Steve Koehle to retire

When he joined Okanagan College in 1978, Steve Koehle thought his relationship with the College might last about five years. Thirty-three years later, the Vice President of Students has announced he will retire from his role in July.
 


Steve joined Okanagan College more than three decades ago, when he was hired to teach Adult Basic Education out of the Army Camp Barracks in Vernon. The memory of being a rookie instructor, scrambling to prepare for classes, and teaching students who were often decades older than he was still brings a look of amazement to his face.

From there, he went on to teach ESL, became the program’s first coordinator, served as a department chair, became Dean of the Faculty of Adult and Continuing Education and was appointed to his current role as Vice President of Students in 2005. 
 


Some of the highlights of Steve’s career include his work in developing the International Education department, the years he spent overseas in the United Arab Emirates, where he was part of a team that started up two post-secondary institutions, and his role in the transition and reestablishment of Okanagan College in 2005. 


“What stands out most as I look back over my career is the last seven years of Okanagan College – from the transition and through our start-up,” said Koehle. “Getting the people side of the equation right has made all the difference in the College’s success. The people who work here are the College’s greatest asset.”


“Steve is one of those people who are the heart and soul of Okanagan College,” said President Jim Hamilton. “He has played a leadership role throughout the history of its development and has been especially key to the successful transition from OUC. Perhaps no one is as aware as I am of the critical contributions Steve has made since joining the Transition Team in 2004. His activities, often carried out behind the scenes are significantly responsible for the success of the last five years. I know all of my colleagues will want to join me in the thanking Steve and wishing him all the best.”


With Steve’s departure in July, Okanagan College will be in an unfamiliar position - without a Koehle on staff. Steve’s father, Bob Koehle, helped to launch the fledgling Okanagan College in 1963 as a Heavy Duty Mechanic instructor. Bob worked for the College for 26 years and was the College’s first employee to reach the 25-year milestone. 
 


Although he is one of the College’s longest-serving employees, Steve is confident July is the right time to retire.


“I am ready to explore other aspects of life and, perhaps, other opportunities,” said Koehle. “Last year, I became a grandparent, and that changed my outlook on a lot of things. It is also time for me to have some fun. Personally and professionally, the timing seems right. I’m happy to be making my departure when the College is in great shape and in great hands.”

Town Halls focus on College’s new strategic plan

Make a note on your calendars to attend one of five town hall meetings being held over the next three weeks that will focus on Okanagan College’s new Strategic Plan.

The meetings are, in part, a response to a recommendation recently made by the Employee Survey Implementation Task Force, which suggested holding more town hall meetings to enhance information-sharing and communication at Okanagan College. The meetings will provide a great opportunity to discuss the new Strategic Plan and how it will affect the way we work.

Starting Feb. 8 in Salmon Arm and concluding on Feb. 18 in Kelowna, members of the College’s Executive and Leadership Team will be meeting with staff to explain and discuss the plan, the process that led to its development, and how it will affect College activities and undertakings through to 2015. (Coffee and refreshments will be served.)

For those unable to attend one of the scheduled meetings (see below) in person, the Feb. 18 session in Kelowna will be broadcast over the internet with opportunities to participate electronically.

Watch for more communication in coming days about the plan and the town hall sessions.

Salmon Arm
 - Feb. 8
, 2 – 3 p.m.
 Room: 134


Vernon – Feb. 11
, 3 – 4 p.m.
 Room: E102/103
 


Kelowna
  – Feb. 15, 3 – 4 p.m.
 Room: S103B (Boardroom)

Kelowna – Feb 18
, 12 – 1 p.m. 
Room: Lecture Theatre
 
Broadcast online – details to follow



Penticton
 – Feb. 16, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. 
Room: C13
 
 
2010

Report to the Community now online

Have you ever wondered what the College’s annual operating budget is? Curious as to the dollar value of scholarships and bursaries Okanagan College distributes to students every year? Interested in finding out more about a few of the latest sustainability initiatives undertaken by Facilities Management?

