One thing about Kevin Greenwood: You couldn't miss the big, bright smile as he walked the halls of Okanagan College as a faculty member in the OC School of Business.
That smile along with a fair number of tears was matched by those around the room on Tuesday night at the Innovation Centre in Kelowna as the first ever Kevin Greenwood Memorial Scholarship winner was announced.
Award winner Marcus Kuhn (centre), along with Aidan Cole (left), Professor in the School of Business and Christine Sjolander (right), Associate Dean, School of Business, Okanagan College.
Student Marcus Kuhn accepted the honour, in memory of Greenwood, winning $1,000 towards his tuition at the OC School of Business. Greenwood, a beloved faculty member in the School of Business, passed away suddenly in 2021. Created by his family and friends, the scholarship recognizes student excellence in entrepreneurship and celebrates Kevin's passion for teaching, innovation and student success.
The award winner was selected from a draw of attendees at the finals of the School District 23's Student Entrepreneurship Challenge (iGen).
"It was fitting that this award was handed out at the School District's entrepreneurship challenge," said friend and colleague Aidan Cole, a faculty member who remembers Greenwood's passion for teaching. "He had such a huge impact on so many students. He was a student favourite for his enthusiasm and engagement and brought so much industry, government and personal experience into the classroom."
Greenwood also played a big part at Accelerate Okanagan as an Industry Technology Advisor. He helped to launch the Okanagan Angel Summit, which brings together investors and entrepreneurs and since 2019 has invested $1.18 million into companies in the region.
"Kevin had a gift for sparking ideas and creating confidence in others, especially students and business leaders," said Brea Lake, Accelerate Okanagan CEO and OC alum. "We had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the passion he had for building a strong innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurial community in our region."
Members of the OC School of Business were on hand at the entrepreneurship challenge to honour their friend, but to also discuss a new program that would have been close to Kevin's heart.
OC recently announced a new entrepreneurship specialty area for its Bachelor of Business Administration program, now taking applications for Fall 2025.
"This is really a bitter-sweet night for all of us who knew Kevin. His memory and his legacy live on with this scholarship and at Okanagan College," said Cole. "Kevin really loved teaching students and passing on his passion for entrepreneurship. He was and still is an inspiration. He was committed to helping students develop an entrepreneurial mindset."
