. The Chief Herald of Canada, Robert campus is officially opened by the Hon- Douglas Watt, presides over the ceremony. ourable Jackie Pement. On August 23, the new Day Care Centre is opened by MLA CNC hires its first Elder Advisor, in part- Paul Ramsey. nership with the Carrier Sekani Tribal Coun- By September, cil. CNC and UNBC The Quesnel Campus building on McLean have reached Street is renovated to share space with agreement on co- UNBC. Renovations are completed in the Daycare sod-turning ceremony operating to offer a first week of November. four year Bachelor of Science program in On November 6, sod turning ceremonies nursing. It is called the Northern Collabora- are held to mark the start of construction at tive Baccalaureate Nursing Program. the Prince George campus. Board chair Keith The end of October marks the half-way Gordon, city councillor Monica Becott, mark on the construction project, expected to MLAs Lois Boone and Paul Ramsey, and stu- be completed by September 1997. dent representative Travis White take part College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 17

In November a new entrepreneurship ing a 12 day voyage in space aboard the space course called Business: The Next Generation shuttle Discovery. is launched. Students in the course will plan, ______organize, develop and market an actual busi- 1998 ness, running it for the term and then closing The Hospitality Administration Program it down. The community supports the initia- begins in January, the only one of its kind tive with about $120,000 in cash donations north of Kamloops. and many times that amount in donated serv- The board receives a report on enrollments, ices from a roster of mentors. which are at record levels. Highly attractive 1997 ______employment-related programs are credited with boosting interest in the college. Courses For the first time, CNC offers courses over in computer topics and the value-added the Internet. Biology 103 is offered in Janu- forestry sector are popular. New programs in ary, to be followed by Biology 104 in the fall. international education are beginning to attract The courses have an online component and an foreign students in large numbers. In addition in-class laboratory component. to its solid trades and technology offerings, the In April, President Weninger takes a three board indicates strong interest in developing month leave to work on a government “Small fine and performing arts education. Colleges” initiative. The aim is to develop a In May, carpentry students finish con- more equitable financing formula to support structing a new visitor centre at the Railway college development. Museum. A host of Prince George companies A delegation from mainland China arrives have contributed time and materials to sup- in May to visit the college and finalize an port the project. The entrance lobby is offi- agreement on faculty and student exchanges cially named the College of New Caledonia and for sharing technology. The delegation Gallery to honour the students’ work. notes that Chinese students are particularly For the third time, the Fraser River Stud- interested in learning English and in forest ies program is offered in July. In the ultimate and paper-making skills. outdoor classroom, students navigate down On September 26, celebrations are held to the river, read literature about the lore of the mark the completion of a $12 million expan- river, complete lab work and listen to lectures sion to the Prince in the open air. George Campus. A Over the summer, the Richbar Nursery new entrance build- landscapes the Prince George campus. About ing houses Student a quarter of a million dollars is spent on hard- Services, Continu- scape surfaces and for trees and plantings to ing and Community New expansion opening ceremonies complete this phase of the building expansion. Education, the Li- The next phase involves improving Trades fa- brary and Media Services. Other new fea- cilities and this now becomes the focus of at- tures include an Atrium, a centralized tention. computer lab area, office space for part-time A new CNC sign made by Norway Light- faculty, several new stepped classrooms, and ing is installed on October 6 at the corner of ergonomic improvements in many work 18th Avenue and the Bypass. areas. MLAs Paul Ramsey and Lois Boone participate in the opening ceremonies and un- 1999 ______veil a commemorative plaque at the entrance. In May, a Dental Homecoming is held to Canadian astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason vis- commemorate 34 years of Dental Assisting its the college in November. He talks about and 12 years of Dental Hygiene programming his work as a mission payload specialist dur- at the College. 18 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

