COMMUNITY REPORT 2014
OKANAGAN COLLEGE 2014 By THE NUMBERS StudentS 7,019 full-time equivalent students 365 full-time equivalent international students 25 is the average student age 54% female, 46% male 2,522 credentials conferred in 2014 68,000+ credentials conferred since 1963
Institution
51 years old on Sept. 30, 2014 14 locations from Oliver to Revelstoke 4 campuses: Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Salmon Arm 1,200+ full- and part-time employees
Financial $94.5 million operating budget $542 million annual economic impact to regional economy 12.7% annual return on investment to B.C. taxpayers $915 million impact to provincial economy
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A message from Tom Styffe, Chair of the Board of Governors
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A message from President Jim Hamilton
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Bright Horizons launches campaign to support trades
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Culinary students shine at Gold Medal Plates competition
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B.C. Wine Information Society Sensory Centre celebrates its first year
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Authors in our midst
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Soggy bread inspires creative writing students in three-hour competition
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The Okanagan College Foundation – donor generosity impacts the future for students
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John Lent honoured for distinguished service to the community
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Ungaro and Shupe join the ranks of Distinguished Alumni
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Okanagan College think-tank - faculty collaboration and applied research
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College springboards students on international business path
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Partnering for life in memory of Deb Davis
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Enactus continues to InnSpire community
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College recognizes Benson, Gopal, Henderson and Ruurs as Honorary Fellows
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Students apply their education in competitions across the country
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Industry connections enrich the Okanagan College student experience
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The financial year in review
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The governing bodies of Okanagan College
Community Report 2014
A message from the Chair, Board of Governors Five years service on the Board of Governors has given me an incredible chance to see up close what it is that Okanagan College is and does. 2014 was the second year I had the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Board and I have had a chance to witness moments and hear stories that help define us as an organization. In 2015, we are revisiting our strategic plan for the next five years. It is a document that will guide us for those next years and help set a course for years to come. As we contemplate our plan, we have benefit of reflecting on how we have done. The most significant achievement this past year, as in all years we’ve been a post-secondary institution, is expressed by our students and their accomplishments. You’ll see evidence of that in the document you’re reading now. I get a first-hand chance to see that as I shake hands and listen to quickly-told stories at our Convocation ceremonies, and at awards ceremonies. The pride – not just among the grads, but also among parents, family, friends, and Okanagan College staff – make it clear how we can say we’ve lived up to our Mission Statement: Okanagan College transforms lives and communities.
The story of how we do that belongs to each of our students and graduates, whether they are leaving us with a degree, a diploma or a certificate, or whether they are here for another year of study, to participate in another program or to just keep learning their way to their personal educational goals. We rely on more than graduate stories to assure ourselves that what we do is effective, and that we are serving the communities of our region in the ways they expect of us. We have a well-developed set of indicators that measure everything from graduate satisfaction to economic impact that tell us how we are doing in terms of serving Aboriginal students, and how we are doing as we pursue our goal of being a sustainable organization. Still, statistics can never compete with witnessing a proud student sharing the joy of accomplishment with parents and children as they move from OC into a promising career. More than ever colleges have an important role to play in connecting ambition to opportunity and students to careers – just as we have done for the past half century here at Okanagan College and as we will continue to do with the help of tremendous students, employees and the support of our communities.
Tom Styffe Chair, Okanagan College Board of Governors
Education quality is our concern Every year, British Columbia’s government surveys students who graduate from our public post-secondary institutions. Over 90 per cent of Okanagan College’s graduates surveyed are satisfied with their education. While instructors, curriculum, facilities, and individual experiences all play an important role in determining the survey results, there is a contributing agent that is not always at the forefront of public attention: Education Council, one of the two governing bodies for Okanagan College. Education Council, in conjunction with the Board of Governors, is responsible for approving courses, programs, and policies that have much to do with the quality of the educational experience at our institution. Faculty members, support staff, administrators, and students meet monthly to review and approve new curriculum and academic policies.
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Supporting Education Council are a number of standing committees (which provide a preliminary review of proposals) and hard-working support staff. More than 75 members of the College community meet to consider curriculum and policies. The overall goal is to ensure that the students who choose Okanagan College for their education and training receive the best education and training that is available. Education Council sees the results of its work when it approves the graduands for graduation. (A person is a graduand after completing all the requirements for a credential and becomes a graduate after the credential is awarded.) Council members believe their work is crucial to Okanagan College’s mission of transforming lives and communities.
