12 - Friday, February 15, 1985 - North Shore News Goodbye Gallagher LIKE CLOSING the pages of one good book, and opening those of another, Principal Paul Gallagher will be leaving Capilano College after eight years to join Vancouver Community College as principal. Gallagher, a well known educator, speaker and writer on the North Shore, will be taking up his new position at the beginning of May, which he says will be like ‘‘trading one dynamic institution fer another, “The way I sce it, J will be acting in a different context at VCC, dealing with a dif- ferent set of issues. The size of the organization is more complex than Capilano, but 1 don't see its bigness as be- ing so important — it’s just a different emphasis."’ Feeling that his eight years have been well spent, Gallagher says, ‘‘One of the reasons I’m leaving is that a person in a position like this periodically needs renewal. If you reach a repetitive, rather than creative level, then you’re not being fair to your empioyer.’”’ Gallagher describes Capilano College, saying “politely it’s creative, less politely, it’s a fiesty institu- tion, I think Capilano has always been academically strong. It’s a good place to get good quality instruction, despite problems we’ve had since 1982 with limitations on resources. The colleges don’t publicly attack the cutbacks. If we manags our resources and do the best we can, our performance proves -we deserve continued sup- port.” Commenting on the repu- tation community colleges have as being a ticket to university, Gallagher . says, “All institutions receive reputations — reputations that last longer than are deserved. All I can say to defend it is that there is always institutional rivalry. “In terms of age, com- munity colleges are still children — at best adoles- cents, If you looked at UBC in its 15th year and Capilano in its 15th year, you’d be impressed by Capilano. What also establishes a col- lege’s reputation is how well its graduate students per- form, and they’ve performed very well.’’ Gallagher describes the students today as being “more socially frightened than in the fate ’70s,’’ due to the unemployment. ‘‘Stu- dents are more goal oriented now than they used to be. The demand for academics in all areas is still high — it’s not what kinds of programs they're taking, but how seriously they approach the subject.”’ Acting as an administrator since 1962, with two brief By BARRETT FISHER interruptions, Gallagher says he misses teaching, but adds, “f don't think it’s possible to do what t'm doing, teach and do a good job. It might provide personal satisfac- tion, but it’s not fair for the student.”” But Gallagher will teach in the summer months, and he writes and gives lectures for personal satistaction. He is presently working on a book, tentatively called Canada’s Community Col- leges, with UBC colleague John Dennison, which he says is a marrying of his practical: skills with Den- nison’s theoretical, research skills. The book will cover the beginnings of community colleges, a relatively new phenomenon which began in 1965. ‘We wanted to get down on paper the evolution of colleges, their develop- ment to 1985, before the unwritten diaglogue disap- pears.’’ The book also covers common issues col- leges should be addressing, choices and solutions for the future. PRINCIPAL PAUL Gallagher will be leavin new job as principal of Vancouver Community College May 1. Capilano, he says after eight years of working a NEWS photo Terry Peters £ Capilano College as of April 30 to begin his ‘ Though he will miss there, it was time for a change. BCAA has been providing auto insurance since 1920. Ever since weve worked to make things better. Today, we arrange more (CBC Autopian coverage, for both members and non-members alike, than anyone else in BC. Because more people in BC. trust us to help them make the right decisicns. Were involved with Autoplan all year so we can aci.’ise you on exact policy Serv Pi such as requirements. We offer complete ICBC ices and can issue plates, decals and documents. us, we can handle details ownership transfers and new car registrations. This year, bring your Autoplan questions and renewals to BCAA. And start your own _tradition of getting expert acvice from people who have a Trust us to make things better tradition of giving it. “Check with your nearest BCAA Service Centre for extended Auioplan hours” Vancouver (Broadway), 999. W. Broadway 735-6660. Vancouver (Kerrisdale), 2307 W. 41st Avenue 263-7799. Coquitlam, Pine Tree Village, Lougheed Hwy. 464-3311. Delta /Surrey, Scott 72 Centre, Delta 594-2222. New Westminster, 755 Sixth Street 521-5791. North Vancouver, 1605 Hamilton Ave. at Marine 986-1941. Langley, Valley Centre, Fraser Hwy. 555-4455 Also in Victoria, Nanaimo, Prince George, Kamloops, Penticton and Nelson. Richmond, Lansdowne Plaza 278-3577. Chilliwack, Southgate Shopping Centre 792-4664.