Vice-President Academic Donovan leaves To celebrate the coming Millennium, the in August to take up a post at St. Clair College College sponsors a popular Forum 2000 lec- in Ontario. The Dean of Arts and Social Serv- ture series, which is broadcast and made ices, Catherine Giles, is promoted to take her available on video. place. ______The government designates CNC as one of 2000 three new Career Technical Centres in BC. In January, the Nicholson building is pur- This program allows high school students in chased and renovated, with the aid of a Grades 11 and 12 to earn credit towards a col- $485,000 government grant, to house the new lege diploma. Beginning in September, stu- Career Technical Centre. Danson site trades dents can begin studying subjects like programs are relocated to the 22nd Avenue cooking, carpentry, electronics, welding, campus. drafting and design. At the official opening In Quesnel, the college and the local com- participants don welding hoods and watch as munity skills centre join forces. The merger is a cutting torch cuts through a length of metal hailed as a model for what will follow with ribbon. other skills centres in the province. A new 2-year Wood Technology program In conjunction with Forest Expo 2000 in is offered in September. Designed with in- May, the CNC Forest Resource Technology dustry, the program prepares students in Program hosts a reunion. All but one of the communications and computer skills, wood- founding faculty from 1971 attend the cele- working and wood machining, marketing and bration. Blake Dickens, Bob Watters, Bob management skills. Dunsmore, John Keefe, David Stearns and On September 10, a Donor Recognition Cal Bardal attend. Missing is Jack Gillespie Wall is unveiled in the Atrium to honour in- who has passed away. dividuals and organizations who contribute to CNC’s Endowment Funds. In September, the first university transfer Over 400 people course in Art History is offered. It is a first participate in the step towards establishing a full Fine Arts pro- creation of a Diver- gram. sity Wall,. The wall Kodiaks Restaurant opens on campus. Its is a collage of ce- purpose is to function as a laboratory for stu- ramic tiles, individ- dents in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality ually painted with programs, giving them hands-on training in a images on the real restaurant setting. Diversity Wall theme of diversity. In October, CNC Board Chair Murry The College Krause is honoured as the Prince George Cit- earns a membership in the North American izen of the Year. Learner-Centred Colloquium, on the basis of At year’s end, CNC in partnership with the best practices in providing support to learn- McGregor Model Forest Association Con- ers. sortium is engaged in business management In December, John Brink, President of training in Russia. Building on a two-year Brink Forest Products, pledges a half a mil- program, the intent is to provide sufficient lion dollars over five years towards construc- training that infrastructure can be created in tion of a Wood Technology Centre. The the Nanaiski Raion region in southeastern centre, still in the early planning stage, is ex- Russia to develop their forest resources. pected to provide research, technological in- The Northern Cariboo Community Cam- novation and training to enhance the pus Society is formed to create awareness and value-added wood sector. support for a new campus in Quesnel. College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 19

2001 ______interested in banking, financial planning and A 7-month Refresher program for Regis- investment careers. tered Nurses begins in February to udpate The College partners with School District nurses in the field in new medical technolo- 57 on a new Aboriginal Youth Mentoring gies and diagnostic methods. Program for grade 9-12 Aboriginal students. At the February board meeting, the board The Northern Outdoor Recreation and approves the purchase of 17 acres in Quesnel Ecotourism Program starts in Valemount. as the site of a future campus. Promotional posters invite students to “Go Cinema CNC gets a boost in March with Wild in our Classrooms.” the purchase of two 35 millimetre projectors. The Criminology program marks its 20th This will allow access to a wider range of anniversary. Program founder Ken Parker re- newer and foreign films. calls spending over eight years getting all of The college mourns the passing of Aca- the courses accredited with the degree pro- demic Vice-President Catherine Giles. John gram at Simon Fraser University, and is Meagher is appointed as an interim replace- pleased with how successful students have ment. been. In May, the Library Legacy Fund estab- The college receives $50,000 from the Van- lished. The first named fund is in honour of couver Foundation to continue the innovative Dean Alistair McVey, a strong supporter of Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program. the library who is leaving for a position at ______North Island College. 2002 Over the summer, the Small Woodlands In February, new government appointees collection is set up in the Library. It is one of are placed on the board and former Royal two provincial collections established by For- Bank manager Art Robin is elected chair. est Renewal BC to support the Small Wood- In March, cutbacks in provincial funding lands training program. have serious implications for the college. Faced In August a WoodTEK Business Develop- with a budget deficit, the board reviews plans ment Centre is opened in downtown Prince to close the daycare centre and cancel Volun- George. The facility is designed to function as teer Adult Literacy Tutoring in Prince George an incubator where entrepreneurs can benefit and Quesnel; Adult Basic Education in Ques- from sharing sharing ideas and production nel; Legal Secretary and Computerized Book- techniques. keeping; the second year of Electronics In September, a new one-year Wood Pro- Technology; and the first year of Wood Tech- cessing Certificate Program starts in Quesnel. nology. Tuition fees are also on the agenda. The program prepares students for entry- With the lifting of the tuition freeze, all insti- level positions as equipment