When Jayne Brooks first walked through Okanagan College's doors as a Business Administration student in 1974, she had no idea she was beginning a relationship that would span more than five decades. 

After graduating, she was invited to join the Business Administration Program Advisory Committee, opening the door to a lifelong connection with the College. She later became one of the founding members and first president of the Okanagan College Alumni Association (OCAA), helping create a community that engages graduates with the institution. 

That connection grew into a career spanning more than 30 years as an instructor, dean and academic leader. But no matter what role she held, what she loved most was helping people discover what they were capable of. 

"Teaching can be incredibly rewarding," she says. "There's a sense of accomplishment when we see a learner get it and succeed." 

One experience, however, forever changed the way she thought about the power of education. During a trip to Africa, she met children who faced unimaginable hardship yet remained determined to learn. They understood that education represented something far greater than a classroom. It was their opportunity for a better future. 

That experience stayed with Jayne.