News Archives: Fred & Ruth Estlin
Friday, March 28th, 2014
Board of Governors Award of Distinction – Fred and Ruth Estlin
Fred and Ruth Estlin are well-known for their support of a wide variety of community activities throughout the Peace Region, and for their passion for advanced education and cultural opportunities.
They have contributed tirelessly as volunteers and participants in events and fundraising efforts, and the Estlins exemplify good citizenship within our community.
Since the very first year the Estlins lived in the Grande Prairie region (1975) they have had a close relationship with the College. “Not six months had passed before I was teaching a course as a sessional,” Fred explains. He has taught a variety of courses over the years. Today he continues his College involvement as a volunteer for the Centre for Research & Innovation, working with local inventors to help further their projects.
Meanwhile, Ruth began enrolling in classes. She enrolled in a Fine Arts course almost every semester since 1979, often as an auditing student, and has thoroughly appreciated the opportunities the College provides, encouraging others to enroll with her. Ruth Estlin has continually expressed her appreciation through volunteering her efforts to help organize events such as the President’s Ball. With close friend Coreen Evaskevich, Ruth launched a series of projects with the Carpentry program at GPRC Fairview, resulting in several hugely popular playhouses to raise funds in the President’s Ball auctions. She has contributed significantly to the fundraising efforts of the GPRC Foundation, and is also well known for her work on behalf of the Prairie Art Gallery.
In January of 1996, Fred assumed the mantle of Chair, Board of Governors for Grande Prairie Regional College, serving in that capacity for six years. During his tenure he and Ruth came to fully understand the need to support the College, and have made many gifts to the College over the years. “I had always assumed the College was there; I took it for granted,” Fred said. “It was not until I sat on the Board, and saw for myself the depth of the staff, the impact of the College on the region, that I really began to understand the importance of having this institution – culturally, socially and economically.”
Now retired, Fred has been recognized with significant professional honours: He was named a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Alberta; in 2012 he was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by that association.
Fred and Ruth Estlin plan to continue their support of advanced education for Peace Country residents long into the future. As Diamond Legacy donors in the Planned Giving program of Grande Prairie Regional College, they have decided to make a lasting contribution to the College which has been a big part of their lives over the years.
