A Vernon couple is giving back to the community by making a substantial donation to the University of B.C.’s Okanagan campus.
As part of Ken and Jean Finch’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for young people, their $600,000 contribution to UBCO has established the Finch Family Undergraduate Award and the Finch Family Graduate Award.
These awards will recognize students who have demonstrated great academic focus and success, and also the qualities of well-rounded citizens, actively contributing to the quality of life in our region through community involvement, contributions to innovation and economic development.
The first Finch Family Graduate Award was presented to Christopher Collier, a PhD candidate studying electrical engineering in the UBCO School of Engineering. This award carries a prize of $14,000.
The Finch Family Undergraduate Award was presented to Zachary Holland, a computer sciences student in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences.
This award carries a prize of $7,000, over the third and fourth years of study.
“The lives of our family have been enriched by the lifestyle of the Okanagan, and we consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to combine a great place to live with the ability to grow a business,” said Ken Finch.
“We would like to do our part in enhancing the opportunities for young people by investing in education as a way of supporting clean, sustainable growth in our region.”
Ken and Jean Finch have long-standing roots in the region and their grandchildren are the fifth generation to live in the Okanagan.
“Ken and Jean have shown remarkable leadership by investing in our students,” said Deborah Buszard, UBCO’s deputy vice-chancellor and principal.
“Their contribution will allow us to nurture incredible young talent.”
