January 23, 2006 - 4:00pm
There’s a new face at the head of the Malaspina University-College Foundation Board table this year.
Nanaimo lawyer Mike Brown assumed the leadership of the Foundation this month from Pat Dennison who has served as chair for the past two years.
Brown, owner of the local law firm Geselbracht Brown, has been a Foundation director since 2000. He has been active in the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, and has served on the Foundation executive and various committees. He was also involved in the $1.75-million capital campaign to build the new library at the Nanaimo campus.
Before coming to Nanaimo in 1995, Brown practiced law in Calgary and was active in the Calgary community, including his involvement in the 1998 Calgary Olympics.
"I'm very proud to lead this group of business leaders from the Nanaimo area," said Brown. "Malaspina is well recognized as a critical regional post-secondary institution that provides much-needed resources and opportunities to post-secondary students and residents. Keeping these talented individuals in our area will be easier if we can continue to offer them local opportunities to learn and work."
Joining Brown on the Foundation’s executive for 2006 are vice-chairs George Hrabowych of Herold Engineering and insurance consultant Gill Campbell, secretary Mike Walker of the law firm Mont and Walker, treasurer Scott Thomson of the accounting firm Whiteaker and Associates and Malaspina President Rich Johnston.
Newly-elected directors for 2006 are Dave Boyd, Houle Electric; Kathy Davidson, Windley Contracting; Karla Irvine, Mortgage Centre/Essex and Kent; Jeet Manhas, Casual Images Clothing; Jim McIvor, HSBC Bank of Canada; Joyce Smith, J.A. Smith and Associates, and Kathy White, Coast Realty Group.
They join directors Pat Dennison, Investors Group; Doug Eamer; Ron Forster, Royal Bank; Ross Fraser; Don Hubbard, Hub City Paving; Leslie John, Canadian Western Bank; Bill King, Canaccord Capital; Fred Kolodrubsky, Investors Group; Roger McKinnon, McKinnon and Associates; George Robbins; Kip Sihota, McKinnon and Associates.
The Foundation is the charitable arm of Malaspina University-College, and raises more than one million dollars annually to support students with scholarships and bursaries, and new teaching and learning equipment. The Foundation manages a $5.5-million endowment fund which they have built up over the last 10 years.
The main goal for 2006 will be to increase the number and value of scholarships, awards and bursaries for students. The Foundation raises funds through special events such as the annual Festival of Trees in December, an annual fundraising appeal, and promotion of planned gifts and legacies.
For further information, contact Roger Prior, Executive Director of Malaspina University-College Foundation at (250)740-6217.
Tags: In the Community
