OC professor Corinna Chong’s writing shortlisted for prestigious CBC Short Story Prize
April 27, 2021
Writing by an AVĚěĚĂ Writing professor is receiving national attention, after being shortlisted in the CBC Short Story Prize this week. Corinna Chong, who teaches in OC’s English Department, was among the five finalists named Wednesday in the prestigious writing competition. “Kids in Kindergarten” explores themes of pregnancy loss and the trials of conception. “I think that miscarriages, while incredibly common, remain a kind of taboo subject. It wasn't until I was trying to conceive that I began to hear so many stories of wom...
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Meet Corinna Chong, English and Fine Arts Professor
April 27, 2021
Q: What is your education and background? A: I was born and raised in Calgary, AB. I have a BA in English (Creative Writing) and a BFA in Visual Art (Photography) from the University of Calgary, as well as an MA in English (Creative Writing) from the University of New Brunswick. I’ve been teaching in the OC English department since 2011. Q: What is your area of interest? A: I like to juggle a few disciplines in both the literary and visual arts. I teach courses in composition, E...
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Meet Andrew Klingel, Business Administration Professor
April 27, 2021
Q: What is your education and background? A: I have a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master's of Business Administration from Queen’s University. Q: What is your area of interest? A: Prior to joining AVĚěĚĂ, I consulted for major corporations such as Telus, TD and General Motors — but my true passion is entrepreneurship. I have been involved with many new ventures as an operator, investor and advisor. For example, I joined a software start up that grew from $0 i...
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OC doing its part to reduce emissions
April 22, 2021
As the world’s leaders gather on Earth Day 2021 to discuss steps to battle climate change, AVĚěĚĂ is pointing to recent statistics that demonstrate how far its energy savings efforts are advancing B.C.’s sustainability agenda. Calculations completed this week show that OC has reduced its total overall greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 44 per cent since 2007 – this in the face of an overall growth in space of 44 per cent in the same period. The calculations show that OC has managed to decrease its per-square-metre emissions by mor...
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Stewart family invests in health at AVĚěĚĂ
April 16, 2021
The Stewart family is donating $50,000 to support the education of health care professionals at AVĚěĚĂ. The gift will recognize Rosemary and Richard “Dick” Stewart. Dick, a founder of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery and Kelowna City Councillor, passed away nearly one year ago at the age of 94. According to his son Ben Stewart, MLA for Kelowna West, the gift reflects his father’s passion for education. “My dad believed education creates opportunities for people to lead independent and fulfilling lives,” says Ben. “He saw education as ...
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Alumni Association honours essential workers; provides support to next generation
April 12, 2021
For 18 years, the AVĚěĚĂ Alumni Association (OCAA) has honoured OC graduates whose extraordinary contributions have positively impacted those close to home and around the world. In a year like no other and for the first time in the awards’ history, the OCAA is celebrating multiple recipients of this prestigious award: essential workers. “This year we decided to do things a little differently and honour all alumni who have been working hard in our community to keep us all safe,” says OCAA Vice President Nick Melemenis. “This pande...
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RIPE with opportunity: Join OC for a conference showcasing applied research in the region
April 9, 2021
From proposal writing to hydroponics, chemotherapy to climate change, and early childhood education to engaging with marginalized populations, the region is RIPE with applied research projects and AVĚěĚĂ is inviting you to attend its free showcase event to hear about the innovative research projects happening in your own backyard. RIPE (Research, Innovation and Partnerships Expo) is happening on May 4 from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. as a virtual event, allowing people from across the region to attend. The event is an opportunity for com...
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Students invest in Health Sciences Centre
April 7, 2021
It’s an investment in future students and community health, and one the AVĚěĚĂ Students’ Union (OCSU) says is even more important in light of the ongoing pandemic. OCSU is donating $15,000 to the AVĚěĚĂ Foundation’s Our Students, Your Health campaign to complete construction of a new Health Sciences Centre on the Kelowna campus. “It’s always good to invest in education, but the pandemic has really brought to the forefront how important nurses and other health care providers are," says Joseph Welton, OCSU board member. ...
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Long Night long on benefits for AVĚěĚĂ students
April 1, 2021
If there is power in numbers when fighting procrastination, then AVĚěĚĂ was fully plugged in last week. Long Night Against Procrastination, held Thursday March 25th, was organized by Penticton Librarian Eva Gavaris, in concert with several AVĚěĚĂ instructors and staff members who volunteered their time to slay the beast of procrastination. More than 230 students registered for access, and at the peak, Gavaris said there were approximately 100 students in a variety of break-out rooms. “Over the past year, Okanaga...
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College Pastry Arts students craft creative Easter confections
April 1, 2021
While no official sightings of the Easter Bunny have been reported on campus, AVĚěĚĂ’s Pastry Arts students hopped into action this week, serving up smiles ahead of the holiday. Students pulled out all the stops to prepare an eggs-travaganza of chocolate eggs, bunnies, bon bons, sponge candy and other confections for the OC community. “The students outdid themselves once again,” notes Culinary and Pastry Arts Manager Cari Jahns. “When everyone saw the tables of treats assembled, the array of different items they...
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