Jolene Chan

Jolene came to Holland College after learning the college was in discussions with potential partner institutions in China and was looking for an interpreter.  She submitted her résumé, was successful, and after a promising first trip, was asked to return for follow up discussions.  After approximately two years of planning and discussion, the international joint venture program was finalized, and Jolene was appointed to the Director’s position.

For the past two decades, Jolene has traveled to China many times to grow and maintain Holland College’s work with partner schools. Today, there are approximately 8,000 Holland College alumni in China who have gone through the partnership program and consider Holland College their alma mater.

Jolene has not travelled the last few years due to the pandemic but expects to soon be returning to China three to six times a year. She does not mind the travel and appreciates the opportunities, often adding a few vacation days at the end of the trip to visit her siblings in Hong Kong.

When asked why she gives to the Holland College Foundation, Jolene responded without hesitation.

“Holland College is easy for me to support. I can give to an area that is important to me, and it is a way that I can help students. My daughter is also a Holland College graduate, so it is meaningful for me on many levels.”