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 ceremonies 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 Certificate in BUSINESS STUDIES Galea, Miranda Gail Human Resources Management Giandomenico, Katrina Healthcare Professionals McGuire, Taylor Linden Human Resources Management Pilon, Louise Elizabeth Human Resources Management Severson, Kimberley Leanne Marketing Certificate in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Comrie, Kimberley Talecia Melnyk, Tetiana Pandher, Pushpinder Kaur Post-Diploma Certificate in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Gagandeep Kaur Cipperley, Angela Marie Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in ACCOUNTING Nitika Boudreau, Audra Gayle Boultif, Choayb Brown, Rasheed Damani Chamoosing, Koosmee Grant, Christopher Dwayn Han, Xiaoyu Parekh, Pratik Kartik Sandhu, Brahmjeet Singh Co-operative Education *Shewkenek, Danielle Phyllis
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in MARKETING Harmeet Kaur Baljeet Singh Dilpreet Singh Gurpreet Kaur Gurpreet Kaur Harinderjeet Singh Jaspreet Kaur Kamalpreet Kaur Pardeep Kaur Prabhjot Kaur Rajwinder Kaur Ramandeep Kaur Tanveer Kaur Chawla, Jatin John, Neetha Jop Morales, Alfredo Nguyen, Ngoc Thao Quynh Panicker, Prasanth Chandrasekhar Patel, Sachinkumar Mahendrakumar Sahi, Harpreet Singh Sivan, Nandukrishnan Tran, Nhi Nguyen Tu Diploma in COMMERCIAL AVIATION Hardy, Vanessa Grace Hsu, Joseph Huey Hsiong Diploma in CULINARY MANAGEMENT Managuelod, Emmanuele Joshua Espiritu Qi, Can Wang, Yang Zheng, Xiaohan Diploma in VITICULTURE TECHNICIAN Johnson, Lucas David
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Gurpinder Singh General Studies Gurpreet Kaur Accounting Gursharandeep Kaur Management Jasmeen Kaur Management Kamalpreet Financial Services Lovepreet Singh Management Lovepreet Singh General Studies Manjit Kaur Accounting Manpreet Kaur Accounting Manpreet Singh General Studies Navdeep Kaur Tourism and Hospitality Management Navneet Kaur General Studies Prince Khan General Studies Shivanshu General Studies Somal Navjot Singh General Studies Sukhpreet Kaur General Studies Surjeet Singh Management Sushant Gopal General Studies Varinder Singh General Studies Yudhvir Singh General Studies *Almonguerra, Nixon Asperilla Tourism and Hospitality Management Amores, April Rose General Studies
Archie, Paige Accounting Atwal, Pargat Singh Marketing *Bajaj, Kamia Accounting Bajaj, Kashish Tourism and Hospitality Management Benza, Rumbidzai Christine General Studies Bhaura, Kuljeet Singh Management Bob, Rachel Pamela Accounting *Bohn, Calia Ruth Accounting Brar, Abirinder Singh Management Brar, Sukhdeep Kaur Financial Services Burgess, Kalvin Rulton Financial Services Burman, Nitin Management Campbell Simmonds, Sherica Kimberley Management *Carson, Matthew David General Studies *Cerqueira, Sofia Maria General Studies Chahal, Jaspreet Marketing Chen, Han-Chun Management Chopra, Prince General Studies DePlonty, Jayden Rishell Marketing Dhaliwal, Kamalpreet Kaur Management Dyke, Kason Pierre Marketing El-Harazy, Essam Mohamed Aly Tourism and Hospitality Management Fair, Alyvia Robyn Management
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Faulknor, Megan Melissa Accounting Franco, Kim Santos Management Freistadt, Emma-Lee Elizabeth Tourism and Hospitality Management *Gains, Simon Joseph General Studies Garg, Ashmeet Kumar Financial Services Gaudreault, Rose Marie Human Resources Management Gauthier, Darcy Daniel Accounting Grayson, Madison Jo Marketing *Gu, Yiling Accounting Haider, Reece Cajetan Human Resources Management Hait, Darren General Studies *Hampton, Chenille Aline Accounting Hanna, Cassidy Ann Tourism and Hospitality Management Hay, Braeden Gary Financial Services *Hordos, Shantel Donnalyn General Studies Ingram, Shantana Shantena Human Resources Management Jacob, Jodi Michelle Management Jaruda, Mea Trina Kayla Lumauag Management Juszko, Natalie Maria Marketing Kamimura, Kota Management Kaur, Arshdeep General Studies Kaur, Pawandeep Financial Services
