Distinguished education leaders from BC, Canada and abroad gathered at the Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel in Kelowna on Tuesday evening to recognize outstanding achievement in the field of International Education in British Columbia. The International Education Awards, hosted by the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE), recognize leaders in seven categories. Winners represented a diversity of accomplished practitioners whose work has helped position BC as a leader in Canada in attracting and supporting international students and in delivering innovative global partnerships.

Award winners included:

• The New Westminster School District was presented with the Outstanding Program in International Education Award, given to a high quality and highly creative program in International Education.
• Derek Lemieux of Northwest Community College was presented with the Rising Star in International Education Award that recognizes up and coming talent and tomorrow’s leaders in International Education.
• Fraser International College International Marketing Officer Program, earned the Excellence in International Education Marketing Award for success in BC’s education export sector.
• Dr. Kyra Garson of Thompson Rivers University was presented with the International Education Distinguished Leadership Award, recognizing an educator or community member whose determined leadership will have a lasting effect on BC’s sector.
• Dr. Daniel Guhr of the Illuminate Consulting Group, was presented with the Friend of BCCIE Award, for significant contributions in support of International Education in British Columbia.
• Kathren Clarke of the International Public School Education Association (IPSEA), was honoured with the International Education Distinguished Service Award recognizing unique and important accomplishments in supporting the smooth running of the International Education sector.
• Catherine Vertesi, was honoured with the International Education Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing long-term contributions and commitment to BC’s International Education sector.

Background

The BCCIE International Education Awards recognize the professionalism, dedication and efforts of an exemplary group of experts and practitioners in the field of International Education in BC. International Education services are important to the BC economy, ranking third in 2015 when compared with BC’s exports in goods. In the 2015 calendar year, the sector created over 29,300 jobs and contributed over $3.5 billion to the provincial economy.

For more information:

Chantal Moore, Manager, Communications
BC Council for International Education
Email: cmoore@bccie.bc.ca
Office: 604-637-6755