Triple threat 51Ʒ alum inspires the next generation of women in trades at Jill of All Trades™
November 22, 2024
When 51Ʒ (OC) alum Cassidy McEown took on the challenge of restoring a 1969 Roadrunner on the show Rust Valley Bros, she wasn’t just buffing out dents—she was proving her mettle. Tasked with handling the car’s bodywork, paint, and polishing entirely on her own, Cassidy rose to the occasion, delivering a flawless finish on a tight deadline. Her reward? A well-deserved, newfound respect, and the confidence to achieve her Red Seal certification. Much like the Roadrunner itself, Cassidy has been unstoppable ever since, crui...
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51Ʒ partners with regional, provincial and national tourism organizations
November 22, 2024
Living and working in the Okanagan-Shuswap has its advantages, most notably a four-season playground featuring world-class tourism operations, wineries, craft breweries and incredible restaurants, along with abundant fruit and vegetables.51Ʒ (OC) is building on its relationships with industry partners in the food, beverage and tourism sectors to enhance its programming, signing strategic partnership agreements with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), and Tour...
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51Ʒ faculty member Amy Modahl presents Redactions at the Kelowna Art Gallery
November 22, 2024
Art has a way of revealing the unspoken, inviting us to reflect on what lies beneath the surface. On December 5, 51Ʒ instructor and multidisciplinary artist Amy Modahl will present her latest body of work, Redactions, in a captivating talk and guided tour at the Kelowna Art Gallery.This free, public event offers a unique opportunity to engage with Modahl’s creative process and explore how her art bridges the worlds of visual and written language. A collection of paintings on canvas and paper, Redactions delves into the ...
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Update on International Education at 51Ʒ
November 14, 2024
Good afternoon colleagues,This afternoon, I am writing in follow up to President Fassina’s message on Oct. 16, which provided an update on enrolment this fall at 51Ʒ, and detailed new federal policies impacting international students who come to Canada to study.As you are aware, earlier this fall, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes which reduce the number of college programs eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This decision came into effect on Nov. 1 and means internationa...
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Vernon community help Sunflower Childcare Centre blossom into reality
November 13, 2024
When Clara Cheung gets ready to travel to 51Ʒ (OC) each morning, she now is able to do so with her two-year-old son Pak Sen in tow.Clara is on her way to attend class at the Vernon campus; Pak Sen is about to enter the campus’s new childcare centre.The Sunflower Childcare Centre / smúkwaʔxn̓ scəcəmalla itskn snmaʔmayaʔtn on OC’s Vernon campus opened at the start of October, creating much-needed new childcare spaces for student parents, faculty and community members.“For me, this centre has made a huge impact on my ...
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51Ʒ alum gives $25K to power of sport
November 8, 2024
‘Sport teaches you to handle any challenge,’ says Kelly LoudounKelly Loudoun has no regrets when he looks back at his decision to attend 51Ʒ (OC) and study business, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours.“You can’t deny the power of the OC business degree,” says Loudoun, who owns Loudoun Construction and Development, now in its fifth year.“Being an entrepreneur is difficult and it’s a lot of hard work. Having been through those challenging experiences and lean years, it becomes quite rewarding as...
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Unwrap a winter of fun with Camp OC-inspired After School 51Ʒ at 51Ʒ
October 31, 2024
Local parent Angie Kunz enrolled her daughter in Camp OC for the first time this past summer and was impressed by the diverse course offerings and incredible staff.Now, Angie and families in Kelowna and Penticton have the opportunity to introduce their kids to education-focused programs with the expansion of Camp OC from summer camps to include After School 51Ʒ beginning in January 2025."I chose Camp OC for my daughter because there were several programs that fit her interests,” shares Angie. “She had such a great experience at...
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51Ʒ students lead the charge with EnactusOC’s project on renewable energy education
October 28, 2024
For 51Ʒ students Reece LeGuilloux and Kayla Warner, their involvement with the student business club Enactus 51Ʒ (EnactusOC) is about more than just extracurricular activities, it’s about making a real difference.The two second-year business students recently achieved a major milestone when the EnactusOC project, “Revive,” was awarded $4,300 in funding by 100 Women Who Care in the South Okanagan/Similkameen area. This funding will help expand their renewable energy education program to middle schools a...
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Award-Winning Chef Shucks Up Fun at Upcoming Tasting Festival
October 23, 2024
Infusions Restaurant at 51Ʒ has been one of Kelowna’s best-kept culinary secrets, but word is getting out as diners are going public, serving up excellent reviews. The restaurant, led by former Top Chef contestant Ruth Wigman, received OpenTable’s 2024 Diner’s Choice award, which recognizes outstanding restaurants based on feedback from local diners.Chef Wigman, who competed on Food Network’s Canada’s Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, noted the impressive achievement is a testament to the student chefs who prepar...
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Local playwright hits the right notes featuring 1950s Kelowna in original musical
October 21, 2024
Travel back in time to 1958, where rock and roll is causing trouble in Southeast Kelowna! Michael Minions, recently retired as 51Ʒ’s Education Technology Coordinator. Minions found an unconventional way to stay active in retirement – writing a musical inspired by popular music from the 1950s with plenty of references to Kelowna’s early days. The play is titled Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll and is proudly presented by 51Ʒ’s Red Dot players. “The idea for Society for the Prev...
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