Southeast Saskatchewan - Southeast Regional College welcomed three new Board members during a recent meeting on February 6 in Estevan. Mr. Ray Boutin (Carlyle), Ms. Sonja Dahlman (Assiniboia), and Ms. Janice Giroux (Weyburn) were recently appointed by the Ministry of Advanced Education to the College's Board of Governors for a 3-year term.
Mr. Boutin has nearly a decade of past Board experience and numerous volunteer commitments in addition to managing his own small business and a new career in real estate. He is an advocate of life-long learning and particularly the affordable and accessible educational opportunities that Regional Colleges provide for the young and young at heart.
"I look forward to working with the Board to explore ideas and innovations that will ensure Southeast Regional College continues its role of delivering quality education programs," said Boutin.
"I believe my experience in marketing and small business management will support the Board and College as it continues to improve the quality of life in our rural areas."
Ms. Dahlman has spent over fifteen years working in the field of economic and community development and has been involved in a number of boards and committees on a local, provincial and national level. As an HR professional and SRC alumnus, she is an advocate of the value of the
Regional College system and how critical a trained and skilled labour force is for the attraction and retention of business.
"I have a keen interest in professional education and the role that the Regional Colleges can play in
the Saskatchewan market," said Dahlman. "I have always enjoyed the opportunity to play a leadership role in organizations that provide tools and resources to make our communities stronger," she added, "and Southeast Regional College has an opportunity to be a leader in workforce development so that our region can successfully participate in Saskatchewan's prosperity."
Ms. Janice Giroux has 28 years of experience in health care and is very aware of the positive relationship between education and one's health. "It is important that people have access to education because it is one of the determinants of health," said Giroux. "From that perspective, I look forward to supporting the educational process and in particular the educational opportunities that Southeast Regional College is providing within our communities," she added.
The SRC Board of Governors consists of seven individuals from throughout the SRC region. Acting
Chair, Ms. Judi Jones (Weyburn) and Ms. Brenda Stevenson (Ochapowace) were also appointed to new 3-year terms, while Mr. Keith Zabolotney (Assiniboia) has retired after serving for 8 years. Mr. Bernie Bjorndalen (Estevan) and Mr. Dale Felgate (Estevan) are currently serving their 3-year terms.
"We are very thankful to Mr. Keith Zabolotney for dedicating his time and service to the SRC Board of Governors," emphasized Dion McGrath, SRC President & CEO. "We are extremely excited to move forward under the leadership and direction of our current and new Board members," he also said, adding that one of the College's and Board's short-term priorities will be to complete SRC's new strategic plan.
Southeast Regional College and its Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute serve a region of more than 70 communities spread throughout 20,000 square kilometers. Through partnerships with postsecondary institutions, the College delivers a variety of career, vocational, and academic programs to meet the economic demands of southeastern Saskatchewan. Additionally, the College serves many business and industry stakeholders by offering numerous business, safety, and industrial programs and courses required to meet the diverse and challenging workplace skill sets of Saskatchewan's growing economy. For more information, visit www.southeastcollege.org.
