Okanagan College Media Release - June 21, 2007

Nancy Darling, Steve Tuck, Barbette Cejalvo and Kevin Smythe

The establishment of two new annual financial awards for Okanagan College students is the result of a $25,000 donation by the British Columbia Electrical Association (BCEA).

Students pursuing Electrical Engineering Technology and Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship programs will be eligible for the new awards this fall through the Okanagan College Foundation.

The Executive Director of the BCEA, Barbette Cejalvo, and Chairman Kevin Smythe were in Kelowna yesterday to present a cheque for $25,000, which will be entrusted to the Okanagan College Foundation to set up the new endowment fund.

“As a non-profit trade association we are always looking for ways to give back to the industry,” says Cejalvo. “I can think of no better way than by supporting students who are pursuing careers in the industry.”

The provincial association, which is based in Burnaby, is pleased to be involved in the Kelowna area.

“Supporting Okanagan College students was an easy decision for us,” explains Cejalvo. “We understand their trade division is really expanding and with the growth currently underway in Kelowna, it made good sense to bring these funds to this area. The demand for trades is booming here and we wanted to do our part to help as much as we can and provide some funding.”

The two BC Electrical Association Awards will be valued at $600 each and will be granted to successful applicants who demonstrate good academic standing and who will be returning to the College the following year. The funds will be used to cover the cost of one year’s tuition for each of the programs.

“Receiving an endowment of this size is truly great for the Okanagan College Foundation, our students and our community,” says Executive Director Kathy Butler.  “Through the delivery of these new awards, more students will be able to complete their programs with job-ready skills and practical experience to help ease the burden of the trades shortage in Kelowna. We are extremely grateful for this tremendous show of support for our institution.”