Three local students recently became the first recipients of two major BC real estate organizations’ generous donation to the North Island College Foundation.
In February 2011, in celebration of its 60th Anniversary, Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) in partnership with Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC), established an endowment fund for NIC students.
“This award was established to financially support the educational dreams of North Island College students, allowing them to build a solid future for themselves and their northern Vancouver Island communities,” explains Darrell Paysen, Manager Member Services at VIREB.
“Our intention was to annually award three bursaries to students attending NIC in the areas of Business Administration and construction-related trades and apprenticeship training.”
Nicholas Lade, Lane Pearson, and Candace Pisto each received $860 towards their NIC tuition at a Foundation awards ceremony held September 13 in the Comox Valley. The award’s value continues to grow over time.
Lade is a dedicated lifelong learner. A member of the Rotary Club interested in bolstering the tourism industry in the Valley, he is completing his Bachelor of Business Administration, General Management degree and would like to find a way to enhance the local economy and keep the youth here on the Island.
Upon completing his Electronics Core program, Lane Pearson wishes to continue his education in the Industrial Automation program, offered at NIC’s Campbell River campus.
Pearson is confident that his schooling from NIC has given him the edge that is needed to launch a successful career in the trades.
Having already completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature with a history minor from Trinity Western University, Candace Pisto is now working towards a post-degree diploma in Business Administration at North Island College. A full-time student and mother, Pisto is also working part time at the Comox Valley campus library while working towards her goal of becoming an administrator.
The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board represents approximately 1,000 REALTORS® in more than 80 offices within the Board’s jurisdiction. VIREB’s region runs from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip of Vancouver Island.
Established in 1991, the North Island College Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting North Island College in its task to provide the skills and knowledge students need for successful employment and further education.
The Foundation’s primary objective is to provide student scholarships and bursaries, as well as operating equipment and educational resources.
For further information about the North Island College Foundation, please call Beth Turner at 250-334-5000 ext 4267 or visit www.nic.bc.ca/