Otonabee College Appreciation Week has been an annual tradition since 2015. This year, when physical distancing is keeping us apart, this annual tradition and the opportunity for students to connect and celebrate collegiate spirit is especially important.

“OC Appreciation Week is really an opportunity to bring the community together and reflect on everyone who makes Otonabee College, Otonabee College,” said Maddy Assiginack, fourth-year Forensic Science student and Otonabee College student ambassador.

This year’s week-long celebration featured physically distanced in-person activities like a bonfire and paint night, as well as online activities like Love Yourself Trivia Night. Different from years past, OC Appreciation Week 2020 combined events where students could to register and attend during a specific time, with more flexible options, where students could participate in events whenever they had the time.

Ultimately, the intention behind Appreciation Week is to give students the opportunity to take a break from their studies and connect with each other, as well as with the faculty and staff that make up their college.

“Our goal is to help build a community where OC students find a place where they matter and belong,” explained Dr. Stephanie Muehlethaler, principal, Otonabee College. “Even in a global pandemic we wanted to keep Appreciation Week but create new unique events that would capture and engage students in a new way.”

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