OKANAGAN COLLEGE
2020
CONVOCATION SPRING
JUNE 2020
OKANAGAN COLLEGE Okanagan College draws on a rich heritage of post-secondary education and training in the region that can be traced to the early 1960s when the B.C. Vocational School was established in Kelowna. Growth, changes and mergers led to the development of Okanagan College and by 1968, the first university and career transfer students were registered in a full complement of academic and vocational programs. Okanagan College began to offer third- and fourth-year university courses in co-operation with the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria in 1989. By 1992 it had received its new mandate and was named Okanagan University College (OUC). OUC offered joint degrees with UBC and UVic until 1995 when new legislation enabled university colleges to grant their own baccalaureate degrees. OUC conferred its first degrees on 123 grads at the Spring Convocation in 1998. At OUC’s last convocation ceremonies 900 degrees and diplomas were conferred. On July 1, 2005, OUC evolved to become two new institutions, Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan. Okanagan College offers a broad array of diploma and certificate programs and two degree programs. With campuses in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Salmon Arm (as well as several education centres), Okanagan College is the largest college in the interior. It is an institution that serves the education and training needs of the region – stretching south to Osoyoos, west to Princeton, to Mica Creek in the north, and Revelstoke in the east. Okanagan College has become a vital and integral component of the social and economic fabric of B.C.’s interior. It serves not only this region, but also the world through its programs, services, community activities and enterprises. Okanagan College is dedicated to providing learning opportunities for people at every stage of life and educational experience. The College offers programs that lead to a full range of credentials, from basic literacy skills to bachelor’s degrees, and that cover a broad spectrum of subject matter, career opportunities and interests. Okanagan College transforms lives and communities.
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Okanagan College this year When COVID-19 arrived in B.C. in March, Okanagan College students and employees were forced to adapt, innovate and overcome many challenges in completing the semester. The strength of the College is and always will be its people, and in the months that followed, the College community rallied together to support one another through a season unlike any other. While the pandemic forced the postponement of in-person Convocation ceremonies, Okanagan College recognizes the tremendous accomplishments of all the graduates listed in this book, and looks forward to honouring these graduates in person, as they deserve to be celebrated, when the time comes. What follows is a condensed timeline of how COVID-19 impacted OC in spring of 2020, for historical reference. March 6
B.C. Public Health Officer (PHO) issued recommendations to postsecondary institutions
March 6
B.C. PHO issused recommendations to post-secondary students and employees
March 11 WHO declares coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic March 14 Okanagan College announces it will be transitioning to alternative delivery formats for all courses March 17 A public health emergency is declared in B.C. March 17 Online Resource Centre launched to support students and instructors March 18 A provincial state of emergency is declared in B.C. March 19 Okanagan College cancels all face-to-face classes March 20 Services for student all available online March 27 All campus buildings locked and closed to the public March 27 Decision made to offer Summer Session online and via Distance Education only April 7
Announcement made that June convocation cermonies will be postponed, after surveying prospective graduates for their input
April 29
Introduction of Wellness Wednesday online mental health workshops for OC students and employees
May 20
Message from Vice President Andrew Hay to students indicating that Fall 2020 program delivery will be mix of online and face-to-face, and reiterating PHO guidelines
June 3
BCCampus hosted free webinar geared toward providing students with strategies that foster mental health and well-being Page 4
GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in GENERAL STUDIES Amandeep Singh Dilpreet Singh Harleen Kaur Harneet Kaur Hashveer Singh Ivrose Kaur Manpreet Singh Navneet Kaur Ramanjot Kaur Sukhdeep Singh *Bryan, Karlee Victoria *Evans, Morgan Casey Jassar, Sukhchain Singh Kaur, Simarpreet Korey, Adrian Perry, Mariah Grace Sharma, Shelly Singh, Harman Singh, Rajvir
Cormier, Brendan Alexander Durstling, Deena Louise Fagan, Wyatt Waddell Farwaha, Parmdip Gourlay, Ailie Rae Fuxiang Jones, Matthew Murali Laidlaw, Jayson Brandon Leach, Zamora Kashat Letemplier, Chantal Joanne Lindsay, Ajowah Nkeshie Krystina Mann, Molly Gabriella McDonnell, Shae Alexis McPherson, Kemesha Tanesha *Polachek, Jaime Pujara, Ravleen Kaur Rowley, Morgan Shay Saini, Jasvir Kaur Vencato, Tessa Jane Walters, Alexandra Mikayla Williams, Amina Rushumba Willms, Natai Helena Yoshiko
Diploma in BC ADULT GRADUATION Brucks, Riley Dean Douglas, Nina Sofia Jones, Nyama Alberta Kroeker, Kari
Diploma in ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES *Ajeet Paul Singh Environmental Management Askin, Mackenzie Leah Environmental Science Barnett, Kimone Stachell Megan Interdisciplinary Environmental Arts Dean, Daniel Hugh William Environmental Management Gabelhei, Kyle David Joseph Environmental Management *Johnstone, Arianna Environmental Science Jones, Ashton Emma Environmental Science Sadioura, Jashanpreet Singh Environmental Management
Diploma in COMMUNICATIONS, CULTURE AND JOURNALISM STUDIES Baerg, Sydney Morgan Davidson, Chace Edwin Landry, Levi Mitchell Penney, Jacob Diploma in CRIMINAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE *Bermudez Zamorano, Linda Eunice Boparai, Ishpreet Kaur Collins, Jessica Doris Elizabeth Cooper, Kayla Maria
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Borges Falleiros, Mariana Governance Lawrence, Nicardo Management Rieger, Lisa Governance Diploma in WRITING AND PUBLISHING *Donnelly, Neil Dreger, Brooke Soffia Frend, Kaitlyn Reese Hallstrom, Tyler Connel Hamer, Emily Frances-Anne Klingspohn, Emma Alexandra McNair, Samuel Elliot Thiessen, Clare Associate Degree of ARTS Amanjot Kaur Baljinder Kaur Essdeep Kaur Gurjant Singh Gursharan Kaur Economics Jaskaran Singh Jaspreet Singh Kamalpreet Kaur Karanvir Singh Komalpreet Kaur Loveleen Kaur Manpreet Kaur Nirpjeet Kaur Pardeep Kumar Prabhjot Kaur Prabhjot Kaur Economics Simran Blaauw, Chris Nicolaas Blair, Shauna-Kay Marcelline
Boris, Ayaka Asako Boyle, Emily Rose Brown, Millie Cheema, Manjeet Kaur *De Hoog, Sarah Jewel Dhot, Jaiveer Epp, EmilyAnn Psychology Fehr, JakobJosiah Psychology *Flater, Claire Rae Freeman, Tessa Jane Michelle *Gorjanc, Kenzie Nicole *Hinter, Hannah English Johansen-Haselmeyer, Adeena Victoria Psychology Kaur, Manjot Kaur, Sarabpreet Khosa, Manveer Kaur *Krank, Liliana Marie Psychology Krog, Nevada Sage D’Ann *Leask, Stephanie Nicole Lerner, Tamra Lee McLeod, Zhara Lynn Mordecai, Aiden Ian Muirhead, Simone Marie Soles Pannu, Jasdeep Kaur Payette, Thomas Psychology Qi, Yuan Rathwell, Kasey Lynn *Ryder, Morgan Sage History Salisbury, Lexee Kate Marie Psychology Schultz, Sierra Lorraine Leah Sehjal, Nisha Psychology Sidhu, Gaganpreet Kaur Singh, Kamaldeep Singh, Pargat Somerville, Madison Sophie
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Associate Degree of ARTS *Speers, Hayley Elizabeth Strilchuk, Devon Marie Stubbington-Hills, Colton Lee Sukhija, Sanchit English Treleaven, Hannah Marie Trenholme, Halli Nicole *Tyner, Esme Communications Wilson, Brady Robert Wood, Caitlin Jennifer Wrighton, Laura Maren Psychology Diploma in COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Sahibrimpledeep Singh Co-operative Education Allerdyce, Shantavia Shamoy Gaudreau, Cole Co-operative Education Hahn, Alexander Manfred Hewitt, Krishan Alexander Co-operative Education *Mackinnon, Evan Martens, Florian McMechan, Brady Ronin Oliver, Nicholas Lawrence Co-operative Education Orcutt, Kyle Sean *Pereira, Keegan Manuel Reis, Nicholas Schilling, Taylor Christina Sidhu, Manjinder Kaur *Stoochnoff, Tyson Barry Robert Co-operative Education *Tanakura, Yoko Co-operative Education Vezeau, Richard Bryan Co-operative Education Whittley, Kariene Anabelle Co-operative Education
