Bud Mortenson – University Relations – UBC Okanagan says the university is a growing at an incredible pace and seeks partnerships in our area.

Two examples in the south end of the valley:

Research at Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery where students have investigated energy production using waste material from winery/vineyard operations.

Mortenson said that UBC Okanagan is involved in 606 such research projects. He also mentioned the fundraising efforts to get the new UBC Geology School at Secrest (Area C) built and operational.

UBCO has 8379 students, average age 21. 21% from the Okanagan, 7% from other BC areas, 19% from colleges in BC and about 20 percent foreign students. The remainder from other parts of Canada. The female to male ratio is about 50/50. 80 countries are represented on campus.

Between 2005 and 2012 – the University has grown from 260 acres to 510 acres. A half million sq feet of classroom space to 1.5 million. Residences growing from an initial 328 beds to 1676 spaces.

Its budget now 116 million dollars.

Mortenson told the board the University is seeking work for students and grads to do research and is proceeding with a visioning project to ensure it is producing well trained people and that the institution is serving and cooperating with the region it serves.