Former colleagues, friends and family gathered at West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield to celebrate the life and legacy of beloved former principal Don Mackenzie by officially renaming a campus theatre in his honour. The dedicated arts space at the Derby Road campus has been unveiled as the Don Mackenzie Theatre during an emotional ceremony attended by his wife, Jane Mackenzie, alongside current and former staff members. Many returning guests had not set foot inside the educational facility for more than 30 years.
Don Mackenzie's 20-Year Leadership
Don Mackenzie served as principal of the regional college from 1974 to 1994, leading the site through two decades of major expansion. He earned a widespread reputation as a highly committed leader who cared deeply about the success of both his staff and his students.
Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive, said: “I hope that Don would have appreciated this gesture in naming our theatre in his memory. I know well the energy required to be a college principal, and to carry out that role so successfully for 20 years is very worthy of recognition.”
He added: “Although Don had long retired by the time I met him, it was clear that he held the purpose of further education close to his heart. The fact that former colleagues from all levels of the college wanted to be at the unveiling shows just how highly-regarded he was by his team.”
Pantomime Performances Remembered
The popular campus theatre was chosen as a fitting tribute after his family shared stories of his great enthusiasm for the college's annual Christmas pantomimes. One of his most famous performances was a singing and dancing duet of the song “Anything You Can Do” in the 1985 production.
Following the formal plaque unveiling, guests viewed historical memorabilia including old photographs and newspaper cuttings documenting his 20 years at the helm. Attendees then spent the afternoon sharing stories and catching up over hot tea and cake.
Tributes from Family and Colleagues
Jane Mackenzie said: “It's been wonderful to see so many people here to remember Don. Hearing everyone's memories has been incredibly moving, and I can't think of a more fitting tribute than naming the theatre after him because he loved being part of college life, including the pantomimes.” She also paid tribute to his late first wife, Joan, who sadly passed away shortly before his retirement.
Eileen Matthews, former principal's secretary, said: “Don was a lovely man and I really enjoyed working for him. He was very fair, and one of the first things he did was introduce a more informal culture where people started using first names. That was a huge change at the time.”
Linda Turner, former staff member, said: “The theatre was at the heart of college life and we were always looking for ways to bring staff together. I asked Don if he'd be interested in taking part in the pantomime and he said yes. We had some great fun and those productions created memories that people are still talking about today.”
Mick Brown, former vice-principal, said: “He had very fixed ideas and a very strong sense of direction. People saw him as quite forceful, but behind that he was actually much more sensitive than many realised. He stamped his authority on the college and I learned a great deal from him.”
Legacy Commemorated with Plaque
The newly installed plaque commemorates his leadership and celebrates his lively participation in campus life. It concludes with an extract from his final staff newsletter in 1994 where he wrote that he hoped to be remembered as one who did his best and kept his word.
A special video documenting the emotional plaque unveiling and interviews with the attendees can be viewed online at the college's official YouTube channel.
