Lethbridge College welcomed new chair, Randy Jespersen, to the board of governors this week.

 

LC President Tracy Edwards delivered a welcoming speech at the college Monday saying Jespersen beat the odds as a high school drop turned success story. 

After dropping out of high school, Jespersen managed to complete the business administration program at the college in three semesters while holding down a number of part time jobs.

“He talks very fondly about his experience here because. . . we kind of snuck him in the back door because he technically wasn’t qualified to come to college,” says Edwards.

He was also the first student to transfer from the college to Oregon State University, where he completed his degree degree in 5 quarters, one less than average, and earned an MBA.

“He always talks about his roots and the sponsorship that he received from a few folks  here at Lethbridge College that really made all the difference to him, in mentoring him,” says Edwards. “Randy believes in the importance of strong collaboration between Lethbridge College and it’s faculty and staff and thats the kind of teamwork he always aspires to.”

Jespersen spoke of his past as a high school drop off as a sag-way to speak of the challenges he overcame and the importance of taking steps towards success.

“Firstly to the students, if you fall off your horse, pick yourself up an dust yourself off because normally if you do, it’s like creating your own luck,” says Jespersen. “You will find out there who will help dust you off and want to see you succeed. . . but you do have to create some of that.”

Jespersen returns to his college roots after a successful 35 year career as president of Terasen Gas in British Columbia.