The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is pleased to welcome both Okanagan College and Forum Asset Management to our growing membership.
Okanagan College (OC) is one of British Columbia's largest regional colleges, serving 17,000 learners annually at campuses in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Salmon Arm.
“We have the exciting role of providing the talent pipeline that fuels the economic engine of the region,” says Dr. Neil Fassina, President of OC, a big proponent of industry collaboration and work-integrated learning (WIL).
OC has begun a multi-year commitment to incorporate WIL across all programs. And this spring, construction will begin on a new $60 million Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism at OC’s Kelowna campus. The building was developed with input directly from culinary experts, beverage producers and hospitality leaders — all of whom are as excited as the students for the doors to open in 2027.
“We want our College to have that draw for businesses and experts; we want them to think of our campuses as places where they can come to engage and work with students, because that creates learning opportunities for students and innovation opportunities for employer partners,” says Fassina, noting that this also makes students job-ready sooner.
Improving the student experience through business + higher ed collaboration is also a priority for BHER’s newest industry member, Forum Asset Management.
As a real estate investor and manager entrusted with over $3 billion in assets, Forum is Canada’s largest private owner and developer of student housing properties. They believe that well-designed purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) play a key part in solving many of the challenges facing Canadian post-secondaries: international student housing concerns, financial sustainability, declining enrollment, and more.
Forum has experience working with fellow BHER member York University on an award-winning student housing project. PBSA that integrate services such as on-site advising, thoughtfully designed amenities, and community-building can serve as a stepping stone to real life. By prioritizing the student experience, these spaces can also contribute to stronger enrollment outcomes.
“Forum is proud to join BHER and collaborate with industry and academic leaders to drive meaningful change. As a company committed to delivering housing for students, we recognize the critical role of education and workforce development in building strong, sustainable communities. We look forward to working with BHER to create new opportunities for talent growth, innovation, and industry partnerships that support Canada’s economy,” says Aly Damji, Managing Partner, Real Estate at Forum.
"Okanagan College and Forum Asset Management both truly understand that solving big skills, talent, and productivity challenges in Canada requires collaboration between business and higher education," says BHER CEO Val Walker. "We're thrilled to have them join our network of leaders to unlock new opportunities for innovation, inclusion, and economic growth.”