Admitted to the Degree of BACHELOR OF COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Adam, Taylor James Software Design and Development Albarnawi, Abdulaziz Mohammadali Ayers, Jesse Dean Bach, Donovan O’Neill Software Design and Development Bates, Jackson Database Systems Cairney, George Brian Software Design and Development *Chesley, Brandon Michael Software Design and Development Garcha, Pritpal Singh Software Design and Development Database Systems Gray, Jared Allen Software Design and Development Co-operative Education Horne, Kaylan David King, Grayson Garnet Co-operative Education *Logan, Dakota James Software Design and Development Mazur, Christopher Anthony Co-operative Education Murray, Nelson Charles Software Design and Development Rozek, Daniel Anthony Software Design and Development Database Systems Slater, Christian *Toth, Adam James Marcel Diploma in ANIMATION Brown, Shannon Nicole Fabian, Isabel Bo Hoffmann, Jean-Marc Louis Scott, Austin Ezra Tuason, Jessica Faye
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Henderson, Cooper Kelly, Sarah Jane Co-operative Education Nicholson, Clyde Everton Co-operative Education Sankey, Dalton Donald Diploma in ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY *Barnes, Kyle Howarde Reg *Black, Kaden Ackland George Calberry, Cody James Eggert, Samuel Arven Eremia, Matei Galan, Mark Opiana Hatt, Caius MacNeil Jiang, Zhao Lloyd, Jacob Everett Brown *Maclean, Michael Duart Merkley, Christopher Pinkney, Robert Michael Rudersdorfer, Nadiene Tamara Shlyaiger, Stanislav *Urazovsky, Joshua Alexander Youn, Young Hun Diploma in MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Newell, Kenneth Blair
Diploma in NETWORK AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY *Ramandeep Kaur *Bilodeau, Justin Damon Donetz, Christopher Alexander Co-operative Education Gayle, Logan Kim Co-operative Education Gill, Manjot Singh Co-operative Education *Howard, Benjamin Donald Crawshaw Johnson, Braylen Graham Co-operative Education Lawrence, Jesse Ty Co-operative Education Palia, Rupinder Kaur Pinske, Jordan Hunter Pond, Jarrid James Ravanbakhsh, Danial Sarwar, Hussan Mohammad Schoettle, Nathaniel James Silliker, John Jeffrey Stanley, Carl Lanier Co-operative Education Williams, Germaine George Diploma in SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY Aidun, Jalal Johnson, Cameron James Kais, Zacharia Abdo Lezard, Timmothy *Macleod, Jerrot Brent Ogborne, Oliver Smid, Ryan Stewart, Robert Cameron *Wu, Pei Zhou, Yang
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in WATER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Starker, Alexandra Elizabeth Environmental Monitoring Co-operative Education Associate Degree of SCIENCE Jashanpreet Kaur Kamalpreet Kaur Komaljeet Kaur Navjot Kaur Parneet Singh Ravisher Singh Rupinder Kaur Sahil Sandeep Kaur Sharandeep Kaur Sumanpreet Kaur Bashal, Akashdeep Singh Brar, Brahamjot Kaur Caranguian, Elissa Joy Biology Chatham, Laura Teresia Effie Dixit, Yatin Fedorowich, Erika Leigh Biology Ghai, Navdeep Goodman, Lydia Chan Hall, Taylor Jenae Biology *Irwin, Sarah Emily Mathematics and Statistics Jackson, Caleb Andrew Kaur, Amanpreet
Little, Emily Rose Biology *McNabb, Chelsea Leigh Biology Methot, Cassandra Nemes, John Thomas Biology Phillips, Jacob *Sawchuk, Jordan Richard *Spence, Selina Anne Certificate in EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Alvarenga Morales, Grace Imelda Diploma in EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Baerg, Kayla Roselyn Bleskie, Celestine Angela *Carruthers, Karen Ann Enslow, Natalee Maile Feasey, Rachel Ramona Julia Hawken, Jade Marie Ho, Yan Lam Felicity *Kapelle, Stephanie Katelyn Klaila, Celine Erica *McCormick, Rhayne Marina Morrison, Jensa Lynn Nickel, Sophia Marie Rhoades, Willow Anne Marie Shaw, Samantha Dawn *Sherwood, Irene Kathy Smith, Kathrine Anne Smith, Mackenzie Sherryl Wagner, Kelsey May Witkowski, Terri-Lynn Marie Yao, Peipei
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in HUMAN KINETICS Daljit Kaur Jeevanjot Kaur Navneet Kaur Bernard, Brett Cayouette, Krystal Dawn Marie George, Stephanie Nicole Namai, Ken Overstall, Liam *Rines, Corinne Catherine Sandberg, Tanner John Steele, Faith Amy Thomson, Sarah Blue Wander, Jashanpreet Kaur *Wingenbach, Kolbi Jean Diploma in PRACTICAL NURSING (KELOWNA) Bailey, Kizziah Catherine Brisbin, Cambina Mary Cullum, Nash Earl Ens, Kelly Gene *Faminoff, Kimberly Anne Goodman, Emma Leigh Hanbury, Devan Marie Howat, Kailyn Demi Paulina Hurdle, Bayley Anne-Marie *Kemp, Jodi Lee L’Arrivee, Briana Lawrence, Rae-Ann MacNevin, Danielle Catherine MacPherson, Paetonn Mae Mahal, Aarun Jordan Singh Nirwal, Avneet *Sandhu, Inderjot Kaur Sidhu, Anoop Singh Tattersall, Richard Philip James Weber, Aileen *Wilk, Matthew Chase Zhou, Yuya
