New foundation chair

Photo: Contributed

Thirty years of experience working with Okanagan College will serve Gladys Fraser well as she takes on the role of Chair with the Okanagan College Foundation Board of Directors, the college announced in a release.

She joined the Okanagan College Foundation Board four years ago to support its fundraising efforts for student scholarships, bursaries and capital projects, they said.

"I'm delighted to be named Chair of the Foundation Board as I believe in the work the college is doing for students and our economy," said Fraser.

"The college creates great opportunities for people to get a world-class education and not have to travel outside of the valley."

Fraser’s passion for education also has her serving as the President of the District Parent Advisory Committee in School District 22, the college said. Her community involvement spans a variety of sectors, including previously serving as President of the North Okanagan Hospice Society, Leadership Chair with the United Way Southern Interior B.C., and the Vice-President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

"Gladys brings a passion for the transformative power of education and a depth of governance experience which will guide the Foundation during this time of renewal and growth," said Helen Jackman, Okanagan College Foundation executive director.

Fraser takes over the leadership position during the early stages of a new fundraising campaign for a Health Sciences Centre on the Kelowna campus.

"A new Health Sciences Centre is part of the renewal at the college that is so critical as our current health building is more than 50 years old," she says.

Fraser succeeds Sharron Simpson, who served as President since 2017, and as a Board Director since 2013.

Current Board Directors Kimberly Gilhooly (Vernon) and Alan Sanderson (Kelowna) were elected Vice-Chairs of the Okanagan College Foundation.

More information about the foundation’s current board visit www.okanagancollegefoundation.ca.