Alumni & Friends Christmas Luncheon

The fourth annual Vancouver College Alumni and Friends Christmas Luncheon at Terminal City Club celebrated the iconic VC football greats and the leaders in our community. We recognized Kevin Falcon (VC'81) and Michael Lee (VC'82), who are running for liberal leadership. We also honoured our legendary Chris Beaton (VC'65), Frank Smith (VC'51), Cal Murphy (VC'50), and Bobby Ackles (VC'57) for their great contribution to the history of BC football.

Dr. Tony Holler, entrepreneur and philanthropist, was interviewed by Global News anchorman Chris Gailus. Tony talked about his journey to becoming the CEO of ID Biomedical and his passion for wine. Tony built his winery, Poplar Grove, with the help of his wife, Barbara, and their four sons, Christopher (VC'02), Andrew (VC'03), Matthew (VC'06), and Eric (VC'10). Tony was also instrumental to Vancouver College’s Capital Campaign in the early 2000s and the Holler Family Science Centre was named in his honour.

Special thank you to the Alumni Association for donating $20,000 to the Vancouver College Financial Assistance Fund and thank you to those who bid in the live auction at the luncheon! All proceeds from the live auction will go towards helping to ensure that Vancouver College remains a diverse and inclusive faith and learning community.

2017 Irish Christmas Luncheon

2017 Irish Christmas Luncheon Recap
2017 Irish Christmas Luncheon Photo Gallery

2017 Irish Christmas Luncheon Recap

The Inaugural Irish Christmas Luncheon took place on December 7, 2018. We were privileged to invite a world-class combat photographer - Finbarr O’Reilly (VC'89) - to speak at Terminal City Club for the inaugural Irish Luncheon. Among the 160 guests were VC alumni, family, friends, and Lettermen.

Each attendee received the book Shooting Ghosts, a documentary authored and autographed by Finbarr, at the registration table. Shooting Ghosts is a must-read, breath-taking book that gives first-hand insight into life on the front lines.

It was amazing to hear from someone who experienced otherwise unimaginable trauma in war zones. An inspiring speaker, Finbarr captivated the room with his transparency, honesty, and humble nature.

In the midst of the gathering, the audience took a moment of silence to remember alumni that have recently passed away- in particular, Frank Woods (VC’02). You will forever be remembered in our hearts.

A gift of $30,000 was presented to President John Nixon (VC'69) from funds raised at the 44th Annual VC Golf Tournament. On behalf of VC Alumni Association, we are beyond grateful for those who sponsored the 2017 Golf Tournament, especially Corex our title sponsor, and those who donated gifts in kind for our silent and live auction. The $30,000 donation will be directed towards the Bursary Fund, ensuring that no qualified student is denied from VC education.

Special thanks to Mark Reid (VC'86) and Stephen Jagger (VC'96) for putting together the event logistics. Vancouver College expresses our gratitude for our sponsors and volunteers; this event could not have been made possible without your help.

The inaugural luncheon turned out to be a huge success, which sets the bar high for next year. The 2nd annual Irish Christmas Luncheon will take place on December 6, 2018. Please save the date, and we hope to see you there!

2017 Irish Christmas Luncheon Photo Gallery

2017 Sponsors

2017 Sponsors

2018 Irish Christmas Luncheon

We are pleased to share that the 2nd Annual Vancouver College Irish Christmas Luncheon, presented by Choom at the Terminal City Club, was a success! Our keynote speaker, Dr. Keiron McConnell (VC'86), delivered a powerful message on his experiences working with gang suppression units and left the audience in awe.

We are also privileged to announce that the VCAA presented a gift of $40,000 to the school's Bursary Fund through the proceeds raised at the Golf Tournament. On behalf of the VC Alumni Association, we express our gratitude to those who sponsored the 2018 Golf Tournament, especially to our title sponsor Wilson Beck Insurance Group, and those who donated gifts in kind for our live and silent auctions.

Mark Reid (VC'86) and Steve Jagger (VC'96) introduced the VC Alumni Corridor Paver Program, an opportunity for VC alumni to leave their legacy at Vancouver College. With 28 supporters, we raised $77,500 at the luncheon, which is a testament to the incredible connection many of us continue to have with VC .

Special thanks to Mark and Steve for organizing the event , Keiron for the wonderful speech, and to all the sponsors for supporting the luncheon. Please save the date for the next Irish Luncheon on December 5th, 2019!

2018 Sponsors

2018 Sponsors

2019 Irish Christmas Luncheon

The 2019 Alumni and Friends Christmas Luncheon, sponsored by Fasken, took place on Dec 5 at the Terminal City Club. We had an incredible fireside chat with global news anchor Chris Gailus and Mr. Mel Zajac. Mel is a real estate developer and a philanthropist. He captured the crowd as he spoke about his life journey.

To honour the Fighting Irish Football Championship, the VCAA auctioned off a football helmet and a signed football. Many thanks to the highest bidders, we were able to raise $13,000 for the football program.

The VCAA also presented a cheque of $45,000 for the funds raised at the 2019 Golf Tournament to President John Nixon. Thanks to the generosity of supporters at the golf tournament, this gift towards the Bursary Program will help to ensure no boy is denied a VC education due to financial concerns.

2019 Sponsors