OCNews

Three well-known Okanagan citizens will be honoured by Okanagan College at its first convocations in June.

Rev. Albert Baldeo, Mike Roberts, and Lois Serwa will each be named as Honorary Fellows of Okanagan College in recognition of their service to the community.

"Our first convocations will be held on June 3 and June 29," notes Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. "As we celebrate the accomplishments of our students on those days, we are also bestowing the Honorary Fellow awards for the first time to recognize the contributions to the community by these individuals."

The three honorees were chosen for their community service and dedication.

Serwa, who will be recognized at the Summer Convocation on June 29 at the Mary Irwin Theatre in Kelowna, is acknowledged as a role model, mentor and advocate for positive social change in the Central Okanagan. She was founding director of well-known community organizations such as the Bel Air Women’s Recovery Home, Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers and Child Find. She has chaired or co-chaired the volunteer directorate of Kelowna General Hospital and the Children’s Water Park and has served as director of the Central Okanagan Child Development Association, the Central Okanagan Bursary Society and the Central Okanagan Foundation. Lois has been honoured many times but one that is particularly meaningful is the Paul Harris Rotary Award - 1990. Serwa is currently the Chariperson for the 2006 Okanagan Family AIDS Walk. She also serves on the Board of Rotaplast Canada.

Roberts, whose familiar countenance has graced the CHBC News at 5:00 and 11:00 and a variety of television programs and series since the early 1970s, has capitalized on his profile to help organizations such as the Central and South Okanagan United Way, the Central Okanagan Crimestoppers Society, the South Okanagan Child Development Centre, and innumerable other organizations. He has been the face and force behind a very successful annual campaign that raises funds for the valley’s foodbanks and has recently been selected by Canada’s Governor General to be honoured as a Caring Canadian. In 2005, he was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Radio-Television News Directors Association of Canada.

Baldeo has maintained his commitments and contributions to the community following his retirement from the United Church, and he is informally known as the Chaplain of Kelowna. He was the Honorary Chair of the 2004 Okanagan Family AIDS Walk and he and his wife Beryl were recognized by the United Way in 2004 for their contributions and service to the community. A Rotary member for more than a quarter-century, Baldeo can frequently be found offering guidance to graduating students, and offering comfort and encouragement to those in need and experiencing trying times. In 2002, he was recognized by Canada’s Governor General as a Caring Canadian.

Baldeo will be recognized at the morning Convocation ceremony on June 3, while Roberts will be recognized in the afternoon. Those ceremonies take place at the College’s Kelowna campus.

The award of an Honourary Fellow is recognition by Okanagan College of distinguished achievement or outstanding service. The criteria for the award are mentorship, excellence, eminence and accomplishment. The College welcomes nominations that reflect the values of the College and the diversity of Canadian society. Nominees will be persons who have made significant contributions to the College, the Okanagan Valley, the Province, the Nation or on an international level.