Celebrating 60: Welcome to the 2023/24 academic year at 91̽
September 5, 2023
A message from 91̽ President, Dr. Neil Fassina: For many people, this week marks the start of a new chapter. The first day of classes, a return to school, those initial moments where you check out the textbooks, syllabus, and materials of a new course – the energy on campus this time of year is electric and exciting. This year is all the more special for 91̽, because we’re celebrating sixty years since the opening of the B.C. Vocational Institute in Kelowna and the College’s growth through the region in the deca...
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91̽ student chefs supporting community
August 25, 2023
You can call it cooking with love. Students from the Okanagan Chef School at 91̽ dropped plans this week for a final feast to celebrate the end of their program and jumped into supporting the local emergency response instead. Typically, students at the Okanagan Chef School host a community dinner at the end of their year and one was planned for this week. However, when the event had to be cancelled due to the area wildfires, the students decided to shift their focus to preparing meals for those engaged in the r...
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91̽ community steps up to support wildfire efforts
August 24, 2023
The 91̽ community has been busy this week, stepping up to support wildfire efforts in their communities and supporting friends, family and neighbours in many different ways. The cancellation of this week’s Connections event at 91̽, an event led by employees to kick off a new school year, meant some timely donations of lunches and snacks went out to people who are supporting the wildfire efforts in the Okanagan Valley. It was just one example of the many efforts the 91̽ community has undertaken in their communities...
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91̽ alum turns passion for music into a career in DJing
August 16, 2023
Set to release six original songs next month on Apple Music and Spotify, Himrose Bajaj’s career as DJ Hamy Shah is hitting new high notes. As a child, Himrose Baja felt an instant connection to the Punjabi music his mom played in their home. Now thanks to a unique music production course at 91̽ he’s creating his own songs blending Punjabi language and hip-hop beats. Himrose, who came to 91̽ as an international student and is now a Canadian permanent resident living in Kelowna, is set to release six original songs...
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91̽ welcomes new board member
August 14, 2023
91̽ is pleased to announce the appointment of Cindy Battersby as the newest member of its Board of Governors. Battersby brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, having dedicated over 30 years of service to the College and the community. Prior to her retirement in 2021, Battersby served as the Student Services – Financial Awards Analyst at 91̽, where she played a large role in supporting students in their educational pursuits. Her deep understanding of the institution, its programs, and its...
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OneSky Community Resources receives funding to offer free tuition for new Early Childhood Education program at 91̽’s Penticton Campus
August 10, 2023
OneSky Community Resources, in collaboration with 91̽ (91̽) and the Government of British Columbia, is excited to announce a new Early Childhood Education (ECE) program featuring free tuition and a flexible delivery method for people living in the South Okanagan. The program is designed to help support the childcare industry in the South Okanagan with 15 seats in the free program which begins Aug. 26 at 91̽’s Penticton campus. Applicants must meet certain criteria to qualify for the funding. “We are thrilled to receive ...
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Nearly 30 courses at 91̽ qualify for B.C. future skills grant toward tuition
July 6, 2023
A new grant offered by the B.C. Government can be used toward nearly 30 short-term skills training courses at 91̽ this fall, expanding options for people who want to upgrade their skills, advance their careers and pursue in-demand jobs across the region. The $3,500 per person grant was announced earlier this year as part of the Province’s StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, which invests $480 million into skills training and workforce development. "Every action we are taking is designed to build a better future fo...
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91̽ alum empowers seniors with financial planning expertise
June 29, 2023
91̽ alum Kayla Caruana was the youngest Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in Canada when she received her designation in January 2019, just 18 months after completing her program at the Okanagan School of Business. She credits her professors at 91̽ for the training and encouragement that led her to explore the CFP designation. And Caruana was just getting started. Following the completion of her Bachelor of Business Administration from 91̽, during her last semester of studies she went on to found her own financial pla...
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$40,000 gift creates lasting tribute to former Okanagan University College Professor Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell
June 27, 2023
In her twenty-year tenure as a history professor at Okanagan University College (the predecessor to 91̽), Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell breathed life into bustling classrooms, transforming them into vibrant hubs of knowledge and inspiration. Now in a fitting tribute to her legacy, an anonymous $40,000 gift will establish a bursary fund in her honour. The Dr. Sylvia Janet Russell Memorial Fund will provide bursaries to students who have fulfilled the graduation requirements for 91̽’s Associate of Arts diploma - ...
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College convocation centers Indigenous culture, protocol
June 21, 2023
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, 91̽ reflects on its commitments to reconciliation and the rich history, diverse cultures and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples. “While we still have work to do, this has been a meaningful year for 91̽’s journey toward reconciliation,” says Rhea Dupuis, Associate Director of Indigenization at the College. “For the first time, communities came together at each of our four college campuses to celebrate graduates, where ceremonies centered around Indigenous pro...
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