College unveils Glendenning portrait

A portrait of Donald Glendenning, Holland College’s founding president, was unveiled in the Florence Simmons Performance Hall recently.

The portrait, by P.E.I. artist Henry Purdy, was presented by the Association of Holland College Retirees to Glendenning to recognize the 50th anniversary of his appointment as president of Holland College.

Mike Chapman, vice-president of the Association of Holland College Retirees, said the association wanted to recognize Glendenning’s 50 years of service to the college and the retirees’ association.

“When we approached Henry Purdy for suggestions, we were pleasantly surprised when he offered the painting that he had previously completed of Dr. Glendenning. Dr. Glendenning subsequently donated the painting to the college, where it will be proudly displayed in his honour,” said Chapman.

The unveiling ceremony included reminiscences from Fred Hyndman, a member of the Holland College planning committee which interviewed candidates for the position of president, and Purdy, who was one of the first instructors at the college. Current Holland College president Sandy MacDonald and Glendenning also spoke.

Purdy said he wanted the painting to reflect Glendenning’s character.

“The significance of the portrait is in the significance of Dr. Glendenning and the legacy that he has created for the college, our community and our families. He set an example that changed

the way we interacted with each other,” he says.

MacDonald praised Glendenning’s efforts, noting that his accomplishments paved the way for subsequent college presidents.

Glendenning and a small staff started with 365 square feet of office space and a budget of $100,000. Today, there are more than 2,400 full-time students, over 600 adult education learners and 700 EAL learners on P.E.I.,

as well as approximately another 2,000 enrolled in Holland College programs in China. The college’s state-of-the-art infrastructure across the province is supported by a budget in excess of $65 million.

Holland College will launch its 50th anniversary celebrations in September with a variety of events and activities across the province. More information will be available over the coming months.

SUBMITTED A portrait of founding Holland College president Donald Glendenning is unveiled at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall. From left are Holland College president Sandy MacDonald, Glendenning, Henry Purdy, the artist and a retired Holland College instructor, and Fred Hyndman, planning committee member.