College crowns new head Witter will be leaving Douglas College this August, as she hands the reins over to Dr. Scott McAlpine. Dr. McAlpine is currently the dean of arts, science and upgrading at Grande Prairie Regional College in Alberta and is known as “the voice of political commentary” in his community. He has taught for over 20 years at Grande Prairie Regional College, and he holds a doctorate in political science. Before becoming dean of arts, science and education, he served as chair of arts, commerce and education from 1999-2005. “Students can expect to see the same high-quality the same exciting and dynamic degree of engagement with the community that Douglas College is known for,” Dr. McAlpine said. “Douglas College is known for its quality, its commitment to students, its financial stability, its student athletes, and its committed faculty and staff. Any changes to programs and practices will need to honour these traditions and be the result of a full and complete consultation of stakeholders including Board.” When asked what students can expect to see over the months surrounding the change of leadership, Dr. McAlpine answered, “What is essential here is that students and staff need to know that the College wishes to progress and, at the same time, needs to recognize and honour our 40 years of success,” President Witter, who has served as College president for 12 years and has been in the Douglas College system for 30, will leave a lasting legacy of growth in strong, stable and diversified Douglas College programs, along with a student bursary in her name. She joins another staff member, vice-president of education Dr. Jan Lindsay in departing from the College, as the former registrar Trisha Angus did last year. “It’s hard to predict what kind of gaps will be. It’s a little sad, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my tenure and I'll still be around for the annual Awards Tea every year, and I'll be working on the anniversary committee as well. Lots of Douglas College employees come back after they have left. They’re encouraged to do so. This is the best college in B.C!” said Witter. President Witter advises that Dr. McAlpine’s biggest challenge as College president will be to make sure the College stays relevant to changing job markets and continues to adapt to meet those needs such as when the College expanded its health science programs to cater to B.C.’s needs in that sector. She will be heading into semi-retirement, to spend more time with what she calls her “three Gs:” gardening, golf, and her granddaughter. She is hoping to apply to work on an appeals board, spend more time volunteering and to travel. “I decided to leave before I became complacent. It takes tons of energy and Scott will bring in fresh ideas with his appointment,” said President Witter. Though the changeover will take place on the 17" of August this year, she will remain on salary for a period of time afterwards in order to smooth the transition over. Douglas College Wrap-up By Shaylee Pérez, Staff Reporter. Extra help where you need it Both Douglas College Learning Centres are now open for the summer semester. The Learning Centres provide free help in studying habits and research, and depending on what class, may have a tutor to help out with your coursework as well. The New West Learning Centre (604.527.5539) can be found in Room 2209, down the hall from the library and in Room A1040 on the Atrium at David Lam (604.777.6139). The Learning Centre is also online at douglascollege.ca/onlinetutor. Watch your step The New West campus will be going through a series of renovations throughout the summer. Affected areas include: ¢ Underground parking lot from June to August (repairs) ¢ Gym from June to July (replacement of manual gym bleachers with automated ones) ¢ West Plaza from June to December - (concrete replacement) * Second Level Washrooms from June 5" to September 1* 2009 May Day Parade another success By Garth McLennan, Acting News Editor ay 23” marked New Westminster’s 139" annual May Day celebration, and once again, the festivities featured a parade beginning at New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) and concluding at Queens’ Park. The May Day Parade is a key part of the New Westminster’s long- running Hyack Festival. Two of the most prominent attractions the parade features are the elementary school May Queens and Royal Knights, and the weekend with a dazzling fireworks display over the Fraser River down at New Westminster’s Quay. One of the most historic aspects of the Hyack Festival is the yearly firing of the Hyack anvil salute. The 21-gun annual winner of the prestigious Miss firing has been an ongoing Victoria Day New Westminster pageant. The 2009 tradition that is conducted every year at winner was Michelle Murray, who took _noon since 1860 in the heart of Queens’ home the talent and speech awards as Park. The salute is preceded by a half- part of the event and was crowned by hour of speeches and pronouncements the 2008 winner, Joanna Coman. from several New Westminster This year was different Envoys from many Washington politicians. from parades of past however, State high schools attended and the The Hyack Festival once again as it marked the historic parade was marked by the NWSS featured a county fair of sorts in 150* anniversary of New junior and senior football teams. Queens Park with an assortment of Westminster. Also, several editions of the New rides, games and other attractions. The May Day Parade is Westminster Salmonbellies lacrosse The most formal aspect of the a landmark day that residents _—_ club were also involved. Hyack Festival is the May Day look forward to all year long. The May Day Parade was attended — ceremony, which takes all of the It regularly features a number _ once again by a large selection of elementary school May Queens and of floats, marching bands New Westminster politicians and city Royal Knights for the crowing of the and other attractions not just councillors, including Mayor Wayne head May Queen, who is determined from New Westminster and Wright. through a lottery from the pool of all the Lower Mainland but from The actual parade isn’t the only the winners. Students from all around across North America. This part of the Hyack Festival. The Hyack the province take part in the ceremony year there were over 140 Festival kicks off every year at the as well, primarily through the maypole separate parade entries. beginning of the Victoria Vay long dances.