Submitted by the DTUC Reunion
Early-bird registration is now open for a reunion May 19 and 20, 2023, for faculty, support staff and students from Nelson former David Thompson University Centre.
Those interested in attending the event, to be held at Nelson’s Prestige Lakeside Resort, can download the registration form from the reunion website at www.dtuc-reunion.ca or request a copy by contacting the reunion committee at dtucreunion@gmail.com.
DTUC was a consortium of the University of Victoria and Selkirk College, established in 1979 on the former premises of Notre Dame University of Nelson, the province’s second university, following NDU’s closure in 1977. The new institution was in many ways a forerunner of B.C.’s university colleges.
DTUC students could obtain a UVic BA degree, and the institution incorporated Nelson’s Kootenay School of Art, which became DTUC’s fine arts department. Instruction was available at DTUC in a wide range of subjects, including drama, photography, creative writing, and rural teacher education.
A B.C. government assessment committee in fall 1983 approved the continuation of the institution. But the government reversed course following the collapse of the November 1983 public sector general strike, which had been widely supported in the West Kootenay. DTUC was ordered to close May 1, 1984.
Registration for the reunion is $50 per person before Jan. 15, 2023, and $75 afterwards. A variety of activities are planned including socials, open mic sessions for registrants, and a dance. Details are posted on the reunion website.
“DTUC meant a lot to people who studied and worked there,” said Tracey Fellowes, reunion committee treasurer. “We’ve already had much interest literally continent-wide from people wanting to connect again with those who shared this important episode in their lives.
“Since of course people have scattered since DTUC days, we’re hoping that those interested not only attend but spread the word about the reunion to others they know who were associated with the school.”