Alumni celebrated at awards ceremony

Corinne Inman  & Nick Arkle

 Nick Arkle was honoured at the annual Okanagan College Alumni Association Awards Banquet on Thursday evening as the 2007 Distinguished Alumni, recognizing his contributions to the development of the region, and his commitment to global citizenship. Arkle, the Chief Forester at Gorman Bros. Lumber Inc., attended Okanagan College in 1981 on his way to a science degree. Also honoured at the event, which drew more than 100 people, was Penticton's Corrine Inman. Inman completed her Business Administration Diploma in 2002 and has since established a graphic design firm that has earned her recognition as Young Entrepreneur of the Year and which is known for its support of many community events and organizations.

Two teams also earned special recognition at the event: world curling champions Team Scott, comprised of three alumni (Kelly Scott, Jeanna Schraeder, and Renee Simons, joined by a now-honourary alumna Sasha Carter) and Team Inukshuk Sound, which was the winner of the 43rd annual International Collegiate Business strategy Competition in San Diego last April. The team is comprised of BBA and BuAD students Arend Hoekstra (who wasn't able to attend the banquet), Jane Long, Janta Quigley, and Arluene King.

Alumni continue to achieve

Robert Louie, Chief of the Westbank First Nation and winner of the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award was in Rideau Hall this morning being given a new honour - he is now an Officer of the Order of Canada. Louie was recognized on the occasion of the 100th investiture of the Order of Canada. Read more about Louie's achievement on the Government of Canada's website.

Home for Learning open house

Okanagan College's Kelowna Home for Learning will open its doors later this afternoon to VIPs to mark the completion of the home. The 2,317 square foot home in the Village of Kettle Valley was built by 11 residential construction students with the instruction of Ken Radelet and under the leadership of general contractor Jim Lamb of Vintage Design Ltd. On Saturday Oct. 27 from 11 - 4 p.m. the home will be open for viewing by the general public. Located at 5476 South Perimeter Way, the home is now on the market. 

TTTe students have a bright future

On Oct. 15 Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan signed a letter of understanding that was five years in the making. The agreement signed by Andrew Hay and UBC-O's Gwen Zilm, Associate Vice President of Learning Services, will ensure Okanagan College's Trades Technology Teacher Education (TTTE) students will be able to transfer easily to UBC-O's Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP). Visit the media section to read coverage of the event or go to UBC Okanagan's Welcome page to read the full story.

Construction in Kelowna ready to go after Aboriginal blessing

In anticipation of the construction that will begin on the new Centre for Learning in Kelowna, a group of elders from the Westbank First Nation were invited to bless the site in a traditional aboriginal smudging ceremony. Sharon Lindley performed the smudging with support from her parents.

Aviation Career Day

Vernon's aerospace campus hosted an Aviation Career Day last week geared toward informing the public about Okanagan College's Commercial Aviation and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program. More than 70 people took part in the day's activities learning about the College's programs and viewing a range of aircraft on display. CHBC news took in the event: visit the media section to watch a clip of the action.

First Aid news

First aid attendant  Gord Steffanson  &  Charmaine Brown

The Kelowna campus received Okanagan College's first Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for use in emergency situations occurring on campus. AEDs monitor heart rhythms and can be used to deliver an electric shock to the heart in the event that it stops beating. This week nine of the College's first aid attendants were trained to use the AED. Okanagan College first aid attendants are trained to Level I or II, depending on the number of staff on site, as set by Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia regulations.

Did you know?

Okanagan College has trained first aid staff at each campus.
 
    Kelowna             10   (OFA Level 2)            
    Penticton            3    (OFA Level 1)
    Vernon                4    (OFA Level 1)
    Salmon Arm        3    (OFA Level 1)

Security personnel are also trained in occupational first aid and seven were trained on AED usage.

What to do if there is a first aid emergency on campus

Health and Safety officer Catherine Williams would like to remind all staff to call first aid in the event of an emergency. When 9-1-1 is called, there is information that the ambulance dispatcher requires. If first aid attendants have assessed the situation they can give the appropriate details and expedite the procedure. At the Kelowna campuses, call local 6699 to report an emergency. Facilities Management coordinates the first aid response on campus and calls 9-1-1. The Facilities Management staff will relay all information to the ambulance dispatcher. At other centers, dial O in the case of an emergency, this will alert first aid and set the 9-1-1 response into motion.

