Author debuts Holland College history publication

Wayne MacKinnon walked into the foyer just 15 minutes before his public was supposed to arrive. He was dressed in a neatly pressed black suit, gold-coloured dress shirt and gold and black tie. Not a hair on his head was out of place.
Small, black-framed glasses sat on his nose as he quietly greeted the Holland College public relations representative, a smiling 40-ish, blonde woman who asked him if he had a pen and ushered him to his book-signing table.
That’s when all the fun began.
MacKinnon, author of the recently published Holland College history, A Record of Achievement, was hired from among a group of candidates, after he wrote a proposal to the Association of Holland College Retirees committee to write the series of memoirs.
It took him 18 months to finish the manuscript.
Thursday, Sept. 25, the book was launched in the cafeteria of the Charlottetown Centre.
The book features stories of those who spent time at the school during its first 25 years or operation.
It’s important institutions tell their story, MacKinnon said to a crowd of members of the Association of Holland College Retirees, Holland College Alumni, politicians and former college administrators.
“It’s been a great project. I had a wonderful time doing it.”
Brian MacMillan, president of Holland College, said in his opening remarks, the launch was more of a reunion or homecoming, noting how those in the crowd were hugging and swapping memories.
“Today is a great day for this college and this province.”
Richard Brown, P.E.I.’s minister of Innovation and advanced learning, agreed. He said he lived near the college and often walked near the campus, witnessing the enthusiasm of students and especially staff.
“They create the people who create the future of P.E.I.”
It’s great MacKinnon has written the book as government can refer to it and say “Look, they are doing a great job here – Let’s continue the funding,” he added.
“It’s a great history.”
Founding president Donald Glendenning said among Canadian colleges, the Holland College board and president have the greatest autonomy.
“Its success depends on all those who made up its population – staff, students and administration.”
MacMillan thanked MacKinnon for capturing the history of the college.
“It is an excellent piece of work,” he said.
MacKinnon said he was pleased to see such a turnout at the event.
He spoke softly and smiled infrequently, adjusted his tie and waited for those gathered to make their way to where he stood.