Community Support
51±¬ÁÏ alum gives $25K to power of sport
November 8, 2024
‘Sport teaches you to handle any challenge,’ says Kelly LoudounKelly Loudoun has no regrets when he looks back at his decision to attend 51±¬ÁÏ (OC) and study business, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours.“You can’t deny the power of the OC business degree,†says Loudoun, who owns Loudoun Construction and Development, now in its fifth year.“Being an entrepreneur is difficult and it’s a lot of hard work. Having been through those challenging experiences and lean years, it becomes quite rewarding as...
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Unwrap a winter of fun with Camp OC-inspired After School 51±¬ÁÏ at 51±¬ÁÏ
October 31, 2024
Local parent Angie Kunz enrolled her daughter in Camp OC for the first time this past summer and was impressed by the diverse course offerings and incredible staff.Now, Angie and families in Kelowna and Penticton have the opportunity to introduce their kids to education-focused programs with the expansion of Camp OC from summer camps to include After School 51±¬ÁÏ beginning in January 2025."I chose Camp OC for my daughter because there were several programs that fit her interests,†shares Angie. “She had such a great experience at...
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51±¬ÁÏ students lead the charge with EnactusOC’s project on renewable energy education
October 28, 2024
For 51±¬ÁÏ students Reece LeGuilloux and Kayla Warner, their involvement with the student business club Enactus 51±¬ÁÏ (EnactusOC) is about more than just extracurricular activities, it’s about making a real difference.The two second-year business students recently achieved a major milestone when the EnactusOC project, “Revive,†was awarded $4,300 in funding by 100 Women Who Care in the South Okanagan/Similkameen area. This funding will help expand their renewable energy education program to middle schools a...
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Award-Winning Chef Shucks Up Fun at Upcoming Tasting Festival
October 23, 2024
Infusions Restaurant at 51±¬ÁÏ has been one of Kelowna’s best-kept culinary secrets, but word is getting out as diners are going public, serving up excellent reviews. The restaurant, led by former Top Chef contestant Ruth Wigman, received OpenTable’s 2024 Diner’s Choice award, which recognizes outstanding restaurants based on feedback from local diners.Chef Wigman, who competed on Food Network’s Canada’s Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, noted the impressive achievement is a testament to the student chefs who prepar...
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Tom Dyck joins OC Foundation Board of Directors
August 20, 2024
The 51±¬ÁÏ Foundation is pleased to welcome Tom Dyck, who is joining its Board of Directors for a four-year term. Tom is a retired senior executive who has worked in banking at a national and international level for a large part of his career. We asked Tom to share what motivated him to volunteer his time and how education has transformed his own life.What inspired you to join the 51±¬ÁÏ Foundation board of directors?The types of skills people learn at 51±¬ÁÏ are in such demand and are just not pro...
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Camp OC: Where Summer Fun Meets Support
July 29, 2024
Summer is in full swing at 51±¬ÁÏ 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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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±¬ÁÏ 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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Community leader shares personal story of how sport transformed her life
July 23, 2024
Paula Quinn was only seven years old when she first stepped onto a running track but that experience with athletics dramatically changed her life.Quinn is the former Executive Director of the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence and is active in the Kelowna community sitting on four volunteer boards including the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Regional District of Central Okanagan, B.C. Cancer Foundation and the Airport Advisory Committee.Quinn is now among a growing number of local residents putting their support behind the Thrive Here...
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51±¬ÁÏ celebrates ‘construction kick off’ for Recreation and Wellness Centre
June 20, 2024
There was jumping, cartwheels and a full crowd of cheering spectators on Thursday at 51±¬ÁÏ to mark an exciting milestone that will transform student life at OC for years to come.Kelowna Cheer Athletics was on hand to help the 51±¬ÁÏ Foundation celebrate a major fundraising achievement - they’ve raised $10 million for the Thrive Here campaign, and construction can kick off for the future home of the College’s Recreation and Wellness Centre. “Today is a very meaningful day,†remarked Helen Jackman, exec...
