TRU partners with Sun Peaks

TRU tourism-management program associate professor John Hull speaks during a ceremony announcing the Alliance for Mountain Environments, a partnership between Thompson Rivers University and Sun Peaks. 

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

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What’s been unofficial for a long time was formalized on Tuesday, April 3, as Thompson Rivers University signed a memorandum of understanding with officials from Sun Peaks.

“Today’s a special day,” said Christopher Nicolson, president of Tourism Sun Peaks.

“It’s a formalization of what really has developed over a number of years.”

The Alliance for Mountain Environments, a partnership between TRU, Sun Peaks Resort Corporation, Tourism Sun Peaks and Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality, will see the groups join forces to offer unique educational experiences to TRU students.

“Through the Alliance for Mountain Environments, we plan to conduct interdisciplinary academic and applied research and provide education and training,” said Harold Richins, TRU’s dean of adventure, culinary and tourism.

“Our research activities will engage people and broaden access to mountain areas and promote an understanding of the social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts of human activity in mountain areas.”

But, it’s not just about the students.

According to Nicolson, Sun Peaks has a lot to gain as well.

“For us, when we search for employees, we have a base right here in Kamloops that is training tourism professionals,” he said.

“My team specifically, we actually have a number of students and many employees who have graduated from TRU.”

Nicholson said TRU students and grads are often a perfect fit for Sun Peaks — making Tuesday’s announced partnership a no-brainer.

“Looking at the students that have come from TRU, they have a knowledge of the area that has a huge advantage when we’re hiring,” he said.

“The formalization of the partnership is a recognition that these two institutions have an investment in each other.”