Check out the 2010 Community Report, published by the Public Affairs Bureau.

A limited number of copies of the report are available in print and, for the first time the report is available in a new online format that is easy to read and even easier to share with colleagues. Follow this link to read the web version of the Community Report. If you would like to request a print copy, please email Michelle Lowry.

CIBC donates $60,000 to fund bursaries in sustainability and innovative technology


Last week CIBC announced it will donate $60,000 to create 30 student bursaries at Okanagan College’s new Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation.

The donation will create six annual entrance bursaries, each valued at $2,000, to be dispersed over each of the next five years. The bursaries will be granted to students who enroll in any of the College’s current or future programs based out of Penticton that focus on sustainability and innovative technology. The new bursaries will provide educational and training opportunities for the people of the South Okanagan and beyond.
 


“CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities. With a strategic focus on education, we aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations supporting initiatives like the Okanagan College new Centre of Excellence,” said Mike Stevenson, Senior Vice-President, Western Canada. “We are committed to investing in the social and economic development of communities like Penticton.”


“We are so pleased to have the support of one of Canada’s premier financial institutions,” explained Jim Henderson, Okanagan College Foundation President. “The benefits Okanagan College students will receive from this partnership will have a huge impact on their ability to complete their studies and achieve their goals.”



The entrance awards will be administered to students demonstrating financial need and preference will be given to residents of the Okanagan, Similkameen and Kootenay regions. Students in several programs will qualify for the new bursary, including the Geothermal Technician Apprenticeship, Domestic Gas Fitter Apprenticeship, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sustainable Construction Management Technology and Applied Conservation Technician.


SIFE Okanagan to host Charity Gala

This Friday, Okanagan College’s SIFE team will welcome Mark Childs, Vice President of Marketing for Campbell Canada, as the keynote speaker at its 2011 SIFE Charity Gala.

Childs made the commitment to address Okanagan College SIFE students and the general public in Kelowna after SIFE Okanagan won the national 2010 Let’s Can Hunger challenge at the Canadian SIFE competition last May. The team from the College collected 36,000 pounds of food – more than a third of the national goal.


“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to Okanagan College,” said Sattu Dhaliwal, Co-president of SIFE Okanagan. “It is a rare and unique opportunity to hear from a business leader with such an extensive and impressive career and we can’t wait to tell him more about our upcoming initiatives and projects in our region.”


In his role at Campbell’s, Childs provides thought and team leadership for the Canadian soup, beverage and cracker portfolio and actively participates on the Canadian Senior Leadership Team.

“I am looking forward to meeting the SIFE Okanagan team, discussing their new hunger projects and highlighting the initiatives that Campbell’s is taking to alleviate hunger in this country, said Childs.”

The gala is the final event in a series of community awareness and fundraising events SIFE has undertaken as part of its Let’s Can Hunger initiative. With a goal of collecting 80,000 pounds of food for local food banks, SIFE Okanagan has collected more than 30,000 pounds of food toward their goal.

In Vernon, SIFE students partnered with local schools to raise awareness about hunger issues in the Okanagan. Vernon schools alone donated 20,000 pounds of food to SIFE in support of the Let’s Can Hunger initiative. The students received word last week that their efforts up and down the valley have earned the team a $1,000 bursary from Campbell Soup Company to help achieve their goals of raising 80,000 pounds of food.


College faculty and students have been extremely supportive of the Let’s Can Hunger initiative and many have taken a personal interest in seeing the campaign succeed.

Members of the Coyotes Hockey team agreed to dye their hair red in support of Okanagan College when the campaign reached 10,000 pounds.

Communications professor Marc Arellano had his head shaved last week when the SIFE team reached 20,000 pounds and Dr. Kyleen Myrah dyed her hair a brilliant shade of blue (the colour was hand-picked by President Hamilton) after the students collected 30,000 pounds. 
 


Show your support for the Let’s Can Hunger project by attending the SIFE Charity Gala this Friday - tickets are available to the event at a cost of $75 per person and can be reserved by emailing Brandi Callaghan. 
The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Atrium of the Centre for Learning.

