Thompson Rivers University Board of Governors have elected Karl deBruijn and Michael Parker to one-year terms of chair and vice-chair at its regular annual election.

“I look forward to serving as the chair,” said deBruijn, who was appointed to the Board of Governors in November 2005″. Working with the other members of the board and the TRU community we will continue to grow and advance the university.”

Before becoming the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education with School District #73, deBruijn was a teacher and principal for the District. He holds a Master of Education from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University. An active member of his community, deBruijn has served on a number of boards, including the TRU Alumni Association, the TRU Foundation, the City of Kamloops Social Planning Committee, the Friends of McQueen Lake Foundation and the Vancouver Foundation Education Advisory Board. He is a professional member of the BC College of Teachers and the BC School Superintendents Association. He replaces Ron Olynyk as chair.

Michael Parker, a Partner with Becker Daley LLP Chartered Accountants, was elected to the position of vice-chair. Previously, he was a Manager at KPMG LLP and a Principal of The Ground Works Coffee Company. Mr. Parker currently serves as a board member with Kamloops West Rotary Club and is the former Treasurer with Kamloops & District Crime Stoppers. He holds his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC.

Contact: Maryanne Bower, TRU Board of Governors, (p) 250-828-5318