John MacDougall, a native Islander and retired president of Vector Aerospace in Summerside and in Vancouver, has made a $50,000 donation to the Prince of Wales Campus performance hall fundraising initiative.

A $1.3 million fundraising effort is underway to convert the gymnasium into a 300-seat performance hall with donations matched by the province of Prince Edward Island. The original stage area will be transformed into a theatre space for the college’s School of Performing Arts training and performances, and memorabilia and artifacts from the early Prince of Wales College era will be on display in a PWC Interpretive Centre. Including MacDougall’s gift, 70 per cent of the goal has been raised to date.

Dr. Brian McMillan, President of Holland College, thanked Mr. MacDougall for his leadership.

“We are grateful for John’s tremendous generosity,” said Dr. McMillan. “People like John who share the College’s vision and contribute to our strategic priorities provide a strong foundation for our College and our students.”

MacDougall has always had a strong interest in music and theatre performance, having been involved with the production Don Messer’s Violin, which was performed on the Jubilee Theatre stage in Summerside.  In his high school years, he acted in the musical play My Fair Lady as Henry Higgins, and played the trumpet in the school band and the militia band.  As an adult, he took part in the Miscouche Community Band and the Community Clash Band for several years.

MacDougall said the donation gave him an opportunity to show his support of performing arts in general; and Holland College’s School of Performing Arts in particular.

“I have always had a strong interest in music and performance, and I feel that creativity brings balance to one’s life,” he said.

The Holland College School of Performing Arts, a partnership with Confederation Centre of the Arts, opened its doors in September 2011, welcoming students into its Music Performance and Performing Arts Foundation programs. A Dance Performance program was also added in September 2012 and a Theatre Performance program was launched this fall. The performance hall will provide a venue for rehearsals and performances for students in the school, as well as for the Holland College Welshmen Community Band. It will also be a resource to the school, music, and arts communities.

Tax deductible donations can be made by contacting the Holland College Foundation at (902) 566-9590.