College hosts dual credit student orientations



Orientation sessions for dual credit students starting in Trades Foundation programs were recently held in Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm. Sessions for students and their parents included a general orientation to trades, specific program information, and an overview of services at Okanagan College. 



In Kelowna, 28 dual credit students will get a head start on their trades training this winter in Culinary Arts, Plumbing, Welding, Automotive Service Technician, Collision Repair, Heavy Duty Commercial Transportation, and Residential Construction. In Vernon 17 students will begin training in Plumbing, Residential Construction and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, and in Salmon Arm, 17 students will take Welding and Residential Construction. 



Diana Thomson, Regional Student Transitions Coordinator, arranged these events with assistance from School District partners and with help from a host of Okanagan College staff. 

Due to the success of the sessions, similar orientations will be held before each February and August intake of the Foundation programs, and a Penticton orientation will be added in the next schedule. These intakes line up with secondary school semesters and allow for the participation of dual credit students, who use the program hours for credit towards secondary graduation.

Classics at the Classic debut at the Salmar

In its third year running, Classics at the Classic, a series of public film screenings is back at the Salmar Classic Theatre in downtown Salmon Arm. The series will take place on Monday nights and is affiliated with the College’s new Film 100 course.

With support from the AFP Dean's Office and Shuswap Regional Dean, the films were selected from (arguably) the most influential 100 films ever made according to a vast survey done by the Toronto International Film Festival (full list here).

Professor Tim Walters then polled a few hundred local folks from the College and the Shuswap film society about their preferences from the list, and based his picks on what he thought people would be most interested in. It's a solid lineup, says Walters: check out the schedule. 



At the debut of the series last week, food bank donations were gathered in lieu of admission. People brought more than 150 donations of non-perishables and cash.

For more information about Classics at the Classic, contact Tim.

In memory of Les Harms

Flags at the Kelowna campus have been lowered in memory of longtime Automotive Collision Repair instructor Les Harms, who died on Jan. 28 at the age of 86.

Les was born in Portsmouth, England in 1924. He moved to Canada in with his family in 1957. After moving to Kelowna in 1964, he involved himself with Theatre Kelowna and participated in both curling and lawn bowling.

In 1964 Les began working in the Collision Repair Department at Okanagan College, where he spent 25 years, eventually retiring in 1989.

Les was a well-respected instructor and shared his knowledge with students Chris Burns, now the Chair of Collision Repair, and Randy Dewar, Collision Repair instructor. Les taught both Chris and Randy for all levels of their apprenticeship training during the 1970s.

“Les was an awesome instructor who made learning fun,” said Chris Burns. “I feel privileged to have had him as an instructor for all levels of my apprenticeship training. It was even more of an honour to be able to come back in 1983 and work with Les for five years until he retired.”



Les was pre-deceased by his wife Ida in April. He is survived by his son, Brian, his daughter, Linda (Fred), granddaughters, Jennifer (Chris), Kelly (Rob), Stephanie (James), Tracy (Scott), and five adoring great-grandchildren.



A celebration of Les’ life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3 at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Avenue. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelowna S.P.C.A., 3785 Casorso Road, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 5Y2. 

Condolences may be sent the family by visiting www.mem.com. 

Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, (250) 762-2299.

College contributes to success of International Children’s Winter Games

With the closing ceremonies over and the cauldron torch extinguished, the Kelowna 2011 International Children’s Winter Games have come to a close. The success of the Games was evident, as children from around the world competed in a variety of sports in the spirit of participation and friendship. Okanagan College played a significant role in the Games’ success, thanks to the support of many College staff who worked on the volunteer campaign.

Regional Dean Heather Schneider was the Chair of the Games and worked hard to ensure international guests were welcomed to a first-class event. How did she do that? She recruited a great team to work with the organizing committee. From Angie March’s role in coordinating sponsorship to Allison Beaumont who handled the transportation schedule to SIFE students Jennifer Stefansson and Josh Fleming who emcee’d the closing ceremonies, Okanagan College staff and students did much to support the Games.