or process oper- tutions have raised fees. The board adopts a ators and also includes skills to support those policy to set fees at the mid-mark level of all planning to be self-employed. post-secondary institutions. In university level A new 12-month courses this still translates into an average 35 Licensed Practical percent increase. The new fee structure is ap- Nursing Program proved for implementation on May 1. begins in Septem- CNC launches a pilot program called ber. More than 100 Prime Time Employment Options, a free em- applications are re- ployment assistance service for people 55 to Practical nursing program ceived from across 64 years old interested in working. It connects the north, for the 32 program spaces. willing workers to potential employers. In September, the Canadian Securities In June, CNC decommissions its old Vax course is offered for the first time, for students computer, used since the mid 1970s. 20 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

Ben Malcolm, the Dean of Science and ucation is still a good bargain, with students Technology, is appointed Academic Vice- paying 10 to 12 percent of the actual cost and President. government grants paying the rest. In July the Academy student pub, which A good news announcement comes in had existed in an old portable building for March when the government awards a one- twenty years, is closed and the building is re- time grant of $408,000 to enhance trades moved. training, create more student spaces and up- In September, the CNC/UNBC Nursing grade equipment and software. degree program is expanded to Quesnel. In March and April, newspaper reports CNC also receives funding approval to build focus on parking issues, with students protest- the new Quesnel campus. The announcement ing the rates and asking for more short-term follows an 18-month freeze on capital expen- and 24-hour options. ditures. A further announcement is good news In April, the Hospitality program cele- for the Burns Lake campus where a $1.5 mil- brates its fifth anniversary. lion renovation will create much-needed Business: the Next Generation students space. form a business called Blue Pine Products to On October 2, the International Education manufacture and market promotional items Centre is officially opened at the Prince made from beetle-infested wood. George campus. There are 118 international Convocation students on campus at the time, from 14 coun- ceremonies in June tries. Increases in enrollment are expected in are moved to the the future. Multiplex for the The Mackenzie campus celebrates an ex- first time to accom- pansion in November, with a new main office modate the large 2003 Convocation and Employment and Career Centre on the number of friends entrance level of the Evergreen Mall and and family members who wish to attend. more teaching and study space on the upper A Skilled Trade Shortages report released floor. by a CNC/HRDC Labour Market Partner- ______ship provides a framework for addressing 2003 northern training issues. In January, Wood Technology faculty In July the government grants $11.6 mil- demonstrate Cadwork, a computer design lion to build a new campus in Quesnel for and management program for wood frame CNC and UNBC programs. Preliminary construction. Developed in Switzerland, the planning has already begun for a 47,000 program acquaints students with modern square foot facility situatied on a 17 acre site wood manufacturing and the potential for along North Star road. Completion if con- adapting automated woodworking machinery struction is anticipated for June 2005. in prefabrication. The software is capable of The federal government contributes designing all the components of a wood $50,000 to support the WoodTEK Business framed house. Development Centre in downtown Prince In February, a new Employment and Co- operative Education Centre is opened. The George. service is designed to connect students with In September a 10-month Culinary Arts is employers. offered for the first time in Mackenzie. The board continues its policy of having tu- Beginning in October, a 25 week Entry ition fees set at the mid-mark of other BC col- Level Residential Electrician course is offered leges, and approves another increase in fees. as a pilot project with no tuition fees. Students In terms of participation in the cost of educa- are required only to purchase textbooks, tion, President Weninger notes that CNC ed- safety equipment and tools. College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 21

Capital projects completed in 2003 include to retire at the end of the summer. A nation- a $1.5 million renovation at the Burns Lake wide search for a replacement begins in campus; $40,000 in improvements to the site March. at Mackenzie; a $700,000 upgrade of the In April, after five years of planning the trades building; and a $23,000 upgrade to the college is pleased to be able to announce that Nicholson building in Prince George. a full Fine Arts Certificate program will be in In September, Burns Lake hosts a national place by the fall. The program includes nine Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder symposium. courses offered over two semesters. Students During September, CNC representatives in the program who wish to go on in the field travel to Romania to share knowledge with can complete a degree at the Emily Carr Col- staff at the Regional Adult Training Centre in lege of Art and Design, or use the university Turnu-Magurele. The anticipated