Diploma in PRACTICAL NURSING (PENTICTON) McConnell, Hannah Nicole Mezei, Ashly Marie Robinson, Braelyn Marie *Ryan, Kelly Rose Steventon, Madison Rose Vestergaard, Megan Julia Yusuf, Fayo Jamal
*denotes with distinction The “with distinction” is awarded for academic excellence. It is awarded to students within the top 15 per cent of the program who have achieved a minimum graduating grade average of 80 per cent. Page 10
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Achievement awards are presented annually to students who achieve academic excellence. These awards are honorary with no monetary value attached. All students completing a degree, diploma or certificate program who have applied to graduate are automatically considered. ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE MEDAL This medal is presented to the graduate who has successfully completed an Associate of Arts Degree program on a full-time basis, with the highest graduating grade average. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE MEDAL This medal is presented to the graduate who has successfully completed an Associate of Science Degree program on a full-time basis, with the highest graduating grade average. OKANAGAN COLLEGE BACCALAUREATE MEDALS Medals in Bachelor of Computer Information Systems and Business Administration recognize outstanding performance in their respective Okanagan College baccalaureate program. These medals are awarded to the graduating degree student with the highest graduating grade average. OKANAGAN COLLEGE PRESIDENT’S AWARDS These awards are presented to two graduates who have successfully completed an associate degree or diploma on a full-time basis with the highest graduating grade average (excluding the Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal recipient).
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AWARD RECIPIENTS ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE MEDAL Kenzie Nicole Gorjanc ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE MEDAL Jordan Richard Sawchuk BACHELOR OF COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS MEDAL Brandon Michael Chesley PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR DIPLOMA PROGRAMS Jordan Richard Sawchuk Associate of Science Degree Andrew Emil Kraus Water Engineering Technology Diploma
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OKANAGAN COLLEGE EDUCATION COUNCIL Christopher Newitt (Chair), Faculty, Arts Danny Marques (Vice Chair), Faculty, Trades Kevin Douglas, Faculty, Science/Technology Catherine Farrow, Faculty, Health and Social Development Amanda Krebs, Faculty, Foundational Programs Roberta Sawatzky, Faculty, Business Administration Glen Coulthard, Faculty, North Okanagan Nicole Davis, Faculty, South Okanagan Similkameen Vladimir Neykov, Faculty, Central Okanagan Tim Walters, Faculty, Shuswap Revelstoke Choi Leong, Student, South Okanagan Similkameen Andrew Schmidt, Student, North Okanagan Scott Stirling, Student, Shuswap Revelstoke Rachel Wehrmann, Student, Central Okanagan Monica Kananga, Staff, Support Staff Michelle Somerville, Staff, Support Staff William Gillett, Educational Administrator, Dean, School of Business Andrew Hay, Educational Administrator, Interim Provost and Vice President, Academic Dennis Silvestrone, Educational Administrator, Director, Continuing Studies and Corporate Training Ross Tyner, Educational Administrator, Director, Library Services
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OKANAGAN COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Gloria Morgan, Chair Juliette Cunningham, Vice Chair Marcel Beerkens Sophie Chai Shelley Cook Christopher Derickson Jim Hamilton Tina Lee Robert McGowan Christopher Newitt Corinne Rines Devin Rubadeau Dale Safinuk Karley Scott
