Lennoxville community rallies to welcome students
If there is one thing Lennoxville residents have become accustomed to, it’s the annual Labour Day transformation of their town that occurs when thousands of students descend upon it to attend classes at Champlain Regional College and Bishop’s University . The annual metamorphosis from quiet small town to vibrant student village, where the median age drops by half in a single weekend, is the most energizing time of year for residents and for the students who will be calling Lennoxville home for the next nine months.
Many students will find part-time jobs in local shops and businesses while others will find volunteering opportunities with community organizations that enrich our communities such as the Lennoxville and District Women’s Centre, Literacy in Action, Community Aid and so many more. Students will be found reading stories to children at the Lennoxville Library, serving tea at Uplands or helping coaches in gyms, rinks and classrooms. Many children in our community will have an opportunity to experience the thrill of playing basketball in the gym shoulder-to-knee with the Gaiters. For years, Bishop’s University students have graced The Record’s newsroom, a number of them have gone on to forge successful media careers.
These young people, who come to us from across Canada and abroad, contribute immensely to the vitality of the community with their energy, youthful spirit, new perspectives and open minds. We have much to gain from their presence.
To make students feel welcome in their new home and to encourage them to settle here when their studies are over, The Record is reaching out to all residents and businesses to extend a warm and generous welcome to these young people. Be mindful of the challenges they face in being on their own, many for the first time. They will learn quickly that this is a town where people care for one another and respect private and public property.
As a welcoming gesture, The Record is encouraging businesses to place something blue and purple over the Labour Day weekend – a flag, sign, balloons, flowers - in their windows or outside on their properties to indicate to students they are welcome.
To encourage student engagement in their new home-away-from-home, The Record, will offer a free online subscription to all students of Champlain College and Bishop’s University so they can stay abreast of local news and community events and take advantage of the many goods and services offered locally.
To sign up, students can simply email billing@sherbrookerecord.com indicating they are registered to attend Champlain College or Bishop’s University and the circulation team will create an online subscription for daily access. Students (and all other online subscribers) can download the free Record app from the app store (The Record) to their phones and tablets. The online subscription will also be a direct link to local merchants who offer student specials and discounts.