A message from the President Watching the Trades Complex expansion take shape on our Kelowna campus, I see a $33-million project that incorporates new construction and improvements and renovations to existing structures. It’s a microcosm of what happens regularly at Okanagan College: we build on the best of the past, reshaping where we need to, and look forward to new projects and undertakings. Building on the best of the past has been a constant at this institution. The three-plus decades of experience I have working here allows me to confidently predict it will continue to be for decades to come. What’s never changed is our focus on students. I’m proud when I see surveys telling us about the quality of education that our graduates say they received. I can see the seeds of that satisfaction and appreciation of quality on any day, at any campus, where instructors are talking with students in the cafeteria or in the hallways, where staff are working to ensure that students have the resources and support to help them succeed. In recent months there has been much discussion about aligning program offerings at institutions such as ours with existing employment and career opportunities and those that are projected for the future. That’s important – it’s one of the reasons the Province and our supporters are investing in the Trades Complex and why we have grown trades training at each of our four major campuses and beyond. Our obligation to the community – and to the students we serve – goes well beyond just training for jobs. We must help students develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that will serve them in a variety of careers and their daily lives. We need to give them the room to explore different career options and the opportunity to broaden perspectives. We must recognize that sometimes a college education is the launch point for a career trajectory that no one here – and now – has even imagined. As you turn the pages of this report – physically or digitally – I hope you get a sense of our students, our institution, and the role that community support and interaction plays in making Okanagan College the success it is.
Jim Hamilton President, Okanagan College
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Community Report 2014
BRIGHT HORIZONS LAUNCHES
COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND OKANAGAN COLLEGE Businesses. Families. Individuals. Alumni. Service Clubs. Students. Tradespeople. People who have never even picked up a hammer. Support for the new $33-million trades training complex currently under construction at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus is coming from every sector, every corner of the region. And the momentum behind the fundraising campaign speaks to a level of community support for Okanagan College that goes beyond dollars and cents. The Bright Horizons, Building for Skills fundraising campaign launched in October with the goal of raising $7 million ($5 million for capital costs, plus another $2 million for equipment and program support). The provincial government has committed $28 million. Fast forward a few months into the campaign and the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, says Okanagan College Foundation President, Alf Kempf. “The campaign kicked off with incredible support,” says Kempf, “and momentum has continued building since day one. We’re only a few months in, but already we have surpassed the halfway mark of $3.5 million raised.”
A rendering of how the new Trades Training Complex will look when doors open in March 2016
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“The new trades training complex will help us be even more proactive in addressing the skills gap projected for trades and technical training in B.C. over the next decade,” says president Jim Hamilton. “It is incredibly gratifying for the College to see the way individuals and organizations from all over our region are supporting the project and investing in our students’ futures. The community’s support is helping us to elevate trades training in the Okanagan.” The campaign kicked off with donations from almost 50 donors totaling $2.5 million in just the first month, a significant portion of that coming from Kelowna area car dealerships which have collectively provided over $600,000—including a sizeable donation from the Kelowna Auto Dealers Association. Over $500,000 has come from industry leaders in the auto, welding, construction, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical sectors. Barry Lapointe of Kelowna Flightcraft landed with a $500,000 donation in December. An additional $1 million in funding and equipment was announced in 2015, including a $100,000 pledge by the Okanagan College Students’ Union in February.
A cross-section of the new Trades Training Complex as it will look when doors open in March 2016
Okanagan College Foundation President Alf Kempf, Campaign Chair Dennis Gabelhouse, Automotive Sector Chair Adam Rich, Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton, and Automotive Services Technician student Emma Paul.
The new Trades Training Complex at a glance: • Will accommodate 2,400 students and apprentices annually • Solar photovoltaic array will be one of the largest in Western Canada; array will generate enough electricity to power 26 homes for a year. • Targeted to meet LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge standards • Will feature geothermal heating and cooling, rainwater capture, use of grey water for non-potable water needs, and smart environmental controls systems To learn more about the campaign’s current needs and opportunities to get involved, please visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/campaign.
Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton joins representatives of the Okanagan College Students’ Union to announce the OCSU’s $100,000 donation to the Bright Horizons Building for Skills Campaign.
The Kelowna Auto Dealers Association pledged $10,000 to the Bright Horizons Campaign; donations from local auto dealers have surpassed $600,000 in total.
Trades students flank Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton, Campaign Automotive Sector Chair Adam Rich, Hon. Amrik Virk (former) Minister of Advanced Education, Automotive Services Technician Emma Paul, MLAs Norm Letnick and Steve Thomson, and Okanagan College Board of Governors Chair Tom Styffe at the groundbreaking for the new Trades Training Complex.
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Gold Medal Plates
A recipe for student success Okanagan College’s culinary arts students assisted Canada’s top chefs during the Gold Medal Plates competition for the sixth year in a row. The student chefs were tasked with everything from slicing and peeling to plating dishes for the public during the course of three competition events, which ran from Feb. 6-7 in support of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. Participating in the challenges alongside the competing chefs gives many students valuable hands-on experience and the ability to expand their industry network. The highly-anticipated Black Box challenge, where competing chefs create a dish from a selection of mystery ingredients in less than an hour, was held at the College’s Kelowna Campus. A recording of the live-feed from the event has been viewed over 2,200 times on YouTube.
If you put yourself out there and work hard, it opens a lot of doors,” – Melissa Masters, a graduate of the College’s culinary arts program who participated in the competition in 2014 and 2015.
