Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson made the following statement in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Selkirk College:

“More than 2,000 full-time students and over 12,000 community learners are returning to the campuses of Selkirk College this fall.

“These students are continuing a tradition that began in the 1960s, when 458 charter students took classes in bunkhouses while waiting for the completion of a new campus that officially opened in January 1967.

“Over the next 50 years, Selkirk College grew from a regional institution with one campus offering classes in arts and science, forestry, business and more, to a college that has five campuses, three learning centres and more than 60 programs. Selkirk is the oldest regional college in the province and it has graduated over 36,000 students since it opened in 1966. The college also welcomes more than 500 international students every year from approximately 20 countries who call the college a home-away-from-home.

“Selkirk College continues to provide students with the education that they need to build a future for their family and community. That future is just as bright in 2016 as it was in 1966.

“Congratulations to Selkirk College students, faculty and staff on 50 years of education and training excellence.”