entry of course credits at other institutions. Romania into the European Union has led to In May, the college offers a 12 week Fire- increased interest in developing a skills base fighter Training Program in conjunction with including better proficiency in English and the Justice Institute. Prior to this, training administration techniques. was only available in the Lower Mainland. A In October, CNC representatives travel to further agreement between CNC and the Daegu City Health College in South Korea to Justice Institute in July broadens the scope initiate a student and faculty exchange pro- of training to include paramedics training. gram and to share information between edu- In August, John Bowman is appointed the cational institutions. new Director of Student Services, replacing In November, CNC begins negotiations to Paul Seens who is retiring after 32 years of purchase the former Canadian Tire store on service to the college. property across 18nd Avenue from the Col- In May, the government announces fund- lege. The property’s location is regarded as ing for CNC and UNBC to develop online strategic for college expansion of trades and courses. Province-wide, $3 million is distrib- technical programs. uted for this purpose. On November After struggling with funding, the 21, the new wing of WoodTEK Business Development Centre is the Burns Lake closed at the end of May. Although successful campus is officially businesses were launched, there was not suf- opened. This has ficient financing to carry on. Ownership of involved convert- the building reverts to the city and the sixteen Burns Lake campus ing a gymnasium wood manufacturing machines are trans- into two floors of classrooms and offices. ferred to the college’s trades training centre. In December, for the first time, students The Mackenzie campus celebrates 25 years are able to access their grades online, using their student accounts to log in to the college of operation with an end-of-May outdoor cel- website. ebration catered by the culinary class, fol- lowed by tours of the premises. 2004 ______On June 4, Premier Campbell announces CNC celebrates its 35th anniversary, using that the province will invest $6.46 million to the theme of “35 Years of Excellence.” A spe- refurbish the former Canadian Tire building cial banner is hung inside the Prince George for use by the campus entrance, a 35th logo is added to col- trades program at lege web pages, and a committee meets to CNC. The 58,000 plan other celebratory events. square foot facility In February, after serving as President for will accommodate 14 years, Dr. Weninger announces his plans automotive, car- New Trades building announcement 22 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights pentry, wood technology and electrical train- Trades” for students interested in trades ca- ing, with renovations expected to be com- reers, hosted by the Prince George Construc- pleted in 2005. tion Association. On June 17, CNC signs a protocol agree- In March, the Quesnel campus is praised ment to join Alberta North, a network of post- for its “green” design and wins the Award of secondary institutions in Alberta and the Excellence for Building Engineering from the Northwest Territories providing distance and Consulting Engineers of BC. online education options to people in north- In April, a significant shortfall in the ern regions. budget leads to cuts in some programs and On August 19, a ground-breaking cere- services. The volleyball program is kept with mony is held in Quesnel to start the construc- the understanding that the community will tion of the $12.6 million shared UNBC/CNC help to fund it. facility. The campus will be known as the In May, results of a public opinion survey North Cariboo Community Campus. conducted by Ipsos-Reid, a national market- At the end of August, the college welcomes ing research firm, show that people in the re- the new President, Ralph Troschke, who was gion have a high regard for the College. CNC previously Vice-President of Student and earned high marks for visibility, and for being College Services at Portgage College in Al- “accessible,” “dynamic,” “open,” and “rele- berta. His official start date is August 30. vant.” President Weninger remains for a further In the summer, the Prince George campus month to assist with the transition. wins the city’s Communities in Bloom corpo- In November, a new Pulp and Paper Op- rate award for landscaping. erations Certificate Program begins. It is a 7 New programs starting in the fall include a month program in mill operations, environ- 7-month Pulp and Paper Operations Certifi- mental awareness, process controls, and me- cate, 1 year Fine Arts Certificate, and 2 year chanical and technical skills, developed in New Media Communications and Design co-operation with Malaspina University Col- program. lege, CNC and industry. In October, Burns Lake receives $200,000 ______to expand its FASD Fetal Alcohol Spectrum 2005 Disorder online program, from 2 courses to 9 On January 27, a graduation is held for 67 courses. Career Technical Centre (CTC) students. On October 24, the John A. Brink Trades This is the 5th year of this successful program, and Technology Centre is officially opened. in which Grade 11 and 12 students combine The building, a former Canadian Tire store, education at CNC with their high school stud- was acquired in June 2004. Renovations of ies. $3.7 million were made to house classrooms On February 5, NHL Hall-of-Famer Mike and shops for carpentry, electrical, electron- Bossy is the keynote speaker at the CNC ics, and automotive programs. The event is Sports & Education Fundraising dinner. Also highlighted in “Celebrating Trades and Tech- on the program is Ann Oishi, a CNC faculty nology,” a large magazine supplement in the member, golf professional and triathlete. The November 5 Prince George Citizen. event is MC’ed by Canadian comedian Clark ______Robertson, impersonating Don Cherry. 