Rebeca arrived in PEI as a student in 2019 and graduated from Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s Event Management program in 2021. She started working in the Recruitment Office at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ immediately after completing the program.
Rebeca’s Inspiration
In 2023, Rebeca contacted the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation to establish an award honouring her parents.
“I came to Canada with help from my parents and a student award I received. I wanted to give back because I am so thankful for the sacrifices made by others so that I would have opportunities I may not otherwise have had. When I read the Employee Giving Spotlight featuring instructor Chris Stewart who created an award for Data Analytics, I thought ‘I can do that too.’ The payroll deduction option makes the whole process super simple.”
Rebeca said that her parents were thrilled when she told them about the award. The impact of Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ has been great in her family - her brother is now a graduate of the Business Administration program and her dad, a lifelong learner, is currently taking the Marketing and Advertising Management program.
Gloria Wooldridge graduated from Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ in 1983 and was thrilled to return to campus in 2009 for a short-term contract in the Registrar’s Office, followed by another short-term contract in Human Resources. In 2010, she began to work for the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation where you will find her today, raising awareness and money for annual and planned giving, and for scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Gloria has also been a Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation donor for 13 years.
Through her work in the Foundation, Gloria realized quickly that her bi-weekly contributions were appreciated and needed – and that they added up over time to make a positive impact. Her giving has supported a number of initiatives over the years, including teaching and learning resources for the Fundamental Arts program, and supplies for the student food bank. As a plein air artist and someone who is passionate about food security, these initiatives were ones she felt personally connected to.
Gloria’s dad passed away in May of 2023 and, in chatting with her siblings a few days afterward, she mentioned a way for them to work together as a family to create something lasting to honour their father, George MacNeil. They met for supper and talked through the process, and they ultimately decided to establish an endowment that would fund an ongoing annual award for a mature student in the Computer Information Systems program. George was, in his day, a pioneer in the computer industry in PEI. To recognize his contribution and honour his memory, the George MacNeil Memorial Award was created and added to the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ website in recent weeks, and the first award will be given out in November.
“It was an easy sell really,” says Gloria. “There isn’t a place where our names exist together as a family – and now, there is. I am grateful for, and proud of my siblings (Michael MacNeil, Gaylene Weavers, and Peter MacNeil) for so readily joining with me to create something that will positively impact a student every year long past the time that we are around. As long as I am a Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ employee, it will always be part of my plan to donate to something on campus.”
Jolene came to Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ after learning the college was in discussions with potential partner institutions in China and was looking for an interpreter. She submitted her résumé, was successful, and after a promising first trip, was asked to return for follow up discussions. After approximately two years of planning and discussion, the international joint venture program was finalized, and Jolene was appointed to the Director’s position.
For the past two decades, Jolene has traveled to China many times to grow and maintain Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s work with partner schools. Today, there are approximately 8,000 Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ alumni in China who have gone through the partnership program and consider Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ their alma mater.
Jolene has not travelled the last few years due to the pandemic but expects to soon be returning to China three to six times a year. She does not mind the travel and appreciates the opportunities, often adding a few vacation days at the end of the trip to visit her siblings in Hong Kong.
When asked why she gives to the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation, Jolene responded without hesitation.
“Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ is easy for me to support. I can give to an area that is important to me, and it is a way that I can help students. My daughter is also a Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ graduate, so it is meaningful for me on many levels.”
In 2008, Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ once again became an important part of Trish’s journey as she was hired to work with the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation as an Advancement Officer. It was at that time she became an employee donor through payroll deduction and has continued ever since, giving toward areas that were, and continue to be, important to her. She made giving a priority because she could not ask others to give towards something she was unwilling to invest in herself, and she wanted to contribute to the sustainability of the place that was so important to her, her family, and her community.
The third time occurred when Trish’s daughter Mackenzie attended Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, graduating from the Dental Assisting program. Around the same time, Trish completed her Master of Education at UPEI. In 2019, she transitioned into a teaching role and is currently a Learning Manager with the Business Administration program. Additionally, Trish’s husband is an alumnus, and her son-in-law will be walking across the stage in May as a graduate of the Construction Technology and Management program.
