While finishing his MBA degree at UBC, Alec Lee had the opportunity to teach part-time, which helped him recognize that teaching was what he wanted to do. Fortunately, Lorne Thompson, Director of the Business Division at Camosun College, offered him a teaching position in 1974 and Alec began his “excellent adventure” at Camosun.
The values that drove the community college system fit with his – strong community focus, lots of freedom and flexibility, a high degree of collegiality, and an assumption that faculty knew their discipline. Alec developed the Diploma in Public Administration and the Certificate in Personnel Management. He also spearheaded the development of the degree program in Human Resource Management, which is still going strong after 15 years.
The BASIS program in the 1990’s allowed Alec to work with a dynamic team to build and run an integrated first year curriculum using state-of-the-art computer technology. Alec became a Certified Human Resource Professional and was rewarded with recognition in several meaningful ways – as a teacher, program developer, and as an HR professional in the province.
Alec also moved into Camosun’s administrative ranks as Assistant Director of Business, working closely with Bob Brown who was the Director at the time and as Associate Dean of Community Education working with Greg Spears. He particularly valued his working relationships with the other Associate Deans: Barb Latham, Thelma Midori, John Betts, Ray Hummel, Julie Martin and Molly Chisamore.
During his 33 years at the college, Alec always felt it was a joy to be there. “Every day I went to work and was surrounded by positive youthful energy,” he recalls. “Couldn’t beat it!!” He is also grateful that Camosun allowed him to met the dynamic woman who is now his wife – Linda Cross.
Submitted by Faye Ferguson, CCARE Retiree