- Jack Guthrie: One of Camosun’s first faculty members
Nearing the end of grad studies in Economics at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Jack Guthrie responded to an ad seeking instructors at the newly formed Camosun College.
- Camosun is ‘all in the family’ for nursing instructor Mary Willbond
Camosun has been a family affair for Nursing instructor Mary Willbond, her sisters, her mom, her sons and her extended family for more than 50 years – a century in fact.
- A legacy of Indigenous education, art and advocacy
Art Thompson, renowned Indigenous artist, was an alumnus and long-time friend of Camosun. In his honour, and on the occasion of the college’s 50th anniversary, this is his story.
- Student Creativity Contest Winners
When Camosun College invited students to get creative and help commemorate its 50th anniversary celebrations this year by creating original creative work, the resulting entries showed off the depth and breadth of talent of our Camosun students.
- Camosun celebrates 50 years of life-changing learning
After five decades, the college remains true to its roots as a place where students feel supported, included and where they can gain real skills to transform their lives and the future.
- Ralph Stanbridge: An artful life
In 1977, Ralph Stanbridge became the fourth member of Camosun’s Visual Arts program – a comprehensive, well-respected curriculum that he helped sculpture throughout the 80s and 90s.
- Angela Henry: Fulfilling a dual teaching role with energy, creativity and commitment
In 1978 Angela Henry was hired at Camosun to be the Program Leader of a new Aquatic Specialist Program, the first in Canada to train Recreation leaders in all aspects of Aquatics.
- Sue Duggan: Bringing Continuing Education to the community for more than 30 years
Sue Duggan started work at the college as an Admissions Secretary for Student Services in 1973. She fondly recalls what a close-knit community the college was during the 1970’s.
- Chris Balmer: Champion of student mental health and well-being
Chris Balmer began working at the college in July, 1987 in an innovative “portal” position, created for recent counsellor graduates. He retired in 2018, having served the college for 31 years.
- Alec Lee: An early innovator and leader in Business education
“Every day I went to work and was surrounded by positive youthful energy,” he recalls. “Couldn’t beat it!!”
- Linda Leone: A champion of child care
Her greatest satisfaction was watching the transformations as learners gained competence and, ultimately, became colleagues.
- Linda Cross: A Business instructor focused on innovation and personal connections
Like many others in the Camosun Family, Linda joined the college as a Community Education instructor.
- Blake Handley: Camosun’s multi-talented, ever-jovial AV guy
Blake Handley started work at Camosun’s Carey Road Campus in 1979 as the Branch Library Clerk. In those days, recalls Blake, Lansdowne Campus was like Vancouver – big, formal, and very business-like…
- Susan Haddon: Serving and promoting the college community
“The college is an amazing community; welcoming diversity, respectful of individuals and individual differences, and working together to provide supportive educational experiences that are second to none.”
- Cathy Dye: Serving Camosun students for 37 years
Almost immediately, Cathy knew that the college community was where she wanted to work.
- Carter MacDonald: Camosun’s Guardian of Safety and Fairness
In his early years at the college, Carter assisted the Student Society with their Walk Safer Program, providing safety training and protocol for using the college’s portable radio system.
- Celebrating Five Decades of Female Leadership at Camosun
Meet some of the female leaders who have helped Camosun become the institution it is today.
- Robin Drader: Guiding the College’s Printing Services for 34 Years
During her 34 years at Camosun, Robin and her team were immersed in challenging and fascinating technological developments. Change was a constant.
- Karin Kaercher: 20 years of leadership in Camosun’s Criminal Justice program
In 1983, Karin Kaercher was a single mother with three young boys. Unsure of her future, Karin enrolled in the Employment Orientation for Women (EOW) program at Camosun.
- Don Lindsay – Builder of Camosun’s Golf Management Program and Golf Team
Don’s contributions to the School of Business, and the college at large, are many and varied. He taught Entrepreneurship at William Head Penitentiary, both firsts for the Business Division.
- Erik Andersen: One of Camosun’s Premier Chefs
In 1986, Camosun was approached by the Provincial Apprenticeship Branch to undertake a pilot program offering the Cook Apprentice Technical Training.
- Doug Cliff: Guiding Camosun’s Hospitality Management Program for over 20 Years
“I didn’t just like my job, I LOVED it!”
- Helen Mallett Guenter-Smith: An early leader in Nursing education at Camosun
Helen Mallett started teaching in Camosun’s Practical Nursing program in 1971. At that time, the Practical Nursing program was offered at Junction Campus.
- Master Mariner Brian Silvester co-ordinates Camosun’s first Nautical Training program
Brian Silvester was born into a sea-faring family. At the age of 16, he left home and apprenticed as a ship’s officer in the Merchant Navy.
- New Sheet Metal program created by trades advocate Ray Fischer
Ray Fischer came to Camosun in 1981 to develop the new Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship program. His first assignment was to design the shop within the confines of a chalk line on the floor in the Jack White Building.
