Okanagan College and the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia are honouring the late Harry McWatters with a major scholarship, awarded to qualifying Okanagan College students who identify specific opportunities to pursue food and wine studies overseas.

The Harry McWatters Scholarship will be adjudicated by Okanagan College.

Chefs’ Table is launching the fund with an initial contribution of $2,000 per annum for five years. However, CTS President Robert Belcham hopes that the industry at large will enthusiastically support the program with their own donations to build the fund in Harry’s memory.

As well as offering practical support, it’s a touching gesture that fits well with Harry’s reputation for encouraging up and coming talent.

“Harry … vigorously mentored young people, through his roles as founder of the BC Wine Institute and his many ongoing industry affiliations,” says Jonathan Rouse, Associate Dean of the Okanagan School of Business; and Director of Food, Wine and Tourism of Okanagan College.

Rouse recalls fondly an overseas trip that Harry helped arrange to Castello Banfi. It ultimately resulted in a number of wine student exchange agreements with European Universities.

(From the release)

Lisa Lalonde, Harry’s wife for many years, together with Harry’s children, Christa-Lee and Darrien McWatters, commented jointly. “Out of tragedy can arise positive outcomes. We are very grateful, and honoured, that the Chefs’ Table Society and Okanagan College have joined in this positive partnership to honour Harry and salute his legacy. It’s a perfect fit and much in keeping with Harry’s profound interest in global wine connectivity.” 

Lisa added “Harry collected experiences. He loved nothing more than planning trips based on where we would dine, what we would drink and who we would visit.  We think Harry would love the creative use of these funds, and our family is pleased to add to CTS’s initial contribution in the amount of $1,000 per annum. Now we hope that others will see the benefit in adding to this Fund and bringing international wine experiences back to the Okanagan.”  

To contribute, or for more details, please contact:

Anne Kirkpatrick, CFRE

Okanagan College Foundation

Phone 250-492-4305 ext. 3254

Toll Free: 1-888-650-6968

Email: akirkpatrick@okanagan.bc.ca

website: www.okanagancollegefoundation.ca

Click here for more information about The Chefs’ Table Society, including details on Cookscamp, a convivium of the country’s top chefs and culinary speakers this September, in Pemberton, BC.