Wishing the VCC community a wonderful winter break
Dear VCC community,
I would like to begin by acknowledging that Vancouver Community College is located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. I’m grateful to work and learn on these lands and to be part of a community that values connection and reconciliation.
As we approach the winter break, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared throughout 2024. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each member of our college community. Your unwavering dedication, passion, and resilience have been truly remarkable.
Highlights that stand out to me this past year include the Indigenous ground blessing ceremony held in preparation for the Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation (CCEAI), the Deaf and hard of hearing, blind, and interpreting programs celebrating 50 years of education, a unique partnership with Adler University that promotes accessible learning, and a food security initiative supported by the college, Students’ Union of VCC, and the VCC Foundation. These are just a few examples of how we continue to create a welcoming and transformative learning environment for all.
I also want to take a moment to recognize the leadership transitions on VCC’s Board of Governors. We warmly welcome our new Board Chair, Mahin Rashid and Vice Chair, Jeffrey Yu, who bring exceptional vision and commitment to our college. At the same time, I extend my most heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing Board Chair, Joey Hartman—thank you for your transformative leadership. Joey’s unwavering commitment and strategic insight have been invaluable to our success.
With the winter break upon us, I would also like to extend warm wishes to everyone celebrating the holidays. May this season be filled with joy, light, and meaningful moments shared with loved ones. These celebrations remind us of the importance of community, hope, and togetherness—values that resonate deeply within the VCC family.
As we all prepare to take a well-deserved break, I hope you'll take time to rest, connect with loved ones, and reflect on the incredible achievements we've shared. Your efforts make VCC the amazing place it is, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of our community.
Finally, I want to extend my deepest thanks to the family and friends who support each of you. Whether through encouragement, understanding, or simply being there, their care and kindness make your contributions possible. VCC’s success is built not just by our community, but by the network of support that surrounds it.
May the coming year bring us continued growth and learning. We look forward to reuniting in 2025, ready to continue our important work together.
With gratitude,
Ajay Patel
President and CEO
Vancouver Community College