Grad inspired to support future nurses
Sharon McKenna remembers how excited she was to be accepted into the first class of Diploma Nursing (RN) students at Okanagan College in 1976.
The retired nurse credits the College for teaching a progressive model long before its time, a philosophy that saw nurses as part of a team; where their knowledge and skills could be integrated with other disciplines.
“At the time I didn’t realize how forward-thinking our education was,” recalls McKenna. “The instructors encouraged us to commit to lifelong learning. I saw the wisdom that you have to keep growing as a nurse.”
McKenna went on to get her Masters and PhD and work locally as well as in the United States.
“Everything I learned in nursing started with the foundation taught at Okanagan College,” says McKenna. “Those were the best days of my life, I loved every minute of my time at OC.”
McKenna’s fond memories have inspired her to help nursing students today and for generations to come.
McKenna recently set up an annual scholarship that will pay the full program tuition costs to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The total value of the award is more than $12,000. McKenna is naming the scholarship in honour of Marcia Aitkens, a founding member of the Okanagan Vocational School, a precursor to Okanagan College.
McKenna was motivated to set up her award when she became aware of the College’s Our Students, Your Health campaign — a $5-million fundraiser to complete a new, stateof-the-art Health Sciences Centre on its Kelowna campus. The $18.9-million Centre will educate eight frontline health care professions.
The graduates go on to serve in vital roles in hospitals, care homes, rehab clinics, dental offices, pharmacies, mental health services, and child and youth support.
McKenna is also leaving a gift to the College in her estate.
The gift will provide nursing students for many years to come with assistance to achieve their educational goals.
McKenna says she hopes her gift will ensure Okanagan College continues to foster a sense of excellence in its students while meeting community needs.
“You can’t expand or keep good ideas going unless you have funding,” she says.
“The quality education I received at OC prepared me for a wonderful career and I want that to continue for future nursing students. I want to make a difference for as many as possible in the future.”