Proceeds from the new John Mitchell Signature Collaboration will benefit the John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship, open to students in the Brewing & Brewery Operations Diploma program at BC’s Kwantlen Polytechnic University. KPU’s program was of particular significance to John Mitchell, who personally visited its Langley BC–based facility in order to meet students representing the future of brewing excellence.
The current scholarship was established in 2019, after the passing of its trailblazing namesake. Spinnakers Brewpub donated $10,000 to get the scholarship started (pictured above). Inspired by Canada’s Original Craft Brewer, the fund’s mission is to help keep the future of Canadian craft brewing strong.
“This John Mitchell 40th anniversary collaboration highlights the legacy that John created for craft breweries and brewers in Canada,” remarks Dominic Bernard, instructor and chair, KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma program. “He paved the way for the industry to become what it is today and for our students to have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and choose a career they’re passionate about. It’s an absolute honour for KPU to be involved with this special project and exciting to see so many of our brewing alumni participate in this historic collaboration.”
With four KPU alumni and students on staff, Russell Brewing was the ideal choice to serve as home base for this special fundraising project, and was indeed recommended by KPU for the honour.
KPU Brewing chair Bernard notes, “It’s a proud moment seeing our alums at Russell Brewing lead this brew—especially Mark McBride, who developed the anniversary recipe based on John’s original recipes. We love how the industry has welcomed our grads since the KPU program started in 2014 and continues to support our students—future craft brewers—with the John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship.”
More info about the Scholarship can be found here:
https://www.kpu.ca/news/2019/08/23/john-mitchell-legacy-scholarship-helps-brewing-students