College of the Rockies Celebrates 50 Years of Educational Impact

The College of the Rockies celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 6, 2025, with a special event at the Kootenay Centre. The gathering brought together dignitaries, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and board members to honour the institution’s rich history and its future aspirations.

The celebration included speeches from prominent figures, the unveiling of a time capsule, and refreshments. Michael Crowe, president and CEO of the College, highlighted the significance of the day: “Today is a moment to celebrate everything that the college has achieved over a rich 50-year history, but it’s also a time to look ahead at the next 50 years and what that will consist of.”

Reflecting on a Legacy

The time capsule, containing items from 1975, was opened briefly in 2000 and resealed during the recent celebration. These artifacts will be displayed around the college for the next year before being sealed again until 2050. The ceremony also featured a cake cutting by Crowe and Mike Selby, son of the college’s first faculty member, Joe Selby.

Founded in 1975, the East Kootenay Community College began with a vision to enhance education accessibility in the region. The first classes commenced on October 6, 1975, enrolling 351 students in Cranbrook and smaller numbers in Kimberley, Fernie, Golden, and Invermere. Initially, classes were held in various locations, including high school classrooms, until the construction of a 130,000 square-foot main campus in 1982.

Over the years, the institution expanded, establishing additional campuses in Invermere, Golden, Fernie, and Creston. The college rebranded as the College of the Rockies in 1995, reflecting its growing offerings and facilities. Significant developments include the construction of the yaqakiǂ ʔit̓qawxaxamki (The Place Where People Gather), enhanced trades facilities, and student housing, alongside the acquisition of the Gold Creek Campus.

Current Impact and Future Goals

As of 2023, the College of the Rockies operates seven campuses and serves approximately 9,600 students annually, with a full-time equivalent enrollment of 2,341. The institution’s budget stands at $46.7 million and employs 771 staff. Crowe remarked on the profound impact the college has had on the community: “Our graduates are working in hospitals, schools, mines, small businesses, Indigenous communities, municipal offices… it’s helped build the communities that all of us live in.”

Local government representatives, including Councillors Lynnette Wray and Wayne Stetski, attended the celebration, underscoring the college’s significance to Cranbrook and the surrounding region. Stetski highlighted the institution’s international appeal, noting that it once ranked as one of the best colleges globally for international students. He raised concerns about recent changes limiting the number of international students, which he said could have a “major” impact on the college’s budget.

“We all need to remind the provincial government that if they want to build the kind of strong economic future that they’re talking about, they need to support our colleges, including the College of the Rockies,” Stetski asserted.

The 50th anniversary celebration not only honoured the college’s past but also set the stage for future growth and continued dedication to education in the East Kootenay region.