May 28, 2013
Vancouver, BC – Langara is pleased to announce the establishment of its Emeritus program, to recognize the distinguished service of retiring and retired faculty members and professional staff who have made outstanding contributions in teaching, research, service, and leadership at the College.
The program stems from an initiative to recognize faculty and staff who have served as pillars of the community during their time at Langara, and significantly influenced the development of the College. The first three individuals to be honoured with the Emeritus designation are former Dean of Continuing Studies Doug Soo, Studio 58 founder Antony Holland, and pioneering biology instructor Michael Holmwood.
“We are proud of the contributions of our faculty and staff and pleased to be able to honour exceptional Langara community members through this Emeritus program,” said Langara’s President and CEO Roy Daykin. “These individuals represent the tradition of excellence we strive for at Langara, and their continuing connection to the College is appreciated by all.”
Doug Soo, who is being recognized with the Dean Emeritus designation, was Langara’s first Dean of Continuing Studies. During the 16 years he was at the helm the division grew to become one of the largest and most successful providers of adult education in British Columbia. A well-known educator and community builder, Doug was recognized with the Canada 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal for Service to the Community in 1992, as well as being named as an Honorary Life Member by the Association for Community Education in BC in 1994.
Antony Holland is being honoured with the title of Artistic Director Emeritus of Theatre Arts at Studio 58. An acclaimed Canadian actor, Holland officially retired in 1985 but continues to support Studio 58 operations by acting, directing, and mentoring students. He is also an inductee into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Instructor Emeritus Michael Holmwood is recognized as a “pioneer” at Langara for recognizing the potential of technology to positively shape pedagogy. His vision was instrumental in establishing the College’s Educational Technology Department, as well as the delivery of Langara’s first online science course. He is a recipient of the ACCC Teaching Excellence Award (1997-98) as well as the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education’s Canadian Community College Professor of the Year Award (1998).
Soo, Holland, and Holmwood will be honoured at the 2013 Service and Academic Excellence Recognition Luncheon on May 28 and presented with their official designations at student convocation on June 5 and 6. The College thanks them for all their years of service, and their continued commitment to the Langara community.
About Langara
Located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies programs and courses to more than 23,000 students annually. The College’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students to choose their own educational path.
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Annie Mullins
Communications Officer
Communications & Marketing
T 604.323.5058
amullins@langara.bc.ca