Luke Ignace, a student in Holland College’s School of Performing Arts Theatre Performance program, is the first recipient of Confederation Centre of the Arts’ Erica Rutherford Memorial Bursary.

Ignace, who is from Freeport, Bahamas, was also the recipient of a Holland College scholarship specifically designed to encourage Bahamian students to study music, theatre or dance in Prince Edward Island.

“‘I am feeling very blessed and humbled to have won this award,” Ignace said. “Erica Rutherford influenced so many in society through her passion and work in the visual and performing arts, and as a mentor and teacher. I am grateful to her family for the support they have given me through this gift in her name.”

Holland College vice president Michael O’Grady said Ignace has excelled in the Theatre Performance program.

“Luke is one of the first group of very talented Bahamians who have come here to acquire the training they need to pursue their artistic goals. He is a fine representative of the quality of students who come to Prince Edward Island from the Bahamas. We are delighted to have him in the School of Performing Arts, and we look forward to welcoming many more Bahamian actors, dancers and musicians into our programs,” he said.

A long-time resident of Prince Edward Island, Erica Rutherford was a respected visual artist, actor, filmmaker, teacher and writer. The bursary was established by Rutherford’s family to provide financial assistance to post-secondary students pursuing in any manner of artistic training.