Geraldine Van Bibber named Yukon College’s new chancellor

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon College Board of Governors is pleased to announce Geraldine Van Bibber as the new college chancellor. Van Bibber takes over the role from veteran businessman, Rolf Hougen, who has held the post since 2008.

“My son and daughter have both attended Yukon College and my husband Pat achieved his Red Seal in automotive mechanics in the early days of the College, so I know first-hand the positive impact the College has on the lives of Yukoners,” said Van Bibber.

“I appreciate this opportunity to support Yukon College with my best advice and opinion over the next two years.”

“From her previous role as commissioner and her lifetime of experience Geraldine has a solid reputation as a positive advocate for many issues of importance to Yukoners,” said Paul Flaherty, chair, Yukon College Board of Governors. “The College will certainly benefit from her advice and counsel.”

The chancellor is the ceremonial head of the College. They are appointed by the Board of Governors and generally act as a bridge between the institution and the students, and the broader community. The position is voluntary for a term of two years.

Following Pierre Berton, Pearl Keenan, Ken MacKinnon, Sam Johnston and Rolf Hougen, Geraldine Van Bibber is the sixth well-respected Yukoner to serve in this honorary capacity since 1988.

Geraldine Van Bibber was born and raised in Dawson City, Yukon, and has roots in Fort McPherson, N.W.T. She is the former Administrator of the Yukon Territory (2001-2005), and served as Commissioner of the Yukon from 2005 to 2010.

For over 25 years, she has played a pivotal role in the development of the Yukon travel industry. She was integral to the formation of the Yukon First Nation Tourism Association in 1992, and has been on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Tourism Commission, Aboriginal Tourism Canada, the Yukon Tourism Education Council, the Yukon Advisory Council on Women’s Issues and the Government of Yukon's Business Development Fund.

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For more information, contact:

Michael Vernon
Communications Coordinator
College Relations
Yukon College
867.668.8786
867.332.4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca

Jacqueline Bedard
Director
College Relations
Yukon College
867.456.8619
jbedard@yukoncollege.yk.ca