TRU Shows Its Colours: 40th Anniversary Event a celebration of diversity
Story by Linda Komori
A passionate performance by a First Nations drumming group and an orchestra performing Handel: you don’t usually get to experience these two things in the same evening.
But of course, if you’re at TRU’s 40th anniversary celebration, you have to expect a little diversity—as evidenced by the colourful parade of TRU students bearing flags from around the globe. Among the flags carried across campus to the Campus Commons was the Shuswap Nation flag.
First Nations dancers in traditional regalia lead the international flag parade. Following the parade was an unveiling and raising of a flag recognizing and honouring Secwepemc First Nations bands. TRU is located in the heart of Secwepemc territory and the flag (see below) is one more visual reminder of TRU’s mandate to Indigenize the campus.
Delyla Daniels, a T’kemlups Indian Band member, came to the celebration as a singer with the Sage Hills Drum Group. “I’m here to honour the raising of the Shuswap flag,” she explained.
The flag raising was just one piece of a diverse evening of ceremony and entertainment—as befits a university that’s embraced diversity not only in its program offerings, but also in its student body.
“The campus has grown so much. When I was here, it was just the main building, really,” said Terence Byrne, who attended the celebration as an alumnus from a corrections program taken back in Cariboo College days. “And I really notice the diversity of the people here now.”
Al Thompson, who taught a communications course on campus a number of years ago, came to the event with his wife, Vera, to take in a campus tour and find out what was new at the university. “We talked to a couple of students from Russia,” said Thompson. “It’s fun to see how the university is developing and growing.”
Fireworks over TRU capped off the day.
Cathy Ferguson was at the celebration as a volunteer, and reminisced fondly about obtaining her bachelor of science in nursing at the institution in 1991. Now sitting on the TRU Senate, Ferguson is always looking for opportunities to give back to the university. “You get so much out of an education,” she explained, adding that in her current job she works with graduates from the nursing program every day. “TRU graduates excellent nurses.”
Beth Andrucson, a student working toward her bachelor of science in chemistry, also spoke enthusiastically about her education at TRU. Originally from the lower mainland, Andrucson came to TRU after her husband had had a positive experience at TRU’s science labs one summer. “He called and said, ‘This school is so amazing—you have to come see it,’ and here we are, five years later,” she explained.
Others at the celebration also had stories of moving to Kamloops because of an opportunity presented by the institution. Linda Early, who now lives in Sorrento, came to Kamloops to teach English at the institution in the ‘70s, and stayed until retirement a few years ago. She remarked on the growth she’s seen at the university over the years. “40 years isn’t a long time for a university. It’s been pretty amazing growth.”
Jessie Fedorak, a retired elementary school teacher, also shared memories of the early years of the institution. “I took two computer courses here years ago, and some courses just for fun—like cake decorating,” she adds with a laugh. “It’s just nice to celebrate 40 years.”
While the wind threatened at times to waylay the celebration’s grand finale, it died down as if on cue when the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra took the stage. The fireworks, set to a movement from Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, seemed to say it all: TRU, there is much to celebrate.
Watch for more images from the Back to School BBQ and 40th anniversary celebrations in September 2010.
Related links
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TRU Athletics
Fireworks accompanied by members of the Kamloops Symphony.
Alix Turk dives into a hamburger during the Back to School BBQ on Friday, Sept. 10.
The organized chaos around the burger & hotdog grill outside the International Building during the Back to School BBQ.
Bongani Mafulela takes a turn at the Career Education spin the prize wheel game.
Emmanuel Hananiya cheers on the spinning wheel at the TRU Career Education booth. His efforts paid off because he won a shirt.
Craig St. Jean entertains as a roving busker in front of the Independent Centre as part of the 40th anniversary bash. More of his exploits can be viewed on YouTube by searching CraigFreestyle or checking out my-freestyle.net. His adopted nickname: IWannaBeChuckNorris
At the anniversary bash it’s Cameron (left, wearing hat), Alana (purple), TRU Athletics mascot Wolfie, Jordyn, and Emma. The four girls say they are on a mission to find out Wolfie\’s true identity. Despite their efforts, Wolfie isn\’t offering clues and neither are his handlers.
Ben Nielsen kicks off the musical entertainment with original material he describes as being at the crossroads of John Mayer and Jack Johnson in a room where Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played.<br /> Keep up to date on everything Ben Nielsen through his MySpace page myspace.com/benbrooksnielsen\” width=\”500\” height=\”698\” />
TRU mascot Wolfie demonstrates he\’s no slouch on air guitar as he pulls off a Pete Townshend windmill during Paul Filek\’s Mainstage performance.
Paul Filek and Wolfie wrap their impromptu performance with an ambitious pawslap. No word on future shows involving the two. To keep up with Paul Filek, go to paulfilek.com.
Cyclists and their support crew who participated in the three-day ride from Williams Lake to Kamloops. The group started on Wednesday, Sept. 8 and rode to 100 Mile House. Day 2 ended in Cache Creek. The group also raised about $15,000 for student bursaries, which will be distributed through the TRU Foundation.
In front of the Mainstage, dancers move to the sounds of Shaun Hunjen as he plays the dhol (an Indian drum) during the TRU 40th anniversary celebrations.
On the Mainstage is Shaun Hunjen playing the dhol (an Indian drum) during the TRU 40th anniversary celebrations.
Making its way up the flag pole is the newly created flag honouring the Secwepemc People. TRU is located in the heart of Secwepemc traditional territory.
Time to cut the cake…
… and time to have a slice.
Members of Vancouver band Maria in the Shower. To keep up with them, check out myspace.com/mariaintheshower
Christopher Seguin, Vice-president of TRU Advancement, takes a turn as guest conductor of a group of Kamloops Symphony musicians prior to start of the fireworks. In the left part of the photo and enjoying the fun is Bruce Dunn, Kamloops Symphony Conductor and Music Director.
Stepping back into the conductor’s spot is Bruce Dunn, Conductor and Music Director for the Kamloops Symphony.
