$40,000 gift creates lasting tribute to former Okanagan University College Professor Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell
June 27, 2023
In her twenty-year tenure as a history professor at Okanagan University College (the predecessor to ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē), Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell breathed life into bustling classrooms, transforming them into vibrant hubs of knowledge and inspiration. Now in a fitting tribute to her legacy, an anonymous $40,000 gift will establish a bursary fund in her honour. The Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell Memorial Fund will provide bursaries to students who have fulfilled the graduation requirements for ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ēās Associate of Arts diploma - with a p...
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College convocation centers Indigenous culture, protocol
June 21, 2023
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē reflects on its commitments to reconciliation and the rich history, diverse cultures and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples. āWhile we still have work to do, this has been a meaningful year for ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ēās journey toward reconciliation,ā says Rhea Dupuis, Associate Director of Indigenization at the College. āFor the first time, communities came together at each of our four college campuses to celebrate graduates, where ceremonies centered around Indigenous protocol.ā ...
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ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē hosts You @ ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē Event to showcase programs and services
June 13, 2023
With summer approaching and many people making their college or university plans for the fall, ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē is extending an invitation to the community to explore the many opportunities available at ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē. Applicants, admitted students, parents and anyone interested in learning more about programs and life at ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē are invited to attend You@ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē on Tuesday, June 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Collegeās Vernon campus. During the event, application fees for all programs will be waived. You@ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē is an opportunity to explore various program ...
Read more...Medicine wheel and traditional teachings inspire ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē students preparing for the workplace
June 5, 2023
ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē students preparing for careers as education assistants are benefiting from teaching that goes beyond what you learn from textbooks and in classrooms. Earlier this spring, a seminar led by Dodie Jones, a member of the Splatsin te SecwĆ©pemc, introduced students in the Certified Education Assistant Program in Salmon Arm to the medicine wheel, its significance and meaning. The workshop, titled Medicine Wheel and Traditional Teaching ā Grounded in Culture, incorporated traditional teachings of the SecwĆ©pemc people and the teac...
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ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē Associate Dean to join BC Chamber Board
June 2, 2023
Laura Thurnheer, Associate Dean, Okanagan School of Business, was sworn in at the BC Chamber AGM last week in Whistler. Thurnheer, Chamber President in 2007 who has remained an active Former President at the Chamber, was also named the Thompson Okanagan Representative on the BC Chamber Board. Dan Price, current Chair of the Kelowna Chamber Board expressed his pleasure at Thurnheerās appointment. āIāve appreciated getting to know Laura and have the greatest respect for her deep business knowledge, and ongoing involvement with all things bus...
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ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē students follow their passion to careers in tourism
June 2, 2023
Ema Culberson, having taken a year off after completing high school to work at Silver Star Mountain Resort, was torn between going to school and enjoying another ski season. āI was a āliftyā at Silver Star, and I loved that experience,ā Culberson said. āThatās what made me curious about other opportunities that might be possible in the future, working in the same industry but branching out into areas that seemed just as much fun, like events-planning. A lot of people I know that work in tourism get to travel for work and ...
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Recognizing extraordinary contributions: ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē names Honorary Fellows for 2023
June 1, 2023
ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē is bestowing its highest honour upon four esteemed residents this spring: Terry Flannigan, Dr. Silvina Mema, Michael Tindall, and Grant Stevens. These distinguished individuals have been selected as 2023 Honorary Fellows in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the fields of philanthropy, health care, community development, and aerospace. āAs I reflect on the accomplishments of our honorees, I am struck by the transformative impact each has had on the community,ā said ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē President Dr. Neil Fassina....
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College honours Jim Hamilton with Distinguished Service Award
May 31, 2023
Despite retiring as president from ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē in 2021, a role he held for 17 years, the impact Jim Hamilton had as a leader at ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē and throughout the region continues to resonate for students, staff and in the community. In recognition of his service, ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē will this year award him a Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to employees who have contributed in exemplary and significant ways to the College, and who are active in the broader ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē community. āAt the time of his retirement, Jim Hamilton was the longest-serving presiden...
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Plant a Seed Day fundraiser sprouts an impressive $66,000 in gifts for the new Sunflower Childcare Centre on ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē's Vernon Campus
May 17, 2023
ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē Foundation is thrilled to announce the success of Plant a Seed Day, a fun-filled, family-friendly fundraiser that, thanks to generous community support, raised $66,000 for the Sunflower Childcare Centre. The funds will be put towards equipment, furnishings, supplies, and a creative outdoor space where kids can learn and play. Event guests had the opportunity to experience child-led yoga, sunflower-themed art classes, country line dancing, and a delicious lemonade crawl ā all made possible thanks to generous sponsors: Kal T...
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New Dean of Science and Technology to join ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē this July
May 17, 2023
ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē is pleased to announce that Dr. Halia Valladares Montemayor will assume the role of Dean, Science and Technology at ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē starting July 1. Halia is an established leader in post-secondary instruction and administration, and we are excited to have her join ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē. Halia brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is a former special projects Advisor to the Vice-President Academic at Capilano University and the former Dean of the Faculty of Business and Professional Studies at Capilano. Most recently, Halia ...
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