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Sensory Centre quenches thirst for wine knowledge
Located in the heart of Okanagan wine country, the B.C. Wine Information Society Sensory Centre at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus is the region’s first educational facility of its kind. The facility, which opened its doors in 2014, was created specifically for the sensory discovery and evaluation of wine and food and is named in recognition of the support of the B.C. Wine Information Society, which contributed $300,000 to its development. The state-of-the-art classroom-style lab provides an interactive and engaging tasting environment for those interested in winemaking, viticulture, and hospitality with a focus on food and wine. During its first year of operation (May 1, 2014 - April 30, 2015) the Sensory Centre welcomed:
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407 students 29 different courses 18 food and wine industry instructors 16 food and wine industry guest presenters
B.C. wine online Okanagan College teamed up with the B.C. Wine Institute and a host of other partners to create a free online course about B.C. wines and wine regions this year. Over 1,500 people have taken the course, including international visitors from the United States, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Spain, Guatemala, India, Austria, and Germany. The course is available at: www.okanagan.bc.ca/wineserver.
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Community Report 2014
AUTHORS IN OUR MIDST Okanagan College employees applied their expertise in creative writing, research, and academic writings throughout 2014. The following captures a selection of the published novels, short stories, textbooks, and research papers authored by the College community.
ALIX HAWLEY In her highly anticipated debut novel All True Not a Lie in It English professor Alix Hawley recounts the adventures of American pioneer Daniel Boone who was held captive by a Shawnee Chief. The novel, published by Knopf Canada as the New Face of Fiction 2015, has received acclaimed reviews in the National Post, Vancouver Sun, Globe and Mail, and local media in the Okanagan. BEVERLIE DIETZE Director of Learning and Teaching Beverlie Dietze published her third textbook Empowering Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education, co-authored with Ryerson University’s Dr. Diane Kashin. It explores pedagogy in early learning programs that empower children and adults to create environments that foster active play, creativity, and imagination, while celebrating children’s learning, cultures, and family values.
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MATT KAVANAGH English professor and department Chair Matt Kavanagh published the final chapter in the collective essay Michael Chabon’s America: Magical Words, Secret Worlds, and Sacred Spaces. His chapter is titled Hope unfulfilled, not yet betrayed: Michael Chabon’s nostalgia for the future. WANDA RADIES Adult Special Education instructor Wanda Radies published an instructor’s guide and course outline titled The Power of Identity: The Pride and History of People with Intellectual Disabilities. It is a valuable resource guide to be used starting in 2015 by colleges across B.C. focusing on students with diverse abilities. MICHAEL CONLIN Business professor Michael Conlin co-authored the book Railway Heritage and Tourism, which explores the fascinating world of heritage railways and the role they play in the modern tourism industry. The book was collaboratively authored with Royal Roads University professor Geoffrey Bird.
SEAN JOHNSTON English Literature and Creative Writing professor Sean Johnston, published a collection of short stories in his fifth book We Don’t Listen to Them. The unique stories will leave readers puzzled but intrigued by his clever writing technique. Some of the stories border on “flash fiction” which have no plot, or narrative, but rather are driven by incidents as they happen. KEVIN MCPHERSON English professor Kevin McPherson Eckhoff ’s (his nom de plume) third published poetry collection, FORGE, was shortlisted for the 2014 Relit Award, known as one of Canada’s pre-eminent literary prizes recognizing independent presses. He also participated in Broken Pencil Magazine’s Deathmatch competition with his short story Asphalt Luxury Prophecy.
JIM BARMBY
ARLENE NORA ALROW
CORINNA CHONG
Shuswap – Revelstoke Regional Dean Jim Barmby delivered his research paper The Art and Craft of University Coordination at the annual Conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education held at Brock University. The paper examines the relationship between provincial government and post-secondary institutions in Alberta and B.C. and concludes the benefit of collaborative policy development and the downfall of top-down methods.
Penticton Continuing Studies instructor Arlene Nora Alrow has published updated versions of her textbooks Bookkeeping with Quickbooks in Canada and Payroll with Quickbooks in Canada that provide a comprehensive guide for students to learn progressively the complex bookkeeping software.
English professor Corinna Chong has published a short story titled Porcelain Legs in the Spring 2014 issue of Ricepaper Magazine, Canada’s literary magazine of Asian arts and culture.
CREATIVE WRITING & OUR STUDENTS Okanagan College encourages the imagination and writing talents of its students and those in Grade 11 and 12 through the fifth annual creative writing Three-Hour Short Story Contest. Students composed original works within the allotted time, with no access to online resources or pre-written materials, and needing to incorporate the mystery phrase “soggy bread.” Creativity, writing excellence, and strong narratives made the job of the English department faculty judging panel difficult. The 2014 regional winners were: • Penticton (and grand prize winner): Jesse Frechette, Lost Control (Okanagan College student) • Kelowna: Sarina Bouvier, Run-Run-Run (Kelowna Secondary School student) • Salmon Arm: Kyle Phillips, A Small Victory (Okanagan College student) • Vernon: Daniel Reich, Time Moves Quickly (Okanagan College student)
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Community Report 2014
OKANAGAN COLLEGE FOUNDATION students benefit from community support
Every single day, the Okanagan College Foundation hears firsthand from students the incredible impact our donors are having, not just on their educational careers, but on their lives. Be it through awards, mentorship, or other involvement at Okanagan College, this donor impact goes well beyond the classroom. Here are just a few examples of students reflecting on how donor support has made a difference in their futures:
Rick Thorpe (left) and wife Yasmin (far right) established the Rick and Yasmin Thorpe and Friends Scholarship. Pictured here with this year’s recipients Sloane More, Dylan Hoogveld and Connie Ramey.