2006 In February, the Quesnel campus offers a On January 26, the $11.6 million North new entry-level Plumbing program. Cariboo Community Campus in Quesnel is On February 22-23, the 11th Annual Ca- officially opened. It is a joint facility for reer Fair attracts 1,500 secondary students UNBC and CNC, on a 17 acre site, with from Prince George and region. This year’s 4,570 square metres of space for classrooms, event features a “Journey Through the labs, student services and offices. Over 150 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 23

people attend the Study Abroad opportunities are popular. opening, including On April 28, 6 students and faculty in the so- Ministry and City cial services program travel to Korea for two officials, represen- weeks. On May 4, 17 students, faculty and tatives of local staff travel to China for three weeks. North Cariboo Community campus Aboriginal bands, On May 17, CNC signs a “first of its kind” members of the partnership agreement with Thompson North Cariboo Community Campus Society, Rivers University in Kamloops, expanding donors, contractors and students. access to university degree completion and In January, the Vancouver Foundation other post-secondary studies for residents commits $30,000 to purchase equipment sim- across the region. ulators for the Forest Equipment Operator On May 25, CNC and the Prince George program in Burns Lake. Additional funds of Racquets Club form a college badminton $98,000 are received in July from the team, to compete as part of the Kodiaks ath- letic program in the BC Colleges Athletic As- Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Soci- sociation. ety and Burns Lake Community Forest. On May 27, at the CNC Convocation cer- In February, Black History Month begins emony, the Mary John Award is presented with the opening of an art exhibit in the li- for the first time, in memory of the late First brary entitled “Black by popular demand,” by Nations Leader. Social Services student Bib- Jamaican-born artist Gerald Ferguson. Other iane Francis receives the award, for mentor- events are held throughout the month. The ing others, serving her local community and keynote speaker at the Black History Month living her life with dignity. Cultural Show is Vancouver-based activist In June, a group of Russian educators and lawyer Paul Winn. from the Khabarovsk Krai area spend 3 In February, the College establishes 17 weeks at CNC learning about wood frame new Student Leadership Awards, providing a housing. The College has been involved in tuition credit of $2000 to one graduating stu- economic development projects in Russia dent from each of the 17 secondary schools in since 1999. the college region. On June 24, the College Board approves On March 18, hockey legend Paul Hen- the CNC Strategic Plan 2006-2010. The plan derson is the guest speaker at the 2006 Sports was created with extensive community and & Education Fundraising Dinner. stakeholder consultation, and sets major pri- On March 26, the College and PPWC Op- orities, which will be supported by annual ac- erational Staff sign a new 5-year Collective tion plans for the coming 5 years. Agreement, effective June 1, 2005-May 31, In July, Burns Lake develops a new Na- 2010. tional Train the Trainer Program for FASD In April, a new Mining Exploration Field caregivers. Assistant program, developed in partnership On July 13, the College partners with the with Northwest Community College, is of- Prince George Youth Soccer Association. The fered in Mackenzie. It provides training for Association will use the “Kodiaks” logo and the booming exploration industry. The pro- College facilities, and two $500 tuition gram is later offered in the Burns Lake- waivers a year will be offered to athletes en- Nechako region. tering the college. At the end of April, a group of 10 nursing On August 31, a students arrive from South Korea to spend 4 media event is held months at CNC, learning about nursing prac- to launch CNC’s tices in Canada. new logo and marketing campaign. The event 24 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights features the new website, and a CNC promo- and designate institutions with a lead role for tional video created by Ace Film Co. of Van- specific industries. couver. The College’s Strategic Plan is also On December 15, representatives from the unveiled by John Bowman, the Interim Pres- 31 BC and Alberta colleges and institutes sign ident appointed to replace Ralph Troschke, an agreement to increase their cooperation. who has left for a position in Alberta. CNC will benefit from this agreement, which Beginning in September, CNC expands is expected to open up transfer possibilities trades offerings, adding the following ap- between institutions and enable them to work prenticeship classes: Welding, Millwright, together to develop new programs and share Electrical Machinist, Planerman Maintenance curriculum. (Prince George); Electrical, Residential ______Framing, Plumbing (Quesnel); Electrical 2007 (Burns Lake); Carpentry (Vanderhoof); and In January, the Mackenzie campus and Electrical (Mackenzie). McLeod Lake Indian Band receive $20,000 On September 15, CNC signs a “Partners from the Vancouver Foundation to continue in Education Agreement” with the Prince building an archive of Tse’khene language re- George Construction Association. sources in the FirstVoices database. On October 13-14, an Open House is held Kim Ward-Robberts (CNC Athletics) vis- for the first time in many years at the Prince its the island of Chiloe in Chile, where the George campus. The theme is “Start Here, Go College is working on plans to set up a Anywhere” and the event attracts a good com- forestry field school and deliver business and munity response. 