George deLure receives first Malaspina Outstanding Service Award

At the Malaspina University-College Faculty of Trades & Applied Technology graduation to be held Friday, June 20, George deLure will be the first recipient of the Malaspina University-College Outstanding Service Award. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

DeLure was recommended for this honour on the basis of his outstanding service to Malaspina dating back to the 1950s. 

DeLure was a student in the heavy duty mechanics program in the days when Malaspina was known as the Dominion Provincial Vocational Training School. Looking back to his own Malaspina training, deLure describes his instructors as mentors and since then has adopted the mentor role with today’s students and apprentices.

As General Manager of Independent Diesel Sales Ltd. and Island Freightliner Truck Sales Ltd., deLure has assisted Malaspina by donating diesel engines to the heavy duty mechanics program. A recent donation was a $50,000 state-of-the-art electronically controlled diesel engine and automatic transmission module.

DeLure is the sponsor of an annual award to the student in the Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics program who exhibits the best work attitude. Every year he speaks to the class to stress the importance of a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. 

DeLure has been a member of the Advisory Committee for the Provincial Apprenticeship Board and the Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission. He chairs the local Program Advisory Committee for Malaspina’s Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics program, and was instrumental in the development of Malaspina’s Essential Skills for Supervisors, Trades and Skilled Occupations Diploma program. He has often served as the keynote speaker for Malaspina trades graduation ceremonies. He believes in giving back to the community and has been active in many Nanaimo volunteer organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Nanaimo Festival, “Fishing for your Future,” a program targeting school children, and he has been recognized as a “neighbourhood hero” in a local newspaper.

Malaspina University-College president Rich Johnston said, “George has donated much of his time and effort in support of Malaspina University-College and trades training over the years. This special award is in acknowledgement and thanks for the major contributions he has made on behalf of Malaspina students.”