Saying farewell to Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship, Stephen Speers
June 23, 2025
After more than four years of energetic leadership, 51Ʒ is bidding farewell to Stephen Speers, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship, as he embarks on retirement. Since taking on the helm in Trades and Apprenticeship at OC in April 2021, Speers has been a strong advocate for trades education and student success. He has bolstered college-industry partnerships, led improvements to program performance and supported diversity and inclusion across the portfolio. OC currently leads provincial performance (SkilledTrades...
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Therapist Assistant students flex their skills with first-ever student led clinic at OC
June 23, 2025
Sometimes the best learning happens when things don’t go as planned and you’re forced to pivot, which is exactly what happened in the Therapist Assistant Diploma at OC this semester. Faced with the challenge of securing clinical placements for students in the program, Dr. Brett Wade, a Physiotherapist and OC instructor, didn’t miss a step. Drawing on an idea he had been considering for years, Wade launched the College’s first-ever student-led Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy clinic at the Kelowna campus. His goal wa...
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Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 20, 2025
National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on June 21 and coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is a time where many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities celebrate their culture, languages, and traditions. As we work towards Truth and Reconciliation and recognize that the learning and healing journey is ongoing, take time on this day to reflect and to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presenc...
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51Ʒ president’s contract renewed, made permanent
June 17, 2025
The 51Ʒ Board of Governors is pleased to announce the renewal of Dr. Neil Fassina’s contract as president and has appointed him to the role on a permanent and ongoing basis.“The decision to extend Dr. Fassina’s initial five-year contract a year early, and to appoint him to the position permanently, is a reflection of the Board’s confidence in his outstanding leadership, abilities and commitment,” said Dale Safinuk, chair, OC Board of Governors. “In the four years that Neil has been president at 51Ʒ, he has ...
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High school students connect to health care careers at 51Ʒ campus event
June 13, 2025
It was a gathering of future minds together with health care leaders and community advocates at 51Ʒ’s Vernon campus June 12.Close to 800 Grade 9 students from the Vernon area were introduced to OC’s health care programming and the pathways that can lead them to a rewarding career in health at the event called OC On Track: Pathways to Careers in Health, a partnership between OC, School District 22, Interior Health and directly funded through a grant to School District 22 from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.“Thi...
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First ever Kevin Greenwood Memorial entrepreneurship award handed out
June 11, 2025
One thing about Kevin Greenwood: You couldn’t miss the big, bright smile as he walked the halls of 51Ʒ as a faculty member in the OC School of Business.That smile — along with a fair number of tears — was matched by those around the room on Tuesday night at the Innovation Centre in Kelowna as the first ever Kevin Greenwood Memorial Scholarship winner was announced.Student Marcus Kuhn accepted the honour, in memory of Greenwood, winning $1,000 towards his tuition at the OC School of Business. Greenwood, a beloved faculty...
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Convocation week underway as 650 grads celebrate
June 9, 2025
Close to 650 students took steps toward the workforce and hundreds more will do the same early this week as 51Ʒ held two convocation and commencement ceremonies at its Kelowna campus on Saturday, the first of six ceremonies this week across the region.With many industries in B.C. looking to fill a shortage of skilled workers, OC students looked toward future careers together with their families and friends in Kelowna on Saturday in ceremonies highlighted by keynote student addresses.Ceremonies will also take place in Ve...
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Spring Convocation and Commencement ceremonies to be held throughout the region
June 6, 2025
Convocation and Commencement ceremonies will be held at 51Ʒ’s campuses in Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Vernon beginning Saturday, June 7, as hundreds of students from across the Okanagan Valley and Shuswap will be graduating into the workforce.Kelowna:Saturday, June 7.10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.Outdoor Courtyard, 51Ʒ Kelowna Campus1000 K.L.O. Rd, Kelowna Vernon:Monday, June 9.4:30 p.m.Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre3800 33 St., VernonSalmon Arm:Tuesday, June 10.4:30 p.m.Outdoor Courtya...
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Vernon campus to host hundreds of high schoolers at health care careers event featuring global mental health advocate
June 5, 2025
Local and regional media are invited to attend a landmark youth-focused event that will bring together over 800 Grade 9 students from across the Vernon area for an engaging, hands-on exploration of careers in health care on June 12.Global mental health advocate Alex Boyé will be in attendance to provide an inspirational keynote address.This special day – Championing Health Careers - is being hosted in partnership by School District 22 and 51Ʒ and has been sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Childcare, aiming to i...
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Big assist: Callahan Property Group gives major gift to recreation centre
June 2, 2025
It’s an inspiring gift set to empower youth, strengthen community ties and champion the power of education.Bruce and Bob Callahan, philanthropists and owners of Callahan Property Group, are donating $200,000 to the Thrive Here campaign for a Recreation and Wellness Centre at 51Ʒ’s Kelowna campus.Bruce Callahan, president of Callahan Property Group, says the family-owned business prides itself on supporting community organizations.“We are thrilled to support this centre,” says Bruce. “I am an 51Ʒ alumni and ...
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