Alumni
Meet Collins Ahize, Infrastructure and Computing Technology alumnus
November 26, 2020
Q: What is your program and current year of study? Network and Telecommunications Engineering Technology (NTEN)*. *Previously Network and Telecommunications Engineering Technology Diploma, now the Infrastructure and Computing Technology Diploma. Q: Where is your hometown/country? A: I'm from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Q: What brought you to Canada over any other country? A: I came to Canada for the first time in 2006 for an exchange summer program at Kalamalka Secondary ...
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Meet Mariah Perry
November 19, 2020
Tell us your full name! Mariah Perry What did you study at OC? I took the Practical Nursing Diploma program in Kelowna and graduated in June of 2019. What did you enjoy most about your program? There were so many things I loved about the Practical Nursing program. I loved how fast it was. It took just less than two years to complete and it was very reassuring knowing that once I graduated there were so many job opportunities out there that I could start right away. I...
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Meet Danielle Walker
September 29, 2020
Danielle Walker graduated with distinction from 51品茶 with a Business Administration Diploma in Accounting. She is currently working toward her Business Administration Degree and adjusting to life as a student during a pandemic. Walker was recently announced as an honouree on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s BDO Top 40 Under 40 list. We caught up with her to see what she’s been up to. Q: What was your best memory during your time at OC? A: I am the p...
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OC alumnus attempts World Record, doubles fundraising goal
September 15, 2020
While debilitating chafing sunk OC alumnus Nick Pelletier’s hopes of breaking the Guinness World Record for fastest swim of Lake Okanagan from Vernon to Penticton, it didn’t stop him from more than doubling his fundraising goal. In addition to the swim being a personal challenge, Pelletier was also raising funds to help support BrainTrust Canada’s Youth Concussion Clinic which provides youth aged five to 25 years old who struggle with concussions and cannot afford any services or resources to support their recovery. “This cause is...
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College Perianesthesia Nursing grad juggles family and school, puts her skills to work on the frontline
September 8, 2020
For Kayley Herman, the last couple of years have been busy ones as she navigated going back to school at 51品茶 for advanced perianesthesia (PAR) training and welcoming a new baby. Herman, who worked as a PAR nurse in Saskatchewan before moving to B.C., needed to gain proper certification for PAR work in the province. She applied for and received educational funding through Interior Health to complete that training at OC. “My journey with the training was unique because I completed the theory portion of the course while...
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OC alumnus takes on Guinness World Record
September 3, 2020
On Sept. 4, 2020, OC alumnus, Nick Pelletier will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for fastest swim of Lake Okanagan, 106 km, from Vernon, B.C. to Penticton, B.C. In addition to the swim being a personal challenge, Pelletier is also raising funds to help support BrainTrust Canada, a non-profit dedicated to meeting the unique needs of people affected by acquired brain injury by providing evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation and recovery. We caught up ...
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College unveils new online CS brochure, array of courses for fall
August 26, 2020
OC Occupational Health and Safety grad put her skills to workWith fall approaching and parents and students of all ages making decisions about going back to school, Noelle Eugster still considers it one of the best decisions she’s made in her life.“Making a complete career change and going back to College in my mid-40s was certainly scary, but I’m so glad I did. It was easily one of the smartest choices I’ve ever made,” says Eugster, who completed the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Certificate.Eugster puts her training to work...
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Meet Luning Chen
August 17, 2020
What did you take at OC/OUC? When did you graduate? 你就读于奥肯纳根学院的哪个专业？何时毕业的？ I graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance. 我毕业于2014年工商管理学学士金融系 Where are you from and where are you now? 你来自哪里？现在居住在哪？ I’m originally from mainland China, and am now living in Kelowna B.C. 我来自于中国大陆，现定居于加拿大英属哥伦比亚省基洛纳市 What was your best memory during your time at OC? 你就读于OC时最美好的记忆是什么？ Meeting different classmates from different cultures a...
