VIU ElderCollege has lost a true champion of adult education. Anne Toby, past instructor and Board Chair, passed away in April of this year and has left a legacy of passion and inspiration that will guide VIU ElderCollege for years to come.
Anne was a PhD geneticist who taught at SFU – not only taught, but joined the Cooperative Education Program placing hundreds of science students into work terms each year. She also conceived of the Mentorship Coop Program placing university students with high school seniors for workplace experience. Anne also participated in Science World’s Scientists in the School Program.
So, you see that before retiring to Vancouver Island, Anne already had her feet firmly planted in education experience beyond the classroom.
With VIU ElderCollege, Anne was one of the most prolific instructors, even taking the classroom into her home when mobility became an issue for her. She simply refused to stop teaching – a lesson for us all. Anne also served as a Board member and a long-serving Chair of the Board of Directors until shortly before her death.
At her Island home, Anne and her late husband Lin greatly enjoyed their rhododendron garden. It is fitting therefore that we honor Anne and her amazing contributions to education by contributing to the Milner Gardens rhododendron acquisition program in her name.