Kevin Murphy and Michael Cassidy were honoured by Holland College today with a reception and the naming of the lecture theatre at the Tourism and Culinary Centre. The well-known businessmen and brothers-in-law joined together to make a generous $200,000 gift to the college in 2009 through the college's Learning. For Life. capital campaign.

"I am pleased with Holland College's commitment to practical learning and training," said Cassidy. "I believe working to learn, rather than working to earn, is an important life skill as one builds a career path."

Kevin Murphy agrees. "Education is a fundamental pillar of a vibrant economy and as a community we need to always be enhancing our educational institutions," said Murphy. "I am very pleased and fortunate to be able to contribute to Holland College's continued development."

Dr. Brian McMillan, president of Holland College, lauded the generosity of Murphy and Cassidy. "This gift is a definite endorsement of Holland College's vision and speaks volumes about the strength of the college's programs," said McMillan. "The college is proud to celebrate their leadership by naming this integral space in their honour."

The 130-seat Murphy/Cassidy Lecture Theatre, located on the main level of the college's Tourism and Culinary Centre, was officially named to recognize the generosity of Murphy, Cassidy, their respective businesses, and their families.

The Learning. For Life. capital campaign augmented the investments made by the federal and provincial governments in the college's campus development projects, including the construction of two new buildings and expansion of the residence on the Prince of Wales Campus; the renovation of the Charlottetown Centre, scheduled to start this summer; the expansions and renovations in the Georgetown Centre and the Marine Training Centre; the construction of the West Prince Campus; and the renovation of what will become the Summerside Waterfront Campus.

In addition to capital and infrastructure projects, significant funds were also raised to support student financial aid, extra-curricular activities, and student support services; equipment and teaching technologies for classrooms; and innovation that enables students, staff and faculty to turn their ideas into reality.

In this picture: (L-R) Mike and Mary Jane Cassidy, Brian McMillan and Kathy and Kevin Murphy stand under the sign for the newly named Murphy/Cassidy Lecture Theatre at the Tourism and Culinary Centre.