In a great example of College staff working together to support the community, a team of trades instructors and chairs worked together to conceptualize, design and build the ICWG torch.

“I was approached by ICWG Chair Heather Schneider who asked if I might be able to come up with a concept for a unique torch for the Games,” explained Jim Gamble, Chair of Okanagan College’s Electrical department. “She told me the torch needed to be portable and appropriate for indoor and outdoor venues. So I got to work sketching and came up with what is now known as ‘the napkin blue print.’

“Then all of the Chairs of the various trades departments got together to brainstorm how we could bring the torch to life.”

Gamble put in a call to the Culinary Arts department and ordered the largest stainless steel bowl available. The team envisioned the bowl as a potential base for the cauldron.

Carpentry Chair Alf Leimert and his colleague Marvin Rode were charged with building a base for the torch. In a little more than six hours, Leimert and Rode constructed a four-and-a-half-foot tall tapered pedestal base out of BC lumber.

For the next stage of the project Automotive Collision Repair instructor Jeff Francis got extremely creative designing a set of flames out of 16-gauge stainless steel.

“With help from Chris Burns, we came up with a drawing for the flames,” said Francis. “We used a plasma cutter to define the flames and then polished them. The next step was bringing them into the painting booth where I coated them with candy apple red and used special effects powder to bring it to life.”

With the flames, cauldron and base coming together, Gamble worked with colleagues in his department to light the flame. Using three LED lights set on timers, the torch imitates a flickering flame but without the negative environmental residue from gas or real flames. The torch is also extremely safe and can be lit up indoors and outdoors and close to people.

“It was great to be a part of this project and to know that we were able to give back a bit to the community,” said Gamble. “When I saw the finished product I was reminded of the incredible amount of talent we have in our trades department.”

The project is an example of Okanagan College staff at their best. The team estimates they put in approximately 30 hours of volunteer time to build the torch.

“Community projects are just the right thing to do,” said Leimert. “This project was a great collaborative effort and it was exciting to see each piece come together to create such a nice looking piece.”

Standing over eight feet tall the new ICWG torch was used throughout the course of the Children’s Games this month. After the closing ceremonies the torch was returned to Okanagan College, where it will remain on display.

Snowsell’s short story to be published this month

Communications professor Colin Snowsell has written a short story called “The Driver,” which will be published in the winter issue (WINTER 2010–11; Vol. 31, No. 4) of the quarterly literary journal, Prairie Fire. Find out more online at: www.prairiefire.ca. 


Southern wins prize patrol

Congratulations to Human Resources’ Dawn Southern, BUADST ’10, who won an Okanagan College Works prize package last week. If you are a proud Okanagan College (or OUC) alumna or alumnus who works on campus, you can be a potential winner too.

The Alumni prize patrol is giving away prizes to cars spotted displaying the Okanagan College alumni decal. It’s easy to participate in the program – contact the Alumni Office at alumni@okanagan.bc.ca with your staff number and license plate to sign-up for your decal. Or, if you have any questions, call Katerina Hay at ext. 4771.

Michelle Superle publishes two books

Communications and English professor Michelle Superle has published two new books. Contemporary, English-language Indian Children’s Literature (Routledge, April 2011) examines the ways Indian children’s writers have represented childhood in relation to nation, cultural identity, and girlhood from a framework of postcolonial and feminist theories.

Black Dog, Dream Dog (Tradewind, December 2010) is a children’s novel for readers age 8-12. The interconnected storyline follows both eleven-year-old Sam as she tries to find a home for the lost dog that mysteriously appears in her yard one day and the elderly Stella Sylvan as she recovers from a stroke. For more information, visit Michelle’s website: www.michellesuperle.com.

Thomson finishes second in Silver Star Loppett



Diana Thomson, Transitions Coordinator and Manager of Recruitment, competed in the 10 km Classic race at the Silver Star Loppett on Jan. 23. She came second in the women's category.

