Celebrating 20 Years of Women at Shawnigan

On Saturday, June 6, thirty Shawnigan Alumnae returned to the School to reconnect and share their experiences with current students at the first Shawnigan Women’s Day Celebration. The event was created to commemorate twenty years of co-education at the School, which forever changed the fabric of the School.

A highlight of the day was the chapel service, featuring the Girls’ House hymns and an address from Vicki Stronge ’94, who spoke about her experiences as one of Shawnigan’s first “5-Year Girls.” Vicki spoke candidly about the many changes to the campus since the early days and the pride she still feels for the School today.

After lunch and a tour of the campus, the alumnae gathered with several current female students at the Shaw Science Centre to take part in a series of networking workshops, with the grads speaking to the students about their experiences since leaving the gates of Shawnigan. The overwhelming message from the workshops was the sentiment that “you are never alone,” with the alumnae offering their services as mentors should our future graduates ever need direction and guidance.

Alumnae and students were also treated to a keynote address by a first-time visitor to Shawnigan, Ms. Heather White, CEO of 2020 Communications, Inc. Heather, an in-demand public speaker from Vancouver, delivered an engaging and informative address about the importance of building a professional network, developing personal and professional goals, and creating a positive, supportive work environment. Heather’s address was perfectly tailored for the occasion, and we look forward to welcoming her back to campus soon!

The day’s festivities wrapped up in the Upper Dining Hall, where the alumnae enjoyed a fantastic dinner. After the meal, the women heard an eloquent, moving address by Jacqueline (Croy) Flett ’97 who unveiled plans for a new bursary, to honour our female alumnae and that will be awarded to a deserving female student at the School in need of financial aid. Jacqueline’s words provided a fitting end to a truly memorable day. The School was overwhelmed by the support given for the weekend and is already looking forward to making Women’s Day a fixture on the Shawnigan calendar in years to come!

- Ryan Panton '97, Alumni Relations (Photos by Stephen Lane)