Ten students in the South Okanagan will receive a boost to their college fund next spring as a result of an award fund.
The Rick and Yasmin Thorpe and Friends Scholarship Fund will mark its 10th year of awards in 2016.
“We wanted to do something special for students of the region,” said Rick Thorpe.
The Thorpes have announced 10 scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, for qualified students enrolling in first-year studies at Okanagan College in 2016.
Since the fund was established in 2006, more than $70,000 has been awarded to 30 recipients at the college.
The Thorpes have also established awards for students entering or continuing studies at UBC Okanagan. Students there have received more than $55,000 in awards.
“Looking back over the last 10 years, we are reminded of so many wonderful interactions with students,” said Yasmin Thorpe.
“It is always such a pleasure to meet the recipients, hear their goals for the future, and share in their excitement.”
“Seeing this fund help young people follow their dreams of higher education has been incredibly meaningful to us,” Rick Thorpe added.
The scholarships assist students who are a graduate of, or will be graduating from, a secondary school located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, from Penticton to Killiney Beach, registering in full‐time studies at the College. The award also supports students already enrolled at the College who are continuing their studies. Recipients must be undertaking courses in business, viticulture, agriculture, engineering, tourism/hospitality, trades, technologies, English or creative writing, science or nursing.
The Thorpes are longtime supporters of Okanagan College. In 2011, both served as honorary chairs of the $5-million fundraising campaign behind the construction of the Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence at the Penticton campus; the Thorpes personally committed $50,000 to the project. Yasmin was named an Honorary Fellow of the College in 2012.
The application deadline for the 2016 Rick and Yasmin Thorpe and Friends Scholarships will be March 4, 2016.
Students are encouraged to review the application guidelines at www.okanagan.bc.ca/awards or email financialaid@okanagan.bc.ca for more information.