Salmon Arm: bring on the goblins

Thanks to the creativity of Taryn Schmidt and Debbie Idzan, Salmon Arm's library is a lot scarier. Taryn and Debbie put together the festive display to show their College spirit...with Halloween just around the corner Kelowna's Landmark office is putting on a potluck and encouraging staff to dress up for the occasion.

The main Kelowna campus is also hosting a United Way Halloween barbecue - another great reason to dress up! Photos from Halloween celebrations around Okanagan College will be featured in the next edition of Inside - send your shots to Christine Ulmer.

Food Flight

On the evening of Oct. 17 the Kelowna campus Pit was transformed into an international culinary experience. Food Flight, traveling the world one bite at a time, was a fantastic event that featured cuisine from around the world. More than 290 visitors took time to sample Japanese, Greek, Indian, English, Aboriginal and Caribbean food. Entertainment was provided by the Fulton Inter-Tribal Drummers and the Yamabiko Taiko Drummers. An interactive presentation from guest speaker Shonu Ghoush focused on how to communicate culturally.

Student housing survey winners

Thanks to all of the students who entered the Central Okanagan student housing survey. Two winners were selected to receive prizes for their participation. Congratulations to Shalia Bakker who won an iPod (the grand prize) and Natsumi Matsunaga who received a $75 bookstore gift certificate. In the photo Shalia Bakker receives her prize from Regional Dean Heather Schneider.




Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan signed a letter of understanding providing students in the TTTe program with a guarantee of acceptance of their credential when pursuing further studies at UBC-O. Coverage of the signing appeared in the Kelowna Daily Courier, Educational partnership a first for OC, UBCO, the Kelowna Capital News, College and university join forces to certify shop teachers and CHBC-TV.

A delegation of Okanagan College representatives including President Jim Hamilton as well as a group of Okanagan employers, representatives of the Economic Development Commission and Capital News reporter Adrian Nieoczym were in Jamaica this week to recruit employees and to enhance training partnerships. Jim met with the honourable Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica to discuss further partnerships between the College and Jamaica. Press coverage of the visit included an article by the Jamaica Gleaner When fun means work, a posting on the Caribbean News Net More Jamaicans recruited for jobs in Canada and a CBC radio interview with local employer Martin McDermott, President of Sun Valley Window Cleaners. McDermott traveled to Jamaica to recruit employees for his local business.

An article featuring Okanagan College's growth in the South Okanagan appeared in the Penticton Western News. Read more in Educational advances. A second article also covering the growth and changes taking place in the South appeared in the Oliver Chronicle - Okanagan College welcomes growth and changes. An editorial was published in the Penticton Western News featuring comments from Donna Lomas, College connects with community.

A Public Affairs press release featuring the success of Young Alumni Award winner Corinne Inman was picked up by Castanet. Read more in Okanagan College awards.

In its last edition, Inside Okanagan College featured news of John Lent's new book, co-authored with Robert Kroetsch. Lent and Kroetsch received media coverage by the Kelowna Capital News in New book's focus on "the writing life" and the Vernon Morning Star's Writers share their thoughts on penning fiction.

With Okanagan College's 26th annual Career Fair just around the corner (Sunday, Nov. 4 from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) Public Affairs worked with CHBC to design a 15-second commercial. Check it out.

Okanagan College's Home for Learning project in Summerland received a feature article in the Summerland Review. Read more about the R2000 home and the students who built it in Students complete home work.

A photo of Regional Dean Donna Lomas with B.C.'s Minister of Small Busienss and Revenue and Okanagan Westside MLA Rick Thorpe appeared in the Penticton Western News as Donna joined Thorpe to pick up recycling items along the Penticton Creek Trail.

Okanagan College's first Aviation Career Day received coverage in the Vernon Morning Star, College puts careers in flight and on CHBC-TV.

A presentation by Farid Novin, senior economist for the Bank of Canada, was held at Okanagan College and received media coverage by the Kelowna Capital News. Read about the outlook for the local economy and interest rates in B.C. still in favourable position.

The Penticton Western News printed an article featuring information about Okanagan College's information sessions for high school students. Read more in Parents play role in student planning.

Read Stan Chung's Daily Courier global citizen column as he writes about growing up on the Prairies in, Prairie boy.

Jane Muskens published two School's In columns in the Kelowna Capital News, University educated are healthier and happier and Insider tips on how to write a university paper.

