Mural at Ƶ honours residential school survivors
November 24, 2023
A large mural that honours residential school survivors has been unveiled at Ƶ’s Kelowna campus, designed and painted by Syilx artist Sheldon Pierre Louis. Titled suʔkncut’s prayers, the acrylic latex mural measures 10 feet tall by 21 feet wide and raises awareness about the legacy and impacts of the residential school system. The mural was officially unveiled Nov. 24 with a special ceremony at OC’s Kelowna campus. “The mural signifies Ƶ’s lasting commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation at o...
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OC Cultivates event fosters local food, wine and tourism businesses
November 21, 2023
New event series kick-off hosts panel of local experts, facilitated by CBC’s Sarah Penton.You’ve heard of the iconic Okanagan Champagne powder or our four-season playgrounds, but did you know the Okanagan is also leading the way in innovation in food and beverage and tourism?A new Ƶ event series, OC Cultivates, aims to celebrate and explore Okanagan’s unique and exciting food, beverage and tourism industries with a kick-off event featuring local experts and a panel discussion hosted by CBC Radio West host, Sarah Pento...
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OC international alum empowering women in technology
November 16, 2023
Ƶ alum Fernanda Alves is using her education to foster diversity in the tech industry. A former OC international student from Brazil and alum of the Computer Information System Diploma, Alves was the organizer of the 2023 Women in Technology Panel which brought together women from diverse fields and positions to share their experiences navigating the tech industry. Fernanda received recognition at the President's Reception for Student Ambassadors. “Organizing the Women in Tech Panel was one o...
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New ECE offerings at Ƶ responding to workforce demands
November 8, 2023
Working as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) assistant for the past 20 years has provided Penticton’s Karen Block with a rewarding career helping children learn, grow and play. Block took the opportunity to enhance her career and learn additional skills through the new ECE Certificate program at Ƶ. The program offers students flexibility to attend classes and upskill, while continuing to work in their field. “Because my classes are offered in a hybrid format, it has been possible for me to continue working du...
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City of Kelowna supports OC trades programs through garbage truck donation
November 1, 2023
One person’s trash certainly can be another’s treasure. The City of Kelowna proved the old saying true by donating a garbage truck to Ƶ’s Trades and Apprenticeship program this September. “When we determined that this garbage truck was at the end of its service life, we were happy to donate it as a hands-on training tool for Ƶ students,” said Scott Hoekstra, Manager, Landfill & Composing Operations, City of Kelowna. “We’re facing a shortage of skilled trades professionals, and we know that this do...
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Ƶ marks 60 years of alumni and employee success
November 1, 2023
Sixty years is worth celebrating – that’s what brought out over 100 alumni, staff and Ƶ supporters last month, as OC marked its 60th anniversary and the impact of tens of thousands of graduates since post-secondary came to the region. The College’s story began in 1963, when the B.C. Vocational Institute was first established. Since that time more than 60,000 graduates have passed through OC’s campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Penticton and Kelowna, and sites in Revelstoke and Oliver. OC’s alumni have made h...
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Westbank First Nation and Ƶ sign updated MOU
October 30, 2023
Ƶ and Westbank First Nation (WFN) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding continuing a long partnership which aims to strengthen the recruitment, mentorship and retention of Syilx learners at Ƶ. The MOU lays out the objectives and principles of a partnership that will help guide the College to embrace the spirit and intent of reconciliation and ensure culturally appropriate, meaningful, and quality education and skills training opportunities for WFN learners. Chief Robert Louie, West...
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THRIVE HERE campaign kicks off with record-level support
October 25, 2023
Ƶ Foundation launches campaign to build a new Recreation and Wellness Centre at its Kelowna campus; Folk family makes record-setting gift KELOWNA - It’s ‘Game Day’ at Ƶ! Today, OC students, donors, leaders, staff and community members came together to celebrate the launch of the Thrive Here campaign to build a new Recreation and Wellness Centre on the Kelowna campus. Making the announcement to the approximately 100 people in attendance, including members from the OC Coyotes basketball and baseball tea...
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Dr. Samantha Lenci appointed Ƶ Provost and Vice President, Academic
October 25, 2023
Dr. Samantha Lenci, a well-respected leader with experience working across multiple post-secondary institutions in Western Canada, has been named the new provost and vice president academic at Ƶ, effective Dec. 1, 2023. “Dr. Lenci is an outstanding leader and team builder who brings expertise in program design, development and implementation, as well as an understanding of the transformative power of post-secondary education in communities,” said Dr. Neil Fassina, OC president. “Most importantly, in addition to...
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OC’s Red Dot Players present The Haunting of Hill House
October 23, 2023
As the weather gets chilly something is heating up the stage at Ƶ. A supernatural horror story that promises to be a hauntingly good time for attendees. The Red Dot Players are excited to present The Haunting of Hill House, a psychological horror story about an investigator of supernatural phenomena who arrives at Hill House to unravel its morbid history. The play is written by F. Andrew Leslie and based on the novel by Shirley Jackson. The performance is directed by OC faculty member Sarah Foss. "I wa...
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