Okanagan College (OC) business students have once again shown that when it comes to building businesses, their training is on par with the best schools in the country and across North America.
The OC School of Business is celebrating an extraordinary achievement after earning first place overall at the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (I.C.B.C.), one of the most prestigious business case competitions in North America.
Hosted annually by the Business students of Queen's University, the competition draws top business programs from across Canada and the United States, making Okanagan College's performance a powerful statement of student excellence on a continental stage.
Team OC, who placed first overall at the prestigious Inter-Collegiate Business Competition.
"This was an incredible opportunity to test what we've learned in the classroom against some of the strongest business programs in North America," said OC student Hayden Gamet, who along with fellow student Quinn Carignan captured first place in the finance category, finishing ahead of the University of Waterloo (second) and the University of Calgary (third).
"The pace, the pressure and the feedback pushed us well beyond our comfort zones, but that's where the real learning happened. Knowing that our preparation and problem-solving stood up against top universities was both validating and motivating. I'm extremely grateful to our faculty coaches for challenging us to think deeper and for giving us the confidence to perform at this level," said Gamet.
Okanagan College finished on the podium in four of five competition streams, securing first place in finance, second place in human resources and ethics, and third place finishes in both marketing and accounting. These results earned Okanagan College top spot overall at the competition an exceptional accomplishment that highlights the consistency, depth and strength of OC students across disciplines.
Notably, Okanagan College was the only college competing in the field, standing alongside major research universities and proving that its students can compete and win at the highest level.
Other OC students who took part included Sue Duncan and Marissa Jonn, who earned second place in human resources and ethics, finishing behind Hong Kong and ahead of the University of Florida. The marketing team of Kjell Kjemhus and Kadie Marshall secured third place, competing against a field led by the University of Calgary (first) and the University of Alberta (second). In accounting, students Via Howell and Spencer Drake also finished third, with the University of Waterloo placing first and the University of Calgary second.
Okanagan College was also proudly represented in business policy by Kalie Spencer, Lindsay Marshall and Isabella Ford.
"This achievement belongs to our students," said Joe Baker, Dean of the OC School of Business.
"Finishing first overall at a competition of this calibre against some of the top universities in North America is an extraordinary accomplishment. Our students didn't just compete; they led. From a national championship in finance to podium finishes across multiple streams, this result reflects their discipline, teamwork and ambition, and it shows exactly what Okanagan College students are capable of when challenged at the highest level."
Okanagan College also extends its sincere appreciation to School of Business faculty who coached and supported students throughout this journey. Their dedication, expertise and countless hours of preparation played a critical role in this success.
Faculty coaches included Elena Mitropolsky (finance), Adrian Fontenla and Mary Ann Knoll (accounting), Devin Rubadeau (business policy), Nathanael Massey and Roger Wheeler (human resources and ethics), and Dan Allen and Mark Ziebarth (marketing). Their commitment to mentorship, academic rigor and student development exemplifies the collaborative culture that defines Okanagan College.
"Supported by this strong faculty leadership and a shared commitment to excellence, Okanagan College's performance at the I.C.B.C. firmly establishes the School of Business as a national leader in undergraduate business education and its students as among the very best in North America," said Okanagan Provost and Vice-President Academic Sam Lenci.