Shirley Yusep retires

McCullouch Station filled with College staff on the evening of Oct. 22 to wish Shirley Yusep luck in her retirement. More than 60 people attended -  a testament to the impact Shirley has had on her colleagues after 29 years of service to Okanagan College. Shirley received many gifts and congratulations wishes but the hit of the evening was a memory quilt that had squares contributed by staff and sewn together by Lana Hiscock. 

Linda McKinlay receives honour

On Oct. 17 Linda McKinlay received an award from the First Call, BC Child and Youth Advocacy Forum for her contribution to families, children and her community. The Stand Up, Stand Out for Children and Youth award, was presented to Linda at a ceremony held in Vancouver. Linda was one of 21 recipients ranging from MLAs to School Trustees to agencies and individuals.

International staff present at conference for international educators

Michelle Somerville and Quentin Hughson (International Education) co-presented a workshop with Michele Miller (Portland State University) at the recent NAFSA Region 1 Conference in Vancouver. (NAFSA is the United States Association of International Educators, Region 1 includes Alaska, Washington state, Idaho, Oregon and British Columbia.) First Steps, Lasting Impressions examined international student support at Portland State University and at Okanagan College in order to achieve a better understanding of student settlement.

Garth Maguire shares insight into lifestyle migrants

Garth Maguire, a Business Instructor in Okanagan College’s School Of Business at the Kalamalka Campus, was invited to be a key participant in a one-day dialogue and workshop on the phenomenon of ‘lifestyle migrants’ at Simon Fraser’s Morris J. Wosk Center last August. The workshop was designed to investigate potential effects of lifestyle migrants on BC’s coastal and rural communities, and to attempt to imagine a way of managing some of the outcomes of what SFU researchers consider ‘an accelerating trend.’ Garth has been studying trends in gerontology for years and has consulted in that field and in the long-term planning affected by that field.

October 26, 2007, Vol. 1 Issue 15

Networking opportunity for Women in Trades

An information session for Women in Trades will take place on Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. in room H101 of the Kelowna campus. The Women in Trades event will be held for women who are working in the trades or considering a career in the field. Participants will learn about a new provincial initiative leading the way for women working in the trades.  This social event will be an opportunity for women to learn about a mentorship program, employment opportunities and meet other women with common interests and experience. 

Okanagan College policies update

Updated versions of the recently approved Tuition Waiver for Employees policy as well as some other recently approved policies are now available online.

Employees to be recognized for service

Okanagan College's annual employee recognition ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at the Kelowna campus. Employees reaching career milestones will be honoured at the event. Questions about the ceremony can be emailed to Liz Plamondon.

Series of Info nights

Okanagan College's Recruiting and Events Coordinators will host a series of information nights throughout the region in the coming weeks. The information nights will be held at each campus and in Princeton and Oliver. The events provide a great opportunity to find out about the programs and services offered by Okanagan College. Contact Jane Muskens for more information or visit the events section for specific dates.

Teaching strategies for content-rich courses

On Wednesday Nov. 21 at 3:30 p.m. Ellen Pedersen, Chair of the Biology department, will give a presentation on teaching strategies for content-rich courses. This presentation is part of the continuing series on instructional resources for improving instructional techniques in the classroom. The event takes place in room C276 of the Kelowna campus and everyone is welcome. If you cannot attend a session, please go to “Instructional Resources” on WebCT where you can find notes, Powerpoints and videos of previous presentations.

Restocked due to popular demand!

Okanagan College campus stores have restocked ladies zip hoodies due to popular demand. These hoodies have been flying off the shelves, as they are ultra soft and have an attractive looking college graphic. They are now available at all campus stores in various sizes ranging from small to x-large in vanilla and cocoa for $49.95. Try one on at a campus store or email Carla Macfarlane, General Merchandise Buyer for the Campus Store, to reserve yours today.

Municipal Pension Plan seminar reminder

As a reminder to staff, there will be a Municipal Pension Plan Fall retirement seminar  on November 6, 2007 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Days Inn Penticton. If adequate enrolment is not reached this seminar will be cancelled so register today. The Retirement Seminar application and schedule are available under "tools" in both the Members section and the Employers section of the Municipal Pension Plan website. If you have any questions, please contact Seminar Services at 1-877-558-5573 or mppseminars@pensionsbc.ca.

Step up to management

Okanagan College’s Continuing Studies is offering an innovative practical program this fall designed to help new and aspiring managers develop their leadership skills so that they can more effectively engage and retain employees. Step Up to Management is being offered Saturdays at the Kelowna Campus from November 24 to December 8, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or Monday evenings at the Vernon Campus from October 22 – November 26, 6:30 -9:30 p.m. Cost is $329 + GST.

