From left to right: Corey Cameron, Acadia Mechanical; Dr. Laurie Waye, President and CEO of CMTN; Elaine Kennedy, carpentry student and award recipient; and Herb Pond, Chair of the CMTN Foundation Board and MC for the evening.
Terrace, BC -- On November 14, 2024, the CMTN Foundation hosted its annual Major Donor Recognition and Student Awards Night Dinner in Terrace. The evening brought together donors, students, and community members to celebrate generosity, achievements, and the transformative power of education.
Guests were treated to a spectacular meal prepared by Chef Rob Stach and students from the second-year Professional Cook Program, adding a special touch of local talent and craftsmanship to the event.
A highlight of the evening was recognizing Acadia Mechanical as the 2024 Platinum Golf Scramble Sponsor. Their incredible $10,000 sponsorship funded four $2,500 awards for students in trades foundation programs. Three of the recipients were present to accept their awards. While they knew in advance they were being honoured, the generosity of these awards—covering a significant portion of their tuition—left them surprised and deeply grateful.
“The annual dinner is more than an awards ceremony; it’s a chance for donors to witness the tangible impact of their contributions. For some, it was their first time seeing students benefit directly from their generosity. For others, especially those who established memorial awards, the evening was deeply emotional—a celebration of their loved ones’ legacies and a realization of their dreams to support education for future generations,” says Yvonne Koerner, Associate Vice President of Corporate Services.
Beyond the awards, the event highlighted how creating endowments fosters lasting change, year after year. It was a powerful reminder of how generosity and vision can ripple through time, empowering students and shaping brighter futures.
Memorial Awards Presented at the 2024 Donor Dinner
Harpreet Takhar Memorial Award
This award was set up by family and friends in memory of Harpreet Takhar who was a beloved member of the CMTN Finance Department from 1998 to 2023. She dedicated 25 years of her life to the college working in various roles within the Finance Department and was instrumental in creating structures that are still in place today. This first Harpreet Takhar Memorial Award was presented to Shannon Green.
Don and Mogens Krause Memorial Award
This award commemorates the lives of Don Krause, a former Elder on campus, and his grandson, Mogens Groth Krause. Don worked as a Millwright for 35 years and followed a 12-Step program to maintain his sobriety. Mogens died when he was only three months old, leaving his mother in a state of grief and addiction. She overcame her struggles with drugs and alcohol and decided to pursue her education, not only for herself but also for Mogens’ brother, Josh Krause. She earned her Adult Graduation Diploma (Dogwood) and continued her studies until she obtained a master's degree in business. This first Don and Mogens Krause Memorial Award was presented to Samantha Wesley, who wasn’t able to attend the dinner.
JVB Trade Award (in memory of Jody Bradley)
The JVB Trades Award was created in honor of Jody Bradley. It is awarded to an adult student returning to school in a trades program for the betterment of their future. Jody’s impact on the community did not go unnoticed; he was a talented welder and fabricator who was always looking out for the little guy. He would offer his experience to the person who had the curiosity and the willingness to learn, regardless of age or gender. Jody started his own education in welding at Coast Mountain College (then Northwest Community College) in Terrace in 1982. The first JVB Trades Award was presented to Jaime Taylor.
2024 CMTN Foundation Financial Aid Adjudication
This fall Coast Mountain College had another record adjudication with 115 different awards being given to 84 unique students, 57 of whom self-identified as Indigenous. The total award value was $130,825! Over $67,175 was awarded in bursaries with the remainder funding various awards and scholarships. Students receiving financial aid came from across the region and represented a wide variety of programs offered at CMTN.