Malaspina President Rich Johnston Presented Honorary Doctor of Letters

June 4, 2003 - 5:00pm

Kwantlen University College honoured Richard W. Johnston, President and CEO of Malaspina University-College, with the award of a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degree, at Kwantlen's 2003 Convocation Ceremony held on June 2 at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium in Surrey, BC.


Kwantlen recognized Johnston for his dedication to post-secondary education and his tireless efforts as an advocate for the university colleges in BC.


The Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degree was awarded to recognize Dr. Johnston's significant contributions to Malaspina University-College, to the communities it serves, and to advanced education in British Columbia. His many accomplishments and his commitment to excellence have brought distinction and honour to Malaspina University-College and to all of the University Colleges of British Columbia.


Johnston works to ensure that the provision of high quality, comprehensive, post-secondary education remains the focus of the communities in which he lives and serves.


Johnston started his career in 1968, and has been involved in helping deliver adult education for over 36 years. He taught the first Basic Training for Skill Development program in the Kootenays, and later worked for the Federal Government as a Counsellor and Industrial Training Consultant.


Author of the articles, "Adapting to Change in the College System", and "Entrepreneurialism in the College System", Johnston gives many presentations to national, provincial and local community groups.


In various capacities, Johnston has participated in over 60 community, provincial and national boards and committees, and has worked on international projects in Asia, North America and Europe.


"Kwantlen University College takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. The word "Kwantlen" means tireless runner, and Rich is tireless runner in his continuous hard work for, and dedication to, Malaspina, the university college consortium, and the post-secondary education system in BC," said Skip Triplett, President of Kwantlen.


Kwantlen University College has a mission to create quality, life-long learning opportunities for people to achieve personal, social and career success. Kwantlen became a university college with degree granting status in 1995; and has a mandate to develop and offer baccalaureate degrees that will prepare students for career success through educational excellence.



Photo and Cutline:
President and CEO of Malaspina University-College, Richard W. Johnston, was awarded a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degree by Kwantlen University College for his dedication to post-secondary education and his tireless efforts as an advocate for the university colleges of BC.



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