COTR president Nick Rubidge presented with Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal

Dr. Nick Rubidge accepts Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from Member of Parliament, David Wilks.

College of the Rockies president and CEO Dr. Nick Rubidge was presented with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal on Friday, February 15 by David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia in a surprise ceremony at the College’s main campus.

Also in attendance to congratulate Dr. Rubidge were the Honourable Bill Bennett, MLA Kootenay East and Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development; Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council chair; members of College of the Rockies’ board of governors including medal ceremony MC and board chair Orest Federko; past College board chairs Ron Toyota, Alex Jensen and Marko Maryniak; and COTR students and employees.

Nominated by College of the Rockies’ board of governors and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recognizes the exceptional contribution Dr. Rubidge has made to adult and post-secondary education in British Columbia, across Canada and internationally.

On February 6, 2012 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marked the 60th anniversary of her accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. In celebration of this event, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created as a visible and tangible way to recognize outstanding Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life who have built and continue to build our society and country through their service, contributions and achievements.

Board chair Orest Federko said, “Nick is a clear example of what the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal represents. He has dedicated more than 40 years to enriching lives and engaging communities through the power of post-secondary and adult education. Believing strongly that education is key to personal and community success, Nick has dedicated his life to giving citizens and communities what he believes is everyone’s right; access to quality adult education.”

Since taking the position of College of the Rockies president in April 2001, Dr. Rubidge has guided the College through exceptional growth. Due to his vision and leadership this growth has provided the Kootenay region with a College that has capacity for the future, is inviting to students of all ages and has state-of-the-art computer-based teaching technology which allows students from regional facilities and beyond to take part in classroom instruction delivered from the main campus in Cranbrook.

The presentation of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal comes during the final year of Dr. Rubidge’s outstanding career. “It is very fitting that we are honouring Nick now in this his retirement year for his many contributions and significant service to his fellow citizens, communities and the Canadian Crown,” said Federko.