Kavanagh, Jacob Charles Barry Marketing Kezar, Makayla Elaine General Studies Kopp, Emma Anne Marketing Kwok, Man Hin Financial Services Labossiere, Jenna Marie Shave Marketing Lagaah, Gulshan General Studies Lamba, Bavneet Singh Management Larder, Carmen Isabella Marketing Lengyel, Tracyn Kirk Marketing Li, Manjing Tourism and Hospitality Management Li, Zhenhao Financial Services Libo-on, Yen Dacles Management Magsajo, Josemaria Carlos Rey Zalamea General Studies *Making, Michael Wayne General Studies Co-operative Education Mangat, Gurinder Accounting Marlow, Damon James Marketing Martin, Charlie Thomas Marketing Maslow, Ryan Robert Accounting *Metlewsky, Nicole Dawn Financial Services Narula, Abhinav Marketing Neale, Amanda Dawn Accounting Nguyen, Sang Minh Accounting Nirman, Jaspreet Kaur General Studies
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Diploma in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION *Ocampo, Sean Patterson Management O’Connor, Evanie Davelyn Alana Human Resources Management Oxsengendler, Erika General Studies *Purba, Akashdeep Singh General Studies Qiodravu, Tyson Solomoni Management Rasheed, Haris Financial Services Renwick, Jordan General Studies Rithaler, Bradley Peter Frank Management Roloff, Ivan Sebastian Management Sato, Sara General Studies Saundh, Maninder Singh General Studies Schlenker, Jeffrey Robert Accounting Schram, Warwick Peter Management Schultz, Crystal Brieanne Jasmin Accounting Sebetero, Junavi Biagtan Accounting Seth, Sushant Management Shahid, Hashum Accounting *Shandalla, Sophia Annie General Studies Singh, Sarpreet Marketing Singh, Surenderpal Tourism and Hospitality Management Staff, Ethan Michael Human Resources Management *Stankoven, Samuel Guiseppe General Studies
Suchan, Sarah Brooke Marketing Thomson, Isabella Maria Tourism and Hospitality Management Tiwari, Shubham General Studies Tiwari, Vinay General Studies *Underwood, Abigail Katarina Rose General Studies *Valverde, Claudia Management Co-operative Education Warkentin, Austin Kurt Financial Services Whatmore, Sydney General Studies Winkler, Christine General Studies Wishlow, Donald Financial Services Xie, Mingdong Financial Services
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Admitted to the Degree of BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Abu Saleh, Ali Mohammed Management Akhmedova, Nargiza Accounting Aladani, Akram Salem Management Almsiyed, Mohammad Abdulaziz Management Anca, Razvan Cristian Management Anderson, Tiaan-Dries Arrowsmith, Tiffany Louise Accounting Bannerman, Jena Kathleen Accounting *Bent, Elizabeth Marie Management Bessey, Eliot Bhullar, Sukhchain Singh Accounting Bosworth, Cassie Jeanne Management Brar, Akashdeep Singh Accounting Brar, Anmolpreet Kaur Human Resources Management Buckley, Jeremy Ryan Accounting Bulley, Alex Robert Finance Campbell, Diandra Latoya Accounting Co-operative Education Carl, Michael James Marketing *Chartrand, Bailey Constance Human Resources Management Cleaver, Brendan Nathaniel Young Finance Cook, Austin Bradley Finance Cooke, Nichole Katie Human Resources Management
Daigle, Chantal Marissa Tourism and Hospitality Management *Davidson, Matthew James Accounting Co-operative Education Davis, Braydon James Accounting Day, Gavin Management Dhaliwal, Simran Human Resources Management Doody, Aiden William Marketing Down, Abigail Marketing Ellis, Kelliann Geon Tourism and Hospitality Management Embleton, Eric Robert William Human Resources Management Enevoldson, Breanna Finance Erickson, Melissa Brianne Tourism and Hospitality Management Finn, Marcus Marketing Gabelhouse, Kayla Erin Marketing Gill, Muneet Finance Gupta, Prachi Accounting Hamer, Shawn Hamilton-Edwards, Georgia Allison Accounting Co-operative Education Harding, Jason Terence Accounting *Harshenin, Danielle Jean Human Resources Management Hasan, Anas Ibrahim Howell, Ryan Omar Finance Hunt, Devon Maureen Human Resources Management Co-operative Education  Jackson, Chelsea Anne Finance