Though the paper reported her as being from Australia, she indicates that she is not from Down Under that she knows of, and in fact, was born and raised in Kelowna and currently lives in Lumby. Follow this link to read the not-quite-accurate report.

Celebrate Sandi Gould’s retirement


After serving Okanagan College for 35+ years, Sandi Gould is retiring from her position as Financial Awards Officer. Colleagues and friends of Sandi are invited to stop by the Student Services Welcome Centre on Monday, Feb. 14, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to wish her well and also enjoy some refreshments and goodies.


A booklet is being circulated for colleagues to add best wishes for Sandi. If you miss it, please e-mail comments to Cindy Battersby by Feb. 4, or drop by the Student Services Welcome Centre the week of Feb. 7.

Gordon Shuster honoured for Service with BC International Education

In its online newsletter, the British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) posted an article recognizing the work of Okanagan College’s Gordon Shuster, who has worked for the past four years to represent BCCIE and BC’s interests on the North American Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) Region 1 Committee.

The NAFSA Regional Committees are important venues for discussing grassroots issues of concern to international educators and for receiving input at the local level. During his time with the Committee, Gordon was often called upon to provide the BC or Canadian perspective on a variety of issues and was instrumental in working closely with counterparts from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, California and Hawaii to organize the NAFSA bi-regional conference. To read the complete articles, follow this link.

Security to the rescue
 


On Dec. 24, quick thinking and even quicker action by security personnel Barb St. Denis prevented an incident at the Vernon campus from becoming a more serious issue. 



While on security patrol on the afternoon of the 24th, Barb noticed smoke coming from a plastic trash bin located outside the cafeteria building. She immediately notified the administration office and contacted the Coldstream Fire Department. Just minutes later, Barb used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out.

The Fire Department responded and, with the fire already out, resultant damage was minimal and no one was injured. Had it not been for Barb’s quick action the damages could have been far more extensive.

Okanagan College security cameras showed the fire was intentionally lit and captured footage of the event, which contributed to police arresting a suspect within an hour of the incident.

Feb. 1, 2011 Vol. 4 Issue 21

Copyright Workshops

During Reading Week, Rob Tiessen of the University of Calgary will be at Okanagan College to discuss the role of copyright in education. Sessions will be held on the Kelowna Campus on Feb. 22-23 and will be streamed live and recorded for later viewing for those who are unable to attend in person. For more information, follow this link to view a poster or contact Ross Tyner.

Trek Nepal Wellness Adventure

Always wanted to say you have climbed Mount Everest? Well, this is your chance (virtually of course.)


Campus Recreation in Kelowna is offering the Trek Nepal Wellness Adventure from Feb. 7 – Mar. 11. It is an individual five-week fitness challenge that takes participants into the Sherpa heartland and explores the foothills of Mount Everest. You will learn what makes Everest one of the greatest climbs in the world. 

In this virtual wellness adventure you do various activities (collecting steps), which will equate to miles trekked on a journey to Everest. Track your daily physical activity, win great milestone prizes and receive amazing health benefits. There will be a climbing wrap up at the CRUX (additional cost) - date to be determined. The cost is $10 - please contact Lynn Johnson to sign up.   


Food Services launches Eco-Takeout program

Okanagan College Food Services is offering a new reusable container program for Kelowna staff and students. For just $10 you can buy into the program.

Here's how it works - you will receive either a reusable container or a token card that can be exchanged for a clean reusable container at the Cafeteria, Infusions and O’Tools. Initial registration includes a reusable water bottle.

Help us reduce waste and save the environment. For more information follow this link or contact Susan Kane.

Fourth annual Business Expo & Employment Fair tomorrow

The Okanagan College School of Business is hosting the annual Business Expo & Employment Fair on Feb. 2 in Kelowna. Now in its fourth year, the expo has grown significantly with more than 49 exhibitors. The fair represents employment opportunities for Okanagan College students in all programs and runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Atrium of the Centre for Learning. For more information, contact Jamie Morrow.  