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Brad Atkins (centre, back) recipient of the Tim Harder Memorial Bursary with Jim and Joyce Harder.
“It was fantastic having the chance to shake the hands of the two people whose philanthropic nature made such a difference to me. I’ll always remember Rick telling me at that moment to ‘pay it forward,’ and this is exactly what I plan to do one day.”
“I couldn’t be more grateful for this award. I can’t even put it into words. I want to express my deepest thanks to the Harder family and to let them know just how much this award means to me, for my future.”
– Sloane More, Sustainable Construction Management Technology program, Penticton campus. Recipient of the Rick and Yasmin Thorpe and Friends Scholarship.
– Brad Atkins, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program (AME), Vernon campus. Recipient of the Tim Harder Memorial Award.
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Year at a glance 2014 awards: • The Okanagan College Foundation disbursed $541,851 to 491 students
• 25 new awards created • Over 650 awards in total available for students
Shelly Somerville (3rd from left), recipient of the Lisa Wilhelm Nursing Opportunity Bursary with Loraine Wilhelm, Colleen Richardson, and Clarence Wilhelm. The Wilhelms created the bursary in memory of their daughter Lisa who studied nursing at Okanagan College.
“This award will help relieve any financial barriers that I face as I complete my degree and try to strike a balance between school, work, and family. I’m so grateful for this award, and excited for what it will allow me to achieve in my studies.”
To learn more about the Okanagan College Foundation, creating an award, supporting an existing award, and other opportunities to get involved, please visit
www.okanagancollegefoundation.ca.
– Shelly Somerville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Kelowna campus. Recipient of the Lisa Wilhelm Nursing Opportunity Bursary.
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Community Report 2014
LENT HONOURED
FOR SERvice to College and Community
In just the fourth time in its history, Okanagan College bestowed the Distinguished Service Award on one of its most deserving former employees. Acclaimed author and retired Regional Dean John Lent was recognized by the College for his outstanding service to the institution and the College community. Lent taught English for more than 30 years at the Vernon campus. He became Regional Dean in 2007 and is credited with developing Okanagan College’s national reputation in the areas of creative writing and publishing. Lent was the driving force behind groundbreaking projects such as the Kalamalka Press. In addition to his work at the College, Lent has been a successful author with an international reputation for three decades, having published 10 books in poetry, fiction and non-fiction. He retired in 2011 and continues to work on literary projects that inspire him. He joins past Distinguished Service Award recipients Lynda Wilson (2010), Gary Dickinson (2011), and Catherine Williams (2012). Lent received the award during the Vernon Convocation ceremony and was deeply touched by the recognition.
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“Receiving Okanagan College’s Distinguished Service Award came at a pivotal time in my retirement and in my life and it ended up meaning so much to me and my family. We’re all pretty down to earth people, us employees, and we really do work away at things and try to do our best, especially if we’re teachers and we’re looking out for the students. I was always very lucky that way. I had great friends, like Jim Hamilton and Craig McLuckie, who I worked alongside, and I had great, great students. But you do these things and before you know it, it’s over, you’re leaving your colleagues and friends behind, and you’re standing on the sidelines, in a way, watching this great ship you worked to shape & create, sail away. And that’s OK. That’s how it has to be. We all know that and each one of us is going to experience that. But how wonderful suddenly, out of the blue, a couple of years later, to get this big smile back from the place you worked, this very special recognition of what you and your colleagues tried to achieve and create. It’s so powerful. And you get moved by something that is almost invisible and almost impossible to articulate (maybe you have to be a certain age, even, to register it): the pulse of love that is underneath this exchange we call teaching, and how we dwell in that love forever.”
UNGARO and SHUPE
DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES AS ALUMNI
Donnie Ungaro and Lane Shupe were honoured by the Okanagan College Alumni Association (OCAA) in 2014 for their dedicated service to the community. Ungaro was the recipient of the Young Alumni Award based on his commitment to developing opportunities for young professionals in the region. Shupe received the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of nearly three decades spent working to advance the profile and success of the dental industry. Ungaro is the founder and owner of Culinary Ink foodbike, a socially conscious food service that helps raise funds for nonprofit partners. He is the former head of the Okanagan Young Professionals Collective and has been dedicated to driving a culture and community to attract and retain young professionals to the Okanagan.
