30th Anniversary Alumni Reunion
Ski Resort Operations and Management (SROAM) program celebrates 30 years of success
Approximately 130 people gathered on May 1 in Kelowna, B.C., at a reunion to celebrate the 30th anniversary of helping people establish ski industry careers. The reunion was held in conjunction with the annual Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) spring conference.
Four graduates of the first class of 1981 were there along with representatives of 20 of the other 29 graduating classes. Rod Loftus, the original instructor and creator of the program, travelled from Ontario for the event. He addressed the audience and explained how the program came into being with the tremendous foresight and support of several industry leaders of the day. Four of those individuals were there to join the celebration; President and CEO of CWSAA Jimmie Spencer, former CEO of Intrawest Hugh Smythe, former General Manager of Red Mountain and Sunshine Village Fred Bosinger and former General Manager of Whistler Mountain, Peter Alder.
Fifty-two graduates who have had long and notably successful ski industry careers were honored by being inducted into the newly created SROAM Hall of Fame. Chief Resorts Officer with Resort of the Canadian Rockies John Shea, President and CEO of Kicking Horse Resort Steve Paccagnan, the chief ski lift inspector for the BC Safety Authority Jason Gill, and General Manager of Castle Mountain, the late Tom Tataryn, were a few notables to be included. Mike Adams from the class of 1984 and former owner of Whitewater Ski Resort, was also honored for being the recipient of the 2011 Selkirk College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Bob Dodge, a graduate of the class of ‘84 and current program coordinator of the SROAM program hosted the reunion. “I was pleased with the turnout by graduates, past instructors and so many friends in the ski industry who continuously support the program,” said Bob. “Bringing all those people together at one time really emphasized the positive impact this program has had on the ski industry and our graduates. “
School Chair Bob Falle also commented on the event’s success. “The evening was very special to me on another point as we were there to celebrate the retirement of Jimmie Spencer, President and CEO for the CWSAA for the past 32 years. Jimmie stated that his involvement with our SROAM program was one of his most cherished accomplishments in his role. Our program's 30th anniversary celebration was said to be one of the highlights of the conference.”
The event also proved to be very beneficial for future students. Bob reported that through generous sponsorship from the ski industry, a silent auction and 50/50 draw, more than $2000 was raised for a newly created Alumni Scholarship Fund. To top off the event, a cheque for $50,000 was presented at the conference banquet by Ralph Scurfield of Sunshine Village to establish two new scholarships for aspiring ski resort managers.
Submitted
The Selkirk College Alumni Association was a proud sponsor of the Sunday night reunion reception.
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