The College of New Caledonia has installed its new president.
Henry Reiser had been doing the job as CNC's 11th boss since February, transitioning into the role gradually. At an installation ceremony on Friday morning, he took full control of the college helm.
Reiser thanked those who had smoothed his way into the key community position. He spoke of the potential of the northern economy and the potential of local students to connect with that prosperity. He acknowledged the college's position as "a leader in economic development" and how people of all ages and walks of life could have progressive lives by working with CNC.
"Our programs touch so many in the north," Reiser said, adding that the good work done in the past to position CNC was now in his hands to advance into the future with new and innovative programs and learning tools.
"I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get started. I am very excited to be here and eager to get going."
The ceremony began with the regal tones of Shoshanna Godber playing harp, then the procession advanced into the CNC Gathering Place to the pounding of Lheidli T'enneh First Nation drummers, dancers, and the singing of Josh Seymour. Flag bearers marched ahead of the academic and dignitary line.
Lheidli T'enneh elder Darlene McIntosh said the invocation speech, speaking of "a bond of trust" being bestowed upon Reiser. She called on the community, the college staff, and Reiser to work together to "harness the energies" of the region's people. "Let us illuminate what we can do as a community to highlight education," she said.
Local MLAs Mike Morris and Shirley Bond both told Reiser, and the gathered audience, that they were each students at CNC themselves. "You have been gifted with the presidency of a very special place," Bond said, while Morris said he expected CNC to take on an even greater role as catalyst in the economic fortunes of this region in future.
Mayor Shari Green said she had appreciated the work Reiser had already done to prepare for the position and learn the communities in which CNC had a presence. "You are seeing the collaborations and the passions people have to grow our community, raise their families, and stay in our region," and CNC was a major role player in that, she said.
UNBC's new president Daniel Weeks was also present at the ceremony and assured those gathered that he intended the path between the region's community college and university to be well and intentionally worn.
"We will set the standard in this province for cooperation and collaboration," Weeks said.
Others who offered their words of welcome included Lheidli T'enneh chief Dominic Frederick, student representative Leila Soila Abubakar, CUPE union president Lily Bachand, faculty association president David Rourke, board chair Keith Playfair, and Arthur Fallick, representing Kwantlen Polytechnic University where Reiser was most recently positioned.
