Comox Valley ElderCollege and North Island College have joined forces to upgrade the sound system in the Stan Hagen Theatre.
ElderCollege is contributing to the purchase of the new system, while NIC is providing maintenance and service to the system in perpetuity.
CV ElderCollege chair Don Axtell said members were proud to fund the purchase and enhance one of the most well-used auditorium venues in the North Island.
“For our members, we’re delivering an advanced sound system that will enable our students to experience classes to their full potential,” said Axtell. “It will also be a major improvement for those of our learners who are hearing impaired.
“This new system is also a way for our members to give back to the NIC community, which has been am important tradition for Comox Valley ElderCollege during our 20-year partnership with the college,” Axtell added.
The system includes a new wireless receiver to pair with wireless hand-held and hand-free microphones, allowing lecturers and guest speakers more flexibility to move about the auditorium. It also allows those with hearing aids to connect directly to the speaker’s audio device to ensure clear audio no matter where someone sits in the theatre.
The improved technology will increase access for ElderCollege members attending lectures in the theatre, and also NIC students and members of the community who require hearing supports.
“ElderCollege continues to enrich our learning community at NIC,” said John Bowman, NIC president. “This donation will benefit students taking classes in the theatre, and members of the community who use the space for events and presentations. We are grateful to the ElderCollege members for their continued generosity and support.”
To learn more about Comox Valley ElderCollege, visit www.nic.bc.ca/eldercollege-cv.