- Thelma Midori: an early leader in health care education at Camosun
Thelma led with her head and her heart…
- Grace Chan: 46 years of teaching and learning at Camosun
Over her 46 years of service, the longest anyone has served at Camosun, Grace was dedicated to student success and gave back to the college which had become like a family or a “second home” to her.
- 50 years of Camosun Community – in video
For Conversations Day 2021 – The Camosun Community celebrated 50 years of fun and success in this video montage of faculty and staff through the decades.
- 50th Anniversary Greetings and the Story of Camossung from the Songhees Nation
Dr. Skip Dick, Songhees Elder, provides territorial greetings.
Elder Butch Dick offers the Story of Camossung.
- “Happy 50th Anniversary Camosun!”
50th anniversary well-wishes and shout-outs from some special Camosun College supporters from across B.C. and our nation!
- Camosun’s anniversary logo — deeply rooted in Coast Salish myth and legend
As Camosun College celebrates its milestone 50th this year, the college is launching a unique anniversary logo designed by Coast Salish artist Dylan Thomas.
Nearing the end of grad studies in Economics at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Jack Guthrie responded to an ad seeking instructors at the newly formed Camosun College.
Camosun has been a family affair for Nursing instructor Mary Willbond, her sisters, her mom, her sons and her extended family for more than 50 years – a century in fact.
Art Thompson, renowned Indigenous artist, was an alumnus and long-time friend of Camosun. In his honour, and on the occasion of the college’s 50th anniversary, this is his story.
When Camosun College invited students to get creative and help commemorate its 50th anniversary celebrations this year by creating original creative work, the resulting entries showed off the depth and breadth of talent of our Camosun students.
After five decades, the college remains true to its roots as a place where students feel supported, included and where they can gain real skills to transform their lives and the future.
In 1977, Ralph Stanbridge became the fourth member of Camosun’s Visual Arts program – a comprehensive, well-respected curriculum that he helped sculpture throughout the 80s and 90s.
In 1978 Angela Henry was hired at Camosun to be the Program Leader of a new Aquatic Specialist Program, the first in Canada to train Recreation leaders in all aspects of Aquatics.
Sue Duggan started work at the college as an Admissions Secretary for Student Services in 1973. She fondly recalls what a close-knit community the college was during the 1970’s.
Chris Balmer began working at the college in July, 1987 in an innovative “portal” position, created for recent counsellor graduates. He retired in 2018, having served the college for 31 years.
“Every day I went to work and was surrounded by positive youthful energy,” he recalls. “Couldn’t beat it!!”
Her greatest satisfaction was watching the transformations as learners gained competence and, ultimately, became colleagues.
Like many others in the Camosun Family, Linda joined the college as a Community Education instructor.
Blake Handley started work at Camosun’s Carey Road Campus in 1979 as the Branch Library Clerk. In those days, recalls Blake, Lansdowne Campus was like Vancouver – big, formal, and very business-like…
“The college is an amazing community; welcoming diversity, respectful of individuals and individual differences, and working together to provide supportive educational experiences that are second to none.”
Almost immediately, Cathy knew that the college community was where she wanted to work.
In his early years at the college, Carter assisted the Student Society with their Walk Safer Program, providing safety training and protocol for using the college’s portable radio system.
Meet some of the female leaders who have helped Camosun become the institution it is today.
During her 34 years at Camosun, Robin and her team were immersed in challenging and fascinating technological developments. Change was a constant.
In 1983, Karin Kaercher was a single mother with three young boys. Unsure of her future, Karin enrolled in the Employment Orientation for Women (EOW) program at Camosun.
Don’s contributions to the School of Business, and the college at large, are many and varied. He taught Entrepreneurship at William Head Penitentiary, both firsts for the Business Division.
In 1986, Camosun was approached by the Provincial Apprenticeship Branch to undertake a pilot program offering the Cook Apprentice Technical Training.
“I didn’t just like my job, I LOVED it!”
Helen Mallett started teaching in Camosun’s Practical Nursing program in 1971. At that time, the Practical Nursing program was offered at Junction Campus.
Brian Silvester was born into a sea-faring family. At the age of 16, he left home and apprenticed as a ship’s officer in the Merchant Navy.
Ray Fischer came to Camosun in 1981 to develop the new Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship program. His first assignment was to design the shop within the confines of a chalk line on the floor in the Jack White Building.
Thelma led with her head and her heart…
Over her 46 years of service, the longest anyone has served at Camosun, Grace was dedicated to student success and gave back to the college which had become like a family or a “second home” to her.
For Conversations Day 2021 – The Camosun Community celebrated 50 years of fun and success in this video montage of faculty and staff through the decades.
Dr. Skip Dick, Songhees Elder, provides territorial greetings. Elder Butch Dick offers the Story of Camossung.
50th anniversary well-wishes and shout-outs from some special Camosun College supporters from across B.C. and our nation!
As Camosun College celebrates its milestone 50th this year, the college is launching a unique anniversary logo designed by Coast Salish artist Dylan Thomas.