Next time you pay a visit to CNC’s Learning Commons (library), take a closer look at the colourful rug on display. The carefully hand-braided fabric creation highlights one of Elsie Osterberg’s passions. CNC students are also benefiting from her other passion: helping others.
Thanks to her estate’s generous donation of $41,481.70, the new Elsie Osterberg Student Support Fund will ensure her legacy of helping those in need lives on for years to come. The fund will assist students who find themselves in a time of emergency hardship or need.
“With Elsie’s passing, she has left behind a legacy of support for students in need,” shared Alison Akehurst, a close friend and the executor of the estate. “Elsie truly believed in the teaching of young people. She said she could teach everybody something."
A long-term resident of Prince George, Elsie was a talented and creative woman who loved to work with her hands. Her creativity took a variety of forms, from panning gold to running her own upholstery business that specialized in helicopter interiors, seat slips, and blade covers.
In retirement, her interests shifted to hand-braided and sewn recycled fabric floor rugs, like the one on display in the Learning Commons. Although she lost count, there are a few hundred of Elsie’s award-winning rugs scattered around communities with family and friends.
“We know students who work very hard through their studies can run into unexpected financial challenges," said Gail Little, CNC’s manager of student success and retention. “We’re grateful for financial legacies like Elsie’s to make a difference in those times of need, and to enjoy the beautiful rug she created as a keepsake of her life.”
The shadow box containing Elsie’s story, her rug, and snapshots of her life will be on display in the Learning Commons for the next five years to honour her contribution to students of CNC.
“Elsie knew I loved working in the embroidery industry, and she encouraged me to open my own shop almost 23 years ago,” shared Akehurst. “We hope her donation will give students who are struggling that extra help and inspiration to fulfill their dreams too.”
Visit Financial Aid & Awards to learn more about the Elsie Osterberg Student Support Fund and to apply.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Christine Midgley, Content and Media Relations Officer
midgleyc2@cnc.bc.ca