Douglas College's campus in Coquitlam is named after Hong Kong native David Lam, the 25th lieutenant governor of B.C. But did you know the institution's namesake also had an international upbringing and helped to shape this province?
Sir James Douglas was born in Guyana to a Scottish merchant father and a Creole mother. Educated in Scotland, Douglas immigrated to Canada at 16 and worked in the fur trade, rising through the ranks of the Hudson's Bay Company. By 1858, Douglas became the first governor of B.C.
Today, Douglas is recognized as a founding father of this province and, next Friday, Douglas College will toast the historical figure with a Scottish-themed formal gala that aims to raise money for student aid.
A Class Act is the signature event for the Douglas College Foundation, which is marking its 30th year. And for the first time, it's being hosted in the newly built Anvil Centre in the Royal City — the provincial capital in Douglas' days.
As students will benefit, many have been asked to volunteer for the cause. The athletics department is in charge of set-up and tear-down while two dozen students from the hospitality management diploma program will take on the registration, hosting and serving, and will oversee the auctions.
(Among the items up for bid are a helicopter ride over Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver, two nights at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, a Highland title and a Scottish liquor gift basket. The auction will be conducted by Douglas College board member Dave Teixeira and Suzanne Kyra, a foundation board member and A Class Act organizing committee chairperson.)
Danielle Hockey, a second-year hospitality student who works as the banquets and weddings co-ordinator at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club, is the student liaison for A Class Act.
"It's really important for our students to be part of this and to get some experience in our field," she said this week from the Coquitlam campus. "This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the foundation so it's important that we put our best foot forward and represent the college well."
Hockey said the hospitality students — many of whom have international backgrounds, like their school's namesake — will be putting in a full shift to volunteer at A Class Act. They will wear their traditional black-and-white uniform plus a special tartan scarf made for the occasion — "and, of course, a smile," she said.
Besides the scotch and shortbread tastings, the 250-plus guests will also enjoy a table-top curling competition, and Scottish music and dancing performances from the faculty.
"There'll be a chance to join in and learn a reel, too," said Hazel Postma, the college's associate vice president of advancement and alumni relations. "It'll be a high-energy night and lots of fun."
• Tickets for A Class Act on Friday, Nov. 6 are $85 via douglascollege.ca. The Anvil Centre is located at 777 Columbia St., next to the New Westminster SkyTrain station.
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