20 years of UBC Okanagan

A lot can happen in 20 years

UBC’s Okanagan campus continues to grow

Since opening in 2005, UBC Okanagan has expanded from a small regional campus into a globally-recognized institution, attracting students from around the world.

UBCO has developed cutting-edge research facilities, introduced innovative academic programs, and led sustainable initiatives addressing local and global challenges.

Beyond academics, UBCO has built a vibrant and inclusive campus community in partnership with the Okanagan Nation Alliance. This collaboration has helped shape a campus culture, where Indigenous perspectives are woven into academic programs, research initiatives and community engagement.

Revisit UBC Okanagan through the years

Have fond memories of the campus? Want to see what campus was like 20 years ago? Take a trip through time and see the experiences UBC Okanagan helped create.

See the photo galleries

Explore photos from UBCO over the past 20 years—see how much the campus has grown and spot a few familiar faces.

Share your UBC Okanagan memories

Please send us the stories, photos and videos that capture your favourite experiences at UBCO.

UBC in the Okanagan

Through community engagement and local partnerships, we’re supporting the Central Okanagan trajectory as one of Canada’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

Fuelling the future of transit needs exact change

UBC Okanagan’s Lifecycle Management Lab is helping transform public transit.

From the classroom to the vineyard

Co-op opportunities bring students into the community to support local businesses and gain experience.

Breathing cleaner air thanks to works of ART

UBC Okanagan is taking a unique approach to tackle indoor air quality, one Aerosol Removing Tapestry (ART) creation at a time.

The future of wildfire

UBC Okanagan research is helping communities build solutions for a new reality.

Giving Day
April 3, 2025
Audience: Students, faculty, staff, community and alumni

This is your chance to be part of a movement that’s transforming lives. From advancing groundbreaking research and discovery to empowering students to learn beyond the classroom, every gift strengthens UBC’s powerful network of change-makers like you.

UBC Okanagan Debates
April 22, 2025 at the Kelowna Community Theatre
Audience: Students, faculty, staff, community and alumni

Hosted by UBCO’s Principal and Deputy-Vice Chancellor, UBC Okanagan Debates models civil discourse in a polarized world by bringing together renowned experts to discuss disputed and timely topics.

Principal’s Spring Update
April 30, 2025 in the UNC Ballroom (UNC 200)
Audience: Faculty and staff

This gathering offer the chance to share updates with faculty and staff on important issues, answer questions and look to future opportunities and initiatives.

Convocation 2025
June 5–6, 2025 in UBC Okanagan’s Gymnasium
Audience: Students, faculty, staff, community and alumni

Celebrate UBC Okanagan’s graduates as they cross the stage.

Welcome Back BBQ
August in UBC Okanagan’s courtyard
Audience: Faculty and staff

This annual tradition brings the campus community together to hear from campus leadership, celebrate colleagues’ accomplishments and build connections while enjoying a BBQ lunch.

Homecoming 2025
September
Audience: Students, faculty, staff and alumni

Come back to campus to celebrate the UBC Okanagan community with a weekend full of activities! Indulge in beverages, bites and great conversations with fellow alumni and UBC Okanagan’s principal and deputy vice-chancellor.