Business students bring home top award

Four Okanagan College business students are a little more recognizable after having their photo with coach Norm Letnick splayed across the front page of the Kelowna Capital News. This after their triumphant return from the 45th Annual Inter-Collegiate Strategy Competition in San Diego, where the team won first place for Best Reports. To read about the achievements of Daniel Robert, Janta Quigley, Trevor McAleese and Sarah Duthie read the Public Affairs press release or visit the media section to see the multi-page article from the Capital News’ Jennifer Smith.

Honorary Fellows announced

Ken Harding

Last week Okanagan College announced the names of five prominent citizens who will be awarded Honorary Fellowship status at the 2008 Spring and Summer convocation ceremonies. Jeannette Armstrong, the Executive Director of Penticton’s internationally-renowned En’owkin Centre, will be made an Honorary Fellow of Okanagan College at the June 7 afternoon Convocation at the Kelowna campus.

Brothers Syd, Dick and Rob Cannings – each of whom have had distinguished careers as biologists – will be recognized with the designation at the College’s morning Convocation on June 7.

Ken Harding, a retired partner in Whillis Harding Insurance Agencies and a prominent volunteer and community supporter in the Central Okanagan, will be honored at the June 26th Summer Convocation. To read more about the fellows, follow the link to the Public Affairs press release.

Amex, OK Wine Festivals Society partnership to benefit students

A partnership between American Express, Okanagan College and the Okanagan Spring Wine Festivals Society will benefit Okanagan College students. Through the month of May, including the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival (May 1 - 10, 2008), $3 from every American Express transaction at participating wineries will go toward helping College students and supporting the wine, food and hospitality courses at the School of Business at Okanagan College. To find out more about the partnership and program read the Public Affairs press release or follow this link to view a list of participating merchants. Purchases of Alumni Association wine using AMEX also qualify for the May promotion. Contact Marlis Wecels for more information.

Human Kinetics approved in Penticton

Beginning this fall students will be able to pursue a new two-year diploma program in Human Kinetics, offered at the Penticton campus. The program, which prepares students for a variety of jobs in sport, physical education, and health and wellness, will teach students principles, theories and practices in the areas of health and wellness, sport sociology, sport psychology, motor learning, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor development, and human anatomy and physiology. Many graduates go on to complete a degree in human kinetics, physical education or kinesiology. The College is offering an information night on March 20 at 7 p.m. in room PL 107 at the Penticton campus for anyone with questions or an interest in pursuing this area of study. 

Jump Start 2008

To encourage applicants to make the next step from application to enrollment, the College launched a new program this year. The Jump Start 2008 program invited Arts, Science, Media and Cultural Studies, Writing and Publishing, and Criminal Social Justice applicants to an on campus group advising session, which provided information on registration and course selection - over 100 applicants attended these sessions. The Jump Start program for Engineering Technology and CIS applicants included an early evening pizza and pop mixer, where applicants met their future classmates, their instructors and had a chance to visit the labs. Applicants came from as far away as Kamloops, Enderby and Sicamous and over 40 students attended.




Read a four-page spread in the Kelowna Capital News featuring the achievements of four Okanagan School of Business students (Janta Quigley, Sarah Duthie, Trevor McAleese and Daniel Robert) in Business Battles.

A feature article about the inclusion of the diploma in Human Kinetics made the pages of the Penticton Herald. Find out more about the program and a career in the field in Focus on fitness, health.

The announcement of provincial funding for a child care centre at the Kelowna campus was covered in the Kelowna Capital News: Kelowna gets 184 new child care spaces, Room for 60 new child care spots provided through funding and in the Kelowna Daily Courier: School classrooms to be refitted as day cares.

A press release issued by Public Affairs resulted in three articles about the College’s ability to add classes despite a shrinking budget. Read more from the Vernon Morning Star: Surplus saves college budget, Penticton Western: College adds programs in spite of shortfall, Kelowna Capital News: College dips into surplus  and the Kelowna Daily Courier: Classes added despite shortfall.

News of Okanagan College naming five Honourary Fellows for 2008 made the Okanagan Sunday. Find out more about the honoured citizens in: College to honour 5 of ‘best citizens.’

Okanagan College’s Keith Germaine appeared in the Kelowna Daily Courier promoting his volunteer effort to collect bicycles for health-care workers in Namibia. Read more about the bicycle drive (which takes place tomorrow) in: Bicycles for Humanity drive Saturday.

