![Gordon Shuster, Sakura Hirata, and Devin Rubadeau](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2024-08/gordon_shuster_sakura_hirata_and_devin_rubadeau.jpg?h=0a41f8c9&itok=Y7TSt1Cc)
Celebrating Gordon Shuster’s Legacy and Welcoming New Leadership in International Education
August 13, 2024
After 35 years of dedicated service, Gordon Shuster is retiring from ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï Gordon’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including witnessing the institution's transformation from Okanagan College to Okanagan University College and back again, all while seeing the college grow and evolve. Over the past 25 years, Gordon has been a cornerstone of the International Education department, playing a crucial role in its expansion from 300 to over 2,000 international students. His impact extends beyond the campus, i...
Read more...![ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï ACBSP Champions/Faculty members Laura Thurnheer (middle) and Michael Conlin (left) receiving the re-accreditation certificate from Chief Accreditation Officer for ACBSP Steve Pascale (right).](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2024-08/laura_thurnheer_-_michael_conlin_-_steve_pascal.jpg?h=d318f057&itok=HMMLlACV)
Okanagan College School of Business Earns Prestigious 10-Year Re-accreditation
August 13, 2024
Okanagan College’s School of Business (ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹ÏSB) has achieved a major milestone, earning a 10-year re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The prestigious recognition was awarded to ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï on June 29, 2024, in Miami, Florida and represents the school’s dedication to excellence in business education and its commitment to continuous improvement.Since first receiving accreditation in 2014, the ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹ÏSB has worked tirelessly to enhance its curriculum and programs, ensuring students recei...
Read more...Okanagan College Delegation Engages Global Education Issues at BC International Education Week 2024
August 13, 2024
In the spirit of collaboration and learning Okanagan College’s International department was well-represented at a recent conference examining global education issues. Okanagan College team members spoke at the BC International Education Week 2024 Conference in Vancouver, a gathering of educators and administrators from various institutions.The conference discussed insights on international education, and ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï's delegation made a notable impact.Three employees from ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï led insightful sessions al...
Read more...Indigenous Innovators: Quest for Knowledge, Culture, and Creativity
August 12, 2024
In July, the ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï Indigenous Services team had the pleasure of hosting a two-week camp designed for Indigenous kids in grades 4-6, called Indigenous Innovators: Quest for Knowledge, Culture, and Creativity. The Indigenous Services team is grateful to the Camp ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï team for helping make this camp a great success.Campers had the opportunity to make Bannock with Salmon Arm Indigenous Services Coordinator, Diyame Derrick Caterer, which made an excellent morning snack. They were also taught the art o...
Read more...![Power washing side of ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï Building at Kelowna campus](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2024-08/onewashokanagan_6.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=OqQuqG1n)
Okanagan College Alumni Success Story: Ben Deagazio
August 12, 2024
Ben Deagazio, a recent graduate from Okanagan College’s Business diploma program, has turned his dream into a thriving business called One Wash Okanagan. But Ben’s journey from student to successful business owner wasn’t easy and is a testament to his own determination, combined with the support he received from ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹ÏBen started with a bold idea and a lot of determination to build up a mobile washing business, despite financial challenges and skepticism from some people close to him, Ben believed in his vision. He starte...
Read more...![Howard Hisdal attends Commando Bay annaversary with members of the Kelowna Chinese History Group, the Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna, and Military Historian Keith Boehmer.](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2024-08/commando_bay_18_july_2024_1_0.png?h=5727dda8&itok=-Rd0Gn9Q)
College professor Celebrates Chinese Canadian history at Commando Bay 80th anniversary
August 9, 2024
Okanagan College history professor Howard Hisdal celebrated a major milestone in the history of Chinese Canadian right to vote. Hisdal was invited by Shaun Boo to make the trip to Commando Bay on Okanagan Lake to commemorate the 1944 British Special Operations (SOE) training of 13 Chinese Canadian commandos. The event included members of the Kelowna Chinese History Group, the Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna, and Military Historian Keith Boehmer of the Okanagan Military Museum. “The training of the 13 Chinese Canadians ...
Read more...![Stronger BC future skills grant](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2024-08/strongerbc_future_skills_grant.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=tVEivYKE)
Over 20 courses and programs at Okanagan College qualify for StrongerBC future skills grant
August 8, 2024
Learners who are considering upgrading their skills, advancing their careers or taking on a new challenge through a program at Okanagan College (ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï) have another great reason to take the plunge right now. The StrongerBC future skills grant is back with tuition support.Introduced for the first time in fall 2023, the StrongerBC future skills grant covers as much as $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions—including ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï The grant is open to most B.C. residents aged 19 years or ol...
Read more...![Building in Penticton with ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï logo](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2020-01/Okanagan%20College%20Penticton%20Facilities%20Building.jpg?h=545391db&itok=GPzVYvoH)
Green Drinks: Fire Ecology and Wildfire Management Panel Discussion at Penticton ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï
August 1, 2024
Discover the vital role of fire in landscape and gain practical strategies for wildfire management at the upcoming Green Drinks Penticton event.This engaging and informative panel discussion at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus is supported by the City of Penticton, the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen, the District of Summerland, Tin Whistle and the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre at ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï.Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024Time: 6 to 8 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)Location: Community Hall, Okanagan Colle...
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New Associate Dean joins the School of Business
July 31, 2024
After an extensive search, ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï is pleased to welcome Dr. Christine Sjolander as our Associate Dean, Business Administration.Christine comes to ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï with a breadth of experience in post-secondary education, most recently serving as Vice-Chair, Academic at Capilano University for the School of Business. Christine has completed a Doctor of Education from Simon Fraser University as well as a Master's and Bachelor's Degree from Alfred University.As a strong proponent of student-centered teaching and learning, she is looking forward to worki...
Read more...![Patrena Mackie, new Dean of Helath and Social Development](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2024-07/patrena_mackie_dean-of-health-and-social-development.png?h=00d0dbb7&itok=fUp_55Nm)
Okanagan College Welcomes New Dean of Health and Social Development
July 31, 2024
Okanagan College is pleased to announce that Patrena Mackie has joined ÈÈÃÅ´ó¹Ï as the new Dean of Health and Social Development. With over 17 years of experience in teaching and health care, Patrena brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our community. She holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Nursing.Mackie comes to Okanagan College from Bow Valley College where she was the Associate Dean of the School of Health and Wellness, Nursing portfolio. During her career she has maintained a focus on integrating technology into c...
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