Ungaro has been instrumental in the success of a number of local initiatives, including: Growing Chefs, TimeDRIVE in partnership with Gennext, Appetite for Art fundraiser, TEDxKelowna, and Motionball, which is in support of Special Olympics. Ungaro is also a local board member of Special Olympics. Shupe is a certified dental assistant who graduated from the College in 1981. She has been a member, sub-chair, chair, examiner, and representative for the College of Dental Surgeons of BC. Currently she is the office manager for Dr. Ron Shupe and the meeting coordinator for the Thompson Okanagan Dental Society (TODS) Annual General Meeting.
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OKANAGAN COLLEGE THINK-TANK
A number of Okanagan College faculty members contribute to the advancement of their field through research and collaborative work within their industry’s community. In some cases, they encourage students to join in the research efforts helping provide real-world experience that serves them well as they graduate and enter their careers. ONLINE GAMING
Research wins international accolade
Exploring ways to monitor and optimize online gaming netted Okanagan College professor Dr. Youry Khmelevsky and Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree students Trevor Alstad and Riley Dunkin the recognition of Best Research Paper Award at the International VisioGame 2014 conference in Bandung, Indonesia. The paper is titled Minecraft Computer Game Simulation and Network Performance Analysis. “Our goal was to look at online Gamers Private Networks to find solutions for faster gaming with better connections. You could consider our research as a foundation for improving gaming networks within the industry,” said Alstad. Gaining valuable experience in Kelowna’s competitive tech market, the professor-student team worked collaboratively with local company WTFast as well as building an international network with input by Universite Paris-Est Creteil professor Dr. Gaetan Hains. The research was made possible by a $24,990 grant received from Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the first of its kind for the College. OUTDOOR PLAY Taking it outside to improve childhood development
Also a recipient of an NSERC Grant, Okanagan College’s Director of Learning and Teaching Dr. Beverlie Dietze and North Okanagan Regional Dean Jane Lister have spearheaded research into the design of new outdoor playscapes and the role these play in childhood development. “More than half of Canadian children under five years of age spend less than 10 hours per week playing outdoors. We have to find a way to make the best use of the outdoor time,” said Dietze. She is working collaboratively with Outland Design Landscape Architects to apply the guiding principles of outdoor play to new playground design prototypes, which the children at the North Okanagan Child Care Society will be field-testing. The research aims to give five designs that can be used for commercial purposes. “The project will allow Okanagan College to advance research and curriculum that emphasize the importance of creating purposeful outdoor play environments that contribute to developing active lifestyles. In turn this will have positive social and economic impacts for communities,” noted Jane Lister, Okanagan College’s North Okanagan Regional Dean.
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A one-day conference Dietze and Lister coordinated in March saw a group of 45 academics, professionals, and planners gather to discuss the importance of outdoor play areas. A follow-up workshop the next day saw 33 early childcare workers attend a training session about maximizing outdoor play for children. Dietze has also published this year her third textbook on how to create environments that foster active play and creativity – see authors section. WINE TOURISM PROSPERITY Is the great quality of BC wines enough to keep visitors flocking to the Okanagan? Looking for the answer Okanagan College School of Business Professor and Okanagan Wine Festivals Society General Manager Dr. Blair Baldwin led a team, including experts with the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society and the British Columbia Wine Institute, through extensive research that included more than 900 interviews with visitors to the wine festivals during 2012 and 2013. Presenting at the prestigious Academy of Wine Business Research conference at the University of Geisenheim in Germany in the summer of 2014, Baldwin shared the findings that the greatest influence for visitors to return again and again to wine events is the experience they have while attending. Good signage, traffic low, tasting room servers to customer ratio, and lots of parking all help ensure a seamless experience, guaranteeing return visits. WAVES, MAGNETS, AND EROSION The relationship between levels of coastal erosion and magnetic materials left by waves was the focus of ground-breaking research by Okanagan College students Julia Thielmann and Arianna Lapham with the leadership of Dr. Terence Day, Okanagan College Professor of Geography & Earth and Environmental Science. “There are clear environmental implications. There is more magnetic material in areas where there is more erosion. We can identify rates of coastal erosion even in places where they are not routinely monitored,” explained Day. The international significance of the research garnered an invitation for Thielmann and Lapham to present at the 2014 Canadian Association of Geographers conference held in Victoria.
Danielle Hofer
College springboards students on international business path For Okanagan College students, the value of the post-secondary education they receive is matched by the international opportunities within their grasp. Expanding the horizons of education, Okanagan College encourages its students to develop a global perspective with semesters of learning abroad through the more than 20 partnerships with global institutions.
Study Abroad from the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society in the amount of $10,000. From the Okanagan Valley to the heart of Switzerland, she spent two semesters at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland in Olten. Staying on track, all of her credits earned count towards her business education in accounting, management and marketing at the College.
Gaining a global perspective is a marketable skill, particularly in today’s interconnected business landscape. Business students such as Okanagan College’s Lauren McKay and Danielle Hofer seize opportunities to fulfil their desire to travel, while maximizing their educational experience, earning credits toward their Bachelor of Business Administration degrees while overseas.
