Engaging Events: Celebrating New Grads & Connecting Alumni

While the pandemic continued to slow the hosting of in-person events over the past year, the Alumni Association supported several opportunities to bring our alumni together, both virtually and in person. In 2021/22, the Association disbursed nearly $20,000 towards seven events and programs hosted by our community partners and welcomed thousands of our newest alum at our convocation celebration.

Learn more about alumni events: bcit.ca/alumni/connect/events

2021 BCIT CONVOCATION CELEBRATION

The BCIT Alumni Association proudly welcomed the Institute’s newest graduates at the 2021 Convocation Ceremony, which was held virtually and included a celebration video, complimentary celebration boxes for graduates, and a digital program. Hosted by emcee and BCIT alumnus Kevin Lim, 104.9 KiSS RADiO Vancouver Morning Show Host, the celebration video featured appearances by BCIT President Kathy Kinloch, BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak, BCIT Honorary Doctorate of Technology recipient Dr. Clive Beddoe, class valedictorians, BCIT leaders, and more. It garnered more than 1,390 views and was watched by viewers from around the world. Nearly 1,900 celebration boxes welcomed our newest graduates with a grad cap, a congratulatory card, a pair of BCIT Alumni socks, a BCIT Alumni pin, and an alumni window decal. The Alumni Association promoted the celebration through contests and our social media channels.

The Alumni Association sponsored the 16th annual Schmoozapalooza event in January 2022. Organized by the BCIT Marketing Association, the virtual event welcomed 234 attendees and gave students, alumni, and industry members the opportunity to build connections through activities including speed networking.

BCITSA IxL CONFERENCE

In February 2022, the Alumni Association sponsored and participated in the fifth annual IxL Leadership Conference. Hosted by the BCIT Student Association, the two-day virtual conference welcomed a total of 170 alumni, faculty, and students. It featured a panel of industry leaders on a speaker panel that included BCIT alumni Hannah Rangeley-Davies and Sonny Thind, who shared their experiences with overcoming challenges.

MACKAY CEO FORUMS

BCIT and the Alumni Association became sponsors of MacKay CEO Forums as an Innovator Partner. This exciting partnership will provide BCIT alumni with the opportunity to engage in peer learning and networking events with other CEOs, executives, and business owners. With more than 1,200 members around the world, MacKay CEO Forums is designed to connect highperforming business leaders and inspire them to grow and learn from each other.

GOLF TOURNAMENTS

Alumni enjoyed hitting the links with the wider community at two golf tournaments this past year. The Association sponsored and participated in the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade ProAm Golf Tournament at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club in August 2021 and Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at the Redwoods Golf Course in September 2021.

ASTTBC AGM AND CONFERENCE

The BCIT Alumni Association sponsored and participated in the 2021 Virtual ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia) AGM and Conference in May 2021. The Association welcomed attendees to its virtual tradeshow booth at this month-long event.

VANCOUVER WRITERS FEST

In October 2021, the Alumni Association sponsored the Vancouver Writers Fest held at Granville Island. The event saw approximately 200 attendees as the Association welcomed visitors to our on-site booth and contests. ∆

Opposite: Complimentary celebration box for 2021 graduates. Top: BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak congratulates new graduates in the 2021 Convocation Ceremony video. Middle: BCIT alumni Hannah Rangeley-Davis and Sonny Thind address attendees of the BCITSA IxL Conference. Bottom: (l-r) Past BCIT Alumni Association President, BCIT Foundation Board member, and BCIT Board of Governors Chair Adam Pion; past BCIT Alumni Association Vice President Kiel Landrigan; and BCIT alum Travis Stevenson with amateur pro golfer at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Pro-Am Golf Tournament.