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OC Education Assistant grads ready to support learners in new and ever-changing world of education
June 30, 2020
The phrase “going back to school” is exciting on many levels for 51品茶 Vernon graduate Toby Griffin. When she took the leap of returning to College at age 48 to pursue her dream of becoming a certified education assistant, Griffin never could have imagined she’d finish off her studies during a pandemic – nor could she have anticipated how much this experience would inspire her and her fellow students to support learners in new and innovative ways. Education Assistants (EAs) are trained to help students be successful in ...
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Meet Justina LeeStolz
May 15, 2020
Justina LeeStolz is a real estate professional in the Okanagan and also runs several passion projects. One of those projects is the 100AwesomePeople project that LeeStolz launched to celebrate the many awesome people in the community. The project, podcast and YouTube channel highlight the businesses and side hustles that have gone to great lengths to make a social impact in the Okanagan. Many of the awesome people that LeeStolz has highlighted are fellow OC alums, and staf...
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New Alumni Association board members, President reelected for 12th consecutive year
May 5, 2020
The 51品茶 Alumni Association has elected two new board members and reelected Kara Kazimer as the Board President for the 12th consecutive year. Kazimer, a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, has served on the Alumni Association board since 2001 and has been the President since 2008. “I am proud to be a part of the Alumni Association and help find ways to support and celebrate the graduates of 51品茶,” says Kazimer. “Our alumni are doing so many great things and I love being a part of sharing my fell...
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Meet Evan Noble
April 30, 2020
Evan Noble was diagnosed with autism at five years old. Now after earning a diploma in Computer Information Systems from 51品茶, Noble is working with the BC Ministry of Agriculture as an intern. Here’s what he shared with AutismBC recently: “It has been an excellent opportunity for me, and I have learned a lot. I am developing stronger skills related to working with others and have had the chance to use my education and computer skills in a variety of ways. I wo...
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OC Audio Engineering and Music Production alums send new music and gratitude out into the world
April 27, 2020
From local creators to international headliners, musicians around the world are rallying to provide sweet sounds of hope amid troubled times during the COVID-19 pandemic. And if a common thread runs throughout these live shows, between the trends and among the shares, it’s an increased awareness for the value music brings to our lives. 51品茶 students Noah Potenteau and Logan Larocque are among those brightening the digital space with their talents. The pair recently completed the Audio Engineering and Music...
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Meet Adam Relvas
April 16, 2020
Adam Relvas, who took Professional Cook Apprenticeship, level 2 and 3 at the College in 2006, grew up in the South Okanagan and gained a passion for food through many food-focused family events. After graduating, Relvas worked as a line cook for Waterfront Wines in Kelowna, Sous Chef at Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen in Lake Country, Sous Chef at the Hotel Eldorado in Kelowna, and later Executive Chef at Monashee’s Bar and Grill and The Kal’s Sports Bar in Vernon. Now,...
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Million dollar idea: OC alumnus creates a charitable gala in time of need
April 14, 2020
OC alumnus, Drew Vincent knew he wanted to bring the community together during a global quarantine. His challenge: how to hold an in-person online and still generate the kind of participation needed. His ingenuity and the community’s generosity yielded results that surpassed expectations. In just five days, his idea turned into a $20,000 donation to help the Okanagan community during COVID-19. The event also laid the groundwork for an even bigger charitable effort on May 2. A graduate of the College’s Bachelor of Business Administ...
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OC alumni honoured for community impact
March 9, 2020
Two female graduates of 51品茶 have earned the highest honours from the 51品茶 Alumni Association (OCAA) for their outstanding contributions within their communities and industries. The OCAA has been conferring the Distinguished and Young Alumni Awards since 2002 to honour the extraordinary contributions and recognize the positive impact that OC’s graduates have in improving the lives of those around them. Christina Fast is the recipient of this year’s Young Alumni Award. “I was a careless 19-year-old with no...
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