Students
![Kenzie Gorjanc](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2021-01/1%29%20Kenzie%20Gorjanc.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=rkkOyZRx)
Together, from afar: an ʪƵ graduation ceremony unlike any other
January 15, 2021
In a year unlike any other, ʪƵ student Kenzie Gorjanc found herself adapting to new ways of learning to complete her education. On Jan. 23, she will join more than 2,000 OC students who will don virtual caps and gowns as they are recognized during the College’s first-ever online convocation ceremony. Graduates, along with their family, friends and supporters in the community are invited to tune in and watch the pre-recorded virtual ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m. next Saturday. To view the ceremony and learn more, visit www...
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OC Enactus helps young females navigate the future
January 15, 2021
ʪƵ’s nationally recognized Enactus team is kicking off the new year with new community-initiatives, including a program preparing local young females to navigate their future with confidence, positive self-image and the know-how to tackle the world of job hunting. The project, Ivy Collective, is a free skills development program that supports females aged 15-18 through a series of one-hour online training workshops. Topics include public speaking, job application skills and confidence-building strategies. The first workshop...
Read more...![COVID Cookbook](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-12/COVIDCookbook-web.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=t_6gc6KN)
Collegial effort cooks up a recipe book for student support
December 16, 2020
After compiling recipes into a delectable read, the What We Cooked: A Compilation of Recipes During COVID Times cookbook is available for purchase. The idea for the book started when a team of College library staff members noticed their online daily conversations constantly reverted to food. With a hunger to support the community in a time of isolation and invite others to connect on a relatable subject, What We Cooked was born. All proceeds raised from book sales will go towards the ʪƵ Students’ Union and the Vernon Stude...
Read more...Enactus’ FruitSnaps transitions into social enterprise
December 8, 2020
The award-winning Enactus initiative FruitSnaps is now running as a social enterprise after the student-run team recently launched apple juice boxes. The direct result of an abundant number of apples over the fall semester, the five-litre boxes of fresh apple juice are now available locally and online for purchase. All proceeds go back into the program and help to keep it sustainable. OC alumni, staff and community members were among the first people who showed up to help the Enactus team pick the approximately 13,000 pounds of apples that...
Read more...![Chef Mike Barillaro](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-12/MikeBarillaro-web.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=zB6WlEx_)
Inaugural Student Chef Dinner and Pie Fundraiser winter highlights for Culinary Arts program
December 4, 2020
ʪƵ’s Culinary Arts program is serving up good cheer during the last month of 2020, with two new events that will showcase student creations and support the community simultaneously. On Dec. 10, Infusions Restaurant at the Kelowna campus will open its doors to welcome a limited number of guests for the inaugural Student Chef Dinner, a seven-course tasting experience. The evening gives students an opportunity to showcase their skills and the very best of Okanagan region cuisine. “The Student Chef Dinner is a fantastic opportu...
Read more...![Kendra Scarrott and her artwork titled, Palimpsest](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-12/KendraScarrott-Artwork%20-%20web.jpg?h=43a5b1b4&itok=TD4bmcQO)
OC Vernon student donates artwork in memory of instructor
December 2, 2020
An ʪƵ student has donated a beautiful piece of artwork which she hopes will inspire others as much as the instructor who inspired her. While it might not be uncommon to find a periodic table adorning the hallways of a post-secondary institution, ʪƵ’s Vernon campus is now home to one unlike any other in the world. The unique piece of artwork is in honour of former instructor Donna Leigh Goodman, who taught Adult Basic Education (also known as Adult Upgrading) programs including science and mathematics courses f...
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Thorpe and Friends Scholarship recognizes three South Okanagan students
November 25, 2020
Isaac Halverson was visiting a friend when he learned he was a recipient of this year’s Rick and Yasmin Thorpe and Friends Scholarship Fund, but this did not stop him from running around the house screaming in excitement after reading the news. “It was incredible. I’ve heard about the award before, and I know friends who’ve received it,” says Halverson, who previously attended Princess Margaret Secondary School in Penticton. Halverson is now in his first year at ʪƵ taking engineering. “It’s a lot of money, and it means a lot...
Read more...![Student Mariah Perry stands in the Kelowna campus courtyard clutching her backpack in nursing scrubs](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-10/48712540642_0f27e07827_o%20%282%29.jpg?h=005e64c6&itok=NgRw8xIj)
Meet Mariah Perry
November 19, 2020
Tell us your full name! Mariah Perry What did you study at OC? I took the Practical Nursing Diploma program in Kelowna and graduated in June of 2019. What did you enjoy most about your program? There were so many things I loved about the Practical Nursing program. I loved how fast it was. It took just less than two years to complete and it was very reassuring knowing that once I graduated there were so many job opportunities out there that I could start right away. I was ver...