50/50 winner announced

Congratulations to Walter Burton from Business Administration in Vernon who won today's payday draw for $460. The Okanagan College Foundation 50/50 Staff Lottery is open to all employees of Okanagan College. If you wish to sign up for the lottery, registration forms are available from: Advancement & Alumni/Okanagan College Foundation office (P103, KLO Campus), Human Resources (Landmark V, Kelowna) or online.

Spotlight on Business

The College is hosting Spotlight on Business - Careers in accounting at each campus in the coming weeks. These sessions are open to College and high school students as well as the general public. This is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in a career in business to come out and learn about the opportunities that exist in accounting. For more information contact Jamie Morrow.

Visual language interpreters needed

The Disability Services department is in need of more Visual Language Interpreters to meet the needs of students. If you know of anyone in the College or community that can provide interpreting services during: lectures, labs, group discussions, after class projects, exams or consultations please contact Heather Whistle, Disability Services Coordinator (Kelowna) – local 4730.

Smart Kids series

An informative series of three courses is available at Okanagan College for parents of children with learning disabilities. The Smart Kids Series focuses on the why and how of learning disabilities and what you can do about them. Instructor Charlotte Evans will show you how to create a positive learning environment that your child will flourish in. The courses run on Tuesday nights from Nov 13 - 27 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. – you can sign up for one or all three. To register or for more info go online or call 862-5480.



Oct. 29 - South Okanagan Similkameen Speaker Series -  Ron Spence, Tourism and Hospitality Instructor in the Okanagan School of Business, rode over 500 kms this past summer on former CPR trails including the Trans Canada Trail and Spirit of 2010 Rails to Trails in southeast B.C. He experienced wildlife encounters, historical moments of revelation and a sense of wonder at the achievements of the people who have gone before us in this part of B.C. This event takes place at 7 p.m. in the Penticton lecture theatre.

Oct. 30 - An information session for Women in Trades will take place at 4 p.m. in room H101 of the Kelowna campus.

Oct. 30 - The Okanagan College Board of Governors will hold their regular meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. in portable three of the Penticton campus.

Oct. 31 - Join Okanagan College staff at the United Way Halloween BBQ on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 11:30 - 1:30 outside the cafeteria.  Contact Renee Huska for more information.

Nov. 1 - Education Council will meet at 4 p.m. in room S103B at the Kelowna campus.

Nov. 1 - The Penticton campus is hosting an information night and open house at 6 and 7 p.m. The 30-minute info sessions will take place in the Ashnola Building Lecture Theatre (PL107) and the open house will be held in the Sunoka Building cafeteria until 8 p.m. Contact Julie Thode for information.

Nov. 4 - Come to Okanagan College's 26th annual Career Fair at the Kelowna campus from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Contact Michelle Lowry for more information.

Nov. 5 - Spotlight on Business Kelowna: find out about hot careers in accounting - CGA, CMA and CA. Guest speakers from the field will be on site to deliver information and answer questions. This event takes place in room H107 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 - Spotlight on Business Penticton: find out about hot careers in accounting - CGA, CMA and CA. Guest speakers from the field will be on site to deliver information and answer questions. This event takes place in the cafeteria from 5 - 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 - Okanagan College will host an information night in Princeton from 6 - 7 p.m. at the Princeton Skills Centre. Contact Julie Thode for information.

Nov. 6 - Spotlight on Business Salmon Arm: find out about hot careers in accounting - CGA, CMA and CA. Guest speakers from the field will be on site to deliver information and answer questions. This event takes place in the cafeteria from 5 - 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 - Okanagan College will host an information night in Vernon at 6:30 in the Kalamalka lecture theatre. Contact Tawnya Cameron for information.

Nov. 7 - Spotlight on Business Vernon: find out about hot careers in accounting - CGA, CMA and CA. Guest speakers from the field will be on site to deliver information and answer questions. This event takes place in room D221 from 5 - 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 - Okanagan College will host an information night in Oliver at 6:30 p.m. at the Oliver Learning Centre. Contact Julie Thode for information.

Nov. 9 - The Municipal Pension Plan fall retirement seminar will take place  from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Days Inn in Penticton.  The Retirement Seminar application and schedule are available under "tools" in both the Members section and the Employers section of the Municipal Pension Plan website.

Nov. 14 - The annual employee recognition ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at the KLO campus.




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 November 9, 2007.

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