Photo: Contributed
Okanagan College has bestowed its Distinguished Service Award to an employee who spent decades at the institution.
Dr. Jayne Brooks is this year’s winner of the award, which “recognizes past employees who have given outstanding service to the college, who share and support its mission, vision and values, and are active within and outside the college community.”
Dr. Brooks began at the college in 1981, teaching business courses. She was instrumental in the development of the bachelor of business administration degree program that was created in the late 1990s.
“Jayne’s leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence helped to cement the national reputation of the Okanagan School of Business,” Okanagan College president Jim Hamilton said in a press release. “Her work to grow partnerships with the business community and other institutions locally, nationally and internationally created a tremendous increase in access and opportunity for students.
“Furthermore, her constant willingness to help and serve students and her colleagues benefited every corner of the institution, and we’re deeply grateful to Jayne for her service.”
Dr. Brooks attended the college in 1974 and graduated with a business administration diploma in 1976. After 20 years in the classroom, she became the dean of the Faculty of Adult and Continuing Education and then the first dean of the Okanagan School of Business when it was formed in 2005. She became the college’s inaugural director of learning and teaching before retiring in 2013.
“Okanagan College has been a huge part of my life,” Brooks said. “I’ve always truly believed it’s a great institution. My education here got me where I wanted to be and paved the way for a very rewarding career.”
“There are a lot of retired employees deserving of this award, and so to be recognized in this way means a great deal to me. I’m honoured.”
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