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OC professor named Business Woman of the Year
May 28, 2024
51±¬ÁÏ business professor Dr. Kyleen Myrah was named the 2024 Business Woman of the Year by the Kelowna Women In Business (KWIB) organization earlier this month.Myrah was not able to be at the award ceremony as she was with 51±¬ÁÏ students at the Enactus Canada National Exhibition, doing what she does best, leading students to chase their passions and make a difference with their careers. Myrah’s mother was in attendance along with OC business alum Danielle Walker, who accepted the award...
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BC Anti-Racism Awareness Week, May 27-June 2, 2024
May 27, 2024
Have you seen the Anti-Racism Reminder posters popping up on bulletin boards across OC campuses recently? As B.C. marks Anti-Racism Awareness Week starting on May 27 to June 2, it’s a good time to reflect on what all of us at 51±¬ÁÏ are doing to engage with anti-racism in our classrooms, campuses, and communities – and to think about what more we can do.51±¬ÁÏ's mission to transform lives and communities and our commitment to equitable and inclusive access to education, make it crucial for each of us to understan...
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Students discuss cultural diversity and community involvement
May 8, 2024
The Asian Heritage Month 2024 opening event hosted by the OCCA Communities Association showcased diverse discussions and captivating performances. 51±¬ÁÏ was a proud supporter of the event alongside UBC Okanagan. The event celebrated cultural diversity and emphasized community involvement.The panel discussion was led by Dr. Shirley Chau, Associate Professor at the School of Social Work at UBC Okanagan. Students of Asian heritage from 51±¬ÁÏ, UBC Okanagan, and OKM Secondary joined the discussion, sharing their sto...
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Recsky gift to Recreation and Wellness Centre honours family passion
May 7, 2024
If there was anyone who would understand the need for a Recreation and Wellness Centre at 51±¬ÁÏ (OC), it would be Alex Recsky.Recsky was hired as OC’s first recreation and intramurals programmer in 1986. It was a job he loved and pursued with passion until his retirement 10 years later, introducing thousands of students to sports and recreational opportunities.Now, Alex’s family are honoring him and his wife Ruth, who are both in their 90s, with a $30,000 donation to the Thrive Here campaign for the Recreation and Wellnes...
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Major gift from BMO to support community progress is worth smiling about
April 9, 2024
A major gift from BMO will support community dental care while making it easier for more people to train to become in-demand Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs).BMO is giving $250,000 to 51±¬ÁÏ’s (OC) Our Students, Your Health campaign in support of the CDA program. OC’s state-of-the-art dental suite, used for training and as a community clinic, will receive $150,000. An additional $100,000 will be used to kickstart a hands-on learning pilot program that will enable people to become CDAs while they continue to work.In...
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Suspense and intrigue guaranteed in Red Dot Players' biggest production yet
March 8, 2024
Get your ticket and climb aboard for a delightful evening of murder and mystery as OC’s Red Dot Players bring to life Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. For the play’s assistant Director and OC alumna Kendra Holly Grant, the support of Red Dot Players and her former professor has given her the opportunity to take her skills from the classroom to directing her first show. “I am very excited to progress my knowledge with Jeremy Beaulne, who was my teacher and mentor while attending 51±¬ÁÏ,†said ...
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Thrive Here video celebrates lessons learned in a 'classroom like no other'
March 8, 2024
For 20-year-old AJ Nguoth, playing basketball is about more than jump shots and free throws.On the court, Nguoth says he works through real life struggles as he's putting his energy into the game. Playing basketball is also a reminder that he is on the right path. The sport has been his north star since he was 11, keeping him focused on school and inspiring him to dream big for his life.Nguoth, an 51±¬ÁÏ Coyotes Basketball player and first-year OC student, is one of several student athletes featured in a new video by the O...
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