OCNews

The Okanagan College Foundation has received a landmark gift to the Our Students, Your Health campaign, which will help support the training of the Okanagan’s frontline health care professionals for generations to come.

The Stober Foundation is committing $500,000 over the next five years to support the development of a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Centre at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus, which will train 450 students per year over the next 40 years.

In recognition of this leadership gift, Okanagan College Foundation is establishing a $250,000 award fund in honour of the Stober family. The awards will provide vital financial support for 100 students, helping them achieve their educational goals and progress to careers in critical sectors of our region’s economy. 

The new Health Sciences Centre will serve as a leading-edge training hub for students across eight critical health and social care professions. Graduates will go on to provide care in the region’s hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, rehabilitation settings, dental clinics, and mental health services.

The Stober Foundation gift will specifically support the completion of the Centre’s Health Lab, where nurses and Health Care Assistants will be trained. It will also establish vital scholarships and bursaries, enabling students to complete their studies at a time when many are facing even greater financial uncertainty.

“This gift is a testament to the leadership and vision of the Stober family and will help us complete a world-class facility which our students and community deserve, as we continue to deliver the vital training needed to shore up our health care sector,” says Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton.

“Okanagan College has been educating health care professionals since the early 1960s. Our graduates – and many of our current students – are serving on the frontlines during this public health crisis. We are exceptionally proud of all of them, and of the quality of education they received.”

“Now more than ever, we recognize the critical role of frontline health care professionals,” says Keith Z. Brewster, Executive Director of the Stober Foundation.

“This is a strategic investment in our community’s health and well-being. COVID-19 continues to highlight the dedication and commitment of all those on the frontlines in our community, specifically health care professionals. We are incredibly honoured and proud to be able to support the education of those who will care for our community, when we need it most.”

The B.C. government has contributed $15.4 million toward the $18.9-million Centre, which will be equipped with leading-edge technology to mimic modern health care workplace settings. It replaces health labs and classrooms built in the 1960s, and will attract students to study and work in the region.

With more than 10,000 skilled worker vacancies expected in the Thompson Okanagan’s hospitals and care homes in the next 10 years, these students will be crucial to addressing the looming skills gap.

“I’ve seen first-hand the contribution of Okanagan College’s graduates to our community’s hospitals and health care settings,” says Maxine DeHart, Campaign Ambassador for Our Students, Your Health.

“Clearly, the Stober family recognize the importance of community support for the College and the development of facilities and programs that will serve our health needs in the years to come.

“Thanks to the Stober Foundation, we’ve now raised $2.5 million, and are halfway towards our $5-million campaign goal,” observes DeHart.

“This kind of leadership at a time of economic fragility is exceptional. These are extremely challenging times both in terms of our health and the economy, but I hope those who can will consider supporting the campaign. We need this new Centre more than ever and we can’t complete it without community support.”