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Admitted to the Degree of BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Janssen, Kennedy Hope Accounting *Johanson, Relan Accounting Kendall, Alec Edward Anthony *Klassen, Melissa Ashley Accounting Co-operative Education Kosic, Kimberly Meri Human Resources Management Krogfoss, Tayla Finance Kuypers, Jacob Neal Finance Lalli, Balmehar Singh Management Lambert, Jared Paul Tourism and Hospitality Management Law, Fei-er Leibbrand, Alivia Human Resources Management Leibbrand, Jackson Douglas Marketing Leitch, Alexis Leona Accounting Lizoguboff, David Shane Marketing Lucier, Hudson Daniel Downing MacDonald, Jonathon David Matte, Christopher Landon Joseph McClelland, Ashlee Danielle Accounting McKone, Kord Evan Human Resources Management Milljour, William Management Mitchell, Cailan Catherine Tourism and Hospitality Management Mitchell, Kaylee Jordan Finance Co-operative Education
*Oestreich, Michelle Accounting Co-operative Education Paul, Jessica Erinv *Petreny, Benjamin Forbes Finance Pushor, Jacob Richard Marketing Qu, Jianjun Accounting Richards, Vanessa Finance Rivet, Trevor Gino Martin Management *Rothenburger, Brett Tyler Marketing *Runcer, Sydney Nicole Human Resources Management Ruschkowski, Jarrett Michael Finance Sapergia, Trinity Accounting Schram, Warwick Peter Marketing *Schultz, Christina Rose Accounting Scott, Samantha Taylor Human Resources Management Shannon, Laureen Human Resources Management *Shykora, Courtney Rychelle Accounting Simson, Cooper Jesper Finance Co-operative Education Small, Jack James Marketing Solland, Sydney Anne Tourism and Hospitality Management Sperling, Kyle Douglas Finance Steenwyk, Katelyn Amanda Accounting Stefance, Joshua Finance *Swenson, Rhys Jordan Finance
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GRADUATING STUDENTS Admitted to the Degree of BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Tiessen, Richard Gordon Finance Tourand, Carmen Jean Accounting *Trouton, Tiana Virk, Jaspreet Kaur Finance Vogel, Oliver Accounting Warr, Blair David Accounting Watts-Watling, Keely Shaye Eva Finance Whibley, Dayna Chloe Marketing Zhang, Liyun Ziebart, Nathan Adam Marketing
Admitted to the Honours Degree of BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION *Jensen, Leslie Jason *McAlpine, Carrie-Ann Marketing *Nash, Andrew Marketing *Rahn, Braeden James Management
*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.
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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. GOVERNOR GENERAL’S SILVER ACADEMIC MEDAL This medal is presented to the graduate who has successfully completed a 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.
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AWARD RECIPIENTS GOVERNOR GENERAL’S ACADEMIC SILVER MEDAL Braeden James Rahn Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours, Management BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MEDAL Braeden James Rahn Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours, Management
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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 danceof 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.
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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