Elaine Crebo-MacLeod, Program Leader of Continuing Studies, recently returned from a conference held by The Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) in Fredericton, NB, where she received an Honourable Mention for her work in community engagement and marketing.
Specifically, the recognition was earned in the category of Marketing on a Shoestring.
Crebo MacLeod's proposal, Food for Thought - a Grassroots Approach to Growing a Learning Community, was based on a successful initiative she spearheaded that created a partnership between UBC and the Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market. On several occasions, Continuing Studies hosted a series of recipe demonstrations at the popular Saturday event using produce found at the farmers' market. Chef Mathew Morazain, from the Green Thread restaurant on campus, developed the recipes and did the cooking demos.
The initiative addressed the topical issue of sustainability, while connecting the academic institution with a demographic of people already active in supporting their community.
"This grass roots approach demonstrates the positive effects of face-to-face interaction, while promoting continuing education opportunities," says Crebo MacLeod. "An innovative and cost-effect approach to marketing, this proved to be a delicious introduction to UBC Okanagan Continuing Studies and specifically, to the Food and Wine related classes."
Crebo-MacLeod also presented at the conference on the topic of community engagement.