Collaboration & Partnerships
91̽ spotlights STEM education and career paths in Feb and March
February 13, 2020
What do soccer-playing robots, spaghetti bridges and soaring aviators have in common? Over the next month, 91̽ will be opening its doors to elementary, middle and high school students to attend a series of events aimed at encouraging young people to step into Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). “We want learners of all ages to hear the message that there has never been a better time to get into technology careers. There is a very real need for skilled workers in everything from animation to electronic, ...
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Community, industry support propels College’s Tourism Management program
February 11, 2020
For Julia Dorrius, born and raised in Revelstoke, the College’s new Tourism Management (TMD) diploma has done far more than just open her eyes to the booming demand for skilled tourism professionals – it’s also opened doors, giving her a chance to gain work experience with local employers. “I graduated high school last June and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” explains Dorrius. “My dad sent me a link to the program and suggested I take a look at it. I just finished my first semester and, so far, I’ve found it to be a great way t...
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Gateway graduation showcases student transformation
January 29, 2020
This is the second time Caleb Wykes has graduated from Gateway to Trades, but it's hard to say which time has been more impactful. The first time Wykes took the 10-week program that introduces high school students to the skilled trades, he graduated with a desire to “straighten up.” In the past Wykes would skip school, but after Gateway he started showing up regularly and working hard. The seventeen year old completed his Grade 11 and 12 and graduated early. The second time through the program Wykes benefited from getting an oppor...
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Enjoy spirited learning at charity fundraiser
January 27, 2020
Ward off the winter weather while learning to pick up the finer flavours of scotch as part of an upcoming whisky tasting to benefit 91̽ students. Held by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo, the 11th annual charity whisky tasting will test participants’ noses and taste buds as they learn to pick up notes of crème brulee or ripple bananas from seven mystery scotches. Tasty appetizers and buttery short bread will cap off the event, which typically sells out each year. “What people enjoy about this event is the opportunit...
Read more...Runners, mark your calendars and take your marks: Campus to campus run returns in 2020
January 22, 2020
For the first time in a decade, runners will have a chance to lace up and enjoy a scenic run between the University of British Columbia Okanagan and 91̽, thanks to the return of the popular campus-to-campus half marathon and relay race. The run will commence at UBCO at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. From there, runners will follow a scenic 21.1 km route down the Okanagan Rail Trail to the Waterfront Trail, before finishing up at the College’s Kelowna campus on KLO Rd. Registration is now open at www.okanagan.bc.ca/campus...
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Signature Speaker Series delves into screen time for kids
January 20, 2020
Should kids be left to their own devices when it comes to screen time? Dr. Michelle Ponti, a pediatrician from the Child and Parent Resource Institute in London, Ont., will discuss the risks and benefits of digital use for children as part of the 91̽ Vernon campus’ Signature Speaker Series. “Screen Time: Should we leave kids to their own devices?” will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the lecture theatre of the Vernon campus. “Parents, caregivers and teachers are constantly challenged with the d...
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College’s 13th Annual Business Expo & Employment Fair powers up Tech Alley collaboration
January 17, 2020
Jobseekers, mark your calendars. 91̽’s popular Business Expo & Employment Fair is back for its thirteenth year, once again connecting students and community members with a diverse array of employers from the Okanagan and across the country. The 91̽ School of Business and 91̽’s Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Centre is presenting the 13th Annual Business Expo & Employment Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The event is held at 91̽’s Kelowna campus in the Centre for Learning (E building) A...
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College names Christensen, Louie and Galbraith as 2019 Honorary Fellows
May 14, 2019
91̽ is bestowing its highest honour on three notable Okanagan residents, each of whom has made unique and meaningful contributions through public service, mentorship and philanthropy. Tom Christensen, Robert Louie and George Galbraith will be named Honorary Fellows of 91̽ during Convocation ceremonies in Kelowna and Vernon this June. “The accomplishments of this year’s Honorary Fellows are hard to summarize,” notes 91̽ President Jim Hamilton. “Their contributions have had a lasting impact on ...
