»¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵ

Luke Ignace, a student in Holland College’s School of Performing Arts Theatre Performance program, is the first recipient of ’ Erica Rutherford Memorial Bursary.

Ignace, who is from Freeport, Bahamas, was also the recipient of a Holland »¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵscholarship specifically designed to encourage Bahamian students to study music, theatre or dance in »¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵ.

“‘I am feeling very blessed and humbled to have won this award,” Ignace said. “Erica Rutherford influenced so many in society through her passion and work in the visual and performing arts, and as a mentor and teacher. I am grateful to her family for the support they have given me through this gift in her name.”

Holland »¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵvice president Michael O’Grady said Ignace has excelled in the Theatre Performance program.

“Luke is one of the first group of very talented Bahamians who have come here to acquire the training they need to pursue their artistic goals. He is a fine representative of the quality of students who come to »¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵ from the Bahamas. We are delighted to have him in the School of Performing Arts, and we look forward to welcoming many more Bahamian actors, dancers and musicians into our programs,” he said.

A long-time resident of »¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵ, Erica Rutherford was a respected visual artist, actor, filmmaker, teacher and writer. The bursary was established by Rutherford’s family to provide financial assistance to post-secondary students pursuing in any manner of artistic training.