Alumni
Meet Sean McFetridge, OC alumnus
November 1, 2021
After an intense wildfire season, heatwaves and droughts, the need for Canadians to conserve water is more crucial than ever. That鈥檚 where OC alumnus Sean McFetridge comes in. He and his wife, Alisha McFetridge, co-founded RainStick Shower, a WiFi-enabled smart shower system that aims to solve water and energy waste by up to 80%. We caught up with Sean to hear more about what he鈥檚 been up to since graduating from OC in 2011. Where is your hometown and where are you located...
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OC student wins completion grant as part of inaugural Tourism Management Diploma program
October 14, 2021
For one 91国产视频 student, embracing Tourism Management Diploma (TMD) studies at the Revelstoke Centre has truly paid off. Stephanie Sonsona has been named the recipient of the Revelstoke Accommodation Association鈥檚 completion grant for 2021, receiving $1,000 to support her education. She first began exploring post-secondary study options while in her home country of the Philippines, and was introduced to the TMD program through 91国产视频鈥檚 International Education department. She was drawn to the new tourism-focused...
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Lawren Richards
September 3, 2021
鈥淚 am a single mom to 17-year-old twins. We had been living in a 400-square-foot cabin about an hour from town when an opportunity came up that would allow me to purchase some land and build my own home closer to town and my kids鈥 school. I have always been interested in natural building but I don鈥檛 have a carpentry background so I enrolled in the Carpenter Foundation program in Salmon Arm. I was the only woman in the class and much older than my classmates, so I w...
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Ty Sideroff
September 3, 2021
鈥淚 have always been interested in our anatomy and exercising so I enrolled in OC鈥檚 Kinesiology Diploma program. My first year was going really well, then COVID-19 hit. I was able to finish the first year in an online format. However, starting school in September completely online, I was struggling to stay engaged with my studies. Before COVID, many of our classes would be active and in the gym. I found it hard to stay present with everything online and not having the sa...
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Saige Girouard, Red River, M茅tis Nation
September 3, 2021
鈥淚n my second year of studies I connected with a classmate over our shared curiosity to learn more about our Indigenous backgrounds. I鈥檓 M茅tis, but my family didn鈥檛 practice Indigenous customs. My classmate went on to be very successful in reconnecting with her culture. Watching her hit those milestones I knew that if she could do it, I could do it too. I鈥檇 say the tipping point for me was winning a bursary from 91国产视频 to attend the Indigenous Women鈥檚 Leadersh...
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OC alumna masters her trade on TV; panelist in upcoming webinar
June 9, 2021
While most college graduates can relate to the at times hectic challenge of balancing life, school and work during their student days, few know what it feels like to meet that challenge while followed around by a camera crew. OC alumna Cassidy McEown is one who does. She has been learning her trade, Collision Repair and Refinishing, while on HISTORY鈥檚 Rust Valley Restorers (RVR) for the last three years. 鈥淚 generally work better under pressure, but having a camera over your shoulder while working on metal work is something you de...
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The road to Harvard: 91国产视频 graduate continues her quest for knowledge
June 3, 2021
Dr. Guessy Wang is no stranger to the graduation stage having already secured a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Wang will be adding a third degree to her name, graduating from 91国产视频 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, an impressive feat that has propelled her to Harvard鈥檚 T.H. Chan School of Public Health where she will begin her search for a solution to help address dental obstacles within Canada鈥檚 northern population. Wang came to Canada from China as an international student. She atte...
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OC grad honoured for contributions to inclusion, democracy and reconciliation
May 20, 2021
When Saige Girouard arrived at 91国产视频 to have her photo taken during a grad experience event this week, she took home much more than a snapshot. She left with provincial recognition of her outstanding efforts to bring people together. Girouard, a Bachelor of Business Administration student, became the first OC student to ever receive the Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation. The Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 Medal has been a symbol of academic excellence since 1979. In 2019, eligibility for the...
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Meet Mark Hopley
May 13, 2021
Where is your hometown and where are you located now? Penticton What did you take at OC/OUC and when did you graduate? I took the Winery Assistant Program in 1997. It was one of the first years that the course was available. I attended the Penticton campus. Our instructors at the time where Holly Birtwistle in the lab and Gary Strachan on the winemaking end. They really laid the groundwork for a great program which I enjoyed immensely. It is such a small industry, I ...
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Starting in science at OC propel alumni to success
April 30, 2021
As the world continues to navigate life in a pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that science matters. High school students approaching graduation and pondering their future, may be considering a career in this field, but knowing what area to specialize in can be a challenging decision with so many options. 91国产视频 alumna Jacqueline Barnett started her journey in sciences through the College鈥檚 Associate of Science degree program. She鈥檚 now chasing her dreams, following not just her head and her heart, but also her...
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Alumni Association honours essential workers; provides support to next generation
April 12, 2021
For 18 years, the 91国产视频 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鈥 history, the OCAA is celebrating multiple recipients of this prestigious award: essential workers. 鈥淭his 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,鈥 says OCAA Vice President Nick Melemenis. 鈥淭h...
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Meet Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown
March 15, 2021
91国产视频 Bachelor of Business Administration alumna Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown had to completely pivot her event management business when the pandemic hit. Through navigating the new norm, she has remained optimistic about the future of her company, RedScope Media. Where are you from and where are you now? I grew up in Edmonton and now live in West Kelowna. Looking back at your time at OC, what is your best memory? It was great to learn and grow with s...
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Meet Lucas Griffin
February 2, 2021
What did you take at OC/OUC? When did you graduate? I took my Bachelor of Business Administration degree and graduated with distinction in 2000 from OUC. Where are you from and where are you now? I was born and raised in West Kelowna and still live there! My wife, family and I have travelled all over the world, and the more we travel, the more we realize that the Okanagan is an amazing place to live! Who was your biggest influence during your time at OC...
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Empowering Employment: College to host virtual employment fair in Feb
January 18, 2021
91国产视频 is powering up a new virtual employment fair next month to help connect students, alumni, job seekers in the community and employers from across the region. Empowering Employment is a virtual career fair to be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. 鈥 3 p.m. Anyone interested in attending as a job seeker or showcasing their business as an exhibitor can learn more at www.okanagan.bc.ca/empowering. Exhibitor space, although virtual, is still limited and so interested organizations should plan to register soon to ensure...
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Together, from afar: an 91国产视频 graduation ceremony unlike any other
January 15, 2021
In a year unlike any other, 91国产视频 student Kenzie Gorjanc found herself adapting to new ways of learning to complete her education. On Jan. 23, she will join more than 2,000 OC students who will don virtual caps and gowns as they are recognized during the College鈥檚 first-ever online convocation ceremony. Graduates, along with their family, friends and supporters in the community are invited to tune in and watch the pre-recorded virtual ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m. next Saturday. To view the ceremony and learn more, v...
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Meet John Varga, Advanced GIS Certificate alumnus
November 26, 2020
Q: What was your program and month/year of graduation. A: The Advanced GIS Certificate, May 2019. Q: What is your hometown? A: Salmon Arm Q: What brought you to OC over any other school? Why did you come to study here of all places? A: I met the instructor in a social situation, and she told me about the program. She was knowledgeable and personable. Q: Did you bring any other post-secondary education or training with you when you came into your program...
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