Ready, set, run! 

The Okanagan College Half Marathon is taking place in Kelowna on Sunday, March 27. You can choose to run 21 km, 10 km or be part of an exciting relay team (five members running four km each and the last runner completing 5.1 km).


Register online at www.okanagan.bc.ca/halfmarathon.
 
Don’t want to run but be part of the fan fair? We need volunteers, please contact Michelle.




Interested in Dragon Boating with Okanagan College?

Campus Recreation is looking for 24 individuals who would be interested in being part of the Okanagan College Kelowna Dragon Boating Team. If you are interested, e-mail Lynn. Practices start in May.

Second annual Diversity Health Fair comes to Kelowna

Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-being Across Cultures:

Kelowna Community Resources in partnership with Okanagan College along with AMSSA (the Affiliation of Multi-Cultural Societies and Services Agencies) are pleased to be hosting the second annual Diversity Health Fair.

The Diversity Health Fair creates an opportunity for immigrants to learn about and interact with organizations that promote healthy living. 

The event will feature over 20 exhibitors demonstrating lifestyle choices, services and information to create overall health and wellness inclusive of body, mind and spirit development. Participants will have the opportunity to: visit the 20 booths, participate in fitness demonstrations and enjoy samplings from the healthy cooking demonstrations. Everyone is welcome to the free event, which will feature multicultural performances and a Family Centre with activities for children and their parents.
   
       

Date:                           Saturday, February 26                                 
Time:                           10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Place:                          Okanagan College Centre for Learning


For more information visit Kelowna Community Resources website at: www.kcr.ca or contact Doreen or Elizabeth at (250) 763-8008.

Campus Stores 20 per cent off sale!

Campus Stores is featuring a new sale product. College sweatpants for women and men are currently being offered at a 20 per cent discount. 
 


Her College Sweatpant (Black)  

His College Sweatpant (Black or Grey)
 


Come in and pick up yours at the Campus Stores in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Salmon Arm today.

Call for Papers: International Workshop on Security and Performance in Cloud Computing

Youry Khmelevesky is co-organizer of the International Workshop on Security and Performance in Cloud Computing in conjunction with the International Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing Conference (IWCMC 2011), July 4 – 8, 2011, Istanbul, Turkey. Details on the workshop are available online.

New website for College Pension Plan

The BC Pension Corporation recently launched a new version of the College Pension Plan website, which was designed to help you find the information you need more quickly and intuitively.

Visit college.pensionsbc.ca to see a refreshed look and feel, better site navigation and reorganized content. A Member tab now contains member-specific information, and a prominent My Account button gives you access to your member information right from the home page.

New Year Payroll notice

With 2011 now underway, the Payroll department is working diligently to prepare the 2010 T4 Slips, due for distribution in February. Staff are asked to please verify that the mailing address that appears on your pay statement is accurate, as this is where your T4 will be mailed. Any changes should be sent directly to Human Resources.

50/50 winner announced

Congratulations to Heather Schneider in the Regional Dean’s office in Kelowna, who won the Jan. 28 payday draw for $570.

All Okanagan College employees are eligible to participate in the Okanagan College Foundation 50/50 Staff Lottery. If you wish to sign up, registration forms are available from Dawn Douglas (Local 4774) in the Advancement & Alumni/Okanagan College Foundation office (located in P103, KLO Campus), from Human Resources.





Feb. 3 (Thu) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Kelowna)      
Mentorship with Jake Kennedy, English, Okanagan College  (Lecture Theatre 12 – 1 p.m.)

Feb. 4 – Chinese New Year & International Night 2011 - Kelowna
The Okanagan College International Education Department is hosting the Annual Okanagan College Chinese New Year celebration and International Night on Friday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Student Services Building.

Help celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at this community-wide event, organized by the international students of Okanagan College. Donations are welcome. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Come early, so you are sure to find a seat. Contact Masami Kostiuk for more information. 

