While you’ve been able to wander in for the last couple months, it was only on October 14 that the doors at Northern Lights College (NLC) were opened officially at the new Tumbler Ridge Access Centre.
The new location is in Tumbler Ridge Place, right next to the post office, giving Tumbler Ridge students a place to continue their post-secondary education close to home.
While there won’t be any in-person classes offered in town, students can take NLC’s online programs, join classes delivered from the college’s larger campuses by video conference, use on-site Wi-Fi and laptops, and connect with college services and supports.
NLC’s Tumbler Ridge campus was previously located in the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School building, but that building was torn down after the events of February 10.
Dean Dokkie, an Elder with West Moberly offered a blessing and prayer. There were also remarks from NLC President and CEO Todd Bondaroff, Board Chair Jennifer Moore, and Tumbler Ridge Councillor Chris Norbury before everyone moved back outside for the official ribbon cutting by Tumbler Ridge Campus Clerk Lisa Morin.
“NLC has been part of this community for decades,” said Bondaroff. “Over that time, the way we deliver education has evolved, but our commitment to creating opportunities for people in Tumbler Ridge and across the Peace Region has remained. I’m excited about what this renewed presence can mean for the community. We’re building on a longstanding relationship and creating new possibilities for the future.”
“A college campus is so much more than a place to take classes. It is a place where people come together, discover new opportunities, and build their futures without having to leave the community they call home. We believe that where you live should not limit where you can go,” said Moore. “As a Board, we are incredibly proud to celebrate this new chapter for Northern Lights College in Tumbler Ridge. This campus is an investment in the people, potential, and future of this community.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
