LEARN: Lifelong Education and Resource Network (Medicine Hat & District)

History

Original purpose of Further Education Councils was to bring people back into the educational facilities and programs.

Further Ed. courses across the Province began about 1973‐4: cake decorating, mixology, lingerie making, blue jean construction, powder puff mechanics, etc. In 1977, Medicine Hat College President Bob Sackley convened a meeting of the various people throughout the City and District who were responsible for community programming. The purpose of the meeting, which was held at the College, was to discuss the future of Further Ed. in the region. After several meetings, the Medicine Hat & District Further Education Council was established.

Medicine Hat & District Further Education Council facts

formed mid‐1977, the founding members and their representative were:

YMCA –Don Duncan, Executive Director

Community Resource Centre (CRC) – Elaine Duncan, Coordinator

City of Medicine Hat – John Boksteyn, Mgr. Parks & Recreation

MH Public Library – Bob Block, Chief Librarian

Medicine Hat College – Vic Schafer, Chair, Continuing Education

Medicine Hat School District #76 – Barry Finkelman, Coordinator, Instructional Materials Centre

Medicine Hat Family Services – Elmer Regier

Executives:

1977 to 1978 (or 79): Don Duncan, first Chair

1978 (or 79) to 1980: Elaine Duncan, Chair

1980 to 1981: Barry Finkelman, Chair

Coordinators:

1980‐81: Kelly Brown, first Coordinator

1982? – 85?: Mary Williamson (also one of the founders of the Company of Coordinators)

1985? – 20??: Karolyn Fox

The acronym “LEARN” was adopted, along with the “Tree of Learning” logo, about 1989‐90.

prepared by:
 

Barry Finkelman

LEARN Council Board Member

1977‐81; 1985‐94

April 28, 2012