To say Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ has been a big part of Trish’s life is an understatement.
“Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ became home to me when I was a student, and my hope is to retire here”, said Trish. “I will always be grateful for the skills I developed as a student, the profession I have built as a staff member, and the meaningful connections I have made along the way. I’ve always seen the college as a worthy investment, but even more so now that I work directly with students. It makes me happy to give back and I appreciate how easy it is to adjust my payroll deductions according to my evolving preferences and priorities.”
When asked what the biggest changes have been at the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ during his time, Ronnie didn’t hesitate before he responds, “Real estate! There has been so much construction – the CAST building, the expansion of Glendenning Hall, the McMillan Centre, the second residence on Cumberland Street. The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ has been in a continual state of development and redevelopment, which requires people to make repairs, to work within budget, and to embrace the vision of where we are going as a college community.”
From very early on in his career, Ronnie felt it was important to give back. He found it rewarding to see projects and new buildings completed - knowing he, along with so many others, were helping make visions reality. He also saw the impact of those enhancements on the college’s students.
“It is always good to remember the reason behind our work – students – without the students, we wouldn’t be here,” said Ronnie.
Ronnie has been active all his life, playing whatever sport was in season as a young boy; and for the past 30 years he has focused his energies on bowling and golf - which included an almost yearly golf trip down south with the same group of friends, who witnessed on more than one occasion, him reaching the ultimate golf goal: a hole-in-one. Yes, the 2023 trip is booked, and his golf shoes and golf buddies are ready to go.
When asked what he was going to do on January 21, he smiled big and said, “get up early as usual, I have a few projects on the go – and my garage needs some attention.”
“I’ve met good people through the friendly Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ community. I have seen lots of changes and I have enjoyed my work,” said Ronnie before quickly adding some parting advice: “enjoy life, it passes quickly!”
They asked each other, “What do you get someone who has everything they need?”
After some discussion about the things that were important to their father, they repeatedly landed on education. Growing up, Jim always encouraged his children to further their education and they often heard him talking about education being the answer to many of today’s problems.
With a seed of an idea, Christine approached the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation to see if her and her sister could establish an award in honour of their dad – one that would make life a bit easier for a hardworking student at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ.
That new award is called the J.F. Clements Award for Single Parents Enrolled in Their Second Year of Business Administration, and it will benefit a second-year student who is a single parent in good standing in the program and is working toward a better life for their family through education. Christine and Jody wrote up a card for Jim and presented it to him at Christmas.
“It was emotional to watch my dad read the card and for him to realize that we set up an award honouring him,” says Christine. “Five Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ students will benefit over the next five years. What a great gift to give my dad. Each Christmas he knows that a single parent’s road has been made a little easier, and that the recipient will know that others believe in them. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Jim was so inspired by the award created by his daughters, that he and his wife Lynn recently contacted the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation to establish two additional awards in their family name.
Thank you, Christine, and Jody, not only for making the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation a giving priority, but also for inspiring others to give.
A graduate of Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s Administrative Assistant program, Tracey started her Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ career in an administrative position in the Tourism and Culinary Centre 22 years ago. A dedicated lifelong learner, she returned to post-secondary as a mature student to earn her Certificate of Adult Education and then completed her Bachelor of Education at UPEI.
Tracey has held various positions at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ - from administrative assistant to then VP Grant Canvin, to helping establish varsity athletics, to the Accommodations Manager at Glendenning Hall, and now, as Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s Quality and Privacy Officer. She and her husband Craig live in Parkdale with Teddy, their very cute but yappy Yorkie. She spends her free time reading, painting, and being a grandmother to Theo who will be joined by a new brother in February.
When asked why she wanted to donate to the Foundation, she said with a laugh, “It’s all about the sticker!” She added, “I am joking just a little bit, but I do love seeing the visual reminder on my computer - that we are all here for the students.”
