A family legacy: 50 years with Douglas College

In November 1970, Douglas College opened its doors for the first time. Classes took place in 20 different locations, from church basements to community halls and everything in between, as space was found for more permanent locations in Richmond, Surrey and New Westminster.

For many, the College was an answer to the community call for greater access to post-secondary education in British Columbia. For the Della Mattia family – Gerry, Lorraine and their four children, Marie, Tony, Denise and Michele – these early days at Douglas were the beginning of a multi-generational connection.

Looking back

The Della Mattia family first came to Douglas in May 1970 when Gerry was hired as the College’s inaugural Director of Admissions. The family returned to B.C. from the United States so Gerry could be at the helm of developing the procedures and forms that would admit the College’s first students.

“Both Lorraine and I firmly believe that education is extremely important,” Gerry says, who helped shape Douglas and the student experience through a variety of student-focused and leadership roles over a 23 year-career at Douglas. “One thing that has always resonated with me about Douglas is that it stays true to why it was established – a college that serves the needs of the community.”

Michele Della Mattia ID card
Michele's first Douglas student card

Over the years, Douglas became a member of the family. When on vacation, the Della Mattia family would often visit with former Douglas President William Day and his family for campfires and sing-a-longs. Sometimes the staff in the registrar’s office would even babysit the Della Mattia children for the weekend. Denise and Michele both went on to become Douglas students. Tony coached the Douglas College Wrestling team during the inaugural 1986/1987 season.

“When I was born, the staff at the registration office made up a student card for me as a gift,” Michele says. “I think it’s one of the reasons why I always knew I would go to Douglas as a student.”  

 “There are so many things that come to mind when I think of Douglas,” Denise adds. “I remember being a little kid and going to the portables on the McBride campus and when the New Westminster campus opened. As a student, I remember spending all day on campus, either in class or studying, so I could commute with Dad.”

A living legacy

50 years after Douglas opened its doors, the Della Mattias celebrated another important milestone – Gerry’s 80th birthday. Although the celebrations were a lot different than past milestone birthdays, one tradition remained the same: in lieu of gifts, friends and family were asked to give to the Della Mattia Family Bursary. 

Della Mattia family
A love of education runs in the family. Lorraine and Gerry celebrating their eldest granddaughter's graduation 

The bursary was established in 2007 to help Douglas students facing financial barriers. Now fully endowed, the bursary will continue to support students in perpetuity, continuing the Della Mattia family legacy at Douglas and life-long commitment to education.

“It’s always been important to my parents that education be accessible to people,” Marie says, who continues to support the bursary with monthly donations alongside Gerry, Lorraine and other members of the family. “They always taught us to give what we can, in any way that you can.”

The Della Mattias’ passion for education and connection to Douglas College is far from finished. “Two of our five grandchildren are still in high school,” Gerry says. “Who knows, they could end up at Douglas, too.”

 

For our 50th anniversary, we celebrate the many champions of Douglas College students. Champions like the Della Mattias. To learn how to contribute to the Della Mattia legacy, or create one of your own, visit the Douglas College Foundation website or contact Shannon McInnes