OC Foundation distributes over $500,000 in student awards for fall semester
December 4, 2024
For Lucas Weigert, receiving awards was the moment he knew he had made the right choice to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.Weigert, a second year Associate of Science student, was a student speaker at Ƶ’s (OC) Kelowna Awards Celebration November 21. The event was one of three held in November that saw more than $550,000 distributed to OC students across the region.Weigert is completing his first two years of his undergraduate degree at OC before pursuing medical school.“When you’re constantly studying you can ha...
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OC students push their limits at the IEEEXtreme challenge
December 1, 2024
When it comes to testing their knowledge limits, Ƶ (OC) students are a willing bunch! Mental dedication and endurance were on full display as students participated in the IEEEXtreme Programming Competition this past fall—a grueling 24-hour, worldwide computer coding event. Sixteen OC students in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Engineering programs from the Vernon and Kelowna campuses took on the challenge this year. The event, organized by the Ƶ IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electron...
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A message to our community on International education
November 29, 2024
From OC Provost Sam Lenci and VP of Enrolment Jenn Goodwin:Dear students, alumni, colleagues, partners, donors and friends,Over the past several weeks, you have likely become more aware of enrolment challenges facing many post-secondary institutions in Canada, including here at Ƶ, following recent policy changes by the federal government.While the current situation is concerning, it is important our whole OC community understands and feels confident in our college and our future together. Ƶ is today and...
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Community rallies for recreation: Thrive Here campaign hits major fundraising milestone
November 27, 2024
Thanks to a number of passionate individuals and organizations, the finish line for the Thrive Here campaign to build a gymnasium at Ƶ is now in sight.The Ƶ (OC) Foundation is announcing it has raised $12 million towards its $14-million goal to build a Recreation and Wellness Centre on the Kelowna campus.“It is truly a team effort by our community to make this centre a reality,” says Helen Jackman, executive director of the OC Foundation.“We want to thank everyone who has selflessly donated to help us g...
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New Dean of Teaching and Learning joins Ƶ
November 25, 2024
Ƶ (OC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Martin will join the College as the Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovations, overseeing academic learning resources and OC Library Services."I am thrilled to be joining Ƶ and look forward to working with the teaching and learning teams within the College,” said Dr. Martin. “I am inspired by all I have learned about the work being done by OC faculty and staff to create responsive and transformational learning opportunities for students. I am excited for the o...
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Triple threat Ƶ alum inspires the next generation of women in trades at Jill of All Trades™
November 22, 2024
When Ƶ (OC) alum Cassidy McEown took on the challenge of restoring a 1969 Roadrunner on the show Rust Valley Bros, she wasn’t just buffing out dents—she was proving her mettle. Tasked with handling the car’s bodywork, paint, and polishing entirely on her own, Cassidy rose to the occasion, delivering a flawless finish on a tight deadline. Her reward? A well-deserved, newfound respect, and the confidence to achieve her Red Seal certification. Much like the Roadrunner itself, Cassidy has been unstoppable ever since, crui...
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Ƶ partners with regional, provincial and national tourism organizations
November 22, 2024
Living and working in the Okanagan-Shuswap has its advantages, most notably a four-season playground featuring world-class tourism operations, wineries, craft breweries and incredible restaurants, along with abundant fruit and vegetables.Ƶ (OC) is building on its relationships with industry partners in the food, beverage and tourism sectors to enhance its programming, signing strategic partnership agreements with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), and Tour...
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Ƶ faculty member Amy Modahl presents Redactions at the Kelowna Art Gallery
November 22, 2024
Art has a way of revealing the unspoken, inviting us to reflect on what lies beneath the surface. On December 5, Ƶ instructor and multidisciplinary artist Amy Modahl will present her latest body of work, Redactions, in a captivating talk and guided tour at the Kelowna Art Gallery.This free, public event offers a unique opportunity to engage with Modahl’s creative process and explore how her art bridges the worlds of visual and written language. A collection of paintings on canvas and paper, Redactions delves into the ...
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Update on International Education at Ƶ
November 14, 2024
Good afternoon colleagues,This afternoon, I am writing in follow up to President Fassina’s message on Oct. 16, which provided an update on enrolment this fall at Ƶ, and detailed new federal policies impacting international students who come to Canada to study.As you are aware, earlier this fall, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes which reduce the number of college programs eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This decision came into effect on Nov. 1 and means internationa...
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Vernon community help Sunflower Childcare Centre blossom into reality
November 13, 2024
When Clara Cheung gets ready to travel to Ƶ (OC) each morning, she now is able to do so with her two-year-old son Pak Sen in tow.Clara is on her way to attend class at the Vernon campus; Pak Sen is about to enter the campus’s new childcare centre.The Sunflower Childcare Centre / smúkwaʔxn̓ scəcəmalla itskn snmaʔmayaʔtn on OC’s Vernon campus opened at the start of October, creating much-needed new childcare spaces for student parents, faculty and community members.“For me, this centre has made a huge impact on my ...
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