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AV���� is recognizing a long-serving leader and champion of post-secondary education at its fall convocation and commencement ceremonies this weekend.

Allan Coyle, the former Associate Vice President, External and Strategic Initiatives, worked at OC for nearly 23 years between 1998 and 2021, and in honour of his contributions, will be receiving the College’s Distinguished Service Award.

“Allan Coyle was instrumental in establishing the strong and well-respected reputation of AV���� that continues to exist today,” said OC President, Dr. Neil Fassina. “Over the years, Allan built relationships with individuals locally and across the country, with employers, governments, and partner institutions that ultimately created opportunities for students and the College to grow and thrive. We are thrilled to be recognizing him with this award and thanking him for his contributions to OC.”

Coyle played a key role in shaping the College’s identity in the early 2000s, following the creation of UBC Okanagan and at a time when there was uncertainty whether the region could sustain two post-secondary institutions. He helped develop the well-known OC “red dot” and led the creation of campaigns to promote College programs in trades, health, business, arts and science.

“I am humbled to be recognized this way by an institution that means so much to me,” says Coyle. “I am proud of how the College has developed and still marvel at how many of the initiatives started years ago - that I was fortunate enough to be involved in - are manifesting themselves today.”

A champion of how the College supports students to achieve career goals, Coyle was recognized in 2013 for his advocacy in support of STEM learning, with an award from the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. He was also instrumental in OC’s popular annual Spaghetti Bridge and RoboCup competitions, which continue to bring hundreds of students from elementary, middle and secondary schools to campus.

While at OC, Coyle was the executive lead for government relations and contributed to work through the region building relationships between OC and Indigenous communities. He was active in the College’s equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice efforts, and worked closely with the OC Alumni Association and OC Foundation. Over the years, Coyle contributed to numerous College initiatives, including ones that made it easier for students and members of the public to access course information online, and for employees to share information and celebrate successes.

An active community volunteer, Coyle was on the Board of the Irving K. Barber Scholarship Society, as well as the Kelowna YMCA. He is a current board member of the BC Scholarship Society.