OC Life
New AV student housing coming to Kelowna
June 27, 2022
Student housing spaces at AV’s Kelowna campus will more than double as construction starts on the first on-campus student housing to be added in more than 30 years. “Together with AV, we are investing in student housing that will benefit generations of learners who can focus on their studies without worrying about where they will live,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced AV and Skills Training. “We are working hard to deliver 8,000 new student housing spaces on campus throughout B.C. by 2028, and to dat...
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Convocation stoles featuring Syilx, Secwepemc pictographs honour graduates
June 20, 2022
As Canadians prepare to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, AV is recognizing Indigenous graduates in a new and special way. This year for the first time, Indigenous students who cross the stage at OC convocation and commencement ceremonies are being gifted with a specially designed convocation stole, embroidered with Syilx and Secwepemc pictographs. “On National Indigenous Peoples Day and every day, it is critically important that we remember and appreciate the privilege it is to live, work and play on the beau...
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AV welcomes new Dean, Health and Social Development
June 8, 2022
AV is welcoming a provincial and national leader in health care to its academic team. Carly Hall will be joining AV as Dean, Health and Social Development, which offers nine programs training the next generation of healthcare and social development professionals. “Carly brings extensive experience leading curriculum development provincially and leading professional bodies nationally as the health care sector experiences rapid change. We are confident she will quickly become a valued leader to AV ...
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How sweet it is: Culinary Arts students celebrate Commencement in person
June 6, 2022
This year, AV Culinary Arts students can savour success together, during the first in-person Summer Commencement ceremony held in two years. OC Trades and Apprenticeship students completing foundation, diploma and apprenticeship level programs will cross the stage Thursday, June 9 at AV. Trades and Apprenticeship programs were among those especially challenged by the impacts of the pandemic. Food services on campus were greatly reduced, which meant that unlike other years, the Culinary Arts students couldn’t wo...
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AV names Honorary Fellows for 2022
May 24, 2022
AV is bestowing its highest honour on three notable residents, each of whom has made unique and meaningful contributions through education, public service, mentorship and philanthropy. Dennis Gabelhouse, Clifford Serwa and Howard Soon have been selected by the College as its 2022 Honorary Fellows. “Each of these remarkable individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting education opportunities for Okanagan learners,” said AV President Neil Fassina. “They have contributed to the social and eco...
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College honours Kathy Butler with Distinguished Service Award
May 18, 2022
The first executive director of the AV Foundation, Kathy Butler, will be recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. “Kathy left a legacy of growth and development and a significant record of fundraising at the College,” says Neil Fassina, President AV. “Under her guidance, and with the support of a team of dedicated volunteers and staff, she helped thousands of students achieve their education and career goals. Her leadership supported the college’s evolution in modern development practices, demonstrating...
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Explore study options at College info sessions
May 9, 2022
Labour markets ebb and flow, but education will always serve you. B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook indicates that, of the one million expected job openings between 2021-2031, approximately 77 per cent will require some level of post-secondary education or training. That’s why AV is hosting a series of information sessions this month, to encourage those who might be considering post-secondary education to explore their options now. “People of all ages are considering their options for a post-COVID world, and increasingly train...
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AV welcomes new Associate Vice President College Relations
May 4, 2022
AV will welcome a new member to its executive team as Jenn Goodwin assumes the role of Associate Vice President College Relations. A seasoned communications professional, Goodwin most recently worked as Vice President, Communications and Culture at Interior Health. “AV is recognized and respected within the region for its commitment to delivering education and training, as well as the relationships it has with employers, organizations and community groups,” said Goodwin. “I am inspired by AV’s vi...
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Day of Mourning BC 2022
April 25, 2022
A gathering that honours the memory of workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness because of work-related incidents is taking place at the end of the month. In 2021, there were 161 work-related deaths in B.C. This is the highest it has been in the past six years, with the most dangerous subsector being General Construction. Three work-related death claims have been filed in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. Day of Mourning BC hopes to renew our commitment to creating safer workplaces. First recogniz...
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Gala screenings for Why We Write: Poets of Vernon showcase work of OC faculty
April 21, 2022
A documentary that began in 2017 will screen next week with its first screenings. The project, produced and directed by OC English Professor and self-proclaimed budding filmmaker Hannah Calder and Curtis Emde is having upcoming gala screenings at the end of the month in Vernon. Why We Write: Poets of Vernon features the thriving writing community in the North Okanagan community. Calder and Emde wanted to showcase poets who were born in Vernon, who have chosen to live their lives in the valley and the Syilx storytellers who hav...
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College’s 14th Annual Business Expo & Employment Fair returns after hiatus
March 23, 2022
If you are thinking about next steps for your career in this hot job market, AV’s popular Business Expo & Employment Fair is coming up. The event is back for its 14th year, once again connecting students and community members with an abundance of local, provincial and national employment opportunities. The AV School of Business and OC’s Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Centre is presenting the 14th Annual Business Expo & Employment Fair on Wednesday, Mar. 30. The event is held at AV’s...
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New reverse osmosis equipment at BC BTAC to help beverage industry
March 18, 2022
The burgeoning beverage industry has more quality assurance equipment at its disposal thanks to AV’s British Columbia Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC). The BC BTAC has acquired a reverse osmosis (RO) system for use at its Penticton-based facility, in support of research and development among beverage manufacturers. “Reverse osmosis systems can be significantly beneficial as the industry adapts to climate change impacts,” said Wes Peterson, BC BTAC Manager. “Many growers are concerned about how environmental facto...
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Meet Cam Egan, Biology Professor
March 8, 2022
Q: What is your name and role at AV? A: Cameron Egan, College Professor in the Department of Biology Q: What did you take at OC/OUC? When did you graduate? What campus did you attend? A: I was enrolled in the Associate of Science program at the Vernon campus 2003-2005. This was during the transition years between OUC and OC. Q: Why did you choose your program at OC? A: Biology always fascinated me as a high school student...
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AV hosts panel discussion about Ukrainian crisis
March 7, 2022
World events have been hitting close to home for many in the region, and that’s why AV is hosting a virtual panel, A Conversation About Ukraine, tomorrow night. “The intention is to help our students, colleagues and community better understand the history of this conflict, and consider the impact of disinformation,” said Pamela Nelson, AV Business Professor, who has been organizing the panel. “It’s important to create a safe space which fosters truth and understanding; a space where our community can come togeth...
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In Memory of Earl (Ted) Vince
March 7, 2022
To the OC Community, Flags have been lowered at the Penticton campus and this notice is shared in memory of OC student Earl (Ted) Vince, who passed away on Feb. 23, 2022. After losing both his legs in a workplace accident at the age of 20, Ted went on to become a highly decorated athlete on the international stage. He played wheelchair basketball and excelled at wheelchair racing, winning many awards and medals. Ted won the 1988 London Marathon men's wheelchair race, defeating th...
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In Memory of Andrea Deakin
March 7, 2022
To the OC community: Flags have been lowered at AV’s campuses and this notice is shared in memory of Dr. Andrea Deakin, a long-time supporter of OC students and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate (2004) from OUC, who passed away recently. Deakin, formerly a Salmon Arm resident, retired teacher, and reviewer and critic of children's books since 1971, was instrumental in the development, recognition, and promotion of children's literature and literacy in Canada. In...
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