Feb. 9  (Wed) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Vernon)      

Why Diversity Matters with James Coble, Aboriginal Access & Services Coordinator, Okanagan College (Lecture Theatre 12:30 - 1:20 p.m.)





Feb. 10 (Thu) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Salmon Arm)   

Why Diversity Matters with James Coble, Aboriginal Access & Services Coordinator, Okanagan College  (The Gathering Place 12 -1 p.m.)

Feb. 10 – Science in Society Speaker Series – 7:30 p.m. Vernon lecture theatre
Dr. Joe Schwarcz, professor of chemistry and director of the McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, will be presenting a public lecture intended to demystify chemistry in a presentation entitled: "Have you wondered.... (or how the mysteries of the world can be explained by chemistry."

Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Please contact the Okanagan Science Centre www.okscience.ca or call (250) 545-3644 for tickets or information.
 
Feb. 14 - Treat your special someone to a Valentine's Day dinner at Infusions restaurant in Kelowna. Infusions will be open on Feb. 14 and will offer a special five-course dinner. Reservations can be made by calling 762-5445 ext. 5455 or ext. 4426.

Feb. 14 - (Mon) Kalamalka Speakers Series presents "The British Columbia Dragoons: One hundred years of service to Canada. A local, part-time, military regiment sends soldiers off to serve in distant lands for two world wars and the present war in Afghanistan" with Howard Hisdal, History, Okanagan College. Kalamalka Lecture Theatre 12:30-1:20 p.m.

Feb. 26 - Okanagan College and partner, Kelowna Resource Center, will host the second annual Diversity Health Fair, which will be held in the Centre for Learning Atrium on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The fair is for all ethnic groups of the public and endeavours to present various aspects of services available in Kelowna that contribute to healthy living. 
 


If you would like to participate by having a booth at the fair (exhibitor) or you know of someone on campus who would like to do so, please contact Doreen Rosvold at the Kelowna Resources Center at: 250-763-8008, ext 29. For more info please contact Jane Smith. 
 


Feb. 28 - (Mon) Kalamalka Speakers Series presents "Social Potluck" with Gabriel Newman. The dinner table (or family/communal eating venue) is the most important performance venue in the world. A great meal in exchange for stories becomes fodder for Gabriel, who is working on his master’s thesis in performance art at UBC Okanagan, with Social Potluck as his thesis. Check out Gabriel's blogspot. Kalamalka Lecture Theatre 12:30-1:20 p.m.

Mar. 2 (Wed) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Vernon)     

Personal Knowledge Management: Software Tools to Help You Cope with Information Overload with Glen Coulthard, Business, Okanagan College (Lecture Theatre 12:30 - 1:20 p.m.)

Mar. 7 (Mon) Kalamalka Speakers Series presents “How to Succeed or Fail in Afghanistan” with Wynn Polnicky. The western approach to the troubles in Afghanistan will be examined in terms of lessons from similar historical situations such as Vietnam, Northern Ireland and Malaya. Lieutenant-Commander (retired) Wynn Polnicky served as an operational analyst on the staff of the Canadian general commanding in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007 and as such helped to evaluate what was possible to achieve and to develop a campaign plan for the Canadian military. Kalamalka Lecture Theatre 12:30-1:20 p.m.

Mar. 10 (Thu) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Kelowna)      
Research in English Writing History with Terry Scarborough, English, Okanagan College  (Lecture Theatre 12 – 1 p.m.) 



Mar. 14 (Mon) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Vernon)    

Supporting International Students with Jodi Kokonis and Donna McGrath, International Education, Okanagan College (Lecture Theatre 12:30 - 1:20 p.m.)
 


Mar. 16 (Wed) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Salmon Arm) 

Supporting International Students with Jodi Kokonis and Donna McGrath, International Education, Okanagan College  (Room 143 12 – 1 p.m.)


Mar. 27 – Okanagan College Half Marathon, 10 K and Relay Race – register online at: www.okanagan.bc.ca/halfmarathon.