A partnership between American Express, Okanagan College and the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society drew media coverage in the Kelowna Capital News: Drink up and fund somebody’s education and in the Kelowna Daily Courier: Wine industry needs more business grads.

The College’s Kelowna campus hosted a Women in Trades workshop on April 26. The event drew lots of women interested in pursuing a career in trades as well as media coverage from the Okanagan Sunday: Women take to the trades.

An article in the Kelowna Daily Courier about the one-month countdown until the W.R. Bennett Bridge opens featured a photo of Okanagan College carpentry apprentice Casey King. Read more about the project in: Bridge buzz builds.

Award-winning performances by six Okanagan College trades and technology students at the B.C. Skills Canada Competition resulted in media coverage in the Okanagan Saturday. Read about the experiences of a couple of the winners in: OK College apprentices golden.

Residential Construction students in Summerland were photographed pouring concrete in an article appearing in the Summerland Review. Check out the students in action in Concrete work.

The four Okanagan College students who won an award from Burton Snowboards for their movie about poaching a ski hill were featured in the Kelowna Daily Courier. Read more in: Snowboard poachers on top of their game.

Okanagan College apprentice Lindsey Dickson was photographed for an article about the Stepping up to the Trades fair, which appeared in the Kelowna Capital News. Read more about the event and Okanagan College’s involvement in: Local students get a first-hand look at life in the trades.

Jane Muskens’ School’s In column focused on the differences between university entrance exams. Read more in University entrance exams vary across the globe, so research.

Read Stan Chung’s Global Citizen column – The turmoil of inner peace.

Susan Braley retires

Join colleagues and friends in celebrating the retirement of Susan Braley. Susan’s career with Okanagan College spanned 12 years, nine of which were with the dental department. Susan will be greatly missed by colleagues who are wishing her well in her pursuit of fishing, boating and relaxing on the dock at the cabin. The celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 27 at Infusions in Kelowna from 3 – 5 p.m. Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be offered.

Welcome baby Robinson

Liam Trafford Robinson was born to proud father Steve C. Robinson, Projects Manager for Campus Planning and Facilities Management, on Friday, May 2 at 1:39 a.m. Liam weighed in at 7 lbs, 8 oz and was just shy of 20” in length. Congratulations to father Steve, mother Deanna and grandpa Steve W. Robinson.

Cathy Fitzgerald authors manual

Congratulations to Cathy Fitzgerald from the Business faculty on the recent publication of the second edition of the instructor’s manual, test bank questions and website quizzes designed to accompany the Management of Occupational Health and Safety texts by Kevin Kelloway, Lori Francis, and James Montgomery, by Nelson, A Division of Thomson Canada Ltd. Cathy has also received recognition for her suggestions for exercises included in both text books. Both Cathy and Okanagan College received acknowledgement in the text and instructors manual.

Cathy has been recognized by Worksafe BC for her contribution to the safety of young workers as well as received funding from them to develop Okanagan College’s online course in the Management of Occupational Health and Safety utilizing WebCT education software and extensive electronic learning applications. She continues to consult with organizations to develop strategies to address employee optimal health and performance to disability management processes.

Christina Rhein joins Continuing Studies

Charlotte Kushner and the department of Continuing Studies recently welcomed Christina Rhein to the position of administrative assistant. Chrissy will be working at the Kelowna campus and can be reached at local 4532.

May 9, 2008, Vol. 2 Issue 2

Human Resources Regional Service Days

Starting on May 13, 2008 a representative(s) of HR will be attending each campus on a regular basis to improve access to information regarding human resource services, policies and practices.  Regional Service Days will provide managers with a regular forum for direct discussions with Human Resources regarding employee and labor relations matters and for updates on local management initiatives and HR projects.

Employees will have the opportunity to get to know HR personnel and to engage in employment related discussions.  The objective is to ensure that employees have personal access to the best available employment information or to provide advice on appropriate sources for such information.  Regional Service Days will also provide a “face to face” local forum to assist in the orientation of newly hired employees.

The dates, times and location of Regional Service Days are as follows:
 May 13    Penticton - Ashnola PL 132 12 - 4 p.m.
June 9       KLO - H109 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
June 17     Vernon E105 12 – 4 p.m.
July 15      KLO – H109 9:30 a.m. –  4 p.m.
Sept 23     Salmon Arm  - TBA 12 – 4 p.m.
Oct 21       Penticton – Ashnola PL 132 12 – 4 p.m.
Nov 18      Vernon – E105 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dec 4        KLO – TBA 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

50/50 winner announced

Congratulations to Dan Chetner from AACP in Penticton who won today's payday draw for $455 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.

