Tony Davis, a student in Holland College’s Journalism program, has earned more than just good marks this year. His hard work and dedication have also earned him a brand new 2017 Nissan Micra. Four other students, Rayleen Culleton in the Administrative Assistant program, Scott Hanon in the Culinary Arts program, Andrew Henry in the Sport & Leisure Management program, and Taylor Kimpton in the Human Services program, are $1,000 richer, thanks to the generosity of Island born Calgary businessman, Lou MacEachern.
Thirty-nine students were nominated for their outstanding efforts and a selection panel interviewed the top five nominees on Thursday morning. The car and four cash awards of $1000 were presented during a celebration at the Prince of Wales Campus later that afternoon.
This inspiring initiative was the idea of Calgary businessman and former Islander, Lou MacEachern, who has donated the car and the cash awards for four consecutive years. Candidates were nominated by faculty and staff on the basis of merit, character, and academic achievement.
Mr. MacEachern’s hope has been to motivate students to work toward achieving their personal and academic best.
“It’s important to do what we can to encourage the next generation to reach their full potential,” said MacEachern. “These students are our future.”
MacEachern grew up in Hazel Grove, PEI, and, like many of his generation, left school at a young age to help on the family farm. In 1956, he returned to Queen Charlotte School in Charlottetown as a mature student, after which he attended post-secondary training at Prince of Wales College and then Dalhousie University. MacEachern moved to Calgary, where he married, raised a family, and made his mark as a leader in business and as a benefactor in the community.
“Over the last four years, these unique awards have produced many personal bests for our students,” said Holland College President, Dr. Brian McMillan. “We are very grateful to Lou for providing this inspiring and generous opportunity, and are proud of our students for their outstanding accomplishments.”
For more information about this release, please contact:
Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer
Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2018
