College opens new Trades Training Centre in Vernon
August 7, 2018
A class of Plumbing and Piping Foundation trades students were the first to step through the doors of the newly completed Trades Training Centre at Okanagan College’s Vernon campus at 7 a.m. this morning. A few hours later, they helped to officially open the space where they will hone their trade. Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna - Lake Country and The Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training joined Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton and other College officials, donors, industr...
Read more...With help from federal government and donors, new Trades Training House opens at Okanagan College
May 15, 2018
Okanagan College Media Release The next generation of carpenters, plumbers, and electricians are stepping into a state-of-the-art new training space at Okanagan College this week thanks to investment from the Government of Canada, the College and a host of industry and community partners. Stephen Fuhr, Kelowna-Lake Country Member of Parliament, visited the Kelowna campus on Tuesday to officially open the College’s new Trades Training House. The 2,700 square-foot facility is designed to simulate a real-world jobsite that will cons...
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Bono, Thorpe and Waunch: OC honours three community builders
April 13, 2018
A trio of community builders – all champions of different causes – are being recognized this year by Okanagan College with the institution’s highest commendation. Mollie QuilQuil Sneena Bono, an advocate for Indigenous peoples, Rick Thorpe, a dedicated public servant, and Patrick Waunch, a recognized construction leader, are to be named Honorary Fellows of Okanagan College in June. “Each of these remarkable individuals has contributed significantly to our region, province and country,” notes Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton...
Read more...Generosity continues to flow for College’s Trades Complex
November 3, 2017
Okanagan College Media Release A leading Western Canada company is giving a surge to trades students at Okanagan College. Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. is contributing $37,500 to the Bright Horizons - Building for Skills fundraising campaign for the new trades complex on the Kelowna campus. The Canadian-owned plumbing, heating and electrical products distributor announced the gift at the grand opening of their new location in West Kelowna on Nov. 3. Bartle & Gibson President Robert Whitty was in town to present the cheque to S...
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College names Manuel, Shepherd and Terbasket as 2017 Honorary Fellows
May 3, 2017
Okanagan College is bestowing its highest honour on three notable Okanagan residents, each of whom has made unique and meaningful contributions to the region through historical preservation, volunteerism and mentorship. Randy Manuel, Sharon Shepherd and Edna Terbasket will be named Honorary Fellows of Okanagan College during Convocation ceremonies in Kelowna this June. Manuel, an artist, writer, historian and public servant whose career spans more than five decades, will be recognized by the College for his vision and multi-facet...
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College names von Mandl, Redmond and Winkler as 2016 Honorary Fellows
May 12, 2016
Okanagan College is bestowing its highest honour on three notable Okanagan residents, each of whom has helped shape and define the region in unique and impactful ways through entrepreneurship, philanthropy and ecological research. Anthony von Mandl O.B.C., Bill Redmond and Dr. Rita Winkler will be named Honorary Fellows of Okanagan College during Convocation ceremonies on June 4 in Kelowna. von Mandl, proprietor of VMF Estates, founder of Mission Hill Family Estate and one of the region’s best-known self-made entrepreneurs...
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Rick Gee recognized by College for Distinguished Service
May 3, 2016
A retired employee who assembled an impressive career that spanned 30 years and five days will be recognized by Okanagan College with the Distinguished Service award at the College’s Summer Convocation ceremony on June 29 in Kelowna. Rick Gee, former Chair of Okanagan College’s Education Council and longtime professor of Computer Science, has left an indelible mark on the institution’s curriculum and program development after dedicating more than three decades to supporting students and enhancing academic standards. President Ji...
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College honours Butters, Embree, Pushor and Sharkey
April 22, 2015
Okanagan College will recognize four esteemed community builders as Honorary Fellows during its 2015 Convocation ceremonies in June, including renowned Chef Rod Butters, entrepreneur Norm Embree, lawyer Rick Pushor and social planner Annette Sharkey. “I am extremely proud to announce these four individuals as Honorary Fellows of Okanagan College,” said president Jim Hamilton. “Much like the College, they are diverse, unique and represent a wide range of interests and communities. We recognize them as Honorary Fellows for demonstra...
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College honours Lent with Distinguished Service Award
May 16, 2014
Acclaimed author and retired Okanagan College Regional Dean John Lent will receive the Distinguished Service award next month during the College’s Vernon Convocation ceremony. Lent is the fourth person in College history to receive the award, which is the highest honour bestowed upon a former employee. The award recognizes past employees who have given outstanding service to Okanagan College, who share and support its mission, vision and values, and are active within and outside the College community. “John Lent is a very deservi...
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Ruurs, Gopal, Henderson and Benson to receive College’s highest honour
May 14, 2014
Margriet Ruurs, Raghwa Gopal, Jim Henderson, and Garry Benson will take their place among an elite group as Okanagan College’s 2014 Honorary Fellows – the highest honour the College bestows. “These four individuals have made meaningful contributions in a range of areas – from the promotion of children’s literacy, to economic development and mentorship, First Nations and environmental advocacy, to fundraising,” said Jim Hamilton, president of Okanagan College. “And while the diversity is great, what they share in common is even more...
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