120 people participate in ecotourism programs. “Books on the Brain,” a Guinness World On February 9, the College receives $1.6 Record attempt for the most people standing at million from the province for a new Medical one time with a book on their head. The Library Laboratory Technology program, which will presents the “Common People” China photo ex- start in January 2008. hibit by Graham Pearce (CNC English). On February 23, the Nechako-Kitamaat On October 18-20, the Burns Lake cam- Development Fund Society donates $40,000 pus hosts a national aboriginal conference on to Burns Lake, as a final installment towards “Strategies for Meeting the Educational the purchase of training simulators for the Needs of Aboriginal Learners in Rural and Forest Equipment Operator program. Remote Communities,” attended by approx. In February, the CNC Press book “From 100 delegates from across Canada. Broadaxe to Clay Chinking” wins the Jeanne On November 10, Duke Energy Gas Clarke Local History Award. Spring events Transmission donates $5,000 to the College such as Black History Month, Career Fair, trades division. Funds will be used to outfit a Construction Trades Career Fair, and North- mobile trailer, for welding training in the re- Works! Job fair continue to be popular and gion. well-attended. In mid-November, the College receives On March 2, Kemess Mines donates a $116,750 from the government for adult liter- CAT 950 loader to the College for use in the acy programs, and a one-time grant of Heavy Duty Equipment program. $667,000 to create 200 additional student On March 9, the Caledonia Writer’s Series spaces in high-demand areas and develop and is launched, with a poetry reading by ac- support new programs. claimed Canadian poet Sharon Thesen. On November 29, the three northern col- On March 26, the College and Faculty As- leges (CNC, Northwest and Northern sociation signed a new 3-year Collective Lights) sign a Memorandum of Agreement to Agreement, effective April 1, 2007-March 31, identify the key training needs of the north 2010 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 25

From March 26 to April 27, the College From May 12-24, a group of 9 CNC stu- hosts Aboriginal History Month, with activi- dents, faculty and staff participate in a Study ties and celebrations at each campus. The Col- Abroad trip to China, and share their daily ex- lege is one of eleven institutions to receive periences and photos in a blog. Aboriginal Service Plan funds from the Min- On May 18, the government announces istry of Advanced Education this year, to im- that it will invest more than $1.2 million to plement a 3-year strategic plan in create 462 new seats for trades programs. collaboration with Aboriginal communities. Programs that will benefit from the new fund- This funding is awarded on several criteria, ing include cook training, electrical, mill- notably a proven track record of successful wright, welding, joinery and carpentry. CNC partnerships with Aboriginal communities. will also be able to offer two new programs, On March 29, CNC and UNBC hold a industrial electrician and carpentry and join- joint Board meeting to discuss opportunities ery, a dual-credit program for high-school for further collaboration. Examples include students. being part of a Northern Curriculum Insti- On May 26, Convocation attracts a record tute, developing the capacity for greater dis- 1,800 people. Melanie Labatch, a nursing stu- tribution of courses through new dent, receives the Mary John Award for serv- technologies, and creating degree-completion ice to the community. opportunities for graduates of Trades pro- In May, CNC pre-apprentice students help grams. build a Habitat for Humanity duplex in In April, four Russian carpentry instruc- Prince George. tors visit CNC to study training methods. Over the summer, a variety of university On May 2, a new campus in Fort St. James transfer courses are offered in a condensed se- is opened, to expand post-secondary oppor- mester format over 10 weeks. English as a tunities for people in the community. Second Language courses are also popular. On May 4, the College and Students’ Union sign an agreement to partner in the On June 5, Dr. Linda Duxbury, one of building of a new Student and Cultural Cen- Canada’s leading workplace health re- tre at the Prince George campus. The Stu- searchers, delivers a public presentation on dents’ Union held a successful referendum in “Managing a Changing Workforce” to a January to use their Building Fund for the packed house. The event is organized by project. Additional approval and financial CNC with co-sponsorship from many local support from the government will now be organizations. sought. On June 22, the College receives $250,000 On May 11, after a