Apr. 7 (Thu) ILLT Lunch and Learn (Kelowna)         

Supporting International Students with Jodi Kokonis and Donna McGrath, International Education, Okanagan College (Lecture Theatre 12 – 1 p.m.)




21-year-old Environmental Studies student Riley Windeler was recently profiled by CHBC news after moving to Kelowna from Horsefly, B.C. CHBC spent a day following Riley around the Kelowna campus and shopping for groceries, sharing his story and some of the challenges he faces as a little person. Follow this link to find out more about Riley and what he likes about Okanagan College.

Jennifer Kerr, program administrator, and John Lent, Regional Dean for the North Okanagan, assisted a group of female Japanese students celebrate their Coming-of-Age at a traditional Seijin no Hi ceremony in Vernon. Read more in: Honouring a Japanese tradition.

On Jan. 15 Okanagan College held its 2011 Winter Convocation ceremonies. Among the graduates was practical nursing student Darrell Hopegood. Darrell's unique personal story was profiled by CHBC news. Follow this link to watch the video.

Bunting Coady, the firm who designed the Centre for Learning and won three categories of the 2010 Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board’s Commercial Building Awards for it, has merged with the global architecture firm B+H. Read about the merger in: Architect firm merges with global company.

Launi Skinner, last year’s Distinguished Alumna, has been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. Read more in: Summerland CEO one of Canada’s best.

The Okanagan College Business Expo & Employment Fair is being hosted at the Kelowna campus on Feb. 2. Students and community members will be able to speak to the 45-plus employers who will be on site. Read more in: Business expo offers career opportunities.

Okanagan College’s SIFE Okanagan received support from valley high schools toward reaching their goal for the 2011 Let’s Can Hunger campaign. Kalamalka High School, with the leadership of its SPAM (Social Political Awareness Movement), won a friendly competition in the North region, which encouraged schools participating in the food drive effort. Read more in: Students fight hunger.

SIFE Okanagan also received help from the Westside Warriors to collect food for the Let’s Can Hunger campaign at a recent game. Read more in: Warriors team up to fight hunger.

The Vernon campus is currently hosting a Gallery Vertigo exhibit until Feb. 25 by artist Destanne Norris. The works include a series of landscapes from her Embodied Pool Series. More details can be found in the article Presentation focuses on healing through art.

Heather Schneider, Regional Dean of the Central Okanagan, was Chair of the International Children’s Winter Games, which were held last week. See a photo captured by the Daily Courier from the event.

Les Harms, a longtime Automotive Collision Repair instructor, passed away on Jan. 28. The funeral service will be Feb. 3. More about Les and the funeral details can be found in his obituary from the Daily Courier. 

The Penticton campus will be hosting the 2011 British Columbia Youth Write Camp in July. Find out more in: Register now for writers’ camp.

The ninth annual Okanagan College half marathon has opened its registration. Read more in: Registration online for OC Half Marathon.

Students from the Gateway to the Building Trades for Women, Kim Small who pursued the RV Service Technician program and Danielle Boileau who is enrolled in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program, were featured in articles promoting upcoming information sessions. Read more in: Women in Trades boosts career aspirations and Program at Okanagan College introduces women to trades.

The Coyotes Hockey team has resumed play. Read about their recent activities in: OC Coyotes keeping pace with leaders and OC Coyotes…

In Jane Muskens’ most recent column she discusses how post-secondary institutions can help create more inclusive environments for cultural groups, specifically Aboriginal students. The starting point for the discussion is the term ‘cultural safety’ which was used in nursing in New Zealand starting in the 1980’s. Read more in the column: ‘Cultural safety’ works against multicultural society aims. 
 
Stan Chung, former Associate Dean of Arts and Foundational programs, challenges the way western school systems generate obedient members of society in his Global Citizen column: The classroom of life.




Do you have comments, questions or a submission for INSIDE OKANAGAN COLLEGE?
 
Please email Public Affairs c/o Christine Ulmer. The next edition of INSIDE OKANAGAN COLLEGE will be issued on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011.

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