Selkirk College announces recipients of Board awards
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Carrie Voysey
Honorary diploma awards were handed out by Selkirk College Tuesday and one will be going to the city’s top politician and another to one of its favourite sons.
Mayor John Dooley received an Honorary Diploma in Liberal Arts and Sciences in recognition of his consistent support for and collaboration with Selkirk College.
Dooley was described as a lifelong learner, volunteer, advocate and supporter of all things community.
His interactions with students, in particular those facing obstacles, has been a source of inspiration.
“John’s involvement always makes an impact,” said vice-chair of Selkirk’s board of governors, Bruce Morrison.
The Selkirk College board of governors announced the 2011 recipients of the annual Honorary Diploma, Distinguished Educator and Distinguished Alumni Board awards on Tuesday.
An Honorary Diploma in Human Services was awarded to Jeffrey LaFortune; the Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Steve Goldsmith; and the Distinguished Alumni Award went to Mike Adams. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to the college and to our community over the years.
Nelsonite Mike Adams was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Mike graduated from the Ski Resort Operations and Management (SROAM) program in 1984. He worked as general manager of Whitewater Ski Resort and eventually became its owner.
After graduation, Mike served on the SROAM Advisory Committee for 25 years, allowing the program to conduct innumerable learning activities on the mountain, and providing students with close to 100 work placements. He also initiated and funded an annual scholarship.
Jeffrey LaFortune
For 16 years Jeffrey LaFortune, recipient of the Honorary Diploma in Human Services, has been an integral part of Selkirk’s Classroom and Community Support program.
Despite the challenges of living with a disability, Jeff has brought joyful energy to the classroom and has inspired those around him. Students and faculty have learned about themselves and their capacity for compassionate care and professionalism.
Steve Goldsmith
Steve Goldsmith received the Distinguished Educator Award. Throughout his 21 years at Selkirk College, Steve was the embodiment of educational excellence and professionalism.
He was fascinated with teaching and learning, and cared deeply for his students. He took great pride in their personal growth and career accomplishments.
As the original instructor of Selkirk’s electrical program, Steve developed the program curriculum himself and is credited with designing and building the colleges first electrical laboratory.
The Distinguished Educator Award (provided to retired Selkirk faculty) and Honorary Diplomas are granted by the Board to recognize persons who have distinguished themselves by their significant contributions to the college and/or by professional accomplishments in their fields, and whose excellence reflects positively upon the college.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes previous students of Selkirk College who have had outstanding achievements in their fields of endeavour, and whose achievements reflect well on Selkirk College’s mission, vision and values.
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