OCNews

Okanagan College student Mariah Matthews is looking forward to showcasing what she has learned in her interdisciplinary studies around gender and psychology at Okanagan College’s fourth annual OC Student Showcase.

Taking place on April 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College, the Showcase brings together students from across the college to share what they have been building, creating and discovering through hands-on learning. 

“The Showcase highlights the importance of a well-rounded education,” said Matthews, an Associate of Arts student in her senior year at Okanagan College. “By opening our work to the public, people can see the kind of magic that happens in our classrooms which includes the incredible support and guidance that our professors give us.”

“Being involved in the Showcase is really meaningful,” continued Matthews. “We work so hard, and I think it's important to show the community and our families that what we're learning is applicable outside a school or clinical setting.”

Students from multiple programs will be showcasing what happens when ideas move beyond the classroom and into the community. OC programs are designed to prepare graduates to be able to jump into the workforce in critical industries.

“The Student Showcase reflects what Okanagan College is all about,” said OC’s Provost and VP Academic, Dr. Samantha Lenci. “Our students don’t just study their fields — they work in them, build in them and contribute to the communities around them. Events like this highlight the value of hands-on, regionally connected education and the impact it has across our region and beyond.” 

This year’s event features students from 18 programs spanning the arts, sciences, skilled trades, technology, health and business. Under one roof, visitors can explore projects shaped by months of curiosity, problem-solving and real-world application.

“I’m incredibly proud of the students who share their work at the annual Student Showcase,” said Linda O’Donoghue, teaching and learning advisor with OC and one of the event’s organizers. “This event reflects their creativity, dedication and the many hours of effort they’ve invested in developing their ideas.”

“Presenting their work takes courage, and it’s inspiring to see them take ownership of their learning and celebrate what they’ve accomplished,” continued O’Donoghue. “For many students, the showcase is more than just an event — it’s a meaningful milestone that builds confidence, recognizes their growth and reminds them that their voices and talents truly matter.” 

Attendees can move through a wide range of interactive displays, live demonstrations and presentations, including:
 

• Live caricature drawing by Animation Diploma students
• Engineering and sustainability capstone projects from Electrical Engineering Technology and Sustainable Building Technology students
• Culinary and pastry creations prepared by Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts students (with samples available!)
• Community research presentations from Applied Bachelor of Arts: Community Research and Evaluation students 
• A feminist art installation created by Feminist Art Studies students 
• And much more!

Together, these presentations reflect the breadth of learning through the programs at Okanagan College and the application of that learning.

The Student Showcase began in 2023 as an opportunity for students in OC’s Arts and Foundational Programs to share their work with the college community. Led by Dean of Arts and Sciences, Judith Anderson, and Okanagan College’s academic deans, it has grown into a college-wide event, welcoming students from programs across all areas of study.

This year’s Showcase will also welcome regional high school students, offering a first look at the programs, learning environments and student experiences that Okanagan College provides. 

To learn more about Okanagan College, visit okanagancollege.ca.