Entrepreneur inspires a new generation with largest-ever gift in B.C. college sector

Okanagan College Media Release

One of the most sustainable buildings in the world will now carry the name of one of the province’s best-known entrepreneurs and community-builders, Jim Pattison.

The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation was officially opened today in Penticton. The Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of B.C., announced the building’s new name from inside the community hall of the $28-million building.

Jim Pattison joined Premier Clark, MP Dan Albas and approximately 250 guests, students and members of the community to announce a pledge of $2.5-million in matching funds to the College. Today’s announcement marks the largest private gift ever given to a college in the province of B.C.

With a vision to attract further support for this unique building and the innovative programs taught within its walls, this generous donation will be used to match new contributions over the next five years. Thus, the leveraging impact of the gift will be a boost of $5-million to the College’s fundraising.

“I am a firm believer in education and understand that innovative buildings such as this are the places where we will train and develop a skilled workforce and the leaders of tomorrow,” said Pattison. “I appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Okanagan College and the overwhelming community support this project has received.”

The project was first announced in 2009 and was constructed with $22.65 million from the provincial and federal governments under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. Shortly after the building was announced, the Okanagan College Foundation launched a $5-million fundraising campaign to fund its portion of the project budget.

“Today is a great day for Okanagan College and the Okanagan College Foundation as we recognize the meaningful contributions of so many in our community, the province of B.C. and the federal government. We appreciate their investment in this building, our students and the future of this region,” said President Jim Hamilton. “It’s a prime example of what can be achieved when an institution, governments, students, individuals, communities, businesses and builders see an opportunity and seize it. The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence is where vision and passion meet experience and enthusiasm and result in something truly inspiring.”

According to Kathy Butler, Executive Director of the Okanagan College Foundation, the Pattison pledge – contingent on raising equivalent funds from other donors – provides a huge incentive for others to contribute, given that all new donations will be matched dollar for dollar.

“This generous gift sends a message to students, industries and citizens throughout the province and country that Mr. Pattison recognizes and endorses the importance and growth of sustainable building practices and applied innovation,” said Butler. “He is clearly encouraging others to make an investment. The Pattison Foundation’s generosity will accelerate the College’s drive to realize the building’s full potential as one of the world’s leading centres of excellence in green construction, training and applied research.”

Butler also noted the Foundation has already raised over $200,000 in new gifts eligible for matching from the Pattison fund. Like those already received in the fundraising campaign, these new donations will be used for a variety of purposes from capital building expenditures to program development, student scholarships and bursaries.

“The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence is a building that will grow and develop over time to lead the way in sustainable building techniques and practices,” said Lance Kayfish, Chair of the Okanagan College Board of Governors. “What the building offers in terms of programming and infrastructure will be quite different 10 years down the road. Continued investment in the Centre, its students and the programs the College can offer here will result in significant growth of the building’s capabilities.”

From Ross Saunders’ perspective, continued investment in The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence will open doors to a brighter future for the people of the South Okanagan and beyond.

“Today’s announcement marks an important investment in the future of this region,” said Saunders, a second-year Criminal and Social Justice student and Penticton Campus Council Chair of Okanagan College Students’ Union. “Not only is this one of the world’s most innovative and sustainable buildings, it is also one that has been embraced by members of our community and beyond. That means a lot to me and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has been a part of making this building a reality – especially Mr. Pattison.”