CUTTING THE RIBBON: (L to R) Current ABE student Jessica Hogg, Selkirk College board member Bill Roberts, continuing education co-ordinator Chris Faint, founding board member Glen Weatherhead, former ABE student Sharon McNeil and Selkirk College president Marilyn Luscombe cut the ribbon and officially opened the doors of the Nakusp Learning Centre on January 25.

Selkirk College president Marilyn Luscombe warmly and proudly introduced the many people who played a part in seeing the latest manifestation of the centre become a reality.

"Some of the fundamental reasons for the establishment of community colleges in Canada are being achieved in Nakusp," Luscombe said. "The Nakusp Learning Centre helps Selkirk College fulfil our regional goals, and we are delighted today to be opening this new site."

The new facility, which represents nearly a half-million-dollar investment by Selkirk College in the community of Nakusp, provides a fresh atmosphere, more space and state-of-the-art technology for delivering educational programs.

"What better demonstration of commitment to the community can we have than the premises we're in right now," said Bill Roberts, the Selkirk College board of governors' newest member, as he glanced around the building's bright and spacious interior.

Founded in 1978, the Nakusp Learning Centre and its dedicated staff offer continuing education (CE) and adult basic education (ABE) courses to almost 1,000 students each year. The new centre features two fully equipped CE classrooms, a dedicated computer lab, a large ABE classroom with computer and science lab areas, and a student and staff lounge area.

Current and former students stepped up to the podium to express what it meant to them to have an adult basic education program and caring instructors available in the small lakeside town.

Current ABE student Jessica Hogg said that studying at the Nakusp Learning Centre changed her life and made her a better person.

Sharon McNeil, a former student who lived in Nakusp for 30 years and raised six children, delivered a compelling speech about the challenges of attending the Learning Centre to earn her high school diploma. McNeil explained how she went from her humble educational beginnings in Nakusp to earn a law degree from the University of British Columbia and, in 2001, she became head of UBC's Centre for International Indigenous Legal Studies.

"Going to the ABE program," McNeil said, "became my sole entertainment as I became addicted to that scholar's high."

And while she credited the work, kindness and understanding of Chris Faint, the continuing education co-ordinator, and Allison Alder—both of whom still work at the centre—McNeil had special praise for instructor Richard Allin, who has been teaching at the Nakusp Learning Centre since 1981.

"Richard Allin is what my husband, Collin, refers to as the éminence grise, who has elevated the lives of others, including our family," McNeil said, her voice breaking with emotion, "He is my local hero, my mentor, my guide and my friend."