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OKANAGAN COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The Okanagan College Alumni Association (OCAA) celebrates alumni by creating connection and opportunities. The Okanagan College Alumni Association has created many services, products and benefits to allow alumni and all those interested to get involved with the Association. The OCAA organizes events and creates programs to benefit graduates and friends of Okanagan College and its predecessor OUC. It provides opportunities to meet fellow grads and members of the community. Okanagan College keeps in touch with its graduates via E-News, an electronic newsletter, the Alumni Association Facebook page, the Alumni Association LinkedIn page and the online community. Alumni are encouraged to stay in touch by notifying the Alumni Office of address and name changes, degrees from other universities and other important news that could be published in the newsletter. Convocation marks the end of a student’s academic life at Okanagan College, but Okanagan College considers its graduates important throughout their lives as part of its history, and more importantly, as part of its future. Remember, you were students for a short time, but are now alumni for a lifetime! To keep a connection with Okanagan College Alumni Association contact us: Okanagan College Alumni Association 1000 KLO Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8 Telephone: 250-862-5630 Toll-Free: 1-888-650-6968 Fax: 250-862-5627 Email: alumni@okanagan.bc.ca Visit our website at www.okanagan.bc.ca/alumni
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OKANAGAN COLLEGE FOUNDATION The Okanagan College Foundation raises money by engaging interested businesses, organizations and generous individuals who want to help create excellent teaching and learning facilities and help students studying at Okanagan College achieve their goals. Students apply for bursaries and scholarships which help cover tuition costs, textbooks, tools, housing and living expenses, as well as other costs, such as child care. Okanagan College Foundation awards range from $750 to several thousand dollars. Some are awarded based on financial need, some on academic achievement, and some on both. Students may apply for and receive more than one award. Become an Okanagan College Foundation donor and help students achieve their goals on their way to becoming tomorrow’s contributing citizens and leaders.
For more information, please contact: Okanagan College Foundation www.okanagancollegefoundation.ca Telephone: 250-762-5445, ext. 4775 Toll Free: 1-888-650-6968
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OKANAGAN COLLEGE EAGLE STAFF In September 2018, at the 10th Annual Youth Exhibition Powwow, Okanagan College was presented with a ceremonial Eagle Staff, created by Elder Richard Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. Jackson, along with Noel Ferguson of the Canoe Creek Nation, gave the staff to Okanagan College as a symbol of respect recognizing the College’s efforts to embrace Aboriginal culture and values in supporting Aboriginal learners. Many Indigenous peoples consider the eagle to be the most honoured and respected animal in the natural world. The eagle relays prayers to the creator and often represents the voice of the people. The use of eagle feathers on the staff establish it as a sacred item of reverence. The staff is also adorned with jingle bells. They symbolize the jingle dress and the healing potential of the dance of the same name. The medicine wheels and four directions on the staff represent the multitude of teachings in holism, interconnectedness, and living in balance. This ceremonial Eagle Staff plays a prominent role in Okanagan College commencement and convocation ceremonies. Signifying the respectful assembly of all nations gathering in unity to celebrate, the Eagle Staff is carried at the front of the Platform Party in the graduation procession. The staff is drummed into the ceremony with an Honour Song. When the procession reaches the platform, the staff is placed in the flag stand alongside the nation and institution flags. The role of the bearer is an honour bestowed on someone who is recognized as living in a good way. The Okanagan College Eagle Staff joins the traditions of pipers, gowns, speeches and formalities which are the hallmarks of commencement and convocation ceremonies at Okanagan College. The staff has taken its place as an integral part of an institutional culture which recognizes the value of inclusion, respect and an appreciation of diversity in ways of knowing.
O CANADA
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
OKANAGAN COLLEGE 1000 KLO Road Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 4X8 Tel: 250-762-5445 Toll Free: 1-877-755-2266 www.okanagan.bc.ca