Sewell's legacy honoured through new bursary award

Okanagan College Media Release

A new award that will support Summerland students pursuing post-secondary training in trades or business has been established in honour of Art Sewell, one of Summerland’s most dedicated community members and strongest advocates for youth and education.

At its regular evening meeting on Tuesday, the Summerland Rotary Club, Summerland Penny Lane and members of the Sewell family announced they will each contribute $25,000 to establish a $75,000 bursary fund to support local students.

Sewell was a founding member of Summerland Penny Lane and served as its Chairman for eight years. As an active Rotarian for 35 years, he believed in the importance of providing access to education and training, as well as business leaders’ responsibility to provide opportunities for skill development in youth to help them reach their full potential.

“We wanted to do something that would honour the legacy of our dad as well as benefit others,” explained Ken Sewell. “Our father joined Rotary to provide service to his community. Raising money for important causes or contributing to community initiatives, that’s where he was in his element. This new bursary is an extension of his legacy of service.”

“In establishing this new bursary we are following Art’s dream of supporting youth in Summerland by providing greater access to education,” said Bob Van Balkom, President of the Summerland Rotary Club. “Our Rotary Club also firmly believes in Okanagan College and its role in both educating our youth and providing local and regional job opportunities for the future.”

The Summerland Rotary, Art Sewell, Summerland Penny Lane Bursary will provide an annual award of $2,500 to a student entering full-time studies in a Trades Foundation program or Business Administration program at Okanagan College. The recipient will be a resident of Summerland or will have attended high school in Summerland. Selection of the award recipient will be based on financial need.

“Art was instrumental in developing Summerland Penny Lane and S.A.D.I. (Summerland Asset Development Initiative),” said Orv Robson, Chairman of Summerland Penny Lane. “He and his family have been a great asset to this community. Art’s legacy will live on without this award but I think we can all be proud that we brought this bursary forward in Art’s name to help carry on the work he was so invested in – that being investing in young people and their success.”

“We are extremely grateful to each of the partners who came together to create this new award in Art Sewell’s name,” said Jim Henderson, President of the Okanagan College Foundation. “We are well aware of the impact Art has had on this community and are fortunate to be able to play a role in continuing his good work in the lives of future students.”