Holland College will be able to celebrate its 40th anniversary with the publication of the first 25 years of its history in 2008, if all goes according to plan. The history is a project of the Association of Holland College Retirees, and is being carried out in consultation with Holland College. The history project committee published a request for authors on the college website and in local papers earlier this year. The committee recently announced that Charlottetown author Wayne MacKinnon has been selected for the project.

"We received applications from some very accomplished writers," committee convener and Holland College retiree Davida Stewart explained. "Choosing one from among them all was not an easy task; but Wayne's depth of knowledge of the Island gave us confidence that he would be able to do the project justice."

MacKinnon is a provincial government communications officer and a sessional lecturer in political studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. He has written extensively about the history, economy and politics of the province. His publications include The Life of the Party, a history of the Prince Edward Island Liberal Party and Between Two Cultures - the Alex Campbell Years.

"The establishment of Holland College not only broadened educational opportunities, it also introduced a revolutionary new approach to learning which brought the college international recognition," said MacKinnon. "The story of Holland College is one which all Islanders can be proud to share, and which I am looking forward to compiling."

The book will capture the development and accomplishments of Holland College during its first 25 years, highlighting the college's unique contribution to provincial, national and international education from 1969-1995.