Tribute planned for retiring president Don Gnatiuk

Sep 11, 2019 | 12:15 PM

A tribute to retiring GPRC President Don Gnatiuk is planned for September 12.

The College’s Carmen Haakstad explains the name of the event Mark on You: A Vital Tribute to Don Gnatiuk.

“The Mark on You is from the song that was (written) by Tenille Townes. We had it for our 50th anniversary and we just thought it was a great theme for the tribute to Don since he has made a mark on our community and our college.”

Gnatiuk has served in the President’s post for 12 years, the longest term for a GPRC President.

Haakstad says a number of things are planned for the evening.

“We’re highlighting the 12-year significant milestones. An example being the college getting university status for granting of degrees (and) the merger (with) Fairview, which was his very first milestone. There’s quite a few. We’ll be highlighting those types of things”

He adds the evening will have a dual purpose.

“It’s more about the tribute, but also our Campaign Cabinet is using this event to thank our donors for the contribution to our Vital Campaign.”

Haakstad says that campaign is closing on its goal of raising $20 million by 2020. An announcement of how close they are will be made at the tribute to Gnatiuk. He will leave the President’s post no later than the end of March, sooner if a replacement is found.

by Curtis Galbraith