Also Europe-bound, Hofer completed her Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in marketing but not before having spent a semester at Okanagan College’s partner school, the Berlin School of Economics and Law, as part of the exchange program the College offers.
“Our exchange programs create opportunities for students to build a network and provide unique educational experiences that go beyond classrooms and borders.” – Jim Hamilton, President, Okanagan College
Winfield resident McKay is one of only 16 students in the province to have received the prestigious Premier’s International Scholarship for
“I was seeking a well-rounded perspective to my education that I knew would serve me well in my career,” said Hofer. “I’ve always had a passion for travelling. I wanted to make my last year of study truly unique.” Global Partnerships with institutions in: • Asia: China, Japan, South Korea • Europe: Austria, Croatia, England, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland • Americas: Mexico, USA • Oceania: Australia
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TRANSFORMING LIVES AND COMMUNITIES
In 2014 Okanagan College employees and students extended their reach beyond the campus borders, becoming involved in a variety of community partnerships and initiatives.
Partnering for Life in memory of Deb Davis In the fall, 59 members of the Okanagan College community — employees and students— threw their support behind former employee Deb Davis and contributed to her family’s campaign by donating blood to the Canadian Blood Services. When Associate of Science Degree student Brittany Davis learned her mom, a long-time College employee, was battling Hepatitis C, she set out on a mission to help. Deb acquired the disease as a result of a blood transfusion she received in the 1980s, following a cancer surgery, and required blood products frequently during her treatment.
“Often you don’t think about donating blood until you need it. I want to help change that.” – Brittany Davis
Brittany Davis and Deb Davis
In October, Brittany organized the first B+ for Deb Davis blood drive that inspired those in the College network to give blood, and ultimately give the chance to make someone’s loved one smile for another day. It was one of the most successful blood drive events held in the region. As the College community came together, sadly Deb passed away the week before the blood drive event. Okanagan College continues to be a partner of the Canadian Blood Services, supporting blood drives and hosting stem cell/blood type matching events.
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ENACTUS CONTINUES TO InnSpire COMMUNITY Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Okanagan College’s Enactus team embarked upon a new social enterprise that resulted in much-needed support for homeless residents of Chandler House in Kelowna. Inn from the Cold, which operates Chandler House, received a large donation of all-natural soap and sought a business-minded team of energetic entrepreneurs to maximize the contribution. That’s where Enactus stepped in. The students immediately recognized the opportunity and after months of hard work, the team from Enactus and Inn from the Cold co-launched InnSpire. The project developed a business plan for selling the donated soap, which includes marketing, packaging, advertising, and sales. The team hopes to develop a sustainable source of income that not only benefits Inn from the Cold, but also raises awareness about the organization as a whole. Future goals include expanding the product line, establishing long-term relationships with vendors, and possibly implementing a mentorship program that involves working directly with the men of Chandler House. 19
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COLLEGE RECOGNIZES fellows
Four community-minded leaders took their place among Okanagan College’s extended family in 2014 when they were named Honorary Fellows of the College – the highest honour the College bestows.
Gopal is a successful business owner, software developer, and an advisor to students in the College’s School of Business who tirelessly gives his time and expertise to help entrepreneurs in the Okanagan Valley.
Margriet Ruurs, Raghwa Gopal, Jim Henderson, and Garry Benson were recognized during a series of Convocation ceremonies in June for their meaningful and unique contributions in a variety of areas.
Not only does he play a key role in advising students in many of Okanagan College’s programs in the School of Business, he is also vice president of the Okanagan College Foundation and a former entrepreneur-in-residence. In addition, Gopal is active in the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, and the Rotary Club of Kelowna (downtown).
Ruurs is an author of 30 children’s books and founder of KidsWWwrite, a website that publishes poems and short stories by young writers. She has dedicated her life to promoting literacy and giving children a place to express themselves creatively.
Margriet Ruurs
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Henderson is a well-known volunteer and respected businessperson in the South Okanagan. His involvement with
Raghwa Gopal
the College began 15 years ago when he owned the Canadian Tire store next door to the Penticton Campus. He joined the College’s regional advisory council and later became president of the Okanagan College Foundation. During his tenure, Henderson was instrumental in raising the funds to build the Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Penticton. Benson, QC, is a member of the Beaver Lake First Nation and founding partner of Benson, Salloum, and Doak in Kelowna. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2009 – an honour given to lawyers who demonstrate exemplary service to the Canadian justice system. Specializing in business, real estate and First Nations law, Benson has long advocated for environmental interests within industry. Benson is particularly passionate about developing and improving the city of Kelowna and particularly, the area of Rutland.
