Penticton Rotary clubs help students hit the books hard

When students at Okanagan College’s new Centre of Excellence sit down to study, they’ll literally be supported by their local Rotarians.

The Penticton, Penticton-Okanagan and Skaha Rotary Clubs successfully pooled their resources to raise $21,660, which will create a designated study space.

“Education is one of the key focuses of Rotary, so this made perfect sense,” said Skaha Club director and lawyer Tom Kampman. “I remember what it was like trying to study during my academic years. I used to find a spot in the windowless basement of the library, and just put my head down. I think being in that academic air makes a difference.”

The three clubs presented their cheques to the Okanagan College Foundation at a special event held on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the College’s new Centre of Excellence. Following the presentation, the Rotarians toured the net-zero energy facility.

“There is nothing that ensures a student’s success more than the combination of community support and personal effort. This is exactly what the Foundation likes to encourage,” said Okanagan College Foundation president Jim Henderson.

Erwin Ploner, president of the Penticton Club, said his club quickly took up the fundraising campaign when Henderson brought the idea to their attention.

“The new building will increase enrolment, and give students the opportunity to stay home so they can save the extra living expenses,” he said, adding it’s a great addition to the community as a whole.

Penticton-Okanagan club president Barry Reid agrees.

“The city, and the region, is already well known for open spaces, lakes, fruit and wine, and now it has a campus with high-tech courses focused on promoting green technology,” said Reid, who sat on the Centre’s campaign committee. “This is a good fit for the city and the city’s future. This Centre of Excellence is now part of our identity.”

The donations from Penticton ($15,000), Penticton-Okanagan ($5,000) and Skaha ($1,600) combined with the donation from Summerland Rotary ($25,000) earlier this year mark the latest demonstration of community support for the College and its unique multi-million dollar building.