Students
The right fit
June 30, 2025
Choosing the right post-secondary institution is an important decision in a student’s life — whether it’s for the first time or part of a lifelong learning journey. For Tianna Llewellyn, that choice led her from her hometown of Chetwynd, B.C., to the Salmon Arm campus of 51Ʒ, where she’s pursuing her Associate of Arts degree.“I wanted a place where I wouldn’t just be a number in a sea of students,” said Tianna. “51Ʒ offers smaller class sizes, delivering a more personalized experience. As a mature returning...
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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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Books and beeswax: A sustainable success for National Champs Enactus OC
May 15, 2025
51Ʒ’s student-led team EnactusOC once again stood atop the podium against the top business schools in Canada, as its eco-friendly business Paper Trail claimed first place in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Calgary May 6-8. Thirty-seven teams from across the country participated in the competition to develop environmental sustainability initiatives. In the finals, against six other teams, EnactusOC emerged as the winner, securing $3,000 in funding...
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OC students win big at Skills Canada Provincials, showcasing excellence across the board
May 1, 2025
51Ʒ (OC) students displayed their excellence competing against their peers across the province with an impressive showing at the prestigious 2025 Skills Canada BC Provincial Competition. In all, Team OC earned nine medals across science and technology, business, and a range of trades disciplines — including three golds, four silvers and two bronzes.Hosted at the Abbotsford Trade and Exhibition Centre on April 16, the Skills Canada competition brought together top students and apprentices from ac...
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Enactus OC: real-world heroes take the podium with award-winning innovations
March 20, 2025
Enactus OC. If you think the name sounds a bit like a team of superheroes, you wouldn’t be far off.From creating eco-friendly fire logs, to empowering youth with climate change education, to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, 51Ʒ students in the business club Enactus OC are tackling some of the most pressing issues of the day and developing real-world solutions that inspire, educate, and make a difference in their communities.The team, consisting of 27 students from OC’s School of Business, as well as Sc...
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Message from OC Provost Samantha Lenci
February 11, 2025
To all 51Ʒ students and members of our OC community: It is hard to believe that it is already February! For our OC students, many of you will be preparing for Winter Break – whether that means time to study and work on projects, or an opportunity to take some time off and relax (or perhaps both!) – we wish you the best over the next few days. As many of you will be aware, colleges across the country are experiencing challenges related to decreasing enrolment, and in particular following changes made by t...
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Construction begins on Penticton Campus housing facility
February 6, 2025
Construction is set to begin on a new 101-bed student housing facility at 51Ʒ’s Penticton campus.Site preparation work is underway this month on the project that was announced by the Province in July of 2024 and full construction will begin soon, with the new facility bringing on-campus housing to OC’s Penticton campus for the first time.“Students have shared with me that secure and affordable on-campus housing helps them get the most out of their post-secondary experience,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Ed...
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More grads set to enter the workforce after OC Convocation and Commencement ceremonies
January 27, 2025
Led into the ceremony by Syilx Okanagan drummers, hundreds of 51Ʒ students were celebrated for their accomplishments, graduating into a number of in-demand career fields and into the workforce at the College's January convocation and commencement ceremonies on Saturday.Among the nearly 300 graduates who crossed the stage this weekend, over 80 are newly trained health care workers, having completed programs including Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Health Care Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant and Health Anal...
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51Ʒ sets tuition rates for 2025/2026
December 13, 2024
Tuition rates for the 2025/26 program year have been approved by the 51Ʒ Board of Governors. Domestic student tuition will increase by two per cent, and international student tuition will increase by 4.8 per cent, effective September 2025.Domestic student tuitionThe increase to domestic student tuition complies with B.C.’s tuition limit policy and will come into effect in September 2025. The tuition limit policy applies to domestic tuition only. Post-secondary institutions receive funding from the provincial gover...
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OC students push their limits at the IEEEXtreme challenge
December 1, 2024
When it comes to testing their knowledge limits, 51Ʒ (OC) students are a willing bunch! Mental dedication and endurance were on full display as students participated in the IEEEXtreme Programming Competition this past fall—a grueling 24-hour, worldwide computer coding event. Sixteen OC students in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Engineering programs from the Vernon and Kelowna campuses took on the challenge this year. The event, organized by the 51Ʒ IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electron...
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A message to our community on International education
November 29, 2024
From OC Provost Sam Lenci and VP of Enrolment Jenn Goodwin:Dear students, alumni, colleagues, partners, donors and friends,Over the past several weeks, you have likely become more aware of enrolment challenges facing many post-secondary institutions in Canada, including here at 51Ʒ, following recent policy changes by the federal government.While the current situation is concerning, it is important our whole OC community understands and feels confident in our college and our future together. 51Ʒ is today and...
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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 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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Health grads and more set to enter the workforce after OC Convocation and Commencement ceremonies
October 4, 2024
When OC student Vaneet Verma steps to the podium on Saturday to speak to his colleagues at 51Ʒ’s Fall convocation, he will be representing more than 450 graduates, including a large proportion that will enter the workforce in different health care fields. More than 130 graduates are from health care programs including Health Care Assistant, a program Verma graduated from earlier this year. The course teaches the skills necessary to work in continuing care such as in home support, adult day care, assisted living an...
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Madison Padgett: Thriving in 51Ʒ's School of Business
September 3, 2024
51Ʒ student Madison Padgett knows full well the reason her and her business school colleagues work so hard to attend and compete at business competitions as part of their OC education.As Madison works towards her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a specialization in Marketing and a concentration in Communications, her journey at OC is nothing short of inspiring.Madison chose 51Ʒ for her post-secondary education because it stood out as one of the highest-rated business schools in Western Canada....
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