She pointed to the contact she has had with students over the years, especially in her role as Accommodations Manager. Students would tell her how happy they were to receive an award, and she saw firsthand how much they needed the support - not only financially, but also as a “someone believes in me” boost. Now that she is a bit more removed from students, Tracey felt called to continue to invest in them. She also saw the creating of this award as a meaningful way to honour her mom.
Chris is in his second year of instructing students in Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s Data Analytics Post-Graduate Certificate program. He is currently a student as well, working on his Certificate in Adult Education.
When asked about what he liked best about working at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, he laughed and enthusiastically said “Lunches at the TCC! That’s only half true,” he added. He really appreciates the great people he is working with, the support system he has around him as a new instructor, and the fact that students are engaged and interested in learning. Chis and his wife Chantelle, who is a two-time Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ graduate herself, live in Kensington with their daughter Fiona. They are happily awaiting baby Maeve’s arrival at the end of November.
Chris has approximately 15 years’ experience in the IT industry, and he noted that there is a gender imbalance in the IT field. He feels it would both strengthen and benefit the industry to have a more diverse workforce, and he wants to raise awareness that a career in data analytics has much to offer everyone. He wondered how he could make a difference, and by asking a few questions, he discovered that he could establish an award through the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation and fund it through payroll deductions for about the price of a fast-food meal a couple times each month.
Jean started working at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ as a Library Technician in 1992, and that same year she began to donate to the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation. Thirty years later, she is still a valued Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ employee, and she is still donating to the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation.
Jean says that the best aspect of her job is helping our students, and in the library, she gets to interact with the students on the Summerside Waterfront Campus. One of the biggest challenges for her during the pandemic was dealing with how much she missed connecting with the students and helping them. Jean is happy and relieved that things are mostly back to normal with students and staff back on campus.
“Over the years, I have witnessed sincere appreciation from students who receive student aid – from scholarships, bursaries, and awards to a bit of extra help provided in times of crisis,” said Jean. “It feels good to know that I am a tiny part of that help. Everyone contributing a little adds up to a lot, and you really do not miss it from your pay each week. There are so many options to contribute that it is easy to find an area that resonates with you personally.”
Thank you, Jean, for making the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation a giving priority, and to all of our employee donors.
“I was hesitant to start my post-secondary education in my late thirties,” said Gaylene. “But one day my dear friend and mentor, Valerie Downe, picked me up for lunch and surprised me by taking me to UPEI. We walked the campus and, although I was hesitant, Valerie encouraged me to register for just one course. I enrolled in University 101 and that was it, I was hooked.”
After beginning her career at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, Gaylene completed the CAE program and continued to take university courses, obtaining a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Education, and a Master of Business.
“It was a dream come true to be a learning manager at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ,” said Gaylene. “I love teaching, and witnessing students overcoming challenges to improve their lives has been a gift.”
In 2006, Gaylene and her husband Jim established the Austin Carragher Adult Education Award, in memory of Jim’s father. Austin was a graduate of the college’s Adult Education program, and that education better enabled him, along with his wife Edith, to care for and support their nine children.
“Helping Adult Education students with financial assistance and moral support is how Jim and I honour Austin’s memory,” said Gaylene. “We had the opportunity to help students over the years and to be honest, giving is contagious. When you see the genuine impact your gifts can make, it gives back more to you than you can imagine.”
In addition to the Austin Carragher Adult Education Award, Gaylene has also supported a number of other priorities and initiatives of the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation, most of which have provided financial aid to students.
“I know from experience that education is the only way to break out of the stigma society creates for young parents,” said Gaylene. “Giving people a chance, or a second chance, to pursue their education is an investment in all of our futures.”
“Working on a campaign was exciting, and a lot of work,” said Mary Ann. “I had the chance to meet and work with so many generous members of the community – it was a great way for me to reconnect with the community after living away. It also gave me a solid understanding of the work of the Foundation and the impact it has on our students.”
After taking a couple of contract positions at the college, Mary Ann found her home in the Marketing and Communications department, where she has been since 1999.
“Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ is like a family – the people here are my work family,” said Mary Ann. “I couldn’t ask for a better place to work and I feel lucky to be able to say that.”
For Mary Ann, the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation is a giving priority because she believes that if everybody can give a little, it can make a big difference in the lives of our students.
“Donating to the Foundation is a great way to give back,” said Mary Ann. “If I can help even one student, that’s worth it to me.”
Mary Ann’s husband Greg is also a member of the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ alumni family. He graduated from the Atlantic Police Academy in 1989. Greg is a police officer with Charlottetown Police Services, and he and Mary Ann live in Brackley with their daughter, Lauren, who is studying at UPEI. While much of their time as a family is spent between the rink, the soccer turf, and the rugby field, if you’re looking for Mary Ann on a warm summer day, you will likely find her at her “happy place” – the beach!
“I had always wanted to work at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, so it was an exciting day,” recalled Ken. “Meeting so many people, learning about how everybody worked together – it was a fun day. I was very happy.” 
Interacting with the students has changed in recent times. Gaylene is working and teaching part-time from home now.
“Teaching remotely is completely different,” says Gaylene. “It’s a new way of interacting and communicating, which took a while to get used to. One of the programs that I teach has moved into the blended delivery model, and I am enjoying the combination of face to face and distance teaching right now.”
Gaylene has made the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation a giving priority because she wants to contribute to the greater good of the community in which she lives, works, and plays.
“I want to make our students’ lives a little bit easier -- to pay it forward -- and this is how I choose to do it,” shared Gaylene. “I donate through payroll deductions, and I know that every bit adds up and makes a difference to our students.”
Gaylene lives in Montague with her husband Bobby, a Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ sessional instructor, and their two border collies. When Gaylene is off the clock, you will likely find her doing something active. She is a fitness instructor, an avid curler and golfer, and is currently working toward obtaining her wellness certification. Gaylene also recently ran in the PEI Marathon and has qualified for the Boston Marathon!
“I still enjoy every day,” said Debbie. “Change is constant, with every year bringing in new faces, a hustle and bustle – it’s the students that keep Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ energized.”
Debbie says the best part of her job is meeting and connecting with the students. In her role as department assistant, she has a bird’s-eye view of the challenges students face every day.
By donating to the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation since 1984 through payroll deductions, Debbie’s support has helped hundreds of students over the years.
“You hear so many unique stories from the students, about the paths they have taken to get to Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ,” said Debbie. “Many of them are struggling financially to even be in school, so I know how important scholarships, bursaries, and awards are to their success.”
Debbie remembers the kindness Davida Stewart, a Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ icon and her instructor at the time, showed her when she was a student.
“Thanks to a loan organized by Davida, which was given with the stipulation that it be paid back when I was working, I was able to have some necessary dental work done that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford,” recalled Debbie. “This allowed me to graduate and enter the workforce with confidence. To this day, I am grateful for Davida’s kind gesture of caring. I recognize the impact it had on me as a struggling student. Understanding first-hand how financial assistance can directly impact student success is the reason I support the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation's work.”
“Giving to the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation is a simple way to give back,” said Debbie. “A little bit comes off your paycheque, however much or as little as you can afford to give. Regardless of the amount it adds up over the years and makes a big difference in the lives of our students. When you see the students walk across the stage at graduation, that’s the excitement. To think you’ve been a part of their success is very rewarding.”
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys being with her family and friends, spending time outdoors, and working on lots of knitting and crocheting projects.
Cheryl fulfilled that wish and attended the PEI School of Nursing and Memorial University, earning her credential as a Registered Nurse. After working at the QEH for many years, Cheryl made the move to Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ in 2008 and is now a Learning Manager for the Resident Care Worker, Practical Nursing, and Continuing Education programs.
“I grew up understanding that education is power, and I always had an interest in teaching,” said Cheryl. “I used to love working with students when they came to the hospital for their practicums, so it was a natural transition.”