Canada-wide search, to help the Lheidli T’enneh First Nations the College Board appoints John Bowman to band move towards its goal of self govern- the position of President and Chief Executive ment. The fund will provide skills to band Officer. Bowman had been Interim President members in adult basic education, job readi- since September 2006 and his appointment ness, management and leadership. was unanimously endorsed. On June 21, CNC signs a Memorandum On May 12, a of Understanding with Daegu Health College Global Gourmet of South Korea to continue student ex- Fundraising Gala is changes, which began in 2003. held, showcasing In June, the Quesnel campus becomes the the talents of CNC first organization to use Trade Routes, the In- Global Gourmet fundraising gala Culinary Arts stu- dustry Training Authority’s new $1.5 million dents and raising mobile training facility. The trailer will spend over $10,000 for scholarships and bursaries. 12 weeks in Quesnel, training welders, and 26 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights will then move out to Nazko to host the Abo- and a gourmet Greek dinner prepared by riginal trades exploration program. Culinary Arts students. In September, the Caledonia Writers’ Se- CNC secures $310,000 in provincial Abo- ries begins its 2007-08 program with a strong riginal Gathering Place funds, to create a sup- line-up of nationally-known writers. portive learning environment at the Fort St. The Open House in October features James campus. Team Canada Masters Volleyball games, In February-March, the College struggles sports clinics, art and photography exhibits, with a large budget deficit. A number of pro- and activities for all ages. grams are temporarily suspended, among In October, CNC receives $366,906 in fed- them two programs for students with disabil- eral funds to purchase new mobile training ities, later reinstated in a new format; and the equipment for skills development in pine bee- Forestry program, restructured as the Natu- tle affected communities. ral Resources and Environmental Technology In November, International students host program, with a research forest component. an international fair and compete in a spelling The recreation/eco-tourism program in Vale- challenge before a large audience. mount is continued under a new business 50 new seats are funded to provide Home plan. Support/Resident Care training in Vander- The Black History Month committee cele- hoof, Quesnel and Fraser Lake. brates its 10th anniversary with a host of ac- CNC signs an agreement to provide an Inter- tivities and events. faith Chaplaincy at the Prince George campus. In March, the New Media Communica- In December, six CNC students receive tions and Design Program hosts a public $5,000 scholarships through the new Irving forum on Web 2.0. Speakers include Eric K. Barber BC Scholarship Fund, to pursue Karjuluoto, creative director of smashLAB in their university education. Vancouver. The province approves the purchase of a The Quesnel campus holds a Trades Open property in Fort St. James, and plans are de- House on March 26. veloped to renovate the building and expand CNC business students distinguish them- programming at the new campus. selves in two provincial competitions, finish- In December, CNC and UNBC implement ing first in the BC Portfolio Management a dual admission system. Challenge, and winning top awards including the “Best CEO” award in the BC Business 2008 ______Simulation Challenge. In January, 18 students begin their studies In April, the College receives $905,375 to in the new Medical Laboratory Technology purchase new equipment for millwright, program. A state-of-the-art lab is officially power engineering and welding programs. opened in April, and the government commits Aboriginal History Month in April is cele- to funding 6 additional seats in the program. brated across the region. At the Northern Business Technology CNC Fine Arts students exhibit their work Awards, CNC wins awards for Mentor of the at the Two Rivers Gallery and the College Li- Year (George Kennedy) and E-Commerce brary. (Information Technology Services). A new CTC Career Technical Centre The CNC Students’ Union celebrates its Heavy Duty Mechanics program is launched, 30th anniversary with a cake social and ban- and an information night is held for interested quet. high school students and parents. People who attend the annual Community In May, CNC dental instructors and stu- Appreciation Dinner on January 25 are dents hold a clinic for residents of the new treated to a “cruise” on the Ship of HOPE Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community ad- College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights 27 dictions treatment centre, and volunteer their In September, a new online Aboriginal time to “Seal a Smile,” a unique program in Early Childhood Education (AECE) certifi- Canada, which provides free dental care to cate program is launched. Funds are also re- local school children. ceived from the government’s Aboriginal The 2nd annual Global Gourmet Fundrais- Special Projects Fund to develop a Metis Cul- ing Gala on May 9 is a big hit, with gourmet ture and History course in collaboration with delicacies from Brazil, Canada, Italy, Car- local Metis elders. ribean, Morocco, Spain and Vietnam. Culinary Arts students prepare over 5,000 On May 24, 1,500 graduates attend Con- meals for participants in the BC Seniors’ vocation at the CN Centre. Speakers include Games in Prince