$40,000 gift creates lasting tribute to former Okanagan University College Professor Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell
June 27, 2023
In her twenty-year tenure as a history professor at Okanagan University College (the predecessor to 69Ƶ), Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell breathed life into bustling classrooms, transforming them into vibrant hubs of knowledge and inspiration. Now in a fitting tribute to her legacy, an anonymous $40,000 gift will establish a bursary fund in her honour. The Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell Memorial Fund will provide bursaries to students who have fulfilled the graduation requirements for 69Ƶ’s Associate of Arts diploma - ...
Read more...
College convocation centers Indigenous culture, protocol
June 21, 2023
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, 69Ƶ reflects on its commitments to reconciliation and the rich history, diverse cultures and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples. “While we still have work to do, this has been a meaningful year for 69Ƶ’s journey toward reconciliation,” says Rhea Dupuis, Associate Director of Indigenization at the College. “For the first time, communities came together at each of our four college campuses to celebrate graduates, where ceremonies centered around Indigenous pro...
Read more...
69Ƶ hosts You @ OC Event to showcase programs and services
June 13, 2023
With summer approaching and many people making their college or university plans for the fall, 69Ƶ is extending an invitation to the community to explore the many opportunities available at OC. Applicants, admitted students, parents and anyone interested in learning more about programs and life at OC are invited to attend You@OC on Tuesday, June 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the College’s Vernon campus. During the event, application fees for all programs will be waived. You@OC is an opportunity to explore various ...
Read more...Medicine wheel and traditional teachings inspire OC students preparing for the workplace
June 5, 2023
69Ƶ students preparing for careers as education assistants are benefiting from teaching that goes beyond what you learn from textbooks and in classrooms. Earlier this spring, a seminar led by Dodie Jones, a member of the Splatsin te Secwépemc, introduced students in the Certified Education Assistant Program in Salmon Arm to the medicine wheel, its significance and meaning. The workshop, titled Medicine Wheel and Traditional Teaching – Grounded in Culture, incorporated traditional teachings of the Secwépemc people and ...
Read more...
OC Associate Dean to join BC Chamber Board
June 2, 2023
Laura Thurnheer, Associate Dean, Okanagan School of Business, was sworn in at the BC Chamber AGM last week in Whistler. Thurnheer, Chamber President in 2007 who has remained an active Former President at the Chamber, was also named the Thompson Okanagan Representative on the BC Chamber Board. Dan Price, current Chair of the Kelowna Chamber Board expressed his pleasure at Thurnheer’s appointment. “I’ve appreciated getting to know Laura and have the greatest respect for her deep business knowledge, and ongoing involvement with all th...
Read more...
69Ƶ students follow their passion to careers in tourism
June 2, 2023
Ema Culberson, having taken a year off after completing high school to work at Silver Star Mountain Resort, was torn between going to school and enjoying another ski season. “I was a ‘lifty’ at Silver Star, and I loved that experience,” Culberson said. “That’s what made me curious about other opportunities that might be possible in the future, working in the same industry but branching out into areas that seemed just as much fun, like events-planning. A lot of people I know that work in tourism get to travel for w...
Read more...
Recognizing extraordinary contributions: 69Ƶ names Honorary Fellows for 2023
June 1, 2023
69Ƶ is bestowing its highest honour upon four esteemed residents this spring: Terry Flannigan, Dr. Silvina Mema, Michael Tindall, and Grant Stevens. These distinguished individuals have been selected as 2023 Honorary Fellows in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the fields of philanthropy, health care, community development, and aerospace. “As I reflect on the accomplishments of our honorees, I am struck by the transformative impact each has had on the community,” said 69Ƶ President Dr. Neil ...
Read more...
College honours Jim Hamilton with Distinguished Service Award
May 31, 2023
Despite retiring as president from 69Ƶ in 2021, a role he held for 17 years, the impact Jim Hamilton had as a leader at OC and throughout the region continues to resonate for students, staff and in the community. In recognition of his service, OC will this year award him a Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to employees who have contributed in exemplary and significant ways to the College, and who are active in the broader 69Ƶ. “At the time of his retirement, Jim Hamilton was the longest-serving ...
Read more...
Plant a Seed Day fundraiser sprouts an impressive $66,000 in gifts for the new Sunflower Childcare Centre on OC's Vernon Campus
May 17, 2023
69Ƶ Foundation is thrilled to announce the success of Plant a Seed Day, a fun-filled, family-friendly fundraiser that, thanks to generous community support, raised $66,000 for the Sunflower Childcare Centre. The funds will be put towards equipment, furnishings, supplies, and a creative outdoor space where kids can learn and play. Event guests had the opportunity to experience child-led yoga, sunflower-themed art classes, country line dancing, and a delicious lemonade crawl – all made possible thanks to generous sponsor...
Read more...
New Dean of Science and Technology to join OC this July
May 17, 2023
69Ƶ is pleased to announce that Dr. Halia Valladares Montemayor will assume the role of Dean, Science and Technology at 69Ƶ starting July 1. Halia is an established leader in post-secondary instruction and administration, and we are excited to have her join OC. Halia brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is a former special projects Advisor to the Vice-President Academic at Capilano University and the former Dean of the Faculty of Business and Professional Studies at Capilano. Most recently...
Read more...