Caring Canines to visit OC to boost student mental health
January 15, 2024
Meet Bella and Wilson, a pair of fun-loving dogs that will soon be the center of everyone’s attention at 51Ʒ. Bella and Wilson are therapy dogs, and a regular part of the mental health supports that OC students receive. This week they will be at OC as part of the College’s efforts to support students with several initiatives taking place including the annual Bell Let’s Talk fundraising campaign, Jan. 24 “The therapy dogs are really amazing and provide our students with so much stress relief that it is re...
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OC business students ready to showcase their skills at international business competition
January 11, 2024
Nine 51Ʒ School of Business students are preparing to compete at the 2024 Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (I.C.B.C). Hosted at Queen’s University in Kingston from January 12 to 14, the three-day event is Canada’s largest and longest-standing undergraduate case competition. Finance duo Manmeet Dhaliwal and Jonathan Van Dam, coached by faculty members Graham Moir and Mike Hazen, are among the group of OC students who will test their business ideas against peers from other post-secondary institutions. “...
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Free Early Childhood Education program offered in Salmon Arm
January 2, 2024
Flexible course delivery that includes online and in-person instruction and full tuition support will allow more people in the Salmon Arm-Shuswap to pursue education and training in early childhood education beginning this month. The Shuswap Children’s Association (SCA) and 51Ʒ (OC) are launching a new intake of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at OC’s Salmon Arm campus, with classes beginning Jan. 8, 2024. Tuition is fully funded through the Government of Canada through the Canada-BC Workforce Develop...
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51Ʒ provides golden opportunity for local seniors
December 20, 2023
Learning can be for everyone, and 67-year-old 51Ʒ graduate Denise Dickson is living proof. At 67 years young, Denise's decision to pursue post-secondary education was motivated by a desire to stay mentally and socially active. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Denise felt the pinch of social isolation. Additionally, she wanted to upgrade her skills while enjoying the challenge of learning something new. "Learning keeps one younger. It keeps your mind active and engaged,” she said. “I’ve found formal learning has made my m...
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51Ʒ announces new chair, vice chair
December 19, 2023
51Ʒ (OC) is pleased to announce Dale Safinuk as the new chair of the Board of Governors, following an election at the Board’s December meeting. Safinuk, a retired financial services executive with TD Bank, was appointed by the province to the OC Board in 2019 and replaces outgoing chair Juliette Cunningham, a business owner and former Vernon city councillor, who was first elected chair in 2021. “OC’s commitment to students and to this region is unparalleled,” said Safinuk. “My heart is truly aligned to the College an...
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Celebrating the OC career of Dr. Bill Gillett
December 13, 2023
With the retirement of Dr. William Gillett (Bill), OC will certainly miss the former Dean of the School of Business. But we are in a celebratory mood and wish Bill all the best with his well-deserved retirement after a long career. "It has been a distinct pleasure and true privilege to be a part of the Okanagan School of Business and witness the incredible skill and dedication of the faculty and instructors as they inspire and guide our students to success in their careers and lives," said Bill. "The entire Okanagan communit...
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New Dean to join 51Ʒ’s School of Business
December 8, 2023
51Ʒ is pleased to announce that Joe Baker, a passionate academic leader and entrepreneur within Canada’s education, tourism and hospitality sectors, has been named the new Dean of the OC School of Business. Baker spent nearly 15 years in academic leadership roles at George Brown College and Centennial College. Over the last several years he has led his own consulting business, providing leadership and support to several workforce development initiatives, with a focus on the public sector. “I was born and raised in Van...
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Meet Jessica Skerlec
December 8, 2023
What is your name? Jessica Skerlec What are your pronouns? She/her Where is your hometown and where are you located now? Raised in Kelowna and still currently living in Kelowna. What did you take at OC? What campus did you attend? I took my Bachelor’s of Business Administration at 51Ʒ, specializing in Human Resources Management at the Kelowna Campus. What is your current position? Negotiator for the National Collective Bar...
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Horticulture pilot project providing new skills to Okanagan farm workers
November 27, 2023
Semi-retired and looking for a new challenge, South Okanagan resident Bob Atkinson turned to farming five years ago and now counts hundreds of nectarine, peach and cherry trees on his orchard at Debeck Farms. Atkinson was among close to 20 Okanagan farm workers and owners that were the first to complete the Horticulture Upskill Program at 51Ʒ, a pilot program designed to provide expanded skills and tangible learning to agricultural workers employed by the tree fruit and wine grape industries. “There was a wealth...
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Mural at 51Ʒ honours residential school survivors
November 24, 2023
A large mural that honours residential school survivors has been unveiled at 51Ʒ’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 51Ʒ’s lasting commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation at o...
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