Jim Henderson
The 2014 Honorary Fellows join colleagues: Alan Gatzke, Ernie Philip, and Barry Lapointe (2013); Janet Shaw, Yasmin John-Thorpe, and Lane Merrifield (2012); Beverley Busson, Mel Kotler, and Dr. Tom Landecker (2011); Dorothy Tinning, George and Trudy Heiss, and Peter Haubrich (2010); Robert Fine, Barbara Marchand, and Charles Armstrong (2009); Jeannette Armstrong, Ken Harding, Richard Cannings, Robert Cannings, and Sydney Cannings (2008); Ken Smedley, Lorraine McGrath, and Ross Gorman (2007); Mike Roberts, Lois Serwa, and Albert Baldeo (2006).
Garry Benson
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M Community Report 2014
making the grade
Industry competitions see college students excel
The success of Okanagan College students reflects the quality of education they receive. Each year a growing number of ambitious students represent the College in competitions and conferences across the country, putting their skills and knowledge to the test in real-world settings. In 2015, president Hamilton hosted a celebratory dinner in recognition of the 247 students who represented the College during the academic year. The following snapshots highlight a few of the year’s top achievements by students in regional and national competitions.
They successfully beat out a total of 31 other accounting teams, including outshining competitors from Simon Fraser University, McGill University, the University of Toronto, Lakehead University and the University of Regina to take first place in the final round. “It is rewarding to have received top honours after so many months of hard work,” said Yarmak. Both he and Lenz maintained a full course workload during the preparation. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of our coaches and professors.” The annual I.C.B.C. challenges students in one of eight business discipline options. With only five hours to review a complex business-problem case and prepare a presentation for the judges, getting to the top spot is no easy feat. More than 140 international teams competed in the preliminary round, with only 48 teams advancing to the finals. Okanagan College sent the second largest number of students to the event with 10 students, along with professors Randy Newton and Margery Heuser, who coached the team. “The experience only helps me feel even more prepared for the start of my career,” said Lenz, who hopes to continue on to earn a CPA designation. “From the practices to the actual case, it was very similar to how you would present to a potential client.”
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Accounting students top in country
Strength of College’s accounting program shines with silver
Inter-Collegiate Business Competition Okanagan College Bachelor of Business Administration accounting students Jessica Lenz (third-year) and Daniel Yarmak (fourth-year) can boast of being the best in the country after they claimed top spot at the prestigious Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (I.C.B.C) hosted at Queen’s University.
Chartered Professional Accountants Case Competition Reinforcing the high calibre of education and training aspiring accountants receive within Okanagan College’s School of Business, student team Lexi Keen (second-year) and Rue Mulimba (thirdyear) took silver at the CPA Case Competition in Winnipeg. They were one of two Okanagan College teams competing.
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“This speaks volumes about the quality of our program, as this competition is normally reserved for third- and fourth-year students,” said professor and team coach Adrian Fontenla.
Trades and Engineering Technology students bring home hardware BC Skills Canada competition If the future of our region is dependent on a skilled workforce, the Okanagan is in good shape. At the 2014 BC Skills Canada competition held in Abbotsford, 11 Okanagan College trades and engineering technology students returned home with podium finishes.
HRC West – Western Canada’s Premier HR Case Competition Standing out as stellar emerging human resources professionals, Okanagan College business students Bria Young, Ryan Lazauskas, and Miranda Birkbeck placed third at the second annual HRC West case competition held in Calgary. Okanagan College was the only, and first ever, business school from outside of Alberta invited to compete at this event. College professors Laura Thurnheer and Roger Wheeler coached the team. Removing any bias, the students presented to the panel of judges with the school names unknown. All that remained was the expertise the students showcased in their presentation. “It gives you an opportunity to gain practical experience while still in school. You get to find solutions to real problems faced by companies and apply your education,” remarked Young, a fourthyear business student.
Competitions ranged from Automotive Collision Repair to IT Network Systems Administration with hands-on applied challenges that gave students only a set amount of time to make the repairs and come up with solutions. Once again, Okanagan College swept the Electronic Engineering competition with gold, silver and bronze finishes. Gold x 3 • Dominique Zimmerman, Aircraft Maintenance (Vernon) • Ken Anderson, Automotive Service (Kelowna) • James Webber, Electronics (Kelowna) Silver x 4 • Russell Relling, Automotive Collision Repair (Vernon) • Christopher Dalton, Carpentry (Kelowna) • Josh Wams, Electronics (Vernon) • Bryer Edwards, IT Network Systems Administration (Vernon) Bronze x 4 • Derek Volling, Aircraft Maintenance (Vernon) • Jay Kendrick, Automotive Collision Repair (Kelowna) • Nick Spottock, Automotive Service (Salmon Arm) • Alex Pelton, Electronics (Kelowna)
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Community Report 2014
connecting with industry
Links between employers, students and education Connecting people to the training and education that will kickstart careers has been a hallmark of Okanagan College for several generations. From the first nursing students who walked through the doors of the Kelowna campus in 1963 to the current crop of welders, electricians, and heavy-duty mechanics training at Okanagan College, the range of programs aligned with employment opportunities are many. And there has always been a connection between industry, the College, and students – a link never better exemplified than in 2015 when an entire class of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Structures students found themselves coworkers in the employ of a single firm: Kelowna Flightcraft.
