PHOTOS: John Horgan Campus opening
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Angela Macasaquit is one of the first students to study at Royal Roads University’s new John Horgan Campus in Langford, which marked its grand opening with Indigenous Elders, the Horgan family, partner institutions, the Province of BC, the City of Langford and more than 150 guests in attendance.
The Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers perform to open the event.
The RRU Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel Management student, speaking on behalf of all students studying on the new campus, said the opening was highly anticipated among her peers.
“We are already building community and making connections with each other, and we know many more students will want to follow in our footsteps," said RRU student Angela Macasaquit.
“This new location provides convenience, accessibility and the capacity to promote a sustainable and forward-thinking learning environment,” she said, adding that students in the West Shore now have not only the opportunity to study alongside learners from across disciplines and institutions, but also the chance to catch up on projects (and sleep) with a reduced commute to their respective institutions.
Students recently attended an orientation session at RRU Langford, John Horgan Campus.
The campus is a first-of-its-kind partnership between RRU, the University of Victoria, Camosun College, the Justice Institute of BC and the Sooke School District.
“We are thrilled to open the RRU Langford, John Horgan Campus, said RRU President Philip Steenkamp, who recalled a conversation with the late John Horgan, former Premier of BC, when he encouraged Royal Roads to ‘get out of the castle and into the community.’
“Students walking through these doors will expand their knowledge, explore new possibilities and gain the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. And best of all, they can do it all in the heart of the West Shore,” Steenkamp said.
"It’s education and opportunity that we want for every single British Columbian,” said Premier David Eby. “The opportunities that will be here … will continue to build this province of what I believe will be the engine of Canada’s new economy.”
To mark the opening of the campus, President Steenkamp joined the Horgan family alongside Premier David Eby and Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Highlands, to unveil a commemorative plaque in honour of John Horgan, affectionately referred to throughout the event simply as “John from Langford.”
John Horgan's wife, Ellie, helps unveil a commemorative plaque honours John Horgan's vision for the opportunity for students to pursue higher education opportunities in the West Shore.
Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson said, “John would be proud – proud to see these doors open, proud to see this community rise.”
"This campus is a beacon of opportunity located in the heart of our incredible city," said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson.
MLA for Langford-Highlands Ravi Parmar called the campus a "game-changer" for the community.