News Detail
Friesen Centre Opening
Our new Student Centre is unveiled!
On Friday, June 6th Shawnigan welcomed back alumnus Garth Friesen '87, his wife Jeannie, and their children Alexa, Adam and Ava as they unveiled the Friesen Centre, the first official unveiling of the Learning Commons Project.
Thanks to Garth's generosity, his vision of creating a place where students could make lasting friendships with the comforts of home has been realized. It is a far cry from the original (and ironically named) Ritz that was squirrelled away in the 70's and 80's in the basement of the old Main Building. In fact, when researching this article I learned there are no known archival photographs of the original facility! From these humble origins, the Ritz migrated to the old dining room in the late 90's. It was a better space, but still lacked a warm ambience.
The new Friesen Centre is a bright environment built from new growth BC fir. It is a place for students to relax, play pool and table tennis, get supplies from the commissary and purchase food from the Stag Café. The area is already a big hit with the whole community! At the opening, Garth was joined by his past schoolboy friends, old teachers, members of the Board of Governors and present staff and students. Originally from White Rock BC, the proud Ripley's House man graduated as Head Boy and Head Student. He now lives in Florida where, among other things, he acts as Advisor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The event included a musical offering by sisters Anna '14 and Tai '16 W., accompanied by Fanah M. '15. Speeches and toasts were given and a presentation of gifts made to Garth and his family. All in all, a wonderful afternoon that sets the bar for the many openings still to come!
- Phil Jarvis, Director of the Shawnigan Centennial
- Phil Jarvis, Director of the Shawnigan Centennial
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
