Building a Legacy: Introducing SHORELINES

Rosseau Lake College is proud to announce the creation of SHORELINES, a new three-season learning facility that will support experiential education, expedition courses, environmental studies, and community gathering for generations to come.

Located on campus at the edge of the forest, the facility will provide a dedicated space where students can learn, collaborate, reflect, and connect with the natural environment that has always been central to the RLC experience.

Shorelines is being made possible through the generosity of alumni Anthony Garron ’87 and Martin Birthelmer ’87, whose gift honours a teacher who had a profound impact on their lives: Bill Cole.
‍

Anthony '87, Martin '87, Elinor Cole, and Head of School Dave Krocker at RLC's 59th Closing Ceremonies.

For Martin and Anthony, the decision to support outdoor education was deeply personal. As students, many of their most meaningful lessons took place beyond the traditional classroom; on the trails, lakes, and forested areas that have long shaped the RLC experience. Through outdoor education, athletics, and daily life at RLC, they learned resilience, self-reliance, and the value of strong relationships.

Those experiences were often guided by dedicated educators who challenged students to persevere and discover what they were capable of. Among those educators, Bill Cole stood out.

A beloved teacher, mentor, and relationship builder, Bill Cole left a lasting impression on generations of students. He was known for his ability to challenge students while supporting them through difficult moments, encouraging them to think deeply, work hard, and become the best versions of themselves. His passion for teaching, literature, and the outdoors reflected many of the values that continue to define the RLC experience today.

Inspired by Bill's influence on their lives, Anthony and Martin chose to name the facility Shorelines. The name was inspired by Shorelines, a book by Canadian author and journalist Roy MacGregor that was among Bill's favourites. Evoking both the beauty of RLC's waterfront setting and the meeting place between land and water, the name reflects the spirit of curiosity, reflection, and connection that Bill brought to his work and to the RLC community. It is a fitting tribute to an educator whose influence continues to be felt decades after his students left campus.

Shorelines will continue a long-standing RLC tradition of learning through experience. Whether serving as an outdoor classroom, a gathering space, or a base for outdoor programming, the facility will provide year-round opportunities for students and faculty to embrace the outdoors and all the lessons it teaches.

As Rosseau Lake College continues to grow and evolve, Shorelines will stand as a reminder that the most enduring legacies are not simply buildings, but the people who inspire us and the experiences that shape us.

Construction will begin this summer, with Shorelines ready to welcome students in the coming school year.

Anthony ‘87, Martin ‘87, Rob ‘87, and Bill Cole at Closing Ceremonies 1987

We are deeply grateful to Martin Birthelmer ’87 and Anthony Garron ’87 for their generosity, vision, and commitment to future generations of RLC students.

For further information, please contact our Director of Advancement, Kim Morton, at kim.morton@rosseaulakecollege.com.