Selkirk College Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Selkirk College marked 50 years of post-secondary education in the West Kootenay and Boundary region at its Homecoming Weekend in Castlegar.

Events throughout the weekend included a Board of Governors & President’s Reception on Friday night, a Community Pancake Breakfast and re-enactment of The Great Trek on Saturday morning, and the Through the Decades Gala on Saturday night.

Even though Mother Nature decided to throw a few challenges into the festivities, it was a great time for the more than 500 people who attended. Here's a look back.

Learn more about Selkirk College's 50th Anniversary.

The Team 50 crew that prepared for the day by filling balloons in front of the Castlegar Campus.

Selkirk College Campus Manager Holly Steenvoorden raises the Selkirk College flag that was made by alumna Mary Vanness for the Homecoming Weekend. In 1967, Mary (then Hutchinson) made the first Selkirk College flag out of a bedsheet and it was used in The Great Trek.

The Castlegar Lions Club prepared the breakfast with help from Team 50.

Fun games for all...

Selkirk College Marketing Department team member Marie Martin prepares for the morning festivites.

The cross-cut competition is always popular... and has been since 1966.

Linda Sawchenko and Bridger

Bouncy Castle fun!

Students in Selkirk International were involved in the morning celebration.

Thais Tirado having fun with a new 'friend.'

Operation with Chailin and Preston Hernandez

The Selkirk Saints signing frisbees for the fans.

The Nursing at Selkirk College students put on a fashion show that brought out all the different looks the profession has had over the last five decades.

Selkirk College Hairdressing Instructor Luree Gould and her students offered those in attendance some enhancements, but first she tried some techniques out on new Resort, Hotel & Hospitality Management at Selkirk College instructor David MacGillivray.

Kootenay West MLA Katrine Conroy (left) was joined by leader of the leader of the BC NDP John Horgan who stopped by the Saturday festivies. — with Katrine Conroy and John Horgan.

The School of Business at Selkirk College dunk tank raised money for the 50th Anniversary Legacy Fund. You can find out more about this special fundraising effort that will assist future students at: http://selkirk.ca/about-us/50-years/support-future-students

School of Business at Selkirk College Instructor Stephen Harris prepares the dunk tank, which was a popular feature at the community celebration.

And Stephen Harris gets dunked.

Selkirk College President Angus Graeme was up to the task and was dunked by both staff and students.

Chair of the University Arts and Sciences at Selkirk College Tracy Punchard prepares for the dunk tank.

Chair of the School of Business at Selkirk College Tiffany Snauwaert post-dunk tank.

David Feldman, Dean of the School of University Arts & Sciences took the plunge.

Selkirk College Vice President of College Services/CFO Gary Leier cut the ceremonial cake during the Saturday morning Homecoming Weekend festivities with the assistance of his grandchildren (L-R) Yuta, Anna and Julia Covington.

Selkirk College Contemporary Music and Technology Program Instructor Don Macdonald gets a little help from a friend.

Kootenay Studio Arts Instructor Kevin Kratz puts on a demonstration.

Preparing for the recreation of the Great Trek.

Watching and waiting...

The Great Trek was led by members of the Trail Maple Leaf Band whose members include some of the original members of Moon's Merry Men who helped lead the parade through the streets of Castlegar 50 years ago.

Speeches could not be slowed by the rain.

Terry Moon - a member of the Charter Class - was part of the speeches.

The current Selkirk College students who took part in The Great Trek represented a number of different programs. — with Adib Malas and Dotun Adedoyin.