Each of Cheryl’s siblings followed their own educational paths, but Cheryl remembers her sister Ruth, older by just two years, struggling with the demands of high school.
“I remember many nights at the kitchen table working with her on her homework,” said Cheryl. “She found school very difficult, but with hard work and determination she graduated high school. She then decided she wanted to go further with her education, and she enrolled in Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ and took a secretarial course.”
After graduation from that program, Ruth moved to Halifax and began a 25-year career in human resources with the Department of National Defense.
In 1999 at the age of 50, Ruth was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She demonstrated bravery and a great strength of character to her final days, and, in 2013, passed away at home in P.E.I. with her loving family by her side.
“When I reflected on Ruth’s life, I realized that Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ is really where she got her start,” said Cheryl. “Because she meant so much to everyone who knew her and was known for helping others, my husband Kevin and I agreed that we wanted students who may have experienced similar struggles to benefit from her life.”
In 2013, Cheryl and Kevin established the Ruth MacKinnon Memorial Award. This award is presented annually to a student entering Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s Human Resource Management program who has demonstrated academic success and who has overcome obstacles.
“When the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation shares the recipient thank you letters, we just know that we are making a difference in someone’s life.”
Born and raised in Searletown, P.E.I., Erroll grew up with four siblings, three of whom also graduated from Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ programs, in welding, accounting, and medical support. He started out in the hotel industry, but with the encouragement of retired Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ instructor Joe Lawrence, a teacher and friend to Erroll, he returned to the college in the role of educator in 1986. Since then, Erroll has enjoyed a rewarding career working with students in numerous programs in areas such as hospitality, culinary, marketing, advertising, and tourism.
When Erroll began working at the college there was a fundraising campaign underway, and he remembers the message being conveyed from the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation about the importance of internal support. That resonated with him.
“I couldn’t expect individuals or businesses from the community to support the initiatives of the college and the foundation if, as a staff member, I wasn’t prepared to do so myself,” recalls Erroll. “For me, I think that’s where it all started. I give because I want to help improve the quality of life for our students”
For Erroll, teaching is more than just the academics.
“I value building relationships with my students,” says Erroll. “I want them to know that I care not only academically, but also how they are growing and learning personally.” Evidently his students understand this, as Erroll says he has been blessed with a group of former students who still like to meet him for coffee once in a while to visit and catch up.
In his spare time, Erroll and his wife Ann enjoy many activities including sports and fitness, live music and theatre, scenic drives across the Island, work on their faith development, and spending time with their close circle of friends – often over dinner at a restaurant or a homemade feast. Erroll and Ann have one son, John Bruce, who lives in Ontario, and both Erroll and Ann agree that visiting with John Bruce is at the top of their lists of “time well spent.”
MARK BETTS
PARKING BOOTH ATTENDANT
“I’m definitely a people person,” said Mark. “My favourite thing about this job is interacting with the students, staff, and the public. I like to talk to people and if I can bring a smile to someone’s face, that just warms my heart.”
He has done that for many people. He recalled one couple who dined frequently at The Culinary Institute of Canada. Before relocating to Ontario, they made sure they stopped by the booth to say a special goodbye to him – just two of the many people who know Mark and have expressed their appreciation for his kindness over the years.
Many may also know Mark as the “Weather Guy”! In his spare time Mark enjoys researching weather on YouTube and viewing weather-focused documentaries. He is known in the winter to give people a heads up as they are leaving the parking lot on what the road conditions are like in certain areas across the Island.
When Mark learned that the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Foundation supported students, he jumped at the opportunity to contribute. He is grateful for the life he has, and he wants to help others who may be facing financial challenges as they pursue their education.
“I don’t want to see students struggle with trying to pay next month’s rent or figuring out where their next meal will come from,” said Mark. “The students at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ are important to me - they are our future.”
We were a team from the get-go,” laughed Albert. “We were a pretty active family, and there was always an excuse to grab a hockey stick, a ball mitt, or a golf club to get a game going. There was a lot of time dedicated to play and practice – it was just the nature of our family. I had a very supportive family who put that work in.”