Read more...![Long Night Against Procrastination poster with a map showing all the ways we distract ourselves, plus the Nov. 26 date of the event](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2021-10/procrastination-NOV-2021-desktop%28web-graphic%29.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=3fV4Glor)
Pizza over procrastination: OC students power through deadlines together during annual event
November 19, 2020
Long Night Against Procrastination is back – even with the pizza – and all from the comfort of home. An ʪƵ rite of passage, Long Night Against Procrastination has helped countless students kick procrastination to the curb and get assignments in on time. In recent years, the popular Penticton event had spread to multiple campuses, as students converged on campus for a late-night cram session, surrounded by faculty, librarians and Success Centre coordinators who would help with final assignments, papers and projects due at the...
Read more...![Associate of Arts degree student, Mare McHale](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-11/McHale-Mare-web4.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=o-tJPNdK)
Mature student hits the books after writing a book
November 17, 2020
YouTuber and mental health advocate Mare McHale turns to ʪƵ for transfer studies Every challenge presents opportunity. For Penticton student Mare McHale, returning to school last September was yet another twist in 2020 that she hadn’t planned, but also an opportunity to invest in her future. “So much has changed this year, but having time at home means reflecting on where our family could be after the pandemic passes. In that lens, going back to class just made sense,” she explains. “When I was taking those first steps of a...
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Celebrating diversity with virtual Diwali and International Education Week
November 10, 2020
Cooking, dancing, photography and crafts: world cultures will be in the spotlight starting Friday, as ʪƵ celebrates its diverse cultural makeup. OC students are invited to take part in the Virtual Celebration of Diwali on Nov. 13, followed by online International Education Week activities from Nov. 16 to 20. International Education Week is an annual celebration of the importance of international education and exchange programs. Celebrated by over 100 countries, OC community members and students share intercultural experienc...
Read more...RBC, local experts offer up virtual financial advice for students
November 6, 2020
ʪƵ trades students will have a unique opportunity later this month to ask questions of local experts and learn how they can build a strong financial foundation. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is hosting Business Planning for Trades, a virtual panel discussion geared toward students currently training for a career in the trades at the College. Panelists include: Jason Williamson, Commercial Account Manager with RBC (previously a small business account manager and has worked with clients through all stages of their business) ...
Read more...![Melanie Stolz](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-11/Stolz_Melanie.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=5QNogtyr)
College offers additional training for in-demand healthcare roles
November 5, 2020
Future students can explore these and other programs at Virtual Open House on Sunday, Nov. 8 If you think hand washing and keeping surfaces sanitized is a lot of work, talk to a medical device reprocessing technician. For individuals in this crucial role, it is a full-time job – one that keeps our hospitals and health care system functioning. ʪƵ is responding to the critical need for healthcare professionals with several additional program offerings this winter. One of these programs being explored is a January intake of ...
Read more...![3D printed Trick-or-Treat bowls](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-10/TrickorTreatBowls1-web.jpg?h=289976fd&itok=u8KLcj24)
OC Mechanical Engineering students making Halloween safer with 3D printing
October 29, 2020
With Halloween quickly approaching, three ʪƵ Mechanical Engineering students are manufacturing a safe way for people to still partake in trick-or-treating. Enter Trick-or-Treat Bowls. An innovative solution, the tools are 3D printed with a small tray-like bowl and attach to any standard broom handle. The idea is that candy can be placed in the bowl and extended to the treat-seeker, providing a socially distanced way to trick-or-treat. “With Halloween coming up, we wanted to provide something that could be fun for the kids wh...
Read more...![Health Care Assistant graduate Jacquie Thom](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-10/Jacquie%20Thom%20Web.jpg?h=b6fd0fd8&itok=QMKcV_4W)
Student has clear vision to graduate as Health Care Assistant
October 27, 2020
Fifty-two-year-old Jacquie Thom can feel victorious as she graduates as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) from ʪƵ this month. Thom is legally blind and was born with an eye condition called coloboma. She describes her vision as blurry and like seeing through a tunnel. Yet despite her vision impairment, she was inspired to pursue a career caring for the elderly after taking care of her parents when they were palliative. “Supporting my parents showed me that it is such an honour to help someone through that period of time just bef...
Read more...![Neil Fassina, incoming President.](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-10/Fassina_Neil.jpg?h=73363d89&itok=kv9ZYBlm)
Athabasca University President to replace Hamilton at ʪƵ
October 22, 2020
Dr. Neil Fassina, an experienced and respected leader in post-secondary education, is going to be taking over the helm of ʪƵ when current President Jim Hamilton retires in 2021. “After a search that drew candidates from around the world, ʪƵ’s Board of Governors has selected a Canadian educator who has balanced classroom experience with leadership experience to lead ʪƵ into the next stage of its evolution and growth,” announced Gloria Morgan, Chair of ʪƵ’s Board of Governors. “Dr. Fass...
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