Whether it is the truck driver training program offered in partnership with Taylor Pro Training Ltd., the four-week natural gas sector training (WiNG – Workers in Natural Gas) program, the two- and three-year diplomas in Engineering Technology, or the many trades and apprenticeship programs offered, Okanagan College responds to industry needs and student interests. In the WiNG program, for instance, students acquired nine industry certificates in the four weeks of classes – everything from Occupational First Aid to Fall Protection. In this instance, Okanagan College worked with six other institutions to develop the curriculum that would help address the labour market forecast in the natural gas industry.
Kelowna Flightcraft CEO Barry Lapointe chats with AME S students - Flightcraft hired the entire group of students from the class.
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okanagan.bc.ca
“The province is currently estimating over 20,000 new positions will be created in direct and indirect jobs related to operating liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants,” explains Okanagan College Continuing Studies director Dennis Silvestrone. Another example of responding to industry needs and student interest has been the significant investment made by the College and the provincial government in welding programs. When two additional welding programs were announced for the spring of 2015 in Penticton, for example, the classes filled quickly with 32 students and industry was applauding the news.
in Penticton. He has about 17 welders working for him – many have come from the Okanagan College programs. “One of the major hurdles that we face is access to training for welders,” says Harder, who also sits on the College’s Program Advisory Committee for welding. “I know of several people who would like to become welders but are not able to leave Penticton to get the required training. It’s why news of these two classes is very welcome.” Since 2007, when the College first started offering welding in the South Okanagan, more than 110 welders have been trained in the region.
Penticton Fabricating President Brad Harder is among those industry representatives who see the need for welding programs
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Community Report 2014
Financial
Statement of Operations Summary For the Year Ended
Year in Review Other
March 31, 2014 (millions)
March 31, 2013 (millions)*
$
$
Revenue:
Ancillary Sales
Grants Tuition Contract Services Ancillary Sales Other
Contract Services
57.9 21.7 4.1 5.1 6.4
56.8 22.2 4.2 5.1 6.0
95.2
94.3
66.9 21.4 5.6 0.2
65.7 21.6 5.5 0.2
94.1
93.0
1.1 10.5
1.3 9.2
Expense:
REVENUE Tuition
Grants
Salaries & Benefits Supplies & Services Depreciation Debt Interest
Surplus Accumulated Surplus, Beg $
Accumulated Surplus, End
11.6
$
10.5
* Comparative figures have been restated.
Statement of Financial Positon Summary As at Other Financial Assets
March 31, 2014
March 31, 2013
$
$
15.7 7.8 2.9
18.4 6.5 3.2
Financial Assets: Cash & Investments
Cash & Cash Equivalents Investments Other Financial Assets
ASSETS
26.4
28.1
Financial Liabilities:
Accrued Liabilities Long Term Debt Deferred Revenues Employee Future Benefits Deferred Contributions
7.8 4.3 6.0 13.5 79.3
Tangible Capital Assets
Net Financial Debt
9.2 4.5 6.9 14.2 78.5
110.9
113.3
( 84.5 )
( 85.2 )
0.7 95.4
0.7 95.0
Non-Financial Assets:
Prepaid Expenses Tangible Capital Assets
96.1
Accumulated Surplus
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okanagan.bc.ca
$
11.6
95.7 $
10.5
Governing Bodies of Okanagan College Board of Governors 2014 Tom Styffe, Chair Connie Denesiuk, Vice Chair Barry Antoniow (term ended May 2014) Chris Derickson Wesley Favro Rick Gee (ex officio) (term ended July 2014) Michelle Nicholson (ex officio) Charity Gerbrandt Jim Hamilton (ex officio) Susan Johal Spencer Lupul
Joe Maciel Douglas Manning Robert McGowan CJ Mitchell Sunddip Nahal (term ended July 2014) George Nielson (term ended September 2014) Yvonne Pinder (term ended July 2014) Lianne Rozniak (term ended September 2014) Loretta Swite-Ghostkeeper (term ended July 2014) Laura Thurnheer
Education Council Rick Gee (Chair until June 2014) currently a member Drew McGillivray, Vice Chair (member until June 2014) Ardeth Anderson Barry Antoniow (term ended October 2014) Jim Barmby Bryan Bergen (term ended June 2014) Corey Bransfield Terrena Buck (term ended June 2014) Kim Fukushima Samantha Gallagher Jim Hamilton (non-voting member) Andrew Hay Karen Honey Robert Huxtable Matt Kavanagh
Ayla Kilic (term ended July 2014) Andy Li (until October 2014) Leanne Mallory Siri Marken (term ended July 2014) Michael Mitsch Jane Muskens (non-voting member) Michelle Nicholson, (Vice Chair until June 2014) currently a member Nancy Noble-Hearle Connie Ramey Todd Redding Sean Rossouw Dennis Silvestrone Garry Schroth (term ended June 2014) Joanne Thomsen (term ended March 2014)
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