Holland College and the Holland College Foundation celebrated the official opening of the new Centre for Student Wellness and Academic Success. The opening marks the successful completion of the Foundation’s Thrive campaign.

The Centre is located at 275 Kent Street on the Prince of Wales Campus. The building that is now home to the Centre underwent a $5.9 million renovation and expansion, for which the Province of Prince Edward Island committed matching funds and operational support. The Holland College Foundation raised $2.7 million from donors to the Thrive campaign.

“Today demonstrates the College’s commitment to its students - ensuring access to the academic, physical, and mental health supports they require as well as the employment and career advising services, they need to be successful – at college, at work and in life. This would not be possible without the collaboration between Holland College, the Government, and the many generous donors through the Thrive campaign to create this space,” said Hon. Jenn Redmond, Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

The three-story, 8,500 sq. ft. space hosts a modern suite of health and wellness services and resources for students – all under one roof. Services are centralized, expanded, and fully integrated, allowing for the development of individualized support plans. Additionally, Centre team members now have the mobility and technology to service all campuses across the province.

The Centre provides students with academic support services, a primary health clinic, and mental health services and resources. Renovations began in April, 2023 and the Centre was opened to students when they returned in September, 2024.

“Our goal was to ensure that students have the supports they need to be successful while they are with us as students, make a strong transition into the workforce, and thrive throughout their lives,” said Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, Holland College President. “We are grateful to the Province of Prince Edward Island, the Holland College Foundation, and the many donors who supported us in this critical initiative.”

Mark Ledwell, Chair of the Holland College Foundation, spoke about the successful conclusion of the fundraising campaign for the Centre.
“The financial goal for the Thrive campaign was $2.5 million, and we are very happy to confirm that with the outstanding generosity of many businesses, foundations, and individuals who contributed to our campaign, we raised just over $2.7 million,” said Ledwell. “These funds will help fund the Centre’s construction and to establish a new portfolio of entrance awards for students with learning disabilities or mental health challenges.”

Oluwatoyin Abieyuwa Festus-Olagbende (Uwa), President of the Holland College Student Union, noted that wellness begins with the environment we inhabit and the relationships we cultivate.

“The Centre is a valuable addition to our students’ wellbeing, providing a safe space where they can receive the support needed to thrive and excel in all areas of their academic and personal lives.”

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(L-R) Kent Scales, Past Chair, Holland College Foundation and Thrive Campaign Lead; Murray MacInnis, Director of Student Wellbeing, Accessibility, and Support, Holland College; Jessie Inman, Chair, Holland College Board of Governors; Hon. Jenn Redmond, Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women; Oluwatoyin Abieyuwa Festus-Olagbende (Uwa), President, Holland College Student Union; Mayte Luna, Vice President, Holland College Student Union; Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, President, Holland College; and, Mark Ledwell, Chair, Holland College Foundation Board. Holland College and the Holland College Foundation celebrated the official opening of the new Centre for Student Wellness and Academic Success and the successful completion of the Thrive campaign.