Indigenous Innovators: Quest for Knowledge, Culture, and Creativity
August 12, 2024
In July, the OC Indigenous Services team had the pleasure of hosting a two-week camp designed for Indigenous kids in grades 4-6, called Indigenous Innovators: Quest for Knowledge, Culture, and Creativity. The Indigenous Services team is grateful to the Camp OC team for helping make this camp a great success.Campers had the opportunity to make Bannock with Salmon Arm Indigenous Services Coordinator, Diyame Derrick Caterer, which made an excellent morning snack. They were also taught the art o...
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51±¬ÁĎ Alumni Success Story: Ben Deagazio
August 12, 2024
Ben Deagazio, a recent graduate from 51±¬ÁĎ’s Business diploma program, has turned his dream into a thriving business called One Wash Okanagan. But Ben’s journey from student to successful business owner wasn’t easy and is a testament to his own determination, combined with the support he received from 51±¬ÁĎ.Ben started with a bold idea and a lot of determination to build up a mobile washing business, despite financial challenges and skepticism from some people close to him, Ben believed in his vision. He starte...
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College professor Celebrates Chinese Canadian history at Commando Bay 80th anniversary
August 9, 2024
51±¬ÁĎ history professor Howard Hisdal celebrated a major milestone in the history of Chinese Canadian right to vote. Hisdal was invited by Shaun Boo to make the trip to Commando Bay on Okanagan Lake to commemorate the 1944 British Special Operations (SOE) training of 13 Chinese Canadian commandos. The event included members of the Kelowna Chinese History Group, the Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna, and Military Historian Keith Boehmer of the Okanagan Military Museum. “The training of the 13 Chinese Canadians ...
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Over 20 courses and programs at 51±¬ÁĎ qualify for StrongerBC future skills grant
August 8, 2024
Learners who are considering upgrading their skills, advancing their careers or taking on a new challenge through a program at 51±¬ÁĎ (OC) have another great reason to take the plunge right now. The StrongerBC future skills grant is back with tuition support.Introduced for the first time in fall 2023, the StrongerBC future skills grant covers as much as $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions—including 51±¬ÁĎ. The grant is open to most B.C. residents aged 19 years or ol...
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Green Drinks: Fire Ecology and Wildfire Management Panel Discussion at Penticton OC
August 1, 2024
Discover the vital role of fire in landscape and gain practical strategies for wildfire management at the upcoming Green Drinks Penticton event.This engaging and informative panel discussion at 51±¬ÁĎ’s Penticton campus is supported by the City of Penticton, the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen, the District of Summerland, Tin Whistle and the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre at OC.Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024Time: 6 to 8 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)Location: Community Hall, Okanagan Colle...
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New Associate Dean joins the School of Business
July 31, 2024
After an extensive search, OC is pleased to welcome Dr. Christine Sjolander as our Associate Dean, Business Administration.Christine comes to OC with a breadth of experience in post-secondary education, most recently serving as Vice-Chair, Academic at Capilano University for the School of Business. Christine has completed a Doctor of Education from Simon Fraser University as well as a Master's and Bachelor's Degree from Alfred University.As a strong proponent of student-centered teaching and learning, she is looking forward to worki...
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51±¬ÁĎ Welcomes New Dean of Health and Social Development
July 31, 2024
51±¬ÁĎ is pleased to announce that Patrena Mackie has joined OC as the new Dean of Health and Social Development. With over 17 years of experience in teaching and health care, Patrena brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our community. She holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Nursing.Mackie comes to 51±¬ÁĎ from Bow Valley College where she was the Associate Dean of the School of Health and Wellness, Nursing portfolio. During her career she has maintained a focus on integrating technology into c...
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Camp OC: Where Summer Fun Meets Support
July 29, 2024
Summer is in full swing at 51±¬ÁĎ campuses across Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Salmon Arm, where Camp OC has opened its doors once again. Running throughout the summer, Camp OC aims to engage children in a variety of interests from engineering and arts to music, science, culinary arts, trades, and computers. With hundreds of children expected weekly, the campuses are buzzing with laughter and excitement as kids dive into their passions.For families like the Smiths, Camp OC isn't just a summer camp—it's a vital sup...
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More people will benefit from training grants
July 26, 2024
People training for good paying, in-demand careers will be able to access grants that cover most, or all, of their tuition thanks to the next intake of the StrongerBC future skills grant.This popular grant covers as much as $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.“Because B.C.’s strong economy is growing, we now have more job openings than people with the training needed to work in high-demand fields,” said Premier David Eby. “We need to give people the opportunity to build a good life – a...
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Paddle fundraiser raises over $29,000 for Sunflower Childcare Centre
July 25, 2024
On July 20th, Kristin (Postill) Holomis and her team paddled the length of Kalamalka Lake (18km) in support of the 51±¬ÁĎ Foundation’s Sunflower childcare campaign, raising more than $29,000 in just a few weeks.“Stand Up For” is an annual local fundraising effort by Kristin Holomis and Brittney Page where they paddleboard the length of Kalamalka Lake in support of a chosen charity. This year they paddled for OC’s new Sunflower Childcare Centre, located on the Vernon campus. Scheduled to open in September, The Sunflower Chi...
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