Thorpes enhance their support for South Okanagan-Similkameen students by $50,000

Okanagan College Media Release - March 17, 2011
 
Following the recent $37,000 donation from Okanagan College students to the Centre of Excellence on the Penticton campus of Okanagan College, the Rick and Yasmin Thorpe & Friends Scholarship Fund is enhancing its commitment to supporting students of the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
 
The Thorpes are announcing today their scholarship fund will award a further $50,000 in scholarships to first-year trades and technology students at the new Centre of Excellence in Penticton.
 
“I am a long-time supporter of Okanagan College, having attended the College myself, and this partnership seems right,” said Yasmin John-Thorpe. “It is fantastic to see Okanagan College students contributing to the Centre of Excellence and we are pleased to provide further support for our local students.”
 
“I have always believed in supporting those who want to help themselves and I applaud the students of Okanagan College for showing their support of higher education, especially to our students of the future,” said Rick Thorpe. “Yasmin and I are very proud to partner with Okanagan College and assist students from the South Okanagan and Similkameen with scholarships.”
 
With this announcement there will be four new annual $1,500 awards to students of the South Okanagan-Similkameen region who will be entering the first year of a trades or technology program at the new Centre of Excellence.
 
“This donation underscores the importance of community participation in the campaign and the project," said Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton. "The Centre of Excellence will have significant impact on opportunities for our communities and our young people for decades to come. Rick and Yasmin, who continue to show incredible support for the community, clearly understand that."
 
"Well done, Rick and Yasmin Thorpe; your gift helps all of our communities by providing the opportunity to train students throughout the region at the new Penticton Centre of Excellence,” said Janice Perrino, Mayor of Summerland. “You continue to inspire giving in every community; we are grateful for all of your dedication and support."
 
"Yasmin and Rick clearly understand how important it is to create opportunities for higher education close to home and I have to commend them on their commitment to this notion, which goes far beyond the financial commitment that is being made," said Princeton Mayor Randy McLean. "We need to work together to build those programs and places for the young people of our region to prepare themselves for a changing economy. Clearly, the Thorpes are hoping to communicate that message, and to build on the message that the College's own students themselves have sent."
 
The new awards are in addition to the existing six scholarships valued at $12,500 awarded annually by the Rick and Yasmin Thorpe & Friends Scholarship fund to Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan.