Assiniboine opens The Diane Shamray International Education Centre

Assiniboine Community College officially opened the doors to its newest space at the Victoria Avenue East campus in Brandon. The naming of this area comes in recognition of Ms. Diane Shamray, a retired senior administrator who made significant contributions to International Education at the college.

The Diane Shamray International Education Centre is a 2,130-square-foot integrated space that includes a classroom that serves as the central hub for the college’s English as a Second Language programming and preparatory courses from across the college’s post-secondary programs. The Centre is also home to Assiniboine International staff, who work in roles dedicated to welcoming and supporting international students through to graduation.

“We are delighted to recognize Diane Shamray with the naming of this new space. It is a fitting celebration of the mark she has left here at Assiniboine,” said Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine. “Diane is someone who has been absolutely central in shaping and growing our college into what it is today.”

“I have been very fortunate to have had a long career in education and have witnessed how the growth in international and newcomer students continues to transform Assiniboine College and surrounding communities in a positive way,” said Shamray. “I am incredibly honoured that the college and its Board of Governors felt it fitting to recognize my passion and work at Assiniboine in the naming of this new space on campus.”

Shamray began her career at Assiniboine in 1993, then as Chair of Health and Human Services. Under her leadership, the college grew its Practical Nursing program from one that was only half-full in enrolment to what is now the college’s largest single program of study.

Shamray later became Vice President, Enterprise and led the activities and operations of contract and community-based training, Continuing Studies, Adult Collegiate, and the college’s Parkland campus. Among the opportunities she created for learners was securing a $6 million federal contract to train 150 nursing students in First Nations communities across Manitoba.

Towards the end of her career at Assiniboine, Shamray spearheaded international activities after chairing the college’s Global Citizenship Task Force. She was instrumental in shaping the college’s global efforts, and served as Vice President of International for a number of years, growing the international student population from a handful of students annually to over 600 students in 2020 when she retired.

A long-time contributor to the Assiniboine Foundation, Shamray is giving $100,000 to the college in her retirement. The money will be directed towards financial aid and supports for international students.

“Diane’s legacy at Assiniboine is admirable. Her gift will go a considerable way to support international learners in the years to come,” said Derrick Turner, Director of Advancement at Assiniboine. “On behalf of our Foundation, I extend our gratitude to Diane for her generosity.”