George, September 12-13. MLA Shirley Bond, MLA Pat Bell, and retir- In September, accounting instructor John ing Mayor Colin Kinsley. Shepherd impresses delegates at an interna- On May 25-27, CNC hosts the national As- tional accounting conference in California sociation of Canadian Community Colleges with a presentation of his students’ commu- (ACCC) conference in Prince George. The conference is a great success, attracting 500 nity projects, for groups like the Public Li- delegates from across Canada. Keynote brary and Airport Authority. speakers include the Honourable In October, CNC signs a Memoran- Romeo A. Dallaire, Roslyn Kunin, dum of Understanding with the Tech- Paul Charette, Storm Cunning- nical University of Zvolen in ham and Tom Rosser. A particu- Slovakia, to explore academic lar highlight is a social event held partnerships in the fields of natu- at the college, featuring local ral resources and English lan- artists, a native smokehouse, and guage training. culinary delights created by CNC In November, Trades students staff and students. rebuild four antique machines for the In June, Maclean’s magazine pub- Prince George Railway Museum. lishes BC college rankings. CNC ranks in the The government contributes $13,000 for a “top 10” colleges in most categories and in the new Leadership Lab program at CNC, to “top 5” for two questions relating to the qual- begin in January. ity of instruction. On November 26, Creative Writing stu- Over $1,000 is raised at the College to help dents celebrate the publication of their poetry survivors of the recent earthquake in China. chapbooks and host an evening of poetry The annual enrollment audit shows that readings. student numbers have increased by 7.6% in A new 30-week Automotive Autobody pro- 2007/08 over the previous year, with regional gram is announced, a “first in the north.” campuses experiencing the largest increase. The College celebrates the holidays with Summer programs include a “Health Sci- ences Explorer” program, where people of many charitable activities, including a Christ- aboriginal descent can learn more about ca- mas village in the Dean’s area (for St. Vincent reers in the health sciences. de Paul); the Trees of CNC (for student food The government commits $549,000 to bank); and the Library Lights tree (for Habi- CNC to retrain forest workers affected by tat for Humanity). The College President mill closures in Mackenzie. makes headlines when he buys a goat, in a On August 20, a completion ceremony is fundraiser hosted by International Education held for visiting Korean nursing and dental students for the Samuha Overseas Develop- exchange students. ment Association (SODA). 28 College of New Caledonia Historical Highlights

Coat of Arms Supporters: On either side of the Shield are Supporters, chosen from animals indige- nous to the region. On the left is a Bear wear- ing a blue collar and pendant disc on which is displayed a Pair of Dividers, representing De- sign and Technical Studies. On the right is a Fox, wearing a disc on which is displayed a Lamp of Learning. College Colours: Blue (“loyalty and achievement”) and Gold (“prosperity”). Motto: “Toujours la Vérité” (The Truth Al- ways). The motto is in French, in recognition of the bilingual nature of our country. Badge and Flag: Both the Badge and Flag have a Cross Crosslet, taken

Flag from the Shield. The The College received its Coat of Arms in an Cross Crosslet is sur- historic joint ceremony with the City of rounded by a golden sun or Sun in Splendor. Prince George in 1996. This represents the light of learning. It also Coats of Arms are grants of honour from associates the College with the the Crown. Symbols used in the design rep- Province of British Columbia, resent unique features of the College and its which has a Sun in Splendour on region. Elements from an earlier College its Coat of Arms. Badge “crest” form an important part of this new de- sign. Shield of Arms: The “Y” in the Shield rep- resents the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers at Prince George, where the College was first established. On the “Y” are five Cross Crosslets, taken from the Coat of Arms of Simon Fraser—the explorer who gave the region its early name of New Cale- donia, later adopted by the College. The num- ber Five honours the original School Districts which helped to establish the College. At the top of the Shield is an Open Book, a traditional This booklet was first issued in 1994 as a small symbol of learning. brochure. In 2004, to celebrate the College of New Crest (above the shield): A closed Helmet Caledonia’s 35th anniversary, it was updated and made into a more substantial publication. Special thanks to means the wearer is “ready for battle.” Above Dr. Valerie Giles for research and assistance. Annual the Helmet is a gold Coronet or crown, a link to updates are made by the Library, especially Kathy Plett, the royally-named City of Prince George. The in consultation with Communication Services. More in- formation on the College’s history is available in News Coronet is rimmed with Pine Cones, represent- Releases posted on the CNC website and in the College ing the forests of the region. At the top is a Library Archive Collection. Beaver, an animal associated with diligence College of New Caledonia Library and in an historical context, symbolic of the 3330 – 22nd Avenue early fur trade of the region and its native Prince George, BC V2N 1P8 Phone 250-561-5811 heritage. E-mail [email protected]