News Archives: Community Learning Day Proclaimed at GPRC by Mayor Given
Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
The annual Open House at GPRC Grande Prairie was the setting for a special proclamation today by City of Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given, formally establishing the fourth Wednesday of October as “Community Learning Day.” The Proclamation acknowledges the commitment of both the College and City government to strengthening a culture of learning in our region. The celebration of this commitment each year will continue to be an opportunity to welcome the community to our campuses and to work together to create opportunities in education for all. “This College belongs to the people of this community, this region,” says President Don Gnatiuk. “GPRC is proud of its close connection with our stakeholders, and we welcome new opportunities such as the proclamation today. Thank you to Mayor Bill Given and the Councillors of the City of Grande Prairie, for this concrete affirmation of our mutual goal to build strong, educated communities for a strong, sustainable future.” GPRC Vice-President Academics and Research, Susan Bansgrove, spoke to the assembled guests about some of the current initiatives in which GPRC is proud to partner with school districts and community groups. “Community Learning is a reality at our College,” she says. “This building is home to advanced education, but it is also the venue for everything from summer sports camps to classical concerts, serving the needs of a wide range of interests and ages. “In recent months, for example, 80 students who had just completed grade three attended Reading University to better prepare for grade four. Several school districts in the region collaborated to bring grade seven students to the College for a day of mini-lectures, and a taste of the possibilities presented by post-secondary education.” Bansgrove says these are just a few of the community learning initiatives now hosted at GPRC, and that the possibilities are extensive. Mayor Bill Given is enthusiastic about the opportunities for further collaboration with GPRC to enhance and strengthen the social fabric of Grande Prairie and region. “As an organization, the City of Grande Prairie takes pride in its internal workplace learning initiatives and we know the vital role that GPRC and our school boards play in extending the culture of learning to the broader community. Making this proclamation is one small way to highlight the important work these partners do in creating a better future for our students, for our City and for our region. “I hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 24th as Community Learning Day in the City of Grande Prairie!”