POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION College honours retired dean of School of Business
Heather Banham to receive Distinguished Service Award
Heather Banham, retired dean of the Okanagan College School of Business, will be recognized with the college’s highest honour. “Under Heather’s leadership, business programming was expanded on our Vernon and Penticton campuses, providing more access for students in the region,” said Okanagan College president Jim Hamilton. “She worked to continue to develop the Okanagan School of Business national reputation and distinguished herself as a vital member of the accounting community.”
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who have given outstanding service to Okanagan College, who share and support its mission, vision and values, and are active within and outside the college community.
Banham worked at the college for 24 years. She was a professor, department chair, associate dean and dean of the School of Business. On her retirement in 2017, the business program boasted more than 2,000 students on four campuses.
“She is and was well respected by colleagues, bargaining groups and students who she worked closely with to grow the international exchange program OC offers and to foster student clubs and team competitions,” said Hamilton. “Heather is truly an inspirational leader and mentor.”
In 2014, Banham received the fellowship designation by the Certified General Accountants Association, the highest honour that can be given to a member of the association. The award acknowledged her time on the B.C. CGA board of directors, where she served from 2011-15. In 2016, Banham was appointed chair of the CPABC board of directors for 2017-18.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition from Okanagan College,” said Banham in a news release. “It was really a privilege to work at the School of Business during those years and to be part of the team that was so committed to building strong programs and creating opportunities for students to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to be successful.”
Banham joins five other past recipients of the Distinguished Service Award: Rick Gee (2016), John Lent (2014), Catherine Williams (2012), Gary Dickinson (2011) and Lynda Wilson (2010).
Banham will receive her award at the college’s spring convocation ceremony on June 1. She will address the graduating business students during the ceremony, which is held at 1:30 p.m. at the college’s Kelowna campus.