Wind In Our Sails

Robin Fisher, feels honoured to become the first elected President of the Mid Vancouver Island Elder College Society. “I am humbled and in awe of the surge of community support that the new Elder College is receiving,” says Robin. “The hard work of our board members, plus their unshakeable belief in the value of learning, is the wind in the sails of our ship.”

He succeeds Ross Peterson, who led Elder College through a turbulent time after it was cast off by Vancouver Island University at the end of 2023. “This was our independence day. It felt historic,” says Robin. “Without thinking too much, we decided to go it alone, and immediately set to work charting our own course as an independent society.”

“Under the capable leadership of Ross Peterson, we reorganised and began offering courses and public lectures. Ross devoted a vast number of hours to this task, and provided the leadership to get us sailing in the right direction. He will be missed, but we will continue to navigate the course that he has set.”

Now, Robin is called upon to put his hands on the wheel. He is ready. After a career in university teaching and administration elsewhere, plus writing some prize-winning books on the history of British Columbia, he moved to the Island. Robin joined the board while ElderCollege was still part of Vancouver Island University.

He's taught several courses, including his most popular on the History of First Nations Land in British Columbia. “I love being in a classroom with mature students. Their sole aim is to immerse themselves in the experience. And why not? Our courses have no exams, no essays, no homework and, best of all, no grading. We learn together and from each other. It’s perfect,” says Robin.

Mid Island Elder College is currently preparing to offer more than 55 courses and a Saturday lecture series this fall.

“In those moments when the decisions and the details seem overwhelming, we remember why we do this work, says Robin. “Mid Vancouver Island has one of the largest populations of people aged 50+ in Canada. Students take our courses for the joy of learning. They know that life-long learning equals well-being. They make social connections, and they contribute to vibrant communities,” says Robin. “For many, Elder College is a lifeline. So it is actually a social health care system.”