The North Island College Foundation is looking “North” for its new board chair.
John North brings decades of experience in science and education to the role.
North earned his PhD in immunology at Cambridge and worked in academic research and biotechnology before moving to Canada in 1998. He retired in Comox in 2012 and has since been involved with North Island College through ElderCollege and other volunteer work.
North was selected as chair at the foundation’s September board meeting. In a statement, the college said North received a fully government-funded education and sees his new role as a way to help young people find their own paths through education.
North said he wants to help ensure students have access to the same educational opportunities he had. He believes education can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
“There is no question in my mind that having opportunities for higher education makes a real difference in people’s lives,” North said. “I have this lifelong belief that education’s really good for everybody.”
The foundation has supported North Island College students for 35 years through scholarships, bursaries, emergency funds and equipment.
Last year, it distributed $1 million through its awards program.