Baby your car for a good cause

The Licensed Practical Nursing students at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus are holding a car wash and BBQ fundraiser at the campus on KLO Road on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to Kelowna's Downtown Street Clinic, Outreach Urban Health.  Please come out and support your local community.

Alumni Association AGM

Okanagan College’s Alumni Association is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, at 5 p.m. at Infusions Restaurant at the KLO Road campus in Kelowna.  The event will include a wine and cheese reception and a keynote presentation from alumnus John Perrott, Executive Director of the Downtown Kelowna Association. There is no cost to attend but RSVPs are requested before 4:30 p.m., Friday May 9 by phone: 1-888-650-6968 or by e-mail: alumni@okanagan.bc.ca.  View the AGM agenda at: www.okanagan.bc.ca/alumni

College and Foundation to celebrate donors

A series of donor appreciation receptions will be hosted by the Okanagan College Foundation in the following locations and on the dates indicated below:

May 14        Cafeteria, Vernon Campus
May 29        Cafeteria, Salmon Arm
June 25       Cafeteria, Penticton

Each reception begins at 5 p.m. For more information please contact Linda Way - 862-5630  Ext 2

Okanagan College Family Award now accepting applications

On behalf of the Financial Aid & Awards Office and the Okanagan College Foundation, this is a reminder that applications are now being accepted for the next round of the Okanagan College Family Award. Full award criteria and the application form can be found in "My Okanagan,” under "OC Express - Forms" and "Foundation.” All applications must be date-stamped at the Welcome Centre in Kelowna or the Campus Administration office at your campus by  May 23,  2008. This round of applications is for programs starting between  May 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008

Please direct any questions that you may have about the Okanagan College Family Award to the Kelowna Campus Financial Aid & Awards Office at 862-5419.

Suds n’ Slides

Join colleagues at a fun evening event with entertainment provided by Dennis Leclair, an instructor in the Human Service Worker program. Dennis will be on stage with his guitar at the Minstrel Café in Kelowna (4638 Lakeshore Road) at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. This event is free – doors open at 4 p.m.




May 10 - Join Keith Germaine in Kelowna on Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. to gather donated bikes to be shipped to AIDS workers in Namibia, Africa. The Bicycles for Humanity event will take place at St. Charles’ Church on Benvoulin Road (next to Father Pandosy in the Mission). Volunteers are asking for adult-sized mountain bikes in good working condition. The bikes will be shipped to Namibia in a large container at a cost of $30 each – cash donations will also be accepted to help cover the cost of shipping. Visit the web for more information or contact Keith Germaine if you would like to donate:  www.bicycles-for-humanity.org

May 14 – Dr. Gabor Mate, author of In the Realms of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction will present a lecture at 7 p.m. in the KLO Theatre. Mate has worked with addiction issues in Vancouver’s lower east side for many years. Find out more about the presenter on his website: www.drgabormate.com.

May 22 - Mark your calendar...the 2008 Annual Charity Okanagan College Foundation/Whillis Harding Agencies Golf Tournament and Silent Auction will held on Thursday, May 22 at the Okanagan Golf Club (Quail Course). Spaces are limited and filling up quickly! To register or for more information, email Renee Huska or Dawn Douglas, or call 862-5630.

May 24  - Take advantage of the chance to get your car squeaky clean, while supporting students in the College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program. The car wash and BBQ will take place at the KLO campus from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Funds raised will be donated to Kelowna’s Downtown Street Clinic – Outreach Urban Health.

May 25 – The Penticton Philosopher’s Café will feature an evening with John Ralston Saul: Musings about Canada’s Global Future. Join the award-winning essayist and novelist as he examines the future of Canada’s global military and economic role. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Penticton High Auditorium. Tickets are available at the Penticton campus of Okanagan College or the Tumbleweed Gallery (adults $10, students $7, at the door $15).

There's another event on Monday, a chance to dine with John Ralston Saul at the Front Street Bar and Bistro. It's a limited-audience event, though, and tickets are a little more: $200. The dinner is a fundraiser for the Okanagan College Foundation.

June 20 – Okanagan College’s men’s golf tournament will take place at Kelowna Springs with tee times starting at 3:44 p.m. The tourney is a nine-hole challenge – email Jim Gamble to register.

June 25 – The women’s tourney will take place at Michaelbrook in Kelowna beginning at 5 p.m. (shotgun start). Thirty-five dollars will get you nine holes, dinner and prizes. Register with Angie March.




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 May 23, 2008.

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