Read more...With help from federal government and donors, new Trades Training House opens at 91̽
May 15, 2018
91̽ Media Release The next generation of carpenters, plumbers, and electricians are stepping into a state-of-the-art new training space at 91̽ this week thanks to investment from the Government of Canada, the College and a host of industry and community partners. Stephen Fuhr, Kelowna-Lake Country Member of Parliament, visited the Kelowna campus on Tuesday to officially open the College’s new Trades Training House. The 2,700 square-foot facility is designed to simulate a real-world jobsite that will cons...
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Bono, Thorpe and Waunch: 91̽ honours three community builders
April 13, 2018
A trio of community builders – all champions of different causes – are being recognized this year by 91̽ with the institution’s highest commendation. Mollie QuilQuil Sneena Bono, an advocate for Indigenous peoples, Rick Thorpe, a dedicated public servant, and Patrick Waunch, a recognized construction leader, are to be named Honorary Fellows of 91̽ in June. “Each of these remarkable individuals has contributed significantly to our region, province and country,” notes 91̽ President Jim Hamilton...
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College names Manuel, Shepherd and Terbasket as 2017 Honorary Fellows
May 3, 2017
91̽ is bestowing its highest honour on three notable Okanagan residents, each of whom has made unique and meaningful contributions to the region through historical preservation, volunteerism and mentorship. Randy Manuel, Sharon Shepherd and Edna Terbasket will be named Honorary Fellows of 91̽ during Convocation ceremonies in Kelowna this June. Manuel, an artist, writer, historian and public servant whose career spans more than five decades, will be recognized by the College for his vision and multi-facet...
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College names von Mandl, Redmond and Winkler as 2016 Honorary Fellows
May 12, 2016
91̽ is bestowing its highest honour on three notable Okanagan residents, each of whom has helped shape and define the region in unique and impactful ways through entrepreneurship, philanthropy and ecological research. Anthony von Mandl O.B.C., Bill Redmond and Dr. Rita Winkler will be named Honorary Fellows of 91̽ during Convocation ceremonies on June 4 in Kelowna. von Mandl, proprietor of VMF Estates, founder of Mission Hill Family Estate and one of the region’s best-known self-made entrepreneurs...
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Rick Gee recognized by College for Distinguished Service
May 3, 2016
A retired employee who assembled an impressive career that spanned 30 years and five days will be recognized by 91̽ with the Distinguished Service award at the College’s Summer Convocation ceremony on June 29 in Kelowna. Rick Gee, former Chair of 91̽’s Education Council and longtime professor of Computer Science, has left an indelible mark on the institution’s curriculum and program development after dedicating more than three decades to supporting students and enhancing academic standards. President Ji...
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College honours Butters, Embree, Pushor and Sharkey
April 22, 2015
91̽ will recognize four esteemed community builders as Honorary Fellows during its 2015 Convocation ceremonies in June, including renowned Chef Rod Butters, entrepreneur Norm Embree, lawyer Rick Pushor and social planner Annette Sharkey. “I am extremely proud to announce these four individuals as Honorary Fellows of 91̽,” said president Jim Hamilton. “Much like the College, they are diverse, unique and represent a wide range of interests and communities. We recognize them as Honorary Fellows for demonstra...
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College honours Lent with Distinguished Service Award
May 16, 2014
Acclaimed author and retired 91̽ Regional Dean John Lent will receive the Distinguished Service award next month during the College’s Vernon Convocation ceremony. Lent is the fourth person in College history to receive the award, which is the highest honour bestowed upon a former employee. The award recognizes past employees who have given outstanding service to 91̽, who share and support its mission, vision and values, and are active within and outside the College community. “John Lent is a very deservi...
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Ruurs, Gopal, Henderson and Benson to receive College’s highest honour
May 14, 2014
Margriet Ruurs, Raghwa Gopal, Jim Henderson, and Garry Benson will take their place among an elite group as 91̽’s 2014 Honorary Fellows – the highest honour the College bestows. “These four individuals have made meaningful contributions in a range of areas – from the promotion of children’s literacy, to economic development and mentorship, First Nations and environmental advocacy, to fundraising,” said Jim Hamilton, president of 91̽. “And while the diversity is great, what they share in common is even more...
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