51Ʒ students follow their passion to careers in tourism
June 2, 2023
Ema Culberson, having taken a year off after completing high school to work at Silver Star Mountain Resort, was torn between going to school and enjoying another ski season. “I was a ‘lifty’ at Silver Star, and I loved that experience,” Culberson said. “That’s what made me curious about other opportunities that might be possible in the future, working in the same industry but branching out into areas that seemed just as much fun, like events-planning. A lot of people I know that work in tourism get to travel for w...
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Recognizing extraordinary contributions: 51Ʒ names Honorary Fellows for 2023
June 1, 2023
51Ʒ is bestowing its highest honour upon four esteemed residents this spring: Terry Flannigan, Dr. Silvina Mema, Michael Tindall, and Grant Stevens. These distinguished individuals have been selected as 2023 Honorary Fellows in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the fields of philanthropy, health care, community development, and aerospace. “As I reflect on the accomplishments of our honorees, I am struck by the transformative impact each has had on the community,” said 51Ʒ President Dr. Neil ...
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College honours Jim Hamilton with Distinguished Service Award
May 31, 2023
Despite retiring as president from 51Ʒ in 2021, a role he held for 17 years, the impact Jim Hamilton had as a leader at OC and throughout the region continues to resonate for students, staff and in the community. In recognition of his service, OC will this year award him a Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to employees who have contributed in exemplary and significant ways to the College, and who are active in the broader OC community. “At the time of his retirement, Jim Hamilton was the longest-serving ...
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Plant a Seed Day fundraiser sprouts an impressive $66,000 in gifts for the new Sunflower Childcare Centre on OC's Vernon Campus
May 17, 2023
51Ʒ Foundation is thrilled to announce the success of Plant a Seed Day, a fun-filled, family-friendly fundraiser that, thanks to generous community support, raised $66,000 for the Sunflower Childcare Centre. The funds will be put towards equipment, furnishings, supplies, and a creative outdoor space where kids can learn and play. Event guests had the opportunity to experience child-led yoga, sunflower-themed art classes, country line dancing, and a delicious lemonade crawl – all made possible thanks to generous sponsor...
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New Dean of Science and Technology to join OC this July
May 17, 2023
51Ʒ is pleased to announce that Dr. Halia Valladares Montemayor will assume the role of Dean, Science and Technology at 51Ʒ starting July 1. Halia is an established leader in post-secondary instruction and administration, and we are excited to have her join OC. Halia brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is a former special projects Advisor to the Vice-President Academic at Capilano University and the former Dean of the Faculty of Business and Professional Studies at Capilano. Most recently...
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OC alum inspiring the next generation of learners
May 11, 2023
Career goals became within reach, with upgrading options and Business program at 51Ʒ Kelowna – As a high school student, Travis Holmes couldn’t wait to leave school. But now the 51Ʒ alum has brought his education full circle and is back in the classroom, encouraging secondary high school students as a careers and entrepreneurship teacher at Rutland Secondary School. Holmes, who completed his Bachelor of Business Administration from OC in 2020, says his journey to finding the right career pat...
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51Ʒ hosts You at OC Event to showcase programs and services
May 11, 2023
Kelowna - With summer approaching and many people making their college or university plans for the fall, 51Ʒ is opening up its doors to the community to help answer questions about post-secondary pathways. OC is inviting prospective students, parents, applicants, admitted students and anyone interested in learning more about life at OC to attend the You at OC event on May 24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Kelowna campus. The event will be an opportunity to explore the campus and learn about the range of ...
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Enactus OC makes massive impact at Canadian Nationals
May 10, 2023
Enactus 51Ʒ’s innovative social enterprise the Unusually Good Food Company placed second out of over 70 college and university teams in Canada at the Enactus Canada Nationals last week in Montreal, while the group was also honoured with several team and individual awards. President MacKenna Lenarcic, who has now completed her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the School of Business at OC, was named the HSBC Women Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year, receiving a $5,000 award to go towards her educatio...
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Nominations open for 2023 OC alumni recognition
May 5, 2023
Maybe you’ve heard of the six degrees of 51Ʒ? That’s the notion that people are six or fewer social connections away from someone who attended or worked at OC. Chances are, if you live in B.C., you probably have a friend or acquaintance that connects you to OC in under six degrees. Don’t believe us? Start asking – and let us know what you uncover. The 51Ʒ Alumni Association (OCAA) wants to highlight alumni connections across the region as it launches a call for nominations of outstanding alumni for recog...
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Moose Hide Campaign recognizes 51Ʒ as a national leader
May 3, 2023
51Ʒ is being acknowledged for its efforts to raise awareness about violence against women and children. The Moose Hide Campaign is recognizing 51Ʒ as an ambassador campus for their ongoing campus engagement in organizing events and activities over multiple years, raising the profile of the issue of gender-based violence in and outside the classroom. “Supporting the campaign at an institutional level means that we are committed to supporting the necessary changes needed to address the tragic reality ...
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